bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical care standards for the management of low back pain: a scoping review
Authors: Alves Gabriel S. , Vera Gustavo E. Z. , Maher Chris G. , Ferreira Giovanni E. , Machado Gustavo C. , Buchbinder Rachelle , Pinto Rafael Z. , Oliveira Crystian B.
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to compare and contrast the quality statements and quality indicators across clinical care standards for low back pain. Searches were performed in Medline, guideline databases, and Google searches to identify clinical care standards for the management of low back pain targeting a multidisciplinary audience. Two independent reviewers reviewed the search results and extracted relevant information from the clinical care standards. We compared the quality statements and indicators of the clinical care standards to identify the consistent messages and the discrepancies between them. Three national clinical care standards from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom were included. They provided from 6 to 8 quality statements and from 12 to 18 quality indicators. The three standards provide consistent recommendations in the quality statements related to imaging, and patient education/advice and self-management. In addition, the Canadian and Australian standards also provide consistent recommendations regarding comprehensive assessment, psychological support, and review and patient referral. However, the three clinical care standards differ in the statements related to psychological assessment, opioid analgesics, non-opioid analgesics, and non-pharmacological therapies. The three national clinical care standards provide consistent recommendations on imaging and patient education/advice, self-management of the condition, and two standards (Canadian and Australian) agree on recommendations regarding comprehensive assessment, psychological support, and review and patient referral. The standards differ in the quality statements related to psychological assessment, opioid prescription, non-opioid analgesics, and non-pharmacological therapies.
Generating a full spherical view by modeling the relation between two fisheye images
Authors: Flores María , Valiente David , Peidró Adrián , Reinoso Oscar , Payá Luis
Published: February 2024

Full spherical views provide advantages in many applications that use visual information. Dual back-to-back fisheye cameras are receiving much attention to obtain this type of view. However, obtaining a high-quality full spherical view is very challenging. In this paper, we propose a correction step that models the relation between the pixels of the pair of fisheye images in polar coordinates. This correction is implemented during the mapping from the unit sphere to the fisheye image using the equidistant fisheye projection. The objective is that the projections of the same point in the pair of images have the same position on the unit sphere after the correction. In this way, they will also have the same position on the equirectangular coordinate system. Consequently, the discontinuity between the spherical views for blending is minimized. Throughout the manuscript, we show that the angular polar coordinates of the same scene point in the fisheye images are related by a sine function and the radial distance coordinates by a linear function. Also, we propose employing a polynomial as a geometric transformation between the pair of spherical views during the image alignment since the relationship between the matching points of pairs of spherical views is not linear, especially in the top/bottom regions. Quantitative evaluations demonstrate that using the correction step improves the quality of the full spherical view, i.e. IQ MS-SSIM, up to 7%. Similarly, using a polynomial improves the IQ MS-SSIM up to 6.29% with respect to using an affine matrix.
A closer look to the timing of orchidopexy in undescended testes and adherence to the AWMF-guideline
Authors: Von Cube C. , Schmidt A. , Krönninger M. , Hrivatakis G. , Astfalk W. , Fuchs J. , Ellerkamp V.
Published: February 2024

Background

To lower the risk of testicular malignancies and subfertility, international guidelines recommend orchidopexy for undescended testis (UDT) before the age of 12–18 months. Previous studies reported low rates of 5–15% of timely surgery. Most of these studies are based on DRG and OPS code-based data from healthcare system institutions that do not distinguish between congenital and acquired UDT.

Methods

In a retrospective study data of all boys who underwent orchidopexy in a university hospital and two outpatient surgical departments from 2009 to 2022 were analyzed. The data differentiates congenital from acquired UDT.

Results

Out of 2694 patients, 1843 (68.4%) had congenital and 851 (31.6%) had acquired UDT. In 24.9% of congenital cases surgery was performed before the age of 12 months. The median age at surgery for congenital UDT was 16 months (range 7–202). Over the years there was an increased rate of boys operated on before the age of 2 (40% in 2009, 60% in 2022). The median age fluctuated over the years between 21 and 11 months without a trend to younger ages.. The covid pandemic did not lead to an increase of the median age at surgery. The median time between referral and surgery was 46 days (range 1–1836). Reasons for surgery after 12 months of age were a delayed referral to pediatric surgeries (51.2%), followed by relevant comorbidities (28.2%).

Conclusion

Compared to recent literature, out data show that a closer look at details enables a more realistic approach. Still, there is no trend towards the recommended age for surgical treatment observable, but the rate of timely operated boys with congenital UDT is significantly higher than stated in literature.
Different effects of inspiratory duration and expiratory duration on heart rate deceleration capacity and heart rate asymmetry
Authors: Wang Yong-Ping , Kuo Terry B. J. , Wang Guo-Zhi , Yang Cheryl C. H.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Low values of heart rate deceleration capacity (DC) and heart rate asymmetry (HRA) are associated with cardiovascular risks. Slow respiration has been proven to enhance the magnitudes of these indexes, but individual inspiratory (TI) and expiratory (TE) durations were not controlled in most studies. This study aims to examine whether the effects of TI and TE on these indexes would be the same and, if not, how to adjust TI and TE to maximize the effect of slow respiration.

