bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights from the Evolving Model of Two Cortical Visual Pathways
Authors: Baker Chris , Kravitz Dwight
Published: May 2024

The two cortical visual pathways framework has had a profound influence on theories and empirical studies of the visual system for over 40 years. By grounding physiological responses and behavior in neuroanatomy, the framework provided a critical guide for understanding vision. Although the framework has evolved over time, as our understanding of the physiology and neuroanatomy expanded, cortical visual processing is still often conceptualized as two separate pathways emerging from the primary visual cortex that support distinct behaviors (“what” vs. “where/how”). Here, we take a historical perspective and review the continuing evolution of the framework, discussing key and often overlooked insights. Rather than a functional and neuroanatomical bifurcation into two independent serial, hierarchical pathways, the current evidence points to two highly recurrent heterarchies with heterogeneous connections to cortical regions and subcortical structures that flexibly support a wide variety of behaviors. Although many of the simplifying assumptions of the framework are belied by the evidence gathered since its initial proposal, the core insight of grounding function and behavior in neuroanatomy remains fundamental. Given this perspective, we highlight critical open questions and the need for a better understanding of neuroanatomy, particularly in the human.
Integrating Consciousness Science with Cognitive Neuroscience: An Introduction to the Special Focus
Authors: He Biyu J.
Published: May 2024

Consciousness science is experiencing a coming-of-age moment. Following three decades of sustained efforts by a relatively small group of consciousness researchers, the field has seen exponential growth over the past 5 years. It is increasingly recognized that although the investigation of subjective experiences is a difficult task, modern neuroscience need not and cannot shy away from the challenge of peeling away the mysteries of conscious experiences. In June 2023, with the joint support of the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Science Foundation, a 3-day workshop was held at the Bethesda, MD, campus of the National Institutes of Health, convening experts whose work focuses primarily on problems of consciousness, or an adjacent field, to discuss the current state of consciousness science and consider the most fruitful avenues for future research. This Special Focus features empirical and theoretical contributions from some of the invited speakers at the workshop. Here, I will cover the scope of the workshop, the content of this Special Focus, and advocate for stronger bridges between consciousness science and other subdisciplines of cognitive neuroscience.
Model-based Mind Wandering in Older Adults: Age Differences in the Behavioral and Electrophysiological Correlates of Subjective and Objective Measures of Mind Wandering
Authors: Henderson Sarah E. , Ryan A. Dawn , Atack Luke W. , Campbell Karen
Published: May 2024

Mind wandering is typically characterized as a failure of attentional control, yet despite age-related executive function deficits, older adults typically report less mind wandering than younger adults during cognitive tasks and in daily life. Self-reported mind wandering episodes usually result in similar behavioral detriments in younger and older adults (e.g., greater RT variability, more task errors). However, the relatively few studies investigating the neural correlates of mind wandering and aging have revealed mixed findings, possibly because they typically rely on infrequent thought probes and, therefore, few trials for neural analyses. In the current study, we propose a method to recover more task data by categorizing trials from a commonly used sustained attention to response task according to RT variability. Behavioral data (n = 49 younger; n = 40 older) revealed that compared with younger adults, older adults reported fewer mind wandering episodes, but showed similar behavioral impacts thereof. Furthermore, in both age groups, subjective reports of mind wandering predicted the more objective sorting of trials into “on-” and “off-task” according to RT variability. Using these objectively sorted trials, we investigated two commonly reported EEG measures of mind wandering (diminished P1 and P3 amplitude) in 26 younger and 24 older adults. Although the P1 did not differ between on- and off-task trials for either group, the P3 was diminished for off-task trials in both age groups (albeit significantly less in older adults) suggesting preserved perceptual but reduced higher-order processing during off-task periods in both groups.
Constructive Memory and Conscious Experience
Authors: Schacter Daniel L. , Thakral Preston P.
Published: May 2024

Episodic memory relies on constructive processes that support simulating novel future events by flexibly recombining elements of past experiences, and that can also give rise to memory errors. In recent studies, we have developed methods to characterize the cognitive and neural processes that support conscious experiences linked to this process of episodic recombination, both when people simulate novel future events and commit recombination-related memory errors. In this Perspective, we summarize recent studies that illustrate these phenomena, and discuss broader implications for characterizing the basis of conscious experiences associated with constructive memory from a cognitive neuroscience perspective.
Book review: Peter Robb, Agrarian Development in Colonial India: The British and Bihar
Authors: Kumar Prakash
Published: May 2024

Peter Robb, Agrarian Development in Colonial India: The British and Bihar. Routledge, 2021, 285 pp.
Book review: Prachi Deshpande, Scripts of Power: Writing, Language Practices, and Cultural History in Western India
Authors: Panda Ahona
Published: May 2024

