bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of prototype for the short circuit protection of DC bus using Arduino Uno and DSP controller
Authors: Giddalur Eswaraiah , Laxmi Askani Jaya
Published: December 2023

Micro-grids (MGs) play a prominent role in the exchange of bulk power between loads and the central grid. MG can run in an islanding mode or grid-connected mode. When the central grid fails to provide power in such situations, MGs serves as power sources for critical facilities such as coordination facilities in railway stations and airports, transportation, university and research facilities. MGs use energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass to produce electricity along with rechargeable batteries, aircraft applications is continuously increasing. This leads to the development of DC MGs. A model of DC MG is located at the disaster management lab in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The MG consists of step-downed and rectified DC power supply from conventional 230 V AC source, a PV array, wind, and a battery bank a source supplying power to a set of nine DC loads. Although DC MGs have many advantages compared to AC MGs, one of the challenges faced is the study of faults and protection of the DC MG. In this paper, a prototype for the existing system in the disaster management lab is designed in hardware and tested.
Technical/economic/environmental optimal wind generation allocation in power systems
Authors: Abdelhay Zeinb , Eladl Abdelfattah , Mansy Ibrahim I.
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an optimization technique to find the optimal allocation of wind farms (WFs) in a transmission network considering several objectives associated with economic, losses, voltage profile, and environmental impact represented in the reduction of carbon emissions. The problem is solved on the basis of maintaining three constraints which are transmission line power limits, active/reactive power constrain, and bus voltage limits. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and Newton-Raphson method for load flow analysis are utilized to solve the optimization problem as a whole. In this context, there are two wind turbines added to the transmission network and a matrix laboratory (MATLAB) has been devised to evaluate their performance with varying capacities at different locations in the system. The proposed approach has been validated on the modified IEEE 14-bus transmission system.
Inertial issues in renewable energy integrated systems and virtual inertia techniques
Authors: Mathew Reshma , Panikkar Preetha Parakkat Kesava
Published: December 2023

The global proliferation of renewable energy drastically altered the characteristics of power systems. Integration of clean energy sources reduces the inherent rotational inertia, making the system precarious and susceptible to various disturbances. The major challenges encountered are fast frequency fluctuations, voltage fluctuations, high rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), and frequency nadir. In order to address and adapt to a future low-inertia scenario, it is crucial to understand the effect of inertia on various parameters. This paper introduces a comprehensive review of the fundamental aspects of inertia and challenges that arise due to the reduction in inertia. Researchers have tackled this issue by employing various virtual inertia (VI) emulation techniques, which also have been extensively reviewed in the literature along with their merits, limitations, and recent developments. The impact of RES penetration on system dynamics is analyzed by simulating an IEEE-9 bus system with renewable energy source (RES) in MATLAB/Simulink. Furthermore, a three-phase fault is also introduced, to emphasize the effect of reduced inertia by observing the rotor angle and frequency deviation. The results validate that RES integration and fault location are observed to have a significant impact on stability parameters, making them extremely unstable.
Study of operating modes of electromagnetic hammer with adjustable impact energy and blow frequency
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Ayman Y. , Pavlov Vlademer E.
Published: December 2023

The current work was designed to study the operating modes of electromagnetic impact mechanism (electromagnetic hammer) comprising idle and working stroke windings that are enclosed in magnetic conductor, and reciprocating ferromagnetic striker. Investigation was conducted by modelling in MATLAB environment and performing verification tests with different hammers. Simulation model of the hammer was derived using experimentally obtained static characteristic curves of flux linkage and thrust force for each of the windings. Results revealed that at maximum working stroke winding voltage-varying idle stroke winding voltage, the impact energy did not change, but the impact frequency varied between 0-187 bpm. At maximum idle stroke winding voltage and working stroke winding voltage ranging between 0 to maximum value, the impact energy varied between 84-360 J, the impact frequency varied between 96-187 bpm. Maximum losses over the working cycle were associated with electric losses in the hammer windings and can be reduced by reducing winding currents through increasing the striker speed. The mathematical model of the current study allowed quantifying energy parameters of the electromagnetic hammer. The impact machine cycle includes three operating modes, each determines the main energy parameters: efficiency, impact energy, and cycle time.
A comprehensive review of different electric motors for electric vehicles application
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Sreeram , Panikkar Preetha Parakkat Kesava
Published: December 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer several advantages over internal combustion engines (ICE), including high energy efficiency, noise reduction, low maintenance, and a wider speed range. This results in lower fuel consumption, reducing dependency on oil imports and enhancing energy security. The motor drive is a critical component of EVs, providing the necessary propulsion force. This paper presents a comprehensive comparison of state-of-the-art motors suitable for EV applications, including DC motors, induction motors (IM), brushless DC motors (BLDC), permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), and switched reluctance motors (SRM). Various design aspects relevant to traction applications, such as cost, reliability, efficiency, torque, fault-tolerance ability, excitation arrangements, and power density are also addressed. The performance of an EV based on the SRM drive is analyzed using MATLAB Simulink, with a special focus on parameters like speed, torque, flux, and state of charge (SOC). The review highlights that SRM drives have significant potential in EVs due to their reliable structure, fault tolerance capability, and magnet-free design. However, their application in EVs is currently limited due to torque ripples, as evident from the simulations. This paper is expected to serve as a foundation for further enhancing the performance of SRM drives for EV applications.
Estimating the state of charge of lithium-ion batteries using different noise inputs
Authors: El Maliki Anas , Anoune Kamal , Benlafkih Abdessamad , Hadjoudja Abdelkader
Published: December 2023

