bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Asymmetric Effects of Oil Price Shocks on Aggregate Demand for Goods and Services in Ghana
Authors: Oteng-Abayie Eric Fosu , Dramani John Bosco , Sulemana Mahawiya , Adusah-Poku Frank
Published: May 2023

Procyclicality has been discovered in crude oil price shocks on aggregate demand. Most studies have used linear estimation techniques, resulting in the loss of asymmetric correlations. We disaggregate the impact of changes in oil prices into positive and negative shocks on aggregate demand and its components from 1970 to 2015 using the nonlinear ARDL framework. The results show that oil price shocks in Ghana have a long-term beneficial asymmetric impact on aggregate demand and its components. Specifically, a positive change in oil price (0.230) has a greater positive effect on the aggregate demand than a negative effect (-0.009) emanating from a negative change in the oil price shock. Further, the same result was obtained for the components of the aggregate demand with the impact on investment expenditures (0.662) being the greatest. Policymakers should diversify energy demand according to our recommendations. Instead of exporting crude oil, officials should encourage its refinement and consumption. Lastly, we suggest that policymakers hedge and use price-smoothing strategies to reduce oil price volatility.
Assessing the Feasibility of Cogeneration Retrofit for Heating and Electricity Demands in Marine Diesel Engines
Authors: Liu Xianglong , Yang Hao , Feng Zhao , Hu Guang , Zeng Zhi
Published: May 2023

In the marine engineering industry, turbocharged diesel engines are often used to generate electricity, and hot oil can be extracted after generating electricity. However, marine diesel engine heat recovery can be distinguished from gas heat recovery for turbocharged and nonturbocharged diesel engine systems. The ideal air model Brayton cycle is used to evaluate the feasibility of turbocharged/nonturbocharged cogeneration retrofits in turbocharged diesel engine systems, and the paper is designed to evaluate the effect of pressure and temperature and cooling ratio of exergy efficiency. The results show that the performance of turbocharged and nonturbocharged work increases with increasing pressure ratio until it reaches a maximum value and decreases with increasing pressure ratio at a constant temperature. If an electric generator is selected first, the heat recovery after the turbocharger can be used to improve the contract for heating and electricity needs. While the exergy efficiency is selected priorly, cogeneration retrofit for heating and electricity demands can be used for heat recovery without the turbocharger system.
Comparison of Two Frailty Assessment Methods and Their Association with Functionality in Subjects with Exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Morita Andrea Akemi , Munhoz Rafaela Furlan , Guzzi Giovana Labegalini , Probst Vanessa Suziane
Published: May 2023

Objectives. To verify the prevalence of frailty in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD; to compare two frailty assessment methods: Edmonton Scale and the Fried Frailty Phenotype, and to associate frailty with functioning in these patients. Methods. Patients hospitalized due to an acute exacerbation of COPD were included. The assessment of pulmonary function, frailty, and functioning was performed. Frailty assessment was performed by the Edmonton Scale and Fried Frailty Phenotype. Individuals were classified into “frail,” “pre-frail” and “non-frail.” Functioning was evaluated by the one sit-to-stand test. Results. Thirty-five individuals were included (17 male, 69 ± 9 years; FEV1/FVC 47 ± 10%; FEV1 34 (24–52) % predicted). Participants scored 3 (3-4) points on the Edmonton Scale and 7 (5–9) points on the Fried Frailty Phenotype. According to the Fried model, 17% were considered prefrail and 83% frail and in the Edmonton scale, 20% were classified as nonfrail, 29% prefrail, and 51% frail. There was a positive moderate correlation between the two methods (r = 0.42;

p
=
0.011

); however, there was no agreement between them (

p
=
0.20

). This probably occurs because they assess the same construct, i.e., frailty; however, they are different in their components. There was a negative and moderate correlation between the Fried Frailty Phenotype and functioning (r = −0.43;

p
=
0.009

). Conclusion. Most hospitalized individuals with exacerbated COPD with severe and very severe airflow limitation are frail and the assessment methods correlate, but there is no agreement. Additionally, there is association between frailty and functioning in this population.
Orthogonal Inner Product Graphs over Finite Fields of Odd Characteristic
Authors: Zhao Shouxiang , Zhang Hengbin , Nan Jizhu , Tang Gaohua
Published: May 2023

Let

F

q

be a finite field of odd characteristic and

2
ν
+
δ
≥
2

be an integer with

δ
=
0,1

, or 2. The orthogonal inner product graph

O
i

2
ν
+
δ
,
q

over

F

q

is defined, and a class of subgroup of the automorphism groups of

O

i

2

ν

+

δ

,

q

is determined. We show that

O
i

2
ν
+
δ
,
q

is a disconnected graph if

2
ν
+
δ
=
2

; otherwise, it is not. Moreover, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for two vertices and two edges of

O
i

2
ν
+
δ
,
q

, respectively, which are in the same orbit under the action of a subgroup of the automorphism group of

