bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Maternal and Perinatal Factors on the Neonatal Electrocardiogram
Authors: Thygesen Caroline Boye , Pærregaard Maria Munk , Molin Julie , Eskildsen Lene Friis , Sillesen Anne-Sophie , Vøgg Ruth Ottilia Birgitta , Raja Anna Axelsson , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Bundgaard Henning , Christensen Alex Hørby
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Myocardial development is still transitioning by the time of birth making the cardiomyocyte vulnerable to maternal and perinatal factors. We aimed at investigating the impact of maternal and perinatal factors on the neonatal electrocardiogram. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, neonates underwent cardiac evaluation with electrocardiograms and echocardiograms (age 0–30 days). Associations between medical and demographic data, pregnancy, and birth-related factors, and electrocardiographic parameters were assessed. Results: A total of 15,928 singletons with normal echocardiograms were included (52% boys). Neonates were divided into groups by accumulated number of maternal/perinatal factors: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5, and between-group differences in electrocardiographic parameters were analysed. We observed an additive effect with a leftward shift of the QRS axis and QT prolongation (all p < 0.01). Comparing extreme groups (0 vs. ≥5 maternal/perinatal factors), we found a 4.3% more left-shifted QRS axis (117 vs. 112°, p < 0.001) and a 0.8% prolonged QTcFridericia (QTcF; 363 vs. 366 ms, p < 0.001); the effect on QTcF was most pronounced in neonates examined in the first week of life (360 vs. 368 ms, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: We observed a cumulative effect of maternal and perinatal factors on neonatal electrocardiographic parameters, including a more left-shifted QRS axis and increased QT duration, although the variation was within normal reference ranges. Our findings add to the knowledge on the neonatal cardiac transition and the cardiac effect of maternal/perinatal factors.
Associations Between Life's Essential 8 and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ren Yuqing , Cai Zongao , Guo Chunguang , Zhang Yuyuan , Xu Hui , Liu Long , Wang Libo , Ba Yuhao , Liu Shutong , Zhang Guojun , Liu Zaoqu , Han Xinwei
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to examine the association of Life's Essential 8 (LE8), the recently updated measurement of cardiovascular health, with the prevalence of CKD among US adults.

Methods and Results

This population‐based cross‐sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018 and included adults aged ≥20 years. Multivariable logistic and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the associations between LE8 and CKD. Among 24 960 participants, 4437 were determined to have CKD (weighted percentage, 14.11%). After the adjustment of potential confounders, higher LE8 scores were associated with reduced odds of CKD (odds ratio for each 10‐point increase, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.76–0.83]), and a nonlinear dose–response relationship was observed. Similar patterns were also identified in the associations of health behavior and health factor scores with CKD. Meanwhile, higher scores for blood glucose (odds ratio, for each 10‐point increase, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.87–0.90]) and blood pressure (odds ratio, for each 10‐point increase, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.91–0.94]) in the LE8 component are significantly associated with a lower prevalence of CKD. The inversed association of LE8 score and CKD was significantly stronger among middle‐aged, male, and coupled participants.

Conclusions

LE8 was negatively associated with the prevalence of CKD in a nonlinear fashion. Promoting adherence to optimal cardiovascular health levels may be beneficial to reduce the burden of CKD.
A Preliminary Study of Anti‐TNFα Therapy for Symptomatic Dolichoectatic Vertebrobasilar Aneurysms
Authors: Caton Michael Travis , Narsinh Kazim , Han Woody , Chaganti Ramani , Graf Jonathan , Halabi Cathra , Winkler Ethan , Cooke Daniel L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar aneurysms (DVBAs) carry high morbidity, and treatment options are limited. The tumor necrosis factor α signaling cascade is implicated in DVBA growth and rupture, but the role of anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy in DVBA has not been studied.

Methods

A retrospective, case–control study of DVBA at a single institution was performed. Two patients with DVBA were treated with infliximab (tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor) as part of routine therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Three additional patients diagnosed with DVBA were studied as a control group. Routine brain magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography were measured by 2 blinded neuroradiologists to assess DVBA growth. Baseline comorbidities and clinical outcomes were assessed by chart review.

Results

The groups were similar with respect to baseline characteristics, and all patients were symptomatic at the time of DVBA diagnosis. One patient who started infliximab during the study period showed a reversal in DVBA growth rate trajectory, with a relative decrease in growth rate by 37% (0.49–0.18 mm
2
/day). Mean interval DVBA growth rates were lower during infliximab therapy than during noninfliximab observation intervals (0.13 versus 0.50 mm
2
/day;
P
= 0.09). Two patients in the control group died during the study period and 1 had a poor outcome (modified Rankin scale = 4). Both patients in the infliximab group had unchanged functional status (modified Rankin scale = 1) and no adverse events related to infliximab.

