bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
North–South Disparity in Impact of Climate Change on “Outdoor Days”
Authors: Choi Yeon-Woo , Khalifa Muhammad , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: March 2024

Here, we introduce the concept of “outdoor days” to describe how climate change can affect quality of life for different communities and individuals. An outdoor day is characterized by moderate temperature, neither too cold nor too hot, allowing most people to enjoy outdoor activities. The number of “outdoor days” is a nonlinear function of the daily surface air temperature. If the latter falls within a specific range describing assumed thermal comfort conditions, then we assign that day as an “outdoor day.” Using this function, we describe climate change impacts on temperature differently, compared to other studies which often describe these impacts in terms of the linear averaging of daily surface air temperature. The introduction of this new concept offers another way for communicating how climate change may impact the quality of life for individuals who usually plan their outdoor activities based on how local weather conditions compare to their preferred levels of thermal comfort. Based on our analysis of regional variations in “outdoor days,” we present observational and modeling evidence of a north–south disparity in climate change impacts. Under high-emission scenarios, CMIP5 and CMIP6 models project fewer “outdoor days” for people living in developing countries, primarily located in low-latitude regions. Meanwhile, developed countries in mid- and high-latitude regions could gain more “outdoor days,” redistributed across seasons.

Significance Statement

We introduce a novel concept: outdoor days, characterizing surface air temperature conditions that allow for outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging, and cycling, by most people. We project that under high-emission scenarios of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, a north–south disparity of climate change risk will be enhanced considerably toward the end of this century due to more frequent outdoor days in the wealthy Global North and less frequent outdoor days in the deprived Global South.
Albert Piette and lived (non-)religion: Conceptual and methodological considerations
Authors: Beaman Lori G , Strumos Lauren
Published: March 2024

This article considers how the work of Albert Piette can enhance a sociological understanding of religion as lived in everyday life. Although Piette is critical of sociologists in La Religion de près (1999), his work resonates with scholarship on ‘lived religion’ by contemporary sociologists of religion. This article locates points of overlap and divergence between Piette and scholars of lived religion, and then turns its attention towards the emergent study of lived non-religion. It concludes that while Piette’s micro-level approach to religious life has limitations for sociologists, he still offers conceptual and methodological perspectives that contribute to research on lived religion and non-religion. To demonstrate this argument, Piette’s work is drawn into a discussion of the Nonreligion in a Complex Future’s Community Gardens research project, which explores how religious and non-religious actors enact and construct their (non-)religion in community gardens.
The stealth rise of control: Forgotten trust in contemporary professionalism
Authors: Bhupla Sanjeev , Barnard Adam , Howarth Richard
Published: March 2024

Professionalism has long been a term understood to distinguish social strata, commonly highlighting those trusted to employ expert knowledge for the benefit of society. Professionalism however is evolving; this position article contributes to the subject in drawing together different threads of literature beyond empirical studies to extend the discussion on professionalism, shedding a light on an area of interest. Specifically, it is argued that professionalism is threatened by the shift of the loci of control from the traditional, occupational professional positions to what is now contemporary professionalism. To facilitate such a transition, trust, a long-time fundamental component of traditional professionalism, is being readily and overtly substituted by control, wielded in and by modern organisations for the primary benefit of that organisation. The first part of the article explicates an understanding of professionalism and trust. The following section then introduces the relationship between both traditional and contemporary professionalism with trust. The third part moves to discuss the rise of differing types of control, arguing that trust has been forced to take a minor role in contemporary notions of professionalism in organisational practice, leading to the term being utilised to induce the required behaviours within those organisations. The article concludes with direction on both potential implications and applications of the theoretical points raised through the discussion.
Rapid Identification of Suspected Drug Overdose Deaths by Death Investigators, New Jersey, 2020
Authors: Hochstatter Karli R. , Williams Marlon , Latham Shanna , Fenton David , Falzon Andrew L.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

While the number of overdoses in the United States continues to increase, lags in data availability have undermined efforts to monitor, respond to, and prevent drug overdose deaths. We examined the performance of a single-item mandatory radio button implemented into a statewide medical examiner database to identify suspected drug overdose deaths in near-real time.

Materials and Methods:

The New Jersey Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner operates a statewide mandated case management data system to document deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner office. In 2018, the New Jersey Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner implemented a radio button into the case management data system that requires investigators to report whether a death is a suspected drug overdose death. We examined the performance of this tool by comparing confirmed drug overdose deaths in New Jersey during 2020 with suspected drug overdose deaths identified by investigators using the radio button. To measure performance, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and false-positive and false-negative error rates.