O
i

2
ν
+
δ
,
q

.
Microfluidic Organ-Chips and Stem Cell Models in the Fight Against COVID-19
Authors: Satta Sandro , Rockwood Sarah J. , Wang Kaidong , Wang Shaolei , Mozneb Maedeh , Arzt Madelyn , Hsiai Tzung K. , Sharma Arun
Published: May 2023

SARS-CoV-2, the virus underlying COVID-19, has now been recognized to cause multiorgan disease with a systemic effect on the host. To effectively combat SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent development of COVID-19, it is critical to detect, monitor, and model viral pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip, and human stem cell–derived models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection in the physiological organ microenvironment, together with their limitations. Microfluidic-based detection methods have greatly enhanced the rapidity, accessibility, and sensitivity of viral detection from patient samples. Engineered organ-on-a-chip models that recapitulate in vivo physiology have been developed for many organ systems to study viral pathology. Human stem cell–derived models have been utilized not only to model viral tropism and pathogenesis in a physiologically relevant context but also to screen for effective therapeutic compounds. The combination of all these platforms, along with future advancements, may aid to identify potential targets and develop novel strategies to counteract COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Repurposing Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19 and Its Cardiovascular Manifestations
Authors: Wang Rui-Sheng , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 leading to the ongoing global pandemic. Infected patients developed a range of respiratory symptoms, including respiratory failure, as well as other extrapulmonary complications. Multiple comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic kidney diseases, are associated with the severity and increased mortality of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection also causes a range of cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis, myocardial injury, heart failure, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, and venous thromboembolism. Although a variety of methods have been developed and many clinical trials have been launched for drug repositioning for COVID-19, treatments that consider cardiovascular manifestations and cardiovascular disease comorbidities specifically are limited. In this review, we summarize recent advances in drug repositioning for COVID-19, including experimental drug repositioning, high-throughput drug screening, omics data-based, and network medicine-based computational drug repositioning, with particular attention on those drug treatments that consider cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19. We discuss prospective opportunities and potential methods for repurposing drugs to treat cardiovascular complications of COVID-19.
Cell-Specific Mechanisms in the Heart of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Tsai Emily J. , Čiháková Daniela , Tucker Nathan R.
Published: May 2023

From the onset of the pandemic, evidence of cardiac involvement in acute COVID-19 abounded. Cardiac presentations ranged from arrhythmias to ischemia, myopericarditis/myocarditis, ventricular dysfunction to acute heart failure, and even cardiogenic shock. Elevated serum cardiac troponin levels were prevalent among hospitalized patients with COVID-19; the higher the magnitude of troponin elevation, the greater the COVID-19 illness severity and in-hospital death risk. Whether these consequences were due to direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of cardiac cells or secondary to inflammatory responses steered early cardiac autopsy studies. SARS-CoV-2 was reportedly detected in endothelial cells, cardiac myocytes, and within the extracellular space. However, findings were inconsistent and different methodologies had their limitations. Initial autopsy reports suggested that SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis was common, setting off studies to find and phenotype inflammatory infiltrates in the heart. Nonetheless, subsequent studies rarely detected myocarditis. Microthrombi, cardiomyocyte necrosis, and inflammatory infiltrates without cardiomyocyte damage were much more common. In vitro and ex vivo experimental platforms have assessed the cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and elucidated mechanisms of viral entry into and replication within cardiac cells. Data point to pericytes as the primary target of SARS-CoV-2 in the heart. Infection of pericytes can account for the observed pericyte and endothelial cell death, innate immune response, and immunothrombosis commonly observed in COVID-19 hearts. These processes are bidirectional and synergistic, rendering a definitive order of events elusive. Single-cell/nucleus analyses of COVID-19 myocardial tissue and isolated cardiac cells have provided granular data about the cellular composition and cell type–specific transcriptomic signatures of COVID-19 and microthrombi-positive COVID-19 hearts. Still, much remains unknown and more in vivo studies are needed. This review seeks to provide an overview of the current understanding of COVID-19 cardiac pathophysiology. Cell type–specific mechanisms and the studies that provided such insights will be highlighted. Given the unprecedented pace of COVID-19 research, more mechanistic details are sure to emerge since the writing of this review. Importantly, our current knowledge offers significant clues about the cardiac pathophysiology of long COVID-19, the increased postrecovery risk of cardiac events, and thus, the future landscape of cardiovascular disease.
The Translation of Johann Arndt’s True Christianity into Dutch and the Distribution of his Books in the Dutch Republic
Authors: Matthias Markus A.
Published: May 2023

