bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Utilization, and Associated Factors of Nonpneumatic Antishock Garments for Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage among Maternity Ward Health Care Professionals in South Wollo Zone Health Facilities, Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study Design
Authors: Gashaw Kettema Wondimnew , Tefera Ayele Zenebe , Assefaw Geremew Mandefro , Temesgen Assefa Kibir , Ayalew Yimer Sindu , Dessie Liyew Atrsaw , Berihun Erega Besfat , Habtie Dagnaw Eyaya
Published: January 2023

Background. In 2017, approximately, 810 women died every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Obstetric hemorrhage, specifically postpartum hemorrhage, is the leading cause of preventable maternal mortality in the world. New strategies and technologies are needed to reduce the global public health epidemic of maternal mortality. However, nonpneumatic antishock garments were recently introduced and incorporated into teaching curriculums as a management modality for postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, utilization and associated factors of nonpneumatic antishock garment among maternity ward healthcare professionals in the selected South Wollo zone health facilities, North West Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2021. A consecutive sampling technique was employed to collect the data. A self-administered semistructured English version questionnaire was used to collect the data. EPI-Info and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the association of nonpneumatic antishock garment utilization with independent variables. Results. A total of 244 maternity ward health care professionals participated. One hundred forty-six (59.8%) had a good knowledge of nonpneumatic antishock garments. About 110 (45.1%) of the participants have ever used it for the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Those having one nonpneumatic antishock garment (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.5), two or more nonpneumatic antishock garments (AOR = 14.1, 5.7, 35.0), good knowledge (AOR = 5.2, 2.5, 10.7), and positive attitude (AOR = 2.5, 1.1, 5.7) and those who were receiving training (AOR = 2.2, 1.1, 4.4) at 95% CI were significantly associated with utilization of nonpneumatic antishock garments. Conclusion. The knowledge and utilization of nonpneumatic antishock garments for the management of postpartum hemorrhage were low. Those having more nonpneumatic antishock garments, good knowledge, and a positive attitude and those who received training were found to be significantly associated with nonpneumatic antishock garment utilization. The provision of training and availability of nonpneumatic antishock garments are the key actions to be taken to increase the utilization of nonpneumatic antishock garments.
Plato as a Theorist of Legitimacy
Authors: Studebaker Benjamin M.
Published: January 2023

Scholars of political thought often view Plato as a ‘political moralist’, or a ‘utopian’ partly due to the Republic’s emphasis on ‘justice’. But in the Republic, Plato offers a distinctive theory of legitimacy, one that grounds legitimacy on an interdependent relationship between justice and moderation. Justice requires that the principle of specialisation be respected, while moderation requires that citizens agree about who should rule. But citizens will only agree if their ‘necessary’ desires are satisfied. Conversely, the ‘necessary’ desires can only be satisfied when the principle of specialisation is maintained. In this way, justice requires moderation, and moderation requires justice, and both are necessary for legitimacy. Plato’s theory of legitimacy is positioned in relation to existing accounts, especially those of John Rawls and Bernard Williams. It is shown that Plato’s theory is a genuine theory of legitimacy, not a theory of acquiescence. In the concluding section, Rawls’ theory is subjected to a critique based on Plato’s theory.
The Rule of Law Tested by covid-19: The Case of Gabon
Authors: Nguema Ismaelline Eba
Published: January 2023

In Gabon, the covid-19 crisis was accompanied by the adoption of emergency measures to respond to the health emergency caused by the pandemic. According to the texts in force, these measures should be necessary, non-discriminatory and strictly proportional to the health catastrophe. However, the governmental measures were accompanied by an infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms. Also, they have sometimes been taken outside of any legal framework. Thus, the objective of this article is to study the conformity of health emergency measures to the rule of law in Gabon. The method used to conduct this study is based on comparative law. It consisted mainly in comparing the legal responses to covid-19 in Gabon with those used in the country that seems to have inspired them, France. Similarly, an analysis was made of all the decisions rendered by the Gabonese constitutional court. This study shows that government measures have had a deleterious effect on the rule of law, further weakening its structure. The security response to the covid-19 crisis and the increase in inequality due mainly to government measures to combat covid-19 could have damaging effects that could extend well beyond the period of the pandemic.
Comparative Analysis of Deficiencies in the Law on Unfair Contract Terms in Thailand and Practical Ways for Amendment
Authors: Nanakorn Pinai
Published: January 2023