Results:

During 2020, New Jersey medical examiners investigated 26 527 deaths: 2952 were confirmed by the state medical examiner as a drug overdose death and 3050 were identified by investigators using the radio button as a suspected drug overdose death. Sensitivity was calculated as 96.1% (2837/2952), specificity as 99.1% (23 362/23 575), positive predictive value as 93.0% (2837/3050), negative predictive value as 99.5% (23 362/23 477), false-positive error rate as 7.0% (213/3050), and false-negative error rate as 3.9% (115/2952).

Practice Implications:

Implementation of a radio button into death investigation databases provides a simple and accurate method for identifying and tracking drug overdose deaths in near-real time.
Duragen: A dermal substitute for the management of suboptimal wounds
Authors: Yadav Prashant , Soni Satyam , Kukrele Rajeev , Agarwal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya
Published: March 2024

Using a flap in a large wound with a very small area of exposed vital structures may be an excessive intrusion and cause unnecessary donor site morbidity. Dermal matrix (DuraGen) was applied onto critical areas where bone or tendons were exposed and a split skin graft was placed thereon. All patients had satisfactory wound closure without the need for a flap. DuraGen appears to be a safe, single-stage alternative, to a flap for the healing of complex wounds.
Tocilizumab Successfully Treating Refractory Hearing Impairment in a Patient With Cogan Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Yan , Hu Jiarui , Wu Dongze , Wu Tong , Zhu Jing
Published: March 2024

Cogan syndrome (CS) is a rare systemic vasculitis characterized primarily by nonsyphilitic interstitial keratitis and vestibular and auditory dysfunction. In this article, we report the case of a 31-year-old male diagnosed with CS for 1 year. He was admitted to the hospital with fever, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, and hearing loss. After being treated with glucocorticoids, cellular immunosuppressants, and infliximab therapy, his symptoms were greatly relieved except for hearing loss. Then, he attempted to use tocilizumab (TCZ) which was ultimately effective in controlling the auditory dysfunction. In addition, we found 4 cases of TCZ for CS through a literature review and compared them with our patient. Although glucocorticoids are still the first-line treatment for CS, TCZ therapy provides fresh hope for patients who have refractory hearing impairment with hormone resistance, or whose hormone dosages cannot be lowered to maintenance levels.
Human Observer Sensitivity to Temporal Noise During B-Mode Ultrasound Scanning: Characterization and Imaging Implications
Authors: Huber Matthew T. , Flint Katelyn M. , McNally Patricia J. , Ellestad Sarah C. , Trahey Gregg E.
Published: March 2024

This work measures temporal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds that indicate when random noise during ultrasound scanning becomes imperceptible to expert human observers. Visible noise compromises image quality and can potentially lead to non-diagnostic scans. Noise can arise from both stable acoustic sources (clutter) or randomly varying electronic sources (temporal noise). Extensive engineering effort has focused on decreasing noise in both of these categories. In this work, an observer study with five practicing sonographers was performed to assess sonographer sensitivity to temporal noise in ultrasound cine clips. Understanding the conditions where temporal noise is no longer visible during ultrasound imaging can inform engineering efforts seeking to minimize the impact this noise has on image quality. The sonographers were presented with paired temporal noise-free and noise-added simulated speckle cine clips and asked to select the noise-added clips. The degree of motion in the imaging target was found to have a significant effect on the SNR levels where noise was perceived, while changing imaging frequency had little impact. At realistic in vivo motion levels, temporal noise was not perceived in cine clips at and above 28 dB SNR. In a case study presented here, the potential of adaptive intensity adjustment based on this noise perception threshold is validated in a fetal imaging scenario. This study demonstrates how noise perception thresholds can be applied to help design or tune ultrasound systems for different imaging tasks and noise conditions.
Parents’ cultural beliefs about maladaptive behavior in young children: A comparison across two cultures
Authors: Barcala-Delgado Diego I. , Blumstein Katherine P. , Galiana Jose Luis , Olson Sheryl L.
Published: March 2024

Parents’ cultural beliefs are associated with their children’s socialization and development. Researchers have examined these associations through the lens of parents’ ethnotheories, which refer to parents’ implicit beliefs about children’s developmentally appropriate behavior. In contrast to prior work focused on parents’ ethnotheories of desirable behaviors and qualities, there has been a considerable lack of research examining ethnotheories about children’s maladaptive behavior. In this article, we address this gap in knowledge by examining cultural differences and similarities in Spanish and American parents’ beliefs about the causes of children’s maladaptive behaviors. A semi-structured interview was used to assess parents’ causal attributions of children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors in a sample of 50 parents from the United States and 51 parents from Spain. Results revealed that US parents made more attributions to children’s internal states, social learning, and power motives than Spanish parents for externalizing behaviors. Conversely, Spanish parents made more attributions to attention seeking and material gains than US parents for the same behaviors. There were no cross-cultural differences in attributions for internalizing behaviors. Parents had strikingly different theories of children’s disruptive behaviors than they did for children’s internalizing behaviors. Differences in parents’ explanatory styles may reflect and maintain broader cultural differences between Spain and the United States. This study lends evidence to the growing literature on the relevance of parents’ ethnotheories in the context of child development and extends it to the topic of parental attributions regarding maladaptive child behaviors.
Migrant women becoming ‘stronger together’ through the arts: Creating Ground
Authors: MARZIALE LAURA
Published: March 2024