Methods

We evaluated 14 seated healthy young adults who randomly controlled their breathing to nine combinations of TI and TE, each chosen respectively from 2, 4, and 6 s. A 5-min R-R interval time series was obtained from each study period for further analysis.

Results

The magnitude of DC increased when TI or TE increased, while that of acceleration capacity (AC) remained almost unchanged by TI. We further defined a new index as 100 × DC2/(DC2 + AC2) and found it to be correlated with conventional Guzik’s (r = 0.94) and Porta's (r = 0.99) indexes of HRA during different combinations of TI and TE. Increasing TI and increasing TE both enhanced the magnitudes of HRA indexes, with TI taking effect when ≤ 4 s, and TE taking effect when > 4 s. DC and HRA indexes were maximized with a TI of 4 s and a TE of 6 s.

Conclusion

We suggest that a TI of 3–4 s with a TE of 7–6 s is an appropriate standard for slow respiration.
Short-term results of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and ineffective esophageal motility
Authors: Fringeli Yannick , Linas Ioannis , Kessler Ulf , Zehetner Joerg
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) requiring surgical treatment, concomitant ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a decisive factor in surgical planning, due to concern regarding dysphagia. Anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device is a promising technique. We assessed initial feasibility and clinical outcomes of RefluxStop surgery in patients with GERD and IEM.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with GERD, hiatal hernia (HH), and IEM, who underwent surgery with RefluxStop at our institution and achieved 12-month follow-up. Technique feasibility was assessed, in addition to symptom resolution (GERD-HRQL questionnaire), adverse events, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction. Placement of the device was confirmed by video fluoroscopy on postoperative day 1, and at 3 and 12 months.

Results

Between June 2020 and November 2022, 20 patients with IEM underwent surgery with RefluxStop and completed 12-month follow-up. All patients reported typical symptoms of GERD, and 12 had preoperative dysphagia. The median HH length was 4.5 cm (IQR, 3.75–5). The median operating time was 59.5 min (IQR, 50.25–64) with no implant-related intra- or postoperative complications. No HH recurrence was observed. One patient reported persistent left-sided thoracic pain at 11 months post-surgery, which required diagnostic laparoscopy and adhesiolysis. Three patients reported severe postoperative dysphagia: balloon dilatation was performed towards resolution. The mean GERD-HRQL scores improved (from 40.7 at baseline to 4.8 at 3 months and 5.7 at 12 months (p <0.001)).

Conclusion

RefluxStop surgery was feasible and offered effective treatment for this group of patients with GERD and IEM. All patients had complete resolution or significant improvement of GERD symptoms, and 90% of them were satisfied with their quality of life 1 year after surgery.
Probabilistic seasonal precipitation forecasts using quantiles of ensemble forecasts
Authors: Jin Huidong , Mahani Mona E. , Li Ming , Shao Quanxi , Crimp Steven
Published: February 2024

Seasonal precipitation forecasting is vital for weather-sensitive sectors. Global Circulation Models (GCM) routinely produce ensemble Seasonal Climate Forecasts (SCFs) but suffer from issues like low forecast resolution and skills. To address these issues in this study, we introduce a post-processing method, Quantile Ensemble Bayesian Model Averaging (QEBMA). It utilises quantiles from a GCM ensemble forecast to create a pseudo-ensemble forecast. Through their reasonable linear relationships with observations, each pseudo-member connects a hurdle distribution with a point mass at zero for dry months and a gamma distribution for wet months. These distributions are mixed to construct a forecast probability distribution with their weights, proportional to the quantiles’ historical forecast performance. QEBMA is applied to three GCMs, including GloSea5 from the United Kingdom, ECMWF from Europe and ACCESS-S1 from Australia, for monthly precipitation forecasts in 32 locations across four climate zones in Australia. Leave-one-month-out cross-validation results illustrate that QEBMA enhances forecast skills compared to raw GCMs and other post-processing techniques, including quantile mapping and Extended Copula Post-Processing (ECPP), for forecast lead time of 0 to 2 months, based on five metrics. The skill improvements achieved by QEBMA are often statistically significant, particularly when compared to raw GCM forecasts across the 32 study locations. Among these post-processing models, only QEBMA consistently outperforms the SCF benchmark climatology, offering a promising alternative for improving seasonal precipitation forecasts.
Predicting adequate segmental lordosis correction in lumbar spinal stenosis patients undergoing oblique lumbar interbody fusion: a focus on the discontinuous segment
Authors: Kang Dong-Ho , Lee Ji Han , Chang Bong-Soon , Chang Sam Yeol , Kim Dongook , Park Sanghyun , Kim Hyoungmin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To identify the factors associated with a correction of the segmental angle (SA) with a total change greater than 10° in each level following minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-OLIF).

Methods

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent single- or two-level MIS-OLIF were reviewed. Segments with adequate correction of the SA >10° after MIS-OLIF in immediate postoperative radiograph were categorized as discontinuous segments (D segments), whereas those without such improvement were assigned as continuous segments (C segments). Clinical and radiological parameters were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with SA correction >10° after MIS-OLIF.