This article investigates the legislation on unfair contract terms in Thailand – the Unfair Contract Terms Act, B.E. 2540 (1997) (Thai ucta). It provides critical discussion of fundamental provisions and legal concepts of this Act in comparison with, where relevant, the American statutory unconscionability doctrine, the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 of the United Kingdom (UK ucta) and the Directive on Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts 1993 of the European Union. As this domestic legislation is principally a product of the imitation of the UK ucta, many of its provisions are compared and contrasted with provisions of the UK ucta. This article brings out deficiencies having long dwelled in the Thai ucta and resulting in clouds of confusion even in judicial decisions of Thailand. Practical ways in which those deficiencies can be rectified are clearly recommended in the hope of providing insightful information to legal practitioners and legal scholars alike.
What Affects the Quality of Score Transformations? Potential Issues in True-Score Equating Using the Partial Credit Model
Authors: Fellinghauer Carolina , Debelak Rudolf , Strobl Carolin
Published: January 2023

This simulation study investigated to what extent departures from construct similarity as well as differences in the difficulty and targeting of scales impact the score transformation when scales are equated by means of concurrent calibration using the partial credit model with a common person design. Practical implications of the simulation results are discussed with a focus on scale equating in health-related research settings. The study simulated data for two scales, varying the number of items and the sample sizes. The factor correlation between scales was used to operationalize construct similarity. Targeting of the scales was operationalized through increasing departure from equal difficulty and by varying the dispersion of the item and person parameters in each scale. The results show that low similarity between scales goes along with lower transformation precision. In cases with equal levels of similarity, precision improves in settings where the range of the item parameters is encompassing the person parameters range. With decreasing similarity, score transformation precision benefits more from good targeting. Difficulty shifts up to two logits somewhat increased the estimation bias but without affecting the transformation precision. The observed robustness against difficulty shifts supports the advantage of applying a true-score equating methods over identity equating, which was used as a naive baseline method for comparison. Finally, larger sample size did not improve the transformation precision in this study, longer scales improved only marginally the quality of the equating. The insights from the simulation study are used in a real-data example.
“I’ve Seen More Dead People than I thought I Would”: Vicarious Trauma Exposure among Police Support Personnel
Authors: Huey Laura , Norman Mark , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Spencer Dale C.
Published: January 2023

Civilian administrative assistants who work for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, known as Detachment Services Assistants (DSAs), are frequently exposed to materials and/or experiences that are potentially psychologically traumatic. Drawing from 49 semi-structured interviews with DSAs, we analyze how these civilian personnel experience exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events, most notably, vicarious trauma. Specifically, we overview the types of exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events and materials experienced by DSAs, including the impact of incidents involving children, and the occupational duties through which these exposures occur; we unpack the nuances and variability in DSAs’ occupational work, which informs such exposures; and we draw from DSAs’ experiences to offer recommendations for ameliorating the mental health toll of civilian police work. The study adds to the limited academic literature on the occupational and mental health experiences of civilian personnel, who serve a vital, but underrecognized, role in supporting police operations.
Connectivity effects in pseudoclefts in L1 and L2 speakers of German
Authors: Drummer Janna-Deborah , Felser Claudia
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the hypothesis that non-isomorphic syntax–semantics mappings pose a greater challenge for non-native (L2) than for native (L1) speakers, focusing on a previously understudied phenomenon. We carried out an antecedent judgment task with L1 German and L1 Russian-speaking, proficient L2 learners of German to examine Condition C connectivity effects in German pseudoclefts. Binding Condition C constrains the interpretation of cataphoric pronouns such that they cannot be interpreted as coreferential with a referential expression within their scope. In specificational pseudoclefts such as What she liked was Jane’s office, Condition C effects can be observed in the absence of the required structural configuration, indicating that these effects result from the computation of a non-isomorphic semantic representation. For superficially similar – but semantically different – predicational pseudoclefts, no connectivity effects are expected. While the L1 speakers’ judgements showed the expected selective Condition C effect, the L2 speakers showed an across-the-board effect, with their antecedent judgements based on surface-level cues to cataphoric pronoun resolution and not affected by the semantic differences between the two types of pseudocleft. These findings support the claim that establishing syntax–semantics mappings is more difficult in a non-native than in a native language if there is no one-to-one correspondence between form and interpretation.
Optimal reinforcement learning and probabilistic-risk-based path planning and following of autonomous vehicles with obstacle avoidance
Authors: Taghavifar Hamid , Taghavifar Leyla , Hu Chuan , Wei Chongfeng , Qin Yechen
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a novel algorithm is proposed for the motion planning and path following automated cars with the incorporation of a collision avoidance strategy. This approach is aligned with an optimal reinforcement learning (RL) coupled with a new risk assessment approach. For this purpose, a probabilistic function-based collision avoidance strategy is developed, and the proposed RL approach learns the probability distributions of the adjacent and leading vehicles. Subsequently, the nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm approximates the optimal steering input and the required yaw moment to follow the safest and shortest path through the optimal RL-based probabilistic risk function framework. Additionally, it is attempted to maintain the travel speed for the ego vehicle stable such that the ride comfort is also offered for the vehicle occupants. For this purpose, the steering system dynamics are also incorporated to provide a thorough understanding of the vehicle dynamics characteristic. Different driving scenarios are employed in the present paper to evaluate the proposed algorithm’s effectiveness.
Investigate the effect of a novel inlet header on the thermal and hydraulic performance of a liquid cold plate used for cooling the Li-ion battery cell of electric vehicles
Authors: Al Shdaifat Mohammad Yacoub , Zulkifli Rozli , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Salih Abeer Adel
Published: January 2023

