bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Impact of Hygiene and Treatment on the Dynamics of Childhood Diarrhea in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Njenga Veronicah Nyokabi , Ngari Cyrus Gitonga , Nduku Winifred Mutuku , Luboobi Livingstone Serwadda
Published: September 2024

The morbidity of children under five years due to diarrhea is very prevalent in Nairobi County. Mathematical models can be used to study the dynamics of infections and suggest possible control strategies in the process. In this study, a deterministic model has been developed to investigate the impact of hygiene and treatment as control strategies, on the dynamics of diarrhea in children under five years of age in Nairobi County. In the analysis of the model, it was shown that the disease‐free equilibrium of the model was locally and globally asymptotically stable if the effective reproduction number was less than unity, while the endemic equilibrium point was locally and globally asymptotically stable if the effective reproduction number was greater than unity. From the sensitivity analysis of the effective reproduction number, it was observed that the sensitivity indices of the effective contact rate, the fraction of children joining the infected classes and modification parameters, are positive, while the indices of the rate of being born five years ago, hygiene compliance, natural death rate, rate of gaining symptoms, death rates due to diarrhea, treatment rates for infected children, recovery rates for treated children, and discharge rate are negative. From scenario simulations of the model, it was observed that when hygiene compliance strategy is increased, the disease is decreased and when it is equal to one, that is, when it is fully embraced, the disease is completely eradicated. It was observed that by increasing the treatment rate for mildly infected and treatment rate for severely infected children, the disease is controlled. It was lastly found that by increasing both the treatment rate for mildly infected children and hygiene compliance, the disease dies out and by increasing both the treatment rate for severely infected children and hygiene compliance, the disease is also eradicated completely. From the results, it was noted that by increasing hygiene compliance, the disease is completely wiped out as compared to treatment. It was also noted that for the two strategies combined, the disease is wiped out after 20 days if increased, while for the hygiene compliance strategy alone, the disease is wiped out after 40 days if fully embraced. Thus, it was concluded that both hygiene compliance and treatment are the best control strategies if fully embraced for the complete eradication of the disease within a shorter period of time.
Jet‐to‐Porous Heat Sinks with a Variable Porous Height Layer
Authors: Mashhadi Keshtiban Mohsen , Zabetian Targhi Mohammad , Heyhat Mohammad Mahdi
Published: September 2024

The enhanced surface area and flow mixing offered by porous media are attractive features to augment the thermal performance of jet impingement heat sinks. However, the current jet‐to‐porous heat sinks demonstrate high pressure drop penalties and poor thermal performance due to the exacerbated jet momentum losses of the porous layer. In this study, jet impingement heat sinks with variable porous height layers are introduced to overcome the above drawbacks. The purpose of this study is using the porous domain in the selectively high‐temperature areas of an annular heat sink and avoiding direct jet‐to‐porous interaction at the jet center. Consequently, the negative impacts of momentum loss are reduced and thus enhanced the thermohydraulic performance of jet‐to‐porous heat sinks. The realizable k‐ε turbulent model for the fluid domain and the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer equations for the porous domain are solved employing ANSYS Fluent for investigating the thermohydraulic characteristics of the system. It was shown that a jet impingement heat sink with a variable porous height layer, increasing in the radial direction, proves a significantly lower pressure drop penalty and thermal resistance than a constant porous height layer or a plain surface, while constant porous height shows lower thermohydraulic performance than the plain one at higher Re numbers. For instance, at a Re = 5,000 and HR = 0.5, the thermal resistance of a variable porous height layer is 9.63 × 10−5 (m2·K/W), which is 25% and 37% lower than that of the constant porous height surface and plain surface, respectively. The findings of the present study suggest that a variable porous height layer offers new ways to enhance the thermal management of future electronic systems.
Primary Ductal Her‐2 Positive Adenocarcinoma of Salivary Gland: A Long Follow‐Up Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Deantoni C. L. , Midulla M. , Mirabile A. , Chiara A. , Lucchini R. , Giannini L. , Torrisi M. , Fodor A. , Di Muzio N. G. , Dell’Oca I.
Published: September 2024

Background: Epithelial tumors of lacrimal glands are rare and primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland accounts for only 2% of all epithelial lacrimal gland tumors. Considering its rarity and lack of uniform diagnostic criteria, treatment protocols are not well defined.

In this study, we describe a Her‐2 positive case and review previously reported cases.

Methods: In 2012, a 42‐year‐old woman affected by primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland was treated with transpalpebral anterior orbitotomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. In July 2013, she presented local relapse and she underwent orbital exenteration. In November 2013, for neck nodal progression, seven cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin and epirubicin) associated with a humanized monoclonal antibody–targeting HER 2 therapy (trastuzumab and pertuzumab) were performed, with a marked response rate. Then, she underwent total parotidectomy with right neck lymphadenectomy and adjuvant hadrontherapy.