Prachi Deshpande, Scripts of Power: Writing, Language Practices, and Cultural History in Western India. Permanent Black and Ashoka University, 2023, 332 pp.
Numerical study flow and heat transfer characteristics of superhydrophobic single tube bundle surface and wake flow
Authors: Zhou SD , Shi XM , Yu QX , Lin Feng , Wang ZC
Published: May 2024

Regarding the design optimization of the heat exchanger, the traditional method of changing the size of the macroscopic structure can no longer meet the increasing demand for heat exchange performance. The superhydrophobic surface can significantly reduce the flow resistance, which is expected to be a new method for the optimal design of heat exchanger. However, when the superhydrophobic effect is applied to a specific type of heat exchanger, its flow and heat transfer performance is not clear. In this paper, the flow and heat transfer model of the traversing superhydrophobic tube bundle is studied. Combined with the FLUENT 18.0 software, the slip boundary conditions of the superhydrophobic surface are deduced, and the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the superhydrophobic tube bundle surface and the wake are numerically analyzed, the influence mechanisms of slip effect on flow and heat transfer characteristics were obtained. Overall, as Ls increases, the comprehensive Nu, also known as heat transfer performance, on the cylindrical surface gradually increases, while the comprehensive Cf, also known as frictional resistance, on the cylindrical surface gradually decreases, indicating that superhydrophobic performance is expected to achieve heat transfer enhancement. The above conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for the optimal design of high-efficiency compact heat exchanger, and have important engineering application significance.
How Does the Public Explain Police Misconduct? Race, Politics, and Attributions
Authors: Graham Amanda , Pickett Justin T. , Cullen Francis T.
Published: May 2024

Why have public reactions to police misconduct been so polarized, and why have opposing social movements emerged in response? This study explores attributions of police misconduct, using a myriad of possible attributions and a population-matched national sample ( N = 700), to extend our understanding of the perceived causes of police misconduct and who holds which attributions, focusing on race, racial attitudes, and political ideology. We find that attributions could be divided into (a) multifaceted attributions—the belief that misconduct has multiple causes; and (b) excusatory attributions—the belief that misconduct is caused by factors external to police officers and agencies. Endorsement of these attributions stems from racial and political attitudes, with mediation analyses finding that race plays an indirect role in endorsing attributions of police misconduct. As such, efforts to address police misconduct face not only a political power struggle but also a racially attitudinal one.
Social Enterprises as Agents of Social Justice: A Rawlsian perspective on institutional capacity
Authors: Lechterman Theodore M. , Mair Johanna
Published: May 2024

Many scholars of organizations see social enterprise as a promising approach to advancing social justice but neglect to scrutinize the normative foundations and limitations of this optimism. This article draws on Rawlsian political philosophy to investigate whether and how social enterprises can support social justice. We propose that this perspective assigns organizations a duty to foster institutional capacity, a concept we define and elaborate. We investigate how this duty might apply specifically to social enterprises, given their characteristic features. We theorize six different mechanisms through which social enterprises might successfully discharge this duty. These results affirm the value of conversation between organizational studies and political philosophy and shed new light on debates regarding social enterprise, institutional theory, and several other topics.
Organizational Learning Culture and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Learning Agility
Authors: Tripathi Aastha
Published: May 2024

This article delves into the critical role of learning agility in the Indian context. It specifically explores how an organizational learning culture (OLCu) fosters an employee’s ability to learn and adapt—their learning agility—which ultimately translates into improved firm performance. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study gathers data through self-administered surveys from over 313 employees working in hardware service firms within the Indian IT sector. Path analysis is then utilized to analyse the collected data and unveil the underlying relationships. The findings unveil a fascinating interplay between OLCu, learning agility and firm performance. The study suggests that OLCu acts as a catalyst, fostering a work environment that encourages continuous learning and development. This, in turn, fosters employee learning agility. However, the research also reveals that learning agility plays a mediating role, meaning it partially explains the effect of OLCu on firm performance. In simpler terms, while a strong OLCu is crucial, it is the employee’s enhanced learning agility that truly unlocks the door to improved firm performance. This research offers valuable insights that can empower organizations in the Indian IT landscape. By nurturing a vibrant OLCu, companies can equip their employees with the tools and support they need to become more learning agile. This agility translates into a workforce that can readily adapt to new technologies, evolving customer demands, and a dynamic business environment. Consequently, firms can expect greater innovation, improved service delivery, and, ultimately, a significant boost in overall performance. This research also contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge. It adds a fresh perspective to organizational learning theory by highlighting the crucial role of learning agility as a bridge between OLCu and firm performance, particularly in the Indian IT sector.
Organizational Adoption Factors of HR Analytics: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Dasari Shanti Ratnam , Devi V. Rama
Published: May 2024

