bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes towards the penal system, ideology and dark traits
Authors: Clemente Miguel , Espinosa Pablo , Cerezo Ana , Aguilar‐Valera J. Alonso , Bello‐San‐Juan Patricia , Guevara‐Cordero Claudia Karina , Quintero‐Cárdenas Carlos José , Reynoso‐Gonzáles Oscar Ulises , Ferreiros Laura
Published: August 2024

Background

This study examines the relationship between dark personality traits and attitudes towards punishment.

Aims

Considering the evidence, we propose two hypotheses to be tested in this study: Of four dark tetrad traits, Machiavellianism will be the most strongly related to punitiveness (deterrence, incapacitation, desertion and moral balance); high scores in conservatism/right‐wing ideology will be positively related to deterrence, incapacitation, desert and moral balance attitudes. People with a liberal/left‐wing ideology will score higher in restorative justice and rehabilitation.

Materials and Methods

The study sample was composed of 1552 participants from Spain and Latin America (Mexico, Colombia and Peru). Participants responded to an adaptation of penal attitudes scale, the Short Dark‐Tetrad Questionnaire and a political ideology scale.

Results

The results indicated that among demographic characteristics, ideology was the best predictor of penal justice attitudes, whereas Machiavellianism surpassed other dark traits as a predictor.

Discussion

No previous research examined how De Keiser et al. scale of attitudes towards criminal justice relates to dark personality and ideology. This research shows that dark personality predicts punitiveness and how Machiavellianism plays a relevant role. Future research could also combine Big‐Five ‘bright personality’ variables and since Dark Personality variables.

Conclusion

Of the four dark personality traits, Machiavellianism is the strongest predictor of all punitiveness penal attitudes (deterrence, incapacitation, desertion and moral balance). Conservative/right‐wing ideology is related to punitive attitudes; however, rehabilitation and restorative justice were unrelated to ideology.
Beyond gene flow: (non)‐parallelism of secondary contact in a pair of highly differentiated sibling species
Authors: Augustijnen Hannah , Lucek Kay
Published: August 2024

Replicated secondary contact zones can provide insights into the barriers to gene flow that are important during speciation and can reveal to which degree secondary contact may result in similar evolutionary outcomes. Here, we studied two secondary contact zones between highly differentiated Alpine butterflies of the genus Erebia using whole‐genome resequencing data. We assessed the genomic relationships between populations and species and found hybridization to be rare, with no to little current or historical introgression in either contact zone. There are large similarities between contact zones, consistent with an allopatric origin of interspecific differentiation, with no indications for ongoing reinforcing selection. Consistent with expected reduced effective population size, we further find that scaffolds related to the Z‐chromosome show increased differentiation compared to the already high levels across the entire genome, which could also hint towards a contribution of the Z chromosome to species divergence in this system. Finally, we detected the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, which can cause reproductive isolation between its hosts, in all E. cassioides, while it appears to be fully or largely absent in contact zone populations of E. tyndarus. We discuss how this rare pattern may have arisen and how it may have affected the dynamics of speciation upon secondary contact.
Ninjin'yoeito Modulates Baseline and Reperfusion‐Induced Changes in the Arteriole Diameter and Blood Flow in the Cerebral Cortex of Anesthetized Mice
Authors: Watanabe Nobuhiro , Iimura Kaori , Hotta Harumi
Published: August 2024

Objective

Intragastric administration of ninjin'yoeito (NYT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, reportedly prevents the decrease in baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the cortex following gastric administration of water. We investigated the effect of NYT on baseline and dynamic changes in cerebral cortical arteriole diameter.

Methods

Urethane‐anesthetized mice were intragastrically administered 1 g/kg NYT or distilled water (DW). The artery in the left parietal cortex was imaged using two‐photon microscopy. The baseline diameter of penetrating arterioles was measured before and 50–60 min after administration. Dynamic CBF and arteriole diameter changes before, during, and after transient occlusion of the left common carotid artery were measured approximately 10 min after administration.

Results

DW decreased the baseline diameter of the penetrating arterioles, whereas NYT did not. During occlusion, the increase in penetrating arteriole diameter was comparable for DW and NYT; however, during reperfusion, the return to preocclusion diameter was slower for NYT than DW. Laser‐speckle contrast imaging confirmed that CBF, although comparable during occlusion, was higher during reperfusion for NYT than DW.

