bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Note on Marketing Systems and Social Media
Authors: Redmond William
Published: March 2023

Studies of marketing systems and those of social media are valuable contributions to macromarketing but are not frequently connected. This commentary posits that social media markets are characterized by distinctive properties which require new perspectives from traditional marketing systems. In particular, three dichotomies are presented: customers vs consumers, data vs. information, and sovereignty vs subjects.
Artificial intelligence for assistance of radiology residents in chest CT evaluation for COVID-19 pneumonia: a comparative diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Mlynska Lucja , Malouhi Amer , Ingwersen Maja , Güttler Felix , Gräger Stephanie , Teichgräber Ulf
Published: March 2023

Background

In hospitals, it is crucial to rule out coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) timely and reliably. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides sufficient accuracy to identify chest computed tomography (CT) scans with signs of COVID-19.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists with different levels of experience with and without assistance of AI in CT evaluation for COVID-19 pneumonia and to develop an optimized diagnostic pathway.

Material and Methods

The retrospective, single-center, comparative case-control study included 160 consecutive participants who had undergone chest CT scan between March 2020 and May 2021 without or with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia in a ratio of 1:3. Index tests were chest CT evaluation by five radiological senior residents, five junior residents, and an AI software. Based on the diagnostic accuracy in every group and on comparison of groups, a sequential CT assessment pathway was developed.

Results

Areas under receiver operating curves were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.88–0.99), 0.96 (95% CI=0.92–1.0), 0.77 (95% CI=0.68–0.86), and 0.95 (95% CI=0.9–1.0) for junior residents, senior residents, AI, and sequential CT assessment, respectively. Proportions of false negatives were 9%, 3%, 17%, and 2%, respectively. With the developed diagnostic pathway, junior residents evaluated all CT scans with the support of AI. Senior residents were only required as second readers in 26% (41/160) of the CT scans.

Conclusion

AI can support junior residents with chest CT evaluation for COVID-19 and reduce the workload of senior residents. A review of selected CT scans by senior residents is mandatory.
Isolated meningeal myeloid sarcoma with recurrent MLL-AF6 translocation: a case report
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Zhu Li , Liu Songya , He Cheng , Yi Shujuan , Wang Ying , Meng Fankai , Xiao Min , Zhang Yicheng , Mao Xia
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of isolated myeloid sarcoma. We report the case of a female adolescent patient with isolated meningeal myeloid sarcoma. She was admitted to our department because of vomiting, headache and hearing loss. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple intracranial space-occupying lesions. A complete examination, including morphology, cytology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular biology tests of cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow, was conducted. The diagnosis of primary myeloid sarcoma of the central nervous system with mixed lineage leukemia gene rearrangement with AF6 was established. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and intrathecal treatment followed by whole-brain radiotherapy. She achieved complete remission for 84 months and has not developed bone marrow involvement during follow-up. The combination of morphology, cytology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular analysis can improve the definite diagnosis of isolated myeloid sarcoma.
The tondo and “The Power of the Center”
Authors: Schott G. D.
Published: March 2023

The tondo, a circular work of art, comprises a geometry that is said to increase the visual concentration on the picture's centre, a concentration that is enhanced by a picture frame. The present contribution discusses these observations from the perspective of the psychologist and the art historian, notes the perceptual differences between circular and other shapes of pictures, and refers to studies including eye-tracking methods, neurophysiological experiments on the visual cortex in man and macaques, and consideration of ocular factors. These studies provide considerable support for the “Power of the Center” when viewing tondi.
A Tailored Approach for Justice Involved Youth With an Intellectual Disability: The Suitability of a Small-Scale Community-Integrated Approach
Authors: Meijer Julia J. , Souverein Fleur , Collot d’Escury Annematt M. , de Heide Bram W. F. , Koopman Laura A. C. M. , van Domburgh Lieke , Mulder Eva
Published: March 2023

Youngsters with intellectual disabilities are overinvolved within the youth justice system. The aim of this study was to explore the suitability of a small-scale community-integrated approach for justice involved youngsters with intellectual disabilities. This study compared the numbers of transfers, the number, type, and rate of change in incidents, and the possible mediating effect of resilience thereon, between 40 youngsters with and 19 youngsters without intellectual disabilities, placed in a small-scale facility. There were no differences in the number of transfers, the number, type, and rate of change in incidents, and no mediating effect of resilience was found. A small-scale community integrated approach for youth justice facilities can be suited to provide tailored placement for youngsters with intellectual disabilities, given the presence of protective factors and motivation. Both youngsters with and without intellectual disabilities showed a low number of incidents and were able to continue or initiate structural daytime activities.
Relationship Between The “Sexual Abuse Whirlpool” and Gender, Type of Abuse, Victim-Perpetrator Relationship, Disclosure, Psychological Reactions, and Revictimization of Sexual Abuse Victims
Authors: Gonultas (Gönültaş) Burak M.
Published: March 2023