Human resource analytics (HRA) has helped organizations to efficiently deal with the challenges and obstacles of adopting and implementing it, thereby reaping its benefits. Such organizations lead by example, encouraging businesses in other organizations to move from intuition-based decision-making to data-based decision-making. HRA is an essential initiative every organization must take in the wake of digital transformation in a competitive business environment. This article aims to deepen our understanding of HRA, the driving forces for its adoption, its impact on business outcomes and the success factors and barriers encountered in adopting it. The study is based on the first two stages of the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory and follows a triangulation method of conducting a systematic literature review, deductive thematic analysis and interviews. The driving forces for the adoption of HRA include an increased interest in an evidence-based decision-making culture, a competitive landscape and complexity in managing human resources. Understanding business and stakeholder requirements, managerial buy-in and data hygiene are some of the major factors that can be attributed to the success of the adoption of HRA. Limited support from the top management, dearth of clean data, paucity of required analytical skills, inadequate budget, employee resistance towards adoption, issues of data security and the lack of advanced tools and technologies were found to be impediments, but when these were addressed, business outcomes greatly improved. This study proposes a concept map that aids the successful adoption and implementation of HRA and adds to the empirical evidence available in the literature.
EndoVenous-assisted invaginated stripping of the great saphenous vein: A pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Alexiou Vangelis G. , Vassiliou Areti , Mitsis Michail , Peroulis Michail
Published: May 2024

Objective: By incorporating an endovascular component into Great Saphenous Vein stripping, EndoVenous-assisted Invaginated Stripping (EVIS) aims to make the procedure minimally invasive. A study was conducted to investigate the surgical intervention. Methods: Sketches and videos were used to illustrate the technical aspects of EVIS. A prospective cohort study included 20 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Results: EVIS is performed as a day-surgery. Technical success was 100%, and no complications were recorded. The mean operative time was 45 minutes, intraoperative pain score was 4.8, post-operative pain was 2.5, 1.8, 1.2, 0.5 at 48 hours, 1, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. The mean blood loss was 15 mL, and the mean length of the GSV strapped was 19 cm. The follow-up duplex showed a reduction in the diameter of the residual GSV stump. Conclusions: EVIS is a combination of standard techniques that may prove valuable in managing CVI.
Aesthetic Production in Clay Molding: Mental and Dynamically Embodied Action Mediate Between Formal and Material Aspects of Experience
Authors: Wagemann Johannes , Starosky Sarah
Published: May 2024

Aesthetic production, that is, the processing of material with a focus on the experiential and formal qualities of resulting objects and the process itself, encompasses basic dimensions of art, creativity, craft, and design. To explore these dimensions, we propose the Rubicon model of action phases as a general framework. Additionally, we introduce Schiller's aesthetics as an interactive account of formal/mental and material/physical aspects of aesthetic production and derive testable hypotheses from it. First, we expect form- and material-related experience to converge over an aesthetic production task; second, we assume that physical and mental actions occur with different prevalence across the action phases. These hypotheses were strengthened in a quasi-experimental mixed-methods study on a clay-molding task in an educational real-world setting ( N = 30). The results suggest understanding aesthetic production as a dynamic intertwining of object-related and subject-related experience, action, and embodiment, which supports the transdisciplinary significance of aesthetic production for self-development.
Detection accuracy and clinical applications of DP-TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Zhao Juan , Cui Kai , Guo Huimin , Li Zhikai , Zhou Zhou
Published: May 2024

Objective

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is currently used in clinical microbiology laboratories. This study aimed to determine whether dual-polarity time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DP-TOF MS) could be applied to clinical nucleotide detection.

Methods

This prospective study included 40 healthy individuals and 110 patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. We used DP-TOF MS and Sanger sequencing to evaluate 17 loci across 11 genes associated with cardiovascular drug responses. In addition, we used DP-TOF MS to test 998 retrospectively collected clinical DNA samples with known results.

Results

A, T, and G nucleotide detection by DP-TOF MS and Sanger sequencing revealed 100% concordance, whereas the C nucleotide concordance was 99.86%. Genotyping based on the results of the two methods showed 99.96% concordance. Regarding clinical applications, DP-TOF MS yielded a 99.91% concordance rate for known loci. The minimum detection limit for DNA was 0.4 ng; the inter-assay and intra-assay precision rates were both 100%. Anti-interference analysis showed that aerosol contamination greater than 1013 copies/µL in the laboratory environment could influence the results of DP-TOF MS.