In this article we introduce Creating Ground, a not-for-profit organisation that works with women from migrant backgrounds to promote intersectional anti-racist cross-cultural awareness, learning and sharing across different communities in South East London through collaborative arts and educational projects. We reflect on our use of participatory arts, social action and training to bring migrant women together, improve wellbeing and create change for these women at a personal and a community level. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown periods we were forced to move much of our activities and support online. We share how being together in such a difficult time helped us to become stronger together and decide to take action to change intersecting unjust situations that the women encountered in their everyday lives. The women shared common experiences around the negative impact of the hostile environment, and we used this policy as a starting point to decide to tell our stories through the arts (specifically using metaphors in film-making and participatory theatre), and to campaign. We present the campaigns we are working on: poor condition of temporary accommodation for families, and we discuss how our use of creative arts and participatory methods allow us to have agency and power to become leaders, create change and tell our stories from our perspectives. Being a migrant is only a small part of our intersectional identities. We are much more. We are so many things and among everything we are leaders, change makers and stronger together.
Distanciation as a technology of control in the UK hostile environment
Authors: POTTER JESSICA L. , MEIER ISABEL
Published: March 2024

This article considers how distanciation, understood as the active production of different forms of distance as a method of control, is used to manage people racialised and criminalised as migrants within the UK's hostile environment. Analysing different policies introduced under the hostile environment agenda, as well as the more recent New Plan for Immigration, we argue distanciation is a key tactic that shapes these policies and their implementation as well as offers us insight into changing forms of governing migration. Drawing on the analysis of a wide range of policy documents, the paper attends to different forms of distanciation used as a method of control within the UK's wider hostile environment and then presents the results of a case-study of how distanciation is mobilised within the English National Health Service, under the Migrant and Visitor Cost Recovery Programme in particular, which was introduced in 2014 to ensure the NHS receives ‘a fair contribution’ from people racialised as migrants. Addressing different forms of distanciation such as – spatial, legal and emotional – we argue that the lens of distance can offer insights into how detachment – increasing distance between different agents in immigration law and border enforcement is an intentional design to control empathy, solidarity and resistance. Tracing ways these forms of distanciation are designed into legislative and administrative measures helps us better understand how hostile environment policies work as well as locating agencies and possibilities of resistance within different spaces, agents and subjects of bordering.
Common pitfalls, and how to avoid them, in child and adolescent psychopharmacology: Part I
Authors: Cortese Samuele , Besag Frank MC , Clark Bruce , Hollis Chris , Kilgariff Joe , Moreno Carmen , Nicholls Dasha , Wilkinson Paul , Woodbury-Smith Marc , Sharma Aditya
Published: March 2024

As Faculty of the British Association for Psychopharmacology course on child and adolescent psychopharmacology, we present here what we deem are the most common pitfalls, and how to avoid them, in child and adolescent psychopharmacology. In this paper, we specifically addressed common pitfalls in the pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders, and tic disorder. Pitfalls in the treatment of other disorders are addressed in a separate paper (part II).
Value of multiplanar reconstruction in multi-slice computed tomography for the detection of foreign body in the pulmonary artery: a case report
Authors: Mao Qinxiang , Lv Zheng , Han Qiuli , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2024

Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is the primary method for the detection and visualization of foreign bodies in the pulmonary artery because it provides high sensitivity and accuracy. It is very difficult to diagnose a patient with a non-iatrogenic pulmonary artery foreign body who does not have a history of a penetrating trauma. This case report describes a 36-year-old male that presented with coughing and haemoptysis. Based on conventional coronal and cross-sectional CT, the foreign body was misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary artery thrombosis. During treatment of the bronchial artery embolization and anti-tuberculosis therapy, the patient continued to experience haemoptysis. After further analysis of the pulmonary artery CT angiography images and curved multiplane reconstruction, an approximately 6-cm long toothpick was identified in the pulmonary artery with an unclear entry route. After surgery to remove the toothpick, symptoms of coughing and haemoptysis were resolved. This current case demonstrated that multiplane reconstruction in MSCT can improve the detection and visualization of pulmonary artery foreign bodies, which can aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary artery diseases of unknown cause.
Detection and evaluation of hole making delamination damage in CFRP based on RGHT
Authors: Nie Peng , Peng Xinyue , Yang Chengyue , Pan Wujiu
Published: March 2024