According to the Sexual Abuse Whirlpool framework, when a vulnerable child is noticed by a perpetrator, the state of vulnerability he/she is in will reach a severe level. The SAW asserts that the method applied by the perpetrator has a multiplier effect on the child’s vulnerability and accelerates the process resulting in abuse. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the SAW and gender, type of abuse, victim-perpetrator relationship, disclosure, psychological complaints and reactions (PCRs), and revictimization of sexual abuse victims. A mixed research method was used: First, the vulnerabilities of the victims were extracted from the forensic interview forms with a qualitative method ( n = 199). Then collected data were tabulated and digitized quantitatively. Victims who were exposed to penetrative abuses, who did not disclose, had serious PCRs, and who were re-victimized had high scores of the SAW. Whirlpool would decrease in places where there is a quality parent-child relationship.
Synthesis Strategy and Basic Validation of Recyclable Epoxy Asphalt
Authors: Yi Junyan , Zhou Wenyi , Pei Zhongshi , Feng Decheng
Published: March 2023

The inefficient regeneration of epoxy asphalt is an increasingly serious problem that has greatly restricted its application and development. To alleviate this severe difficulty, recyclable epoxy asphalt has been designed on the basis of the reversibility of dynamic covalent bonds, taking into consideration its nonrenewable characteristics. The synthesis strategy and basic validation of recyclable epoxy asphalt were therefore preliminarily implemented in this study. According to the screening of reversible covalent bond-forming reactions (Diels–Alder reaction), the design scheme of recyclable epoxy asphalt was first proposed. Then the preparation and regeneration processes of recyclable epoxy asphalt were designed and adjusted to give a series of optimal solutions. Finally, samples of recyclable epoxy asphalt and conventional epoxy asphalt were analyzed and tested microscopically before and after regeneration. In comparison with conventional epoxy asphalt, recyclable epoxy asphalt exhibited outstanding sustainability and damping characteristics. Moreover, the damping characteristics of recyclable epoxy asphalt after regeneration were still better than those of conventional epoxy asphalt, which indicated that recyclable epoxy asphalt displayed promising performance. According to the regeneration efficiency, it can be concluded that recyclable epoxy asphalt was successfully prepared. However, mechanical properties of recyclable epoxy asphalt still need to be optimized from the perspective of the proportions of materials.
Workers and Work in the Arts: Definitional Challenges and Approaches to Collective Action Among Arts and Creative Workers
Authors: Skaggs Rachel , Aparicio Tania
Published: March 2023

In response to an era of transformation that deeply impacts workers and increased attention to worker collective action in the United States, this article documents some definitional and boundary challenges that constrain and facilitate unionization, collective action, and mutualism in arts and creative work. Arts workers are present across all strata of the labor market. Categories, such as art, commerce, craft, and entertainment, have often divided arts workers, blurring the boundaries around what work is and who counts as a worker. Despite these challenges, arts and culture workers present a compelling case for the promise and progress of collective action in an unwieldy occupational space.
An experimental study on the role of different void removal mechanisms in VBO processing of advanced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Swamy Jagadeesh N , Grouve Wouter JB , Wijskamp Sebastiaan , Akkerman Remko
Published: March 2023

The current study is focused on understanding the role of different void removal mechanisms in VBO processing of advanced thermoplastic composites. For this purpose, two commercially available Carbon/Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone (C/PEKK) tape materials were evaluated, distinct in morphologies, such as surface roughness and fiber-matrix distribution, and physical characteristics, mainly the presence of volatiles. The VBO consolidation results proved that the void reduction and removal mechanisms varied depending on the tape material. However, restricting the void reduction mechanism to dissolution and diffusion alone. Depending on the tape material, a significant difference in the consolidation dwell time was observed to achieve <1% void content parts. Thus, indicating that despite the tapes having the same polymer matrix, they differ in their diffusion behavior. The difference in the times required for consolidation may be due to the following. Firstly, the diffusion coefficients may be different for the two tapes. Although the matrix material in both tapes is PEKK, the exact formulation is unknown. Secondly, the volume of gases, which comprises entrapped air and the volatiles that evaporate during the process, that need to be removed maybe be different.
New nanocomposites based on poly(benzoxazine-co-epoxy) matrix reinforced by novel graphene single and mixed blend fillers
Authors: Cossey Dwane E , Hodge Stephen A , Karagiannidis Panagiotis G
Published: March 2023