State of charge estimation (SOC) is the most significant functionality of a vehicle's battery management system (BMS). The methods for this estimation are conventionally oriented towards model-based methods. As part of this paper, we introduce a first order equivalent circuit estimation approach known as the Thevenin model, along with an extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach to accurately estimate the SOC. We then deploy and simulate it in MATLAB by using a reference load profile from the new European driving cycle (NEDC). Afterwards, the simulation results are reviewed based on various initial noise values, and the results are compared to those of other EKF algorithms. According to the results, SOC estimation accuracy has significantly increased as a result of the improvements made. Specifically, the root-mean-square error decreased from 0.0068 to 0.0020.
Wrestling with the Diaspora’s Angels: A Note on Fra Angelico’s Legacy in Hungarian-Israeli Art
Authors: Farkas Mariann
Published: December 2023

While numerous scholars have analyzed the influence of immigration on Jewish visual culture, few have focused on the Hungarian-Israeli scene. This article seeks to resolve some of the lacunae surrounding expressions of Hungarian immigrant experiences in Israeli art by analyzing the Annunciation theme in Hedi Tarjan’s series Homage to Fra Angelico, which was painted in the 1980s and the 2000s. A woman artist with a complex Christian-Jewish identity, Tarjan expressed her cross-cultural and interfaith experiences in her paintings and can be regarded as a “Jewish Diasporist” in the sense elaborated in American artist R. B. Kitaj’s manifestos. The article concludes by arguing that Tarjan, as a Jewish artist who emigrated from Hungary to Israel, faced unique professional, cultural, and religious challenges.
Transfer of Climate Litigation to Biodiversity Protection?
Authors: Glinski Carola
Published: December 2023

In recent years, constitutional courts and supreme courts have handed down important decisions on (potentially) insufficient climate protection regulation. This article analyses the climate decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court and discusses its application to biodiversity protection. It shows that despite of clarifications related to the State’s constitutional duty to protect citizens, including future generations, against the risks of climate change, the application of the decision to other urgent environmental problems remains unclear. The German standard of review grants the legislator considerable leeway in case of remaining scientific uncertainty and still relies on a clear quantification of protection needs. In contrast, the Urgenda ruling of the Dutch Supreme Court shows the way how in case of scientific uncertainty (potentially insufficient) environmental protection can be judicially reviewed while safeguarding the margin of appreciation of the legislator at the same time.
Sacred Time and Religious Violence: Evidence from Hindu-Muslim Riots in India
Authors: Allie Feyaad
Published: December 2023

How and when can religious times become focal points for communal violence? In the context of Hindu-Muslim riots in India, I argue that incompatible ritual holidays where one religion’s rituals are at odds with another (e.g., sacrificing cows or engaging in processions with idolatry) help explain the positive effect of sacred time on religious rioting. Holidays with incompatible rituals provide doctrinal differences that make riots more likely. These types of holidays can be used by riot entrepreneurs to incite violence or can independently raise an individual’s willingness to engage in violence. I provide support for this argument by analyzing data on Hindu-Muslim riots across 100 years. I investigate the mechanisms through additional analysis and examining historical and present-day cases of riots that occurred on holidays. By focusing on the content of religion, this paper demonstrates how particular religious holidays can provide the underlying conditions that elites use to incite religious violence.
Domestic accountability and non-compliance with international law: Evidence from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Authors: Parente Francesca
Published: December 2023