EV batteries tend to generate a significant amount of heat due to internal resistance during operation. The LCP using the regular inlet struggles to have good fluid distribution without depending on the flow rate. The aim of the present experimental study is to introduce a new design of inlet header called shower head to be used in the liquid cold plate for cooling the battery cells. The study investigates the thermal performance improvements by using the shower head and its impact on the hydraulic performance of the liquid cold plate. The shower head is studied at Reynolds number range 382–1530 and water is the working fluid. The results indicate that the shower head achieved significant reduction in the surface temperature of the battery cell and good temperature uniformity compared to the regular inlet at all Reynolds numbers due to the ability of the shower head to achieve good fluid distribution and mixing inside the LCP. The pumping power consumption difference between the regular inlet and the shower head is not significant.
Fault-tolerant control of second-order systems based on augmented improved extended state observer and non-singular high-order fast terminal sliding mode
Authors: Yang Pu , Liu Peng , Wen ChenWan , Geng Huilin , Feng KeJia
Published: January 2023

In this article, a fault-tolerant control method based on augmented improved extended state observer and non-singular high-order fast terminal sliding mode is proposed for a class of second-order systems with actuator faults. First, the initial peak of the traditional extended state observer is avoided by improving the structure of the observer. Second, the total disturbance and its change trend are observed simultaneously, so as to better realize the compensation of total disturbance. The convergence of the observer is proved theoretically. In addition, by designing non-singular high-order fast terminal sliding mode surface, the sliding mode variable converges rapidly during the whole process to improve the algorithm’s rapidity. Finally, the chattering of control signal caused by sliding mode control is greatly reduced using high-order sliding mode technology, and the stability of the whole closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov criterion. The comparative experimental results on the fault-tolerant control platform of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed observer and controller.
Economic Evaluation of Three BRAF + MEK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Advanced Unresectable Melanoma With BRAF Mutation From a US Payer Perspective
Authors: Halloush Shiraz , Alkhatib Nimer S. , Almutairi Abdulaali R. , Calamia Mathias , Halawah Hala , Obeng-Kusi Mavis , Hoyle Martin , Rashdan Omar , Koeller Jim , Abraham Ivo
Published: January 2023

Background:

The combinations of BRAF + MEK inhibitors—encorafenib (ENC) + binimetinib (BIN), cobimetinib (COB) + vemurafenib (VEM), and dabrafenib (DAB) + trametinib (TRA)—are recommended for the treatment of BRAF-mutated advanced melanoma.

Objective:

To assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of ENC + BIN versus COB + VEM versus DAB + TRA from a US payer perspective.

Methods:

A Markov model was constructed to simulate a hypothetical cohort over a time horizon of 10 years. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) curves were independently digitized from a randomized controlled trial for ENC + BIN and fitted using R software. Published and indirectly estimated hazard ratios were used to fit OS and PFS curves for COB + VEM and DAB + TRA. Costs, life-year gains, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with the 3 treatment combinations were estimated. A base case analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were conducted to estimate the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR). A discount rate of 3.5% was applied on cost and outcomes.