Results

Of 211 segments included, 38 segments (18.0%) were classified as D segments. Compared with C segments, D segments demonstrated a significantly smaller preoperative SA (mean ± standard deviation [SD], − 1.1° ± 6.7° vs. 6.6° ± 6.3°, p < 0.001), larger change of SA (mean ± SD, 13.5° ± 3.4° vs. 3.1° ± 3.9°, p < 0.001), and a higher rate of presence of facet effusion (76.3% vs. 48.6%, p = 0.002). Logistic regression revealed preoperative SA (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]:0.733 [0.639–0.840], p < 0.001) and facet effusion (OR [95% CI]:14.054 [1.758–112.377], p = 0.027) as significant predictors for >10° SA correction after MIS-OLIF.

Conclusion

Preoperative kyphotic SA and facet effusion can predict SA correction >10° following MIS-OLIF. For patients with lordotic SA and no preoperative facet effusion, supplemental procedures, such as anterior column release or posterior osteotomy, should be prepared for additional lumbar lordosis correction required for remnant global sagittal imbalance after MIS-OLIF.
The Influence of Headform Friction and Inertial Properties on Oblique Impact Helmet Testing
Authors: Stark Nicole E.-P. , Begonia Mark , Viano Luca , Rowson Steven
Published: February 2024

Helmet-testing headforms replicate the human head impact response, allowing the assessment of helmet protection and injury risk. However, the industry uses three different headforms with varying inertial and friction properties making study comparisons difficult because these headforms have different inertial and friction properties that may affect their impact response. This study aimed to quantify the influence of headform coefficient of friction (COF) and inertial properties on oblique impact response. The static COF of each headform condition (EN960, Hybrid III, NOCSAE, Hybrid III with a skull cap, NOCSAE with a skull cap) was measured against the helmet lining material used in a KASK prototype helmet. Each headform condition was tested with the same helmet model at two speeds (4.8 & 7.3 m/s) and two primary orientations (y-axis and x-axis rotation) with 5 repetitions, totaling 100 tests. The influence of impact location, inertial properties, and friction on linear and rotational impact kinematics was investigated using a MANOVA, and type II sums of squares were used to determine how much variance in dependent variables friction and inertia accounted for. Our results show significant differences in impact response between headforms, with rotational head kinematics being more sensitive to differences in inertial rather than frictional properties. However, at high-speed impacts, linear head kinematics are more affected by changes in frictional properties rather than inertial properties. Helmet testing protocols should consider differences between headforms’ inertial and frictional properties during interpretation. These results provide a framework for cross-comparative analysis between studies that use different headforms and headform modifiers.
Alterations in histopathology and stress-associated gene expression induced by infection with Prohemistomum vivax encysted metacercariae in Nile tilapia
Authors: Abdelkhalek Shimaa , Attia Marwa M. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Korany Reda M. S. , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Abdel-moneam Dalia A.
Published: February 2024

Due to limited data on the pathogenicity of Prohemistomum vivax (P. vivax) and its impacts on fish health, this study aimed to determine the morphological, molecular characteristics, pathogenicity, and histopathological alterations in fish infected with P. vivax. Eight hundred (800) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from various farms in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate. The fish were examined for encysted metacercariae (EMC) in different organs. Tissue specimens were collected and underwent histopathological analysis, expression of stress-related genes, and genetic characterization by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). P. vivax metacercariae were oval to round in shape and were collected from various organs including the muscle, skin, eyes, intestine, liver, kidney, and gills of infected O. niloticus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS2 region revealed a 507-bp fragment, confirming parasite identity and matching within the same clade as other P. vivax isolates. Infected fish displayed abdominal hydropsy, skin darkening, and emaciation. P. vivax encysted metacercariae were detected during the study period in 620/800 fish, with an overall prevalence of 77.5%. The seasonal prevalence was 95% in summer, 85% in spring, 55% in autumn, and 75% in winter. The intensity of infection was 1–40 cysts per microscopic field. Histopathological examination of muscles revealed parasitic cysts embedded within muscle fibers, causing severe degeneration and necrosis. Upregulation of cytochrome P450 (cpy1a1), heat shock protein 70 (hsp-70), and tumor suppressor p53 (p53) was recorded in both liver and muscle samples of infected tilapia compared to controls. This indicates activation of detoxification, cellular stress, and apoptotic pathways in response to P. vivax infection. There is limited data available on the pathogenicity of P. vivax and its impacts on fish health; thus, this study provides key insights into the morphology, pathogenicity, and histopathological impacts of P. vivax in Nile tilapia.
Using economics to inform and evaluate biological control programs: opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for future research
Authors: Lee Katherine , McDermott Shana , Fernandez Linda
Published: February 2024

