bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic seismic-stratigraphic interpretation from a sedimentological forward model in a pre-salt field in the Santos Basin
Authors: Benac Pedro , Faria Desiree Liechoscki de Paula , Maul Alexandre , Silva Cleverson Guizan
Published: September 2023

Forward modelling of sedimentary systems is a method that simulates sedimentation processes over geological time to generate a set of facies distributed in a depositional space. The objective of using forward modelling in this work was to build a 3D facies model from which a synthetic seismic simulation was generated, and then to analyse the relation of seismic-stratigraphic interpretations with the knowledge of the
a priori
generated sedimentological model. This modelling methodology was applied in a pre-salt field in the Santos Basin, Brazilian offshore, focused on the Barra Velha Formation. The modelling parameters used were: (i) the initial surface of bathymetric depth; (ii) the lake-level variation; (iii) the subsidence map; and (iv) the deposition rates of the facies. Average-constant of acoustic impedance values were assigned to each facies and a synthetic seismic was obtained. With the facies and synthetic models available, it was possible to analyse: (i) the distribution of thicknesses and proportion of facies by region; (ii) the vertical stacking pattern and lateral facies variation; (iii) the Wheeler distance 
×
 time diagram; and (iv) the seismic reflector patterns through the seismic facies classification. Through these analyses it was possible to better understand the possibilities and limitations of seismic stratigraphy as an interpretation auxiliary tool in pre-salt carbonate environments.
Moving from ISAD(G) to a CIDOC CRM-based Linked Data Model in the Portuguese Archives
Authors: Koch Inês , Teixeira Lopes Carla , Ribeiro Cristina
Published: September 2023

Archives are facing numerous challenges. On the one hand, archival assets are evolving to encompass digitized documents and increasing quantities of born-digital information in diverse formats. On the other hand, the audience is changing along with how it wishes to access archival material. Moreover, the interoperability requirements of cultural heritage repositories are growing. In this context, the Portuguese Archives started an ambitious program aiming to evolve its data model, migrate existing records, and build a new archival management system appropriate to both archival tasks and public access. The overall goal is to have a fine-grained and flexible description, more machine-actionable than the current one. This work describes ArchOnto, a linked open data model for archives, and rules for its automatic population from existing records. ArchOnto adopts a semantic web approach and encompasses the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model and additional ontologies, envisioning interoperability with datasets curated by multiple communities of practice. Existing ISAD(G)-conforming descriptions are being migrated to the new model using the direct mappings provided here. We used a sample of 25 records associated with different description levels to validate the completeness and conformity of ArchOnto to existing data. This work is in progress and is original in several respects: (1) it is one of the first approaches to use CIDOC CRM in the context of archives, identifying problems and questions that emerged during the process and pinpointing possible solutions; (2) it addresses the balance in the model between the migration of existing records and the construction of new ones by archive professionals; and (3) it adopts an open world view on linking archival data to global information sources.
A Digital Approach to Revisiting the Byzantine Past of Al-Madrassa Al-Halawiyya in Aleppo
Authors: Orabi Rahaf , Bakirtzis Nikolas , Artopoulos Georgios
Published: September 2023

The architectural complex of the al-Madrasa al-Halawiyya in Aleppo, Syria, remains one of the most remarkable monuments in the centuries-old city. First founded as the Church of St. Helen in the 6th century to serve as the Cathedral of Byzantine Aleppo, the structure preserves evidence of a complicated building history. For example, the Cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1124; later, parts of the church were integrated into a Madrassa. More recently, damage to the structure due to the war revealed information about Byzantine building methods. This research revisits the building history of the monument by relying on a parametric, Building Information Modelling (BIM) representation to compare the surviving structure with earlier reconstructions. This article addresses the following: (1) A survey of the building's history, topography, and architecture: Over the centuries, al-Madrasa al-Halawiyya has attracted Medieval monks, travellers, brigands, scholars, and more. Their accounts offer exciting opportunities to contextualise structural and functional changes to the complex. (2) An analysis of the historical structure, especially from the Byzantine period: The presented three-dimensional (3D) documentation of the site focused on historical transformations, which the authors then traced and compared by means of BIM to reconstructions proposed by Samuel Guyer (1911) and Michel Écochard (1950). This research demonstrates how a hybrid methodology can be used to establish building phases for comparison with historical and scholarly accounts, revealing new knowledge about building techniques and processes. The presented work started with a field survey of the monument, which was used to generate a hybrid 3D point cloud. Using the point cloud, the Byzantine church was virtually reconstructed and several construction phases were identified. At the same time, Heritage-BIM models were created based on the work of Guyer and Écochard. Finally, the Guyer and Écochard models were compared with the proposed Byzantine reconstruction and point cloud.
Design and Implementation of a PV-Integrated Solar Dryer Based on Internet of Things and Date Fruit Quality Monitoring and Control
Authors: Elwakeel Abdallah Elshawadfy , Wapet Daniel Eutyche Mbadjoun , Mahmoud Wael Abou El-magd , Abdallah Said Elshahat , Mahmoud Mohamed Metwally , Ardjoun Sid Ahmed El Mehdi , Tantawy Aml Abubakr
Published: September 2023