Aiming at the limitations of quantitative evaluation of delamination damage in carbon fiber-reinforced composites, an image processing method combining region growing and hysteresis thresholding was proposed. Damage images captured through the Scanning Acoustic Microscope were subjected to this method, enabling precise extraction of the damage region. Parameters such as diameter, area, and contour length of the damage region were subsequently computed. The experimental outcomes confirm the majority of the partial damage diameters obtained by this method differ by far less than 0.1 mm, and the variation in damage area maintains within an acceptable range, affirming the method’s accuracy and efficiency in delamination damage region extraction compared with the existing methods. Leveraging the characteristic parameters of the damaged area, diverse damage factors can be computed, facilitating comprehensive analysis and comparison for the evaluation of delamination damage severity. In the continuous machining conditions of this experiment, [Formula: see text] is the most accurate delamination factor to characterize the extent of delamination damage through the comparison with the trend of the tool wear curve.
Digital light processing-based bioprinting of microtissue hydrogel arrays using dextran-induced aqueous emulsion ink
Authors: Xu Yue , Liao Xueyuan , Liu Zhengbi , Zhang Lin
Published: March 2024

As a microscale three-dimensional bionic model, a microtissue array is a promising method for disease modeling and drug screening. Digital light processing (DLP) 3D bio-printing technology with the capabilities of excellent printing speed and resolution shows great potential for fabricating microtissue arrays. However, the outcomes of the microtissue arrays using DLP are limited by the shortage of biomaterials. In this work, we prepare hydrogel microtissues by combining DLP printing technology with biphasic bio-ink consisting of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and dextran. GelMA/ dextran is mixed to form bio-inks with different volume ratios, which can achieve high-precision printing of various patterns. Due to the presence of dextran, the bio-inks form the internal porous structure of the hydrogel in the printed patterns. The pore size is related to the proportion of dextran in bio-inks, and the pore size of hydrogel becomes smaller with the increase of dextran ratio. In addition, the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cells encapsulated in the porous hydrogels can maintain a high survival rate of 98.01% after 3 days of culture, and the larger pore size in the hydrogels promotes cell migration. Combining the DLP printing system with the porous hydrogel allows multiple micro-size geometric pattern hydrogels to be printed simultaneously to form microtissue arrays. In this study, a new bio-ink suitable for microtissue arrays is proposed, and a simple, accurate, and high-throughput biological manufacturing method for microtissue arrays is developed, thus providing a valuable tool for drug screening and tissue engineering.
Supporting Paraeducators and their Use of Active Supervision at Recess: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Kern Laura , Simonsen Brandi , Sugai George , Freeman Jennifer , Lewis Timothy J. , Chafouleas Sandra M.
Published: March 2024

Schools have increasingly relied on paraeducators in elementary settings to help address student needs. Research demonstrates that simple prevention strategies, like active supervision (e.g., moving, scanning, interacting), can reduce problem behavior in areas where paraeducators are assigned; however, less is known about how to best support paraeducators in implementing these practices. For this study, four paraeducators participated in a brief training on recess active supervision and then engaged in self-management by filling out a checklist and direct behavior ratings (DBRs). Using a multiple baseline across participants design, we introduced the intervention to participants in a randomly assigned order and examined effects, fidelity, and social validity. Results suggest that training and self-management may lead to changes in the interacting behavior of active supervision at recess with more frequent prompting and praising by the paraeducators. Despite limitations, this exploratory study has implications for schools and researchers.
What are the Correlates of Hearing Aid Use for People Living With Dementia?
Authors: Hooper Emma , Brown Laura J. E. , Dawes Piers , Leroi Iracema , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To identify correlates of hearing aid use in people with dementia and age-related hearing loss.

Methods

Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of predictor variables from 239 participants with dementia and hearing loss in the European SENSE-Cog Randomized Controlled Trial (Cyprus, England, France, Greece, and Ireland).

Results

In multivariate analysis, four variables were significantly associated with hearing aid use: greater self-perceived hearing difficulties (OR 2.61 [CI 1.04−6.55]), lower hearing acuity (OR .39 [CI .2−.56]), higher cognitive ability (OR 1.19 [CI 1.08−1.31]), and country of residence. Participants in England had significantly increased odds of use compared to Cyprus (OR .36 [CI .14−.96]), France (OR .12 [CI .04−.34]) or Ireland (OR .05 [CI .01−.56]) but not Greece (OR 1.13 [CI .42–3.00]).