Assessing the economics of biological controls in pest and invasive species control is pivotal for guiding research and decision making. The field of economics provides numerous systematic methods to assess the impacts and values created by biocontrol programs, as well as weigh the trade-offs of allocating resources to research, development, and management activities. This article discusses economic methods used to evaluate the impacts and quantify the net benefits of biological control programs, including data needs and shortcomings of methodologies. We cite examples from the literature on the economics of biological control to provide insight into the various ways in which economics contributes to the design, evaluation, and development of recommendations for biological control programs. We then discuss general trends and highlight knowledge gaps, providing suggestions for enhancing the use of economics in the analysis of biological control programs in the existing literature. This article is intended to serve as resource for researchers and policymakers interested in assessing benefits and trade-offs of biological control programs through the lens of economics.
Risks associated with global warming of 1.5 to 4 °C above pre-industrial levels in human and natural systems in six countries
Authors: Warren R. , Price J. , Forstenhäusler N. , Andrews O. , Brown S. , Ebi K. , Gernaat D. , Goodwin P. , Guan D. , He Y. , Manful D. , Yin Z. , Hu Y. , Jenkins K. , Jenkins R. , Kennedy-Asser A. , Osborn T. J. , VanVuuren D. , Wallace C. , Wang D. , Wright R.
Published: February 2024

The Topical Collection “Accrual of Climate Change Risk in Six Vulnerable Countries” provides a harmonised assessment of risks to human and natural systems due to global warming of 1.5–4 °C in six countries (China, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and India) using a consistent set of climate change and socioeconomic scenarios. It compares risks in 2100 if warming has reached 3 °C, broadly corresponding to current global greenhouse gas emission reduction policies, including countries’ National Determined Contributions, rather than the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to ‘well below’ 2 °C and ‘pursuing efforts’ to limit to 1.5 °C. Global population is assumed either constant at year 2000 levels or to increase to 9.2 billion by 2100. In either case, greater warming is projected to lead, in all six countries, to greater exposure of land and people to drought and fluvial flood hazard, greater declines in biodiversity, and greater reductions in the yield of maize and wheat. Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, compared with ~ 3 °C, is projected to deliver large benefits for all six countries, including reduced economic damages due to fluvial flooding. The greatest projected benefits are the avoidance of a large increase in exposure of agricultural land to severe drought, which is 61%, 43%, 18%, and 21% lower in Ethiopia, China, Ghana, and India at 1.5 °C than at 3 °C, whilst avoided increases in human exposure to severe drought are 20–80% lower at 1.5 °C than 3 °C across the six countries. Climate refugia for plants are largely preserved at 1.5 °C warming in Ghana, China, and Ethiopia, but refugia shrink in areal extent by a factor of 2, 3, 3, 4, and 10 in Ghana, China, India, Ethiopia, and Brazil, respectively, if warming reaches 3 °C. Economic damages associated with sea-level rise are projected to increase in coastal nations, but more slowly if warming were limited to 1.5 °C. Actual benefits on the ground will also depend on national and local contexts and the extent of future investment in adaptation.
Methodological Naturalism, Analyzed
Authors: Donahue Miles K.
Published: February 2024

I present and evaluate three interpretations of methodological naturalism (MN), the principle that scientific explanations may only appeal to natural phenomena: as an essential feature of science, as a provisional guideline grounded in the historical failure of supernatural hypotheses, and as a synthesis of these two approaches. In doing so, I provide both a synoptic overview of current scholarship on MN, as well a contribution to that discussion by arguing in favor of a restricted version of MN, placing it on a firmer theoretical foundation than that supplied by previous studies, and replying to recent objections.
The Four-Sinker Densimeter: A New Instrument for the Combined Investigation of Accurate Densities and Sorption Phenomena of Pure Gases and Gas Mixtures
Authors: Bernardini Luca , Kleinrahm Reiner , Moritz Katharina , McLinden Mark O. , Richter Markus
Published: February 2024

An apparatus for high-accuracy gas density and adsorption measurements over the range of temperature from (193 to 423) K and pressure from (0 to 15) MPa is described. This instrument is based on the two-sinker densimetry principle and incorporates a magnetic suspension balance. In addition to the two “density sinkers”, two “sorption sinkers” are weighed to investigate density and adsorption of a gas sample simultaneously. The design of the sinkers increases the resolution of density and adsorption investigations and enables the correction of sorption effects on density measurements. The complete apparatus, including the sinkers, the temperature and pressure measuring systems, and the measurement procedure, is described. For the density range investigated, the uncertainty (k = 2) is between (0.0034 to 0.019) kg$$\cdot$$
·
m−3, corresponding to (0.060 to 0.011)%. The uncertainty (k = 2) in adsorption load is (0.16 to 0.26) $$\upmu$$
μ
g$$\cdot$$
·
cm−2. Density measurements at T = (283 and 293) K and pressures up to 10 MPa of high-purity argon and nitrogen validate the instrument for density. Adsorption measurements of high-purity carbon dioxide and propane on a gold surface validate the instrument for adsorption investigation at T = (283 and 293) K and up to the saturation pressure of the investigated gas. The apparatus was used to measure the binary mixture (0.75 $$\text{CO}_2$$