In Egypt, the climate has a direct impact on the dried date fruit production. The traditional drying method or open sun drying (OSD) leads to pollution of the final product caused by sand-laden winds, rain, or animals and harmful insects, etc. This study is aimed at designing, implementing, and experimentally validating a solar dryer based on IoT technology and integrated with a PV system in Aswan, Egypt. The purpose of the dryer is to monitor and control the quality of the three most popular date fruit varieties and determine the most effective drying method, with an algorithm that operates the system automatically for optimal performance and high-quality products. The automatic solar dryer (ASD) significantly affects the final moisture content and color characteristics and reaches the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) at a faster rate for dried date samples compared to the OSD. The drying rate of ASD was 29.03% (Sakkoti), 31.04% (Malkabi), and 25.49% (Gondaila) higher than OSD. Also, the dried date fruit samples reached EMC on the ASD after 8 days for both Malkabi and Gondaila and 9 days for Sakkoti, while it took 14 to 15 days on OSD. The maximum open circuit voltage

V

oc

, short circuit current

I

sc

, and output power

P

output

were 41.70 V, 8.84 A, and 365.09 W, respectively. All values of total color change (

Δ
E

∗

) after open-air drying of dry date varieties were higher than solar drying for both drying systems. This study can be then more helpful for producers of dried foods.
Protective Effect of Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus Polysaccharides Extracted with Different Solvents on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Authors: Ma Xinyue , Li Liyan , Deng Dezhi , Tan Yinfeng , Wu Yuhuang , Ming Guxu , Zhang Qiaoling , He Xiaoning , Li Yonghui
Published: September 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a temporary incurable inflammatory bowel disease. Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharides (AOFPs) have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other biological activities. In order to explore the therapeutic effect of AOFPs on UC, this study used deionized water, NaCl, HCl, and NaOH to extract AOFPs, and their protective effects on UC were evaluated by dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC mouse model. The results showed that extraction solvents had significant effects on the yield, molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, total sugar contents, uronic acid contents, protein contents, and surface morphology of AOFPs. Histopathological analysis found that AOFPs could significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and improve crypt morphology. ELISA and real-time PCR results show that AOFPs can downregulate the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and upregulate the content of IL-10. Western blot results show that AOFPs could enhance the expression of E-cadherin, occludin, claudin 1, and ZO-1. In addition, AOFPs improved the richness and diversity of intestinal flora and reshaped the intestinal flora by increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the proportion of harmful bacteria. These results indicate that AOFPs have therapeutic effects on UC. This may be due to the regulatory effect of AOFPs on the intestinal flora, restoring intestinal inflammation and permeability.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Measurement Using Human Face Skin Region
Authors: Euprazia L. Aneesh , Rajeswari A. , Thyagharajan K. K. , Shanker N. R.
Published: September 2023

Aim. Analyse the diabetes mellitus (DM) of a person through the facial skin region using vision diabetology. Diabetes mellitus is caused by persistent high blood glucose levels and related complications, which show variation in facial skin regions due to reduced blood flow in the facial arteries. Materials and Method. In this study, 200 facial images of diabetes patients with skin conditions such as Bell’s palsy, rubeosis faciei, scleroderma, and vitiligo were collected from existing face videos. Moreover, face images are collected from diabetic persons in India. Viola Jones’ face-detecting algorithm extracts face skin regions from a diabetic person’s face image in video frames. The affected skin area on the diabetic person’s face is detected using HSV colour model segmentation. The proposed multiwavelet transform convolutional neural network (MWTCNN) extracts the features for diabetic measurement from up- and downfacial scaled images of diabetic persons. Results. The existing deep learning models are compared with the proposed MWTCNN model, which provides the highest accuracy of 98.3%. Conclusion. The facial skin region-based diabetic measurement avoids pricking of the serum and is used for continuous glucose monitoring.
ACTH-Producing Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Liver with Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Sandozi Mudassar , Pamulapati Saagar , Zaidi Aniqa , Stuart Zuzanna , Pamulapati Sneha , Doniparthi Ajay
Published: September 2023

Paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome arises when neuroendocrine tumors cause excess glucocorticoid production. We report a case of ectopic ACTH-producing liver neuroendocrine tumor. A 71 y.o. female with a history of rectal squamous carcinoma presented with fatigue and diffuse swelling. Liver biopsy revealed metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Workup revealed markedly elevated morning cortisol and ACTH. Overnight dexamethasone suppression testing and positive immunostaining for ACTH on biopsy suggested paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome secondary to neuroendocrine hepatic tumors with bony metastasis. This explained the patient’s persistent anasarca, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte abnormalities. Despite multiple interventions, the patient’s clinical status declined, and she expired.
New localities and sexual dichromatism in Blue-green eyed Spotted Cuscus Spilocuscus wilsoni Helgen et Flannery, 2004 (Mammalia: Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) from Biak Island, Indonesia
Authors: Yohanita Aksamina Maria , Widayati Kanthi Arum , Atmowidi Tri , Imai Hiroo , Suryobroto Bambang
Published: September 2023

