bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Let's Quit Together: Exploring Textual Factors Promoting Supportive Interactions in Online Cannabis Support Forums
Authors: Huang Kuang-Yuan , Long Yoanna , Cui Xiao
Published: August 2023

There is an increasing number of cannabis users joining online cannabis support forums seeking social support for their withdrawal attempts. In this study we propose a research model focused on online cannabis support forums, hypothesizing about the effects of the textual features of the subject lines of discussion threads and thread-initiating messages on the quality and helpfulness of discussion threads. We tested the proposed model by analyzing 27,167 discussion threads downloaded from a large online support forum for cannabis quitters. The effectiveness of thread subject lines and the self-disclosure of emotion-related withdrawal symptoms in thread-initiating messages positively predicted the amount of informational and emotional support received in a thread. The self-disclosure of behavioral physical-related withdrawal symptoms and the diversity of self-disclosure information predicted informational support but not emotional support. Additionally, the amount of informational and emotional support received in a thread were positively associated with the thread initiator's continued discussions in the thread. Lastly, emotional support, but not informational support, predicted the overall helpfulness of a thread. Research and practical implications of the study's findings are discussed.
Background Acoustics in Terrestrial Ecology
Authors: Francis Clinton D. , Phillips Jennifer N. , Barber Jesse R.
Published: August 2023

The way in which terrestrial organisms use the acoustic realm is fundamentally important and shapes behavior, populations, and communities, but how background acoustics, or noise, influence the patterns and processes in ecology is still relatively understudied. In this review, we summarize how background acoustics have traditionally been studied from the signaling perspective, discuss what is known from a receiver's perspective, and explore what is known about population- and community-level responses to noise. We suggest that there are major gaps linking animal physiology and behavior in noise to fitness; that there is a limited understanding of variation in hearing within and across species, especially in the context of real-world acoustic conditions; and that many puzzling responses to noise could be clarified with a community-level lens that considers indirect effects. Failing to consider variation in acoustic conditions, and the many ways organisms use and interact via this environmental dimension, risks a limited understanding of natural systems.
Financial Markets and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gormsen Niels J. , Koijen Ralph S.J.
Published: August 2023

We review the literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial markets. We first document several key facts about equity and fixed-income markets during this period. We then discuss various literatures that analyze broad movements in prices, market dislocations, and the impact of fiscal and monetary policy interventions. We conclude by discussing potential directions for future research.
Study of Capacitive Behavior and its Inter-Relationship with Electrolyte Solution Concentration in Hybrid Ionogels
Authors: Suen Ji Wei , Elumalai Naveen Kumar , Debnath Sujan , Mubarak Nabisab Mujawar , Lim Chye Ing , Reddy M. Mohan , Khalid Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Ionogels are synthesized by confining ionic liquids within a solid/polymer matrix. Ionogels received wide attention owing to their high ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. Recent research has revolved around augmenting the ionic conductivity and mechanical stability of ionogel. Nevertheless, a detailed understanding of the inherent capacitive behavior is indispensable to ensure the application of ionogels in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, sensors, and supercapacitors. Even though studies on the cyclic voltammetry of ionogels have been previously established, there are limited studies on evaluating the specific capacitance of ionogel, with respect to the amount of electrolyte solution present in the ionogel system. In this study, the ionogel is fabricated through sol-gel route, and the charge storage capacity of ionogel is investigated with varying concentrations of electrolyte solution. Electrochemical Methods such as Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) are used to characterize the electrochemical performance of ionogel. The most effective concentration of electrolyte solution is determined to be 30 vol% in this study and has attained high electrochemical stability, up to 3.2 V. The ionogel has excellent charge-discharge characteristics, with a specific capacitance of ∼18.90 F g−1. Meanwhile, the ionogel also exhibits good thermal stability, 358 °C. The combination of promising electrochemical properties and thermal sability allows the practical application of ionogel.
Exploring the Synergistic Structural and Optical Properties of Co-Precipitated BiCr2O4/GO Nanocomposite
Authors: Hameed Rimsha , Rani Malika , Habila Mohamed A. , Sillanpää Mika , Siddiqui Rabia , Arshad Maryam
Published: August 2023

Binary nanocomposite of BiCr2O4/GO synthesized by co-precipitation method where BiCr2O4was synthesized by sol-gel and GO was prepared by Hummer’s method has been reported. From XRD analysis, average crystalline size of GO, BiCr2O4and BiCr2O4/GO are 5.55 nm, 6.85 nm and 5.27 nm respectively. From SEM micrograph it is quite clear that BiCr2O4/GO nanoparticles retain their quasi spherical grains with in the nanocomposite whereas as the presence of Bi, Cr and Si were evident from EDS spectra resulting GO suppressed peak. PL spectra for binary BiCr2O4/GO nanocomposite shows the estimated band gap energy of 3.5 eV which lies in the band gap energy range of GO about 3.1–3.9 eV. Bond formation in BiCr2O4/GO nanocomposite was depicted by Raman band shift. These all results support nanocomposite based nanomaterial suitability for its application in supercapacitor based energy storage materials.
An optimized visualization and quantitative protocol for in-depth evaluation of lymphatic vessel architecture in the liver
Authors: Jeong Jain , Tanaka Masatake , Yang Yilin , Arefyev Nikolai , DiRito Jenna , Tietjen Gregory , Zhang Xuchen , McConnell Matthew J. , Utsumi Teruo , Iwakiri Yasuko
Published: August 2023