Conclusion

This study presents the first investigation of anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy for DVBA. Infliximab was associated with low and decreasing DVBA growth trajectories with no treatment‐related adverse events. The effect of infliximab on clinical outcomes remains uncertain.
'Til Dowry Do Us Part: Bargaining and Violence in Indian Families
Authors: Calvi Rossella , Keskar Ajinkya
Published: December 2023

We develop a non-cooperative bargaining model with incomplete information linking dowry payments, domestic violence, resource allocation between a husband and a wife, and separation. Our model generates several predictions, which we test empirically using amendments to the Indian anti-dowry law as a natural experiment. We document a decline in women's bargaining power and separations, and a surge in domestic violence following the amendments. These unintended effects are attenuated when social stigma against separation is low and, in some circumstances, when gains from marriage are high. Whenever possible, parents increase investment in their daughters' human capital to compensate for lower dowries.
From Inclusion-Radicalization to Moderation Under Institutional Constraints: A Synchronic and Diachronic Approach of Algerian Islamist Parties (1989–2019)
Authors: Aït-Aoudia Myriam , Benzenine Belkacem
Published: December 2023

This article focuses on the transformations of Algerian Islamist parties, placing them in a dynamic context. Having undergone both phases since the fall of the ruling party in 1989, Algeria furnishes a case study for analyzing the conditions and challenges of the inclusion and exclusion of Islamist parties. The synchronic and diachronic construction of the Algerian case, combined with a comprehensive and inductive approach, thus allows us to contribute to the inclusion-moderation debate on multiple empirical, methodological, and conceptual levels. Only this dual approach makes it possible to grasp the changes and continuities in the ideology and modes of action of the Islamist parties as well as the evolution of how the regime integrated or excluded them from the political arena. On the level of defining moderation and radicalization, it allows us to differentiate between, on the one hand, political labelling by the various Islamist or non-Islamist actors and institutionally defined legal criteria and, on the other hand, academic concepts. This calls for adopting a dual analysis: what we term a radicalization within the institutional arena (by subverting the foundations of the state, i.e., the Islamic state project) and a radicalization from outside it (by armed violence). In this framework, the political exclusion of an Islamist party correlates closely not with its intrinsic radicality but with the crossing of an electoral threshold, which sets the stage for implementing its radical program. Knowing how the civilian and military authorities assess this threat is thus essential for understanding the exclusionary and inclusionary processes. Next, we must differentiate between inclusion in the electoral game, which is accepted, and inclusion in the executive branch, on which the Islamist parties are internally conflicted. Finally, it behooves us to show that the moderation of programs and modes of action does not stem from (prior) inclusion in the political game, but instead results from a new institutional constraint. It produces specific effects, namely partisan fragmentation, and ambivalence about the identity of Islamist parties.
Travels and Cities of the Ḥadīth Studies: An Analysis of Buldān in the Islamic Intellectual History
Authors: Bin Muhammad Yusoff Muhammad Fawwaz
Published: December 2023

Biographical materials of cities or regions are arguably a part of scattered Muslim historical compositions, with a noticeable impact on the shaping of literary traditions in classical Islam. This article aims to draw attention to the concept of buldān in the Islamic intellectual history, which is largely converged with the concept of ṭabaqāt, or generational structure in the theoretical treatises as classified by the classical Ḥadīth scholars. Based on the answers to this question, the task involves analysing both theoretical and practical aspects of Ḥadīth collections and Ḥadīth theoretical treatises along with biographical dictionaries of the earlier periods, beginning with the sixth/twelfth century and then going back to the second/eighth century. Our historical research and discursive approach have pointed out that the representations of cities or regions in the biographical dictionaries of Ḥadīth scholars carry culturally and historically significant impacts, in addition to an insight that early Muslim scholars correlated knowledge with social endurance of cities.
The Prevalence of Quranic Verses Recitation in Malay Medical Treatment: A Study on Kitab Tib MSS1653 Manuscript
Authors: Ibrahim Norhasnira , Shah Faisal Ahmad
Published: December 2023

Al-Quran is known as the best remedy for illnesses. In Malay medical treatment, the recitation of Quranic verses was one of the treatment methods applied by Malay medical practitioners. A lot of Quranic verses were used as a prayer and documented in Malay medical manuscripts produced in the 16th to 20th centuries. Hence, this article attempts to analyse Quranic verses recitation used as a treatment method in Kitab Tib MSS1653 manuscript. This study applied qualitative methodology and library research methods. The data was analysed by using inductive, deductive, and comparative methods to provide a discussion on related objectives. The finding shows that there were 387 Quranic verses from 58 surahs were used as a treatment method discussed in this manuscript. However, there were some spelling errors in Quranic verses writing found in Malay medical manuscripts. Seven types of spelling errors are missing letter hamzah, dots removal in letters, misspelled words, additional letters, missing letters, missing words, and major spelling mistakes.
Qurʾanic Edupreneur: Counter to Unemployment in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Fatah Abdul , Karim Abdul , Masruri Muhammad
Published: December 2023