Conclusions

Adapting interventions to account for cognitive ability, country of residence, self-perceived hearing difficulties, and hearing acuity may support hearing aid use in people with dementia.
Exploring the functions and role of social impact measurement in enhancing the social value of public-private partnerships: A systematic literature review
Authors: Tropeano Tommaso , Bellazzecca Enrico , Bengo Irene
Published: March 2024

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as promising and dynamic means to provide public goods, infrastructures, and services, thus representing a potential solution to grand societal challenges and social value generation. Despite this, such potential of PPPs is challenged by contractual issues, that can arise from conflicting objectives and trust between public and private actors. Social impact measurement (SIM) can play a crucial role in promoting PPP’s ability to overcome contract-related problems by providing transparency, accountability, and credibility. However, little is known about the characteristics that SIM should possess to enhance such potential. We adopt a systematic literature review method to explore approaches to and functions of SIM in PPPs. We found that when SIM is embedded in collaborative contracts between public and private actors, conducted ex-ante, and entrusted by independent bodies/organizations, it can increase the credibility and objectivity of PPPs. This can in turn enhance trust in the partnerships and support actors to manage the expectations of collaborators and citizens. We advance some recommendations for future research to explore the virtuous, relational mechanisms that may explain how SIM affects public and private actors collaborating for the common good.
Survival and speechlessness in Malabou: Oedipus or Eurydice?
Authors: Aigner Eva-Maria
Published: March 2024

How to speak of wounding, of survival? Regarding a new “recently adopted apocalyptic tone in philosophy” and the multiple crises of the twenty-first century this question, which has shaped Occidental philosophy after Auschwitz, seems to have gained increased urgency. In her book “The New Wounded” (orig. 2007) Malabou addresses this question of the (im)possibility of the symbolization of traumatic injuries. The paper develops Malabou's understanding of survival as dis-continuity and the problem of the speechlessness of the survivor implicit to it: What can, in fact, be said, when the “in-dividual” is suspended from the chronological order of time and its mode of survival consists precisely in this suspension? By also considering the work of Dufourmantelle and Derrida on this matter, I intend to open up a yet underexplored perspective on deconstruction's contribution to a thinking of survival.
Cross Talk Between Cells and the Current Bioceramics in Bone Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Khayatan Danial , Bagherzadeh Oskouei Asal , Alam Mostafa , Mohammadikhah Meysam , Badkoobeh Ashkan , Golkar Mohsen , Abbasi Kamyar , Karami Shahryar , Sayyad Soufdoost Reza , Kamali Hakim Lotfollah , Hussain Ahmed , Tebyaniyan Hamid , Heboyan Artak
Published: March 2024

The conventional approach for addressing bone defects and stubborn non-unions typically involves the use of autogenous bone grafts. Nevertheless, obtaining these grafts can be challenging, and the procedure can lead to significant morbidity. Three primary treatment strategies for managing bone defects and non-unions prove resistant to conventional treatments: synthetic bone graft substitutes (BGS), a combination of BGS with bioactive molecules, and the use of BGS in conjunction with stem cells. In the realm of synthetic BGS, a multitude of biomaterials have emerged for creating scaffolds in bone tissue engineering (TE). These materials encompass biometals like titanium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, as well as bioceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Bone TE scaffolds serve as temporary implants, fostering tissue ingrowth and the regeneration of new bone. They are meticulously designed to enhance bone healing by optimizing geometric, mechanical, and biological properties. These scaffolds undergo continual remodeling facilitated by bone cells like osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Through various signaling pathways, stem cells and bone cells work together to regulate bone regeneration when a portion of bone is damaged or deformed. By targeting signaling pathways, bone TE can improve bone defects through effective therapies. This review provided insights into the interplay between cells and the current state of bioceramics in the context of bone regeneration.
Is music a drug? How music listening may trigger neurochemical responses in the brain
Authors: Reybrouck Mark , Van Dyck Edith
Published: March 2024

In this article, we explore the idea that music listening can achieve neurological and psychological effects that are somewhat similar to those facilitated by psychoactive substances. To motivate this claim, we delve into the mechanisms behind music perception, psychoactive substance use, and their mutual relationship, relying on recent developments in psychedelic therapy and neuropsychopharmacology. Using a comparative approach, we discuss some underlying mechanisms of peak experiences and their neurochemical properties and suggest that music may be regarded as an alternative psychoactive trigger, prompting neurochemical responses in the brain, with resulting feelings of coping, (aesthetic) pleasure, and reward.
Design and empirical evaluation of a magneto-rheological fluid-based seal with rectangular and trapezoidal pole head
Authors: Van Cuong Vo , Zy Zy Le Hai , Choi Seung-Bok , Nguyen Quoc Hung , Van Bo Vu
Published: March 2024