This article showed a comprehensive 3-D-structural analysis of liver lymphatic vessel (LV) in normal and diseased livers in relation to blood vessels and bile ducts. In addition to the LVs highly localized at the portal tract, we revealed capsular LVs in mouse, rat, and human livers. In cholestatic livers, LVs are significantly increased and dilated compared with normal livers. Our optimized protocol provides detailed spatial information for LVs remodeling in normal and pathological conditions.
Microvascular maturation of the septal capillary layers takes place in parallel to alveolarization in human lungs
Authors: Schmid Lukas , Hyde Dallas M. , Schittny Johannes C.
Published: August 2023

Newly formed alveolar septa contain a double-layered capillary network. To optimize gas exchange, the two layers fuse to a single-layered capillary network during microvascular maturation. Because its timing is unknow in humans, microvascular maturation was stereologically estimated throughout postnatal human lung development. It is shown that maturation of the microvascular and alveolar septa takes place in parallel to alveolarization. At an age of 2–3 yr three-quarters of the septa are mature.
Blockchain Technology Applied to Supply Chain Management: A Systems’ Analysis
Authors: Liu Ruli , Ran Wenxue , Liu Shiwen
Published: August 2023

Blockchain technology can be used to record real data at various nodes in the entire supply chain and can achieve timely data sharing and full traceability of the whole lifecycle of products in the supply chain. This study conducts a systematic literature review based on the WOS database, focusing on the research topic of the application of blockchain technology in supply chain management. We propose clear search and screening criteria based on 4 research questions and finally obtain 591 target studies. We conduct a detailed study on the distribution of the target literature in this research area, country/region, institution, and journal. Different countries/regions cooperate with each other and, thus, are clustered into five significant countries regions’ cooperation networks. There is a strong coupling relationship between research institutions, forming four major institutional cooperation networks. According to the analysis of those papers with a high number of citations, most of such papers were published in 2019, while the cross-citation phenomenon between papers occurred more frequently in 2021 and 2022. We use VOSviewer for visual coupling analysis of all keywords, which are automatically clustered into three research hotspots. Using CiteSpace to perform timeline-based keyword cooccurrence analysis, we find that scholars have gone through a “discovery-acceptance-question-improvement” process for the application of blockchain technology in supply chain management. According to the intensity and duration of burst detection words in different years, we draw three key points for future research. (i) Blockchain technology should be used to restructure and optimize the high-end food and medical cold chain supply chains. (ii) Blockchain technology should be used to enhance the cooperative relationship between supply chain members and the overall competitiveness of the supply chain. (iii) Innovate blockchain encryption technology that should be used to reduce the risk of information and privacy leakage in the supply chain.
Influence of Temperament on the Acceptance of Two Conscious Sedation Techniques in Toddlers Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Randomised Cross Over Trial
Authors: Janiani Palak , Gurunathan Deepa , Nuvvula Sivakumar
Published: August 2023

Background. Pediatric dentists often find it challenging to handle pediatric patients due to their fear, unease, and anxiety toward dental procedures. To address this, sedation agents such as intranasal midazolam and nitrous oxide are commonly used as pharmacological behavior management methods. A child’s temperament affects their behavior in unfamiliar settings. Aim. To study the effect of child temperament on the acceptance of the nasal mask and intranasal drug administration in children undergoing dental treatment. Methods. Thirty-two anxious children aged three to five were randomly assigned to two groups. During the first visit, one group received intranasal midazolam sedation, while the other group received nitrous oxide administered through a mask. On the subsequent visit, the groups crossed over. The parent assessed the child’s temperament, and the acceptance of the sedation methods was recorded. The Ohio State University Behavioral Rating Scale (OSUBRS) was employed to assess behavior during the administration of local anesthesia. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test (

p

value <0.05). Results. Children exhibited greater acceptance of the nasal mask compared to using the intranasal route for delivering midazolam during the induction process. A significant statistical influence of temperament was observed on the acceptance of the nasal mask and the intranasal atomisation device (

p

value <0.05). The mean OSUBRS scores did not show any statistically significant differences between the sedation groups (

p

 = 0.14). Conclusion. Most children demonstrated a more favorable acceptance of the nasal mask during the induction process; however, intranasal midazolam can serve as an effective alternative for anxious patients who struggle to keep the nitrous oxide mask on during the dental procedure. The adoption of these methods is influenced directly by the child’s temperament.
Tailoring the Curing Kinetics of NBR-Based Rubber Compounds for Additive Manufacturing of Rod Seals
Authors: Sundermann Lion , Leineweber Sebastian , Klie Benjamin , Wittek Heike , Ebel Thomas , Reitz Birger , Ottink Kathrin , Graf Matthias , Lankenau Tobias , Overmeyer Ludger , Giese Ulrich
Published: August 2023