Results: Nine years later (113 months) after treatment completion, the patient was alive without disease and with acceptable toxicity.

Conclusions: In primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland, early diagnosis and multimodal treatments could be crucial, considering its often aggressive tendency. Considering the lack of treatment guidelines, case report recording can be useful in patient management.
The Study of Continuous Core Zoning to Extend the Graphite Component Irradiation Lifespan in Molten Salt Reactor
Authors: Jia Shuyang , Zhu Guifeng , Zou Yang , Guo Jian , Xu Zhenghao , Hu Siqin , Xu Hongjie
Published: September 2024

Graphite is widely used in molten salt reactors (MSRs) because of its excellent properties. However, the irradiation lifespan of graphite in MSR is much shorter than the life of a conventional nuclear power plant, which lowers the load factor and increases the economic burden. In this paper, to extend the graphite irradiation lifespan, one uniform radial fast neutron field was designed by changing the fuel distribution in different radial fuel channels, which is called continuous core zoning. A positive correlation correction algorithm was used to adjust the fuel volumetric fraction (VF) of each zone. The optimization was carried out among different reactor sizes and different thicknesses of the reflector to study flattening characteristics. After optimization, the difference in fast neutron flux between different zones of the flattened region was less than 1%. Compared to the unoptimized case, the peak value of the fast neutron flux can be most reduced by 48.6%. The study employed a single‐channel heat transfer model to investigate the temperature distribution within the both pre‐ and postoptimization core structure. The flow matching inlet condition and the average velocity inlet condition were considered. The results showed that to eliminate hot spots, a flow matching design is needed; otherwise, the temperature will rise greatly. Then the lifetime of graphite was calculated by combining fast neutron flux and temperature. Under average velocity inlet condition, graphite lifespan in CORE550‐20 increased from 11.4 years of the unoptimized core to 18.9 years of the optimized core, only representing a 66% enhancement due to higher temperatures. Under flow matching conditions, the lifespan of graphite in CORE450‐00 can be extended from 13.3 years of the unoptimized core to 26.8 years of the optimized core, indicating a 102% improvement.
Unveiling Digital Pathways to Active Aging: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of Older Adults’ Experiences and the Impact of Person‐Level Factors on mHealth Intervention Engagement
Authors: Maes Iris , Carlier Stéphanie , Latomme Julie , De Backere Femke , Cardon Greet , Van Dyck Delfien
Published: September 2024

Background. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions hold promise in assisting older adults to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Yet, little is known about how older adults perceive using smartphones to enhance their PA. This study explored older adults’ experiences with the “My Health Plan” mHealth intervention and examined which person‐level factors were associated with adherence. Methods. Forty older adults (52.5% female, mean age: 72.6 years) were instructed to use the My Health Plan application, which provided up to six stretch‐ and strengthening exercises per day and to wear a Fitbit Charge activity monitor for seven consecutive days. Person‐level factors (e.g., gender and age) and psychosocial factors (e.g., intention and motivation) were assessed using a questionnaire. Afterwards, semistructured interviews were conducted to gather participants’ experiences with the application and Fitbit. Deductive thematic analysis (qualitative data) and regression analyses (quantitative data) were conducted. Results. Key themes emerging from the interviews were (1) smartphone notifications (including timing and number) and carrying the smartphone throughout the day, (2) suggested stretch‐ and strengthening exercises, (3) providing feedback, (4) experiences with Fitbit, and (5) overall suggestions for improving the application and mHealth interventions. Overall, participants reported positive experiences with the application and Fitbit. Being male, having higher baseline PA, lower anxiety, and greater ability to participate in social roles and activities were related to increased engagement with the proposed exercises. Conclusions. This study provides valuable insights to optimize future mHealth interventions tailored to older adults’ specific needs, aligning with their perceptions of the digital transformation in health promotion.
Research on Least‐Square η‐Hermitian Solutions of Split Quaternion Matrix Equations
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Xiaoda
Published: September 2024

In this article, we use the real representation matrix of the split quaternion matrix, vector operator, Kronecker product, and Moore–Penrose generalized inverse. We establish the least norm expression of the least‐square η‐Hermitian solution and the least norm expression of the least‐square η‐anti‐Hermitian solution on the split quaternion of the matrix equation AXB + CXD = E. The final solution expression is represented only by real matrices and real vectors. In the algorithm, only real number operations are involved, which avoids complex quaternion operations and greatly reduces the amount of computation. Finally, we use two examples to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Table S1 from Targeting TREX1 Induces Innate Immune Response in Drug-Resistant Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Murayama Takahiko , Mahadevan Navin R. , Meador Catherine B. , Ivanova Elena V. , Pan Yuqiao , Knelson Erik H. , Tani Tetsuo , Nakayama Jun , Ma Xueying , Thai Tran C. , Hung Yin P. , Kim William , Watanabe Hideo , Cai Kathy Q. , Hata Aaron N. , Paweletz Cloud P. , Barbie David A. , Cañadas Israel
Published: September 2024