CO
2

+ 0.25 $${\text{C}_3\text{H}_8}$$

C
3

H
8

). In the future, the apparatus will also be used to accurately determine dew-point densities and pressures of pure gases and gas mixtures.
Breaking the news: how does CEO media coverage influence consumer and investor evaluations?
Authors: Stäbler Samuel , Gala Prachi
Published: February 2024

This study investigates how CEO-related events covered in news media affect consumer evaluations. The conceptual model proposes six CEO-related news categories and details their impact on consumer evaluations as well as the degree to which these responses determine firms’ stock prices. The authors analyze a rich sample of 725 CEO-related events of 125 firms covered in leading US news outlets from 2009 to 2019. Using an econometric approach and an event study, they find that stories about CEO scandals detrimentally affect consumer evaluations, which translates to an immediate loss of more than US$500 million on stock markets, whereas stories about CEO altruism and CEO political ideologies have a positive impact on consumer evaluations. The authors provide insights into short and long-term effects and formulate actionable implications.
Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Identification of Symptom Clusters and Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Lapin Brittany , Li Yadi , Englund Kristin , Katzan Irene L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Following COVID-19 infection, as many as a third of patients have long-term symptoms, known as post-acute sequelae (PASC). The mechanisms contributing to PASC remain largely unknown and, due to the heterogeneity of symptoms, treating PASC provides unique challenges.

Objective

Our study sought to (1) identify clinical symptom profiles based on PROMIS Global Health (GH) items, (2) evaluate demographic and clinical differences across profiles, and (3) identify predictors of change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) over time.

Design

This was an observational cohort study of patients with PASC who completed PROMIS-GH between 2/11/21 and 12/3/21 as part of routine care, with data extracted from the electronic health record.

Participants

There were 1407 adult patients (mean age 49.6 ± 13.7, 73% female, 81% White race) with PASC seen in the recovery clinic between 2/11/21 and 12/3/21, with 1129 (80.2%) completing PROMIS-GH as routine care.

Main Measures

HRQL was measured with PROMIS-GH at initial visit and after 12 months.

Key Results

Latent profile analysis identified symptom classes based on five PROMIS-GH items (mental health, ability to carry out physical activities, pain, fatigue, and emotional problems). Four latent profiles were identified: (1) “Poor HRQL” (n = 346), (2) “Mixed HRQL: good mental/poor physical” (n = 232), (3) “Mixed HRQL: poor mental/good physical” (n = 324), and (4) “Good HRQL” (n = 227). Demographics and comorbidities varied significantly across profile with patients with more severe COVID-19 infection more likely to be in profiles 1 and 2. Overall, patients improved 2 T-score points on PROMIS-GH after 12 months, with differences by profile. Predictors of improved HRQL included profile, lower body mass index, and fewer COVID symptoms.

Conclusions

Patients with PASC have distinct HRQL symptom profiles which were able to differentiate across COVID-19 severity and symptoms. Improvement over 12 months differed by profile. These profiles may be used to better understand the mechanisms behind PASC. Future research should evaluate their ability to guide treatment decisions to improve HRQL.
Peri-Operative Optimization of Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Syed Hareem , Nadeem Ahmed , Gardinier David , Weekley Kendra , Ribakow Dovid , Lupe Stephen , Bhat Shubha , Holubar Stefan , Cohen Benjamin L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

The management of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) undergoing surgery is complex and optimization of modifiable factors perioperatively can improve outcomes. This review focuses on the perioperative management of CD patients undergoing surgery, emphasizing the need for a multi-disciplinary approach.

Recent Findings

Research highlights the benefits of a comprehensive strategy, involving nutritional optimization, psychological assessment, and addressing septic complications before surgery. Despite many CD patients being on immune-suppressing medications, studies indicate that most of these medications are safe to use and should not delay surgery. However, a personalized approach for each case is needed.

This review underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary team led peri-operative management of CD patients. We suggest that this can be done at a dedicated perioperative clinic for prehabilitation, with the potential to enhance outcomes for CD patients undergoing surgery.
Can Terrorism Ever Be Morally Justified?
Authors: Cassam Quassim
Published: February 2024

This paper provides a framework to make moral sense of terrorism. The framework consists in a test, referred to as the MODAL test, which is an acronym standing for five tests or principles for determining the moral defensibility or indefensibility of terrorism. The five principles concern the motives for terrorism, its objectives, destructiveness, availability of alternatives, and likelihood of success. This approach makes it conceivable but highly unlikely in practice that a terrorist act is morally justified. The MODAL test does not claim to be an exhaustive framework for analysing the moral legitimacy or illegitimacy of terrorism but rather a practical analytical tool aimed at securing a reliable grasp of the tricky question of the relation between morality and terrorism.
Assessing Child Health in India: Development and Validation of a Comprehensive Child Health Index
Authors: Sehgal Meena , Jatrana Santosh , Johnson Louise , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: February 2024