The additive manufacturing (AM) of elastomeric parts based on high-viscosity reinforced rubbers has increasingly become a topic of scientific research in recent years. In addition to the viscosity, which is several decades higher during processing than the viscosities of thermoplastics, the flowability of the compound after the printing process and the necessary chemical crosslinking of the printed component play a decisive role in producing an elastic, high-quality, and geometrically stable part. After the first technological achievements using the so-called additive manufacturing of elastomers (AME) process, the knowledge gained has to be transferred first to concrete industrial parts. Therefore, in this study, the cure kinetics of a conventional rubber compound are tailored to match the specific requirements for scorch safety in the additive manufacturing of an industrial 2-component rod seal based on an acrylonitrile butadiene rubber O-ring in combination with a thermoplastic polyurethane as the base body. Experimental tests on a test rig for rod seals demonstrate the functionality of this additively manufactured 2-component rod seal.
Formulation and Evaluation of Iron-Rich Chocolate Spread from Sugarcane Syrup and Sunflower Seeds
Authors: Mostafa Heba Sayed
Published: August 2023

Anemia is widely recognized as a serious public health problem and the most common type of micronutrient deficiency globally. Developing a product enriched with iron to overcome this issue has received excessive attention. For this purpose, sugarcane syrup and sunflower seeds were utilized as sugar and hazelnut substitutes in chocolate spread production. Four formulations were created and assessed for their chemical, texture, and sensory attributes, as well as their iron content by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and compared with a commercial product. Fat and sugar levels were reduced by 2−1.3 and 1–1.5 times, respectively, in the samples. Increasing the percentage of sugarcane syrup raised the iron content 3- to 6-fold. Peroxide and free fatty acid values indicate that iron negatively affects the oil quality of the developed samples. The samples could be recommended as novel products that are preferred as a healthy and low-cost chocolate spread.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Natural Killer Cell Activation by Ubiquitin-specific Protease 6 Mediates Tumor Suppression in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Jain Kanika , Henrich Ian C. , Quick Laura , Young Robert , Mondal Shreya , Oliveira Andre M. , Blobel Gerd A. , Chou Margaret M.
Published: August 2023

Gating for NK populations and intratumoral quantification
FIGURE 7 from Natural Killer Cell Activation by Ubiquitin-specific Protease 6 Mediates Tumor Suppression in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Jain Kanika , Henrich Ian C. , Quick Laura , Young Robert , Mondal Shreya , Oliveira Andre M. , Blobel Gerd A. , Chou Margaret M.
Published: August 2023

USP6 elicits an abscopal response with infiltration and activation of NK cells in DTs. A, Experimental set-up to test abscopal response using bilateral subcutaneous xenografts (n = 10 per cohort). B, Volume of DTs in the absence or presence of dox. Tumors were digested, and subjected to flow cytometry to quantify: expression levels of NKp46 in the NK1.1+/F4/80−/Ly6G− NK cell population in PTs and DTs (C); activation, proliferative capacity, and NKG2D expression in NKs in DTs (D); and activation of DCs and macrophages in PTs and DTs, as monitored by MHCII levels (n = 8 for –dox, and n = 10 for +dox; E). F, Summary and model of immunostimulatory and antitumorigenic functions of USP6 in Ewing sarcoma. Left, mechanism of NK cell activation and paracrine immunostimulatory feedforward loop; right, depiction of abscopal response (diagram created using Biorender.com).
Brain α2δ-1–Bound NMDA Receptors Drive Calcineurin Inhibitor–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jing-Jing , Shao Jian-Ying , Chen Shao-Rui , Pan Hui-Lin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Calcineurin is highly enriched in immune T cells and the nervous system. Calcineurin inhibitors, including cyclosporine and tacrolimus (FK506), are the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens for preserving transplanted organs and tissues. However, these drugs often cause persistent hypertension owing to excess sympathetic outflow, which is maintained by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory input to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). It is unclear how calcineurin inhibitors increase NMDAR activity in the PVN to augment sympathetic vasomotor activity. α2δ-1 (encoded by the
Cacna2d1
gene), known colloquially as a calcium channel subunit, is a newly discovered NMDAR-interacting protein. In this study, we determined whether α2δ-1 plays a role in calcineurin inhibitor–induced synaptic NMDAR hyperactivity in the PVN and hypertension development.