Conclusions

These results suggest that NYT attenuates vasoconstriction in penetrating arterioles after intragastric administration and during cerebral reperfusion, contributing to CBF regulation.
Stroke cases with apraxia of speech due to damage to the left frontal aslant tract
Authors: Sawaki Masaharu , Yamamoto Masahiko , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Furukawa Kenji , Yamauchi Takahiro
Published: August 2024

We encountered two acute stroke cases with apraxia of speech (AOS) due to left internal border‐zone infarction. Neither case had a lower precentral gyrus lesion in the left frontal lobe. The findings obtained confirmed the relationship between AOS with improvement and damage to the left frontal aslant tract (FAT) in stroke. FAT integrity has potential as a prognostic imaging biomarker of AOS. It is important to visualize the fiber connections of white matter using diffusion tensor tractography, which will predict the outcome of AOS.
Hung out to dry: diminished flowers offer less to pollinators and us
Authors: Buchmann Stephen L. , Papaj Daniel R.
Published: August 2024

This article is a Commentary on Barman et al. (2024), 244: 1013–1023.
Aerosolized e‐liquid base constituents induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in oral keratinocytes
Authors: Ma Tao , Lee Angela , Eng Bryan , Patel Vyomesh , Michel Sarah L. J. , Kane Maureen A. , Dalby Richard , Schneider Abraham
Published: August 2024

Objective

Electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use among adults in the United States continues to rise. Particularly concerning is the impact of e‐cigarette aerosol inhalation on the oral mucosa. Aerosols are derived from a heated e‐liquid base of propylene glycol/glycerin (PG/G) often mixed with nicotine and chemical flavors. Of note, harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), including metals and volatile organic compounds, have been detected in e‐cigarette aerosols. It remains unknown, however, whether aerosols exclusively derived from e‐liquid PG/G are detrimental to oral keratinocytes. The present study analyzed toxicological outcomes in normal oral keratinocytes exposed to model nicotine‐free, unflavored PG/G e‐liquid aerosols.

Materials and Methods

Cell viability/cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunoblotting assays were conducted in NOKSI, a gingiva‐derived oral keratinocyte cell line, following exposure to model e‐liquid aerosols or non‐aerosolized controls. The HPHC acrolein, reported to form DNA adducts in the buccal mucosa from e‐cigarette users, was also used in similar assays.

Results

PG/G e‐liquid aerosol extracts significantly enhanced cytotoxic and DNA damaging responses in NOKSI cells when compared to non‐aerosolized e‐liquid treatment. Acrolein treatment led to similar results.

Conclusions

The aerosolization process of PG/G e‐liquid is a critical determinant of marked cytotoxic and genotoxic stimuli in oral keratinocytes.
Characteristic of Paraspinal Muscle Change in Coronal Sub‐type of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis and its Potential Clinical Significance
Authors: Shang Zhenguo , Chang Hengrui , Xu Jiaxin , Ding Wenyuan , Wang Hui , Zhang Di
Published: August 2024

Objective

Clarifying paraspinal muscle (PM) change in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) is positive to evaluate the progression of scoliosis. This research compares the characteristic of PM change among different coronal sub‐types of DLS and explores its potential clinical significance.

Methods

A total of 84 DLS patients between June 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into three types based on the coronal balance distance (CBD): Type A, CBD <3 cm; Type B: C7 Plumb Line (C7PL) shifted to the concave side of the curve, and CBD >3 cm; Type C: C7PL shifted to the convex side of the curve, and CBD >3 cm. Fat infiltration rates in the multifidus (MS) and erector spinae (ES) at the apex of the main and fractional curves, and spinopelvic parameters were analyzed statistically. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between asymmetric degree of PM change and these parameters in three types.

Results

There were 62 cases with coronal sub‐Type A, 6 cases with Type B, and 16 cases with Type C. Patients in Type B and C demonstrated higher fat infiltration in MS on the concave side of both the main and fractional curves when compared to those in Type A. The asymmetric degree of ES change was positively correlated with CBD at the apex of the main curve in Type B and at the apex of the fractional curve in Type C respectively, and that of MS was positively correlated with apical vertebral rotation, while negatively strong‐correlated with pelvic incidence and sacral slope in Type C.

Conclusion

PM fatty infiltration presented difference among varied coronal sub‐types of DLS patients. The CBD in Type B and C patients was correlated with the asymmetric degree of ES change.
The potential link between gas diffusion and embolism spread in angiosperm xylem: Evidence from flow‐centrifuge experiments and modelling
Authors: Silva Luciano M. , Pereira Luciano , Kaack Lucian , Guan Xinyi , Pfaff Jonas , Trabi Christophe L. , Jansen Steven
Published: August 2024

Understanding xylem embolism formation is challenging due to dynamic changes and multiphase interactions in conduits. Here, we hypothesise that embolism spread involves gas diffusion in xylem, and is affected by time. We measured hydraulic conductivity (Kh) in flow‐centrifuge experiments over 1 h at a given pressure and temperature for stem samples of three angiosperm species. Temporal changes in Kh at 5, 22, and 35°C, and at various pressures were compared to modelled gas concentration changes in a recently embolised vessel in the centre of a centrifuge sample. Temporal changes in Kh were logarithmic and species‐specific. Maximum relative increases of Kh between 6% and 40% happened at 22°C for low centrifugal speed (<3250 RPM), while maximum decreases between 41% and 61% occurred at higher speeds. These reductions in Kh were experimentally shown to be associated with a temporal increase of embolism at the centre of centrifuge samples, which was likely associated with gas concentration increases in recently embolized vessels. Although embolism is mostly pressure‐driven, our experimental and modelled data indicate that time, conduit characteristics, and temperature are involved due to their potential role in gas diffusion. Gas diffusion, however, does not seem to cover the entire process of embolism spread.
“Sustaining NSW Families” as a hybrid face‐to‐face/virtual program: Experiences of clients and clinicians
Authors: Elliott Elizabeth , Bogard Sonia , Kohlhoff Jane
Published: August 2024

