bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An LMI-based robust state-feedback controller design for the position control of a knee rehabilitation exoskeleton robot: Comparative analysis
Authors: Jenhani Sahar , Gritli Hassène
Published: March 2024

Rehabilitation exoskeleton robots play a crucial role in restoring functional lower limb movements for individuals with locomotor disorders. Numerous research studies have concentrated on adapting the control of these rehabilitation robotic systems. In this study, we investigate an affine state-feedback control law for robust position control of a knee exoskeleton robot, taking into account its nonlinear dynamic model that includes solid and viscous frictions. To ensure robust stabilization, we employ the Lyapunov approach and propose three methods to establish stability conditions using the Schur complement, the Young inequality, the matrix inversion lemma, and the S-procedure lemma. These conditions are formulated as Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive comparison among these methods to determine the most efficient approach. At the end of this work, we present simulation results to validate the developed LMI conditions and demonstrate the effectiveness of the adopted control law in achieving robust position control of the knee exoskeleton robot.
Optimization of ticket pricing for high-speed railway considering full competitive environment
Authors: Hu Ziqiang , Wei Yuguang , Xu Yan , Wang Huaixiang , Li Yunhan , Xia Yang
Published: March 2024

The rapid development of high-speed railways (HSR) worldwide has provided a fast, convenient, safe, and comfortable mode of transportation. It is also an important public transportation tool for green travel, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. HSR has a strong competitive advantage in long-distance passenger transportation, but it faces significant competition from the aviation industry. Airlines attract passengers with discounted fares and differentiated pricing strategies, apart from shorter travel times. Therefore, it is necessary for railway enterprises to enhance their competitiveness through differentiated pricing methods for HSR. In this study, we focus on optimizing a long-distance origin-destination (OD) pair and creating a competitive market environment by considering all operating trains and flights for the selected OD pair. We aim to improve the realism of the study by considering passengers’ fully rational travel choice behavior. To reduce the complexity of variables, passengers are grouped based on their expected departure time and income level. A mixed integer linear programing model is developed to address the problem, aiming to minimize overall travel costs for passengers while ensuring that the income of the railway enterprise does not fall below a specified value. By setting this specific value, the maximum revenue of HSR train tickets can be obtained.
African Vernacular Archives of Senior Women as Foundation Stones of Global Critical Sociology
Authors: Magoqwana Babalwa , Göçek Fatma Müge
Published: March 2024

This article contributes to global sociology through the construction of African sociological vocabularies from Nguni vernacular terms in Southern Africa. We employ Toyin Falola’s concept of “ritual archives” to argue that the social practices of senior African women teach and promote the sociological imagination for a global sociology that moves beyond the confines set by the “founding fathers” of the discipline. We combine the women’s status in the African household with the general understanding of being umntu (person), uluntu (society), and ubuntu (humanity) to argue for a locally informed linguistic terms and vocabularies that could promote inclusive global sociology.
A novel systematic approach for robust numerical simulation of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic circular tubes: Utilizing machine-learning techniques for calibration and validation
Authors: Abbasi Milad , Khalkhali Abolfazl , Sackmann Johannes
Published: March 2024

Developing a reliable and robust finite element model of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite structure is investigated by using the LS-DYNA solver and Python. This study tries to provide a systematic numerical approach to cover the principal impediment to adaptation of composite energy absorbers, that is the lack of a reliable predictive method. The proposed procedure aims to further the understanding of advanced composite structures’ behavior during the crash phenomenon by developing an accurate finite element model. To do so, the mechanical properties of the material were extracted from American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard test methods, followed by experimental investigation of circular CFRP tubes undergoing quasi-static loading. A numerical simulation framework was then utilized to scrutinize the effectiveness of simulation parameters on the crushing mechanism. Finally, a systematic approach based on machine learning techniques was performed to adjust non-physical modeling parameters for further calibration and validation. In this regard, a versatile Python code was developed to automate pre-processing, processing, and post-processing steps. The code also provides a groundwork to perform machine learning techniques. Interestingly, the numerical and experimental results were highly correlated with a correlation coefficient of almost 90%. Additionally, several non-physical numerical parameters were found to be inactive, while some else were identified as effective parameters, and their corresponding effectiveness was quantitatively extracted and discussed for the first time in the literature.
Passages and rebates: Colonial officers and the shift from sea to air travel in the 1940s
Authors: Shamir Ronen
Published: March 2024