The impact of Puritan devotional literature on Reformed and Lutheran piety has been well researched in the past decades. Several studies about Dutch religious culture in the 17th century stress the interconfessional readership of devotional writings as a widespread practice. Obviously, the religious cultures were not so self-contained as the paradigm of confessionalization suggests. Until now we don’t have an exhaustive study over the impact and distribution of Johann Arndt’s devotional literature in the Dutch republic of the 17th century. The common opinion is that Arndt’s True Christianity had no noteworthy influence. In fact, it can be shown that there has been a long and intensive literary production and distribution of the True Christianity and other works of Arndt in Reformed circles in the Dutch Republic.
New orchids in the flora of Vietnam VI (Orchidaceae, tribes Arethuseae, Cymbidieae, Diurideae, Epidendreae, Vandeae, and Vanilleae)
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , NGUYEN VAN CANH , TRUONG BA VUONG , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , NGUYEN CUONG HUU , MAISAK TATIANA V. , DOAN NGA THI , NGUYEN TUAN HOANG , PHAM VAN THE , DAT PHAM THI THANH , THAI TRAN HUY , NGUYEN VAN KHUONG , TRINH NGOC BON
Published: May 2023

This paper presents new data on the orchid diversity of Vietnam obtained from field explorations made mainly in 2015–2022, as well as from the study of some historical collections housed at the Herbaria of Russia and Vietnam. It includes descriptions of two species new to science (Coelogyne phitamii and Cymbidium sangii), reports of one genus (Stigmatodactylus), and eleven species new to the flora of Vietnam (Coelogyne fuliginosa, C. suaveolens, Cremastra malipoensis, Cymbidium cochleare, C. goeringii, C. macrorhizon, Holcoglossum nagalandense, Miguelia shenzhenica, Otochilus lancilabius, Pelatantheria bicuspidata, Stigmatodactylus sikokianus). Three new nomenclature combinations (Biermannia averyanovii (Vuong, Kumar, V.H.Bui & V.S.Dang.) Aver., Miguelia shenzhenica (Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen) Aver., Panisea sondangii (Vuong, Aver. & V.H.Bui) Aver.) and lectotypes for three species (Coelogyne suaveolens, Otochilus lancilabius, Pelatantheria bicuspidata) are proposed. Data on accepted names, main synonyms, etymology (for newly described species), morphological description, studied specimens, ecology, phenology, and distribution, conservation status assessment according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, brief taxonomic notes, and illustrations are provided for each species listed.
Lindernia adami-hefiedi (Linderniaceae)—a new species from Madagascar
Authors: FISCHER EBERHARD
Published: May 2023

The new species Lindernia adami-hefiedi from Madagascar, Montagne d’Ambre is described and illustrated. It differs from Lindernia rotundifolia, and related species in the dense indumentum with long-stalked glandular hairs, the matt leaves, the long pedicel, the large corolla and the long free staminodes. Additional material of the closely related species L. lemuriana, L. oblongifolia, L. rotundifolia and L. viguieri is studied and a key to the species of Lindernia s.str. in Madagascar is provided. Herbarium studies revealed that Ilysanthes oblongifolia is the oldest name for Lindernia paludosa, and the relevant new combination is made here.
Rates of Recurrent Marginal Ulcer in Gastric Bypass Patients Undergoing Revisional Surgery
Authors: Pina Luis , Smith Benjamin , Smith Lynzi , Wood G. Craig , Horsley Ryan , Falvo Alexandra , Still Christopher , Petrick Anthony , Obradovic Vladan , Parker David M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The rate of marginal ulcer (MU) following primary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is approximately .6-16%. Few studies have evaluated recurrence rates following surgical revision for MU. The primary aim of this study was to determine the rate of MU recurrence following revision. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of truncal vagotomy (TV) on the recurrence rates and analyze potential risk factors associated with the recurrence of MU after revision.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study examining data at a single tertiary academic medical center. Adult patients with a history of RYGB who underwent gastrojejunostomy revision for recurrent MU between the years of 2003-2020 were included. We sought to determine our overall rate of MU following revision, with and without TV. Additionally, we examined the association of risk factors with MU recurrence. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the statistical significance of recurrence rates between the groups.

Results

We included 90 patients in the study. The overall recurrence rate for MU was 16.7%. Of the 90 patients, 35 (35.4%) patients underwent TV at the time of revision. The recurrence rate of MU after GJ revision with TV was 14.3% in comparison to those without TV, 18.2% ( P = .775). Smoking, steroid, alcohol use, history of cardiac surgery/intervention, and helicobacter pylori were not significantly associated with recurrent MU following revision.