The focus of this study is on the design and experimental validation of MRF self-sealing (also known as MRF seal) utilizing permanent magnets. The MRF seal has been built to readily replace traditional seal (lip-seal) for rotation shaft sealing. Following a review of studies on MRF seals, two configurations of MRF seal featuring an axial permanent magnet and two distinct pole head forms, rectangular and trapezoidal, are presented. The two MRF seals are then subjected to a magnetic analysis using the finite element method (ANSYS APDL). The Bingham plastic model of MRF and the assumption of linear velocity profile of MRF in the sealing gap are employed to construct mathematical models of crucial seal characteristics such as maximum static working pressure and frictional torque. The seals are optimized employing the optimization toolbox integrated in the ANSYS APDL to obtain the optimal geometric dimensions of the MRF seals. Finally, prototypes of the two MRF seals are fabricated and testing work is conducted to validate and compare them with the simulated results.
Theoretical and numerical modeling of the effect of damage and dynamic strain aging on the plastic response of C45 steel alloys
Authors: Song Yooseob , Yeon Jaeheum , Voyiadjis George Z
Published: March 2024

A constitutive model for C45 steel alloys is proposed in this work by integrating the effect of damage and a specific phenomenon, so-called dynamic strain aging. For damage modeling, an energy-based isotropic damage model is implemented within a frame of continuum damage mechanics. The total stress is decomposed into athermal and thermal elements. The former includes the additional term for dynamic strain aging. This term is conceptually inspired by the probabilistic nature of dynamic strain aging, and its derivation is micromechanics-based. Both athermal and thermal components are defined as a function of temperature, equivalent plastic strain, and equivalent plastic strain rate because the occurrence and characteristics of dynamic strain aging are dependent on these factors. A finite element solution for the developed model is addressed additionally to further investigate the characteristics of plastic-damage behaviors and dynamic strain aging. The numerical results are compared to the experiments and theoretical predictions for its validation. The modified model developed in this work has largely reduced the number of fitting parameters compared to the previous model originally developed by the authors in 2019. Nevertheless, predictions from the proposed model still capture the experimental data accurately.
The Effect of Male Body Dissatisfaction on Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in the Presence of Pornography Use and Depression
Authors: Gogolin Thomas , Norris Emily , Murch Hannah , Volk Fred
Published: March 2024

There is a well-researched relationship between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, and recent literature has explored how body image impacts this relationship. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree to which the body dissatisfaction-sexual satisfaction-relationship satisfaction causal sequence varied at levels of pornography use and depression. Mechanical Turk data from a related study was used to explore three sets of hypotheses for the variables’ relationships. Surprising results prompted the exploration of a three-way interaction outside of the original hypotheses. The exploratory analysis revealed that the moderating impact of pornography use on the relationship between body dissatisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction depends on the level of depression. These findings carry important implications for research and clinical practice.
Second Metatarsal Length and Transfer Ulcers After First Metatarsal Amputation in Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Cavalcanti Nicola A. , Martini Katharina , Götschi Tobias , Krähenbühl Nicola , Schöni Madlaina , Waibel Felix W. A.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Plantar transfer ulcers (TUs) underneath the second metatarsal head are frequent after first metatarsal ray amputations due to diabetic foot infections. Whether the second metatarsal length (2ML) is associated with TU occurrence in these patients is unclear. This study evaluated whether 2ML is associated with TU occurrence after first-ray amputations and whether ulcer-free survival is shorter in patients with “excess” 2ML.

Methods:

Forty-two patients with a mean age of 67 (range 33-93) years, diabetes, and first metatarsal ray amputation (first amputation at the affected foot) were included. Two independent readers measured the 2ML using the Coughlin method. A protrusion of more than 4.0 mm of the second metatarsal was defined as “excess” 2ML. The effect of 2ML on ulcer occurrence was analyzed using a multivariate Cox regression model. A Kaplan-Meier curve for TU-free survival was constructed comparing the 2 groups of “normal” (n = 21) and “excess” 2ML (n = 21).

Results:

Interrater reliability was excellent. TUs underneath the second metatarsal occurred in 15 (36%) patients. In agreement with our hypothesis, 2ML was nonsignificantly different in patients with TUs, recording a mean of 5.3 (SD 2.5) mm, compared to patients without 4.0 (SD 2.3) mm (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% CI 0.89-1.41), whereas insulin dependence was associated with ulcer occurrence (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.11-0.99).

Conclusion:

In our relatively small study population with a cutoff level of 4 mm for excess 2ML, ulcer-free survival was similar in patients with “normal” and “excess” 2ML.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
A Network Analysis of Digital Clock Drawing for Command and Copy Conditions
Authors: Frank Brandon , Bandyopadhyay Sabyasachi , Dion Catherine , Formanski Erin , Matusz Emily , Penney Dana , Davis Randall , O’Connor Maureen K. , Au Rhoda , Amini Shawna , Rashidi Parisa , Tighe Patrick , Libon David J. , Price Catherine C.
Published: March 2024