Conclusions

The DP-TOF MS platform displayed good detection performance, as demonstrated by its 99.96% concordance rate with Sanger sequencing. Thus, it may be applied to clinical nucleotide detection.
Isolated fracture of the coronoid process following a molar extraction: A rare case report
Authors: Khan Anas Ameer , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Yue , Zhang Xudong , Zhang Xiao , Li Xiangjun
Published: May 2024

Isolated coronoid process fractures are uncommon, and iatrogenic isolated fractures are extremely rare. This case describes a displaced fracture of an isolated coronoid process thought to be due to excessive force applied by a dentist that had been overlooked and left untreated for about a month. The patient was a woman in her late 50’s and she had undergone a molar extraction. Her dentist had confused her symptoms of trismus, pain, and facial oedema with the complex tooth extraction procedure. Following a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan we showed that the mandibular coronoid process on her right side had suffered a longitudinal fracture, and the fractured fragment had rotated upwards and inwards. Following successful surgical elimination of the fragmented coronoid process, the patient received targeted physiotherapy sessions that yielded excellent results. At the five-month follow-up, the ability of the patient to open her mouth had improved enormously, and her facial appearance almost recovered to its original state.
Wind-powered irrigation in Ghana: A review
Authors: Djangba Rosa ME , Dzebre Denis EK , Adaramola Muyiwa S
Published: May 2024

Access to energy is critical for promoting economic growth and alleviating poverty. Cost-effective and dependable energy services are essential for modernising agriculture, expanding trade, saving lives, growing industries and empowering women. Renewable energy resources, which include wind, are employed worldwide to augment energy needs. Apart from generating electricity, it has also been harnessed for pumping water, milling grains, and irrigation in agriculture. Farming remains one of the significant economic activities in Ghana, and for farmers to stay in business all year, they must irrigate their farmlands. Through its Irrigation Development Authority, the Government of Ghana promotes irrigation among farmers. Irrigation in Ghana is mainly done by fossil fuel-operated pumps or manual labour, with little or no irrigation powered by renewable sources. Though the Ministry of Energy and Food and Agriculture promoted the Poldaw Windpump for irrigation and communal water supply in 2004, wind-powered irrigation is non-existent in Ghana. This paper reviews wind irrigation development in Ghana. It highlights the piloting of the Poldaw Windpump in Ghana and the present situation in the country.
Load Sharing of the Deep and Superficial Medial Collateral Ligaments, the Effect of a Partial Superficial Medial Collateral Injury, and Implications on ACL Load
Authors: Beel Wouter , Doughty Callahan , Vivacqua Thiago , Getgood Alan , Willing Ryan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Injuries to the deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) and partial superficial MCL (psMCL) can cause anteromedial rotatory instability; however, the contribution of each these injuries in restraining anteromedial rotatory instability and the effect on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) load remain unknown.

Purpose:

To investigate the contributions of the different MCL structures in restraining tibiofemoral motion and to evaluate the load through the ACL after MCL injury, especially after combined dMCL/psMCL injury.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested using a 6 degrees of freedom robotic simulator. Tibiofemoral kinematic parameters were recorded at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion for the following measurements: 8-N·m valgus rotation, 4-N·m external tibial rotation (ER), 4-N·m internal tibial rotation, and a combined 89-N anterior tibial translation and 4-N·m ER for both anteromedial rotation (AMR) and anteromedial translation (AMT). The kinematic parameters of the 3 different MCL injuries (dMCL; dMCL/psMCL; dMCL/superficial MCL (sMCL)) were recorded and reapplied either in an ACL-deficient joint (load sharing) or before and after cutting the ACL (ACL load). The loads were calculated by applying the principle of superposition.

Results:

The dMCL had the largest effect on reducing the force/torque during ER, AMR, and AMT in extension and the psMCL injury at 30° to 90° of knee flexion ( P < .05). In a comparison of the load through the ACL when the MCL was intact, the ACL load increased by 46% and 127% after dMCL injury and combined dMCL/psMCL injury, respectively, at 30° of knee flexion during ER. In valgus rotation, a significant increase in ACL load was seen only at 90° of knee flexion.

Conclusion:

The psMCL injury made the largest contribution to the reduction of net force/torque during AMR/AMT at 30° to 90° of flexion. Concomitant dMCL/psMCL injury increased the ACL load, mainly during ER.

