bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline Interleukin-6 as a Preoperative Biomarker for Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Koch Dominik Thomas , Koliogiannis Dionysios , Drefs Moritz , Schirren Malte , von Ehrlich-Treuenstätt Viktor , Nieß Hanno , Renz Bernhard , Ilmer Matthias , Andrassy Joachim , Guba Markus O. , Werner Jens , Kühn Florian
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Liver (hepatic) fibrosis (LF) is characterized by impaired function and regenerative capacity of the liver and can lead to significantly increased morbidity and mortality in the context of surgical liver resection (LR). For this reason, it is crucial to identify the extent of LF preoperatively. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is known to play a key role in the pathogenesis of LF, but its exact value as a preoperative marker is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between preoperatively determined IL-6 and the presence of LF. Methods: In this prospective study, IL-6 was determined in 134 consecutive patients undergoing LR. Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and patients with clinical or laboratory signs of inflammation were excluded. LF was graded by a blinded pathologist with regard to the degree of LF according to the Desmet classification (0–4). Baseline IL-6 and degree of LF were correlated. Results: A total of 134 patients were prospectively included prior to LR. For 104 patients, LF was graded and inflammatory parameters were available. Thirty-five of these patients showed LC (Desmet 4), and another 33 patients showed preoperatively elevated inflammatory markers. Two of the remaining patients were liver transplant patients. These patients were excluded from the final analysis. According to Desmet, the remaining 34 patients had LF grade 0 or 1 (none or minimal LF) in 26 cases and LF grade 2 or 3 (moderate-to-severe LF) in 8 cases. Correlation of LF with preoperatively determined IL-6 yielded significantly higher IL-6 levels in the group of patients with moderate-to-severe LF (Desmet 2 or 3) compared to the group with none or minimal LF (Desmet 0 or 1; p = 0.0495). Conclusion: In the context of LR, our results showed a correlation of preoperatively determined IL-6 with the extent of LF present. Higher serum baseline IL-6 concentrations were associated with a higher degree of LF, whereas no other blood parameter or score was that predictive for LF. Our results suggest that baseline IL-6 might serve as a valuable parameter to assess LF prior to LR. More patients need to be analyzed to further evaluate and confirm the predictive accuracy of IL-6 for LF.
Kalanchoe deliae (K. [subg. Kalanchoe] sect. Raveta; Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a new species from the Barberton Centre of Endemism in northeastern southern Africa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: December 2023

A new species, Kalanchoe deliae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), is described from northeastern South Africa. As far as is known, this new species is restricted to central-east Mpumalanga, one of the eastern-most provinces of the country. Kalanchoe deliae fits in K. sect. Raveta, a cluster of species with small to medium-sized to very large, paddle- to soup plate-sized leaves, and dense, elongated, usually club-shaped inflorescences. Kalanchoe deliae can be easily distinguished from K. luciae, the best-known representative of K. sect. Raveta and with which it occurs sympatrically, by a combination of vegetative (smaller overall stature and smaller leaves; lack of often intensely red-infused leaves) and reproductive (sepal shape and length; corolla lobe colour, shape, and orientation; pistil shape; and size and shape of the nectar scales) morphological characters.
An overview of the mosquitoes of Saudi Arabia (Diptera: Culicidae), with updated keys to the adult females
Authors: DAWAH HASSAN A. , ABDULLAH MOHAMMED A. , AHMAD SYED KAMRAN , TURNER JAMES , AZARI-HAMIDIAN SHAHYAD
Published: December 2023

Despite the fact that mosquito-borne infections have considerable consequences for public health in Saudi Arabia, there is neither a thorough review of the species that occur in the country nor updated keys for the identification of the adult females. In this study, species accounts are given for 49 Saudi Arabian mosquito species, as well as Aedes albopictus (Skuse), which is not recorded in Saudi Arabia, but is medically important and is found in some countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Taxonomic notes provide additional information for certain taxa and/or aid their identification.
Numerical Study on the Precipitation Concentration over the Western Coast of Sumatra Island
Authors: Okugawa Ryosuke , Yasunaga Kazuaki , Hamada Atsushi , Yokoi Satoru
Published: December 2023