Domestic public preferences often shape leaders’ decisions to comply with international legal rulings. Human rights scholars usually assume these preferences favor enforcement and justice. However, just because the public supports human rights does not mean they universally support remedies ordered by international courts. What happens when leaders face competing compliance pressures from an international court and domestic public? I examine this question in the context of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, a regional human rights court that operates primarily in Latin America. I argue that non-compliance may sometimes result from democratic leaders adjusting compliance behavior according to public opinion, especially when the implicated actor is popular. In particular, I argue that compliance is a function of proximity to the next presidential election, therefore necessitating greater responsiveness to the public’s opinions, and the public’s attitudes toward the actor implicated by the ruling. I test my argument on an original dataset of all Inter-American Court rulings implicating the military. I show that if the public does not support the military, the probability of compliance increases closer to an election; however, if the public does support the military, the probability of compliance decreases. My findings suggest the importance of incorporating the public’s attitudes into existing models of compliance with international law.
Messaging and mobilization: Rebel groups, social media communication, and audience engagement
Authors: Bestvater Samuel E , Loyle Cyanne E
Published: December 2023

Mobilization is central to the emergence, survival and success of armed groups challenging the state, and has lately expanded to new arenas with the rise of social media. Using a new dataset of rebel group Twitter use, we examined the topics contained in rebel group social media communications to understand how different messaging strategies impact civilian engagement with rebel messages. Rather than benefiting solely from direct calls to action, we found that rebel groups also increased civilian engagement through indirect messages of self-promotion. While direct appeals received more engagement than indirect appeals, their effects were tempered by audience fatigue when relied on too heavily. We additionally found that including images further enhanced the impact of a mobilizing message. These findings expanded our understanding of rebel communications and mobilization, with important implications for combating the use of social media as a recruitment tool for violent extremism.
Up Schitt’s Creek? Comedy as a Slantwise Pedagogical Encounter with Queerness
Authors: Henry Seán , Bryan Audrey , Neary Aoife
Published: December 2023

Background:

Pedagogical approaches to learning about LGBTQI+ themes and experiences remain a largely understudied topic in teacher education. This is partly due to anxieties around exploring these themes in nuanced and sensitive ways, with many teacher educators feeling ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of exploring so-called “difficult knowledge.”

Purpose:

In response to this, the purpose of this paper is to offer reflections on the pedagogical value of comedy for exploring such themes and experiences in teacher education, focusing especially on the situational comedy (sitcom) Schitt’s Creek. We turn to comedy given our interest in the capacity of comedic modalities to offer “slantwise” pedagogical encounters with LGBTQI+ themes and experiences, that is, nonaffronting encounters that resist damage-centered narratives of LGBTQI+ people and are open to multiple queer futures.

Research design:

In exploring how the sitcom offers teacher educators and student teachers these kinds of encounters, we provide a reading of three episodes of Schitt’s Creek through a “queer utopian” lens. We analyze a purposive sample of episodes from the series that speak directly to LGBTQI+ themes and experiences. We accompany this analysis with prompts for teacher educators to use in discussing these episodes in the teacher education classroom.

Conclusions:

We suggest that the sitcom offers teacher education an opportunity for student teachers and teacher educators to access a queer utopianism that can be encountered not only in the specifics of Schitt’s Creek’s plotlines, characters, and/or settings, but also, perhaps more primarily, through the affective dimensions of watching the sitcom itself. The piece comes to a close with some thoughts on the significance of comedy for exploring the relationship among affect, education, and social justice more generally.
Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kuriakose Alen , Amaresha Anekal C
Published: December 2023

Background:

As the number of students with learning disabilities (SwLD) entering higher education (HE) increases, a need arises to improve the services provided to them by understanding their experiences. This scoping review explores the extent and type of evidence on the experiences of SwLD in HE.

Method:

The review followed the six stages outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, ProQuest, and APA PsycNet were searched for primary data, and studies published between January 2012 and July 2022 were included. The following information was extracted and collated from the included studies: author/s, year, location, objective/aim, study design, materials and methods, and major findings.

Results:

The search yielded 3729 titles and abstracts. Their screening resulted in 26 eligible articles. The review of these articles identified three major themes: (a) academic concerns, (b) psychosocial experiences, and (c) support systems and accommodations. The academic concerns included difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, and spelling. The studies on psychosocial experiences showed that SwLD experience stress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. The studies on support systems and accommodations indicate that they get academic support, technological support, and extra time for examinations from educational institutions.

Conclusion:

The SwLD experiences academic and psychosocial challenges during higher studies. However, the existing support systems do not address these challenges, and there is a need for further research in this area.
Surgical coronary angioplasty of both coronary ostia after chest radiotherapy. Is it good alternative to conventional coronary bypass surgery?
Authors: Mamedov Arslan , Rumbinaitė Eglė , Karčiauskas Dainius , Jakuškaitė Gabrielė , Veikutienė Audronė , Jakuška Povilas , Benetis Rimantas
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Isolated coronary ostial stenosis of both ostia is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition, occurring in 0.1%–0.2% of patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Case report

We present a case of a 69-year-old woman with a past medical history of breast cancer, who had been treated with radiotherapy, which most likely caused significant stenosis of both coronary ostia and likely accelerated aortic stenosis. Surgical angioplasty with autopericardium patch reconstruction of the left main coronary artery and right coronary arteries due to proximal stenotic disease was performed instead of venous or arterial bypasses with concomitant aortic valve replacement. The postoperative course was uneventful. There were no cardiovascular events 5 years after operation, and the patient remained free of any symptoms.