Clinical Relevance:

If a surgical procedure is being considered to treat anteromedial rotatory instability, then the procedure should focus on restoring sMCL function, as injury to this structure causes a major loss of the knee joint’s capacity to restrain AMR/AMT.
Validation of Parental Attitudes Toward Preschoolers’ Career Education Measures in China
Authors: Chang Biru , Wang Jiajian , Cai Jun
Published: May 2024

The present study aims to translate the questionnaires of Parents’ Attitudes toward Early Childhood Career Development (PAECCD) and Parents’ Attitudes toward Vocational Education Implementation in Preschool Curriculum (PAVEIPC) into Chinese versions (PAECCD-C and PAVEIPC-C) and examines their reliability and validity through two studies. In Study 1, exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted to evaluate their factor structure among 232 Chinese preschoolers’ parents. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted to confirm their factor structures among other 355 Chinese preschoolers’ parents, supporting the superiority of the initial theoretical model. Multigroup CFA comparisons indicated the measurement invariance for fathers and mothers. The PAECCD-C and PAVEIPC-C had excellent reliability values from .82 to .92. This study added to the existing research literature by supporting the applicability of PAECCD and PAVEIPC among Chinese preschoolers’ parents.
Integrating Ecological and Feminist Perspectives to Study Maternal Experiences Feeding Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Marston Emma , Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy , Polfuss Michele
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to propose a theoretical framework integrating an ecological model with feminist theory for guiding future research in holistic nursing and healthcare about maternal experiences feeding children with Down syndrome. Background: Children with Down syndrome are at high risk for overweight and obesity, as well as feeding problems. Therefore, healthy weight promotion is crucial for children with Down syndrome. Feeding is one factor that may contribute to child weight. Literature on maternal experiences feeding children with Down syndrome, including the caregiving work involved in feeding, is limited. Methods: In this article, we identify literature gaps related to the topic of maternal experiences feeding children with Down syndrome. We summarize ecological and feminist perspectives and apply these perspectives to the topic to demonstrate the utility of the proposed framework. Implications for Holistic Nursing and Healthcare: Findings from future studies applying this theoretical framework integrating an ecological model with feminist theory will have implications for practice and research in holistic nursing and healthcare. This framework could be also adapted to inform future research focused on other populations or research topics.
Incarceration Exposure, Biological Aging, and Depression Symptoms in an African American Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Berg Mark T. , Riley Kendall , Lei Man-Kit , Simons Ronald L.
Published: May 2024

Objectives: The study draws upon perspectives on life-course stressors and health to assess whether lifetime incarceration exposure is a determinant of biological aging and self-reported depression. Methods: Using data from a sample of 460 African American participants (average age= 57) in the Family and Community Health Study, the study examined two epigenetic indices of biological aging, DunedinPoAm and GrimAge, as well as a self-reported measure of depression symptoms. Estimates were derived from multivariate regression models with adjustments for selection on observables and confounding factors. Results: Exposure to incarceration was a significant determinant of accelerated biological aging (GrimAge) and the pace of aging (DunedinPoAm) and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Among formerly incarcerated older adults, past experiences with the stressors of incarceration predict key biomarkers of physiological deterioration and depressive symptoms. Incarceration contributes to the mental and physical health burden of older adults.
Lightweight design of multi-material body structure based on material selection method and implicit parametric modeling
Authors: Chen Xin , Yang Lifei , Gong Yingying , Liu Kaiqi
Published: May 2024

Multi-material automotive structures enable precise material selection in each structure, leading to enhanced product performance at a reduced cost and achieving lightweight design objectives. This paper introduces an innovative method for material selection in the context of designing multi-material lightweight automotive bodies. The proposed approach integrates topology optimization, Entropy Weight (EW), and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to apply optimal materials in specific locations strategically. The investigation centers on the body of a compact electric vehicle, leveraging topology optimization to ascertain load transfer paths and material distribution within the structure. The EW-TOPSIS method introduces a comprehensive mechanical property ranking method for materials, organizing scoring criteria across various materials. By combining this information with element density via topology optimization, a matching criterion and a corresponding relationship between vehicle body performance and material characteristics are established. Subsequently, the SFE-CONCEPT software is employed to generate an implicit parametric model of the body structure based on material distribution characteristics. The steps of the vehicle body structure reliability optimization design involve establishing a multi-objective optimization model, defining and screening design variables, analyzing the approximate model and errors, and conducting reliability optimization based on a second-generation genetic algorithm. After optimization, the body structure is reconstructed, resulting in a 3.49% reduction in mass, a 38.8% increase in bending stiffness, a 6.47% increase in torsional stiffness, and significantly enhanced collision safety performance.
Investigation of joint contact forces during walking in the subjects with toe in gait due to increasing in femoral head anteversion angle
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Taghi , Tahmasebi Razieh , Sharifmoradi Keyvan , Fallahzadeh Abarghuei Mirza Abolghasem
Published: May 2024