METHODS:

Immunoblotting and coimmunoprecipitation assays were used to quantify synaptic protein levels and the physical interaction between GluN1 (the obligatory NMDAR subunit) and α2δ-1. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of retrogradely labeled, spinally projecting PVN were conducted in perfused brain slices to measure presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity. Radio-telemetry was implanted in rodents to continuously record arterial blood pressure in conscious states.

RESULTS:

Prolonged treatment with FK506 in rats significantly increased protein levels of α2δ-1, GluN1, and the α2δ-1-GluN1 complex in PVN synaptosomes. These effects were blocked by inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or interrupting the α2δ-1-NMDAR interaction with an α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide. Treatment with FK506 potentiated the activity of presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs in spinally projecting PVN neurons; such effects were abolished by gabapentin,
Cacna2d1
knockout, or α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide. Furthermore, microinjection of α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide into the PVN diminished renal sympathetic nerve discharges and arterial blood pressure that had been increased by FK506 treatment. Remarkably, concurrent administration of gabapentin prevented the development of FK506-induced hypertension in rats. Additionally, FK506 treatment induced sustained hypertension in wild-type mice but not in
Cacna2d1
knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

α2δ-1 is essential for calcineurin inhibitor–induced increases in synaptic NMDAR activity in PVN presympathetic neurons and sympathetic outflow. Thus, α2δ-1 and α2δ-1-bound NMDARs represent new targets for treating calcineurin inhibitor–induced hypertension. Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) could be repurposed for treating calcineurin inhibitor–induced neurogenic hypertension.
Brevitentoria Weaver 1984 (Trichoptera: Integripalpia) of Espírito Santo State, Brazil: New records and new species
Authors: NETO PEDRO BONFÁ , VILARINO ALBANE , SALLES FREDERICO F.
Published: August 2023

In Brazil, about 900 species of Trichoptera have been recorded, with some species in all Brazilian states. Nevertheless, the collection effort is unequal, with several under-sampled regions. Despite being located entirely within the Atlantic Forest ecoregion, a hotspot of biodiversity, Espírito Santo State has a low known caddisfly richness when compared to nearby areas in the same ecoregion, especially for the infraorder Brevitentoria. This suggests the existence of a Trichoptera biodiversity knowledge gap. Aiming to overcome these taxonomic and distributional shortfalls, we performed a comprehensive inventory of the Brevitentoria species in the state. The sampled sites were distributed from North to South of the state covering 22 locations. In total, 3,420 adult specimens of Brevitentoria were analyzed, leading to a total of 40 species. Two families and 27 species are recorded for the first time from the state. Additionally, we describe three new species of the genera Phylloicus, Helicopsyche (Feropsyche), and Marilia. As a result of this survey, we increase by 100% the number of species of Brevitentoria known from the state, and by 30% for the number of known Trichoptera species. Based on incidence data from this inventory and from the literature, the Brevitentoria species richness was estimated to be about 72 species in Espírito Santo State.
Checklist of Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera) from India
Authors: NAGAR RAJENDRA , SWAMINATHAN RAJAMANI , MEENA ASHOK KUMAR
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the known Indian Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera) as an updated checklist that includes currently valid names for the fauna with their distribution data. A total of 219 species, a few with subspecies, and 08 subfamilies were recorded to occur in India.
Systematics and species recognition in Oneilliella Wilson (Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae)
Authors: LIMA ÉLISON FABRÍCIO B. , VIEIRA DANIEL E. , O’DONNELL CHERYLE A. , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: August 2023

Oneilliella is a poorly sampled Panchaetothripinae genus with two described species based on very few specimens. Here we provide further information about the genus and describe three species: O. chicoi sp. n. and O. wanessae sp. n. from Brazil, and O. tica sp. n. from Costa Rica. We discuss the relationships between Oneilliella and other members of Panchaetothripinae based on morphology. The Indian species Oneilliella shivii Singha et al. requires further study as it is probably not congeneric with the Neotropical lineage recognized here. An illustrated key to the five Oneilliella species is provided.
An Ensemble Learning Approach Based on TabNet and Machine Learning Models for Cheating Detection in Educational Tests
Authors: Zhen Yang , Zhu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

The pervasive issue of cheating in educational tests has emerged as a paramount concern within the realm of education, prompting scholars to explore diverse methodologies for identifying potential transgressors. While machine learning models have been extensively investigated for this purpose, the untapped potential of TabNet, an intricate deep neural network model, remains uncharted territory. Within this study, a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of 12 base models (naive Bayes, linear discriminant analysis, Gaussian process, support vector machine, decision tree, random forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), AdaBoost, logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors, multilayer perceptron, and TabNet) was undertaken to scrutinize their predictive capabilities. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was employed as the performance metric for evaluation. Impressively, the findings underscored the supremacy of TabNet (AUC = 0.85) over its counterparts, signifying the profound aptitude of deep neural network models in tackling tabular tasks, such as the detection of academic dishonesty. Encouraged by these outcomes, we proceeded to synergistically amalgamate the two most efficacious models, TabNet (AUC = 0.85) and AdaBoost (AUC = 0.81), resulting in the creation of an ensemble model christened TabNet-AdaBoost (AUC = 0.92). The emergence of this novel hybrid approach exhibited considerable potential in research endeavors within this domain. Importantly, our investigation has unveiled fresh insights into the utilization of deep neural network models for the purpose of identifying cheating in educational tests.
From Glory to Glory: Divine Perfection Shared
Authors: Moser Paul K.
Published: August 2023