To explore clients’ and clinicians’ perspectives about the acceptability and perceived outcomes of the Sustaining New South Wales (NSW) Families (SNF) program shifted to a hybrid service delivery model during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Mixed methods design comprising cross‐sectional online surveys and a focus group.

Eighty clients who accessed the SNF service and 12 SNF clinicians.

Anonymous client survey comprising questions about perceived benefits and impacts of the hybrid SNF program model, and suggestions for change. Clinician focus group discussion about perceived benefits and challenges of the hybrid SNF model.

The hybrid SNF program is a child and family health nursing home visitation program for families with moderate level psychosocial risks. It comprises a mix of face‐to‐face and virtual telehealth/telephone appointments, delivered during pregnancy and up to 2 years postpartum.

Clients reported high levels of satisfaction with the program, and improvements in confidence and decision‐making. Clinicians spoke of increased efficiency and flexibility, and capacity for ongoing service provision during the COVID‐19 period. Technology access issues were identified as a barrier. Overall, however, both clients and clinicians expressed a preference for face‐to‐face SNF service provision.

While further studies are required to test clinical outcomes, the hybrid SNF model is acceptable to clients and clinicians.
Rehabilitation‐Specific Predictors of Pain Intensity and Physical Activity Levels in Individuals With Acetabular Dysplasia 6 Months After Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Alrashdi Naif Z. , Motl Robert W. , Lein Donald H. , Aguiar Elroy J. , Perumean‐Chaney Suzanne E. , Ryan Michael K. , Ithurburn Matthew P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Individuals with acetabular dysplasia often report hip joint instability, pain, and poor hip‐related function. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical procedure that aims to reposition the acetabulum to improve joint congruency and improve pain and function. We aimed to examine the influence of presurgery clinical measures on functional recovery following PAO and the associations among clinical outcomes after PAO.

Methods

We screened 49 potential participants, 28 were enrolled, and 23 completed both study visits (pre‐PAO and 6 months post‐PAO). We evaluated dynamometer‐measured hip and thigh strength, loading patterns during a squat and countermovement jump (CMJ), pain intensity, and device‐measured physical activity (PA) levels (light, moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA], and daily steps). We used linear regression models to examine the influence of muscle strength (peak torque; limb symmetry index [LSI]) and loading patterns before PAO on pain intensity and PA levels in individuals 6 months following PAO. Additionally, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine cross‐sectional associations among all variables 6 months following PAO.

Results

Lower extremity muscle strength and loading patterns during the squat and CMJ before PAO did not predict pain intensity or device‐measured PA levels in individuals 6 months following PAO (p > 0.05). Six months following PAO, higher knee extensor LSI was associated with higher time spent in MVPA (r = 0.56; p = 0.016), higher hip abductor LSI was associated with both lower pain (r = 0.50; p = 0.036) and higher involved limb loading during the squat task (r = 0.59; p = 0.010). Lastly, higher hip flexor LSI was associated with higher CMJ takeoff involved limb loading (r = 0.52; p = 0.021) and higher involved hip extensor strength was associated with higher CMJ landing involved limb loading (r = 0.56; p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Six months after PAO, higher hip and thigh muscle strength and strength symmetry were associated with lower pain, higher PA levels, and greater normalized limb loading during dynamic movement tasks.
Location of Measurement Matters: Unveiling Regional Dynamics and Sex Differences in Patellar Tendon Strain In Vivo
Authors: Ito Naoaki , Scattone Silva Rodrigo , Grävare Silbernagel Karin
Published: August 2024

Patellar tendinopathy is more prevalent in males versus female athletes and commonly presents in the medial region of the tendon. Separate measures of patellar tendon strain in the medial, central, and lateral regions of the tendon, however, have not been quantified. The purpose was to investigate the differences in tendon strain between the medial, lateral, and central regions of the patellar tendon in healthy men and women. Strain in the medial and lateral regions of the patellar tendon in healthy participants (10 males, 10 females) was evaluated using ultrasound during isometric quadriceps contractions at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVIC) in 60° and 90° of knee flexion. Central strain was also measured at 60% MVIC in 90° of knee flexion. Mixed models were used to determine strain between tendon regions and sex at 60% MVIC in 90° of knee flexion. Sequential modeling was used to fit region, sex, %MVIC, and angle to predict strain. The central region had less strain compared with both medial and lateral regions. The lateral region had higher strain compared with the medial region regardless of sex. Females had higher strain compared with males, regardless of region. Knee position did not influence tendon strain. Patellar tendon strain differs by region and sex. The varying prevalence between sex and in location of patellar tendinopathy may in part be explained by the unbalanced strains. Differential assessment of regional patellar tendon strain may be of importance for understanding injury risk and recovery with exercise.
Incentivising public goods delivery in the UK through the lens of Theories of Practice and Theory of Capital
Authors: Kam Hermann
Published: August 2024