Spotted cuscuses are medium-sized tree-dwelling mammals native to tropical forests of Australo-Papua that primarily feed on fruits and leaves. They belong to the phalangerid genus Spilocuscus (Gray, 1862). The difference in pelage color between male and female Spilocuscus wilsoni has not yet been well described morphologically. In the present study, we describe the coat color of four S. wilsoni individuals: a male adult, a sub-adult male, a sub-adult female, and a juvenile female. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral body section images were captured on camera, and body weight & length, tail & ear length were measured. The adult male S. wilsoni had brown spot and blotch patterns on the dorsal and lateral regions, and the ventral region was plain beige. The sub-adult male had distinct spot patterns without blotches on the dorsal and lateral regions, while the ventral region was plain with a cream base color. The sub-adult female had a mottled pattern that blended with the base color, making a silvery appearance. The female juvenile was spotless throughout, with a foundation hue ranging from creamy to somewhat yellow.
Kukumseri: a home to Colchicum luteum Baker (Colchicaceae), a rare and endangered medicinal herb
Authors: Sharma Rajender Kumar
Published: September 2023

Colchicum luteum Baker (Colchicaceae), an economically and medicinally important threatened medicinal herb has been poorly investigated for its distribution, propagation, and conservation. We observed very restricted distribution of the species in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh. The species were found in two locations only (Mailing & Kukumseri).
New locality record of the Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse Vandeleuria oleracea (Bennett, 1832) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) from Kohora River Basin, Assam, India
Authors: Gupta Sourav , Begum Ramie H. , Roy Jayanta Kumar , Ahmed M. Firoz , Talmale Shyamkant S.
Published: September 2023

A new locality record of Vandeleuria oleracea from Rongtara Village, Karbi Anglong District, Assam. The new site record is approximately 215 km away from the previous record of the species from North Kamrup in 1961. This study contributes to understanding the species’ distribution in Assam and northeastern India suggesting phylogenetic studies to help resolve the species complex.
Clinical Features and Outcomes Among Patients With Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and an Initial Shockable Rhythm
Authors: Zheng Wayne C. , Zheng Maye C. , Ho Felicia C.S. , Noaman Samer , Haji Kawa , Batchelor Riley J. , Hanson Laura B. , Bloom Jason E. , Shaw James A. , Yang Yang , Stub Dion , Cox Nicholas , Kaye David M. , Chan William
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Clinical features among patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and initial shockable rhythms of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia are not well-characterized.

METHODS:

We compared clinical characteristics and coronary angiographic findings between patients with refractory OHCA (incessant ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia after ≥3 direct-current shocks) and those without refractory OHCA.

RESULTS:

Between 2014 and 2018, a total of 204 patients with ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia OHCA (median age 62; males 78%) were divided into groups with (36%, 74/204) and without refractory arrest (64%, 130/204). Refractory OHCA patients had longer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (23 versus 15 minutes), more frequently required ≥450 mg amiodarone (34% versus 3.8%), and had cardiogenic shock (80% versus 55%) necessitating higher adrenaline dose (4.0 versus 1.0 mg) and higher rates of mechanical ventilation (92% versus 74%; all
P
<0.01). Of 167 patients (82%) selected for coronary angiography, 33% (n=55) had refractory OHCA (
P
=0.035). Significant coronary artery disease (≥1 major vessel with >70% stenosis) was present in >70% of patients. Refractory OHCA patients frequently had acute coronary occlusion (64% versus 47%), especially left circumflex (20% versus 6.4%) and graft vessel (7.3% versus 0.9%; all
P
<0.05) compared with those without refractory OHCA. Refractory OHCA group had higher in-hospital mortality (45% versus 30%,
P
=0.036) and greater new requirement for dialysis (18% versus 6.3%,
P
=0.011). After adjustment, refractory OHCA was associated with over 2-fold higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.06–4.89];
P
=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS:

Refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia OHCA was associated with more intensive resuscitation, higher rates of acute coronary occlusion, and poorer in-hospital outcomes, underscoring the need for future studies in this extreme-risk subgroup.
Nomogram for Predicting Risk of Cancer Therapy–Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Anthony F. , Lin I‐Hsin , Jorgensen Justine , Copeland‐Halperin Robert , Feldman Stephanie , Ibtida Ishmam , Assefa Amare , Johnson Michelle N. , Dang Chau T. , Liu Jennifer E. , Steingart Richard M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is an important treatment‐limiting toxicity for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancer that adversely affects cancer and cardiovascular outcomes. Easy‐to‐use tools that incorporate readily accessible clinical variables for individual estimation of CTRCD risk are needed.