Large amounts of tropical precipitation have been observed as significantly concentrated over the western coast of Sumatra Island. In the present study, we used a cloud-resolving model to perform 14-day numerical simulations and reproduce the distinctive precipitation distributions over western Sumatra Island and adjacent areas. The control experiment, in which the warmer sea surface temperature (SST) near the coast was incorporated and the terminal velocity and effective radius of ice clouds were parameterized to be temperature dependent, adequately reproduced the precipitation concentration as well as the diurnal cycles of precipitation. We then used the column-integrated frozen moist static energy budget equation, which is virtually equivalent to the column-integrated moisture budget equation under the weak temperature gradient assumption, to formulate sensitivity experiments focusing on the effects of coastal SST and upper-level ice clouds. Analysis of the time-averaged fields revealed that the column-integrated moisture and precipitation in the coast were significantly reduced when a cooler coastal SST or larger ice cloud particle size was assumed. Based on the comparison of the sensitivity experiments and in situ observations, we speculate that ice clouds, which are exported from inland convection that is strictly regulated by solar radiation, promote the accumulation of moisture in the coastal region by mitigating radiative cooling. Together with the moisture and heat supplied by the warm ocean surface, they contribute to the large amounts of precipitation here.
No Drain, No Problem: Serum-Based Marker Prediction of Clinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula
Authors: Heard Jessica C. , Smith Glen H. , Tolman Alex , Karumuri Jashwanth S. , Osman Houssam G. , Jeyarajah Rohan D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Postoperative day (POD) 1 drain amylase concentration (DAC) is considered the most accurate predictor for the development of a clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Recent studies have associated drain placement with negative postoperative outcomes. This study aims to evaluate multiple biochemical markers and their associations with CR-POPF development in order to identify a reliable, non-drain dependent alternative to DAC.

Methods

This is a review of 53 consecutive PD patients between 2021 and 2022. Albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), DAC, white blood cell count, and procalcitonin values were compared by CR-POPF status. The discriminatory abilities of CAR, CRP, and DAC for CR-POPF were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Six of 51 included patients developed a CR-POPF. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis produced an area under the curve of .977 for POD 1 DAC (cut-off 5131.0 IU/L, sensitivity 100%, specificity 95.5%), .858 for POD 1 CRP (cut-off 52.5 mg/L, sensitivity 100%, specificity 72.7%), and 1.000 for POD 3 CAR (cut-off 99.2, sensitivity and specificity 100%). POD 3 CAR produced a positive and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusion

The CAR and CRP provide early and accurate identification of patients with post-PD CR-POPFs. These markers offer a method of safe CR-POPF detection, when the gold standard DAC is unavailable, ultimately allowing for early intervention and patient rescue.
HbA1c/C-Peptide Ratio Is a Potential Biomarker Used to Predict No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Mo De-Gang , Wang Meng-Meng
Published: December 2023

In this letter, we discussed that HbA1c/C-peptide ratio is a potential biomarker used to predict no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Digital Transformation in Corporate Banking: Toward a Blended Service Model
Authors: Lóska Gergely , Uotila Juha
Published: December 2023

Digital technologies challenge incumbent firms to rethink their established approaches to customer relationships. This article examines how a corporate bank reconfigured its relationship-oriented business model to benefit from digital transformation. The case analysis reveals a gradual transition toward a blended service model that first replaces, then complements, and finally augments physical with digital in increasingly complex customer interactions. While replacing and complementing human-enabled services with digital offerings are necessary steps of the digital transition, the associated competitive advantages are perceived as unlikely to endure. In contrast, augmenting human-enabled services with sophisticated digital technologies holds the potential for sustainable competitive advantage.
Relational tactics and trust in high-risk activism: Anonymity, preexisting ties, and bonding in Hong Kong’s 2019–2020 protest
Authors: Ho Ming-sho
Published: December 2023

Trust, the belief that others will fulfill their expected obligations, is of vital importance to social movements. While most research focuses on how trust facilitates protests, this article examines how high-risk activism participants deploy various relational tactics to reduce uncertainties and risks. With an in-depth case study of Hong Kong’s protest movement in 2019–2020, this article finds anonymity, preexisting ties, and bonding are the three common responses. Across various interpersonal settings, participants strategize personal trust or minimize their risk exposure, finding ways to collaborate with strangers or acquaintances. Trust is more than a preexisting resource; it can also be created during movement mobilization. Trust enables protest participation, and it also aids in logistics provisioning, as well as sheltering and aftercare of activists. Finally, government repression has worked in part because it aims to undermine the trust networks built up during the movement.
Factors associated with non-help-seeking among women victims of physical or sexual intimate partner violence in Peru: Findings from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey, 2017 to 2019
Authors: Salvador-Oscco Edison , Santander-Cahuantico Ana Claudia , Fernandez-Guzman Daniel , Bendezu-Quispe Guido
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the factors associated with non-help-seeking in victims of physical or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) in Peru.

Methods:

This was an analytical cross-sectional study of 3-year data from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey. The sample comprised women aged 18 to 49 who had experienced physical or sexual IPV at some time in their lives. The dependent variable was non-help-seeking after suffering physical or sexual IPV. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the factors associated with non-help-seeking. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was carried out in which only women who suffered physical or sexual IPV in the last year were considered.