Conclusions

Surgical coronary angioplasty offers an alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in isolated coronary ostial lesions and is advantageous in restoring more physiological myocardial perfusion, especially in those cases when conduits are suspected to be fibrotic, scarred or stenosed after radiation therapy or if there is the need to preserve conduits for future myocardial revascularisation in young patients.
Impact of first eye cataract surgery on falls among patients of advanced age: a comparative study
Authors: Akbari-Kamrani Marjan , Heidarzadeh Hamidreza , Naderan Morteza , Gordiz Arzhang , Hemmati Sara , Chaibakhsh Samira , Mohammadi S. Saeed , Farsani Mohsen Khosravi , Zand Amin , Abdi Fatemeh
Published: December 2023

Objective

To compare the incidence of falls between patients with visually significant cataracts in both eyes and those who have undergone first-eye cataract surgery.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study involved patients with a history of cataracts in both eyes who had undergone first-eye cataract surgery within the past 9 to 12 months (pseudophakic group). The control group comprised patients with cataracts in both eyes (cataract group). We assessed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), systemic comorbidities and medications (using the Charlson comorbidity index), and independent daily activities (using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale). The patients were questioned about experiencing two or more falls in the last 6 months.

Results

Each group comprised 50 patients. Binocular BCVA was significantly better in the pseudophakic group (0.05 ± 0.06 logMAR) than in the cataract group (0.77 ± 0.34 logMAR). Of all participants, 22% reported experiencing two or more falls in the last 6 months. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly better BCVA in participants with less than two falls.

Conclusions

Patients of advanced age with visually significant cataracts in both eyes are at a higher risk of falling. First-eye cataract surgery may mitigate the occurrence of falls by improving binocular BCVA.
Macroscopic Analysis of the Impacts of Shared Bikes on Traffic Safety
Authors: Lu Muyang , Gayah Vikash V. , Ilgin Guler S.
Published: December 2023

Crashes involving vulnerable roadway users (VRUs), such as pedestrians and cyclists, have increased in recent years. Understanding relationships between these crashes and explanatory factors is critical to reversing this trend. However, most statistical models of VRU-related crashes rely primarily on vehicular exposure alone. VRU exposure is difficult to capture because of a lack of available data. To address this concern, this study incorporates several exposure metrics that capture nonmotorized and public transportation use at the census-tract level. A macroscopic-level crash-prediction model for the Manhattan area of New York City is developed that considers roadway and demographic variables, as well as bike-share trip information, subway flows, taxi movements, and person trips to various points of interest (POIs) as measures of travel exposure. The models are developed using geographically weighted negative binomial regression and various functional forms are considered for three different types of crash frequency. The results show that the number of shared-bike trips and POI visits are positively correlated with increases in pedestrian and cyclist crash frequencies; however, these features are less descriptive of motorist crash frequency. In addition, the explanatory power of POI information can be improved by considering only a subset of POI categories that represent “essential” trips. The spatial variation between motorist-related crash frequency and the exposure metric is observed to be more significant than the pedestrian- and cyclist-related crash frequency are to their exposure, and the shared-bike trips’ influence on the pedestrian- and cyclist-related crash frequency appears to be homogeneous across the Manhattan area.
Impact of Airport De-Icing Chemicals and Freeze-Thaw on Rutting Resistance of Asphalt Mixture in Canada
Authors: Liu Yang , Ni Xinyue , Pickel Daniel , Tighe Susan , Kou Changjiang
Published: December 2023

Acetate-based ice control chemicals have been shown to have less environmental impact compared with traditional de-icing salts. However, their impact on the asphalt pavement’s performance has been underestimated and has drawn the attention of pavement engineers. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of de-icing chemicals (potassium acetate) and the freeze-thaw cycle on the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures. Two types of airport pavement mixtures (AS and AB) and three roadway mixtures (HL3, HL3 HS, and HL1) were tested through the Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWTT) under three different treatments for the testing specimens: treated with potassium acetate solution, with one freeze-thaw cycle; and treated with potassium solution and one freeze-thaw cycle, respectively. The results show that potassium acetate solution and the freeze-thaw cycle can significantly affect the rutting resistance of all tested mixtures, and potassium acetate might have the potential to induce stripping damage on asphalt mixtures. A combination of de-icing treatment and the freeze-thaw cycle can potentially mitigate the stiffness compromise caused by their sole impact. Asphalt binder type, asphalt content, and different treatment methods have a statistical effect on the rutting resistance of asphalt mixture applied both on airside and roadway pavements.
Minimally invasive connective water vapor energy method for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Çakıroğlu Basri
Published: December 2023