Methods and Results

From 2004 to 2013, 1440 patients with stage I to III HER2‐positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab‐based therapy were identified. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify risk factors for CTRCD and included the 1377 patients in whom data were complete. Nine clinical variables, including age, race, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, arrhythmia, and anthracycline exposure were built into a nomogram estimating risk of CTRCD at 1 year. The nomogram was validated for calibration and discrimination using bootstrap resampling. A total of 177 CTRCD events occurred within 1 year of HER2‐targeted treatment. The nomogram for prediction of 1‐year CTRCD probability demonstrated good discrimination, with a concordance index of 0.687. The predicted and observed probabilities of CTRCD were similar, demonstrating good model calibration.

Conclusions

A nomogram composed of 9 readily accessible clinical variables provides an individualized 1‐year risk estimate of CTRCD among women with HER2‐positive breast cancer receiving HER2‐targeted therapy. This nomogram represents a simple‐to‐use tool for clinicians and patients that can inform clinical decision‐making on breast cancer treatment options, optimal frequency of cardiac surveillance, and role of cardioprotective strategies.
Misdiagnosis of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in the Emergency Department
Authors: Liberman Ava L. , Zhang Cenai , Parikh Neal S. , Salehi Omran Setareh , Navi Babak B. , Lappin Richard I. , Merkler Alexander E. , Kaiser Jed H. , Kamel Hooman
Published: September 2023

Background

Cerebrovascular dysregulation syndromes, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), are challenging to diagnose because they are rare and require advanced neuroimaging for confirmation. We sought to estimate PRES/RCVS misdiagnosis in the emergency department and its associated factors.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PRES/RCVS patients using administrative claims data from 11 states (2016–2018). We defined patients with a probable PRES/RCVS misdiagnosis as those with an emergency department visit for a neurological symptom resulting in discharge to home that occurred ≤14 days before PRES/RCVS hospitalization. Proportions of patients with probable misdiagnosis were calculated, characteristics of patients with and without probable misdiagnosis were compared, and regression analyses adjusted for demographics and comorbidities were performed to identify factors affecting probable misdiagnosis. We identified 4633 patients with PRES/RCVS. A total of 210 patients (4.53% [95% CI, 3.97–5.17]) had a probable preceding emergency department misdiagnosis; these patients were younger (mean age, 48 versus 54 years;
P
<0.001) and more often female (80.4% versus 69.3%;
P
<0.001). Misdiagnosed patients had fewer vascular risk factors except prior stroke (36.3% versus 24.2%;
P
<0.001) and more often had comorbid headache (84% versus 21.4%;
P
<0.001) and substance use disorder (48.8% versus 37.9%;
P
<0.001). Facility‐level factors associated with probable misdiagnosis included smaller facility, lacking a residency program (62.2% versus 73.7%;
P
<0.001), and not having on‐site neurological services (75.7% versus 84.3%;
P
<0.001). Probable misdiagnosis was not associated with higher likelihood of stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage during PRES/RCVS hospitalization.

Conclusions

Probable emergency department misdiagnosis occurred in ≈1 of every 20 patients with PRES/RCVS in a large, multistate cohort.
Prognostic Value of Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Predicting Long‐Term Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Alarouri Hasan S. , El Shaer Ahmed , Ponce Alejandra Chavez , Mahayni Abdulah , Sulaiman Samian , Samimi Sahar , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: September 2023

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures have been shown to have important prognostic value after various cardiac interventions. We assessed the association between the change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 (KCCQ‐12) score after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mortality.

Methods and Results

We included patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement at Mayo Clinic between February 2012 to June 2022 and who completed a KCCQ‐12 before and 30 to 45 days after the procedure. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: those who experienced significant (>+19 points; group 1), modest (1–19 points; group 2), and no (≤0 points; group 3) improvement. A total of 1124 patients were included: 60.8% men; 97.6% White. Mean age was 79.4±8.3 years, baseline KCCQ‐12 score was 53.9±24.5, and median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 4.9% (interquartile range, 3.1–8.0). At 45 days, the mean change in KCCQ‐12 score was 19±24 points; 46.3% (n=520) of patients had a significant improvement in their KCCQ‐12 score, while 33.4% (n=375) and 20.4% (n=229) had modest and no improvement, respectively. Median survival was higher in group 1 (5.7±0.2 years) compared with groups 2 and 3 (5.1±0.3 and 4.1±0.4 years, respectively;
P
<0.001). Compared with patients in group 1, those in groups 2 and 3 had higher long‐term risk‐adjusted mortality (adjusted hazard ratios, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.20–1.96], and 2.30 [95% CI, 1.74–3.04], respectively).