While developing a child health index is of interest, it is particularly important in the Indian context, because of a high burden of poor child health, the disparities in child health between different social, economic, and geographical regions and the absence of such a comprehensive index. This paper focuses on the development and validation of a Child Health Index (CHI) for India. Using publicly available data at the district level and principal component analysis, this index is composed of 16 variables representing six domains namely socio-cultural, child health status, determinants of child health (both risk and protective factors), household environment and health system and policy. Several statistical tests were conducted to provide internal and external validation. The application to predict child mortality confirmed its validation. This study thus provides a new tool for characterising child health and detecting child health inequalities at a district level in India. Consequently, it can be used by policymakers, health service providers and other stakeholders involved in child welfare to monitor and improve child health over time and space.
Ileoanal pouch revision and excision surgery in a newly established pouch center: requirements and costs for service provision
Authors: Celentano Valerio , Lee Yu Jin , Rebelo David , Doulias Triantafyllos , Mills Sarah , Manzo Carlo Alberto
Published: February 2024

Complications of ileoanal pouch surgery affecting function and quality of life may require surgical correction or pouch excision. The management of patients with pouch dysfunction requires a multidisciplinary approach and demand for service provision include multiple healthcare professionals and resources. The aim of this study is to present the service requirements, and surgical outcomes for redo pouch surgery and pouch excision, with cost analysis of the required resources. All patients undergoing surgery for revision or excision of the ileoanal pouch from June 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively included. Patient undergoing only diagnostic procedures, or perineal procedures were excluded. Outcomes within 30 days of surgery were collected, including readmissions and re-operations. Cost analysis of all investigations, outpatient appointments and procedures prior to pouch revision or pouch excision was conducted. Twenty patients were included during the 24 months study period: 13 underwent abdominal revisional pouch surgery, 7 had ileoanal pouch excision. 15 patients (75%) were tertiary referrals from other hospitals in the UK. The median interval between index IPAA surgery and revision was 113 months. Three multidisciplinary clinical appointments, two imaging modalities, and at least one invasive day-surgery procedure were required for each patient prior to surgery. Expertise and infrastructure are needed for indication and peri-operative management of patients with pouch dysfunction requiring pouch revision or pouch excision. We estimated a starting cost of £22.605 ($29.589) for provision of pouch revision or excision surgery for investigations and treatments from referral to the pouch unit to surgery. This likely represents an underestimate as only accounts for procedures performed since referral with pouch dysfunction.
A comparative study of the effect of various surface treatments on the fracture behavior of aluminum adhesive joints under mode I loading
Authors: Nazari Roohollah , Hatami Mohammad Mahdi
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the effect of different surface treatments on the fracture behavior of epoxy-aluminum joints under mode-I loading. Six surface treatments including degreasing, abrasion with varying grit sizes, alkaline etching, acid etching, a combination of alkaline and acid etching, and a combination of abrasion and acid etching were applied to aluminum surfaces before bonding. Surface morphology, roughness parameters, total surface free energy, contact angle, and elemental composition were analyzed. Results showed that the ultimate fracture load and fracture energy initially increased and then decreased with increasing surface roughness. The most effective treatments were found to be acidic etching in combination with alkaline etching and abrasion due to their synergetic effects. These treatments removed the natural oxide layer and created a porous oxide layer, enhancing surface roughness, increasing adhesive-substrate contact areas, and providing more sites for mechanical interlocking. Compared to the degreased specimens, significant improvements were observed, including a 40% and 31% increase in maximum fracture load, a 74% and 53% increase in initiation fracture energy, and a 65% and 47% increase in propagation fracture energy, respectively. Etching treatments demonstrated superior effects on the fracture behavior of aluminum adhesive joints compared to abrasion methods, leading to cohesive failure after etching treatments.
Enhancing and confining light in hybrid plasmonic nanowire-integrated V-groove silicon waveguides
Authors: Zhao Yaqian , Xu Zhe
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the field of dielectric-plasmonic photonics has made remarkable strides, leading to the successful development of various technologies. The realization of sophisticated optical circuits on a single platform has become increasingly viable. Here we propose and investigate a hybrid dielectric waveguide integrated with plasmonics. This hybrid optical waveguide comprises a copper nanowire situated in close proximity to a silicon V-groove channel, separated by a nanoscale gap. This configuration is particularly advantageous, as achieving precise alignment of the nanowire within the V-groove addresses a fundamental challenge in engineering a fully functional integrated component. Additionally, a silicon nitride film coats the V-groove. Utilizing finite element analysis, we conduct numerical simulations to analyze field properties and modal propagation at a specific wavelength of 1550 nm. Our simulations reveal that meticulous optimization of the nanowire and V-groove channel’s geometrical parameters enables effective tailoring of the hybrid mode. This optimization results in strong mode coupling between the dielectric waveguide mode and the surface plasmon, leading to substantial field enhancement, confinement, and extended propagation length. These waveguides also hold promise for sensing applications, facilitating the detection of sample variations and locations due to pronounced mode characteristics. The proposed hybrid approach demonstrates potential for integration into high-level photonic circuits and on-chip optical computing systems.
Wittgenstein and Russell
Authors: Shieh Sanford
Published: February 2024