Passengers seldom appear in historical accounts as having their own role in the development of civil aviation. This study identifies a particular class of air-travellers: colonial officers and their families, stationed throughout the British Empire, who in the late 1940s drove a shift to the air at a time of an acute crisis in shipping accommodations. The drive from sea to air relied on an administrative infrastructure which was created by the Crown Agents for the Colonies on the basis of their earlier agreements with shipping companies. The Crown Agents administered the passage of colonial officers and negotiated a rebate agreement with British Overseas Airways Corporation in 1949. The study concludes that the history of civil aviation and the shift from sea to air travel depended not only on technological improvements but also on passengers whose practices normalised air-travel.
Unmasking the Unrecognized: Exploring Registered Pharmacy Technicians’ Stressors During COVID-19 Through a Demands-Resources Inquiry and Looking Ahead
Authors: Khan Ayesha , Dignos Patricia Nicole , Papadopoulos Andrew , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Sivanthan Myuri , Gohar Basem
Published: March 2024

Canadian registered pharmacy technicians (RPTs) were vital in supporting pharmacy operations during the pandemic. However, they have received little attention during or pre-pandemic. This study aimed to identify and understand the stressors experienced by Canadian RPTs during the pandemic and gain insights on lessons learned to help improve the profession. Through a descriptive qualitative design, virtual semi-structured focus groups were conducted with RPTs who were recruited through various sampling methods across Canada. Data were inductively analyzed and then deductively; themes were categorized using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. We reached data saturation after 4 focus group sessions with a total of 16 participants. As per the JD-R model, job demands included: (1) increased work volume and hours to meet patient demand; (2) drug shortages and managing prescriptions increased due to influx of orders coinciding with restricted access to medications; (3) fear of the unknown nature of COVID-19 met with frequent change in practices due to protocol changes and ineffective communication; and, (4) the pandemic introduced several factors leading to increased staff shortages. Themes pertaining to resources included: (1) poor incentives and limited access to well-being resources; (2) limited personal protective equipment delaying work operations; (3) and a general lack of knowledge or appreciation of the profession impacting work morale. Lessons learned from the pandemic were also provided. Overall, our findings revealed an imbalance where RPTs experienced high job demands with limited resources. Improved leadership within pharmacies, including improved communication between team members, is required. Furthermore, efforts to highlight and recognize the work of RPTs to the public is important to help improve enrollment, especially with their recent scope of practice expansion.
“We Have Unique Experiences”: Familial Socialization of Children of Incarcerated Parents
Authors: Noel Melissa E. , Gatewood Britany J. , Turner Sydni Myat , Muhammad Bahiyyah
Published: March 2024

As millions of parents are held behind bars, there is a growing concern not only for the outcome for these individuals, but for their children. Researchers have pointed to familial socialization as a way for children to navigate their perceived social identities and combat negative outcomes. Thus, this study explored how family members mitigate adverse life outcomes for 82 adult children of incarcerated parents in a similar function as other social identifications. The findings illustrate four interconnected agents of parental incarceration socialization: “the talk,” familial beliefs, relationship with the incarcerated parent, and expression and navigation. Similar to other social identities, a socialization process occurs for children of incarcerated parents, which informs how they should navigate society. This includes what to say to others, how to interact with the criminal legal system, how people will perceive them, and the challenges and opportunities they may face from childhood to adulthood.
The anterior saphenous vein. Part 3. Systematic review of the literature and payor coverage policies. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum and the International Union of Phlebology
Authors: Drgastin Rachel , Boyle Edward M , Labropoulos Nicos , Caggiati Alberto , Gasparis Antonios , Doganci Suat , Meissner Mark
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to systemically review the literature on Anterior Saphenous Vein (ASV) reflux treatment and insurance impediments to treatment coverage.

Methods

A literature search was performed using a PRISMA framework. In addition, a cross-sectional analysis of insurance policies for ASV treatment was evaluated.

Results

Published evidence and treatment considerations in the literature for ASV treatment are discussed. In 155 of 226 (68.6%) insurance policies reviewed coverage of ASV ablation was allowed while 62/226 (27.4%) did not specify coverage and 9/226 (4.0%) specified ASV treatment was not covered. Of the 155 that provide ASV coverage, 98 (62.2%) provide coverage with criteria such as requiring prior treatment of the great saphenous vein.

Conclusions

Vein treatment experts should continue to advocate to insurance carriers to update their varicose vein treatment policies to reflect the substantial clinical evidence so that patients with ASV reflux can be appropriately treated.
Exploring the relationships between 3D urban landscape patterns and PM2.5 pollution using the multiscale geographic weighted regression model
Authors: Duan Haoyan , Cao Qian , Wang Lunche , Gu Xihui , Ashrafi Khosro
Published: March 2024