Conclusions

Patients who experience modest or no improvement in KCCQ‐12 score after transcatheter aortic valve replacement have substantially higher long‐term mortality. Delta KCCQ‐12 is a cost‐effective, efficient tool that can identify patients at increased risk of death at long‐term follow‐up post‐transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Association of High‐Deductible Health Plans With Health Care Use and Costs for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Yang Lin , Lewey Jennifer , Navathe Amol S. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Khatana Sameed Ahmed M.
Published: September 2023

Background

By increasing cost sharing, high‐deductible health plans (HDHPs) aim to reduce low‐value health care use. The association of HDHPs with health care use and costs in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease is unknown.

Methods and Results

This longitudinal cohort study analyzed 57 690 privately insured patients, aged 18 to 64 years, from a large commercial claims database with chronic cardiovascular disease from 2011 to 2019. Health care entities in which all or most beneficiaries switched from being in a traditional plan to an HDHP were identified. A difference‐in‐differences design was used to account for differences between individuals who remained in traditional plans and those who switched to HDHPs and to assess changes in health care use and costs. Among the 934 individuals in the HDHP group and the 56 756 in the traditional plan group, switching to an HDHP was not associated with statistically significant changes in annual outpatient visits, hospitalizations, or emergency department visits (−8.3% [95% CI, −16.8 to 1.1], −28.5% [95% CI, −62.1 to 34.6], and 11.2% [95% CI, −20.9 to 56.5], respectively). Switching to an HDHP was associated with an increase of $921 (95% CI, $743–$1099) in out‐of‐pocket costs but no statistically significant difference in total health care costs.

Conclusions

Among commercially insured patients with chronic cardiovascular disease, switching to an HDHP was not associated with a change in health care use but was associated with an increase in out‐of‐pocket costs. Although health care use by individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease may not be sensitive to higher cost sharing associated with HDHP enrollment, there may be a significant increase in patients' financial burden.
Surveying Rubens’ late landscapes: New cartographic and archival sources on Het Steen
Authors: Watteeuw Bert
Published: September 2023

Since the late nineteenth century, no new archival research on Peter Paul Rubens’ estate Het Steen has been published. Throughout the twentieth century, it has been assumed that art historians, such as Max Rooses, had depleted the archives for clues on Rubens’ country seat. No further targeted searches were undertaken.

When the castle was acquired by the Flemish government in summer of 2019, the last private owner handed over a laundry basket filled with archival documents to a local circle of historians. While the trove contained but a handful of documents relating to the period in which Rubens inhabited Het Steen, it prompted a wider search for relevant archives. This included those left by various local and central administrative bodies and those formerly kept by neighbouring estates.

Surprisingly, the search resulted in a wealth of new finds, including the 1635 deed of sale to Rubens, a surveyor’s map showing the first iconographic rendition of Het Steen after Rubens’ landscape at the National Gallery, and a second set of much larger surveyor’s maps which, through their relation with property ledgers, allow us to very precisely locate a substantial part of Rubens’ land holdings. Other documents testify to agricultural activity on the estate, such as timber trade or water management.

Read in conjuction, these new archival and cartographic sources allow us to identify Rubens’ holdings in the Senne Valley and to glimpse some of the activities on the estate. Combined with a good knowledge of the terrain in this relatively small pocket of land, they also hold important keys to our reading of his two large landscapes, A view of Het Steen in the early morning (c. 1636) and The rainbow landscape (c. 1636), and several of his smaller late landscapes.
Paved Over: At the Intersection of Urban Mobility, Class Politics, and the Limits of Power in Mexico City, 1920s-1960s
Authors: Bess Michael K.
Published: September 2023

The mid-twentieth-century history of urban modernization and mobility in Mexico City was intertwined with political violence. It ranged from the forceful clearing of a working-class community to make way for a stadium parking lot to the “slow violence” of denying people access to trolleys to transport their goods or weaponizing transit policy to reward friends and punish rivals. This article shows how these activities reflected the increasingly violent decisions of an indifferent national and local elite rooted in Mexico City’s political reorganization, which created a powerful, centralized, and unelected bureaucracy: the Department of the Federal District. Public officials, engineers, business leaders, everyday citizens, and newspapers contested issues related to urban mobility. These engagements shaped how people lived and moved in the district and were affected by class politics. They also provoked new configurations for democratic intervention that led people to organize, protest, and resist state power in Mexico City.
Teaching American government in public affairs education: Creating a foundation for success
Authors: Powell David C
Published: September 2023

Public administration has a long tradition of close connections to the field of political science. As the field of public administration evolved from a basic politics administration dichotomy, it became evident that the distinction between politics and administration was nebulous at best. As such, public affairs students need exposure to, and knowledge of, the founding documents and basic principles that underpin American government. This article explores the reasons for including American government instruction in introductory public affairs courses, student knowledge and preparation in American government, and strategies for enhancing the coverage of the principles of American government in public affairs programs.
Community Engagement in Research: An Updated Systematic Review of Quantitative Engagement Measurement Scales for Health Studies
Authors: Gordon Barbara , Van De Griend Kristin M. , Scharp Victoria L. , Ellis Hannah , Nies Mary A.
Published: September 2023