We report new nanocomposites with poly(benzoxazine-co-epoxy) matrix reinforced with 1 wt% graphene. Curabox 24-111, a benzoxazine resin was copolymerised with Epilok 60-566, a mixture of epoxy resins. Copolymerisation was also carried out in the presence of different graphene powders, namely, Nanene-001 and Nanene-002, used as single fillers and as mixture (relative weight ratio 70:30 or 30:70). DSC results showed the addition of either single filler caused a delay in polymerisation and an increase in the exothermic peak temperature of the curing reaction with a related reduction in ΔH Total. compared to the neat copolymer. Copolymerisation showed a 38% reduction and 24% increase in tensile modulus (E) compared to the neat polybenzoxazine and epoxy polymer, with a respective 18% and 30% reduction in tensile strength (TS). Nanocomposites with 0.7wt% Nanene-002 + 0.3 wt% Nanene-001 showed the highest increase of 35% in TS, a 1.6% reduction in E and 36% increase in elongation at break (EB) compared to the neat copolymer matrix. Samples with 1 wt% Nanene-001 showed the largest reduction of 21% in E, a 27% increase in TS and a 45% increase in EB. Additionally, TGA thermographs showed a 22°C increase in the onset of degradation (300°C–322°C) improving the materials thermal stability.
Anxiety in Parkinson’s Patients: What’s Timing Got to Do with It?
Authors: DeMarco Elisabeth C. , Zhang Zidong , Robinson Hunter , Hinyard Leslie
Published: March 2023

Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects over 10 million people worldwide. Many PD patients experience comorbid anxiety disorders, which have been correlated with reduced quality of life and can manifest at any time during the course of PD, including prior to motor symptom onset. Purpose: Prior work has demonstrated that patients diagnosed with depression following a PD diagnosis are less likely to receive depression treatment, but no such study has been conducted for anxiety. Research Design: A cross-sectional analysis of secondary electronhic health record data was conducted. Study Sample: Data was obtained through Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record dataset, using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes to determine PD status and comparing index date of anxiety and PD diagnoses to classify patients by relative time of diagnosis. Data Analysis: Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with receipt of mental health treatment. Results: Of PD patients with anxiety, 52% documented a diagnosis of anxiety prior to PD. Overall, 69% documented some treatment, with 79% of those diagnosed with anxiety prior to PD receiving some treatment compared to 59% of those diagnosed with anxiety on or after PD ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with PD and subsequent anxiety diagnoses are less likely to receive treatment. Further study could explore reasons for variations in mental health care within the context of an existing PD diagnosis.
Subjective Complaints are Similar in Subjective Cognitive Decline and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease when Assessed in a Memory Clinic Setting
Authors: Bruus Anna E. , Waldemar Gunhild , Vogel Asmus
Published: March 2023

Background

Subjective cognitive complaints are generally poorly associated with objective memory functioning in older persons. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a key feature in SCD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) which both can represent early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to assess how memory clinic patients with SCD, MCI and mild AD dementia scored on 3 different complaint measures and if the format of assessment had an impact on the association with cognitive functioning, age, and depressive symptoms.

Methods

We included 17 SCD patients, 17 aMCI patients, 17 patients with mild AD, and 30 controls. Complaints were assessed with the Cognitive Change Index (CCI), the Subjective Memory Complaints (SMC) scale, and the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q).

Results

There were no significant differences between the total scores in the patient groups on the questionnaires. However, significant differences were found in the number of patients classified with impairment when using the CCI, the SMC, and the MAC-Q. Scores on all questionnaires were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and significant associations with age, gender, and Addenbrookes Cognitive Examination score were found for the SMC. In patients with cognitive dysfunction, lower memory awareness significantly predicted fewer cognitive complaints.

Conclusions

SCD patients in a memory clinic setting report the same degree of cognitive impairment as patients with aMCI and mild dementia, and in a hospital-based cohort we extend previous findings from healthy controls, that definition of SCD may depend on the format of assessment.
Theoretical modeling of tensile properties of thermoplastic composites developed from novel unidirectional recycled carbon fiber tape structure
Authors: Khurshid Muhammad F , Gereke Thomas , Hasan MMB , Abdkader Anwar , Cherif Chokri
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to conduct theoretical modeling of tensile properties of thermoplastic composites developed from novel unidirectional recycled carbon fiber tapes. Unidirectional recycled carbon fiber tape structure is an innovative, sustainable and cost-efficient prepreg structure designed to develop carbon fiber reinforced plastics with the highest resource efficiency. In order to do modeling, existing theoretical models of tensile properties of unidirectional composites were reviewed in the first part of this paper. Subsequently, reviewed theoretical models were further modified by considering the tensile properties of fibers, fiber length, fiber orientation, fiber volume content and short fiber content to predict the tensile properties of composites based on novel tape structure. The results of this study reveal that the proposed theoretical models are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Development of pulsating extensional stress induced melt mixer and its application for polypropylene/carbon fibers composites
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Wei Weidong , Lin Feng , Zhang Guizhen
Published: March 2023