This study examines the concept of Qurʾanic edupreneur to counter unemployment in Indonesia. The method of research is qualitative with interpretative analysis. The data is taken from literal and field sources. The researchers use three key words in the Qurʾan al-ʿamal, al-saʿy and al-kasb to capture the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Qurʾan with a contextual hermeneutics approach. Al-ʿamal means the work ethos, productivity and professionality (Al-Nahl/16: 97) Meanwhile, al-kasb is interpreted as any effort to bring in economic value (Al-Baqarah/2: 267). The word Al-saʿy is interpreted to be quick to see business opportunities and adaptive to changes (Al-Jumuʿah/62: 9). These values of entrepreneurial spirit in the Qurʾan are internalized in the educational curriculum so the students have an entrepreneurial vision and mentality, this concept is called as Qurʾanic edupreneur. The Islamic boarding school of Fathul Ulum, Jombang is one best example in Islamic institution in implementing the concept of Qurʾanic Edupreneur. The students not only study about religious science but also skill of entrepreneurship; this is proven by some training centers of entrepreneurship in Fathul Ulum for example fisheries, agriculture, animal husbandry, catering, advertising and convection. The students are taught to have an entrepreneurial spirit and become strong, ethical, professional and hard-working individuals based on Qurʾanic values. This curriculum integration model has proven to be able to reduce unemployment in productive age.
Wood structural diversity in fynbos, chaparral, and maquis: a preliminary estimation
Authors: Oskolski Alexei A. , Akinlabi Funmilade M.
Published: December 2023

Fynbos, a shrubland from the Cape Floristic Region in South Africa, is one of five Mediterranean-climate biomes alongside maquis in the Mediterranean Basin, chaparral in California, matorral in Central Chile and kwongan in Southwestern Australia. We compiled the available information on the wood anatomy of 226 species belonging to 65 genera of 14 families that occurred in fynbos and compared this dataset with the published data on wood diversity in Californian chaparral and Israeli maquis. “Carlquist’s Law”, i.e., the association between the ground tissue made of fibre tracheids and low vessel grouping, has been confirmed for the fynbos plants. The lack of ring porosity and very low incidence of semi-ring-porous woods is the most prominent difference of the fynbos from the other two vegetation types. These features are attributed to the paucity of deciduous plants in fynbos which is probably associated with the poor-nutrient soils in this biome. The fynbos differs from chaparral and maquis also in the greatest percentage of the species having no tracheids in their wood as well as with the lowest incidence of helical thickenings on the vessel walls. These differences could be explained by the lower tolerance of fynbos shrubs to seasonal drought due to the relatively mild dry season in this biome. We also found that some differences between fynbos, chaparral, and maquis in the incidences of fibre tracheids and vasicentric/vascular tracheids associated with large vessel groups can be at least partly explained by different systematic compositions of their floras. The higher percentage of distinct growth rings, greater vessel diameter, and lower vessel frequency in maquis compared with fynbos and chaparral can be attributed to a common occurrence of relatively tall trees in this vegetation.
An Analytic Theory of Near-Surface Relative Humidity over Land
Authors: McColl Kaighin A. , Tang Lois I.
Published: December 2023

There is no simple explanation for the spatial structure of near-surface relative humidity over land. We present a diagnostic theory for zonally and temporally averaged near-surface relative humidity (RH) over land based on energy budgets of an atmospheric column in radiative–convective equilibrium. The theory analytically relates RH to the surface evaporative fraction (EF), has no calibrated parameters, and is quantitatively accurate when compared with RH from a reanalysis, and with cloud-permitting simulations over an idealized land surface. The theory is used to answer two basic questions. First, why is RH never especially low (e.g., 1%)? The theory shows that established lower bounds on EF over land and ocean are equivalent to lower bounds on RH that preclude particularly low values, at least for conditions typical of the modern Earth. Second, why is the latitudinal profile of RH over land shaped like the letter W, when both specific humidity and saturation specific humidity essentially decline monotonically from the equator to the poles? The theory predicts that the latitudinal profile of RH should look more like that of water stored in the soil (which also exhibits a W-shaped profile) than in the air (which does not).
Direct Observation of Wave-Coherent Pressure Work in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Zippel Seth F. , Edson James B. , Scully Malcolm E. , Keefe Oaklin R.
Published: December 2023