qPCR primer sequences
Figure S1 from Targeting TREX1 Induces Innate Immune Response in Drug-Resistant Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Murayama Takahiko , Mahadevan Navin R. , Meador Catherine B. , Ivanova Elena V. , Pan Yuqiao , Knelson Erik H. , Tani Tetsuo , Nakayama Jun , Ma Xueying , Thai Tran C. , Hung Yin P. , Kim William , Watanabe Hideo , Cai Kathy Q. , Hata Aaron N. , Paweletz Cloud P. , Barbie David A. , Cañadas Israel
Published: September 2024

Figure S1 shows TREX1 expression is induced in drug resistant SCLC cells
Inhibition of WNK Kinases in NK Cells Disrupts Cellular Osmoregulation and Control of Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Kim Ji Sung , Kehrl John H.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The serine/threonine with-no-lysine (WNK) kinase family function in blood pressure control, electrolyte homeostasis, and cellular osmoregulation. These kinases and their downstream effectors are considered promising therapeutic targets in hypertension and stroke. However, the role of WNK kinases in immune cells remains poorly understood. Methods: Using the small-molecule WNK kinase inhibitors WNK463 and WNK-IN-11, we investigated how WNK kinase inhibition affects natural killer (NK) cell physiology. Results: WNK kinase inhibition with WNK463 or WNK-IN-11 significantly decreased IL-2-activated NK cell volume, motility, and cytolytic activity. Treatment of NK cells with these inhibitors induced autophagy by activating AMPK and inhibiting mTOR signaling. Moreover, WNK kinase inhibition increased phosphorylation of Akt and c-Myc by misaligning activity of activating kinases and inhibitory phosphatases. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with WNK463 impaired tumor metastasis control by adoptively transferred NK cells. Conclusion: The catalytic activity of WNK kinases has a critical role of multiple aspects of NK cell physiology and their pharmacologic inhibition negatively impacts NK cell function.
Associations Between Flavonoid Intake and Subclinical Atherosclerosis: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bondonno Nicola P. , Parmenter Benjamin H. , Murray Kevin , Bondonno Catherine P. , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Wood Alexis C. , Post Wendy S. , Allison Matthew A. , Criqui Michael H. , Lewis Joshua R. , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Flavonoids may play a role in mitigating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, with evidence suggesting effects may differ between vascular beds. Studies examining associations with subclinical markers of atherosclerosis between subpopulations with different underlying risks of atherosclerosis are lacking.

METHODS:

Among 5599 participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), associations between dietary flavonoid intakes (estimated from a food frequency questionnaire) and subclinical measures of atherosclerosis (ankle-brachial index, carotid plaques and intima-media thickness, and coronary artery calcification) were examined using repeated measures models. Exposures and outcomes were measured at exam 1 (2000–2002) and exam 5 (2010–2011). Stratified analyses and interaction terms were used to explore effect modification by time, sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status.

RESULTS:

In the analytic population, at baseline, ≈46% were men with a median age of 62 (interquartile range, 53–70) years and total flavonoid intakes of 182 (interquartile range, 98–308) mg/d. After multivariable adjustments, participants with the highest (quartile 4) versus lowest (quartile 1) total flavonoid intakes had 26% lower odds of having an ankle-brachial index <1 (odds ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.60–0.92]) and 18% lower odds of having a carotid plaque (odds ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.69–0.99]), averaged over exams 1 and 5. Moderate (quartile 3) to high (quartile 4) intakes of flavonols, flavanol monomers, and anthocyanins were associated with 19% to 34% lower odds of having an ankle-brachial index <1 and 18% to 20% lower odds of having carotid plaque. Participants with the highest intakes of anthocyanins (quartile 4) at baseline had a marginally slower rate of carotid plaque progression than those with moderate intakes (quartiles 2 and 3). There were no significant associations with intima-media thickness or coronary artery calcification. Observed associations did not differ by sex, race/ethnicity, or smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this multi-ethnic population, higher dietary flavonoid intakes were associated with lower odds of peripheral and carotid artery atherosclerosis. Increasing intakes of healthy, flavonoid-rich foods may protect against atherosclerosis in the peripheral and carotid arteries.
Optimal Antihypertensive Systolic Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Whelton Paul K. , O’Connell Samantha , Mills Katherine T. , He Jiang
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering reduces major cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. However, the optimal target for SBP lowering remains controversial.