In this work, a pulsating extensional stress induced melt mixer was developed. The compositions, structure, working principle, and melt mixing process of the device were introduced in detail. The mixer generated a full-process pulsating extension deformation effect on materials by the eccentric vane units and arc-shaped flow channels, which greatly promoted the dispersion and mixing of the materials. Polypropylene/carbon fibers (PP/CFs) composites were prepared by the new mixer, and the effects of different rotational speeds and mixing time on the properties of the composites were studied. The results showed that proper rotational speed and mixing time effectively promoted the dispersion of CFs in PP matrix, while the fibers still had long remaining lengths. As a result, the overall properties, especially the mechanical properties of the PP/CFs composites improved. When the CFs content was 30 wt.%, at the process parameters of 20 r/min and 2 min, compared with pure PP, the tensile strength (58.46 MPa) and modulus (1962 MPa) of the PP/CFs composite were increased by 78.6% and 263.3%, respectively.
A data-driven ensemble algorithm of black widow optimizer and simulated annealing algorithms for multi-objective buffer allocation in production lines
Authors: Gao Sixiao , Liu Hui
Published: March 2023

The multi-objective buffer allocation problem of production lines is a non-deterministic-polynomial-hard problem. Many metaheuristic algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem. However, further investigation of new algorithms is still required because metaheuristic algorithms highly depend on the problem types. Furthermore, the balance between the solution quality and computational efficiency requires further improvement. Therefore, a data-driven algorithm consisting of the black widow optimizer and simulated annealing algorithm is proposed to maximize throughput and minimize energy consumption in production lines. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves better solution quality than other state-of-the-art algorithms without losing computational efficiency. This study contributes to multi-objective optimization of resource scheduling in production lines.
A high-speed human-like collision avoidance controller based on a neural network under different road adhesion coefficients
Authors: Pan Qianxi , Zhou Bing , Wu Xiaojian , Zheng Kangqiang
Published: March 2023

Safety and stability have been two main considerations in the field of collision avoidance. However, if the response of a vehicle to avoid collision does not conform to the habits of a human driver, it can cause tension and discomfort to the driver, or even worse, misunderstanding between the driver and an automatic driving system can occur, leading to a traffic accident. Therefore, a driver’s reaction characteristics should be considered, and the reaction expected by the driver should be satisfied as much as possible. This study proposes a human-like collision avoidance model based on a neural network under emergency conditions. The vehicle response data collected from experienced drivers in the collision-avoidance stage via driving simulators are used to train the neural network model. A front-wheel angle controller is developed to track the output of the human-like neural network model. Moreover, the stability region of a vehicle is obtained by the K-means method. Further, a differential braking controller is designed to ensure the safety and stability of the vehicle. The simulation results show that the proposed human-like collision avoidance controller not only meets the safety and stability requirements of collision avoidance but can also ensure good driving comfort for human drivers.
Analysis and treatment of gas pulsation in the pipeline of a hyper compressor
Authors: Xiao Jun , Geng Maofei
Published: March 2023

The compressor discharge pressure of a polyethylene plant in Yanshan Petrochemical Company exceeds 170 MPa, and the gas pulsation in some pipe sections is large, which leads to strong vibration of pipeline elements. The acoustic modeling and analysis of gas pulsation characteristics were carried out around the hyper compressor pipeline system of the polyethylene device. The non-invasive strain–pressure method was used to indirectly measure the pressure pulsation data in the high-pressure pipeline, and the test results were in good agreement with the simulations. On this basis, based on the acoustic analysis, the treatment measures to effectively suppress the gas pulsation in the high-pressure pipeline were further proposed.
Sliding mode controller for a hybrid lower limb rehabilitation robot with fuzzy adjustment of impedance interaction: A patient cooperation approach
Authors: Imani Babak , Najafi Farid
Published: March 2023

In this study, a sliding mode controller with an adaptive fuzzy impedance model is proposed to improve the human–robot cooperation and promote lower limb rehabilitation performance using a hybrid robot including an orthosis and a programmable plate, designed and built at the University of Guilan. Orthosis controls the patient in the path of the joints, and the plate is considered instead of a treadmill to prevent impact on the soles of the feet. Since the patient’s cooperation to regain motor skills is of particular importance in the training process, the proposed controller tracks the path of the joints while considering the patient will. The controller consists of an adaptive impedance control whose coefficients are adjusted using a fuzzy logic. In fact, the impedance model defines the relationship between the robot and subject. Using the model, the subject force is converted to a virtual displacement and, then, added to the tracking error, then a sliding mode controller tracks the modified path. Moreover, the Lyapunov function is used to guaranty the stability and the sign function which depends on the patient cooperation. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the control model is implemented on a healthy person and, then, is compared with the sliding mode controller and constant impedance sliding mode controller. The results show that this method while following the path of joints is able to consider the subject cooperation and overcome nonlinear terms while chattering is low.
Current sika deer effective population size is near to reaching its historically highest level in the Japanese archipelago by release from hunting rather than climate change and top predator extinction
Authors: Iijima Hayato , Nagata Junco , Izuno Ayako , Uchiyama Kentaro , Akashi Nobuhiro , Fujiki Daisuke , Kuriyama Takeo
Published: March 2023