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major source of air pollution and exerts serious impacts on human health. The 3D urban landscape patterns can significantly affect the diffusion and emissions of PM2.5. However, studies on the relationships between 3D urban landscape patterns and PM2.5 pollution across different seasons remain understudied. With the ground-level air pollutants estimated by the remote sensing and fine-scale building information, this study applied the multiscale geographically weighted regression model to explore such relationships. Wuhan, the largest metropolis in Central China, was selected as the study area for the application of our methodology. The results showed that the direction, degree, and scale of the effect of 3D urban landscape patterns on PM2.5 pollution varied across seasons. For building height, the standard deviation of building height had a significant positive correlation with PM2.5 all year round. For building density, the building count density showed a significant positive correlation with PM2.5 in general, with the bandwidth in winter and autumn smaller than in spring and summer. The building plan area fraction exerted both positive and negative influences on PM2.5, dependent on season and location. The bandwidth of it gradually increased from spring to winter, with the effect changing from local to regional scale. For building volume, the floor area ratio showed a significant negative correlation with PM2.5 in winter and autumn, and a localized effect was found, especially in winter. The findings of this study provide practical implications for urban planning and policy making to mitigate PM2.5 pollution in the rapidly urbanizing regions.
Justifying the paradoxes of modernity: On the emergence of contemporary cynical discourses
Authors: Sik Domonkos
Published: March 2024

Late modern existence is built around ambivalences: subjects experience the structural paradoxes of global capitalism or information society as social suffering; yet they follow behaviour patterns reinforcing the unsustainable trajectories. The article explores the discourses justifying such structural paradoxes, while normalizing the related suffering. First, the pragmatic theory of justification (Boltanski, Thévenot) is reinterpreted from a modernization theoretical perspective: a distinction is drawn between traditional, classic and late modern ‘tests’, ‘critique’ and ‘cités’. In the second and third sections, the gradual emptying of critique is analysed: as disillusionment reaches the sphere of subjective experiences, not even personal suffering can ground critique any more (Berlant), thus the impossibility of critique is demonstrated in a cynical manner (Sloterdijk). In the fourth section, the various cynical modalities of justification fitting the ambivalent contemporary existence are overviewed. Finally, a way out from the naturalized, quotidian cynicism is sketched: by turning cynicism’s logic against itself, the dialectics of justification can move forward.
Assessment of the mode of action of perchloroethylene-induced mouse liver tumors
Authors: Klaunig James E , Bevan Christopher , Gollapudi Bhaskar
Published: March 2024

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate. Following chronic inhalation exposure, PCE selectively induced liver tumors in mice. Understanding the mode of action (MOA) for PCE carcinogenesis in mice is important in defining its possible human cancer risk. The proposed MOA is based on the extensive examination of the peer-reviewed studies that have assessed the mouse liver effects of PCE and its major oxidative metabolite trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Similar to PCE, TCA has also been demonstrated to liver tumors selectively in mice following chronic exposure. The Key Events (KE) of the proposed PCE MOA involve oxidative metabolism of PCE to TCA [KE 1]; activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) [KE 2]; alteration in hepatic gene expression including cell growth pathways [KE 3]; increase in cell proliferation [KE 4]; selective clonal expansion of hepatic preneoplastic foci [KE 5]; and formation of hepatic neoplasms [KE 6]. The scientific evidence supporting the PPARα MOA for PCE is strong and satisfies the requirements for a MOA analysis. The PPARα liver tumor MOA in rodents has been demonstrated not to occur in humans; thus, human liver cancer risk to PCE is not likely.
Changes in Anxiety Symptoms and Their Correlates in Adolescents Participating in a School-Based Anxiety Prevention Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dupuis Audrey , Therriault Danyka , Lane Julie , Smith Jonathan , Gosselin Patrick , Drapeau Martin , Saint-Pierre Mousset Eliane , Morin Pascale , Thibault Isabelle , Dufour Magali , Viscogliosi Chantal , Berrigan Félix
Published: March 2024

Anxiety disorders have been on the rise among adolescents over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have contributed to this increase, putting further pressure on often already overburdened health systems. Universal prevention programs may offer a potential solution, but few have been evaluated in the context of a pandemic. The objective of this article is to measure the impact of a universal prevention program—the HORS-PISTE program—on several anxiety-related variables in the context of a pandemic. The HORS-PISTE program consists of 10 workshops spread over the two first years of high school, secondary 1 and 2 (grade 7 and 8 equivalent). Workshops are held in a classroom setting and focus on the development of psychosocial skills. The study was conducted in Quebec with 1,202 secondary 1 and 2 students (48.7% girls, 51.3% boys) with an average age of 12.58 years ( SD = 0.75). They completed an assessment protocol before and after participating in the HORS-PISTE program in the autumn of 2020. Their answers were subjected to descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis of variance. Results indicate a significant decrease in symptoms for several of the measured variables between the two measurement times, such as those associated with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and test anxiety. The results also show a decrease in some variables related to the interference of anxiety symptoms and the cognitive and behavioral vulnerabilities targeted by the program. The discussion highlights possible explanations for the results, as well as how universal prevention programs may contribute to the prevention of anxiety during adolescence, especially in a pandemic context.
Energy, exergy and environmental analysis of concentrated parabolic trough collector using alumina-water nanofluid and twisted tape insert
Authors: Mehta Bhavin , Subhedar Dattatraya
Published: March 2024