The Rezūm system has emerged as a promising treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by employing endoscopic removal of prostate tissue. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of Rezūm therapy in recent studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases until December 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search utilized keywords such as water vapor thermal therapy, Rezūm, convective water vapor thermal therapy, and convective radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy. A total of 21 studies were included in the analysis, comprising 5 prospective randomized studies, 2 case series, 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 crossover study, and 11 retrospective studies. The collective sample involved 2090 patients with a mean follow-up period of 14.42 ± 18.08 (1–72) months and a mean age of 68.12 ± 4.79 years. Significant improvements were reported in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximal flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), prostate volume (PV), and International Erectile Index Function (IIEF) values. Unlike other BPH treatments that often require general or regional anesthesia, the connective water vapor energy system can be administered with sedo-analgesia and local anesthesia, potentially leading to improved sexual function scores. Considering the relief of symptoms, Rezūm therapy may serve as a viable alternative to transurethral surgery for patients with prostate volumes ranging from <30 to >80 cc.
Development of melatonin-embedded PLGA-PEG6000 nanofiber biomaterial, and investigation of the effects on abdominal adhesion formation
Authors: Gökçe Oruç Numan , Aykora Damla , Danışman Merve , Demir Ufuk , Aydeğer Cemre , Suner Salih Can , Oral Ayhan , Karaboğa İhsan , Uzun Metehan
Published: December 2023

Abdominal adhesions are still among the most common postsurgical peritoneal inflammation-related complications. Adhesion-related disorders are still highly costly and prevalent due to advances in surgical techniques, treatment methods, and various drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Poly ( D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) Nanofiber + Melatonin on the abdominal adhesion model in rats. For this purpose, PLGA-PEG6000 Nanofiber + Melatonin matrix was fabricated and implanted in an experimental abdominal adhesion model in rats. Our study consisted of an in vitro and an in vivo part. The degradation and release profile of the matrix and Melatonin (Mel) embedded matrix was performed in vitro. In vivo, the procedure was carried out with 18 Wistar male rats. Rats were divided into three groups as follows: Sham, Matrix, and Mel + Matrix, respectively. Consequent to degradation and release profiling in vitro, an experimental adhesion model was created and fabricated pure matrix (2 × 2 cm2), and matrix (2 × 2 cm2, 0.25 mg melatonin/per matrix embedded) was applied to injury area in related groups. Intra-abdominal adhesion scores were determined on post-op 21st day, under general anesthesia. Following, cecum, peritoneal tissue, and adhesive bands were harvested. Macroscopic analysis (severity of adhesion formation), Hematoxlyn&Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining (for the examination of the levels of infiltration of inflammatory cells, fibrosis, and neovascularization) were performed for the evaluation of the effects of Mel embedded and pure matrix Our results indicated that PLGA-PEG6000 Nanofiber + Melatonin matrix was degraded completely in rats abdominal cavity and significantly reduced adhesion formation compared to other groups macroscopically ( p < 0.05). On the other hand, the histopathological analysis indicated that the fabricated matrix reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis, and neovascularization levels.
Factors Associated With Experiences of Harassment or Abuse Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Asexual Young People With Disability in Australia
Authors: Amos Natalie , Hill Adam O. , Lyons Anthony , Bigby Christine , Carman Marina , Parsons Matthew , Bourne Adam
Published: December 2023

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA+) young people with disability are known to experience higher rates of harassment or abuse than LGBTQA+ young people without disability. This study focused on participants in Australia and identified factors associated with harassment or abuse among LGBTQA+ adolescents and young adults who reported a disability as well as associations with mental health outcomes. Analyses were conducted from a national survey that included 2,500 LGBTQA+ people who reported a disability and were aged 14 to 21 years. Measures included experiences in the past 12 months of verbal and physical harassment or abuse due to one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, sexual harassment or abuse, mental health, suicidality, and sociodemographic traits. Overall, 48.4% of participants with disability reported experiencing verbal harassment or abuse, 12.4% physical harassment or abuse, and 29.7% sexual assault or harassment. In multivariable regression analyses, verbal harassment or abuse was significantly more likely among trans men, participants with an intellectual disability, and those who were “out” to most or all of their family. Physical harassment or abuse was significantly more likely among participants with a physical or sensory disability. Sexual harassment or abuse was significantly more likely among trans women and participants with a physical or sensory disability. Participants who experienced harassment or abuse were also significantly more likely to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months. These findings will assist policymakers and practitioners in identifying contexts linked to a heightened risk of abuse among LGBTQA+ young people with disability and further underscore an immediate need to address and prevent harm in this population.
Determinants of Health Expenditure Among the Informal Workers of India: Is It Always Catastrophic?
Authors: Roy Rajyasri , Kundu Amit
Published: December 2023