Deer species were repeatedly overexploited and protected for their meat and fur and they had strong impacts on ecosystems and human society by damaging crops and planted trees, altering vegetation, deer vehicle collision, and increasing ticks that vector zoonosis. To accomplish appropriate population management, the historical demography and its main driver need to be clarified. In this study, we estimated the historical demography of effective population size ( Ne) of sika deer ( Cervus nippon Temminck) in Hokkaido and Hyogo Prefectures of the Japanese archipelago. We estimated Ne of >100 generations from present (2020) by folded single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) frequency spectra and, within 100 generations from present, by linkage disequilibrium between SNP. In Hokkaido, Ne drastically increased around 3.0 ky BP and decreased around 100–150 years ago with the assumption of their generation length as 4 or 9 years. The Ne decreased by a 10th before the recent bottleneck. In Hyogo, Ne increased around 80 and 1 ky BP and decreased around 100–250 years ago. Ne decreased by a 100th before the recent bottleneck. After these recent bottlenecks, Ne of both regions recovered and the current Ne has nearly reaches the highest level of the last 100 ky BP. Literature survey and paleoclimate indicates that the decrease and increase of Ne of sika deer in Japanese archipelago may be caused by variations in the hunting activity of humans rather than climate change or the top predator extinction.
Pregnancy outcomes among Egyptian women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mokbel Abir , Attia Doaa HS , Zayed Hania S , Eesa Naeem Nahlaa , Mahmoud Geilan , Riad Rafat , Abou Elewa Soumaya , Youssef Mohamed , Haggag Hisham , Mohamed Sally S
Published: March 2023

Pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represent a high-risk group. The aim of this study is to describe the pregnancy outcomes among SLE patients who were followed prospectively at a conjoint high-risk pregnancy/rheumatology clinic from 2007 to 2021 and to identify predictors of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study included 201 singleton pregnancies of 123 women with SLE. Their mean age was 27.16 ± 4.80 years, and their mean disease duration was 7.35 ± 5.46 years. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was diagnosed in 77 (38.3%) pregnancies. The pregnancy was planned in 104 (51.7%) pregnancies. Flares occurred in 83 (41.3%) and pre-eclampsia in 15 (7.5%) pregnancies. Full-term pregnancy occurred in 93 (46.3%), fetal loss (miscarriage and intra-uterine fetal death) in 41 (20.4%), and prematurity in 67 (33.3%) of the pregnancies, respectively. Seven neonates died from complications of prematurity, and another one died from cardiac congenital anomalies. In the multivariate analyses, unplanned pregnancy was associated with eight times higher risk of disease flare OR = 7.92 ( p < 0.001), lupus nephritis flare during pregnancy increased the odds of pre-eclampsia occurrence four times OR = 3.98 ( p = 0.02), while disease flares during pregnancy predicted prematurity OR = 2.49, p = 0.049. Patients with secondary APS had three times increased risk of fetal loss OR = 2.97, p = 0.049. To conclude, unplanned pregnancy, disease flares, and APS have been identified as predictors for adverse maternal and/or fetal outcomes. Pregnancy planning is necessary to reduce maternal and fetal complications.
Endometrial Stem Cells and Their Applications in Intrauterine Adhesion
Authors: Chen Kai , Zheng Shengxia , Fang Fang
Published: March 2023

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), resulting from pregnancy or nonpregnant uterine trauma, is one of the major causes of abnormal menstruation, infertility, or repeated pregnancy loss. Although a few methods, including hysteroscopy and hormone therapy, are routinely used for its diagnosis and treatment, they cannot restore tissue regeneration. Stem cells, which have self-renewal and tissue regeneration abilities, have been proposed as a promising therapy for patients with severe IUAs. In this review, we summarize the origin and features of endometrium-associated stem cells and their applications in the treatment of IUAs based on animal models and human clinical trials. We expect that this information will help to elucidate the underlying mechanism for tissue regeneration and to improve the design of stem cell–based therapies for IUAs.
“The spectators ask, is it a boy or a girl? What is it?”: Cultural cisgenderism and trans men's sporting experiences in Iran
Authors: Afroozeh Mohammad Sadegh , Phipps Catherine , Afrouzeh Ali , Mehri Ameneh , Alipour Asiri Zahra
Published: March 2023

In this article, we draw on cultural cisgenderism to analyse the sporting experiences of trans men in Iran. Utilising semi-structured interviews with twelve trans men in different stages of transition, we consider their experiences of women's sport environments, the extent to which cisnormativity is embedded into the culture, and whether their gender identities are accepted. We found that essentialist understandings of sex and gender are evident in sport environments, with gender presentation policed by others, and expectations this should align with ascribed biological sex. While some interviewees’ masculine expressions were valued, others were considered ‘too masculine’ to be eligible to participate in women's sport spaces; this led to restrictions around appearance and clothing, alongside instances of compulsory hormone testing. Finally, for those who were ‘out’ about their gender identity, this often led to hostility from others, including coaches, teammates, and spectators. Overall, this paper provides a critical understanding of trans inclusion in sport spaces in Iran. However, the findings may be useful for anyone working to make sport more accessible, regardless of geographical location.
Investigation of the medium-term effect of osteoprotegerin/bone morphogenetic protein 2 combining with collagen sponges on tendon-bone healing in a rabbit
Authors: Wei Bing , Ji Mingliang , Lin Yucheng , Geng Rui , Wang Qing , Lu Jun
Published: March 2023

Background

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) could be administered sequentially to promote tendon-bone healing. There remain several unresolved issues in our previously published study: a) the release kinetics of OPG/BMP-2 from the OPG/BMP-2/collagen sponge (CS) combination in vitro remained unclear; b) the medium-term effect of the OPG/BMP-2/CS combination was not analyzed. Hence, we design this study to address the issues mentioned above.