Agri‐environmental policies in England stand on the threshold of significant change, with a new suite of Environmental Land Management schemes set to embody more of the ‘public money for public goods’ principle. In addition, two tranches of these schemes appear heading towards a more collaborative approch towards delivering these public goods—suggesting that landholder collaborations would be a vital key to achieving this goal on such a scale. Running in parallel with this policy change is a countryside that has been undergoing a transition over the past several decades. This has seen a growing diversification in landholder types ‐ prompting a re‐examination not only with regards to the range of landholders who should be recruited into public goods delivery but the incentivisation strategies needed to recruit them as well. In this article, we examine the limitations of the behavioural approach utilised by past agri‐environmental schemes to incentivise farmer uptake. We then propose the use of a Theories of Practice and Theory of Capital framework that shifts the approach towards a more targeted pattern of incentivisation, one which enables the recruitment of a much broader set of public goods providers into landholder collaboration. To demonstrate how this framework can be applied, we present a case study around a range of collaboration models. Our findings suggest that in order for collaborations to be sustained in the long term, policymakers will need to think more directly with regard to the different aspects of collaboration that different landholders place value in. This would ensure opportunities for various forms of capital to be generated or for the recrafting of practices through intervention points. We conclude that the recrafting of the collaborative conservation practice not only can be accomplished through its constituent elements but by changing its practitioners as well—as exemplified by the different configurations of landholders that make up each of our five models of collaboration.
Antibody immune responses and causal relationships in four immune skin diseases: Evidence from Mendelian randomization and Bayesian Weighting (Antibody Responses in Skin Diseases: MR & Bayesian)
Authors: Li Xiaojian , Chen Shiyu , Wu Yunbo , Qiu Guirong , Cheng Shiping , Lan Hongrong , Yan Zhangren , Huang Dongbei
Published: August 2024

Background

Recent studies increasingly suggest that microbial infections and the immune responses they elicit play significant roles in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. This study uses Mendelian randomization (MR) and Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) to explore the causal relationships between immune antibody responses and four common skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), rosacea, and vitiligo.

Methods

We utilized summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for antibody responses to 13 infectious pathogens and four skin diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) to assess causal relationships using multiple MR methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, and weighted median. BWMR was also employed to confirm findings and address potential pleiotropy.

Results

The IVW analysis identified significant associations between specific antibody responses and the skin diseases studied. Key findings include protective associations of anti‐Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) IgG seropositivity and Helicobacter pylori UREA antibody levels with psoriasis and AD. anti‐chlamydia trachomatis IgG seropositivity, anti‐polyomavirus 2 IgG seropositivity, and varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E and I antibody levels were negatively associated with rosacea, while EBV Elevated levels of the early antigen (EA‐D) antibody levels and HHV‐6 IE1B antibody levels were positively associated with rosacea. H. pylori Catalase antibody levels were protectively associated with vitiligo, whereas anti‐herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV‐2) IgG seropositivity was positively associated with vitiligo. The BWMR analysis confirmed these associations.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significant role of H. pylori and other pathogens in these skin diseases, suggesting both protective and exacerbating effects depending on the specific condition. Understanding these pathogen‐immune interactions can lead to the development of more effective, personalized treatments and preventative strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: Comparison of high‐frequency ultrasound and pathology
Authors: Valian Sepideh Keshavarz , Khorasanizadeh Faezeh , Kamyab Kambiz , Nourazar Sadra , Montazeri Sahar , Azizpour Arghavan
Published: August 2024

Background

Skin neoplasms, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are prevalent forms of skin malignancies. To enhance accurate diagnosis, non‐invasive techniques including high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) are crucial. HFUS offers deeper penetration compared to reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), making it valuable for examining skin structures. The aim of this study was to investigate and diagnose localized manifestation of BCC and SCC with HFUS and compare it with pathology results in patients referred to Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

Method and materials

This study included patients diagnosed with BCC and SCC, with clinical and pathological confirmation, attending the oncology clinic of Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2022 to 2023. Exclusion criteria comprised metastatic and recurrent cases, patients who underwent treatment or surgery, and tumors located in anatomically challenging areas. HFUS with a 20 MHz probe and Doppler ultrasound were employed to examine the skin. Tumors were subsequently excised, fixed in formalin, and sent for pathological assessment. Ultrasound findings were compared with pathology results.