Conclusions

The rate of recurrence after revision for MU is high. Adding TV trended towards decreased MU recurrence after revisional surgery, however not significant. Larger studies are needed to evaluate risk factors associated with recurrent MU after revision.
A Japanese Family Experience in America
Authors: Nakayama Don K.
Published: May 2023

Even though my uncle was not in the health professions, much less surgery, I share his memorial as the story of one family that had one of its offspring become integrated into the professional mainstream through the opportunity of medical education.
Interventions Associated With Prospective Pharmacist Evaluation of Scheduled Admissions for Dofetilide Initiation
Authors: Pabian Inez E. , Kennedy Steven P.
Published: May 2023

Background: Initiation of dofetilide requires hospital admission because of its proarrhythmic risk. To reduce the risk of adverse events associated with dofetilide, our institution has a standard operating protocol for dofetilide initiation. Regardless, patients are sometimes admitted for dofetilide initiation with unaddressed pharmacotherapy concerns that may delay therapy initiation and/or increase the risk for adverse events. Objective: To characterize interventions associated with pharmacist evaluation of scheduled dofetilide admissions prior to hospitalization. Methods: Patients scheduled for dofetilide initiation were evaluated by a pharmacist prior to admission. Identified interventions were categorized into the following recommendations: (1) against the use of dofetilide; (2) dofetilide starting dose adjustment; (3) appropriate washout of previous antiarrhythmic drug; (4) transesophageal echocardiogram prior to dofetilide initiation; (5) discontinuation or dose adjustment of interacting drug; (6) electrolyte supplementation upon discharge; (7) other intervention. The primary outcome measure was the frequency and types of identified and accepted interventions. Results: Twenty-two patients were evaluated during the 9-month study period. Fourteen interventions were identified, 13 of which were accepted by an electrophysiology provider. The most common intervention was for recommendation of a transesophageal echocardiogram prior to initiating dofetilide because of inadequate oral anticoagulation (n = 6). Other accepted interventions were for discontinuation or dose adjustment of interacting drug (n = 3), dofetilide starting dose adjustment (n = 2), electrolyte supplementation upon discharge (n = 2), and remeasurement of interventricular septal wall thickness (n = 1). Conclusion: Pharmacist evaluation of scheduled dofetilide admissions prior to hospitalization can serve to identify and resolve pharmacotherapy concerns related to dofetilide use.
Exploring the Effects of Multiple Dimensions of Organizational Justice on Correctional Staff Job Stress
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Boateng Francis , Liu Jianhong , Tewksbury Richard , Zhang Jinwu , Jiang Shanhe
Published: May 2023

The primary purpose of the current study was to assess the role of organizational justice in understanding prison staff job stress. Specifically, the authors surveyed 322 correctional employees across two prisons located in Guangzhou, China to explore the effects of distributive, procedural, informational, and interpersonal justice on work stress. Results from ordinary least squares analysis revealed significant contributions from three dimensions of organizational justice in explaining stress from work among prison workers. Prison personnel who had higher perceptions of interpersonal, distributive, and procedural justice in the organization were less likely to report being stressed. In addition, men were more likely to report higher levels of work tension than women.
Burn or Balm?: Exploring University Students’ Experiences With Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Joanne , Wood Eileen , Vogel Natasha , Santhosh Edwin , Chauhan Preet K.
Published: May 2023

The impact on perceived burnout experiences among university students from the intensification of social media use during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet fully understood. In total, 516 university students (430 females) in a midsized city in Ontario, Canada completed one online survey that explored student characteristics (i.e., personality, life satisfaction, perceived stress, and basic psychological needs) as well as frequency and perceived purpose of social media use. Approximately 80% indicated an increase in their social media use with iMessage/Text messaging, Instagram, and Snapchat being the three most frequently accessed platforms. Social media use was associated with higher levels of perceived stress, extraversion, satisfaction and frustration of psychological relatedness needs, and frustration of competence need. Most students (87%) reported experiencing burnout. Greater burnout was associated with individuals who reported higher perceived stress, scored high in extroversion, and greater use of Instagram. Overall, intensified social media use during the pandemic yielded both positive and negative outcomes.
Science across the Meiji divide: Vernacular literary genres as vectors of science in modern Japan
Authors: Meade Ruselle
Published: May 2023

Histories of Japanese science have been integral in affirming the Meiji Restoration of 1868 as the starting point of modern Japan. Vernacular genres, characterized as “premodern,” have therefore largely been overlooked by historians of science, regardless of when they were published. Paradoxically, this has resulted in the marginalization of the very works through which most people encountered science. This article addresses this oversight and its historiographical ramifications by focusing on kyūri books – popular works of science – published in the years following the Restoration, when there was unprecedented public interest in science. It asks, what if we take these kyūri books on their own terms as science books, just as those of the time saw them? This article explores three genres of kyūri books, namely fictionalized formats, such as the epic tale ( monogatari); epistolary guides; and genres, such as the sutra, that drew on religious textual practices. It argues that these literary genres provided interpretive frameworks that shaped readers’ encounters with “modern” science. This exploration underscores the importance of engaging with vernacular genres to understand the emergence of science as a global category in the nineteenth century.
Internalizing disorders as a mediator of the association between adverse childhood experiences and perceived medication intolerance or poly-allergy
Authors: van den Berk-Clark Carissa , Grant Abigail , Ferber Megan
Published: May 2023

Objectives

There is a well-established link between adverse childhood events, mental health, and physical health conditions. There is also a large literature showing the relationship between medication intolerance or allergies, and poor health outcomes. However, less is understood about the role of medication intolerance and adverse childhood events. Thus, the present study examines the relationship between adverse childhood events, internalizing disorders (depression, anxiety) and medication intolerance.