Methods

30 rabbits undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with an Achilles tendon autograft randomly received one of the 3 delivery at the femoral and tibial tunnels: OPG/BMP-2, OPG/BMP-2/CS combination, and nothing (blank control). At 8 and 24 weeks post-surgery, the biomechanical tests and histologic analysis were used to evaluate the tendon-bone healing.

Results

In mechanical tests, the OPG/BMP-2/CS group showed a higher final failure load and stiffness than the other groups at 8 and 24 weeks. Additionally, the maximum stretching distance showed a decreasing trend. The mechanical failure pattern of samples shifted from a tunnel pull-away to a graft midsubstance rupture after OPG/BMP-2/CS-treated. From histological analysis, the OPG/BMP-2/CS treatment increased the amount of collagen fibers (collagen I and II) and promoted fibrocartilage attachment.

Conclusion

CS as a carrier promotes the medium-term effect of OPG and BMP-2 on tendon-bone healing at the tendon-bone interface in a rabbit ACLR model. OPG, BMP-2 and CS were already applied in several clinical practice, but a further study of clinic use of OPG/BMP-2/CS is still needed.
Richard D. Duke: Systems Thinker, Game Science Founder & Beloved Mentor
Authors: Lukosch Heide Karen
Published: March 2023

Background

This remembrance of Richard “Dick” Duke, one of the founding members of the International Simulation and Gaming Association (ISAGA), and dedicated promoter of game science, contains Duke’s contribution to the field of simulation and gaming, as a retrospective into the past, and as inspiration for the present and the future of this discipline. Duke has been a highly respected colleague, and a beloved friend for many in the scientific community. He will be remembered for his academic contributions, but more so for his commitment to support young talent, and for his aim to address societal problems in all of his doing.

Purpose

The goal of this article is to reflect on the work of Richard D. Duke and the influence he had and still has on the simulation and gaming research and practice community. The overview of his work illustrates his specific approach towards simulation and gaming, while the personal words of colleagues he worked with over the years combine professional and personal perspectives on the work and life of Richard D. Duke.

Research Design

The article presents a brief literature review along with a collection of contributions from researchers and practitioners in the field of simulation and gaming.

Data Collection

This obituary dos not represent a scientific article as such. However, a careful review of the articles and books of Richard D. Duke has been carried out for this article, and colleagues have contributed with their thoughts and memories.

Results

The overview of Richard D. Duke’s work shows how he approached simulation and gaming as a powerful form of human communication, especially suited to analyse and design complex problems. All simulation game design is driven by the purpose to represent and explore alternative solutions and future states of a given situation. Duke’s careful and detailed conceptualisation of simulation gaming as interactive language represents a wealth of information for current and future researchers and practitioners in the field of simulation and gaming.

Conclusion

After more than 50 years of his first publication in the field of simulation and gaming, Duke’s contributions are still highly relevant to the science and practice in this area. His ideas inspire a large number of researchers and practitioners, and his foundational work had and has a large impact on how the science of simulation and gaming has developed and still advances.
A 3-Dimensional Evaluation of the Effects of Unilateral Vertical Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis on Airway Volume Among Patients With Hemifacial Microsomia
Authors: Pak Sarah , Bous Rany M. , Acosta Lenis Claudia , Kumar Anand R. , Valiathan Manish
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumetric airway changes using three-dimensional images following unilateral vertical mandibular distraction osteogenesis (uVMD) among patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM).

Design

This retrospective study analyzed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients with HFM at three different timepoints; pretreatment (T0), posttreatment (T1), and at least 6 months post-distraction (T2). The individuals underwent uVMD between December 2018-Januaray 2021. The nasopharyngeal (NP) volume, oropharyngeal (OP) volume, and the area of maximum constriction (MC) were measured. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the airway volumes between T0-T1, T1-T2, and T0-T2.

Results

Five patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age = 10.4 years; 1 female, 4 males). Intraclass correlation analysis showed excellent interrater reliability ( r > .86, P < .001). Posttreatment, the OP airway volume exhibited a significant mean increase of 56% ( P = .043) from T0 to T1, but decreased from T1-T2 by 13%. Likewise, the total airway volume presented with a significant mean increase of 48% between T0-T1 ( P = .044), and a decrease of 7% from T1-T2. The changes in the NP airway volume and area of MC were not statistically significant ( P  >  .05), but an increase in the mean values were observed.