METHODS:

We included trials with random allocation to an SBP <130 mm Hg treatment target and CVD as the primary outcome. Data were extracted from each study independently and in duplicate using a standardized protocol. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for CVD and all-cause mortality comparing SBP <130 and ≥130 mm Hg treatment targets. A secondary analysis compared the same outcomes for randomization to an SBP target of <120 or <140 mm Hg.

RESULTS:

Seven trials, including 72 138 participants, met the eligibility criteria. Compared with an SBP target of ≥130 mm Hg, an SBP target of <130 mm Hg significantly reduced major CVD (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.70–0.87]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.79–0.99]). Compared with an SBP target of <140 mm Hg, an intensive SBP target of <120 mm Hg significantly reduced major CVD (HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.74–0.91]), but all-cause mortality was marginally insignificant (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.71–1.01]). Adverse events were significantly more likely in the intensive SBP target groups, but the absolute risks were low.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggests targeting an SBP <130 mm Hg significantly reduces the risks of major CVD and all-cause mortality. The findings also support an SBP target of <120 mm Hg, based on a smaller number of trials.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
; Unique identifier: CRD42023490693.
Screenwriting Applied to the Academic Study of Religion: Some Kind of Liberating Effect, a Documentary on Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Severino Valerio
Published: September 2024

Some Kind of Liberating Effect is a documentary dedicated to research freedom in the academic study of religion in Central and Eastern Europe. This essay examines the techniques used to develop a script and a screenplay. It will show how the documentary integrates screenwriting with the question of freedom of research in this academic field and region. First, the essay presents the raw footage filmed between 2022 and 2023, then the screenwriting techniques used for plotting a story. Finally, it discusses the shift from the history of the academic field to storytelling, particularly with regard to the frame story included in the film. In conclusion, it presents some remarks concerning the interdisciplinary and intersectoral approaches between religious studies and the film industry implemented in the documentary.
Palestine, Futurity, and the Rithāʾ: A Poetics of Speculation and Proleptic Mourning
Authors: Kraver Stephanie
Published: September 2024

This paper explores Fadwā Ṭūqān’s and Maḥmūd Darwīsh’s poetry written in the wake of the 1967 June War, the Israeli siege of Beirut in 1982, and the Second Intifāḍah (uprising) in 2002. Specifically, the article investigates how the poets mobilize the Arabic elegiac (rithāʾ) genre, as well as pre-Islamic and early Islamic poetic traditions, in order to contemplate the future and foster a mode of proleptic mourning. This paper asserts that these two Palestinian poets utilize the longstanding elegiac form in Arabic literary heritage to not only summon and lament past events and atrocities, but to conjecture about the insecurity that they anticipate in the years to come. The poems render both hopeful and pessimistic sentiments and premonitions, demonstrating how the ongoing Israeli occupation and the Palestinians’ resultant losses over time have precipitated increasingly sobering and distressing speculations about the perpetuation of Palestinians’ grief in the future.
Prolegomenon for a Theory of the Palestinian American Novel
Authors: Schreier Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Though Palestine—as place, national aspiration, conflict, refugee crisis, political-cultural cause—stands at the institutional origin of the fields of Arab American literary study and Arab American studies more generally, Palestinian American literature itself has mostly not yet become a discrete object of disciplinary study. Palestinian American authors have not been ignored, but scholarly analysis of their work often proceeds under the authority of other legitimizing frameworks—with Palestinian American literature instrumentalized as capital for other ideological projects—even as identity became a primary currency in academic literary study in the decolonial era. This has limited opportunities to examine disciplinary mechanisms of institution-formation. A robust theory of Palestinian American literature contests the critical overdetermination suffered by an emergent Palestinian American literary archive that has expanded substantially since 2001, supporting a dynamic field of dedicated literary scholarship that refuses to be subordinated to a project of territorial nationalism.
The Role of Science in Society: The Researcher as Public Intellectual
Authors: Guimay Sandra Frost Campos , Rendtorff Jacob Dahl
Published: September 2024

What is the role of researchers in society? Can research be political? A heated debate in Denmark about activist research and pseudoscience raised many philosophical issues about the role of the scientist in society. In this article, we distinguish between different strands of this debate about activist research and the limits of academic freedom from the perspective of ethics and the philosophy of science. We begin by presenting some topics from the debate. Then we discuss perspectives from the ethics of science in relation to science and society, cancel culture, pseudoscience, demarcation, and academic freedom. Moreover, we analyze the ethical obligation of researchers to be public intellectuals as essential for ensuring the ethics and responsibility of science in democratic societies. Accordingly, we present the idea of the public intellectual proposed by Hannah Arendt as a justification for the protection of academic freedom and for the ethical responsibility of science in society.
Unexpected discovery of a new Lycocerus (Coleoptera, Cantharidae) from Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, southwest Japan
Authors: NAKAMURA RYO
Published: September 2024