Responding to Russell is a constant throughout Wittgenstein's philosophizing. This Element focuses on Wittgenstein's criticisms of Russell's theories of judgment in the summer of 1913. Wittgenstein's response to these criticisms is of first-rate importance for his early philosophical development, setting the path to the conceptions of proposition and of logic in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. This Element also touches on further aspects of Wittgenstein's responses to Russell: the rejection of Russell's and Frege's logicisms in the Tractatus, the critique of Russell's causal-behavioristic philosophy of mind in Wittgenstein's 'middle' period, the Russellian origins of notions of privacy dialectically treated in Philosophical Investigations, and the discussion of 'surveyability' of mathematical proof in Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics, which is, again, a response to Russellian logicism.
Effects of surface roughness on the propulsive performance of pitching foils
Authors: Vilumbrales-Garcia Rodrigo , Kurt Melike , Weymouth Gabriel D. , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: February 2024

The hydrodynamic influence of surface texture on static surfaces ranges from large drag penalties (roughness) to potential performance benefits (shark-like skin). Although it is of wide-ranging research interest, the impact of roughness on flapping systems has received limited attention. In this work, we explore the effect of roughness on the unsteady performance of a harmonically pitching foil through experiments using foils with different surface roughness, at a fixed Strouhal number and within the Reynolds number (

$Re$

) range of

$17\,000\unicode{x2013}33\,000$

. The foils’ surface roughness is altered by changing the distribution of spherical-cap-shaped elements over the propulsor area. We find that the addition of surface roughness does not improve the performance compared with a smooth surface over the

$Re$

range considered. The analysis of the flow fields shows near-identical wakes regardless of the foil's surface roughness. The performance reduction mainly occurs due to an increase in profile drag. However, we find that the drag penalty due to roughness is reduced from

$76\,\%$

for a static foil to

$16\,\%$

for a flapping foil at the same mean angle of attack, with the strongest decrease measured at the highest

$Re$

. Our findings highlight that the effect of roughness on dynamic systems is very different than that on static systems; thereby, it cannot be estimated by only using information obtained from static cases. This also indicates that the performance of unsteady, flapping systems is more robust to the changes in surface roughness.
Better letter: iconicity in the manual alphabets of American Sign Language and Swedish Sign Language
Authors: Börstell Carl
Published: February 2024

While iconicity has sometimes been defined as meaning transparency, it is better defined as a subjective phenomenon bound to an individual’s perception and influenced by their previous language experience. In this article, I investigate the subjective nature of iconicity through an experiment in which 72 deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing (signing and non-signing) participants rate the iconicity of individual letters of the American Sign Language (ASL) and Swedish Sign Language (STS) manual alphabets. It is shown that L1 signers of ASL and STS rate their own (L1) manual alphabet as more iconic than the foreign one. Hearing L2 signers of ASL and STS exhibit the same pattern as L1 signers, showing an iconic preference for their own (L2) manual alphabet. In comparison, hearing non-signers show no general iconic preference for either manual alphabet. Across all groups, some letters are consistently rated as more iconic in one sign language than the other, illustrating general iconic preferences. Overall, the results align with earlier findings from sign language linguistics that point to language experience affecting iconicity ratings and that one’s own signs are rated as more iconic than foreign signs with the same meaning, even if similar iconic mappings are used.
The Arabidopsis leaf quantitative atlas: a cellular and subcellular mapping through unified data integration
Authors: Tolleter Dimitri , Smith Edward N. , Dupont-Thibert Clémence , Uwizeye Clarisse , Vile Denis , Gloaguen Pauline , Falconet Denis , Finazzi Giovanni , Vandenbrouck Yves , Curien Gilles
Published: February 2024

Quantitative analyses and models are required to connect a plant’s cellular organisation with its metabolism. However, quantitative data are often scattered over multiple studies, and finding such data and converting them into useful information is time-consuming. Consequently, there is a need to centralise the available data and to highlight the remaining knowledge gaps. Here, we present a step-by-step approach to manually extract quantitative data from various information sources, and to unify the data format. First, data from Arabidopsis leaf were collated, checked for consistency and correctness and curated by cross-checking sources. Second, quantitative data were combined by applying calculation rules. They were then integrated into a unique comprehensive, referenced, modifiable and reusable data compendium representing an Arabidopsis reference leaf. This atlas contains the metrics of the 15 cell types found in leaves at the cellular and subcellular levels.
Ozone use in the treatment of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows
Authors: Fuentes Esther Abihail , Achy Jamile A. , da Silva Davi F. , Graboschii Amanda C. G. , Bernardo Juliana de O. , Joaquim Jean G. , Fraga Angelina B. , Escodro Pierre B.
Published: February 2024