Results:

The ENC + BIN versus COB + VEM comparison was associated with an ICUR of $656 233 per QALY gained. The ENC + BIN versus DAB + TRA comparison was associated with an ICUR of $3 135 269 per QALY gained. The DAB + TRA combination dominated COB + VEM. The base case analysis estimates were confirmed by the PSA estimates. ENC + BIN was the most cost-effective combination at a high willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $573 000 per QALY and $1.5 million/QALY when compared to COB + VEM and DAB + TRA, respectively.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Given current prices and acceptable WTP thresholds, our study suggests that DAB + TRA is the optimum treatment. In this study, ENC + BIN was cost-effective only at a very high WTP per QALY threshold.
Tretinoin 0.1% and Benzoyl Peroxide 3% Cream for the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Kontzias Christina , Zaino Mallory , Feldman Steven R.
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To assess the efficacy, safety, and clinical application of tretinoin 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 3% cream for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Data Sources:

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the terms Twyneo OR tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide OR S6G5T-3 in MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched to obtain completed clinical trial results not published elsewhere.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All human studies published in English prior to November 2022 related to pharmacology, clinical trials, safety, and efficacy were evaluated for inclusion.

Data Synthesis:

In two 12-week, phase 3, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trials, tretinoin 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 3% cream significantly reduced inflammatory and noninflammatory facial acne lesions and significantly improved Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) rating to clear or almost clear. The cream has a suitable safety profile, with application site pain and dryness as the most common adverse events.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison to Existing Agents:

Tretinoin-BPO had similar IGA success compared to other topical retinoid and retinoid-BPO treatments for acne vulgaris. Compared to individual tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide therapy, the combination product streamlines application, which will improve medication adherence; however, the cost of tretinoin-BPO cream may be prohibitive.

Conclusions:

Tretinoin 0.1%-benzoyl peroxide 3% cream is safe and effective for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne. Long-term trial data on efficacy and tolerability are not yet available.
Effects of installing concrete deck on noise radiation of steel box girders: Mechanisms, modeling, and analysis of influential factors
Authors: Zhang Xun , Li Cong , Luo Hao , Lu Bin , Liu Yuyi
Published: January 2023

Steel–concrete composite box girder (SCC BG) is widely used in engineering because it can make full use of the tensile properties of steel and the compressive properties of concrete. However, research on the vibrational transmission and vibroacoustic response of the SCC BG is still relatively rare. In this study, a laboratory hammering test was performed to obtain the dynamic characteristics of a scaled specimen of an SCC BG before and after installing a concrete deck. The experimental results revealed that the vibroacoustic response was greatly reduced after the installation of concrete deck due to a reduction in the transmission of on-deck vibrations to the steel box girder. Following this, we introduce a model to predict the structural vibroacoustic response of the SCC BG based on the hybrid finite element–boundary element–statistical energy analysis method, and verify its accuracy through experiments. The accurately calibrated model is then used to study the characteristics of vibration transmission between plates of the SCC BG. The influences of the thickness of the concrete deck, concrete material, and degree of shear connection on vibroacoustic responses of the SCC BG are also discussed.
Motion control framework for unmanned wheel-legged hybrid vehicle considering uncertain disturbances based robust model predictive control
Authors: Liu Baoshuai , Liu Hui , Han Ziyong , Qin Yechen , Han Lijin , Ren Xiaolei
Published: January 2023

The paper proposes a motion control framework for the unmanned wheel-legged hybrid vehicle to track the motion trajectory considering uncertain disturbances. The whole-body dynamic model is built with the contact force of each rolling wheel, which serves as the foundation to obtain trajectory tracking. The angular momentum and linear momentum are optimized by the robust model predictive control algorithm considering the soft constraint of the relaxation variable. The contact force between wheel and ground is solved by the quadratic programming algorithm to efficiently obtain the flexion/extension joint and wheel motion planning. Then, the explicit algorithm to calculate the torque commands of the flexion/extension joint considering the feed-forward torque and feedback torque to improve the control accuracy. Simulation results validate that the control framework based on the robust model predictive control algorithm can solve the uncertain disturbances in process of the vehicle running on the rough road.
Are translation equivalents really equivalent? Evidence from concreteness effects in translation priming
Authors: Chaouch-Orozco Adel , González Alonso Jorge , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni , Rothman Jason
Published: January 2023

Aims and Objectives:

Translation equivalents intuitively seem to overlap in meaning. Moreover, the models of the bilingual lexicon often represent the meaning shared between two translations as a holistic node in the semantic network. However, research on semantic representation and processing questions this holistic approach. For instance, abstract words are assumed to be more language-dependent, while concrete words’ meanings are seen as more consistent cross-linguistically. The non-cognate translation priming paradigm offers an ideal methodological setting to study semantic overlap (proxied by concreteness) between translations. Priming effects between non-cognate translation equivalents are assumed to emerge due to spreading activation at the semantic level. Hence, a larger semantic overlap between translation prime-target pairs should lead to larger priming effects. Nevertheless, the evidence from previous translation priming studies investigating concreteness displays a blurry picture, potentially reflecting a shared limitation: their relatively small sample sizes. We overcame this problem by analysing the largest translation priming dataset to date.