Surface waves grow through a mechanism in which atmospheric pressure is offset in phase from the wavy surface. A pattern of low atmospheric pressure over upward wave orbital motions (leeward side) and high pressure over downward wave orbital motions (windward side) travels with the water wave, leading to a pumping of kinetic energy from the atmospheric boundary layer into the waves. This pressure pattern persists above the air–water interface, modifying the turbulent kinetic energy in the atmospheric wave-affected boundary layer. Here, we present field measurements of wave-coherent atmospheric pressure and velocity to elucidate the transfer of energy from the atmospheric turbulence budget into waves through wave-coherent atmospheric pressure work. Measurements show that the phase between wave-coherent pressure and velocity is shifted slightly above 90° when wind speed exceeds the wave phase speed, allowing for a downward energy flux via pressure work. Although previous studies have reported wave-coherent pressure, to the authors’ knowledge, these are the first reported field measurements of wave-coherent pressure work. Measured pressure work cospectra are consistent with an existing model for atmospheric pressure work. The implications for these measurements and their importance to the turbulent kinetic energy budget are discussed.

Significance Statement

Surface waves grow through a pattern of atmospheric pressure that travels with the water wave, acting as a pump against the water surface. The pressure pumping, sometimes called pressure work, or the piston pressure, results in a transfer of kinetic energy from the air to the water that makes waves grow larger. To conserve energy, it is thought that the pressure work on the surface must extract energy from the mean wind profile or wind turbulence that sets the shape of the wind speed with height. In this paper, we present direct measurements of pressure work in the atmosphere above surface waves. We show that the energy extracted by atmospheric pressure work fits existing models for how waves grow and a simple model for how waves reduce energy in the turbulent kinetic energy budget. To our knowledge, these are the first reported field measurements of wave-coherent pressure work.
Treatment of Postoperative Neck Dissection Cervical Lymphocele With Percutaneous Bleomycin Sclerotherapy
Authors: Robaczewski Marshall L. , Randall Reese W. , Sullivan Thomas P.
Published: December 2023

Lymphatic leak after lymph node dissection is a rare but well-known surgical complication that is often treated with conservative management and ultimately reoperation. The purpose of this report is to offer an alternative treatment for chyle leak that avoids hospitalization and subsequent surgery. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat lymphatic leaks in the past and has been shown to be safe and effective. This report presents a patient with a known cervical lymphocele who was followed through multiple sclerotherapy appointments until resolution of the lymphocele.
Teacher perspectives and experiences of assessment literacy in Victorian junior secondary schools
Authors: Brown Trent D. , Barnes Melissa , Finefter-Rosenbluh Ilana
Published: December 2023

Teachers’ assessment practices are invariably related to their knowledge, skills, and beliefs or their assessment literacy. While teachers’ assessment literacy continues to gain attention, there is limited empirical research on the relationship between assessment literacy and teachers’ practices and beliefs, in particular junior secondary school teachers. Drawing from a larger project, this paper employs a synthesised conceptual framework on assessment literacy to interrogate the assessment practices of eight teachers. The findings reveal that teachers’ conceptual knowledge and their conceptions of assessment are influenced by government policies. Teachers acknowledged the importance of effectively interpreting and communicating assessment data in order to support student learning. Finally, the study found that the ways in which teachers meaningfully engaged students in the feedback process created opportunities for building assessment literacy in both teachers and students. This article highlights the gap in how teachers draw upon their conceptual knowledge and how that contextual knowledge allows them to enact assessment within their varied school contexts.
Adverse childhood experiences in mental health of young adults: An exploratory study from Delhi-NCR, India
Authors: Chaudhary Vineet , Walia Gagandeep Kaur , Devi Naorem Kiranmala , Shekhawat Lokesh Singh , Saraswathy Kallur Nava
Published: December 2023

Background:

Despite the growing realization regarding the importance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adult health outcomes, this area of research has received little scientific attention in low- and middle-income countries, including India.

Aims:

To understand the overall and domain-specific association of exposure to ACEs with current depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being among young adults of Delhi-NCR.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,812 young adults (aged 18–25 years) of both sexes (68.7% females). Fieldwork was conducted on the campuses of the University of Delhi, Delhi, and Amity University, Noida, India. ACEs, depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being were screened using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and WHO-5 Well-Being Index, respectively.

Results:

Exposure to ACEs was found to increase the odds of moderate/severe depression, moderate/severe anxiety, and high stress and decreased the odds of good well-being in a dose-response manner. Being bullied, followed by emotional abuse, was associated with the highest odds of current moderate/severe depression, moderate/severe anxiety, and high stress and the lowest odds of good well-being. Further, while several domains of household dysfunction showed poor association with studied mental health outcomes, domains of abuse and violence were more consistently associated.