Concentrating parabolic trough collector (CPTC) is used to convert energy of solar radiation into useful heat energy utilized in different thermal applications. The present article discusses the use of nanofluids and inserts in CPTC to improve its performance parameters such as collector efficiency, exergy efficiency, Nusselt number, friction factor, and performance augmentation factor (PAF). Al2O3-water nanofluid with different volume concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% was used as working fluid. The effect of simple twisted-tape insert (STI) and overlapped twisted-tape insert (OTI) were studied with the nanofluid to evaluate performance of CPTC. Nanofluid, with highest volume fraction (φ = 1%), demonstrated maximum enhancement as 5.3%, 17.4%, 70%, 230%, and 140% in collector efficiency, exergy efficiency, Nusselt number, friction factor, and PAF as compared to water as working fluid flowing through plain absorber tube. Employing STI and OTI with nanofluid (φ = 1%) represented maximum enhancement of 14.5% and 15.9% in collector efficiency, 19.9% and 20.8% in exergy efficiency, 282% and 367% in Nusselt number, 1800% and 1900% in friction factor, and 231% and 475% in PAF as compared to water flowing through bare absorber tube at a minimum flow rate. OTI with nanofluid (φ = 1%) demonstrated maximum CO2 reduction of 1.61 tons/year and maximum enviro-economical gain of 23.41 $/year.
Design and rigid body dynamics analysis of a novel retractable drill bit used in casing-while-drilling
Authors: Cui Guoqing , Cao Pinlu , Zhang Yalu , Wang Han , Yin Qilei
Published: March 2024

Utilizing the Geneva drive mechanism, an inventive retractable drill bit tailored for casing-while-drilling (CwD) applications was developed. This novel design allows the lower segment of the drill bit to be swung outward through rotation, facilitating to drill a larger hole and retrieved effortlessly by raising the drill tools. An exploration into the dynamic behavior of this retractable drill bit under varying drilling conditions was undertaken, focusing on parameters such as weight-on-bit, rotation speed, friction coefficient between the drill bit and rock, and lifting force. Findings from the investigation revealed that, under conditions of 20 kN weight-on-bit, a friction coefficient of 0.3, and a rotation speed of 30 rpm, the drill bit achieved full extension within 3.8 s. Notably, the movement speed of the lower drill bit was notably influenced by weight-on-bit, the friction coefficient, and lifting force, demonstrating accelerated movement with increased values of these factors. Rotation speed, however, exhibited negligible impact on the movement of the drill bit. An indoor experimental examination mirrored the outcomes obtained through simulations. Subsequent to numerical simulations and indoor testing, a large-diameter drill bit was produced and field tested, showcasing its capability to flexibly extend and retract during drilling, achieving an average drilling speed of 1.7 m/h.
The past, present and the future of job crafting research: A retrospective review
Authors: Lanke Parijat , Nath Papri , Verma Surabhi , Singh Vibhav
Published: March 2024

This study reviews the literature published on job crafting using bibliometric techniques. It utilizes the papers published on the topic from 1990 to 2023, retrieved from the Scopus database. The purpose of the paper is to draw the intellectual, conceptual and social structure of the field of research on job crafting. It uses the bibliometric method to review the literature on “job crafting.” The findings of the study reveal both the micro and macro aspect of the research published so far such as Europe is the epicenter of research on the topic, while experiments and questionnaires a popular choice in methods adopted. This review gives a unique view of the past and outlines a number of future directions for research on the topic and it will be of interest to existing scholars in the field as well as doctoral students who might be interested in the topic.
Casteism and career change in India: A gender-based explanation of retention
Authors: Banerjee Dina , Memon Nazia Zabin , Sharma Alka
Published: March 2024

“Dalits” are a historically marginalized caste group in India. In this study, we examine the impact that the institution of caste has on career change. Focusing on the shift from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to non-STEM careers, we ask why members of the Dalit communities in India leave their STEM careers. To present a comprehensive understanding of this career change, we also examine the factors that facilitate their retention in STEM careers. Deriving data from in-depth interviews with 42 STEM scholars from the Dalit communities in India, we illustrate their organizational experiences that are based on casteism. Qualitative data analyses were done using the grounded theory method. Results suggest that while caste operates in a unique way to drive away Dalit scholars from their STEM careers, doing gender plays an important role in their retention within the same careers.
Thermoelastic free vibration of rotating pretwisted porous p-FGM, e-FGM, and s-FGM conical shells in nonlinear temperature distribution
Authors: Pal Subhendu , Rout Mrutyunjay , Deb Singha Tripuresh , Karmakar Amit
Published: March 2024