Method

Three hundred forty-nine participants were recruited from 11 primary care practices and health networks located in a large, Midwestern metropolitan area. Unrelated linear and Poisson regression was used to determine whether internalizing disorders, such as depression and anxiety, mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and allergies to medications, accounting for error terms in regression equations that were correlated.

Results

Results indicated an association between ACEs and number of allergies to medication, whereby ACEs was associated with depression, anxiety and number of allergies. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings. There was a small but significant indirect effect of anxiety on allergies to medication after bootstrapping.

Conclusion

This study found that inflammatory responses occurring because of trauma and depression may be increasing medication allergies. However, given the size of the sample, more research is needed to confirm these results. Implications for healthcare providers are discussed.
Human Just Like Me: A Grounded Theory of Disrupting Dehumanization through Table Fellowship
Authors: Douglass Katherine M. , Israel Lucy , Shigeta Laura , Underwood Kate
Published: May 2023

This qualitative study proposes a grounded theory of Christian identity transformation based on the experiences of 100 undergraduate college students (in-group), reported in reflection papers, who attended a free community dinner with their neighbors who were experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness (out-group). The grounded theory that emerged from student reflection papers is that the experience of eating with an out-group in a setting that disrupts in-group/out-group social dynamics, within the context of Christian community and utilizing an action-reflection model of learning, leads to humanizing theological insights that disrupt previously held stereotypes of the out-group. Jack Mezirow’s theory of disorienting dilemmas as provoking adult learning is used to explain the transformative impact of the dinner. Extended attention is given to the theological significance of in-group/out-group boundary crossing as it relates to Karl Barth’s theological anthropology of mutuality as well as Delores Williams’ understanding of sin as invisibilization.
Electronic cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) in a patient with testicular cancer: A case report
Authors: Stein Jacob , Kay Hannah E , Sites Jeremy , Pirzadeh Afsaneh , Joyner Benny L , Darville Toni , Bjurlin Marc A , Rose Tracy L , Jaspers Ilona , Milowsky Matthew I
Published: May 2023

Electronic cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is an increasingly recognized entity with the potential for severe pulmonary toxicity. We present the case of a young man first evaluated at a tertiary care center in the United States in 2019 with newly diagnosed testicular cancer with acute respiratory failure, which was initially attributed to possible metastatic disease but eventually determined to be related to EVALI. This case highlights the clinical features of EVALI, the potential diagnostic dilemma that can arise with EVALI when occurring in the setting of malignancy and the importance of inquiring about vaping use among patients with malignancy, especially in adolescents and young adults.
A Predynastic Egyptian Fish–Antelope Composite Figure
Authors: Miller Jordan
Published: May 2023

This article describes and analyses a zoomorphic siltstone palette housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA 10.176.84). The palette is first situated within the wider corpus of zoomorphic palettes from the Naqada II Period. Considerations of form and design accompanying the development of palettes during Naqada I/II, and comparisons with visually similar forms attested on knife handles and other palettes, suggest that MMA 10.176.84 may represent a fish–antelope composite figure, ‘antelope’ here being broadly defined as a non-domesticated, horned quadruped of the Bovidae family. It is the first example of a palette modelled as such. The social functions of palettes in Predynastic southern Egypt are then outlined in order to consider the significance of modelling a palette in this way, as well as to explore implications of the palette’s form for understandings of cultural developments in the late Predynastic Period.
CEO cognitive competencies in managing turnaround: Complexity and focus
Authors: Liang Xin
Published: May 2023

This study examines the knowledge structures (KSs) of CEOs of firms that attempted turnaround from performance decline. We developed and tested a theoretical model that describes how two cognitive characteristics of CEOs, complexity and centrality, influence the likelihood of turnaround. It is found that CEO KS centrality directly increases the chance of turnaround. In addition, CEO KS complexity is found to increasingly improve the chance of turnaround as a firm in decline launches a greater extent of strategic change to their organization. Together, in theory, our research suggests that CEO cognitive competencies matter for managing successful turnaround attempts. Practically speaking, the findings of this article imply that to improve their chance of achieving successful turnaround, declining firms should look for CEOs who are cognitively focused or who are cognitively complex enough to engage in the degree of strategic changes launched to save the firm.