Conclusions:

The present study revealed the detrimental impact of ACEs on mental health outcomes among young adults of Delhi-NCR, India, and underscored the relevance of ACEs in the Indian context. Considering the lack of trauma awareness in Indian societies, there is an urgent need to create widespread awareness regarding ACEs and associated health implications.
Stimulus-Elicited Involuntary Cognition: Boundary Conditions and Systematic Effects
Authors: Yankulova Jessica K. , Zacher Lisa Moreno , Velasquez Anthony G. , Dou Wei , Morsella Ezequiel
Published: December 2023

For decades, researchers have been presenting participants with stimuli and instructing the participants not to respond to the stimuli in some way. Today, researchers are studying the effects that such stimuli have, not only on behavior, but on conscious experience. To this end, researchers have used several laboratory tasks, including the reflexive imagery task (RIT). In the RIT, participants are instructed not to respond in a specific way to stimuli. Participants often cannot suppress such responses. Knowledge of the conditions under which RIT effects fail to arise can illuminate the limitations of involuntary processes. We observed that the RIT effect can survive with brand symbols (Experiment 1, n = 30), which are different from everyday objects in interesting ways. In addition, we investigated systematic effects. Systematic effects are unlikely to be due to experimental demand. In Experiment 2 ( n = 48), we observed that RIT effects could arise from associations learned, not across the participant’s lifetime, but only in the laboratory. Participants studied nonsense shapes that were associated with pseudowords that preceded or followed the shapes. Afterward, these new associations led to RIT effects. In addition, RIT effects were more likely for pseudowords that preceded the shapes rather than for the pseudowords that followed the shapes (a systematic effect). In Experiment 3 ( n = 46), systematic effects involving two sensory modalities were observed: olfactory stimuli were more likely to elicit involuntary visual imagery than visual stimuli were to elicit involuntary olfactory imagery. We discuss the theoretical implications of these effects.
From Empathy to Resilience: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Xing Linna , Deng Sophia W. , Ho Ghee W.
Published: December 2023

Research has shown that empathy and emotional intelligence are two predictive factors associated with positive adaptation and resilience in emerging adulthood. However, it has not been well investigated how these two factors interact to link resilience. Based on previous research showing that empathy requires the development of emotional perceptiveness, that resilience is closely related to adaptive processes, and that emotional intelligence mediates the relation between emotional perceptiveness and adaptive processes, the present study hypothesized that emotional intelligence has a potential mediating role in the association between empathy and resilience. Data were collected from 788 college students (429 females and 359 males) at a university in China. Resilience was measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Empathy was measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Emotional Intelligence was measured by the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS). The results showed that empathy significantly predicted resilience, and emotional intelligence fully mediated the association between empathy and resilience. These findings suggest that the cognitive ability to perceive, evaluate, and regulate emotions plays an important role in the resilience in emerging adults. Implications of cognitive approaches to resilience research in emerging adulthood are discussed.
Investigation of yellowing perception: comparison of “whitish,” “yellowish,” “yellowing,” “yellowed,” “aged” and “dirty” colors
Authors: Chen Shengzhou , Sato Tetsuya , Kitaguchi Saori
Published: December 2023

Perceptions of yellowing, aging and dirtiness in textile products affect consumer satisfaction and sustainable use. Customers often decide whether to use a product based on its color, even if it is functionally usable. It is difficult to avoid the yellowing of objects; consequently, many scales have been developed to evaluate this phenomenon. This study examined consumers' perceptions of various colors associated with yellowing, aging and dirtiness using the terms “whitish,” “yellowish,” “yellowing,” “yellowed,” “aged” and “dirty,” and the differences between them. The applicability of the commonly used yellowness index (YI) was also examined. The results showed perceptual similarities among “yellowish,” “yellowing” and “yellowed,” but there were also notable differences. The boundary between “whitish” and “yellowish” was clear, but near-white colors were included for “yellowing” and “yellowed” colors. The yellow component was a major factor in “aged” and “dirty,” but not the only characteristic. Similarities and differences between “aged” and “dirty” perceptions were demonstrated. The “aged” colors were distributed in a wider range than the “dirty” colors, and most of the “dirty” colors were within the “aged” color range. This suggests that even colors perceived as “aged” are not necessarily “dirty.” The YI did not adequately assess the perceptions. Consumers' perceptions of colors ranged more widely than those of the YI. As the need for sustainability and creating products that meet consumers' needs for long-term use continues to grow, it would be valuable to understand not only yellow-associated colors but also “aged” and “dirty” and their differences.
A Spatial Econometric Analysis of Productivity Variations Across US Cities
Authors: Fingleton Bernard
Published: December 2023

Using a dynamic spatial panel model applied to 377 US Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), estimated over the period 2011-2021, significant differences are found between large MSAs regarding the relationship between labour productivity and economic mass, as measured by GDP. The methodology adopted illustrates the state of the art for spatial econometric modeling as it is often needed in practice, allowing for multiple endogenous regressors and dynamic effects. The estimation method applies synthetic instruments designed to limit negative effects of instrument overabundance.
Identifying Civic Opportunity Structures Within Professional Football Fan Clubs
Authors: Gang Alex C. , Griffin Robert B. , Pedersen Paul M.
Published: December 2023