The soldier beetle fauna of East Asia is very diverse, and despite the long-term tradition of taxonomic research, it remains incompletely known. A new soldier beetle species Lycocerus todai Nakamura sp. nov. is described from Okinawa Island (Ryukyu Islands, southwest Japan). The discovery of L. todai sp. nov. not only marks an unexpected addition to the well-studied Japanese Lycocerus, but also unveils significant biodiversity in the Ryukyu Islands. Two similar species from the same island, L. okinawanus (Ishida, 1985) and L. yonaensis (Satô et Okushima, 1992), are also examined and a the distribution map of all three species is provided.
Touching Parchment: How Medieval Users Rubbed, Handled, and Kissed Their Manuscripts
Authors: Rudy Kathryn M.
Published: September 2024

In the late middle ages (ca. 1200-1520), both religious and secular people used manuscripts, was regarded as a most precious item. The traces of their use through touching and handling during different rituals such as oath-taking, public reading, and memorializing the dead, is the subject of Kathryn Rudy’s research in Touching Parchment.

This second volume, Social Encounters with the Book, delves into the physical interaction with books in various social settings, including education, courtly assemblies, and confraternal gatherings. Looking at acts such as pointing, scratching, and ‘wet-touching’, the author zooms in on smudges and abrasions on medieval manuscripts as testimonials of readers’ interaction with the book and its contents. In so doing, she dissects the function of books in oaths, confraternal groups, education, and courtly settings, illuminating how books were used as teaching aids and tools for conveying political messages. The narrative paints a vivid picture of medieval reading, emphasizing bodily engagement, from page-turning to the intimate act of kissing pages. Overall, this text offers a captivating exploration of the tactile and social dimensions of book use in late medieval Europe broadening our perspective on the role of objects in rituals during the middle ages. Social Encounters with the Book provides a fundamental resource to anybody interested in medieval history and book materiality more widely.

This volume is part of a four-volume set, with two additional titles forthcoming.
Chapter 2
Authors: Rudy Kathryn M.
Published: September 2024

Chapter 2 considers the rituals and social functions of confraternities in the Middle Ages, focusing on the manuscripts used in their ceremonies and the physical interactions these books invited. It highlights how civic groups adopted ecclesiastical modes of oath-taking, blending verbal confirmations with the theatrical handling of significant objects, notably books. Images in some manuscripts, such as the Liber Regulae of the Order of the Holy Spirit from Rome, depict such ceremonies. Drawing on visual evidence as well as use-wear evidence, the chapter argues for the role of book-touching in forging bonds within confraternities.

The chapter further discusses the transition of confraternities from monastic to lay administration post-Black Death, with an increasing number of such brotherhoods forming for mutual support in life and remembrance after death. It specifically examines three case studies. The first, which treats the confraternity of St Nicholas in Valenciennes, provides insights into the social activities and obligations of its members, including their distinctive attire, communal feasts, and processional duties. This confraternity emphasizes the performative and public display of unity and piety, with detailed attention to the members' embodied participation.

The second and third case studies treat confraternities dedicated to St. Sebastian, a military saint revered for his perceived role in protecting against the plague and reforming knightly behavior. One group in Linkebeek (near Brussels) relied on ducal patronage. Members recorded their names as a form of social and spiritual affirmation. Despite the confraternity's close ties with the Burgundian court, its membership was highly inclusive. Nonetheless, members asserted their place in a social hierarchy by having their names written as close as possible to that of the founding duke. The third case study considers a confraternity at St Gorik's church in Brussels, which developed from an archery guild into a rhetoricians' guild. The manuscript associated with St Gorik's, laden with historical data, underscores the diverse membership and cultural impact of the confraternity within the broader context of Brussels socio-religious norms.

The chapter argues that the manuscripts and rituals of medieval confraternities played a pivotal role in forging social bonds and establishing collective identities. The physical marks and patterns of wear on the manuscripts serve as tangible evidence of these practices, revealing the importance of group cohesion and the performative nature of social and spiritual commitments in the late Middle Ages.
Chapter 5
Authors: Rudy Kathryn M.
Published: September 2024

Chapter 5 considers the interplay between the living and the dead within the Christian tradition, focusing on the role of book-centered rituals in mediating this relationship. It underscores the Christian view of death as a gateway to the afterlife, emphasizing the intercessory role played by the living through prayer to aid the souls in Purgatory. The chapter examines the emergence of brotherhoods and the hiring of monastics as professional intercessors, a practice reflected in images, such as the Spes Nostra painting.

This chapter also explores the documentation of these practices, particularly through necrologies which record the obligations of prayer and remembrance, such as one owned by the Tertiaries of the Convent of St Lucy in Amsterdam. The marks on the page, made by many hands over time, highlights the interaction required to keep the record up-to-date as an enduring social practice.