Results:

Data from 15,265 female victims of physical or sexual IPV were analyzed. It was found that 57.4% did not seek help after suffering physical or sexual IPV. The main reasons for non-help-seeking included thinking it was unnecessary (42.3%) and embarrassment (14.9%). Age between 30 and 49 years old (PRa:1.15; 95%CI [1.06, 1.25]) and residing in a rural area (PRa:1.07; 95%CI [1.00, 1.13]) were associated with a higher probability of non-help-seeking. On the other hand, having a secondary education level (PRa:0.91; 95% CI [0.86, 0.97]) or higher (PRa:0.90; 95%CI [0.82, 0.99]), having a partner who drinks alcohol (PRa:0.94; 95%CI [0.89, 0.99]), having experienced physical or sexual IPV during a pregnancy (PRa:0.87; 95%CI [0.80, 0.94]), and having experienced moderate (PRa:0.81; 95%CI [0.76, 0.86]), or severe physical or sexual IPV (PRa:0.74; 95%CI [0.67, 0.82]), were associated with a lower probability of non-help-seeking. These associations were consistent in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion:

Half of the women who experience physical or sexual IPV do not seek help. There are sociodemographic factors related to this non-seeking of help that are useful for identifying and prioritizing interventions to reduce IPV and improve the health status of women.
“What Defines Us as People Is How We Treat Others”: Ethnotheories, Socialization Goals, and Practices of “Exemplary” Guatemalan Mothers
Authors: Gibbons Judith L. , Niklaus Ashleigh B. , Serverian-Wilmeth Kathleen
Published: December 2023

Parenting beliefs and practices are deeply embedded in cultural values, ideologies, and norms. The cultural ecologies of Guatemala, a Central American country, highlight familism, religiosity, and collectivism. To understand the parenting goals, parental ethnotheories, and parenting practices of a group of highly educated, economically advantaged Guatemalan mothers of school-age children, we conducted a qualitative study about their goals for their children and ways of inculcating desired qualities. The nine mothers had been nominated by school staff as outstanding mothers. After asking open-ended questions about desired goals and parenting strategies, we posed dilemmas adapted from the United States National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Spanish-language booklet, “¿Qué significa ser padres?” (“What does it mean to be parents?”). Interviews took place in an unoccupied school classroom and lasted an average of 37 minutes; they were recorded and transcribed in the original Spanish. Coding according to reflexive thematic analysis was conducted in Spanish by two members of the research team. Interpersonal relatedness, kindness, and prosocial behavior were foremost among the mothers’ socialization goals. Ethnotheories included the importance of providing both love and limits, recognizing individual differences among children, and promoting children’s autonomy. Mothers’ parenting strategies emphasized preserving emotional intimacy, taking children’s perspectives, and rejecting permissiveness. These goals and practices derive from Guatemalan cultural values of collectivism, familism, and religiosity, in which interpersonal relationships are prioritized. Well-educated, economically advantaged Guatemalan mothers endorsed socialization goals and parenting practices that differed from Western prescriptions. The findings imply that cultural values should inform parenting interventions.
Cultural Similarities and Differences in Judgments of Rapport
Authors: Matsumoto David , Wilson Matthew , Helmy Mai , García Jose Manuel Garcia , Vasquez Angel Nicolas Avendano
Published: December 2023

Rapport is a fundamental building block of human relationships across cultures; yet, there is still a dearth of systematic, cross-cultural research on this important topic. This study contributes to a small but growing literature on the nature of rapport across cultures by examining judgments of rapport by observers from different culture/language groups of interactions involving investigative interviews conducted in different languages. Observers from four culture/language groups (English, Spanish, Arabic, and French) rated rapport in nine video clips consisting of three interview languages (English, Spanish, and French) and three segments within each interview. Findings demonstrated that rapport judgments reduced to a bidimensional model of positivity and negativity across the observer culture/language groups; that considerable cultural similarities in rapport judgments existed across the ebb and flow of the interviews; and that there were some possible cultural differences in rapport judgments and the constructs contributing to those judgments, notably French observers’ judgments of mutual respect and seriousness. These findings suggested both major similarities and potential differences in judgments of rapport across cultures.
CaCO3 Nanoparticles Delivering MicroRNA-200c Suppress Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ding Q.J. , Remy M.T. , Upara C. , Hu J. , Mora Mata A.V. , Haes A.J. , Lanzel E. , Sun H. , Buchakjian M.R. , Hong L.
Published: December 2023