This research communication paper addresses the hypothesis that the use of therapeutic alternatives for mastitis, such as intramammary ozone, can cure the disease with lower costs and without harmful residues for human consumption and without formation of microbial resistance like the ones caused by indiscriminate use of antibiotics in dairy farms. The study was performed in 36 mammary quarters from 12 dairy cows with subclinical mastitis grade three. The experimental units were randomly assigned into four groups and each group received a treatment. Treatments comprised (a) 20 μg/ml ozone gas; (b) 40 μg/ml ozone gas; (c) negative control treatment of 12.5 μg/ml ozonated saline and (d) positive control treatment of 100 mg of cephalexin + 100 mg of neomycin + 10 mg of prednisolone, all by intramammary injection. In all quarters, milk was collected before and after the application of treatments for California mastitis test and evaluation of milk composition, somatic cell count, and bacterial cultures. The results indicated that the use of intramammary ozone did have a therapeutic effect, and whilst this was less than that of antibiotics, ozone does confer some advantages. Treated milk had a good composition, the treatment cost was low, milk withdrawal may not be necessary and there is no risk of antibiotic resistance.
Judge Ideology and Opportunistic Insider Trading
Authors: Huang Allen H. , Hui Kai Wai , Zheng Yue
Published: February 2024

Although federal judges are the ultimate arbiters of insider trading enforcement, the role of their political ideology in insider trading is unclear. Using the partisanship of judges’ nominating presidents to measure judge ideology, we first document that liberal judges are associated with heavier penalties in insider trading lawsuits than conservative judges. Next, we find that firms located in circuits with more liberal judges have fewer opportunistic insider sales. Cross-sectional analyses show that this deterrent effect is stronger when managers face a higher risk of insider trading lawsuits. Finally, we find that the Securities and Exchange Commission considers judges’ ideology when selecting litigation forums.
Crystal structure and synchrotron X-ray powder reference pattern for the porous pillared cyanonickelate, Ni(3-amino-4,4′-bipyridine)[Ni(CN)4]
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Culp J. , Kaduk J.A. , Chen Y.S. , Lapidus S.
Published: February 2024

The structure of Ni(3-amino-4,4′-bipyridine)[Ni(CN)4] (or known as Ni-BpyNH2) in powder form was determined using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and refined using the Rietveld refinement technique (R = 8.8%). The orthorhombic (Cmca) cell parameters were determined to be a = 14.7218(3) Å, b = 22.6615(3) Å, c = 12.3833(3) Å, V = 4131.29(9) Å3, and Z = 8. Ni-BpyNH2 forms a 3-D network, with a 2-D Ni(CN)4 net connecting to each other via the BpyNH2 ligands. There are two independent Ni sites on the net. The 2-D nets are connected to each other via the bonding of the pyridine “N” atom to Ni2. The Ni2 site is of six-fold coordination to N with relatively long Ni2–N distances (average of 2.118 Å) as compared to the four-fold coordinated Ni1–C distances (average of 1.850 Å). The Ni(CN)4 net is arranged in a wave-like fashion. The functional group, –NH2, is disordered and was found to be in the m-position relative to the N atom of the pyridine ring. Instead of having a unique position, N has ¼ site occupancy in each of the four m-positions. The powder reference diffraction pattern for Ni-BpyNH2 was prepared and submitted to the Powder Diffraction File (PDF) at the International Centre of Diffraction Data (ICDD).
New evidence on US monetary policy activism and the Taylor rule
Authors: Chua Chew Lian , Tsiaplias Sarantis
Published: February 2024

We provide new evidence about US monetary policy using a model that: (i) estimates time-varying monetary policy weights without relying on stylized theoretical assumptions; (ii) allows for endogenous breakdowns in the relationship between interest rates, inflation, and output; and (iii) generates a unique measure of monetary policy activism that accounts for economic instability. The joint incorporation of endogenous time-varying uncertainty about the monetary policy parameters and the stability of the relationship between interest rates, inflation, and output materially reduces the probability of determinate monetary policy. The average probability of determinacy over the period post-1982 to 1997 is below 60% (hence well below seminal estimates of determinacy probabilities that are close to unity). Post-1990, the average probability of determinacy is 75%, falling to approximately 60% when we allow for typical levels of trend inflation.
Substance use disorders in hospice palliative care: A narrative review of challenges and a case for physician intervention
Authors: Rudy Lauren , Lacroix Emilie
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are frequently encountered in hospice palliative care (HPC) and pose substantial quality-of-life issues for patients. However, most HPC physicians do not directly treat their patients’ SUDs due to several institutional and personal barriers. This review will expand upon arguments for the integration of SUD treatment into HPC, will elucidate challenges for HPC providers, and will provide recommendations that address these challenges.

Methods

A thorough review of the literature was conducted. Arguments for the treatment of SUDs and recommendations for physicians have been synthesized and expanded upon.

Results

Treating SUD in HPC has the potential to improve adherence to care, access to social support, and outcomes for pain, mental health, and physical health. Barriers to SUD treatment in HPC include difficulties with accurate assessment, insufficient training, attitudes and stigma, and compromised pain management regimens. Recommendations for physicians and training environments to address these challenges include developing familiarity with standardized SUD assessment tools and pain management practice guidelines, creating and disseminating visual campaigns to combat stigma, including SUD assessment and intervention as fellowship competencies, and obtaining additional training in psychosocial interventions.

Significance of results

By following these recommendations, HPC physicians can improve their competence and confidence in working with individuals with SUDs, which will help meet the pressing needs of this population.