Toe-in gait is a pathology in which the child walks and turns the foot inward instead of pointing straight ahead. The alignment of the lower limb structure changes in this disease, increasing the incidence of knee and hip osteoarthritis. This study aimed to determine the kinematic and joint loading in subjects walking with a toe-in gait pattern. This study selected two groups of subjects: normal subjects and those with toe-in gait due to an increased femoral head anteversion angle (each group consisted of 15 subjects). A Qualisys motion analysis system and a Kistler force plate were used to record the motions and forces applied to the leg while walking. OpenSim software (version 3.3) was used to analyze the range of motion, moments, muscle forces, and joint contact forces in both groups of subjects. The mean values of stride length for normal subjects (1.1 ± 0.141 m) and those with toe-in gait (0.94 ± 0.183 m) differed significantly. The mediolateral component of the ground reaction force decreased significantly in the toe-in gait group compared to normal subjects ( p-value = 0.05). The peak force of most of the hip joint muscles increased significantly in those with toe-in gait compared to normal subjects ( p-value < 0.05). The results of this study showed that those with toe-in gait, due to an increase in femoral head anteversion angle, only had a change in rotation of the pelvic and hip joint. There was no significant difference between walking speed and most ground reaction force components between normal subjects and those with toe-in gait. As the peaks of most of the hip joint muscles increased significantly in the toe-in gait group, this increased joint contact forces (especially the anteroposterior component of the hip joint and the mediolateral component of the knee joint), which may ultimately increase the incidence of hip and knee joint osteoarthritis.
Time management between the personalisation and collectivisation of productivity: The case of adopting the Pomodoro time-management tool in a four-day workweek company
Authors: Pedersen Michael , Muhr Sara Louise , Dunne Stephen
Published: May 2024

Time-management technologies and their adoption into daily working life have been discussed as solutions for managing individual productivity and as problems that intensify individualised productivity, enhance the norms of busyness and disconnect colleagues from one another. However, drawing on the case study of a company that implemented a four-day workweek, this paper argues that this is not always so. In our case company, a digital marketing agency, the Pomodoro time-management tool led to the personalisation of productivity and instances of collective working towards better work-life balance. We end the paper by suggesting that this fruitful adoption of time-management habits can be understood through John Dewey's notion of habit. Deweyan habit allows us to know how time-management habits are plastic and open to change while always being part of a material and social assemblage. We argue that these two features explain why time-management tools might lead to personalising productivity and enhanced neoliberal self-discipline. At the same time, these features point to how time-management habits under the right circumstances can be part of cooperation and better work-life balance.
Non-lethal weapons and the sensory repression of dissent in democracies
Authors: Kaul Nitasha , Cachelin Shala
Published: May 2024

This article examines the use of ‘non-lethal’ weapons (NLWs) by liberal democracies to govern dissent in non-war contexts. We argue that NLWs can enable sensorial governance, specifically through sensory repression of dissent. Although accented as non-lethal, NLWs are better conceived of as what we term ‘Weapons of Sensory Repression’ (WSRs). From tear gas to sound cannons to skunk bombs and more, WSRs target the human senses – visual, auditory, olfactory, proprioceptive – and impose debility not death, thus enabling the use of technologies of repression against dissenting collective assemblies at lower threat thresholds than conventional weapons, arguably disincentivizing alternatives to repression. Since law enforcement in liberal democracies is not explicitly linked to political control and such democracies derive legitimacy from responsiveness to public opinion, it is worth highlighting what WSRs make im/possible in this regard. Empirically, WSRs create and confirm subordinate citizenship in liberal democracies for those who are already de facto lacking in certain rights. Emphasizing that liberal democracies renew themselves through challenges involving mass mobilization, we suggest that the employment of these weapons transforms problems of political change into problems of technological crowd management by dehumanizing those that propose alternative logics for dominant economic, nationalist or racial orders.
Gender Perspectives on Political Awareness and Participation in the Digital Era
Authors: Yolmo Ugyal Tshering Lama , Basnett Pooja
Published: May 2024

This study is a crucial element of a broader initiative to evaluate political participation and awareness among university students. It was a mixed-method study comprising a survey to examine the political awareness and participation levels and a semi-structured interview to examine gender differences. The article outlines the gender differences in political awareness and political participation and the reasons for them, according to respondents. The results showcase that there was a significant gender difference in political awareness ( t = 1.976, p < .05) and political participation ( t = 4.575, p < .005). Analysis of the interviews revealed barriers to women’s political awareness and participation. The study addresses the gender difference and barriers and recommends strategies to overcome those barriers.
Time for a change to clozapine haematological monitoring
Authors: Cheng Adrian , Buten Sara , Large Matthew
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This paper critiques the haematological monitoring guidelines for clozapine. It describes the history of clozapine, as well as the pathophysiology and epidemiology of clozapine-induced neutropenia (CIN) and agranulocytosis (CIA). The paper appraises the extant literature on mandatory clozapine haematological monitoring.