Though the interest in community engagement in research (CEnR) protocols has increased, studies reporting on the findings of tested CEnR engagement measurement scales for health studies are sparse. A systematic review was conducted from January 1 to March 1, 2023, to identify validated, quantitative CEnR engagement measurement tools for health studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was employed. The rigor of scale development, testing, and implementation was explored, and a `best practices evaluation conducted. Themes on the readiness of scales for implementation in health research studies were narratively compiled. Nineteen studies met the search inclusion criteria—reporting on the development, testing, and implementation of seven CEnR engagement measurement scales for health studies. Scale implementation studies precipitated only two of the studies. None of the scales followed the rigorous process dictated in best practices; however, at this time, three scales have gone through the most robust testing processes. Advancement of the science of engagement measurement requires consensus on terminology, application of best practices for scale development and testing protocols, and consistency of reporting findings.
The platform economy’s infrastructural transformation of the public sphere: Facebook and Cambridge Analytica revisited
Authors: Nosthoff Anna-Verena , Maschewski Felix
Published: September 2023

From a socio-theoretical and media-theoretical perspective, this article analyses exemplary practices and structural characteristics of contemporary digital political campaigning to illustrate a transformation of the public sphere through the platform economy. The article first examines Cambridge Analytica and reconstructs its operational procedure, which, far from involving exceptionally new digital campaign practices, turns out to be quite standard. It then evaluates the role of Facebook as an enabling ‘affective infrastructure’, technologically orchestrating processes of political opinion-formation. Of special concern are various tactics of ‘feedback propaganda’ and algorithmic-based user engagement that reflect, at a more theoretical level, the merging of surveillance-capitalist commercialization with a cybernetic logic of communication. The article proposes that this techno-economic dynamic reflects a continuation of the structural transformation of the public sphere. What Jürgen Habermas had analysed in terms of an economic fabrication of the public sphere in the 1960s is now advancing in a more radical form, and on a more programmatic basis, through the algorithmic architecture of social media. As the authors argue, this process will eventually lead to a new form of ‘infrastructural power’.
Persistent Exposure to Work Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms Among Korean Working Women: An Exploration of Temporal Patterns and Age Heterogeneity
Authors: Park Gum-Ryeong , Song Eunsol , Kim Jinho
Published: September 2023

This study examines whether persistent exposure to work family conflict (WFC) is longitudinally associated with depressive symptoms and this association differs by age. Using eight waves of a nationally representative study of Korean women ( N = 6,544), individual fixed effects models were used to account for unobserved individual-level heterogeneity. Depressive symptoms increased immediately following exposure to WFC and peaked during the second wave of exposure. Since the peak, depressive symptoms have decreased and returned to the pre-exposure level by the fifth wave of exposure. While older women in their 60s experienced an increase in depressive symptoms only until the second wave of exposure, younger women in their 30s continued to experience an increase in depressive symptoms up to the fifth and subsequent waves of exposure. The results of this study inform the development of interventions to mitigate the long-term mental health effects of WFC among working women.
Were you rushing or were you dragging? Perceived support, music-specific stress, and internalizing symptoms in university-level music students
Authors: Vengurlekar Ishan N , Steggerda Jake C , Bridges Ana J
Published: September 2023

Music students often experience high levels of stress largely due to factors including coursework, performances, time management, professional development, and practicing. Stress that music students face is associated with depression and anxiety. Previous research shows that social support is linked to lower stress and internalizing symptoms. However, no studies to date have examined ensemble directors, lesson teachers, or music major peers as specific sources of support in the lives of music students. The current study examined whether social support from these sources moderated the link between music-specific stress and internalizing symptoms. Participants were 73 music students at a large public university in the United States. The results revealed a statistically significant association between music-specific stress and internalizing symptoms. Furthermore, social support from ensemble directors moderated the relationship between music-specific stress and depression. The findings suggest that (a) music-specific stress is linked to internalizing problems in students, (b) ensemble directors may act as a protective resource in reducing the severity of depression for music students undergoing elevated music-specific stress, and (c) more research is needed that examines the role ensemble directors, lesson teachers, and music major peers can play in supporting the mental health of music students.
Filtering the reality: Exploring the dark and bright sides of augmented reality–based filters on social media
Authors: Kumar Harish , Agarwal Madhushree Nanda
Published: September 2023

The study aims to investigate the effect of augmented reality (AR)-based filters on social media users’ self-concept and well-being. While much research has explored consumer use of AR filters and their effect on buying behaviour, few studies have examined how such filters affect self-concept, especially in the context of social media use (rather than retailing). We used the inductive qualitative method and grounded theory to analyse 18 AR filter users’ in-depth interviews. We found that using AR filters broadens the gap between the actual self and the ideal self, intensifying the social comparison process. On the positive side, some users may get inspired to reduce the ideal-actual gap through the creative use of the AR tools available. However, on the negative side, other users may feel negative emotions like envy. These positive and negative feelings may affect the user’s body satisfaction and self-confidence, ultimately changing their usage intention.