Furthermore, the chapter analyzes the function and impact of mortuary rolls as tools for collective remembrance and contractual prayer obligations within religious communities, illustrated by the mortuary roll for the Abbey at Forest's Abbess Elisabeth ’sConincs. The roll's journey and the reciprocal prayer arrangements it facilitated reflect a complex spiritual economy, as well as the social and physical handling of these documents.

The chapter concludes by comparing the mortuary rolls to the letters of profession discussed earlier, emphasizing their role in collective authorship and social memory. It argues that the physical and communal interactions with these manuscripts—through reading, writing, and handling—are essential to their function as vehicles of collective memory and spiritual economy.
Recycling catfish bone for additive manufacturing of silicone composite structures
Authors: Aqerrout Saad , Wu Di , Yu Fei , Liu Wenbo , Han Yuke , Lyu Jiaqi , Jing Yi , Yang Xiaoran
Published: September 2024

As a notable commercial aquaculture species, channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) in US faces challenges including the global market competition and enhanced feed costs. Since fish bone waste is a major source of calcium and hydroxyapatite, re-utilization gives birth to several advanced products in the development of animal feed, fertilizers, and nutrition supplements. Recent research findings introduce fish bone powder (FBP) reinforcement in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of plastic composites. However, FBP so far has not been widely utilized for Direct Ink Writing (DIW) 3D printing of silicone composite. In this paper, catfish bone waste has been recycled and processed with a thermal procedure. FBP reinforced silicone composite structures have been developed and manufactured using low-viscosity DIW 3D printing. Morphological and chemical structures of FBPs were analyzed and compared before and after calcination. The rheological and mechanical characterization have indicated the potential of calcinated FBP in advancing the silicone composites. With 0%–50% weight percentages of FBP, composite samples can be designed to get any specified mechanical response (0.5–1.4 MPa in 50% tension strain and 150–550 N in 30% compression strain). The shape holding, overhang, and dimensional accuracy of FBP reinforced silicone composites in single (DIW) and dual (FDM + DIW) 3D printing processes have been demonstrated and summarized. With appropriate adjustments, this FBP-based 3D printing technology can be applied to byproduct recycling of all the US food-fish species, poultry, and livestock.
Perceptual-Cognitive Skills of Basketball Referees: On-The-Court Visual Search Behavior
Authors: Ruiz Antonio J. , Albaladejo-García Carlos , Reina Raúl , Moreno Francisco J.
Published: September 2024

Perceptual-cognitive skills are crucial in successfully managing information and decision-making in sports, particularly in high-pressure environments. We examined 16 basketball referees’ on-the-court visual search behavior by comparing referees of different experience levels (experienced, n = 8; and novice, n = 8) and different court positions. Participants’ visual search behavior was analyzed during 20 live gameplay situations using eye-tracking technology. Dependent variables were the number of eye fixations, mean fixation time, and total fixation time on selected areas of interest; and independent variables were the referees’ experience and visual angles (lead and trail referee positions). Experienced referees exhibited significantly lower total fixation time than novice referees ( p = .009). Referees in the trail position showed more fixations of shorter duration and a greater focus on the basket than those in the lead position. Our findings suggest that the visual search behavior of basketball referees varies with their court position and experience. These data provide valuable insights into referees’ complex visual search patterns in the real-game context, and they highlight the importance of considering viewing angle and experience in future research.
Poor Survival of Patients With Very Small But Locally Advanced (T4) Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Kang Jeong Wook , Noh Joo Kyung , Lee Min Kyeong , Lee Yeon Seo , Lee Young Chan , Lee Jung-Woo , Kong Moonkyoo , Ko Seong-Gyu , Eun Young-Gyu
Published: September 2024

Objective : The size of T4 tumor could vary in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, this study aimed to investigate the role of tumor size in the prognosis of patients with T4 OPSCC. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional. Setting: SEER-Medicare-linked database. Methods: This study enrolled 1153 patients diagnosed with T4 OPSCC from the SEER registry between 2010 and 2016. The primary study variables were tumor size, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and disease-specific survival (DSS). Primary tumor size and clinicopathological variables according to HPV status were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: The 5-year DSS of patients with HPV-negative T4 OPSCC tumors ≤1 cm was worse than that of patients with tumors >1 cm ( P < .001). The results were consistent even after propensity score matching ( P = .002). Tumors ≤1 cm had a hazard ratio (HR) as high as that of distant metastasis (HR 2.8 vs HR 2.6, P = .006). A decreased DSS of ≤ 1 cm tumors was observed in HPV-negative T4 OPSCC, but not in HPV-positive T4 OPSCC ( P < .001 vs P = .96). Conclusion: A tumor diameter ≤1 cm was associated with poor prognosis in patients with HPV-negative T4 OPSCC. Tumor diameter ≤1 cm could be a predictive factor for poor outcomes in HPV-negative T4 OPSCC.
Embodied Shame and Organization Studies
Authors: Ruebottom Trish , Toubiana Madeline
Published: September 2024