MicroRNA (miR)–200c suppresses the initiation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most prevalent head and neck cancer with high recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates. However, miR-200c–based gene therapy to inhibit OSCC growth has yet to be reported. To develop an miR-based gene therapy to improve the outcomes of OSCC treatment, this study investigates the feasibility of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding miR-200c delivered via nonviral CaCO3-based nanoparticles to inhibit OSCC tumor growth. CaCO3-based nanoparticles with various ratios of CaCO3 and protamine sulfate (PS) were used to transfect pDNA encoding miR-200c into OSCC cells, and the efficiency of these nanoparticles was evaluated. The proliferation, migration, and associated oncogene production, as well as in vivo tumor growth for OSCC cells overexpressing miR-200c, were also quantified. It was observed that, while CaCO3-based nanoparticles improve transfection efficiencies of pDNA miR-200c, the ratio of CaCO3 to PS significantly influences the transfection efficiency. Overexpression of miR-200c significantly reduced proliferation, migration, and oncogene expression of OSCC cells, as well as the tumor size of cell line–derived xenografts (CDX) in mice. In addition, a local administration of pDNA miR-200c using CaCO3 delivery significantly enhanced miR-200c transfection and suppressed tumor growth of CDX in mice. These results strongly indicate that the nanocomplexes of CaCO3/pDNA miR-200c may potentially be used to reduce oral cancer recurrence and improve clinical outcomes in OSCC treatment, while more comprehensive examinations to confirm the safety and efficacy of the CaCO3/pDNA miR-200c system using various preclinical models are needed.
Authenticity, Releasement, and Mindfulness
Authors: Matthews Laura Kate
Published: December 2023

The concept of mindlessness is tacitly present in Heidegger’s earlier and later works. In Being and Time, Dasein is mindless insofar as it engages with the world in ways already publicly interpreted by das Man. In Heidegger’s later work, mindlessness reaches its peak in the technological mode of revealing, according to which reality is disclosed as a standing reserve. In this technological mode, efficiency becomes an end in itself. Mindlessness is present here in two senses: (a) efficiency is a publicly dictated norm, which we adopt more or less automatically and (b) efficiency demands that we are never fully absorbed in our work, but always concerned to move on to the next task. The question then arises as to what extent mindfulness is associated with the structures Heidegger describes as being opposed to inauthenticity and technology, namely authenticity and releasement. In what follows, I argue that mindfulness can be understood as a tool to cultivate the distance from the they-self necessary to engage more authentically with the world or to cultivate a free relation to technology. Mindfulness can also be viewed as a tool to dwell in the fourfold. I conclude by drawing distinctions between Heidegger’s thought and the practice of mindfulness.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Malay-Translated Version of the Food Neophobia Scale for Malaysian Young Adults
Authors: Lim See Meng , Goh Yue Xin , Wong Jyh Eiin , Kagawa Masaharu , Poh Bee Koon
Published: December 2023

The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) is a research instrument, originally developed in English, to assess an individual’s level of food neophobia. However, it has not yet been translated and validated for Malaysians. Therefore, we aimed to translate and validate a Malay-translated version of the FNS. Respondents were 200 young adults (mostly females, 73%; and students, 82.0%; M age = 22.3 years, SD = 2.3). We first translated the FNS into Malay using the forward-backward translation method, and a panel of nutrition and dietetics experts then reviewed it for item relevance, clarity, simplicity, and ambiguity. The translated FNS suggested good content validity with an item-level content validity index (I-CVI) > .8, a scale-level content validity index (S-CVI)/average = .8 and a S-CVI/universal agreement = .96. Principal component analysis revealed a two-factor model: (i) willingness and trust; and (ii) rejection and fear. Cronbach’s alpha for the Malay-translated FNS was .808, demonstrating high internal consistency and reliability among young Malaysian adults. Future investigators can now use this Malay-translated FNS instrument to determine levels of food neophobia among Malaysians.
The spirit of ethical life as syllogism
Authors: Katsman Anna
Published: December 2023

In this essay, I take on the problem of how to explain the socio-historical dimension of practical reason in Hegel. In contrast to many contemporary socio-historical readings of Hegel, I claim that a logical concept of spirit frames Hegel’s account of the historical process through which human beings have come to know their practical agency as actualized in institutional relations of mutual recognition. On my reading, Hegel conceptualizes each shape in the ‘Spirit’ chapter of his Phenomenology of Spirit as syllogistically working out, practically and institutionally, how to mediate the demands of individual self-determination with the universal laws and customs of the community. At the same time, logical form doesn’t determine historical development, because the content of individuality, universality, and their mediation is earned only through historical experience.
Against received opinion: Recovering the original meaning of ‘paradox’ for populism and liberal democracy
Authors: Khan Gulshan
Published: December 2023