Results

The study assessed 40 patients, with half diagnosed with SCC and the other half with BCC. The majority of SCC patients were male (80%), while BCC patients were relatively evenly divided between males (65%) and females (35%). The mean age was 59.15 ± 11.9 years for SCC and 63.4 ± 8.9 years for BCC. Cheeks (20%) and lips (35%) were the most common sampling sites for BCC and SCC, respectively. The correlation coefficients for tumor size and depth between ultrasound and pathology were 0.981 and 0.912, respectively, indicating a high level of agreement between the two methods.

Conclusion

In BCC patients, there was complete agreement between sonographic loco‐regional extension and pathology findings. However, some discordance (30%) was observed in SCC cases. The study demonstrated a strong correlation between ultrasound and pathology in accurately detecting the depth and extent of the tumor. However, due to the inclusion of only patients with positive pathology, it is not appropriate to evaluate the diagnostic test values and compare them with pathology results. Therefore, it is highly recommended to carry out additional studies with larger sample sizes to further validate these findings.
Association of vitamin D with risk of warts: A retrospective and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cao Yuting , Zhou Xiaoying , Yang Huan
Published: August 2024

Background

The clinical strategy of oral supplementation of Vitamin D (VD) as a preventive and therapeutic measure for warts needs further exploration.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with skin diseases who visited the Children's Hospital affiliated with Chongqing Medical University from February 2018 to June 2024 were collected. The serum VD levels in patients with warts (common warts, flat warts, and plantar warts) and patients with other common skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and chronic urticaria) were compared. Two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to investigate potential causal associations between VD and warts.

Results

The average serum VD level of children with warts was 23.27 ± 7.07 ng/mL, which showed no statistically significant difference compared to children with other common skin diseases. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method analysis indicated a positive causal relationship between VD and warts (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.86, [95% CI: 1.19−2.92], p = 0.007). Sensitivity analysis did not show any indication of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. The MR‐PRESSO method did not identify any outliers.

Conclusion

The levels of serum VD in children with warts do not significantly decrease compared to children with other common skin conditions. The evidence from the MR analysis indicates a positive causal relationship between VD and warts, suggesting caution in supplementing VD for children with warts who have normal or elevated serum VD levels. Further clinical studies are needed for validation in the future.
Amelioration of salt‐affected soil using combined amendments for synergistic effects: Impacts and management implications
Authors: Nguyen Tung Xuan Tan , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Thai Binh Vu
Published: August 2024

Saline acid sulphate soils are commonly ameliorated using traditional amendments like lime and cow manure. Biochar, derived from crop residues, is another potential remedy for this type of soil. Their combined use may create synergistic effects, necessitating further investigation. This study aims to assess the combined impacts of biochar with traditional amendments on soil quality, properties and rice yield. A field experiment was established with six treatments: no‐amendment (control), lime, cow manure, biochar, combined lime and biochar, and combined cow manure and biochar with rice (Oryza sativa) planted in four replicates. The study revealed that the effects of these amendments on soil properties were driven by their inherent characteristics and secondary processes, such as neutralization. Combining biochar with lime significantly increased soil pH (6.2), and exchangeable calcium (648.6 cmol(+) kg−1), while reducing exchangeable aluminium (11.83 cmol(+) kg−1) and iron (37.5 cmol(+) kg−1), compared to the control. Meanwhile, combining biochar with cow manure notably enhanced Mehlich‐1 phosphorous (3.4 mg kg−1), organic carbon (4.99%), ammonium (27.0 mg kg−1) and cation exchange capacity (17.2 cmol(+) kg−1). Biochar combined with cow manure exhibited greater synergetic effects on soil quality than when combined with lime. Consequently, these combinations improved the soil quality index, which exhibited a strong correlation with rice yield and biomass when its value was below 0.4. This finding indicates that these combinations exhibit insignificant synergistic effects on rice yield and growth. Further research is needed to elucidate these findings and explore the optimal application rates concerning soil properties for improved management practices.
Topo‐MSJ: Search for groups of POIs with qualitative processing of spatial regions
Authors: Rafael Gabriel Joseph Ramos , Pontes Carlos V. A. M. , de Oliveira Maxwell Guimarães , Pires Carlos Eduardo Santos , Campelo Claudio E. C.
Published: August 2024

To alleviate challenges related to mobility, travel planning, and time management, individuals commonly encounter the necessity of locating points of interest (POIs) that either share the same physical building or are situated within interconnected buildings. However, existing search engines face difficulties in retrieving groups of places based on keywords and topological relations among their respective regions, for instance, when a user wants to find a residential building that is connected to a green area. This is primarily due to their limited consideration of POIs as mere points in space, rather than recognizing the polygonal geometries of their boundaries. In this work, we present a spatial search solution based on textual and topological query parameters for efficiently retrieving groups of POIs whose neighborhoods and boundaries satisfy specific restrictions. To perform this type of search efficiently, we propose the Topo‐MSJ algorithm, building upon the well‐established “Multi‐Star‐Join” (MSJ) algorithm, by including an efficient approach to handle queries with topological requirements. To assess the effectiveness of our solution, we conduct a performance evaluation by comparing the execution time of Topo‐MSJ with equivalent spatial SQL queries. The experimental analysis, performed on real datasets, reveals that Topo‐MSJ exhibits a faster execution time compared with equivalent SQL queries, additionally providing a simplified spatial pattern query notation.
Efficacy and safety of novel freeze‐dried plasma products in a porcine combat casualty model
Authors: Dufour‐Gaume Frédérique , Cardona Vénétia , Bordone Audrey , Montespan Florent , Vest Philippe , Legland Anne‐Margaux , Frescaline Nadira , Prat Nicolas
Published: August 2024