Graphomotor and time-based variables from the digital Clock Drawing Test (dCDT) characterize cognitive functions. However, no prior publications have quantified the strength of the associations between digital clock variables as they are produced. We hypothesized that analysis of the production of clock features and their interrelationships, as suggested, will differ between the command and copy test conditions. Older adults aged 65+ completed a digital clock drawing to command and copy conditions. Using a Bayesian hill-climbing algorithm and bootstrapping (10,000 samples), we derived directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to examine network structure for command and copy dCDT variables. Although the command condition showed moderate associations between variables ([Formula: see text]= 0.34) relative to the copy condition ([Formula: see text] = 0.25), the copy condition network had more connections (18/18 versus 15/18 command). Network connectivity across command and copy was most influenced by five of the 18 variables. The direction of dependencies followed the order of instructions better in the command condition network. Digitally acquired clock variables relate to one another but differ in network structure when derived from command or copy conditions. Continued analyses of clock drawing production should improve understanding of quintessential normal features to aid in early neurodegenerative disease detection.
Co-Designing Multispecies Speculations Through Biofuturing
Authors: Jacobs Antje , Anthoni Ellen , Busseniers Evo , Claes Sandy , Huybrechts Liesbeth , van Leemput Maya , Vrancken Kristof , Carriera Lucia , Colson Nora , Dorn Charlotte , Hostetler Angela , Janssens Arne , Kabendela Gasper , Kose Ayse , Luo Dan , Majogoro Manyama , Sanchez Liam Richard Jenkings , Stepanovic Jakub , Swillen Anneleen , Vrebos Hanne , Wan Xinwei , Weytjens Hannah , Zygmunt Marcin , Devleminck Steven , Hannes Karin
Published: March 2024

Amid growing environmental concerns, there is an increasing demand for creative research approaches that address impending crises while simultaneously imagining sustainable modes for humans to coexist with nature. In response, we introduce the concept/practice of “biofuturing,” a creative research approach concerned with the co-design of multispecies speculations of worlds to come. We engaged 21 scholars in a 3-day biofuturing event, combining a living lab methodology with futures studies techniques and creative practices. In this article, we present biofuturing in theory and practice, and we discuss how the co-designed futures speculations address existing and emerging challenges from a multispecies perspective.
The Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Lin Xiran , Meng Xianmin , Lin Jingrong
Published: March 2024

The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that can be bound and activated by structurally diverse ligands and plays an important role in a range of biological processes and in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Recently, the role of AhR in psoriasis has attracted attention. AhR has toxicological functions and physiological functions. The overexpression and activation of AhR induced by the environmental pollutant and exogenous AhR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) can drive the development of psoriasis. This TCDD-mediated toxicological response disrupts the physiological functions of AhR resulting in skin barrier disorders and the release of inflammatory cytokines, 2 of the pivotal factors of psoriasis. In addition, highly upregulated kynureninase in psoriasis decreases endogenous AhR agonists, thereby weakening the physiological functions of AhR. Activating AhR physiological signalling should be useful in the treatment of psoriasis. Studies have demonstrated that physiological activation of AhR can dampen the severity of psoriasis. The oldest and effective treatment for psoriasis coal tar works by activating AhR, and both new anti-psoriasis drugs tapinarof and benvitimod are formulations of AhR agonist, supporting that activation of AhR can be used as a new strategy for the treatment of psoriasis. Preclinical and preliminary clinical studies have revealed the anti-psoriasis effects of a number of AhR agonists, providing potential candidates for the development of new drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.
Deconstructing gender stereotypes in standardized English language school textbooks in Algeria: Implications for equitable instructional materials
Authors: Hadjeris Fadhila
Published: March 2024

The pressing need to promote gender equality in today’s globalized society is underscored in Sustainable Development Goals and juxtaposed with the goal of cultivating global citizenship. Despite these efforts, mainstream post-colonial discourse on Maghrebi women categorizes them as less citizens neglecting ‘the complexity’ of their lives and experiences. The scarcity of research that depicts Algerian women’s experiences along with the treatment of the topic of gender as ‘taboo’ restricted opportunities on researching this important category of society. While there are numerous studies conducted in the Algerian context on female’s stereotypical depiction and invisibility in school textbooks, the discussion of the topic remains ahistorical. It relegates the status of women as ‘the oppressed’ which runs the risk of reproducing colonial epistemologies. Guided by Goffman’s gender stereotype theory and Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis conceptual framework, the paper draws on data collected from four standardized English language school textbooks that are currently used in Algeria. The textbooks content affirms the ‘subaltern’ categorization of Algerian women through emphasizing their deagentialization, dependence, and disempowerment. These findings have implications for gender equity in Algeria, the Maghreb, and the broader North Africa contexts.
Individual Irinotecan Therapy Under the Guidance of Pre-Treated UGT1A1*6 Genotyping in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lv Huifang , Nie Caiyun , He Yunduan , Chen Beibei , Liu Yingjun , Zhang Junling , Chen Xiaobing
Published: March 2024