JEL Classification: M31
Force distribution on polymeric geostrip reinforcements in MSE walls under seismic excitation
Authors: Yünkül Kaan , Gürbüz Ayhan
Published: September 2023

In this experimental study, the values and distributions of dynamic tensile force along the polymeric geostrip reinforcements were investigated under stepped increasing sinusoidal excitations with a series of shaking table tests on 1500 mm high or 1/3 scale physical mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSE) model. The effects of the peak ground acceleration ([Formula: see text]), slope angle of the cohesionless backfill material ([Formula: see text]), and stiffness of the polymeric geostrip reinforcement were assessed on both the potential failure surface geometry in the backfill soil and dynamic tensile forces along the lengths of polymeric geostrips. Three potential failure surfaces from the results of shaking table tests in the backfill cohesionless soil were detected as for states of quasi-elastic, plastic, and failure. However, neither the current design codes for MSE walls nor the theoretical recommendations truly reflect potential failure surface geometry in the backfill soil. Additionally, the values and distribution geometry of maximum incremental dynamic tensile forces ([Formula: see text]) on the reinforcements along the height of MSE wall recommended by design codes are not compatible with test results; however, the normalized location of total maximum incremental dynamic tensile force ([Formula: see text]) acclaimed by design codes is consistent with the test results. The traditional pseudo-static limit equilibrium methods result in over conservative horizontal dynamic earth pressure coefficient ([Formula: see text]) values generally as compared with the test results. The slope angle of the backfill material and stiffness of reinforcement have a negligible effect on the potential failure surface geometry; however, incremental dynamic tensile forces, total maximum incremental tensile forces, and horizontal dynamic earth pressure coefficient values increase with an increase in the stiffness of reinforcement and inclination angle of the backfill and peak ground acceleration value.
A Deep Learning Framework With Visualisation for Uncovering Students’ Learning Progression and Learning Bottlenecks
Authors: Enoch Sit Chun Yan , Kong Siu-Cheung
Published: September 2023

Educational process mining aims (EPM) to help teachers understand the overall learning process of their students. Although deep learning models have shown promising results in many domains, the event log dataset in many online courses may not be large enough for deep learning models to approximate the probability distribution of students’ learning sequence due to a lack of participants. This study proposes a deep learning framework to help uncover the learning progression of learners. It aims to produce a graphical representation of the overall educational process from event logs. Our framework adopts the Smith–Waterman algorithm from the bioinformatics field to evaluate general learning sequences generated from deep learning models. Using our framework, we compare the performance of a deep learning model with the modified cross-attention layer and a model without modification and find that the modified model outperforms the other. The contribution of this framework is that it enables the use of neural architecture search techniques to uncover students’ general learning sequence irrespective of the dataset’s size. The framework also helps educators identify education materials that present as learning bottlenecks, enabling them to improve the materials and their respective layout order, thus facilitating student learning.
“HASSLES” in Caring a Child Suffering from Anorectal Malformation with Colostomy: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Sugesh A. , Kaur Sukhwinder , Sharma Sunita , Samujh Ram
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Anorectal malformations (ARM) are the birth defects, in which anus and rectum mature inappropriately, which include a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from simple imperforate anus to cloaca. Children with ARM and the caregivers have to undergo a lot of struggles/hassles to maintain a near-normal daily living. The impact of the disease is profound, as it affects the child’s entire life and the whole family dynamics.

Objective:

To explore the hassles of caregivers of children suffering from ARM and having a colostomy.

Materials and Methods:

A phenomenological research were conducted. A purposive sampling technique was used to conduct in-depth interview of caregivers of children suffering from ARM, who met the inclusion criteria. In-depth interviews were conducted telephonically using an interview guide. Fifteen caregivers were interviewed and all the interviews were recorded and verbatims were prepared. Analysis of data was done by Colaizzi’s analysis steps and formulated themes and subthemes.

Result:

The study results showed the difficulty of caregivers in caring for a child suffering from ARM and colostomy. The theme emerged was “Hassles in caring for the child with ARM and colostomy.” The subthemes were balancing home management and child care, lack of support system, lack of specialized training, fear in doing care, problems in feeding, readmissions because of health issues and troubles in hospital stay.

Conclusion:

The caregivers face a lot of hassles while caring for a child with ARM and colostomy. The study revealed the difficulties experienced by the caregivers in caring for the child suffering from ARM and having colostomy. The study will be helpful for students, nurses, doctors, and other health care providers to identify the various problems faced by caregivers and to take certain initiatives to lessen their strain of caregiving process.
Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Academic Stress Among Nursing Students
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Kaur Anukiranjit
Published: September 2023

Background

Mobile phone is a new form of communication. It has become an integral part of everyday life of the individual and affects their social life. Mobile phone overuse is a dependency syndrome seen among certain mobile phone users.