Methodology:

Two hundred Spanish–English highly proficient bilinguals were tested in a bidirectional translation priming experiment employing 314 non-cognate translation equivalents differing in concreteness.

Data and analysis:

We analysed response times and error rates employing conservative (generalized) linear mixed-effects models.

Findings:

The results showed that concrete translation pairs elicited larger priming effects than abstract ones, evidencing differences in semantic representation between concrete and abstract words. Importantly, the influence of concreteness appeared only in the forward translation direction, suggesting language experience-related differences in meaning representation.

Originality:

The present study analysed the largest dataset in the translation priming literature to date, employing a conservative statistical approach to shed light on the effects of concreteness on translation priming.

Implications:

Our study spotlights the complexity and non-holistic nature of the bilingual semantic representation of concrete and abstract words. The present findings call for more research to help the current models of the bilingual lexicon implement more nuanced semantic representations.
Behind the British New Far-Right’s veil: Do individuals adopt strategic liberalism to appear more moderate or are they semi-liberal?
Authors: Sibley Alice
Published: January 2023

The New Far-Right is often equated with fascism within mainstream political discourse. Although there are fascistic elements of the far-right generally, the New Far-Right is typified by its adoption of liberal values and support of democracy. Some argue that this adoption of liberal values is a strategy to distance themselves from fascism, while others argue that their pro-liberal position is semi-liberal. This article aims to understand whether individuals within the British New Far-Right are strategically liberal or semi-liberal. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with three British New Far-Right groups. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three grievance-based themes were developed: Islam, COVID-19, and liberal values. While some narratives were nationalistic using liberal values to oppose Islam, others discussed liberal rights topics that were not related to nationalism. Supporting previous research, previously left-wing individuals were more likely to hold semi-liberal arguments, whereas previously right-wing individuals were more likely to be strategically liberal.
Using ICD-9 diagnostic codes for external validation of topic models derived from primary care electronic medical record clinical text data
Authors: Meaney Christopher , Escobar Michael , Stukel Therese A , Austin Peter C , Kalia Sumeet , Aliarzadeh Babak , Rahim Moineddin  , Greiver Michelle
Published: January 2023

Background/Objectives: Unsupervised topic models are often used to facilitate improved understanding of large unstructured clinical text datasets. In this study we investigated how ICD-9 diagnostic codes, collected alongside clinical text data, could be used to establish concurrent-, convergent- and discriminant-validity of learned topic models. Design/Setting: Retrospective open cohort design. Data were collected from primary care clinics located in Toronto, Canada between 01/01/2017 through 12/31/2020. Methods: We fit a non-negative matrix factorization topic model, with K = 50 latent topics/themes, to our input document term matrix (DTM). We estimated the magnitude of association between each Boolean-valued ICD-9 diagnostic code and each continuous latent topical vector. We identified ICD-9 diagnostic codes most strongly associated with each latent topical vector; and qualitatively interpreted how these codes could be used for external validation of the learned topic model. Results: The DTM consisted of 382,666 documents and 2210 words/tokens. We correlated concurrently assigned ICD-9 diagnostic codes with learned topical vectors, and observed semantic agreement for a subset of latent constructs (e.g. conditions of the breast, disorders of the female genital tract, respiratory disease, viral infection, eye/ear/nose/throat conditions, conditions of the urinary system, and dermatological conditions, etc.). Conclusions: When fitting topic models to clinical text corpora, researchers can leverage contemporaneously collected electronic medical record data to investigate the external validity of fitted latent variable models.
Experiences of parents of autistic children who adopted a cat
Authors: Carlisle Gretchen K , Lamontagne Angélique , Bibbo Jessica , Johnson Rebecca A , Lyons Leslie A
Published: January 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. Autistic children suffer from social cognitive difficulties. There is no specific treatment for ASD, but ongoing individualized care can lead to an improvement in symptoms. Adopting a pet into a family with an autistic child is increasingly recognized as beneficial for improving some of the child’s social skills. Cats are the second most common pet in the homes of autistic children. Previous studies showed that adopting calm-tempered shelter cats to autistic children decreased anxiety and improved the child’s social skills. In the present study, we aimed to qualitatively explore the experience of parents of autistic children who adopted a shelter cat. 11 families participated in the study, and were asked 6 open-ended questions every 2 weeks for 18 weeks after the cat's adoption. Five main themes emerged from the analysis: benefits of cat adoption, challenges of cat adoption, parent-cat bonding, child-cat bonding, and family impact of cat adoption. Adoption leads to the creation of a strong relationship between the family members and the shelter cat, and an improvement in the child’s social skills, with some difficulties related to the maintenance of the cat. These findings highlight the beneficial impact of adopting a shelter cat into a family with an autistic child, and open the door for future research to generalize these results.
The Public Funding of Election Administration: Evidence from a British General Election
Authors: Clark Alistair
Published: January 2023