The Indian labour market is dominated by informal workers. Out-of-pocket healthcare payments are the principal source of healthcare financing for those workers. This article will try to investigate the determinants of health expenditures across heterogeneous groups of informal workers in India based on the 68th round of National Sample Survey data on Employment and Unemployment for 2011–2012. Across different types of informal workers, mean health expenditure has been highest among ‘employees of informal sectors’. The determining factors for the health expenditure are social group, household head and the number of dependencies. It is also found that health expenditure is not always catastrophic among informal workers. The result obtained is that health expenditure has been catastrophic for almost 30% of informal workers across various heterogeneous groups. Using the probit model, the influencing factors responsible for the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure are age and sex of the household head, the number of senior citizens in the family, possession of assets and expenditure on fuel and electricity.
A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Saroglitazar in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Induced by High Fructose Diet Rat Model
Authors: T. Saravanan , S. Shanmugapriya , Thomas Eliz , P. Karthika
Published: December 2023

Background

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a clinical condition with a global prevalence of 25.24%. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) have been significantly associated with the pathogenesis of NASH.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of saroglitazar in an animal model of NASH by evaluating the magnitude of changes in liver function tests (LFT) and histopathology.

Materials and Methods

The baseline parameters of 14 male Sprague–Dawley rats were recorded and then grouped into four groups: treatment groups (high high-dose saroglitazar [HDSG] and low low-dose saroglitazar [LDSG] doses of saroglitazar), normal control, and disease control. Initially, except for the normal control, the other three groups were fed a fructose diet for 5 weeks and then all four groups were fed a standard chow diet for the next 2 weeks during which the two treatment groups were orally gavaged with saroglitazar. Changes in LFT, body weight (BW), lipid profile, oxidative stress, and histopathology were evaluated at different time points.

Results

A statistically significant reduction was found in the mean serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) ( p = 0.0267) and serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) ( p = 0.0059) between the groups at the end of treatment. As with BW changes ( p < 0.001), a significant difference was observed between the time points in HDSG and LDSG with respect to all parameters of the lipid profile assessed ( p < 0.05). Amelioration of hepatocellular ballooning and lobular inflammation in histopathology was evident in both treatment groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed loss of cytokeratin CK8/18 in disease control while it was preserved in LDSG and HDSG.

Conclusion

The study has explicitly illustrated the improvement in the biochemical and pathological changes in the rat model of NASH induced by a high fructose diet.
The Many Mutations of the COVID-19 Variant: Current Perspectives on EG.5/Eris
Authors: Girma Abayeneh
Published: December 2023

Viral diseases pose a significant threat to public health around the world. SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) was originally identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019. Throughout the epidemic, SARS-CoV-2 has continually changed genetically, giving rise to variants that are distinct from the original virus. SARS-CoV-2 has a high-frequency mutation rate, resulting in more genetic diversity. EG.5/Eris is a subvariant and descendant of Omicron, which remains the world’s most prevalent coronavirus strain of current concern. The percentage of EG.5 recorded has steadily increased across the board. Epidemiological week 29 (17-23 July 2023) saw a 17.4% global prevalence of EG.5. Mutations in the virus’s genome can cause false-negative results in molecular detection and cause increased transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality due to a reduction in vaccine efficiency. Furthermore, these changes in S-protein structure alter the neutralising ability of neutralising antibodies (Nabs), resulting in a reduction in vaccine efficiency. Therefore, all countries should take efficient infection prevention and control measures as per the guidelines of the world, continental, and their country’s health organisations, along with vaccine and treatment investigations.
Does emotion regulation mediate the relationship between self-compassion and subjective well-being? A cross-sectional study of adults living in the United States
Authors: Ericson Stacey Michelle , Gallagher Joshua Paul , Federico Alicia Josephine , Fleming Joshua James , Froggatt Daniel , Eleid Adel , Finn Bridget Mary , Johnston Kim , Cai Ru Ying
Published: December 2023