Conclusion

Surgical intervention with uVMD may significantly increase the OP airway volume and the total airway volume among patients with HFM immediately after distraction. However, the statistical significance diminished after six months post-consolidation, but the mean percent change may remain of clinical significance. The NP volume did not seem to show significant changes in response to uVMD.
Relationship Between Auditory-Perceptual and Objective Measures of Resonance in Children with Cleft Palate: Effects of Intelligibility and Dysphonia
Authors: Fujiki Robert Brinton , Kostas George , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the relationship between auditory-perceptual ratings of resonance and nasometry scores in children with cleft palate. Factors which may impact this relationship were examined including articulation, intelligibility, dysphonia, sex, and cleft-related diagnosis.

Design

Retrospective, observational cohort study

Setting

Outpatient pediatric cranio-facial anomalies clinic

Patients

Four hundred patients <18 years of age identified with CP ± L, seen for auditory-perceptual and nasometry evaluations of hypernasality as well as assessments of articulation and voice.

Main Outcome Measure

Relationship between auditory-perceptual ratings of resonance and nasometry scores

Results

Pearson's correlations indicated that auditory-perceptual resonance ratings and nasometry scores were significantly correlated across oral-sound stimuli on the picture-cued portion of the MacKay-Kummer SNAP-R Test (r values .69 to.72) and the zoo reading passage (r = .72). Linear regression indicated that intelligibility ( p ≤ .001) and dysphonia ( p = .009) significantly impacted the relationship between perceptual and objective assessments of resonance on the Zoo passage. Moderation analyses indicated that the relationship between auditory-perceptual and nasometry values weakened as severity of speech intelligibility increased ( P < .001) and when children presented with moderate dysphonia ( p ≤ .001). No significant impact of articulation testing or sex were observed.

Conclusions

Speech intelligibility and dysphonia alter the relationship between auditory-perceptual and nasometry assessments of hypernasality in children with cleft palate. SLPs should be aware of potential sources of auditory-perceptual bias and shortcomings of the Nasometer when following patients with limited intelligibility or moderate dysphonia. Future study may identify the mechanisms by which intelligibility and dysphonia affect auditory-perceptual and nasometry evaluations.
Romanian Version of the Career Crafting Assessment: Psychometric Properties
Authors: Chifor Raluca Ioana , Oprea Bogdan
Published: March 2023

The notion of career is no longer understood as a progressive advancement within the same organization, but rather as a lifelong dynamic transition between multiple jobs. Lee et al. (2021) developed Career Crafting Assessment as a means of identifying the proactive behaviors that people engage in when developing their career paths. The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of the scale. In Study 1 ( N = 938), Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the four-factor model of the scale. The results supported the measurement invariance for gender, but not for age. The internal consistency of the scale was adequate. In Study 2 ( N = 344), we found significant positive correlations between career crafting and two similar constructs, namely job crafting and organizational career management, supporting the convergent validity of the scale. In Study 3 ( N = 213), the criterion validity of the scale was supported by significant positive correlations between career crafting and four of its possible outcomes, namely performance, work engagement, perceived meaningfulness of work, and person-job fit. Our results are in line with the findings of Lee et al. (2021) and suggest that the Romanian version of the instrument is valid.
Remote Testing of Reading Comprehension in 8-Year-Old Children: Mode and Setting Effects
Authors: Gnambs Timo , Lenhard Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

Proctored remote testing of cognitive abilities in the private homes of test-takers is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to standard psychological assessments in test centers or classrooms. Because these tests are administered under less standardized conditions, differences in computer devices or situational contexts might contribute to measurement biases that impede fair comparisons between test-takers. Because it is unclear whether cognitive remote testing might be a feasible assessment approach for young children, the present study ( N = 1,590) evaluated a test of reading comprehension administered to children at the age of 8 years. To disentangle mode from setting effects, the children finished the test either in the classroom on paper or computer or remotely on tablets or laptops. Analyses of differential response functioning found notable differences between assessment conditions for selected items. However, biases in test scores were largely negligible. Only for children with below-average reading comprehension small setting effects between on-site and remote testing were observed. Moreover, response effort was higher in the three computerized test versions, among which, reading on tablets most strongly resembled the paper condition. Overall, these results suggest that, on average, even for young children remote testing introduces little measurement bias.
Tau, RNA, and RNA-Binding Proteins: Complex Interactions in Health and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Lester Evan , Parker Roy
Published: March 2023