This article explains ‘the glory of God’ in the context of two Biblical claims seemingly at odds with each other: God does not share divine glory with humans, and God does share divine glory with them. The article offers a resolution of the apparent conflict on the basis of a Biblical conception of divine glory as inexhaustible perfect goodness that could, in principle, be shared in two ways: with human controlling ownership over its nature and value, and without such ownership. It finds widely neglected importance of divine glory in relation to voluntary human cooperation with God in sharing in it, without controlling ownership. As a result, divine perfect (defect-free) goodness inhabits a context of imperfection in human moral defects. The article explains that this context does not preclude divine glory but can advance its value and salience. It also finds the Apostle Paul and the author of John’s Gospel to agree on a voluntary human role in sharing in divine glory and on a central role of this sharing in God’s salvific ‘gospel of glory’.
About the high temperature fatigue performance of thermoplastic-based composite laminates for aeronautical applications
Authors: Vieille Benoit , Bouscarrat David , Patel Stéphanie , Naejus Charles , Denize Martin
Published: August 2023

The use of thermoplastic-based composites for applications in high temperature aeronautical parts is often considered contradictory with respect to the softening of the matrix and the subsequent degradation of their mechanical properties, especially when service temperature T exceeds glass transition temperature. This paper examines the fatigue performance of unidirectional (UD) carbon fibers reinforced PolyArylEtherKetone (PAEK) laminates subjected to tension-tension fatigue at different testing temperatures (Room Temperature, 120°C and 170°C). Laminates consisting of different portions of plies in 0°/+45°/−45°/90° orientations have been investigated to evaluate the contribution of each ply orientation to the fatigue performance in terms of S-N diagrams. From the evolution of life span as a function of applied stress, it appears that the influence of temperature on fatigue behaviour of C/PAEK composites depends on the temperature conditions. 0° plies behaviour is known to be temperature-independent as is dominated by the mechanical behaviour of UD carbon fibers. It is expected to reflect on the fatigue behaviour at high temperature. From the obtained results, one may conclude that the 0° plies primarily bear the tensile load in fatigue (47-67-91% in SOFT, QI and HARD laminates, respectively) and therefore dominate the fatigue behaviour. The deformation mechanisms in +/−45° plies (localized plastic-viscoplastic dissipative behaviors) favoured at temperatures higher than Tg (e.g. 143°C) are limited by the low deformation of 0° plies. SOFT (12% of 0° plies) and QI (25% of 0° plies) laminates have similar relative fatigue performance. Unexpectedly, the fatigue performance of HARD laminates (about 62% of 0° plies) is improved at T>Tg at high stress levels. A simple temperature-dependent analytical model was used to successfully predict the fatigue life of C/PAEK laminates with different stacking sequences.
Co-location of specialized mental health services in an intimate partner violence advocacy organization
Authors: Berry Obianuju O , Kaufman Phyllis , Weiss Marina , Fitelson Elizabeth , Monk Catherine
Published: August 2023

Historically, services for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors predominantly focused on advocacy, resulting in service gaps for IPV survivors who need mental health care. When mental health services are offered, there are several barriers that limit treatment engagement. To address these gaps, a novel, integrated care model, comprised of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and social workers were embedded into the five New York City (NYC) Family Justice Centers (FJCs), to provide free co-located mental health care to adult survivors of IPV alongside the existing advocacy, social, and legal services. This article reports on the evaluation of the Health + Hospitals Family Justice Center Mental Health Program (FJCMHP) via: (i) seven focus groups with FJC clients and staff and Health + Hospitals (H+H) clinicians; and (ii) de-identified online surveys completed by 53 FJC clients and 130 FJC staff. Clients reported increased access to care, with 67.2% seeing a mental health clinician within two weeks of a request, and improvement in symptom relief, including sleep, mood, irritability, reduction in thoughts of self-harm, improved relationships with others, especially their children, and improved self-efficacy in parenting skills. Additionally, FJC staff reported satisfaction with the FJCMHP model, and increased understanding of clients' mental health needs. The evaluation results highlight the feasibility and tolerability of integrated mental health services in a non-medical setting. The evaluation also identifies areas for improvement, as well as the strengths of an integrated, multidisciplinary mental health service program for IPV survivors co-located in a non-medical, advocacy setting.
No Virtue Like Resilience: Machiavelli’s Realistic Justification of Democracy
Authors: Burelli Carlo
Published: August 2023