Background

Hemorrhagic shock is well documented as a leading cause of preventable fatalities among military casualties. During military operations plasma can be transfused while waiting for whole blood. This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of two new freeze‐dried plasma formulations in a porcine model of traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

Study Design and Methods

In the face of species‐specific transfusion, transfusible blood products were derived from porcine sources. The efficacy of three lyophilized plasma (LP) formulations was evaluated: lyophilized plasma (LP), concentrated lyophilized plasma (CLP), and platelet‐rich concentrated lyophilized plasma (PCLP). Pigs were subjected to multi‐trauma and hemorrhagic shock. Ninety minutes post‐shock induction, the animals were treated with one of the three lyophilized products. Monitoring included systolic blood pressure and cardiac output. Point‐of‐care and laboratory diagnostic tests were used to assess renal function, real‐time hemostasis (ROTEM), and coagulation. Histological examinations of kidney, lung, and muscle tissues were conducted 4 h after shock induction.

Results

CLP and PCLP significantly improved systolic blood pressure and cardiac output and positively influenced base excess, creatinine, various ROTEM, and coagulation markers compared with standard LP without histologic modification. No adverse effect was associated with the transfusion of any of the plasma products throughout the experimental procedures.

Conclusion

Both CLP and PCLP exhibit promising therapeutic potential for managing hemorrhagic shock in scenario where whole blood supplies are limited. However, the distinct physiological and coagulation characteristics of the swine model necessitate further investigation using humanized preclinical models to fully understand their clinical applicability and constraints.
Skin barrier, phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of autosomal recessive ichthyosis in TGM1‐deficient Jack Russell Terriers and response to topical ceramide
Authors: Mauldin Elizabeth , Bradley Charles , Casal Margret , Meyer Jason , Crumrine Debra , Kiener Sarah , Leeb Tosso , Elias Peter M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Autosomal recessive ichthyosis leads to structural or biochemical changes that impair skin barrier function.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess (1) the phenotype and genotype in a litter of Jack Russell Terriers with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), and (2) the defective skin barrier and determine if a topical ceramide can modulate the barrier.

Animals

A healthy dam and litter of Jack Russell Terrier puppies (healthy male, affected male and female), one affected adult Jack Russell Terrier and one unrelated healthy Jack Russell Terrier.

Materials and Methods

A severe cornification defect was identified via examination of affected puppies. As the phenotype worsened, the affected puppies received a topical application of ω‐0‐acylceramide for 10 days. Before humane euthanasia, the skin barrier was evaluated via transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometry and pH in affected dogs. Genomic testing was performed, and skin samples were analysed by light and electron microscopy.

Results

Affected puppies were homozygous for the 1980 bp LINE‐1 insertion in the TGM1 (transglutaminase 1) gene; the unaffected littermate and the dam were heterozygous carriers. ARCI puppies were underweight and had a severe hyperkeratotic phenotype that impaired mobility. TEWL was markedly higher in affected dogs. The cutaneous pH of affected puppies was higher than the normal littermate. Treatment of the skin with ω‐0‐acylceramide normalised the pH to match the littermate and decreased TEWL. Electron microscopy revealed marked attenuation of the cornified envelope.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Dogs with TGM1‐deficient ARCI have an impaired skin barrier. Topical therapy can partially repair the barrier defect.
Novel treatment of infectious keratitis in canine corneas using ultraviolet C (UV‐C) light
Authors: Turicea Bactelius , Sahoo Dipak K. , Allbaugh Rachel A. , Stinman Chloe C. , Kubai Melissa A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the therapeutic effect of 275 nm wavelength ultraviolet C (UV‐C) light for treatment of bacterial keratitis in canine corneas using an affordable, broadly available modified handheld device.

Methods

UV‐C therapy (UVCT) was evaluated in two experiments: in vitro using triplicates of three bacterial genera (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas spp., and a mix of all species) where the UVCT was performed at a distance of 10, 15, and 20 mm with 1 or 2 doses (4 h apart) for 5, 15, or 30 s; ex vivo model where healthy canine corneal buttons were inoculated superficially and deep (330 μm) with the same bacterial isolates and treated at a 10 mm distance for 15 s with one dose of 22.5 mJ/cm2. Fluorescent marker (STYO9‐PI) was used to label (green = live bacteria, red = dead bacteria), and confocal microscopy was used to image the bacteria.