In philosophy and political theory, the term paradox is often used synonymously with antinomy, contradiction and aporia. This article clarifies the meaning of these terms through tracing their respective etymology. We see that antinomy denotes a deep-seated conceptual opposition, whereas contradiction and aporia represent alternative responses to antinomy. The former presents the antinomy as potentially resolvable at some future time, and the latter sees the antinomy instead as a constitutive impasse. By way of contrast, para doxa originally referred to a statement that is ‘contrary to received opinion’, but this idea has generally been subsumed – both in philosophy and more common place understandings – under the notion of aporia. This conceptual recovery enables a better understanding of key traditions in social and political theory, notably post-structuralism and Habermasian critical theory, which can be demarcated through their respective responses to the emergence of ‘paradoxes’. However, the article also demonstrates the material significance of these philosophical categories through their application to contemporary democratic politics. I analyse the constitutive tension between liberalism and democracy as well as the emergence of populism and show how these conceptual tools provide new insights for understanding these most pressing political developments of our time.
A full ideology as driver for authoritarian dynamics: Comment to Populism and Civil Society
Authors: Zürn Michael
Published: December 2023

“Populism and Civil Society” is a rich book full of insights. I see three crucial overarching points the book drives home: one about the character of current populism, one about the causes, and one about the consequences. First, they define populism in a way that goes beyond the prevailing juxtaposition of the people and the elite. Instead, the definition involves elements of the ideas about a good order, including the central role of popular sovereignty, the symbolic representation and embodiment of the whole of the people, the strict borders between in and out, and a focus on electoral competition. Second, Arato and Cohen provide an explanation of populism that focuses on politics and democratic tensions. Third, the book points to “strong authoritarian tendencies that are almost always fully evident when populism achieves political power.” These propositions are right on target and very convincingly developed. In fact, they are very much in line with an attempt to account for “authoritarian populism” that Armin Schäfer and I have provided. Against this backdrop, I want to comment on the core messages by raising some questions about the details of these issues. It will become evident that this commentary is a case of sympathizing criticism.
Aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis in small aortic annulus: Keep it simple!
Authors: Garatti Andrea , Menicanti Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

We read with great interest the systematic review from Agarwal and colleagues, comparing the results of sutureless valves versus conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) with aortic root enlargement in patients with aortic stenosis and small aortic annulus. We herein comment on the review trying to highlight some major issues. Based on some recent literature's evidences and on the authors’ personal experience, we suggest to consider AVR with mechanical valve as a still viable option, especially in small aortic annulus. Indeed, root enlargement techniques are not always easy to perform and sutureless valve is still burdened by higher rate of PM implantation.
Effects of low-vision rehabilitation on reading speed and depression in age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tran Edward , Shah Nirmit , Xu Riley , Aly Mohamed , Malvankar-Mehta Monali S
Published: December 2023

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent eye disease, which can lead to vision loss, impacting daily functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-vision rehabilitation techniques such as magnifiers, telescopes, and microperimeter feedback, on improving reading speed and reducing depression in AMD patients. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search of databases MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and CINHAL (EBSCO), gray literature including ClinicalTrials.gov and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (ProQuest), Conferences of The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society were done from inception to 27 July 2022. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were applied to account for heterogeneity between studies. Publication bias was checked through funnel plots. A total of 33 studies (2611 subjects) were included;14 studies were included in the meta-analysis (1123 subjects) and 19 were included in the qualitative analysis. We found a non-significant increase in reading speed (effect size [ES] = 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.18, 0.23]) for studies comparing patients who received no low-vision rehabilitation, versus the intervention group of AMD patients who received low-vision rehabilitation. We also found a significant decrease in reading speed (ES = −0.92, 95% CI = [−1.46, −0.39]) between studies evaluating the difference in reading speed at baseline visits compared to the follow-up visits in AMD patients who received low-vision rehabilitation. Low-vision rehabilitation was also found to result in a decrease in depression severity when compared to control groups, as well as from initial assessment to subsequent follow-up visits. Individuals with AMD who engaged in low-vision rehabilitation demonstrated improved reading speeds compared to their own baseline and to those who did not receive any interventions. Furthermore, these interventions also contributed to a reduction in symptoms of depression.
Optimal power flow calculation in hybrid power system involving solar, wind, and hydropower plant using weighted mean of vectors algorithm
Authors: Belagra El ayache , Mouassa Souhil , Chettih Saliha , Jurado Francisco
Published: December 2023