Is democracy a realistic political ideal? This article historically recovers and normatively assesses Machiavelli’s intuition that democratic institutions are realistically desirable in virtue of their resilience. The article takes inspiration from Machiavelli’s work in two ways. Methodologically, it argues that there is a distinctive realist normativity based on political virtues, that is, those skills that are instrumentally required to thrive in politics. Substantively, it probes Machiavelli’s idea that the most important political virtue, for both individuals and institutions, is resilience: the ability to continuously adapt to new circumstances. Machiavelli observes that democratic regimes are very resilient because, while individuals cannot change their character to adapt to new circumstances, democracies can just change the individual in charge. The article then refines Machiavelli’s intuition by building on the contemporary distinction between stability and resilience. It claims that authoritarian regimes are more stable, and yet less resilient. Democracies are instead characterised by a continuous flux of political outputs, which makes them seemingly wavering, and yet better equipped to experiment with unconventional adaptations. The two different literatures thus complement each other. The debate on resilience usefully clarifies and systematises Machiavelli’s intuition. Conversely, Machiavelli’s work reveals the salience of resilience in politics, and shows why it counts as a realist political value.
Enhanced Community Through Augmented Reality: Social Benefits of Pokémon Go
Authors: Lawler-Sagarin Kimberly A. , Sagarin Brad J. , Pederson Andrew
Published: August 2023

Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game in which players travel through the real world catching fictitious creatures using a smartphone. Based on the game’s rewards for social interaction and visiting historical sites, we hypothesized that Pokémon Go would enhance players’ sense of belonging to their community. We recruited players to participate in a brief, anonymous survey at Pokémon Go events and via social media. The survey measured personal demographics, game-related demographics, sense of belonging to the community where participants play Pokémon Go, and questions regarding whether participants have met someone, visited a new location, or patronized a new business through playing Pokémon Go. 449 respondents completed the survey. 88% reported meeting someone through playing Pokémon Go, 78% reported visiting a new location, and 35% reported patronizing a new business. Pokémon Go level significantly predicted sense of belonging to the community in which participants play Pokémon Go as well as the odds of meeting someone, visiting a new location, and patronizing a new business. Results suggest that Pokémon Go strengthens players’ sense of belonging and engagement with their community.
Patients’ Positions on the Degree of Trust to be Placed in Physicians
Authors: Muñoz Sastre Maria Teresa , Kpanake Lonzozou , Sorum Paul Clay , Mullet Etienne
Published: August 2023

Patient-physician relationship is ideally based on mutual trust. Trust usually takes times to build but can quite instantaneously be destroyed as a result of a single action or a single misperception. This study examined the way patients conceptualize the relationship between trust in a physician and perceived competency, honesty and openness, and personal involvement in care. One hundred sixty-seven patients aged 18–85 years were presented with a set of 27 three-item realistic vignettes that described situations in which participants could find themselves if hospitalized because of illness or accident. These scenarios resulted from the complete crossing of the three factors mentioned above. Participants were asked to assess the level of trust they would feel in each case. Through cluster analysis, three positions were found. For a minority of participants, trust was either unconditionally high (4%) or always quite low (8%). For a majority (75%), however, trust depended interactively on competency and honesty, on the one hand, and involvement, on the other hand; that is, the impact of competency and honesty on trust always depended on the level of involvement in care. In particular, when involvement had a low level, trust was always quite low, irrespective of the levels of both other factors. These findings are fully consistent with the view that, for a majority of patients, trust is inherently brittle: A breach in any one of participants’ expectations regarding physicians’ professionalism is enough to result in a more than proportional reduction in trust level.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of SNOT-22 Outcomes After Sinus Surgery
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Liu Delong , Huang Weipeng , Wang Zhengying , Zhang Yue
Published: August 2023

Background: All stakeholders in the healthcare system have prioritized and will continue to prioritize enhancing care quality. The measurement of sinus-specific quality of life (QOL) is potentially the most commonly used QOL parameter for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis were used in this study to determine the mean change in patients’ scores on the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) before and after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched for articles that compared SNOT-22 scores before and after ESS in adult patients with CRS and were published between January 2000 and March 2023. The mean post-op change, 95% confidence interval (CI), forest plot, and inverse variance weighting were all generated using a random effects model. A mixed-effects meta-regression was used to analyze the effect of patient-specific characteristics across studies. Results: Fifteen prospective patient cohorts published from 2009 to 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. At an average follow-up of 25.5 months, all studies demonstrated a statistically significant difference in mean SNOT-22 scores between baseline and post-op time periods ( P < .05), ranging from 5.1 to 55.4. Across all studies, the mean SNOT-22 changed significantly by 26.02 (95% CI: 12.83-38.60). According to a stepwise multivariate analysis, studies with higher mean age and mean pre-op SNOT-22 scores had greater changes in SNOT-22 scores following ESS, whereas trials with longer mean follow-up duration had smaller changes in SNOT-22 scores. Conclusion: Research utilizing the SNOT-22 instrument has demonstrated that endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) leads to enhanced quality of life (QOL) outcomes. The literature reports that improvement is influenced by the initial SNOT-22 score, the mean age of the patients, and the duration of the follow-up period.
LGBTQ Systems: A Framework and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Roberson Quinetta , Ruggs Enrica N. , Pichler Shaun , Holmes Oscar
Published: August 2023