The free vibration response of rotating pretwisted functionally graded (FG) conical shells in nonlinear thermal conditions is investigated using a finite element approach with the purpose of application in turbomachinery blades. With the aid of power, exponential, and sigmoid laws, the pretwisted conical shell is functionally graded in its transverse direction. The distribution of both even and uneven porosity is considered. The one-dimensional Fourier heat conduction equation is used to assess the nonlinear temperature distribution across the thickness of the FG conical shell. Lagrange’s equation is used to obtain the dynamic equation of motion of the rotating pretwisted FG conical shell. The proposed finite element model employs an eight-noded isoparametric shell element with five degrees of freedom per node. The effect of several factors, including porosity, temperature, twist angle, and rotational speed on the free vibration response of the FG porous conical shell has been investigated. The findings reveal that the porosity volume fraction has a significant influence on the natural frequency. The nonlinear temperature difference and pretwist angle both cause stiffness reduction to the FG conical shell upon increasing, whereas the presence of rotational speed inducts geometrical stiffness resulting in centrifugal stiffening.
Identifying metrics and designing measurable outcomes in the electronic health record to evaluate pharmacist intervention in an oral chemotherapy program
Authors: Koppinger Shelby , Weil Elizabeth , Ruffcorn Nichole , McGurty Erin , Creal Kevin , Rhoades Melissa
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Due to the increased utilization of oral anticancer agents, pharmacist-led oral anticancer programs have emerged to meet the needs of oral anticancer management. Currently, at Froedtert & MCW, there is a lack of established tools to collect metrics which demonstrate the value of a pharmacist-led oral anticancer program.

Methods

The purpose of this project is to establish metrics that reflect the interventions pharmacists are performing, and second, to develop a documentation tool which can reliably extract discrete data on the identified metrics.

Results

Eight of the 10 desired metrics were included in the documentation tool. Two questionnaires were created to allow for easy data retrieval of the metrics. The “initial” questionnaire focuses on interventions made at the time of starting an oral anticancer agent, while the “follow-up” questionnaire focuses on interventions made during the subsequent monitoring. The introduction of the questionnaire tool was well received by end users and did not add to the pharmacist’s overall workload.

Conclusions

By establishing metrics that reflect pharmacist interventions in a pharmacist-led oral anticancer program and creating a documentation tool to collect discrete data related to those metrics from the electronic health record, we at Froedtert & MCW are better able describe the workload of the ambulatory oncology pharmacists with regard to their interventions and monitoring of oral anticancer agents. This data will be used to establish differences in pharmacist workload between clinics, justify pharmacist resources, and provide a snapshot of the patient population served as part of the oral anticancer program.
Comparing the learning experiences of Indigenous women in post-conflict periods: Umoja, Kenya and Chorrera, Colombia
Authors: Santamaria Angela
Published: March 2024

I conducted fieldwork in Umoja village, Samburu County, Kenya and Chorrera County, Colombia. These countries have a history of gender violence against Indigenous women and this violence often continues into contemporary times. Conversations about contemporary violence against Indigenous women in Chorrera’s educational spaces—high school or the workshops of the local Indigenous organization—during the post-conflict period are painful and uncomfortable for them. Thus, I introduced the experience of Umoja from Kenya as a memory device to analyze the violence against Indigenous women and their educational expectations in Chorrera. These dialogues prompted by Umoja’s analysis in Chorrera reveals the simultaneous opportunities of Indigenous women’s collective memory, resistance, and challenges to girls’ and women’s access to traditional and formal education.
Torben Fog – A Danish pioneer in a multi-faceted spectrum of multiple sclerosis research
Authors: Sørensen Per Soelberg , Bramow Stephan , Magyari Melinda , Werdelin Lene , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Vermersch Patrick , Sellebjerg Finn
Published: March 2024

Torben Fog was committed to multiple sclerosis (MS) research for more than four decades, starting before the defence of his thesis in 1948 and lasting until his death in 1987. His research was multi-facetted, making him one of the great pioneers in the study of essential parts of the pathology, immunology and treatment of MS. He has contributed with meticulous studies of the MS plaques, documenting the perivenous distribution of plaques in the spinal cord. He constructed a scoring system for the disability in MS and used a computer programme to calculate a total neurological deficit. Together with his co-workers, Fog in 1972 was the first to report the association between MS and the human leukocyte antigen system. Fog can be considered as the father of immunomodulatory therapy in MS, treating MS patients with the first transfer factor, and as early as 1980, he was the first to treat MS with intramuscular natural interferon.
Communicating freedom in the bifurcation point: Amanogawa (the Milky Way) as a metaphor for developing the three layers model of genesis
Authors: Tsuchimoto Teppei , Koyama Tamiyo
Published: March 2024