Conclusion

Contemporary Australian protocols for clozapine haematological monitoring are not consistent with the current evidence base. CIN and CIA are rare occurrences, and the associated risk of death is low. Potential modifications to existing guidelines include changing neutrophil thresholds for patients with benign ethnic neutropenia and reducing the frequency or removing haematological monitoring after two years of clozapine treatment.
Adherence to caregiver-administered intravenous immunosuppressant medications in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Lee Jennifer L , Morrison Caroline F , Drake Sarah , Pai Ahna L
Published: May 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe taking, timing, and dosing adherence to home caregiver-administered intravenous (IV) immunosuppressants in a sample of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients.

Procedures

Sixteen children who had undergone HCT, ages 3 months to 15 years, and their caregivers participated. All caregivers were biological mothers. Caregivers completed a demographic questionnaire as part of a larger study and brought in portable infusion pumps to download the pump data at the time of their child's post-HCT clinic visit. Pump data were then examined for dose taking, timing, and amount for 30 days following discharge.

Results

Despite the importance of the precise timing of IV immunosuppressants, adherence taking, dosing, and timing varied widely in this sample. The mean percentage of doses administered was 98.72%, and 81.3% of children received all doses of immunosuppressant. However, only 62% of doses were given on time and the mean difference between the prescribed and actual administration time was 67.03 minutes.

Conclusions

Although taking adherence was high, the timing and dosing adherence to IV immunosuppressants in the home was poor. Additional support to promote adherence should be provided including assisting caregivers to identify and use adherence strategies specific to their child's IV immunosuppressant regimen in the home.
The Evolving Landscape of Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Genitourinary Cancers
Authors: Seema Mustafa  , Jansen Caroline S , Jani Yash , Evans Sean , Zhuang Tony Z , Brown Jacqueline , Nazha Bassel , Master Viraj , Bilen Mehmet Asim
Published: May 2024

In the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been approved for treatment of genitourinary malignancies and have revolutionized the treatment landscape of these tumors. However, despite the remarkable success of these therapies in some GU malignancies, many patients’ tumors do not respond to these therapies, and others may experience significant side effects, such as immune-related adverse events (iRAEs). Accordingly, biomarkers and improved prognostic tools are critically needed to help predict which patients will respond to ICI, predict and mitigate risk of developing immune-related adverse events, and inform personalized choice of therapy for each patient. Ongoing clinical and preclinical studies continue to provide an increasingly robust understanding of the mechanisms of the response to immunotherapy, which continue to inform biomarker development and validation. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of biomarkers of the response to immunotherapy in GU tumors and their role in selection of therapy and disease monitoring.
Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peel Extract Supplementation on Markers of Inflammation and Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Rafraf Maryam , Haghighian Mahdiyeh Khadem , Molani-Gol Roghayeh , Hemmati Salar , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Osteoarthritis (OA) as a common musculoskeletal disorder is the main cause of disability in the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on some inflammatory markers and matrix maloproteinase1 (MMP1) in women with knee OA.

Methods:

Sixty obese women with knee OA aged 38 to 60 years were included in this clinical trial. The women were allocated into intervention (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups along with standard drug therapy receiving 500 mg PPE or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Three-day food records, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood samples, and physical activity questionnaires were gathered at the baseline and the end of the study.

Results:

The supplementation of PPE significantly reduced the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), MMP1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels of the patients within the intervened group (all, P < .05) and compared with the placebo ( P = .002, .045, .040, and .003, respectively) at the end of the study. The serum NF-ĸB levels significantly increased within the placebo group at the end of the trial ( P = .002). Changes in other variables in the placebo group were not significant ( P > .05).

Conclusions:

The findings of this clinical trial indicated that PPE supplementation decreased serum inflammatory markers including hs-CRP, NF-ĸB, and MCP-1 and MMP1 levels in women with knee OA. PPE supplementation may be useful as a part of an integrated approach to modulating inflammatory complications in women with knee OA.
Unilateral Periorbital Swelling in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Rosas Herrera Ana , Parker Ashley B , Chaskes Mark , Askin Frederic , Monk Aurelia S , Stephens John R , Thorp Brian D , Ebert Charles S , Senior Brent A , Kimple Adam J , Kong Keonho A
Published: May 2024

Infratemporal fossa (ITF) tumors are rare in children and may present with a variety of symptoms. Teratomas are neoplasms derived from the 3 germ layers and approximately 6% to 10% are within the head and neck. Our study discusses one of the first reported cases of teratoma in the ITF in a pediatric patient. A 3-year-old girl presents with 2 years of recurrent monthly left periorbital swelling accompanied by fevers, skin discoloration, and pain. Prior episodes were treated with antibiotics with incomplete resolution. Imaging revealed a cystic lesion centered in the ITF. She was taken for endoscopic endonasal biopsy of the lesion and had no complications. Pathology revealed a mature teratoma composed primarily of pancreatic tissue. Providers should consider masses such as teratoma in the differential for ITF tumors and periorbital edema unresponsive to typical treatment.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of 6 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors as First-Line Treatment for ALK-Positive NSCLC in China
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Zheng Bei , Yang Wenjuan , Jiang Hong , Sun Xueshan , Zhao Zixuan , Li Gonghua , Dong Hengjin
Published: May 2024

Background:

Lung cancer ranks first in both cancer incidence and mortality in China. The emergence of novel treatments for ALK-positive NSCLC led to an improvement in survival and quality of life for patients with advanced ALK mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study sought to assess the cost-effectiveness of 6 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)—crizotinib, alectinib, ceritinib, brigatinib, ensartinib, and lorlatinib—as first-line treatments for ALK-positive NSCLC from the perspective of the Chinese health care system.