Building on a body of management research that explores strategies for addressing issues of prejudice and discrimination against persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), we introduce a conceptual framework for creating and maintaining LGBTQ-supportive climates in organizations. Based on a review of theory and research on LGBTQ-policies and practices, we highlight limits to our current understanding of their associated effects and the processes through which such effects occur. We draw from key propositions from the strategic human resource management literature to conceptualize LGBTQ systems and advance insight into the mechanisms through which they influence the development of supportive workplace environments. Specifically, we propose the formation of LGBTQ practice bundles and articulate how system components of content and strength can be leveraged to enable sensemaking about an organization's commitment to sexual orientation and gender identity diversity that can amplify the impact of LGBTQ policies and practices in organizations. We conclude by offering an agenda for a more systemic approach to the study of LGBTQ policies and practices as well as a more purposeful approach to their implementation to better understand and address sexual orientation and gender identity as hidden inequalities in organizations.
Gender Justice within Elite All-Boys Schools? Possibilities of a Whole-School Approach
Authors: Howard Adam , Keddie Amanda
Published: August 2023

Background/Context: Although the study of elite schools has been quite popular in recent years, elite all-boys schools in the United States have largely remained outside the gaze of researchers. Purpose: Two stories are presented to identify possibilities for advancing gender justice in those schools. Methods: Drawing on interview data of participants at two schools, the stories presented reflect common practices and relations found in a larger study on the lessons that 127 recent alumni of elite all-boys schools across the United States learned through their experiences at these institutions. Findings/Results: The stories reveal the disturbing ways in which hegemonic masculinities are reproduced through practices of homophobia, heterosexism, and misogyny within elite all-boys schools that highlight the challenges of engaging in gender justice work. Conclusions/Recommendations: Three areas of practice for elite all-boys schools are proposed that are imperative in working toward gender justice: (1) school climate and environment; (2) leadership for and commitment to gender justice; and (3) teaching and learning.
Improved Random Walk Method Verified in a Large-Scale Urban Network for the Sampling of Alternatives in Route Choice Modeling
Authors: Guan Xin , Ye Xin , Wang Ke , Nurul Habib Khandker
Published: August 2023

The first stage in route choice modeling is the generation of the route choice sets, which directly affects the accuracy of model estimation. The random walk method proposed by Frejinger et al. for this purpose has the advantage of directly calculating the probabilities of paths chosen. However, its application has seldom been seen in a large-scale network of a real large city in the literature. To fill this gap, the performance of the random walk algorithm is examined on a real network in Shanghai, China. It is found that it cannot avoid loops and frequently produces overlong alternative paths. By locating the root cause, an improved random walk algorithm is proposed in this paper. The idea of the new algorithm is to change the value of the shape parameters. Instead of a fixed value in Frejinger et al.’s method, the shape parameter in this approach is dynamically changing, controlled by the allowable probability difference and generalized minimum cost. The algorithm is validated in a large-scale network using real travel survey data. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that the proposed random walk algorithm has a significant improvement with respect to the number and length of generated alternative paths compared to those from the original algorithm. This study's primary contribution is to significantly improve the adaptability of the random walk method in large-scale road networks, which is crucial for improving the accuracy of route choice models and understanding of route choice behaviors.
Outcomes of dexmedetomidine as adjuvant drug in patients undergoing videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized and prospective clinical trial
Authors: Silva Gustavo Nascimento , Brandão Virna Guedes , Fiorelli Rossano , Perez Marcelo Vaz , Mello Carolina Ribeiro , Negrini Daniel , Levandrowski Kai-Uwe , Martinelli Rafael Bof , Reis Tatiana Pereira do Amaral dos
Published: August 2023

Objective

The repercussions of ischemia-reperfusion and inflammatory response to surgical injury may compromise the return of physiologic processes in video-laparoscopic surgeries. Dexmedetomidine, as an adjuvant drug in general anesthesia, alters the neuroinflammatory reaction, provides better clinical outcomes in the perioperative period, and may reduce the excessive use of chronic medication in patients with a history of addiction. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory potential of dexmedetomidine on perioperative organ function in video-laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.

Methods

There were two groups: Sevoflurane and Dexmedetomidine A (26 patients) vs. Sevoflurane and Saline 0.9% B (26 patients). Three blood samples were collected three times: 1) before surgery, 2) 4–6h after surgery, and 3) 24h postoperatively. Inflammatory and endocrine mediators were protocolized for analysis. Finally, hemodynamic outcomes, quality upon awakening, pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and opioid use were compared between groups.