One of the most complex and motivating issues in power system is optimal power flow (OPF), which is a constrained optimization problem characterized by non-linearity and non-convexity. From these specifications, researchers competed in the past decades to find optimal solutions to OPF problem while keeping system stability. This paper presents an efficient optimization approach to deal with OPF problem in the hybrid renewable energy systems involving wind turbines, solar photovoltaic and small hydropower plant using optimization method depends on weighted mean of vectors INFO. Total generation cost, active power losses, and combined cost and emission are the principle goal, taking into account both reserve and penalty cost appropriate to over and under estimation respectively in the generation cost model. To evaluate the performance of INFO in solving OPF problem, modified IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 57-bus test systems will be utilized. The obtained results are compared with several algorithms such as Gorilla troop optimizer GTO, artificial ecosystem-based optimization AEO, Barnacles Mating Optimizer BMO for the same test systems keeping the same conditions. Simulation results have indicated the superiority of INFO while respecting all constraints. INFO can minimize total generation cost to 788.9417 $/h for IEEE 30-bus and 5259.2040 $/h for IEEE 57-bus. The results demonstrate clearly that the INFO is a highly efficient algorithm that is an encouraging tool for solving OPF problem. The promising findings highlight the potential of the INFO algorithm to smoothest the integration of RES, and its role in promoting sustainable energy solutions. Furthermore, the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, a statistical approach, was employed to evaluate the superiority of the proposed algorithm and to highlight a certain level of confidence to our study.
Parent Physical and Psychological Aggression and Youth Dating Violence: A Latent Class Analysis Approach
Authors: Rueda Heidi Adams , Ward Kaitlin Paxton , Hoffman Steven
Published: December 2023

Adolescent dating violence is a national public health issue and research suggests that aggressive parenting may predict the likelihood that a child will subsequently experience abuse. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of parent physical and psychological aggression on adolescent dating violence perpetration and victimization. Data derived from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study resulted in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of adolescents in dating relationships at the age of 15 years ( N = 952). Utilizing both parent and adolescent data which assessed parenting practices at ages 3, 5, 9, and 15, and adolescent dating violence victimization and perpetration at age 15, we analyzed the data using a latest class analysis. Youth were typologized into three classes: the non-physically aggressive parenting, nonaggressive dating class (Class 1; 16% of youth), the aggressive parenting, nonaggressive dating class (Class 2; 76% of youth), and the aggressive parenting, aggressive dating class (Class 3; 8% of youth). Parents across all three classes utilized high levels of psychologically aggressive parenting. An important finding from this study is that parents’ use of both physically and psychologically aggressive parenting only predicted subsequent dating violence victimization and perpetration among a small portion of adolescents. Findings suggest that additional risk factors, including household income and adolescent impulsivity, may help to elucidate pathways to adolescent dating violence. There is also a need to further explore the resiliency factors at play for youth who, despite having experienced both psychologically and physically aggressive parenting across the lifespan, did not experience dating violence victimization or perpetration.
Evolving role of higher education & leadership development in a knowledge-based economy: Analysing the Saudi Arabian context
Authors: Alattiq Mashail Jameel
Published: December 2023

Leadership and its development within higher education remain a black box for scholars and practitioners, as its implications are not sufficiently theorized in the literature. Building on that notion, this paper aims to offer a theoretically grounded framework to understand the constituents and transition of leadership development in an economy that aspires to be a knowledge-based economy. The work is ethnographic in nature, and its empirical findings are derived from semi-structured interviews with academic leaders and experts who help shape the policies in higher education and its impact. The paper has implications for practitioners and policymakers in trying to align the higher education sector with the overall economic objectives of the nation.
High-entropy alloy reinforcement in aerospace-grade aluminum 7075: A study of yield strength and elastic modulus
Authors: Pandian Vasanthakumar , Kannan Sekar
Published: December 2023

This research aims to identify an appropriate theoretical model for assessing the yield strength and elastic modulus of a composite material consisting of aerospace-grade aluminum 7075 base matrix reinforced with nanocrystalline high-entropy alloy particle (HEAp) composed of CrCuFeMnNi. To fabricate the aluminum composite with a high-entropy alloy base, an innovative casting method was utilized. This method involved the use of a modified bottom-pouring stir casting furnace, integrated with a mechanical supersonic vibrator and a squeeze infiltration setup. The measured theoretical density was higher than the actual density, while the cast specimen exhibited porosity below 6.6%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the presence of strengthening precipitates and a uniform dispersion of HEAp in the composite. Comparing the developed HEAp composites (CH2, CH3, and CH4) with the base AA7075 cast CH1 (AA7075 + 0 wt.% CrCuFeMnNi-HEAp), the ultimate tensile strength increased by 4% for CH2 (5 wt.% CrCuFeMnNi-HEAp), 21% for CH3 (10 wt.% CrCuFeMnNi-HEAp), and decreased by 9% for CH4 (15 wt.% CrCuFeMnNi-HEAp). Similarly, the yield strength increased by 10% for CH2, 24% for CH3, and decreased by 5% for CH4. The elongation showed an increasing trend of 5% for CH2, 12% for CH3, and 2% for CH4. The flexural strength of the HEAp composites (CH2, CH3, and CH4) increased by 2%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. The proposed model yielded similar yield strength values that closely aligned and were consistent with the experimental value within a deviation of 3.32%. The modified Halpin-Tsai models agreed with experimental value up to a reinforcement volume fraction of 4.89% when calculating the elastic modulus. The proposed model and the Hashin-Shtrikman upper bound also agreed on values up to a 3.32% reinforcement volume fraction.
Optimization of the hot stretch-bending process for TC4 titanium L-section profile
Authors: Qiao Zheng , Zhai Ruixue , Jin Zhuohan , Li Shuyu , Wu Gengyang , Ma Rui
Published: December 2023