Subjective well-being influences mental and physical health. Fortunately, interventions exist to improve people’s subjective well-being. Emotion regulation and self-compassion are two transdiagnostic factors that impact mental health and have been separately shown to be associated with subjective well-being. However, their combined relationship with subjective well-being has not yet been examined. To address this gap, the current novel study aimed to determine if there is a combined relationship between self-compassion, emotion regulation, and dimensions of subjective well-being cross-sectionally in adults living in the United States. Participants ( n = 559; 50% female; Mage = 57.70 years) completed an online survey via Prime Panels from CloudResearch, capturing their responses on the interested constructs. Analyses showed that emotion regulation significantly mediated the relationships between self-compassion and various subjective well-being dimensions, specifically, positive affect ( d = 0.32), negative affect ( d = 1.17), and eudemonic well-being ( d = 0.79). Our findings have both clinical and research implications.
Greater coverage vs. deeper processing? Comparing individual and collaborative processing of teacher feedback
Authors: Peng Carrie Xin , Storch Neomy , Knoch Ute
Published: December 2023

Despite the proliferation of research on how second language (L2) learners engage with feedback on L2 writing in recent years, little is known about how young and low-proficiency L2 learners process teacher feedback. The present study investigated how Chinese lower-secondary school learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) cognitively and behaviourally engaged with teacher feedback in two conditions: individual written languaging and collaborative oral languaging. Eighty-one students (aged 13–14 years, A1–A2 English proficiency) from two classes and two English teachers at a public lower-secondary school in China participated in this study. Comprehensive teacher feedback (focusing on language errors, content, and organization) was provided to students on three writing tasks completed over six weeks. Findings showed that collaborative processing of teacher feedback elicited students’ deeper cognitive processing, drew their attention to issues beyond linguistic errors and encouraged learner autonomy. On the other hand, individual written languaging promoted students’ noticing of teacher feedback in their languaging process, although with a primary focus on grammar and mechanics. Written languaging also enabled students to act on more teacher feedback points in their revisions than the collaborative processing condition. Pedagogical implications from the comparison of the two feedback processing conditions are discussed.
Research on acoustic-structural coupling model and tire parameters of tire acoustic cavity resonance noise
Authors: Bao Yue , Feng Qizhang , Zhao Wei , Zhang Yue , Luo Jintao , Liu Xiandong
Published: December 2023

Tire acoustic cavity resonance (TACR) noise is one kind of low-frequency and narrowband noise that particularly annoys passengers, especially becomes more prominent in electric vehicles. This paper demonstrates a numerical investigation on the TACR noise via the acoustic-structural coupling finite element model. The accuracy of this coupling finite element model is validated both by the analytic method based on the superposition theory of traveling waves and experimental modal tests of tire cavities. According to the simulated models, the influences of external factors including the inflation pressure and road load on the TACR noise are studied. Meanwhile, as the main constituent component in the tire model, the effect of belt cord is also discussed. To design the low-TACR noise tire, various design parameters of the inner contour in tire cavity are analyzed. By the orthogonal test and range analysis, it is found that the contour parameters can slightly affect the modal frequency and sound pressure of TACR noise. Among these, the curvature radius of the tire shoulder ρ 4, tire sidewall ρ 5, and half-section height H have a more obvious influence on the TACR noise than the curvature radius of the tire crown region ρ 2 and transition region ρ 3. Meanwhile, it also illustrates that increasing the curvature radius at the tire shoulder ρ 4 and reducing the half-section height H has a reduction effect on the TACR noise. This study can contribute to the design of low road noise tires.
Reliability evaluation of phased-mission systems exposed to random shocks
Authors: Su Peng , Zhang Keyong , Qiu Qingan
Published: December 2023

The paper aims to examine the reliability analysis problem of phased-mission systems that execute multiple consecutive non-overlapping mission phases in a random shock environment. Each phase is carried out by several subsystems which consist of non-repairable components connected in different topology configurations. The random shocks, modeled by a Poisson process, significantly affect the failure rate of components within the dynamic subsystems. The system configuration, success criteria, and component failure behavior may differ from phase to phase. The paper presents technical methodologies to evaluate the mission success probabilities of subsystems in various configurations and proposes a modularization method to compute the reliability of phased-mission systems by combining the mission success probabilities of all subsystems. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed model and method.
Mid-term outcomes of three commonly used surgical reconstructions for scapholunate instability
Authors: van Kampen Robert J. , Henk Coert J. , Moran Steven L.
Published: December 2023

This retrospective analysis reports the mid-term (>2 years) outcomes of capsulodesis, (modified) Brunelli tenodesis and bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for scapholunate ligament instability. In total, 60 patients (64 wrists) returned the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. Of these participants, 42 (46 wrists) returned for a wrist examination and radiographs. In the questionnaire group, the mean follow-up for capsulodesis was 11.8 years, tenodesis 5.9 years and bone-ligament-bone 8.9 years. In the objective outcomes group, the mean follow-up was 10.2 years for capsulodesis, 5.7 for tenodesis and 8.9 for bone-ligament-bone. In all groups, some patients showed radiographic deterioration, which did not always correlate with poor functional outcome. With a mean follow-up greater than 5 years, there was no substantial difference in clinical outcomes and patient-based outcome questionnaires between capsulodesis, tenodesis or bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for the treatment of scapholunate instability. This study emphasizes the need for further research. Surgeons should use the technique that produces the fewest complications.