The current study focuses on identifying civic opportunities embedded in associational involvement in football fan clubs. The context of this research was confined to fan clubs affiliated with two German football teams (i.e. Hamburger SV and FC St. Pauli) located in close proximity yet revealing contrasting cultural traits. The methodology used followed the stages of critical ethnography to explore the dimensions of active engagement in football fan clubs. The results of the study indicate a within-group variation in the civic opportunity structure between the football fan clubs examined. Specifically, the degree to which each member develops social ties and acquires hard skills varies significantly. Such variation is facilitated by two conditions that underpin associational engagement within the fan clubs and identified by this study on a reactive/proactive and simple/complex value structure schema. The findings regarding the within-group variation and the conditions that facilitate such a variation provide an effective platform to assess civic opportunity structures of voluntary associations in sport fandom. While this study presents additional support to regard the within-group variation when assessing civic potential of voluntary associations, practitioners are encouraged to develop promotion and communication strategies to better target core fans that reflect level of engagement and value structure.
Cats, Commerce, and Cemeteries: The Mummified Felines of Beni Hasan
Authors: Elliott Chris
Published: December 2023

In February 1890, the remains of around 180,000 mummified cats, weighing about 19.5 tons, were sent from Alexandria to Liverpool and sold at auction to be used as agricultural fertiliser. The mummies originated from a cemetery at Beni Hasan in Egypt. Analysis of contemporary reports in the British press allows this event to be examined in some detail, from the initial discovery of the cemetery and its commercial exploitation locally and internationally, to the popular and academic responses to it. The episode can also be linked to the wider commercial exploitation of mummified remains from ancient Egypt, including as tourist souvenirs, items in private collections, and their acquisition by public museums. Press reports reflected contemporary European attitudes to ancient and modern Egypt, but also domestic concerns with agricultural productivity.

[Formula: see text]
Interrupting a cycle of placement instability with short-term residential care: Trauma-informed family-like relational practice in one specialist unit
Authors: MacDonald Mandi , Gillespie Kathryn
Published: December 2023

Continuous caring relationships are crucial to the wellbeing of children living in out-of-home care, with the family environment of long-term foster care usually the preferred placement for achieving relational permanence. Some children, however, experience a cycle of instability with the impact of placement disruption exacerbating emotional and behavioural difficulties and thereby undermining subsequent foster relationships. This paper reports on a service evaluation of a residential facility specialising in short-term placements for children who have experienced disruption, with the aim of interrupting the cycle of placement instability. Overview of 34 children’s placement trajectories show that most were enabled to re-enter foster care and of those who are now aged over 18 years ( n = 29), over half ( n = 16) remained in family placements until adulthood. For four children, detailed individualised assessment indicated residential care as the most appropriate option for avoiding future disruption. The paper gives cause for optimism that relationships in the residential setting have the potential to build emotional resilience and capacity for connection. There is paucity of information on how residential staff achieve these relationships in practice. Focus groups and interviews with ten staff and managers illuminate relational practices in the residential setting that are simultaneously family-like and trauma-informed.
The shortcoming of using glibenclamide in exploratory clinical headache provocation studies
Authors: Christophersen Palle , Dyhring Tino
Published: December 2023

Objective

Preclinical and clinical studies implicate the vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel in the signaling cascades underlying headache and migraine. However, attempts to demonstrate that the KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide would attenuate triggered headache in healthy volunteers have proven unsuccessful. It is questionable, however, whether target engagement was achieved in these clinical studies.

Methods

Literature data for human glibenclamide pharmacokinetics, plasma protein binding and functional IC50 values were used to predict the KATP receptor occupancy (RO) levels obtained after glibenclamide dosing in the published exploratory clinical headache provocation studies. RO vs. time profiles of glibenclamide were simulated for the pancreatic KATP channel subtype Kir6.2/SUR1 and the vascular subtype Kir6.1/SUR2B.

Results

At the clinical dose of 10 mg of glibenclamide used in the headache provocation studies, predicted maximal occupancy levels of up to 90% and up to 26% were found for Kir6.2/SUR1 and Kir6.1/SUR2B, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that effective Kir6.1/SUR2B target engagement was not achieved in the clinical headache provocation studies using glibenclamide. Therefore, development of novel selective Kir6.1/SUR2B inhibitors, with good bioavailability and low plasma protein binding, is required to reveal the potential of KATP channel inhibition in the treatment of migraine.
Return on Investment of Implementing Subsurface Utility Engineering on Transportation Projects: A Review and Analysis of Previous Cost–Benefit Studies
Authors: Adebiyi Jeremiah , Anspach Jim , Sturgill Roy
Published: December 2023