To understand new facets of situated freedom, this study explores the socio-cultural process of ‘freedom’ in everyday situations from the trajectory equifinality approach (TEA) perspective. The concept is important for TEA, which describes aspects of ‘free’ choice as constructed through communication between self and society. This study elaborates on and enriches the argument of the situated freedom by considering the authors’ shared experience (bifurcation point; BFP) using the three layers model of genesis (TLMG). Consequently, we depict that freedom is not only located within a situation but also in semiotic communication. Situated freedom for the authors in BFP involves semiotic communication, including imagining the hyper-generalised affective semiotic field for others, represented by the flow of feelings ‘comfort for all’. Amanogawa (the Milky Way), an organic metaphor for the TLMG mountain range, extends this idea. This study demonstrates how freedom-related feelings experienced by the authors emerge in the communication of their socio-cultural context. The Amanogawa metaphor in the TLMG, which bridges the self and society, provides a richer illustration of the semiotic communication between systems in the BFP.
Letting go of control: A qualitative descriptive study exploring parents’ perspectives on their child’s transition from pediatric to adult care for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bihari Allison , Goodman Karen J , Wine Eytan , Seow Cynthia H , Kroeker Karen I
Published: March 2024

Parents of young adults with chronic disease are important stakeholders in their child’s transition from pediatric to adult care. There remains a gap in characterizing the parent experience during transition. This study describes the experiences of 13 mothers of young adults with inflammatory bowel disease during their child’s transition. Most parents expressed fear and sadness about their child transitioning. Themes relating to involvement in their child’s adult care included: direct involvement (sub-themes: disease management; logistics of care); and indirect involvement. Reasons for involvement included themes of parent’s feelings and child’s circumstances. Themes of involvement were discussed in terms of previous research on parenting of children with chronic disease. We suggest that future efforts focus on improving empathy and understanding toward parents of transitioning children and providing resources on how they can best support their child during transition and transfer to adult care.
Polyphonic narratives: The mixing of Alcoholics Anonymous and relapse prevention in stories about recovery and relapse
Authors: Heimdahl Vepsä Karin , Ekendahl Mats , Karlsson Patrik , Månsson Josefin
Published: March 2024

Aim: This exploratory study analyses the interplay between the treatment philosophies of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Relapse Prevention (RP) in personal stories of addiction. While the basic ideas of AA and RP are compatible in many ways, they also carry some fundamental differences. Methods: The data consisted of interviews with 12 individuals recovering from substance use problems, who had experience of both AA and RP. The analysis drew on a dialogical narrative perspective, and the concept polyphony was used to shed light on the interplay between different treatment philosophies in personal stories of relapse. Findings: Although sometimes resulting in incoherence, the treatment philosophies were combined idiosyncratically, in ways that appeared productive for the participants’ self-images and recovery journeys. Conclusion: The combination of AA and RP philosophies in narratives of relapse and recovery may reflect a new treatment discourse where individualisation and responsibilisation stand in a complicated relationship with collectivism and surrendering to so-called addicting processes.
Tribological behavior of silver-doped eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite reinforcement in PMMA-based composite
Authors: Bansal Gagan , Gautam Rakesh Kumar , Misra Joy Prakash , Mishra Abhilasha
Published: March 2024

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) are the two most promising biocompatible materials used in biomedical applications. The current research performs the wettability and tribological characterization of the novel hybrid biocomposite of PMMA reinforced with eggshell-derived, silver-doped hydroxyapatite (HAPAg). Varying wt% of HAPAg in PMMA were analyzed using a ball-on-disk tribometer. The coefficient of friction shows an increasing trend with an increase in normal load for all the compositions while, with reinforcement of HAPAg, it increases till 5 wt% and then shows a sudden decrement at PHA7.5 due to the formation of flattened asperities at the contact surface. However, the progressive increase in hardness with the inclusion of HAPAg in PMMA correlates with the reduction in the wear rate of the composite samples. The highest wear rate was observed for PHA0 (i.e. 862.42 × 10−5 mm3/m) at 60 N. As observed, the hydrophilicity increases (contact angle changed from 96.30° ± 2.11° [PHA0] to 81.70° ± 1.01° [PHA7.5]), and the porosity decreases (≈2.86%) with the reinforcement of HAPAg in PMMA which further improves the cohesion strength and microhardness of the composite material. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms the uniform reinforcement of HAPAg, and the worn surface behavior was inspected using scanning electron microscopy, Stereo zoom microscope, and three-dimensional surface profilometer. The low-specific wear characteristic at higher loads ensures the application of developed biocomposite material in dental and orthopedic applications.
Three-dimensional printed silk fibroin and fenugreek based bio-composites scaffolds
Authors: Ansari Ali I , Sheikh Nazir A , Kumar Navin , Nath Jyotendra
Published: March 2024