Administering elections is costly, requiring considerable resourcing. The extent to which election administration is funded can reveal government priorities towards democratic rights and affects every potential voter. Yet, little is known of this crucial aspect of public administration, in any type of democracy. This research innovates by seeking to establish overall levels of variation in public funding of election administration in a national general election, and by applying this to the local level to investigate whether socio-economic, administrative or political factors are more important as drivers of costs. The article deploys a unique dataset which integrates rare government election administration budgeting data, with Census and political data to provide an exploratory analysis from a British general election. It finds that key production costs of voting infrastructure appear to drive funding. While socio-economic and political aspects have less of an impact, levels of ethnic minority voters and regional effects also appear important determinants.
Defining and Measuring Sexual Consent within the Context of University Students’ Unwanted and Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Anyadike-Danes Ngozi , Reynolds Megan , Armour Cherie , Lagdon Susan
Published: January 2023

Lack of sexual consent forms the foundation of unwanted (and nonconsensual) sexual experiences (USEs), yet research suggests it is not well understood amongst university students. While the prevalence of USEs has been well documented within the university context, less is known about how sexual consent is defined or measured. This review aims to identify a consistent sexual consent definition and how current research examining USEs defines and measures sexual consent amongst university students. A systematic review of nine electronic databases (2000–2022) was conducted, and the results were assessed against inclusion criteria (e.g., studies had to focus exclusively on university students). Thirty-three articles were identified and reviewed against the study aims. Sexual consent was more often implicitly defined across measures and articles. Four themes were identified (incapacitation, use of force, use of threats, and lack of wantedness) across the implicit definitions but varied by study with some implicitly defining sexual consent within the context of a relationship. Only three studies explicitly defined sexual consent, referring to it as a willingness to engage in sexual behavior. Measures assessed sexual consent communication or, attitudes and behaviors that might predict sexual aggression. Two studies examined students’ individual sexual consent conceptualizations. Sexual consent appears to be contextual so future research should examine the variability of sexual consent in student samples. Students may indeed rely on implicit sexual consent definitions (rather than explicit) but more research is needed. Lastly, researchers should take care to be clear on their sexual consent definitions, both in text and within measures.
Working Together? Gendered Barriers to Employment and Desistance From Harm Amongst Criminalised English Women
Authors: Barr Úna
Published: January 2023

Drawing on narrative interviews with 16 criminalized women and a year of observation at English Women’s Centers, this study explores the women’s qualitative experiences of employment and volunteering. Findings indicate traditional perspectives on desistance from crime ignore the intersectional disadvantages women face. Criminalized women experience trauma and stigma that have long-lasting effects on their mental health. Women present as desisting from crime by taking on unpaid employment. This reinforces perspectives on desistance which disregard the many generative roles which women are often quietly involved in. This article contributes to emerging discourse around critical anti-carceral, intersectional feminist desistance ( Hale, 2020 ).
Thermal transport analysis of squeezing hybrid nanofluid flow between two parallel plates
Authors: Shaheen Abida , Imran Muhammad , Waqas Hassan , Raza Mohsan , Rashid Saima
Published: January 2023

Hybrid nanofluids outperform mono nanofluids in terms of heat transmission. They can be found in heat exchangers, the automobile industry, transformer cooling, and electronic cooling, in addition to solar collectors and military equipment. The primary goal of this study is to scrutinize the magnetohydrodynamic hybrids nanofluid (Copper-oxides and Titanium dioxide/water) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] nanofluid flow in two parallel plates using walls suction/injection under the influence of a magnetic field and thermal radiation. Implementing the appropriate transformation, the governing partial differential equations are converted into equivalent ordinary differential equations. In MATLAB software, the built-in numerical technique bvp4c is used to evaluate the final system to generate the graphical results against velocity and temperature gradient for various parameters. The increasing evaluation of Reynolds number and magnetic parameter influenced velocity concentration. The response surface method is used to generate the sensitivity and contour graphs and tables. Skin friction and the Nusselt number have an outcome on flow characteristics as well. This type of research is critical in the coolant process, aviation engineering, and industrial cleaning processes, among other fields. In several cases, comparing current and historical findings reveals good agreement.
Failure of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in children: Risk factors and management
Authors: Accadbled Franck , Kerdoncuff Aude , Hidalgo Perea Sofia , Green Daniel W
Published: January 2023