Results

We have demonstrated a reduction of Interleukin 6 six hours after surgery in group A: 34.10 (IQR 13.88–56.15) vs. 65.79 (IQR 23.13–104.97; p = 0.0425) in group B. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure was attenuated in group A in their measurement intervals ( p < 0.0001). There was a lower incidence of pain and opioid consumption in the first postoperative hour favoring this group ( p < 0.0001). We noticed better quality upon awakening after the intervention when comparing the values of peripheral oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine provided anti-inflammatory benefits and contributed to postoperative analgesia without the depressive side effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems commonly observed with opioids.

Trial Registration

Immunomodulatory Effect of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant Drug in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies, NCT05489900, Registered 5 August 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05489900?term=NCT05489900&draw=2&rank=1
Design and characterizing of blower wind tunnel using experimental and numerical simulation
Authors: Azzawi Itimad D J
Published: August 2023

A new subsonic blower wind tunnel design has been studied both numerically and experimentally; it is also referred to as “blower” wind tunnel. This paper is initially aimed to address each sequential stage of the wind tunnel design process. Rather than applying the standard method of modelling solely the flow in the test section, a large-scale CFD model of the whole wind tunnel was employed. The loss of every constituent element was calculated and then all the losses are added up to determine the power needed for the wind tunnel operation which is used as “intake fan” boundary conditions in the CFD model. Then, flow uniformity and turbulent intensity measurements in an empty test section using a pitot static tube and hot wire anemometer (HWA) were introduced to validate the CFD results. The results showed that flow quality was significantly affected by flow conditioners (uniformity devices) (honeycomb and mesh screens) in the settling chamber and wide-angle diffuser. Investigations were also conducted to evaluate the flow deficit in the wake area behind a convex hump model using both HWA and particle image velocimetry PIV. This was additional experimental tests carried out to validate the suitability of the wind tunnel designed for aerodynamic research.
Theoretical modeling approach for adsorption of fibronectin on the nanotopographical implants
Authors: Gao Xiangsheng , Zhao Yuhang , Wang Min , Liu Chaozong , Luo Jiajun
Published: August 2023

The success of orthopedic implants depends on the sufficient integration between tissue and implant, which is influenced by the cellular responses to their microenvironment. The conformation of adsorbed extracellular matrix is crucial for cellular behavior instruction via manipulating the physiochemical features of materials. To investigate the electrostatic adsorption mechanism of fibronectin on nanotopographies, a theoretical model was established to determine surface charge density and Coulomb’s force of nanotopography – fibronectin interactions using a Laplace equation satisfying the boundary conditions. Surface charge density distribution of nanotopographies with multiple random fibronectin was simulated based on random number and Monte Carlo hypothesis. The surface charge density on the nanotopographies was compared to the experimental measurements, to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical model. The model was implemented to calculate the Coulomb force generated by nanotopographies to compare the fibronectin adsorption. This model has revealed the multiple random quantitative fibronectin electrostatic adsorption to the nanotopographies, which is beneficial for orthopedic implant surface design.

Significance: The conformation and distribution of adsorbed extracellular matrix on biomedical implants are crucial for directing cellular behaviors. However, the Ti nanotopography-ECM interaction mechanism remains largely unknown. This is mostly because of the interactions that are driven by electrostatic force, and any experimental probe could interfere with the electric field between the charged protein and Ti surface. A theoretical model is hereby proposed to simulate the adsorption between nanotopographies and fibronectin. Random number and Monte Carlo hypothesis were applied for multiple random fibronectin simulation, and the Coulomb’s force between nanoconvex and nanoconcave structures was comparatively analyzed.
Never forget ocular syphilis: A case series from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Köksaldı Seher , Nazlı Arzu , Kaya Mahmut , Saatci Ali Osman
Published: August 2023

A retrospective analysis of 10 consecutive patients who had serologically confirmed ocular syphilis between June 2020 and February 2023 was performed. All cases presented with ocular manifestations. Eight patients were diagnosed with syphilis and two patients with syphilis/human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. Type and duration of antibiotic treatments were diverse among the patients. Four patients had intramuscular benzyl-penicillin G 2.4 million units (MU) weekly for three weeks; four, intravenous ceftriaxone for 14 days; one, intravenous penicillin G 24 MU/day for 14 days; and the remaining patient, intravenous penicillin G 24 MU/day for a week and then oral doxycycline for two weeks. As adjunctive therapy to systemic antibiotics, oral corticosteroids in three patients and intravitreal ceftazidime (2.25 mg/0.1 mL) injections in one patient were administered. In conclusion, ocular syphilis is a re-emerging phenomenon; prompt diagnosis and proper antibiotic treatment can prevent serious ocular complications.