Titanium alloys are used more and more in the field of aerospace because of their low weight and high strength. Compared with pure bending, stretch-bending can effectively reduce springback and improve forming accuracy, and is widely used in the forming of high-quality profile structural parts. In this study, based on the loading method of the arm-type stretch-bending machine, the hot stretch-bending process of the TC4 titanium alloy profile with L-shaped section was simulated by ABAQUS. The effects of profile temperature, tension, and section size on the stretch-bending results were analyzed, and the process parameters were optimized. The experimental verification was carried out on the self-designed hot stretch-bending test machine, and the relative deviation between the experiments and simulations is within 1%. This study has guiding significance for the setting of process parameters of hot stretch-bending of titanium alloy profiles.
Personal Misconduct Elicits Harsher Professional Consequences for Artists (vs. Scientists): A Moral-Decoupling Process
Authors: Siev Joseph J. , Teeny Jacob D.
Published: December 2023

Recent years have brought increased accountability for personal misconduct, yet often, unequal consequences have resulted from similar offenses. Findings from a unique archival data set ( N = 619; all university faculty) and three preregistered experiments ( N = 2,594) show that the perceived artistic-versus-scientific nature of the offender’s professional contributions influences the professional punishment received. In Study 1, analysis of four decades of university sexual-misconduct cases reveals that faculty in artistic (vs. scientific) fields have on average received more severe professional consequences. Study 2 demonstrates this experimentally, offering mediational evidence that greater difficulty morally decoupling art (vs. science) contributes to the phenomenon. Study 3 provides further evidence for this mechanism through experimental moderation. Finally, Study 4 shows that merely framing an individual’s work as artistic versus scientific results in replication of these effects. Several potential alternative mechanisms to moral decoupling are tested but not supported. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Numerical analysis on the deformation of scroll teeth of variable base circle radius scroll expander
Authors: Wei Junying , Li Gang , Chang Wenwen , Zhang Chenrui , Yuan Liang , Li Xueyi , Wang Jidai
Published: December 2023

For research on the effect of different working loads on the deformation of variable base circle radius scroll expander scroll teeth, a multi-field-coupled calculation method is proposed to reveal the deformation law of scroll teeth under different working loads. In this paper, the equations of the variable base radius profile are derived using the normal isometric method to establish a three-dimensional model of the variable base radius scroll expander. The CFD dynamic mesh technique is used to simulate the working process of a variable base radius scroll expander to obtain the flow field variation in the inner part of the working chamber. The results of the simulation are applied to the scroll teeth by interpolation to analyze the deformation of the scroll under single-field loading and multi-field coupling, to obtain the deformation law of the scroll teeth. The results of the study show that the deformation of the scroll teeth does not decrease linearly with the involute spreading angle from the head to the tail of the teeth due to the uneven temperature distribution of the scroll expander. The thermal stress of the temperature load impacts the deformation trend and amount of the scroll tooth, whereas the gas force load just modifies the amount of scroll tooth deformation and has a lower effect on the scroll tooth's deformation trend. Under different loads, the same deformation and different deformation on the scroll teeth can interact with each other to reduce the scroll tooth deformation to a certain extent.
A rare case of cutaneous lupus erythematosus presenting with periorbital erythema and edema
Authors: Hacınecipoğlu Fatmanur , Çevirgen Cemil Bengü , Kartal Selda Pelin , Arslankoz Sehbal
Published: December 2023

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune skin disease that can manifest itself with a variety of skin symptoms. Periorbital erythema, a rare variant of CLE, presents challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report a case of CLE presenting with periorbital erythema and edema. A 42-year-old female patient presented with complaints of erythema, edema, and scaling on the right eyelid that started four months ago. A skin biopsy was performed on the lesioned skin of the eyelid to differentiate dermatomyositis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, lupus vulgaris, and cutaneous lymphoma. Histopathological examination revealed focal hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis on the surface of the epidermis, vacuolar degeneration in the basal layer of the epidermis, lymphocyte exocytosis with necrotic keratinocytes, edema in the dermis, melanophages, and perivascular, periadnexal lymphocytic reaction. Laboratory tests showed negative antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA, but positivity for anti-Ro-52. In the absence of any other complaints, the patient was diagnosed with cutaneous lupus erythematosus presenting with periorbital erythema based on clinical, histopathological, and laboratory findings. Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day, topical corticosteroid, and topical tacrolimus were administered. Two months later, significant improvement in the lesions was observed. In conclusion, it should be kept in mind that periorbital erythema can develop as a rare variant of CLE and can be misdiagnosed as contact dermatitis, dermatomyositis, sarcoidosis, or cutaneous lymphoma. Additionally, the ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies are often found to be negative in these cases. In establishing the diagnosis, firstly considering the disease, followed by histopathological examinations and laboratory tests, is crucial.
Efficacy of trigger point dry needling on pain and function of the hip joint: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Forogh Bijan , Ghaseminejad Raeini Amirhossein , Jebeli Fard Roham , Mirghaderi Peyman , Nakhostin-Ansari Amin , Nakhostin-Ansari Noureddin , Bahari Hossein , Hoveidaei Amir Human
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the evidence for the impact of dry needling (DN) on hip pain and function.