Background:

Patellofemoral instability is a frequent cause of referral in pediatric sports medicine. Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is widely used and provides satisfactory outcomes with a low failure rate. Given the success of this surgical technique, the literature on medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction failures in the pediatric population is limited. Moreover, given the multifactorial nature of patellofemoral instability, the heterogeneity of the current literature, and the paucity of pediatric studies, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction failures are often difficult to analyze.

Methods:

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the associated risk factors, surgical management, and the clinical outcomes at 2-year follow-up of skeletally immature patients that presented to our clinic with a failed medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

Results:

Of the 181 cases in 155 patients included in this study, treatment failed in 12 (7%). All 12 patients presented with at least one risk factor for patellofemoral instability, the most common being trochlear dysplasia and a high-grade J sign.

Conclusions:

We conclude that isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellofemoral instability in children has a low failure rate. Clinicians must assess pre-operative risk factors before surgical treatment is considered. A high-grade J sign and high-grade trochlear dysplasia were associated with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction failure in this cohort. Tailoring treatment to patients’ associated risk factors selection may improve outcomes.
Stories as data: Indigenous research sovereignty and the “Intentional Fire” podcast
Authors: Murveit Anna M , Delphin Sonia , Domingues Carlie , Bourque Shawn D , Faulstich Sam D , Garfin Gregg M , Huntly Nancy , Meadow Alison M , Preston Vikki
Published: January 2023

Natural resource management intertwines with cultural practices and health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities have managed and contributed to knowledge on ecosystems and sustainability since time immemorial. However, Indigenous communities in California face significant institutional constraints when implementing practices such as cultural burning. Indigenous-led research projects, programs, and political action are crucial to overcoming such constraints. It is important for non-Indigenous researchers to support Indigenous research agendas. This article helps to meet this need by identifying research procedures that respect Indigenous sovereignty and by using methods informed by Indigenous knowledge systems. The authors, representing the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center and the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources, present a collaborative approach that integrates Native American and Indigenous Studies scholarship, participatory research methods, and engagement in the sovereign research protocols established by the Karuk Tribe. We share a process of effective collaborative research that respects Karuk research sovereignty. This process resulted in the Intentional Fire podcast series, a co-produced data set that documents Karuk stories on fire suppression, social impacts of fire exclusion, and Karuk determinants of healthy, resilient homeland ecosystems. The authors did not analyze the data further because Indigenous people do not need outside academics to speak on their behalf. The process also developed relationships, amplified knowledge, and strengthened capacities. We share our process and lessons learned to provide a model that can inform other collaborations that aim to support Indigenous research sovereignty.
Application of RNA sequencing to understand the response of rice seedlings to salt-alkali stress
Authors: Ren Xiaoning , Fan Jiahui , Li Xin , Shan Yu , Wang Lanlan , Ma Lianju , Li Yueying , Li Xuemei
Published: January 2023

Background

Salt-alkali stress represents one of the most stressful events with deleterious consequences for plant growth and crop productivity. Despite studies focusing on the effects of salt-alkali stress on morphology and physiology, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we employed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to understand how Na2CO3 stress inhibits rice seedling growth.

Results

Na2CO3 stress significantly inhibited the growth of rice seedlings. Through RNA-seq, many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shown to be potentially involved in the rice seedling response to salt-alkali stress. After 1-day and 5-day treatments, RNA-seq identified 1780 and 2315 DEGs in the Na2CO3-treated versus -untreated rice seedling shoots, respectively. According to the gene ontology enrichment and the Kyoto Encylopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation of DEGs, the growth-inhibition processes associated with salt-alkali stress involve a myriad of molecular events, including biosynthesis and metabolism, enzyme activity, and binding, etc.