Background: Severe delayed diarrhea and hematological toxicity limit the use of irinotecan. Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 ( UGT1A1) is a critical enzyme in irinotecan metabolism. The study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of irinotecan under the guidance of the pre-treatment UGT1A1 genotype in the second-line treatment of gastric cancer. Methods: This study involved 110 patients. Irinotecan was injected intravenously every 3 weeks, and the dose of irinotecan was determined by polymorphism of the UGT1A1 gene, which was divided into three groups (125 mg/m2: GG type; 100 mg/m2: GA type; 75 mg/m2: AA type). The primary end point was overall survival (OS), the secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. Results: One hundred and seven patients received irinotecan treatment and three patients with AA type received paclitaxel treatment. Among 107 patients, there were no significant differences in PFS (4.8 m vs 4.9 m vs 4.4 m; p = 0.5249) and OS (9.3 m vs 9.3 m vs NA; p = 0.6821) among patients with GG/GA/AA subtypes after dose adjustment. For the patient with homozygosity mutation, treatment was switched to paclitaxel. There were no significant differences in PFS and OS among patients with different alleles or after dose adjustment ( p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the risk of delayed diarrhea ( p = 0.000), leukopenia ( p = 0.003) and neutropenia ( p = 0.000) in patients with different UGT1A1*6 genotypes, while no difference in patients with different UGT1A1*28 genotypes. Additionally, grade 3/4 diarrhea, neutropenia, and leukopenia were significantly more common in AA genotype patients compared to GG (2%, 19%, 24%) or GA (23%, 31%, 31%) genotype patients. Conclusion: Individual irinotecan treatment shows encouraging survival and tolerability outcomes in patients with GG/GA subtype. Irinotecan may be not suitable for patients with AA subtype.
How long is the arm immobilised after a conservatively managed displaced proximal humerus fracture and does early mobilisation effect complication rates: A systematic review
Authors: Tunnicliffe H , Divall Pip , O’Neill Seth , Singh Harvinder , Wright David
Published: March 2024

Background

Conservative management of displaced proximal humerus fractures involves a period of rest in a sling followed by physiotherapy. The aim of this review is to provide a narrative synthesis of how long immobilisation is used, types of slings, when and how exercises are introduced, and if complications may be associated with these components.

Method

A systematic search of the literature was undertaken. Two researchers screened relevant articles using Covidence software, with a third reviewer consulted for consensus. Data was extracted and a narrative synthesis is presented.

Results

Thirty-nine studies were included (3059 studies screened, 159 full-text reviews). This included a cohort of 2664 patients with a mean age of 70.9. Time immobilised in sling ranged from 1 to 6 weeks. Sling types were variable and were grouped into low, medium and higher levels of support. Exercises were introduced at variable timescales tending to introduce passive and pendular exercises first. Complications were reported in 243 incidences (9.1%).

Discussion

There was vast variation in how long patients were immobilised for, types of slings used and when and how exercises were introduced and progressed. No relationship was found between complications and these components. Research to identify the most effective approach is required.
Single versus double retrograde intramedullary nail technique for treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in children: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Samara Eleftheria , Locatelli Isabella , Tschopp Benjamin , Lutz Nicolas , Zambelli Pierre-Yves
Published: March 2024

Background:

Highly displaced proximal humeral fractures in children with low remodeling potential need to be reduced and fixed. The use of two flexible retrograde nails became the most popular fixation technique due to the excellent functional outcome, the low complication rates, and the possibility of early mobilization. A modified single retrograde technique has been suggested by the authors to address the main disadvantage of this technique, the long operative duration. The aim of this study was to compare these techniques in terms of efficacy, and clinical and radiological outcomes.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, monocentric study. Two groups of patients were defined: One was treated with the standard flexible retrograde double nail technique and the other with the modified single nail technique. The demographic and fracture characteristics were similar in both groups and the postoperative immobilization with a simple sling for 2 weeks. We compared the surgical duration for the initial fixation and hardware removal procedures. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, the secondary displacement at 1-week follow-up, the radiological union at 6-week follow-up, and the perioperative and short-term complications were also assessed for both groups.

Results:

The surgical duration of the initial fixation procedure was significantly shorter in single nail technique group ( p = 0.005). The percentage of excellent Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (0) was similar in the two groups ( p = 0.98). No secondary displacement was reported for the double nail technique group. In only one patient from the single nail technique group, we detected a secondary displacement at the first week control which did not need reoperation. In both groups, fractures were healed on the 6-week radiologic control. No cases of infection, superficial skin irritation, neurological damage, or complications related to implant removal were reported in both groups.

Conclusions:

The single nail technique of fixation proximal humeral fractures in children addresses the disadvantage of long surgical times, described until today, with the double nail technique without compromising the excellent functional and radiological short-term outcomes.

Level of evidence:

level III