Objective

To assess the impact of mobile phone dependency on academic stress among nursing students studying in Khalsa College of Nursing, Amritsar, Punjab.

Methodology

A descriptive non-experimental research design was selected for the study. The study was conducted on 370 nursing students selected by purposive sampling technique. The tool used was an interview schedule that included sociodemographic profile of the respondents, a modified mobile phone dependency scale and a modified academic stress scale.

Results

The age range of 41.9% of the students was 19-20 years. Majority (94.6%) of them were females and 94.6% were unmarried, 54.3% were studying in Basic BSc nursing program. Maximum (71.36%) students hailed from joint families; 63.8% were residing either in their hometown or with their relatives; 52.7% of them had family monthly income above Rs. 20,000 and 78.94% owned one mobile phone. More than half of the students (58.10%) were mild mobile phone users. Academic stress of 67.30% students was of moderate level. Majority of the students (84.62%), who were moderate mobile phone users, were facing a severe level of academic stress. There was a significant association of mobile phone usage with age, nursing program and monthly family incomes at P < .05 level of significance.
Factors Influencing Nurses and Midwives’ Participation in Research: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kyei Josephine , Dzansi Gladys , Acheampong Angela Kwartemaa , Adjei Charles Ampong , Ohene Lillian Akorfa , Adjorlolo Samuel , Asante Isabella Naana Akyaa , Woolley Philomena , Nyante Felix , Aziato Lydia
Published: September 2023

Background

The utilisation of research findings in healthcare among health professionals is key for promoting patient safety and achieving quality health outcomes including that of nursing and midwifery research. However, not much is known about the challenges Ghanaian nurses and midwives face in generating evidence-based findings to inform context-specific nursing and midwifery practice.

Aim

Explore factors influencing nurses and midwives’ participation and research use in Ghana.

Methods

We employed a qualitative descriptive exploratory approach involving in-depth face-to-face interviews with 60 nurses and midwives from six regions in Ghana. Participants were selected from training institutions, hospitals and community health units. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Data was coded and categorised into themes and subthemes using content analysis procedures.

Results

Nurses’ and midwives’ role in research varied. Barriers to research participation included inadequate knowledge, lack of interest, access to research funds, time constraints and attitude of respondents. Commitment, mentoring, access to resources and prestige associated with publishing enhanced participation.

Conclusion

Developing nurses’ and midwives’ interest in research requires training, collaboration, access to research funds and use of research outcomes.
Book review: Manpreet Sethi (ed.), The Global Nuclear Landscape: Energy, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
Authors: Mahapatra Chintamani
Published: September 2023

Manpreet Sethi (ed.), The Global Nuclear Landscape: Energy, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. KW Publishers, 2022, pp. 306, ₹1156, ISBN: 9789391490539.
Book review: Kevin Rudd, The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the US and Xi Jinping’s China
Authors: Allayarov Sardor
Published: September 2023

Kevin Rudd, The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the US and Xi Jinping’s China. Public Affairs, 2022, pp. 356 (electronic), ISBN: 978-1541701304.
China’s Techno-Politics: The Impact on Belt and Road Partners
Authors: Mehta Raj Shekhar
Published: September 2023

The impact of China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) on countries signing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a less explored area. This article argues that the repercussions of unregulated propagation of DSR on BRI countries are likely to go beyond economy and commerce because of the vastly different approach of China’s use of technology in its own governance. Since this aspect is inadequately covered in existing literature, an attempt is made to fill the gap. When external entities are allowed to setup large-scale digital networks, e-governance and e-commerce in technologically deficient countries of the Global South, the host country loses control over its digital data that such networks generate. Overdependence on technology of one nation can lead to a data monopoly with a potential impact on the entire polity. To what extent this hypothesis holds substance is the issue deliberated on in this article using inductive reasoning and qualitative methods.
Family Stabilization Services for Unaccompanied Children in the United States
Authors: Hasson Robert G. , LaBella Bianca , Díaz-Valdés Antonia , Underwood Dawnya
Published: September 2023

Unaccompanied children are a growing and vulnerable population of immigrants who are arriving to the United States in increasing numbers, mostly from Central American countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This study examines sociodemographic factors associated with unaccompanied children requiring family stabilization services as their primary need upon arrival to the United States. The sample includes children who received post-release services from nonprofits throughout the United States ( n = 851). Logistic regression analyses reveal that children from Honduras ( p < .05) and children who are placed with their fathers, compared with other sponsor types such as mothers or siblings ( p < .001), have greater odds of requiring family stabilization services as their primary need. In addition, older children have lower odds of requiring family stabilization services as their primary need ( p < .001). The study includes implications for practice and future research.