The tau protein is a key contributor to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The pathology of tau is thought to be related to tau’s propensity to form self-templating fibrillar structures that allow tau fibers to propagate in the brain by prion-like mechanisms. Unresolved issues with respect to tau pathology are how the normal function of tau and its misregulation contribute to disease, how cofactors and cellular organelles influence the initiation and propagation of tau fibers, and determining the mechanism of tau toxicity. Herein, we review the connection between tau and degenerative diseases, the basis for tau fibrilization, and how that process interacts with cellular molecules and organelles. One emerging theme is that tau interacts with RNA and RNA-binding proteins, normally and in pathologic aggregates, which may provide insight into alterations in RNA regulation observed in disease.
Retrospective Analysis of Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) Initiation Timing and Outcomes After Thrombolysis in High- and Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Wolfe Adam , Phillips Angela , Tierney David M , Melamed Roman , Qadri Ghazi , Lillyblad Matthew , Smith Claire , St. Hill Catherine , Stenzel Ashley E , Beddow David , Kirven Justin , Kethireddy Rajesh , Patel Love
Published: March 2023

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are prescribed in the treatment of venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism (PE). Evidence is limited regarding the outcomes and optimal timing of DOACs in patients with intermediate- or high-risk PE treated with thrombolysis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of outcomes among patients with intermediate- and high-risk PE who received thrombolysis, by choice of long-term anticoagulant agent. Outcomes of interest included hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, bleeding, stroke, readmission, and mortality. Descriptive statistics were used to examine characteristics and outcomes among patients, by anticoagulation group. Patients receiving a DOAC (n = 53) had shorter hospital LOS compared to those in warfarin (n = 39) and enoxaparin (n = 10) groups (mean LOS 3.6, 6.3 and 4.5 days, respectively; P < .0001). This single institution retrospective study suggests DOAC initiation <48 h from thrombolysis may result in shorter hospital LOS compared to DOAC initiation ≥48 h ( P < .0001). Further larger studies with more robust research methodology are needed to address this important clinical question.
Dynamic Customer Value Cocreation in Healthcare
Authors: Danaher Tracey S. , Danaher Peter J. , Sweeney Jillian C. , McColl-Kennedy Janet R.
Published: March 2023

In managing a chronic illness, customers have the opportunity to play an active role in their healthcare—by cocreating value. For example, customers can adhere to medical advice, seek out information about their condition(s), manage their diet, and interact with family and friends. Moreover, across an extended treatment period, customers may dynamically adjust their level of value cocreation. In this study, we examine 307 healthcare customers receiving treatment for cancer, with 12 value cocreation activities tracked longitudinally over 4 survey waves. Using a hidden Markov model, we reveal three latent states of customer value cocreation: low, moderate, and high. We then determine which of the 12 value cocreation activities are most strongly associated with transitions among cocreation states. Finally, we show that transitioning to a cocreation state with a higher level of cocreation activity positively correlates with customer and marketing outcomes, including customer quality of life and satisfaction. Our findings show that an increase in six cocreation activities—actively sharing information, compliance with medical requirements, interacting with staff, maintaining a healthy diet, interacting with others who receive treatment, and maintaining a good physical appearance—yields positive gains for both customer and marketing outcomes. In contrast, an increase in emotion regulation negatively affects customer outcomes.
Changes in symmetric dimethylarginine and glomerular filtration rates in hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy
Authors: Van Vertloo Laura R , Palerme Jean-Sébastien , Miles Kristina G , Bourgois-Mochel Agnes , Jergens Albert E
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioiodine treatment, and to compare results with other variables used to assess kidney function in cats (creatinine, urine specific gravity [USG] and glomerular filtration rate [GFR] measured by renal scintigraphy).

Methods

Thirteen cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism based on clinical signs and increased serum total thyroxine (TT4) were included in this prospective study. Study design included physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistry, TT4, urinalysis and SDMA before treatment (T0) and at 1 month (T1) and 3 months post-treatment (T3). GFR was quantified by renal scintigraphy at T0 and T3.

Results

Median GFR decreased significantly from baseline (3.18 ml/kg/min; range 1.35–4.87) at T3 (2.22 ml/kg/min; range 1.81–3.42 [ P = 0.005]). While median creatinine and serum urea nitrogen increased post-treatment (creatinine: T0 = 0.8 mg/dl [range 0.4–1.1], T1 = 1.3 mg/dl [range 0.9–2]; T3 = 1.65 mg/dl [range 0.8–2.8]; P <0.001; serum urea nitrogen: T0 = 23 mg/dl [range 15–26]; T1 = 27 mg/dl [range 20–40]; T3 = 27.5 mg/dl [range 20–36]; P <0.001), SDMA and USG did not change significantly (SDMA: T0 = 11 µg/dl [range 7–15]; T1 = 12 µg/dl [range 6–16]; T3 = 10.5 µg/dl [range 8–21]; P = 0.789; USG: T0 = 1.030 [range 1.011–1.059]; T1 = 1.035 [range 1.012–1.044]; T3 = 1.030 [range 1.007–1.055]; P = 0.792).

Conclusions and relevance

Our data suggest that factors other than GFR may affect serum SDMA in hyperthyroid cats and that SDMA does not offer an advantage over other biomarkers traditionally used to predict changes in renal function following radioiodine therapy.