JEL Classification: L20, M1
Updated Zone of Intrusion Envelopes in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware Impact Conditions
Authors: Stolle Cody , Rasmussen Jennifer , Rodriguez Luis , Faller Ron , Fang Chen , Bielenberg Robert , Dowler Nathan
Published: May 2023

Roadside barriers are used to shield fixed objects near the roadway and are designed to mitigate the severity of run-off-road crashes near those fixed objects. The zone of intrusion (ZOI) defines the potential location of a vehicle component above and beyond the top face of the barrier during an impact, and therefore indicates if there is a potential that a fixed object located behind a barrier could interact with the vehicle during redirection. Previous ZOI envelope guidelines were based on older vehicle models and test results. Further review was required to update the guidelines for contemporary vehicles and impact conditions in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). A literature review of full-scale crash tests and computer simulations were used to identify the ZOI envelope shapes for MASH test levels 2–5. Simulations were calibrated using test data and were used to investigate gaps in the full-scale test data. Conservative guidelines were developed from the combined simulation and test data, and recommended ZOI envelope shapes were developed that conservatively bounded the ZOI results. Results were presented for potential revision of ZOI envelope guidelines in the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. Future recommendations to improve ZOI measurements in test data and simulation modeling were also presented.
The Intersections between Sociology and STS: A Big Data Approach
Authors: Amuchastegui Maria , Birch Kean , Kaltenbrunner Wolfgang
Published: May 2023

This paper charts the changing intersections between sociology and science and technology studies (STS) using computational textual analysis. We characterize this “quali-quantitative” approach as a Big Data method, as this calls attention to the commixture of textual and numeric data that characterizes Big Data. The term Big Data, too, calls attention to the increasing privatization of both data and data analytics tools. The data mining was done using a commercial analytics tool, IBM SPSS Modeler, that to the best of our knowledge has not yet been used for STS or sociological research. The identification of intersections occurred as part of a larger project to analyze political-economic and epistemic changes within STS, focusing on academic publishing. These epistemic changes were identified qualitatively, through 76 interviews with STS scholars, and quantitatively, through a computational analysis of three decades of STS journals (1990–2019).
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis after colonoscopy
Authors: Au Christy Wing Han , Chan Ching Kit , Wong Chi Kwan , Ho Eva Hau Sim , Chow Vincent Chik Cheung , Mo Stephen Ka Leung
Published: May 2023

Colonoscopy is known to be associated with peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended before colonoscopy. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with PD-related peritonitis after colonoscopy. PD patients who were followed up in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, with colonoscopy done from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019, were included for record review retrospectively. During this period, 74 patients underwent 115 colonoscopies. Fourteen patients (12.2%) developed PD-related peritonitis within 1 week after colonoscopy. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age, PD vintage, PD modality and history of PD-related peritonitis between patients with or without colonoscopy-related peritonitis. Polypectomy was more common in patients who developed peritonitis (78.6%) compared to those without peritonitis (35.6%) ( p = 0.006). Ten of the 14 PD patients who had colonoscopy-related peritonitis responded to medical treatment while 4 patients required PD catheter removal. Two patients converted to maintenance haemodialysis and two died. Only 33% of Gram-negative bacteria isolated were sensitive to intravenous cefuroxime which was given as prophylactic antibiotic before colonoscopy. In conclusion, the overall risk of PD patients developing peritonitis post colonoscopy was 12.2%. Polypectomy was associated with higher risk of colonoscopy-related peritonitis. Large-scale study is needed to delineate effective antibiotic prophylaxis for colonoscopy-related peritonitis.
Energy Healers’ Distance Healing Experience
Authors: Wardell Diane Wind , Rozmus Cathy , Pinner Janet
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of energy healing practitioners (specifically, Healing Touch) use of distance healing to provide insight into the methods, practice, and experience from the providers’ perspective. One hundred and fifty-three energy workers participated in the open-ended survey. Overall, the experience of using distance healing during the pandemic was positive for practitioners in both giving and receiving. Practitioners also reported primarily positive feedback from their patients. A few respondents reported feeling hesitant about using distance healing and preferred hands-on work. However, distance healing was generally seen as providing flexibility to the practitioners’ work, connection, and enhanced understanding of the human energy field.
Buckling capacity of steel circular hollow section considering the restraint of welded hollow spherical joints
Authors: Qi Lin , Shi Xiangnan , Huai Yongcheng , Zhang Wenbo , Mei Fengqing , Qiao Long , Liang Zibo
Published: May 2023

An integral finite element model of steel circular hollow section and welded hollow spherical joints is established to consider the restraint of welded hollow spherical joints on steel circular hollow section in this paper. The buckling modes are used as the initial geometrical imperfection forms of the steel circular hollow section. Based on the statistics method, a method for calculating the buckling capacity design value of the steel circular hollow section with uniform reliability considering the restraint of welded hollow spherical joints is established, and the formula for calculating error of this value at certain confidence is deduced. The relationships between the buckling capacity design value of steel circular hollow section and the structural parameters of the member and joint are determined quantitatively by linear regression method. A practical formula for the buckling capacity design value of steel circular hollow section considering the restraint of welded hollow spherical joints is derived. Compared to the results calculated by the design code indicates that if the difference of restraint effect which is caused by different welded hollow spherical joint is ignored, the buckling capacity value of steel circular hollow section calculated based on the unified effective length coefficient may be bigger or smaller than that of the actual case. Therefore, refined consideration should be placed on the different restraint of welded hollow spherical joints of different sizes on steel circular hollow section, and the restraint of the end joints should be accurately considered when determining the buckling capacity of steel circular hollow sections.
Rethinking regional economic resilience: Preconditions and processes shaping transformative resilience
Authors: Trippl Michaela , Fastenrath Sebastian , Isaksen Arne
Published: May 2023