Results

In vitro results showed all plates treated with UVCT had 100% bactericidal effect for all isolates with single dose of 15 s at 10 mm distance or two doses, 4 h apart at 15 mm and was ineffective with single dose at 15–20 mm. The ex vivo results confirmed a significant decrease in bacterial load for all isolates on samples inoculated superficially but were inconclusive for intrastromal ones.

Conclusions

UVCT confirmed the therapeutic potential for all tested isolates, for both in vitro and ex vivo experiments using a single exposure of 15 s. While safety studies are underway, clinical trials are warranted.
Enhancing the Needs of Counselor's Communication Competencies in Assisting Child Victims of Sexual Violence
Authors: Mukhlisiana Lusy , Kuswarno Engkus , Rizal Edwin , Maryani Eni
Published: August 2024

Children who are at risk of sexual assault often have limited knowledge and experience, which makes it challenging for them to understand the violence they have endured and how to react to it. This significantly hinders their ability to open up and talk about the traumatic experience. Such situations will make difficult the trauma-healing efforts carried out by counselors. The study aims to identify the competencies counselors must acquire for the counseling process to function smoothly and successfully. Data were collected through detailed interviews and observations involving 14 informants. Researchers also conducted literature reviews and administrative tasks to support their findings. Case studies were conducted to explore the role and significance of communication skills for counselors in the trauma recovery process for child victims of sexual assault. The findings revealed that counselors must not only have psychological knowledge or counseling competencies but also possess a variety of characteristics such as personality competence, professional competence, social competence, and, most importantly, communication competence.
Pedagogy of Freedom: Van-Dijk’s Socio-Cognitive Discursive Analysis on Nadiem Makariem Endgame Podcast
Authors: Margaretha Pinkan , Marta Rustono Farady , Panggabean Hana , Putra Denny
Published: August 2024

Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology initiate Merdeka Belajar (Independent Learning) policy since 2020 to improve education quality. Education holds a crucial role in human capital development of nation to respond structural transformation challenges, global industrial revolution, and disruptive changes in many dimensions of human life. Indonesian education quality still needs to be improved, since the Indonesia 2018 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rank in lower quartile compare with other 78 countries. Nadiem Makariem, the Education, Culture, Research and Technology minister, convey the discourse about Independent Learning through Endgame podcast series 113, hosted by Gita Wirjawan, an Indonesian investment banker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Indonesian minister of trade. This study aims to analyse the podcast uses Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive approach to demystify ideology behind the policy through critical analysis of language, cognition, and social-cultural context, from macro (context) to micro (social cognition, ideology) level. Freire’s pedagogy of freedom and Bourdieu’s concept about social structure of educational system used as a framework. This study found that Independent Learning policy strive to break the social domination of banking education system that already practiced in Indonesian education and resulting in low quality of education that withheld the competitive index of Indonesian human capital. Symbolic violence and power in the education bureaucracy system hinder the implementation of the Independent Learning policy in Indonesian schools and universities, leading to resistance among stakeholders.
Barriers to Data Analytics for Energy Efficiency in the Maritime Industry
Authors: Jaramillo Jimenez Veronica , Munim Ziaul Haque , Kim Hyungju , Perera Lokukaluge Prasad
Published: August 2024

The maritime industry is urged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of ships. A potential and relatively inexpensive solution is to implement data analytics to identify improvement areas to optimize ships' performance and fuel consumption. This study investigates barriers to data analytics for maritime organizations intending to utilize data as a means of operational enhancement. This study used the DELPHI–best worst method hybrid approach to identify and rank the barriers to data analytics for energy efficiency. The results revealed a total of 20 sub-barriers grouped into five main barriers. These barriers fall into two overarching categories: organizational barriers, including cultural, managerial, and economic, and technological barriers, comprising data management and data analysis. This study also highlights the most critical barriers within each category, revealing inadequate data governance, multiple suppliers needed to implement a comprehensive system and contracts, and restrictive clauses as the dominant barriers that hamper data analytics adoption in the maritime domain.
An Integrated Finite Element and adams Modeling Approach for Analyzing Rotor-Bearing Housing Systems
Authors: Shafiee Abbas , Sadeghi Farshid , Wilmer Matthew G.
Published: August 2024