When treating orthopaedic damage or illness and accidental fracture, bone grafting remains the gold standard of treatment. In cases where this approach doesn't seem achievable, bone tissue engineering can offer scaffolding as a substitute. Defective and fractured bone tissue is extracted and substituted with porous scaffold structures to aid in the process of tissue regeneration. Three-dimensional bioprinting has demonstrated enormous promise in recent years for producing scaffold structures with the necessary capabilities. In order to create composite biomaterial inks for three-dimensional bioprinting, four different materials were combined such as silk fibroin, bone particles (B), synthetic biopolymer poly (ε-caprolactone), and Fenugreek (F). These biomaterials were mixed together in certain proportion to develop a silk fibroin + bovine bone + polycaprolactone + fenugreek powder composites biomaterial which was later three-dimensional bioprinted to fabricated composite bio-scaffold. The biomechanical, structural, and biological elements of the manufactured composite scaffolds were characterized in order to determine their suitability as a possible biomaterial for the production of bone tissue. The in vitro bioactivity of the composite scaffolds was assessed in the simulated body fluids, and the swelling and degradation characteristics of the two developed scaffolds were analyzed separately over time. The results showed that the mechanical durability of the composite scaffolds was enhanced by the bovine bone particles, up to a specific concentration in the silk fibroin matrix. Furthermore, the incorporation of bone particles improved the bioactive composite scaffolds’ capacity to generate hydroxyapatite in vitro. The combined findings show that the three-dimensional printed bio-composites scaffolds have the required mechanical strength and may be applied to regeneration of bone tissue and restoration, since they resemble the characteristics of native bone.
Personalization of tech corporations: Examining personalized news and the media reputation of Google, Facebook, and Apple in Swiss news media
Authors: Marschlich Sarah , Eisenegger Mark
Published: March 2024

Tech corporations, such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, have increasingly become the focus of public media attention and are subject to public scrutiny due to their prominence and scandals. Often, the news media reports on the corporations’ chief executive officers and founders as representatives of the corporations to make complex company-related information comprehensible and gain more public attention. The personalization trend in the news media has turned some corporate leaders into celebrities and is linked to tech companies’ media reputations, that is, the evaluations of tech companies in the news media. However, research on personalization in corporate news is rare and conflicting, and whether and how personalization is linked to the media reputations of Big Tech corporations is not yet clear. By focusing on different personalization types, this study investigates the relationship between personalization and the evaluation of tech companies in the news. A quantitative content analysis of media articles ( N = 5234) in Swiss news outlets revealed that the news on tech companies is frequently personalized, and personalized news is more negative and more often related to the social aspects of tech corporations than non-personalized news. Our study indicates that personalization is used as a journalistic style in the news about tech corporations but is most common in negative reporting in which the role of tech corporations in society is critically assessed.
Eco-friendly methanolic Ajuga orientalis extract as corrosion inhibitor for aluminium in 1.0 M NaOH
Authors: Al-Qudah Mahmoud A. , Algethami Faisal K. , Fodeh Omaima A. , Al-Momani Idrees F. , Bataineh Tareq T. , Alakhras Abbas I. , Al-Mazaideh Ghassab M.
Published: March 2024

The inhibitory impact of the methanolic Ajuga orientalis (MAO) extract on Al corrosion in 1.0 M NaOH solution was examined using weight loss with electrochemical polarisation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. According to the findings, the extract was an effective inhibitor in basic condition, as well as inhibition effectiveness increased with concentration. Furthermore, temperature studies revealed a loss in efficiency followed by a rise when temperature rose, followed by an increase and a fall in the fundamental media when the temperature increased from 30 °C to 50 °C. Frumkin, Freundlich and El Awady isotherms were used to mimic the inhibitor's adsorption properties. For the inhibitory behaviour, physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms are proposed. The adsorption process's thermodynamic parameters (ΔH*, ΔS* and Ea) were determined and explained. The inhibitor was examined as a mixed-type (anodic and cathodic) inhibitor based on polarisation studies. The inhibitor, according to the SEM data, is partially coating the metal surface, providing it with a reasonable amount of protection. The findings from weight loss, electrochemical polarisation, SEM and quantum chemical calculations collectively demonstrate a strong consensus, indicating that the MAO extract exhibits high effectiveness as an inhibitor for aluminium in a basic solution.
Predictors of coronary artery calcium burden in asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hyseni Violeta , Elezi Shpend , Gjikolli Bujar , Bakalli Aurora
Published: March 2024

Objective

Long-standing diabetes mellitus is often associated with cardiovascular complications. We aimed to evaluate the presence, extent and composition of subclinical atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries by Computed Tomography in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (NDT2DM), and to identify the predictors.

Methods

In this study 101 consecutive patients with NDT2DM were included. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS) ranging from 0, 0-10, 11-100, 101-400 to >400. All parameters were compared across these groups.