Methods:

Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched systematically through June 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of DN on hip pain and function. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess risk of bias. Descriptive analysis was conducted to explain the outcomes and adverse events of DN in hip joint diseases. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to significant heterogeneity.

Results:

A total of seven eligible studies (including 273 patients) were included out of 2152 screened records. Five studies were in participants with hip osteoarthritis (OA; n = 3), greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS; n = 1) or piriformis syndrome ( n = 1); the other two studies were conducted in healthy athletes ( n = 2). Two articles assessed changes in participants’ short-term visual analog scale (VAS) scores (<1 week), one of which showed that DN significantly reduced pain ( P < 0.05). One-week VAS scores were analyzed in three studies, all of which demonstrated reduced scores following DN ( P < 0.05). Hip range of motion (ROM) and muscle force were also improved following DN. No serious side effects were reported.

Conclusion:

DN may be safe and effective at relieving hip pain and improving hip function. DN performs significantly better than several different types of control intervention (including sham DN, no treatment, corticosteroid injections and laser). Strong evidence (high degree of certainty around the results) is lacking, and future studies should ideally use longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes.

Review registration number:

CRD42022297845 (PROSPERO).
Ginsenoside CK Induces the Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Glioma Cells through the Activation of the p53-Bax-Caspase Pathway
Authors: Bai Yang , Liu Yuanhao , Lin Lihao , Liu Xinze , Wan Xilin , Wu Xinmin
Published: December 2023

Background

Gliomas are harmful to human health; they are the most common primary intracranial tumor. Ginsenoside CK (GS-CK) is converted from the diol ginsenoside. This study aimed to explore the effects of GS-CK on glioma cells SHG-44 and U251MG in order to provide clinical value for the treatment of gliomas.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferation was detected using the CCK-8 and CFU detection experiments. Cell apoptosis was detected by DAPI and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescence staining. Cell scratch and transwell assay were used to detect the effect of GS-CK on cell migration and invasion ability. Apoptosis-related protein expression was detected in the two cell lines after treatment with GS-CK.

Results

Cell proliferation is obviously inhibited, and cell migration and invasion were also significantly inhibited by GS-CK. It also induced cell apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. GS-CK induced significant changes in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related protein expression of cytochrome C, p53, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3/8/9, Cleaved Caspase-3, and MMP-9 in glioma cells.

Conclusion

GS-CK can inhibit glioma cells by regulating mitochondria-related apoptosis p53-bax-caspases pathway.
Assessing the impact of an electronic chemotherapy order verification checklist on pharmacist reported errors in oncology infusion centers of a health-system
Authors: Wat Sang Kit (Stephen) , Wesolowski Bryan , Cierniak Kayla , Roberts Patricia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Chemotherapies are medications with narrow therapeutic indices and potential for severe adverse events that account for at least 1 to 3% of medication errors in all adult and pediatric oncology patients. The use of an electronic chemotherapy order verification (ECOV) checklist can standardize the steps of chemotherapy verification by pharmacists, which can potentially increase medication error detection at the point of dispensing. This study evaluated the implementation of a standardized chemotherapy order verification checklist on pharmacist error reporting, particularly good-catches or near-misses type errors.

Methods

This retrospective, quasi-experimental, pre-/post-analysis of internal voluntary medication errors reported from 12 University Hospitals Seidman oncology infusion centers from June 2022 through December 2022. Error reports, categorized based on severity, were compared pre/post-implementation of the ECOV checklist.

Results

A total of 62 and 71 cases of medication errors were reported in the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods, respectively. The rate of pharmacy reported medication errors was 2.4 times greater in the post-intervention period of the ECOV checklist ( p < 0.006). Pharmacy reported errors increased among all error severities reported. However, the finding did not deduce a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.244).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of implementing the ECOV checklist in increasing the rate of pharmacy reported medication errors. The checklist was designed to complement existing pharmacist workflow and provide a source of documentation for steps of sequential pharmacist evaluation.