Since the late 1990s, studies conducted on the implementation of the subsurface utility engineering (SUE) concept in the design and planning phase of highway infrastructure projects have repeatedly shown a significant return on investment (ROI). ROI values varied across all studies, influenced by project characteristics, such as the number of projects studied and quantity and quality of project information. This study examines previous ROI studies on the implementation of SUE and compares the methodologies and cost-saving models used to account for the benefits of performing SUE on diverse construction projects. The study further investigates the results of the various cost-saving items and benefit factors to identify the most significant and least cost-saving items. The reduction in utility relocations during construction was identified as the significant cost saving in using SUE, while the direct cost to the public was identified as the least cost saving and not adequately estimated by most studies. The study supports why the adoption of SUE is encouraged for projects involving infrastructure construction and should be considered an integral part of engineering risk management for construction projects.
Exploring the Experiences of Virtual Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care in Saskatchewan
Authors: Rohatinsky Noelle , Russell Brooke , Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás , Boklaschuk Shannon , Bhasin Sanchit , Fowler Sharyle , Guzowski Tomasz , Wicks Kendall , Wicks Mike
Published: December 2023

Background

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require life-long interactions with the healthcare system. Virtual care (VC) technologies are becoming increasingly utilized for accessing healthcare services. Research related to the use of VC technology for the management of IBD in Canada is limited. This study aimed to examine the VC experiences from the perspectives of individuals with IBD and gastroenterology care providers (GCPs).

Methods

A patient-oriented, qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were completed with individuals with IBD and GCPs. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach.

Results

A total of 25 individuals with IBD and five GCPs were interviewed. Three categories were identified: benefits of virtual IBD care delivery, challenges of virtual IBD care delivery, and optimizing IBD care delivery. Individuals with IBD and GCPs were satisfied with the use of VC technology for appointments. Participants believed VC was convenient and allowed enhanced access to care. However, VC was not considered ideal in some instances, such as during disease flares or first appointments. Thus, a blended use of virtual and in-person appointments was suggested for individualized care.

Conclusions

The virtual method of connecting patients and providers is deemed useful for routine appointments and for persons living in rural areas. VC is becoming more common in the IBD care environment. Nurses are in a key position to facilitate and enhance virtual IBD care delivery for the benefit of both individuals living with IBD and providers.
Kernel principal component analysis fault diagnosis method based on improving Golden Jackal optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhang Ruicheng , Sun Weiliang , Liang Weizheng
Published: December 2023

Aiming at the shortcomings of the Golden Jackal optimization algorithm, such as low convergence accuracy and easy falling into the optimal local solution, an improved Golden Jackal optimization algorithm was proposed. First, sine and piecewise linear (SPM) chaotic mapping was introduced to increase the population number to achieve the purpose of initial population diversity. The self-adaptive weight and sine–cosine algorithm improved the position update formula of the Golden Jackal optimization algorithm, so the global search ability of the golden jackal algorithm is improved, and avoid the algorithm that fell into local optimality. Second, simulation experiments with eight standard test functions are performed to prove that the algorithm has excellent optimization ability. The improved Golden Jackal optimization algorithm was applied to optimize the kernel parameters of hybrid kernel principal component analysis. A fault diagnosis model is proposed to improve the golden jackal algorithm to optimize the kernel principal component analysis. Finally, the proposed method is used to fault diagnosis in the hot strip mill process. According to the study of simulation results, the faulty data can be identified effectively by this method, the accuracy is up to 100%, and the fault false alarm rate is greatly reduced.
The new political economy of public sector wage-setting in Europe: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Di Carlo Donato , Ibsen Christian Lyhne , Molina Oscar
Published: December 2023

This special issue (SI) brings the industrial relations scholarship on the public sector into dialogue with the comparative political economy (CPE) literature on growth models/regimes. While the former has paid great attention to the public sector, in CPE the public sector has been analysed less, and mostly as subaltern to the export-sector’s actors, interests and institutions. We posit that the public sector matters for CPE in its own right for three reasons. First, the state remains today the single largest employer in virtually every European economy, providing incomes to a large segment of the middle class. Second, public employers’ wage bill – one of the largest items of governments’ current expenditures – is funded by the taxpayers. Hence, public sector wage policy is fiscal policy, ultimately pursued by public/political employers. Third, public employers are simultaneously public managers and political sovereigns acting in the shadow of hierarchy. Case-study contributions to the SI detail how these insights matter within different European growth regimes: (1) the Mediterranean demand-led growth regime (France, Italy, Spain and Portugal), (2) the German export-led growth regime, (3) the Nordic balanced growth regime (Denmark and Sweden) and (4) the FDI-led Eastern European growth regime (Czechia and Slovakia).
Sexual Offences on Children—Principles of Child Jurisprudence and NCPCR
Authors: Sinha Shantha
Published: December 2023