Results

The average patient age was 54.4 ± 11.6 years and 48 (47.5%) were females. Eight (7.9%) patients had CACS 0, 6.9% CACS 1-10, 42.6% CACS 11-100, 22.8% CACS 101-400 and 19.8% had CACS >400. Multiple regression analysis for the general data identified weight ( p = .04) and systolic blood pressure ( p = .033) as independent predictors for CACS.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic patients with NDT2DM in more than 90% of cases may present with calcified atherosclerotic plaques and this may be predicted by: patient weight and the level of systolic arterial pressure. Our study emphasizes the need for comprehensive care and early prevention of cardiovascular complications in individuals with NDT2DM.
Systematic Review of Dispositional Mindfulness and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology: A Targeted Examination of Avoidance
Authors: Sylvia Allison M. , Jastrowski Mano Kristen , Birkley Erica L. , Mano Quintino R.
Published: March 2024

High rates of nonresponse to evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have fueled the search for improved intervention. Evidence suggests that improvements in dispositional mindfulness (i.e., tendency to attend to the present with nonjudgment and nonreactivity) may help reduce PTSD symptoms. While some research suggests that transdiagnostic mindfulness-based interventions particularly target avoidance symptoms, the association between dispositional mindfulness and avoidance has yet to be systematically examined. To address this gap, we examined peer-reviewed studies that reported quantitative associations between avoidance and dispositional mindfulness among trauma-exposed adults, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 guidelines. Sixteen studies were identified for final review from PsycINFO and PubMed databases. Results suggest that mindfulness has a weak relationship with effortful avoidance. This weak relationship may be obscured in studies where effortful avoidance is measured among other symptoms (e.g., anhedonia). Mindfulness appeared to have stronger associations with symptoms of hyperarousal and negative alterations in cognition and mood. An important clinical implication is that high effortful avoidance may manifest among patients who report strong mindfulness skills. It may be helpful for clinicians to carefully assess how mindfulness is being used to cope.
Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing: It Is Feasible! When Can We Implement It?
Authors: Joshi Charuta
Published: March 2024

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Letter re: Misidentification of Transcarotid Artery Revascularization by Current Procedural Terminology
Authors: Li Renxi , Qurashi Adham , Sidawy Anton , Nguyen Bao-Ngoc
Published: March 2024

In this letter, we discussed the selection of patients undergoing Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. We examined a previous study using CPT code 37215 to identify TCAR cases using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. As an ACS-NSQIP participating site, we have complete access to the ACS-NSQIP database, and we performed a more in-depth examination of the method. We found significant discrepancies in the method described and conclude that it is methodologically flawed to use CPT code 37215 to differentiate TCAR cases. This study not only re-evaluates the validity of the previous study but also has the potential to prevent other researchers from employing the erroneous methodology for TCAR selection using the CPT code, which is one of the most widely used standardizations of medical communication for surgical procedures. This is particularly pertinent given the recent “TCAR revolution”, where significant attention has been focused on TCAR.
Applying Common Spatial Pattern and Convolutional Neural Network to Classify Movements via EEG Signals
Authors: Zolfaghari Sepideh , Yousefi Rezaii Tohid , Meshgini Saeed
Published: March 2024

Developing an electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) system is crucial to enhancing the control of external prostheses by accurately distinguishing various movements through brain signals. This innovation can provide comfortable circumstances for the populace who have movement disabilities. This study combined the most prospering methods used in BCI systems, including one-versus-rest common spatial pattern (OVR-CSP) and convolutional neural network (CNN), to automatically extract features and classify eight different movements of the shoulder, wrist, and elbow via EEG signals. The number of subjects who participated in the experiment was 10, and their EEG signals were recorded while performing movements at fast and slow speeds. We used preprocessing techniques before transforming EEG signals into another space by OVR-CSP, followed by sending signals into the CNN architecture consisting of four convolutional layers. Moreover, we extracted feature vectors after applying OVR-CSP and considered them as inputs to KNN, SVM, and MLP classifiers. Then, the performance of these classifiers was compared with the CNN method. The results demonstrated that the classification of eight movements using the proposed CNN architecture obtained an average accuracy of 97.65% for slow movements and 96.25% for fast movements in the subject-independent model. This method outperformed other classifiers with a substantial difference; ergo, it can be useful in improving BCI systems for better control of prostheses.
Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees
Authors: Hall Steven , Liebenberg Linda
Published: March 2024

Qualitative description (QD) offers an accessible entry point for master’s-level students and research trainees embarking on a qualitative research learning journey, emphasizing direct, rich descriptions of experiences and events without extensive theorization or abstraction. This method, rooted in naturalistic inquiry, allows for flexibility in theoretical approaches, sampling techniques, and data collection strategies, making it well-suited for a wide range of disciplines, particularly in health research. QD’s strengths lie in its straightforward approach, focusing on participants’ perspectives and staying close to the data. Despite its advantages, QD faces challenges regarding perceived academic credibility and its limited contribution to theoretical development due to its simplicity and focus on low inference interpretation. Nonetheless, QD’s role in fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of qualitative methodologies in novice researchers highlights its significance as a foundational method in qualitative research education.