If we truly want to understand the impact of shame on organizational life there is a need to dig deeper into the very heart of our embodied experience. Building on work that has sought to understand how shame shapes and controls us, we push for an embodied perspective on shame to enter into our scholarly inquiry. To do so, in this essay, we draw on feminist and critical race theory to argue that felt shame can accumulate, untethered to specific episodes of shaming, and inhibit bodily expression. We bring attention to this embodied and durable aspect of shame and suggest there is a need to attend to its impacts on our organizations, the ways we are organized, and how we can organize to resist.
A General Overview of Palliative Care in Morocco: Needs Far Beyond Means
Authors: Hamdoune Meryem , Jounaidi Khaoula , Ghafili Asmaa , Gantare Abdellah
Published: September 2024

Morocco's approach to developing palliative care is notably constrained, with an almost complete scarcity of laws and regulations in this area. Despite some progress, palliative care remains fragmented and underdeveloped, with persistent disparities in its accessibility and provision. Nationally, there is a lack of sufficient and detailed information about its progress. This paper aims to fill this gap by offering an overview of the history, infrastructure, education, and legislation framework surrounding palliative care in the country. Significant strides have been made since its implementation, but challenges persist, including the need for a comprehensive legislation framework, more trained professionals, and expanded services beyond oncology to other chronic diseases. Strengthening infrastructure and policies is essential to meet the growing needs of Morocco's population.
How Advocates Can Use the Revised Circular A-4 Means to Push for Stronger Worker and Environmental Protections
Authors: Goodwin James
Published: September 2024

For public interest advocates engaged on issues of worker health and safety and environmental protections, regulatory cost–benefit analysis has long been seen as an obstacle to meaningful progress. In November 2023, the Biden administration overhauled Circular A-4, which provides guidance to agencies on how to perform cost–benefit analyses for their rules. The reforms seek to make cost–benefit analysis less biased against worker safety, public health, environmental, and other protective safeguards. As such, the new version of Circular A-4 offers important new levers to agencies to justify more stringent protections. By extension, those in the public interest community can use agency implementation of the new Circular A-4 as part of their advocacy efforts for specific rules they are tracking. This article seeks to support this tactic by providing a roadmap for advocates on how to incorporate into their comments critiques of agencies’ cost–benefit analyses based on the Circular A-4 revisions.
A new adaptive fuzzy logic control for nonlinear car active suspension systems based on the time-delay
Authors: Mustafa Ghazally IY , Wang Haoping
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a new adaptive fuzzy logic control for nonlinear car active suspension systems based on the time delay (TDAFLC). The proposed method comprises three terms: First, time-delay estimation (TDE) is used as an ultra-local model to estimate the active suspension system nonlinearities and unknown dynamics. Second, a desired dynamics injection part. Third, the adaptive fuzzy logic control is used as an extra input to reduce the effect of the TDE error. The adaptive fuzzy logic control is designed on a new sliding surface to achieve the desired error dynamics. The benefits of the TDAFLC controller are its simple structure and ease of regulation. In addition, the theoretical investigation of system stability, convergence speed, and control accuracy are demonstrated. Finally, using a co-simulation platform, the validation process compares TDAFLC to TDC, PID, and the conventional passive system for a two-degree-of-freedom quarter car active suspension system under different road excitations.
The role of humerus cortical thickness in predicting osteoporosis in MR imaging
Authors: Emir Sevde Nur , Dereli Bulut Safiye Sanem
Published: September 2024

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of humerus cortical thickness on coronal T1-weighted images of the humerus in distinguishing patients with normal vs. abnormal bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

Patients (n:138) with shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were evaluated. Patients were grouped into normal and low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis) according to DXA. An average cortical bone thickness (CBTavg) and gauge cortical bone thickness (CBTg) were calculated from the proximal humerus on coronal T1W MRI. Sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of osteoporosis were determined for several cortical bone thickness thresholds.

Results

Proximal humerus average cortical bone thickness measurements strongly correlated with DXA femur and lumbar scores ( p < 0.01). Gauge cortical thickness measurements also correlated with DXA femur and lumbar scores ( p < 0.01). Average cortical bone thickness measurement of 4.52 mm was determined to be a potential marker for predicting osteoporosis, with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 84.9%.