Level of evidence III
Progress in diagnosis and treatment of difficult-to-treat asthma in children
Authors: Zhou Xuehua , Zhang Panpan , Tan Hong , Dong Bo , Jing Zenghui , Wu Huajie , Luo Jianfeng , Zhang Yao , Zhang Juan , Sun Xin
Published: December 2023

At present, medications containing inhaled corticosteroids (ICS-containing) are the keystones of asthma treatment. The majority of asthmatic children can significantly improve clinical outcomes with little worsening by standardized inhaled glucocorticoid treatment, but there is still a small proportion of children who are unable to achieve good symptom control even after the maximum standardized treatment, known as ‘children with difficult-to-treat asthma (DA)’. The high heterogeneity of DA makes therapy challenging and expensive, which poses a serious risk to children’s health and makes it extremely difficult for clinical physicians to accurately identify and treat children with DA. This article reviews the definition, evaluation, and treatment of this asthma in order to provide a reference for optimal clinical decision-making.
A comprehensive review of the novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dhar Arti , Venkadakrishnan Jegadheeswari , Roy Utsa , Vedam Sahithi , Lalwani Nikita , Ramos Kenneth S. , Pandita Tej K. , Bhat Audesh
Published: December 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by structural and functional abnormalities in the myocardium affecting people with diabetes. Treatment of DCM focuses on glucose control, blood pressure management, lipid-lowering, and lifestyle changes. Due to limited therapeutic options, DCM remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes, thus emphasizing the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Ongoing research is aimed at understanding the underlying molecular mechanism(s) involved in the development and progression of DCM, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. The goal is to develope innovative pharmaceutical therapeutics, offering significant improvements in the clinical management of DCM. Some of these approaches include the effective targeting of impaired insulin signaling, cardiac stiffness, glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis. This review focuses on the latest developments in understanding the underlying causes of DCM and the therapeutic landscape of DCM treatment.
Single-cell profiling reveals preferential reduction of memory B cell subsets in cladribine patients that correlates with treatment response
Authors: Teschner Valerie E. , Fleck Ann-Katrin , Walter Carolin , Schwarze Anna-Sophie , Eschborn Melanie , Wirth Timo , Steinberg Olga V. , Schulte-Mecklenbeck Andreas , Lu I-Na , Herrera-Rivero Marisol , Janoschka Claudia , Lünemann Jan D. , Schwab Nicholas , Meyer zu Hörste Gerd , Varghese Julian , Gross Catharina C. , Pul Refik , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Mader Simone , Meinl Edgar , Stoll Monika , Wiendl Heinz , Klotz Luisa
Published: December 2023

Background:

Cladribine is a highly effective immunotherapy that is applied in two short-term courses over 2 years and reduces relapse rate and disease progression in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the short treatment period, cladribine has a long-lasting effect on disease activity even after recovery of lymphocyte counts, suggesting a yet undefined long-term immune modulating effect.

Objectives:

Our aim was to provide a more profound understanding of the detailed effects of cladribine, also with regard to the patients’ therapy response.

Design:

We performed an open-labeled, explorative, prospective, single-arm study, in which we examined the detailed lymphocyte subset development of MS patients who received cladribine treatment over 2 years.

Methods:

We performed in-depth profiling of the effects of cladribine on peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry, bulk RNA sequencing of sorted CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells as well as single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a total of 23 MS patients before and at different time points up to 24 months after cladribine treatment. Data were correlated with clinical and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity.

Results:

Flow cytometry revealed a predominant and sustained reduction of memory B cells compared to other B cell subsets after cladribine treatment, whereas T cell subsets were slightly reduced in a more uniform pattern. The overall transcriptional profile of total blood B cells exhibited reduced expression of proinflammatory and T cell activating genes, while single-cell transcriptomics revealed that gene expression within each B cell cluster did not change over time. Stable patients displayed stronger reductions of selected memory B cell clusters as compared to patients with clinical or cerebral MRI disease activity.

Conclusion:

We describe a pronounced and sustained effect of cladribine on the memory B cell compartment, and the resulting change in B cell subset composition causes a significant alteration of B cell transcriptional profiles resulting in reduced proinflammatory and T cell activating capacities. The extent of reduction in selected memory B cell clusters by cladribine may predict treatment response.