Conclusion

Collectively, the transcriptome analyses in the present work revealed several potential key regulators of plant response to salt-alkali stress, and might pave a way to improve salt-alkali stress tolerance in rice.
Transcriptome analysis of mesenteric arterioles changes and its mechanisms in cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension
Authors: Wu Guangbo , Chen Min , Fan Qiang , Li Hongjie , Zhao Zhifeng , Zhang Chihao , Luo Meng
Published: January 2023

Portal hypertension (PHT) is a major cause of liver cirrhosis. The formation of portosystemic collateral vessels and splanchnic vasodilation contribute to the development of hyperdynamic circulation, which in turn aggravates PHT and increases the risk of complications. To investigate the changes in mesenteric arterioles in PHT, cirrhotic rat models were established by ligating the common bile ducts. After 4 weeks, the cirrhotic rats suffered from severe PHT and splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, characterized by increased portal pressure (PP), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow. Mesenteric arterioles in cirrhotic rats displayed remarkable vasodilation, vascular remodeling, and hypocontractility. RNA sequencing was performed based on these findings. A total of 1,637 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, with 889 up-regulated and 748 down-regulated genes. Signaling pathways related to vascular changes were enriched, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-AKT (PI3K-AKT), and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway, among others. Moreover, the top ten hub genes were screened according to the degree nodes in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that the hub genes were involved in cell cycle regulation, mitosis, and cellular response to oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO). In addition, promising candidate drugs for ameliorating PHT, such as resveratrol, were predicted based on hub genes. Taken together, our study highlighted remarkable changes in the mesenteric arterioles of cirrhotic rats with PHT. Transcriptome analyses revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of vascular changes in splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SAUR gene family in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Dai Shutao , Qin Na , Zhu Cancan , Qin Jiafan , Li Junxia
Published: January 2023

Background

Auxin performs important functions in plant growth and development processes, as well as abiotic stress. Small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) is the largest gene family of auxin-responsive factors. However, the knowledge of the SAUR gene family in foxtail millet is largely obscure.

Results

In the current study, 72 SiSAUR genes were identified and renamed according to their chromosomal distribution in the foxtail millet genome. These SiSAUR genes were unevenly distributed on nine chromosomes and were classified into three groups through phylogenetic tree analysis. Most of the SiSAUR members from the same group showed similar gene structure and motif composition characteristics. Analysis of cis-acting elements showed that many hormone and stress response elements were identified in the promoter region of SiSAURs. Gene replication analysis revealed that many SiSAUR genes were derived from gene duplication events. We also found that the expression of 10 SiSAURs was induced by abiotic stress and exogenous hormones, which indicated that SiSAUR genes may participated in complex physiological processes.

Conclusions

Overall, these results will be valuable for further studies on the biological role of SAUR genes in foxtail development and response to stress conditions and may shed light on the improvement of the genetic breeding of foxtail millet.
People with early-onset colorectal cancer describe primary care barriers to timely diagnosis: a mixed-methods study of web-based patient reports in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Lamprell Klay , Pulido Diana Fajardo , Arnolda Gaston , Easpaig Bróna Nic Giolla , Tran Yvonne , Owais Syeda Somyyah , Liauw Winston , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

Background

People with early-onset colorectal cancer, under the age of 50, are more likely to experience diagnostic delay and to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease than older people. Advanced stage diagnosis potentially requires invasive therapeutic management at a time of life when these patients are establishing intimate relationships, raising families, building careers and laying foundations for financial stability. Barriers to timely diagnosis at primary care level have been identified but the patient perspective has not been investigated.

Methods

Personal accounts of cancer care are increasingly accessed as rich sources of patient experience data. This study uses mixed methods, incorporating quantitative content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis, to investigate patients’ accounts of early-onset colorectal cancer diagnosis published on prominent bowel cancer support websites in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Results

Patients’ perceptions (n = 273) of diagnostic barriers at primary care level were thematically similar across the three countries. Patients perceived that GPs’ low suspicion of cancer due to age under 50 contributed to delays. Patients reported that their GPs seemed unaware of early-onset colorectal cancer and that they were not offered screening for colorectal cancer even when ‘red flag’ symptoms were present. Patients described experiences of inadequate information continuity within GP practices and across primary, specialist and tertiary levels of care, which they perceived contributed to diagnostic delay. Patients also reported tensions with GPs over the patient-centredness of care, describing discord related to symptom seriousness and lack of shared decision-making.

Conclusions

Wider dissemination of information about early-onset colorectal cancer at primary care level is imperative given the increasing incidence of the disease, the frequency of diagnostic delay, the rates of late-stage diagnosis and the dissatisfaction with patient experience reported by patients whose diagnosis is delayed. Patient education about diagnostic protocols may help to pre-empt or resolve tensions between GPs’ enactment of value-based care and patients’ concerns about cancer. The challenges of diagnosing early-onset colorectal cancer are significant and will become more pressing for GPs, who will usually be the first point of access to a health system for this growing patient population.