Conclusion

Average cortical bone thickness measurements obtained from shoulder MRI are correlated with DXA. It appears to be effective in differentiating patients with normal and abnormal BMD and may help to opportunistically predict patients with osteoporosis in a rapid, simple and practical way, potentially guiding further diagnostic assessments.
Zillow’s artificial intelligence failure and its impact on perceived trust in information systems
Authors: Susarla Padma , Purnell Dexter , Scott Ken
Published: September 2024

With increasing machine learning and artificial intelligence adoption in organizations, consumers are frequently exposed to recommendations from various algorithms. In 2007, Zillow, one of the largest online real estate firms, invested in technology to transform into Zillow 2.0 by leveraging its iBuying machine learning algorithm to purchase homes directly from consumers. Although it was initially successful, the company eventually incurred significant losses due to inaccurate future price predictions resulting in the closure of iBuyer business in November 2021. This case underscores the complexity of algorithmic failures and the need for caution and thorough understanding in the face of the unpredictability and risk of advancing technology. It also highlights the pivotal role of perceived consumer trust when using information systems, a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. It accentuates the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership in ethical considerations, thereby enhancing the decision-making process when utilizing machine learning algorithms and in the context of artificial intelligence failures.
Feasibility of a noninvasive heart failure telemonitoring system: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ekola Teemu , Virtanen Vesa , Koskela Tuomas H
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of a noninvasive telemonitoring system used by heart failure patients and nurses in a pilot program of the Heart Hospital unit in Tampere, Finland.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study used a mixed methods design. Quantitative data were collected with one self-generated questionnaire for patients, and qualitative data were collected with a questionnaire for patients and semi-structured focus group interviews for patients and nurses. The questionnaire was sent to 47 patients who were in the pilot program, and 29 patients (61.7%) responded. Purposefully selected 8 patients and 8 nurses attended the interviews. We used descriptive statistics to assess the quantitative data from the questionnaire and inductive thematic analysis to identify themes deriving from the focus group interviews. We categorized the themes into facilitators and barriers to telemonitoring.

Results

Both the quantitative and qualitative data show that the telemonitoring system is easy to use, supports self-care and self-monitoring, and increases the feeling of safety. The chat tool of the system facilitated communication. The patients and nurses considered the system reliable despite some technical problems. The focus group interviews addressed technical challenges, nurses’ increased workload, and patients’ engagement with daily follow-up as possible barriers to telemonitoring.

Conclusions

The noninvasive heart failure telemonitoring system used in the pilot program is feasible. We found facilitators and barriers to telemonitoring that should be considered when developing the noninvasive telemonitoring of heart failure in the future.
A Multimodality Diagnostic Imaging Approach for an Appendiceal Mucocele: A Case Series
Authors: Dhanju Gurinder , Goubran Ashraf , Kirkpatrick Iain , Mina Fady , Jammu Rachan Preet
Published: September 2024

An appendiceal mucocele (AM) is a rare right lower quadrant gastrointestinal pathology, frequently misdiagnosed during a diagnostic evaluation. An AM refers to a mucin-filled appendix caused by a complex interplay of pathophysiologic processes, most commonly obstruction of the appendiceal lumen. This case series presents three patient cases that used a diagnostic multimodality imaging approach to diagnose AM, to insure appropriate clinical management. The unique imaging characteristics of sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) utilized for the diagnosis of AM are discussed briefly, as part of this case series report.
Acute exacerbations in patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kreuter Michael , Belloli Elizabeth A. , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Cerri Stefania , Flaherty Kevin R. , Shapera Shane , Song Jin Woo , Mueller Heiko , Rohr Klaus B. , Kondoh Yasuhiro ,   on behalf of the INBUILD trial investigators
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute exacerbations of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are associated with high mortality. We used prospective data from the INBUILD trial to investigate risk factors for acute exacerbations and the impact of these events in patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Patients with progressive fibrosing ILDs other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were randomised to receive nintedanib or placebo. Associations between baseline characteristics and time to first acute exacerbation were assessed using pooled data from both treatment groups using Cox proportional hazard models, firstly univariable models and then a multivariable model using forward stepwise selection. The risk of death was estimated based on the Kaplan−Meier method.

Results

Over a median follow-up of approximately 19 months, acute exacerbations were reported in 58 (8.7%) of 663 patients. In the risk factor analysis, the final model included diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) % predicted, treatment and age. LowerDLCO% predicted was associated with an increased risk of acute exacerbation with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.56 (95% CI 1.21–2.02) per 10 units lower (p<0.001). Age ≥65 years was associated with a numerically increased risk (HR 1.55, 95% CI 0.87–2.77; p=0.14). Treatment with nintedanib conferred a numerically reduced riskversusplacebo (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.35–1.02; p=0.06). The estimated risks of death ≤30 days and ≤90 days after an acute exacerbation were 19.0% (95% CI 8.9–29.2) and 32.0% (95% CI 19.7–44.2).

Conclusions

Acute exacerbations of progressive pulmonary fibrosis may have similar risk factors and prognostic impact as acute exacerbations of IPF.