The unpredictable impacts of sudden shocks such as the current COVID-19 pandemic or the current energy crisis accelerated by the Russia-Ukraine war have led to a renewed interest in regional economic resilience. Much of the literature focuses attention on how regional economies and industries could bounce back, that is, how they could return to their pre-shock conditions. Other scholars have proposed to construe resilience as bouncing forward to capture the mechanisms and processes that underpin positive adaptation and structural change in response to an acute crisis. In this article, we argue that both conceptualisations do not consider shocks and crises as a window of opportunity for regional economies to transform into a radically different and more desirable trajectory. We bring a new perspective into play, that is, transformative resilience which places shifts towards more sustainable pathways centre stage. This understanding of regional economic resilience acknowledges that a crisis may bring about permanent structural change and considers to what extent these transformations are to the benefit of society and the environment. This article seeks to identify in a conceptual way what factors and dynamics are vital for enhancing the transformative resilience of regions. To this end, we draw on recent insights from the debate on challenge-oriented regional innovation systems and elaborate on the role of pre-shock conditions and various core processes in building up regional transformative resilience.
A Winning New Combination? Toward Clinical Application in Oncology
Authors: Maqsood Quratulain , Sumrin Aleena , Iqbal Maryam , Hussain Nazim , Mahnoor Muhammada , Zafar Saleem Muhammad , Perveen Rukhsana
Published: May 2023

Immunotherapy has substantial attention in oncology due to the success of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A deeper understanding of interaction of tumor with its environment and the immune system provides best guide for oncology research. Recent studies in oncology have explained how a tumor alters antigen presentation, avoids detection, and activation of the host immune system to live and develop. Understanding the connections between the tumor and the immune system has resulted in several innovative therapy options. The extensive field of gene therapy has provided a number of cutting-edge medicines that are expected to play an important role in lowering cancer-related mortality. This article explains the history, important breakthroughs, and future prospects for three separate gene therapy treatment modalities: immunotherapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and gene transfer. Immunotherapies have completely changed how cancer is treated, especially for individuals whose condition was previously thought to be incurable. Examples include ACT (adoptive cell therapy) and ICB (immune checkpoint blockade). This review article will discuss the relationship between the immune response to cancer and the mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. It will cover combination drugs authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration and provide a thorough overview of how these drugs are doing clinically right now. Cytokines, vaccines, and other soluble immunoregulatory agents, innate immune modifiers, ACT, virotherapy, and other treatment modalities will all be covered in detail.
Gendered Dimensions of Demand for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Jordan Lucy P. , Zhou Xiaochen , Abdullah Alhassan , Emery Clifton R.
Published: May 2023

Breaking the demand chain for sex from minors would render supply worthless, contributing to the elimination of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Using a novel sampling technique, this study reports on actual and potential adult customers of CSEC in two areas in Kathmandu ( n  =  466). Controlling for refusal conversion, age, education, and income, higher scores on a new Love-Fantasy Scale (LFS) were associated with increased odds of purchasing sex from young girls, as were patriarchal norms emphasizing the power of men. Further research is needed to design interventions that include aspects related to sexual fantasy for young girls to combat demand for CSEC.
Impacts of Virtual Reality on Tourism Experience and Behavioral Intentions: Moderating Role of Novelty Seeking
Authors: Yuan Aixiang , Hong Jinhwan
Published: May 2023

Creating and delivering memorable experiences for tourists constitute the essence of tourism and tourism management. Technological developments, such as virtual reality (VR), enable tourists to achieve a more unique tourism experience by intensifying engagement and extending experience co-creation in an interactive and simulated environment. This study examines how VR influences the tourism experience and behavioral intentions associated with boundary conditions. Based on a survey in China, the results indicate significant positive relationships among VR presence, flow, tourism experience, and behavioral intentions. Novelty seeking moderates the relationship between VR enjoyment and flow. The findings of this study suggest that VR is a promising tool for tourism in the pre-travel stage.
Nhaltjan dhu ḻarrum ga dharaŋan dhuḏi-dhäwuw ŋunhi limurr dhu gumurrbunanhamirr ga waŋanhamirr, Yolŋu ga Balanda: how we come together to explore and understand the deeper story of intercultural communication in a Yolŋu (First Nations Australian) community
Authors: Armstrong Emily , Maypilama Ḻäwurrpa , Bukulatjpi Yuŋgirrŋa , Gapany Dorothy , Fasoli Lyn , Ireland Sarah , Baker Rachel Dikul , Hewat Sally , Lowell Anne
Published: May 2023