The issue of child sexual violence violates each one of us and our sensibilities. Its prevalence in its myriad forms interrogates us, both at a personal level and at a societal level. It questions existing social norms and values, our ethical and moral fiber, and state (in)action. It pushes us out of our comfort zone, to experience a fugue of emotions of helplessness, indignation, sense of urgency or wanting to act. What it does to children is unfathomable! It compels one to reckon with what the child is at the present, her “being” and dignity and take cognizance of her “becoming” a person with agency and confidence in future. Justice for children cannot be dealt with in a fragmented manner but is seen in totality of her life from being a child to becoming an adult.
Influences of Faith on Rural Appalachian Older Adult Health: An Ethnonursing Study
Authors: Strange Karina E. , Mixer Sandra J. , Embler Pam , Smith Jennifer L. , Troutman-Jordan Meredith
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Rural Appalachian older adults (RAOAs) constitute a vulnerable population and experience significant health disparities. The combination of age, poverty, rural residence, health care provider shortages, and limited transportation increases risks for poor health outcomes. Spirituality enhances older adult health; however, little is known about spirituality–health linkages of RAOAs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discover the influences of spirituality on RAOA health.

Methodology:

Culture Care Theory and ethnonursing method guided analysis of 32 RAOA interviews in community settings in East Tennessee.

Results:

“Faith” is an integral component of RAOA culture and health. Three themes were extrapolated: (a) Relationship with God is personal; (b) faith beliefs and practices influence health, illness, death, and dying; and [the need to] (c) “Open the door” for spiritual care.

Discussion:

Faith assessment and spiritual care recommendations contribute to culturally congruent care for RAOAs and may be transferable to care for other older adults.
Association Between Oral Health Status and Survival Time in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Yoo Jeong , Hwang In Cheol , Choi Youn Seon , Ahn Hong Yup , Lee Eun Jeong , Kim Da Eun
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Patients with terminal cancer often experience various oral problems. Whether oral health status is associated with the survival of terminally ill cancer patients receiving palliative care remains unclear.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 59 Korean patients with terminal cancer receiving palliative care, including their oral health status, using a modified Korean version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT). Patients were categorized into “Good,” “Moderate,” or “Poor” groups based on OHAT scores. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the median survival time, and the prognosis between groups was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The most common oral symptoms observed were xerostomia (69.5%) and mucositis (17.0%). Significantly shorter survival times were observed in patients with hyperbilirubinemia, elevated creatinine levels, and no use of dentures. The “Poor” group had a shorter survival than the “Good” oral group ( P = .010). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that the “Poor” group was significantly associated with poor survival compared to the “Good” group (hazard ratio, 2.05; P = .047).

Conclusion

Terminally ill cancer patients with poor oral health may have a higher risk of shorter survival. Palliative care professionals should pay attention to oral health. Further research is needed to determine the effects of oral care on survival.
Proximal Supination Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: Comparison of Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes for the Most Severe Deformities
Authors: Okuda Ryuzo , Tanaka Kei , Shima Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

Background:

There is little available information regarding the difference in outcomes between severe hallux valgus (S-HV), defined as 40 degrees ≤ hallux valgus angle (HVA) < 50 degrees, and what we consider to be “super-severe HV” (SS-HV), defined as >50 degrees, following a proximal metatarsal osteotomy. We aimed to retrospectively compare the outcomes of a proximal metatarsal osteotomy in S- and SS-HV.

Methods:

The series consisted of 57 female patients (57 feet) treated with a proximal supination osteotomy for symptomatic S- and SS-HV (33 and 24 feet, respectively). The outcome measures included radiographic parameters and for 45 patients included the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) score, and a visual analog scale pain score (VAS-PS) preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 12 months with a median of 26 months. No significant differences were found in age, body mass index, and the duration of follow-up between patients with S-HV and SS-HV ( P > .10 for all comparisons) with the numbers available.

Results:

Preoperative HVA in patients with S- and SS-HV was significantly improved at the final follow-up ( P < .0001 for both comparisons). No significant differences in postoperative HVA and IMA were observed between patients with S- and SS-HV (P = .51 and .50, respectively). All 5 preoperative subscale scores of SAFE-Q in patients with S- and SS-HV significantly improved postoperatively ( P < .01 for all comparisons). Preoperative VAS-PS in patients with S- and SS-HV significantly improved postoperatively ( P < .0001 and <.009, respectively). There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative scores of all the SAFE-Q subscales and VAS-PS between patients with S-HV and SS-HV ( P > .10 for all) with the numbers available.

Conclusion:

We found for this patient group that a proximal supination osteotomy can achieve a large correction for SS-HV as well as S-HV and significantly improve radiologic and clinical outcomes in SS-HV. The outcomes between patients with S- and SS-HV were not different in this series.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.