This article introduces a new modeling approach aimed at examining how the performance of a rotor-bearing housing system is influenced by the flexibility of the rotor and support structures. The system is composed of a flexible rotor and rolling element bearings (REBs) positioned within flexible housings. The dynamics of the REBs were simulated using a previously developed adams dynamic bearing model (DBM) using the discrete element method (DEM) in the msc adams environment. To achieve an integrated rotor-bearing housing system model, the adams bearing model was coupled through a set of interface points using component mode synthesis (CMS) for the rotor and housing model. The bearing outer races were discretized into multiple nodes to compute the force and deformation at the bearing housing conformal contact as well as to minimize the computational requirements associated with the conformal contact problems. The integrated model was then utilized to investigate the effects of rotor flexibility in the bearing rotor system and the effect of bearing clearance and housing clearance on bearing dynamics. Previously developed Pressure Mapping Test Rig (PMTR) and Spherical Roller Bearing Test Rig (SRBTR) were used to validate the results and assumptions made in this study. The model developed demonstrated that the flexibility of the rotor has a significant effect on bearing element motion and dynamics. The results also indicate that depending on the bearing type, the shaft deflection can induce a moment within the bearing that is not readily available from elementary theory. The results show that the flexible housing undergoes deformations that create ovality in the bearing housing, thus affecting bearing dynamics. The model was also used to investigate bearing performance in a miniature wind turbine main shaft, utilizing a combination of spherical roller bearing (SRB) and cylindrical roller bearing (CRB) adams models. Results suggest that the axial-to-radial load ratio should be less than the tangent of the SRB contact angle to avoid premature failure due to rollers sliding in the SRB as well as detrimental parallel misalignment in the CRB.
Heat Transfer in Squeeze-Film Flow Between Rotating Disks
Authors: Haria Hiral , Katopodes Nikolaos D. , Lakhani Raj V. , Miyagawa Masatoshi , Sadaike Yutaka , Fujii Yuji
Published: August 2024

A numerical and experimental study is conducted to investigate the effects of heat transfer on the squeeze-film flow between two parallel rotating disks, one of which is flat while the other has a grooved, highly rough surface. A conjugate heat transfer technique is developed to evaluate the torque and temperature distribution within the thin-film lubrication system, as the two disks advance toward each other. For the fluid domain, the energy equation is solved simultaneously with the squeeze-film equations coupled with an empirical contact model. Additionally, the energy equation is solved for the flat disk to determine the heat transfer by conduction while the grooved disk is assumed to be adiabatic. The heat exchange at the solid–fluid interface is determined iteratively using the energy equations from both the fluid and solid domains. The governing equations are solved using the finite-volume method, and the numerical model is tested for grid convergence and conservation of energy. An experimental study is conducted to collect torque and temperature data that are used to validate the model for the engagement dynamics of a wet clutch. The numerical and experimental analyses demonstrate the importance of thermal effects when evaluating the dynamics of squeeze-film flow between two rotating disks. Heat transfer affects the viscous and mixed lubrication phases of the engagement process significantly, especially for low initial temperatures. Moreover, the study highlights the strong effects of flow recirculation on heat transfer due to the complex geometry of the grooved friction material.
Experimental Investigation of the Cyclic Lateral Laying Effect on the Initial Embedment Depth of the Exposed Offshore Pipelines on Sand
Authors: Xiong Hairong , Hu Cun , He Ning , He Yang , Zhang Ying , Ni Ziqiang
Published: August 2024

The initial embedment depth of offshore exposed pipelines, which is mainly controlled by the soil properties and installation loads, has a significant influence on the pipeline’s subsequent axial and lateral response. However, engineering practices have shown that the initial embedment of the pipelines is often times higher than the predicted value by using the recommended vertical penetration model. In this study, an experimental apparatus was designed to model the lateral cyclic motions caused by the pipe installation on the embedment of the pipeline on sands. The effects of the vertical forces, the amplitudes and frequencies of cyclic loads on both the smooth and the coating pipelines are investigated. The results show that the cyclic loads do cause the further significant embedment of the pipelines on sands but with a limit value, which means the ultimate embedment exists. The development of the embedment can be divided into three stages: the increasing stage, in which the embedment depth increases rapidly in the first 15 cycles and cause the 95% of the overall further embedment depth; the hypo-stable stage, in which the increasing rate is slowing down but still with an observed further penetration; the stable stage, in which the rate is decreased to almost zero and the ultimate embedment is reached. Meanwhile, the vertical force and the cyclic motion amplitudes cause a positive effect on the increase of the embedment, whereas, the frequency has a marginal effect.
System Identification of Leisure Boat’s Maneuvering Model at Medium High-Speed Using Open Sea Trial Data
Authors: Seo Ji Young , Park Hyo-Jin , Nam Bo Woo , Choi Hujae
Published: August 2024

This study employs the system identification method to develop a maneuvering model for leisure boats operating at medium high-speed, using data from open sea trials. Concentrating on the dynamic characteristics unique to leisure boats, the research addresses the constraints of the traditional MMG models, which are predominantly designed for larger vessels. The study enhances the MMG model, aiming to achieve a more precise depiction of leisure boat dynamics. The paper presents the process of gathering and analyzing open sea trial data, formulating the maneuvering model, and applying system identification techniques to ascertain hydrodynamic coefficients. The outcomes indicate enhanced accuracy in ship velocity predictions, underscoring the utility of the refined model for leisure boats. This investigation is expected to broaden understanding of leisure boat dynamics and support the formulation and implementation of autonomous navigation systems in leisure boating.