Methods:

A Markov model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of these 6 TKIs. In this model, ALK-positive NSCLC patients were initially simulated to receive 1 of the 6 TKIs as first-line therapy, followed by different TKIs as subsequent treatment and salvage chemotherapy as last-line treatment. Survival data were sourced from the latest published clinical trials. Costs were derived from recent national health insurance negotiations and hospital information systems of selected health care facilities. Utilities for healthy states and adverse events were obtained from the literature. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis as well as scenario analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the results.

Results:

Compared to ensartinib, crizotinib, alectinib, ceritinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib demonstrated incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of −1.13, 0.39, −0.58, −0.09, and 0.35, respectively. The corresponding incremental costs were $10 677, $33 501, −$6426, $2672, and $24 358. This resulted in ICERs of –$9449/QALY, $85 900/QALY, $11 079/QALY, $29 689/QALY and $69 594/QALY, respectively.

Conclusion:

Crizotinib was considered to be absolutely dominated by ensartinib. Under a willingness-to-pay threshold of $38 223/QALY, ceritinib and brigatinib were cost-effective compared with ensartinib, while lorlatinib and alectinib were not cost-effective when compared with ensartinib. Overall, brigatinib emerged as the most cost-effective treatment among all the options considered.
Optimizing wear resistance of ZA-27 alloy through analytical modelling: A study on the effect of titanium carbide content, load, and speed
Authors: Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad , Khan Mohammad Mohsin , Dey Abhijit
Published: May 2024

The dry sliding wear behaviour of composites based on ZA-27 alloy reinforced with titanium carbide (TiC) particles is discussed in current research. The incorporation of TiC particles to the ZA-27 alloy aims to enhance its wear resistance and improve its performance in applications subjected to sliding contact. The ZA-27 alloy was fabricated through stir casting technique and composites an in-situ technique, ensuring a homogeneous dispersion of TiC particles. This paper primarily studies the impact of three test factors, namely TiC weight percentage, load, and speed on the wear rate of ZA-27 alloy and its composites. A pin-on-disc tribometer was employed to carry out wear tests under dry sliding testing conditions at different loads and speeds. The results show that ZA-27 + 10 wt.% TiC composite demonstrated superior wear resistance in comparison to the ZA-27 + 5 wt.% TiC composite and ZA-27 alloy. The study uses machine learning and statistical techniques to examine the influence of test parameters on the wear rate. The ANOVA results highlight that the TiC weight percentage significantly influences the wear rate, followed by sliding speed and contact load. The artificial neural network (ANN) model exhibited superior performance (R2 = 94.12%) compared to the design based on RSM. The results clearly indicate that the ANN outperforms RSM in accurately estimating outcomes. The current research provides novel insights for developing TiC-reinforced composites of ZA-27 alloy to enhance their dry sliding wear resistance, which is a relatively unexplored area in the scientific literature of bearings. Furthermore, optimizing the wear resistance of ZA-27 alloy is essential for improving component longevity, reducing costs, enhancing performance, minimizing downtime, and promoting sustainability.
Journalists’ authority and its bounded trade; Twitter, journalists, and boundary work in contemporary France’s music scene
Authors: Bastin Gilles , Bert-Erboul Clément
Published: May 2024

Journalists, it is widely admitted, are engaged in new forms of boundary work on social media platforms, seeking to uphold their influence over news dissemination. This study focuses on music festivals as a case study to examine journalists' endeavors in maintaining their authority on social media. We analyze Twitter coverage of music festivals in France during the summer of 2018, systematically collecting data from 16 festivals of varying sizes and musical genres. Through this analysis, we investigate journalists' engagement and evaluate the trading of authority with other stakeholders through mentioning practices. Our findings challenge the prevailing notion of journalists as primary arbiters of authority on social media platforms. Despite their conspicuous presence during music festivals on Twitter, journalists emerge as relatively passive participants compared to other stakeholders in the music scene. Moreover, their ability to assert or receive authority from the broader public sphere is limited. This study sheds light on the bounded nature of journalists' boundary work on social media platforms, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of authority within digital information ecosystems.