This study explored intercultural communication from the perspectives of partners from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We used a culturally responsive form of video-reflexive ethnography to study intercultural communication processes between Yolŋu, pronounced Yolngu (First Nations people from the region that is now called North-East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia) and Balanda (non-Indigenous people). Yolŋu and Balanda researchers worked collaboratively throughout the study (2017–2021). In a very remote Yolŋu community in northern Australia, five early childhood assessment interactions were recorded and analysed by the 40 Yolŋu and Balanda participants. Researchers analysed data collaboratively using an approach aligned with constructivist grounded theory. We connected key research findings about intercultural communication processes to a place-based metaphor which foregrounds Yolŋu cultural knowledge and encourages reflection on deeper ways of thinking about how we connect, collaborate and communicate interculturally.
The origins of the Anglosphere idea and the contestation of Australian nationhood, 1991–2007
Authors: Wellings Ben , Ghazarian Zareh
Published: May 2023

This article shows how Australian politics played an under-researched part in the development of the Anglosphere idea. By examining the contestation of nationhood in Australia from the republic referendum of the 1990s until the mid-2000s, this article offers a new interpretation of the genesis of the Anglosphere idea. The article suggests that debates about national identity in Australia and the Anglosphere idea are co-constitutive. These co-constitutive relationships are with the United Kingdom (via the republic debate, the process of reconciliation between settlers and Indigenous peoples and civics and citizenship education), New Zealand (via ‘Anzac’ war commemoration) and the United States of America (via defence and security). The Anglosphere idea remains important to debates about national identity and public policy in Australia and provides context for decisions about how Australia positions itself in the world at a time of significant transnational challenges and threats.
Health and Social Care System Preparedness for Dementia Care in Mexico: Current Status and Recommendations to Achieve Optimal Care
Authors: López Ortega Mariana , Astudillo García Claudia I , Farrés Rosa , Gutiérrez Robledo Luis Miguel
Published: May 2023

In this article, we summarise the findings of the situational analysis of dementia care generated as part of the STRiDE: Strengthening responses to dementia care in developing countries project, including a desk review, a SWOT analysis and views from relevant stakeholders. In addition, the article incorporates the experience of 4 years of work within the STRiDE project of FEDMA, Mexico’s Federation of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and its allied Associations in presenting specific recommendations to optimise dementia care in the country. All the information gathered brings together a detailed understanding of the current dementia care systems of diagnosis, treatment, and support in general and what is lacking, allowing for the generation of general recommendations to enhance the isolated efforts currently available and amplify their impact, as well as strategies to generate new services currently unavailable, but urgently needed.
Predictors of Language and Early Reading Development in Kindergarteners Using a Multidimensional Screening Tool
Authors: Ekelman Barbara L. , Dutka Debra A. , Fox Katherine , Adamoh-Faniyan Islamiat , Zuckerman Astrid Pohl , Lewis Barbara A.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify kindergarteners at risk for language and reading disorders and to determine predictors. A representative sample of 311 kindergarteners in general education classrooms in the U.S. Midwest were assessed with the Well Screening in fall, winter, and spring. Groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) on measures of memory, phonological awareness, retrieval speed, social communication, and letter knowledge. Children at risk for reading disorders performed most poorly on phonological awareness, whereas children at risk for language disorders struggled most with social communication. Retrieval speed alone was not a reliable predictor of reading risk in kindergarten. High performers scored best on working memory. The high-performing reading group outscored the high-performing language group on letter knowledge. Phonological awareness distinguished the high-performing reading group but not the high-performing language group from their non-high-performing classmates. Early identification of these relevant subgroups allows for early targeted interventions and monitoring of growth.
Beyond the N400: Confirmed and Disconfirmed Lexical Predictions in Aging
Authors: Cheimariou Spyridoula , Morett Laura M.
Published: May 2023

One of the basic tenets of predictive theories of language processing is that of misprediction cost. Post-N400 positive event-related potential (ERP) components are suitable for studying misprediction cost but are not adequately described, especially in older adults, who show attenuated N400 ERP effects. We report a secondary analysis of a previously collected EEG data set. Using a picture–word matching paradigm, in which the target word could sometimes be predicted by context and sometimes not, the relationship between aging and late ERP effects was examined. Positivity effects for prediction violations were larger and more extended in older compared with younger adults, independent of context. Younger adults showed frontal negativity effects, indicating frame-shifting processes. Our data suggest that aging does not entail specific declines in prediction. Rather, they indicate that older adults may experience more processing difficulties than younger adults when their expectations are disconfirmed and that multiple mechanisms may be employed during language processing.