bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conscription and Political Participation: How Conscription Policies Affect Voter Turnout
Authors: Choi Min Jae , Yoo Seung Wook , Bowersox Zack
Published: August 2022

This article reports the results of an empirical research design testing the relationship between a state’s use of conscription and the public’s level of political participation. Although few previous studies have investigated conscription’s influence on political levels in times of war, none have yet to analyze conscription’s impact on political participation during peacetime. We, therefore, study the relationship between voter turnout and military conscription using a global sample with the expectation that citizens in states that practice conscription will be more politically engaged during times of no conflict. We perform logistic regression models on a global sample (1982–2008) and find that those states that do practice conscription see their citizens participate in the electoral process at a higher level.
Authentic for Thee But Not for Me: Perceived Authenticity in Self-Control Conflicts
Authors: Garrison Katie E. , Rivera Grace N. , Schlegel Rebecca J. , Hicks Joshua A. , Schmeichel Brandon J.
Published: August 2022

Is self-control authentic? Across several hypothetical scenarios, participants perceived impulsive actions as more authentic for others (Study 1a) but self-control as more authentic for themselves (Study 1b). Study 2 partially replicated this asymmetry. Study 3 accounted for behavior positivity because self-control was typically the more positive action in the previous studies. Study 4 minimized the influence of positivity by framing the same behaviors as either impulsive or controlled; impulsive actions were deemed more authentic than self-control, but only for other people. An internal meta-analysis controlling for behavior positivity revealed that (a) more positive behaviors are more authentic, and (b) impulsive actions are more authentic than self-controlled actions, especially for others. This actor–observer asymmetry suggests that, even in the face of a strong tendency to perceive positive actions as authentic, there exists a competing tendency to view others’ impulsive actions as more authentic than self-control.
Appropriate dosing of sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium-/vecuronium-induced muscle relaxation in morbidly obese patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liao Jian-Qiang , Shih Darrell , Lin Tzu-Yu , Lee Meng , Lu Cheng-Wei
Published: August 2022

Objective

To conduct a meta-analysis to compare different dosing scalars of sugammadex in a morbidly obese population for reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB).

Methods

PubMed®, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lower-dose sugammadex using ideal body weight (IBW) or corrected body weight (CBW) as dosing scalars with standard-dose sugammadex based on total body weight (TBW) among morbidly obese people after NMB. Mean difference with SD was used to estimate the results.

Results

The analysis included five RCT with a total of 444 morbidly obese patients. The reversal time was significantly longer in patients receiving sugammadex with dosing scalar based on IBW than in patients receiving sugammadex with dosing scalar based on TBW (mean difference 55.77 s, 95% confidence interval [CI] 32.01, 79.53 s), but it was not significantly different between patients receiving sugammadex with dosing scalars based on CBW versus TBW (mean difference 2.28 s, 95% CI –10.34, 14.89 s).

Conclusion

Compared with standard-dose sugammadex based on TBW, lower-dose sugammadex based on IBW had 56 s longer reversal time whereas lower-dose sugammadex based on CBW had a comparable reversal time.
Circulating free triiodothyronine concentration is positively associated with β-cell function in euthyroid patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gong Lei , Ma Aixia , Yin Xiaofei , Liang Kai , Liu Jinbo
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationship between thyroid hormone concentrations and β-cell function in euthyroid patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We performed a single-center cross-sectional study of 254 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥40 years. The participants were allocated to an obesity group or non-obesity group on the basis of their body mass index (BMI). Their β-cell function was assessed by measuring C-peptide concentration during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); and their serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were measured.

Results

The serum FT3 concentration and the C-peptide concentrations at five time points of the OGTT were significantly higher in the obesity group than in the non-obesity group. FT3 was positively associated with the β-cell function of the obesity group, but not that of the non-obesity group, in multiple linear regression analysis, after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Serum FT3 concentration was also significantly associated with indices of obesity (BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, fat mass, fat mass/height 2 and visceral fat area).

Conclusions

Obesity-associated high serum FT3 concentrations might affect β-cell function in euthyroid patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Infection profile and risk factors for mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease attributable to systemic lupus erythematosus: a two-center integrated study
Authors: Chen Yuqiang , Zhang Lisha , Xue Qin , Wang Niansong
Published: August 2022

Objective

Renal impairment is a significant complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Additionally, infection in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) attributable to SLE is common, and it increases the risk of mortality. This study explored the infection profile and risk factors for mortality in patients with ESRD attributable to SLE.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study of 125 hospitalized patients, demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and prognosis data were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

The 125 cases included 98 pulmonary infections (78.4%), 14 urinary infections (11.2%), and 13 intestinal infections (10.4%). Twenty-six patients died within 1 month after enrollment. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed several possible indicators potentially influencing patient survival. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis identified a higher SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 score, recent higher-dose glucocorticoid use, hypertension, and catheter indwelling as risk factors for higher mortality.

Conclusions

Infections were common in patients with advanced SLE and ESRD, and several risk factors might increase the risk of mortality. Once infection is identified, empiric antibiotics should be initiated immediately, and subsequent antibiotics should be applied per the results of drug sensitivity testing to clear the infection.
Characterization of Migratory Cells From Bioengineered Bovine Cartilage in a 3D Co-culture Model
Authors: Wu Ming Jia Michael , Sermer Corey , Kandel Rita A. , Theodoropoulos John S.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Chondrocyte migration in native cartilage is limited and has been implicated as one of the reasons for the poor integration of native implants. Through use of an in vitro integration model, it has previously been shown that cells from bioengineered cartilage can migrate into the native host cartilage during integration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment further enhanced integration of bioengineered cartilage to native cartilage in vitro. However, it is not known how PRP treatment of the bioengineered construct promotes this.

Hypothesis:

PRP supports cell migration from bioengineered cartilage and these migratory cells have the ability to accumulate cartilage-like matrix.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Osteochondral-like constructs were generated by culturing primary bovine chondrocytes on the top surface of a porous bone substitute biomaterial composed of calcium polyphosphate. After 1 week in culture, the constructs were submerged in PRP and placed adjacent, but 2 mm distant, to a native bovine osteochondral plug in a co-culture model for 2 weeks. Cell migration was monitored using phase-contrast imaging. Cell phenotype was determined by evaluating the gene expression of matrix metalloprotease 13 (MMP-13), Ki67, and cartilage matrix molecules using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. When tissue formed, it was assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantification of matrix content.

Results:

PRP treatment resulted in the formation of a fiber network connecting the bioengineered cartilage and native osteochondral plug. Cells from both the bioengineered cartilage and the native osteochondral tissue migrated onto the PRP fibers and formed a tissue bridge after 2 weeks of culture. Migratory cells on the tissue bridge expressed higher levels of collagen types II and I ( COL2, COL1), Ki67 and MMP-13 mRNA compared with nonmigratory cells in the bioengineered cartilage. Ki67 and MMP-13–positive cells were found on the edges of the tissue bridge. The tissue bridge accumulated COL1 and COL2 and aggrecan and contained comparable collagen and glycosaminoglycan content to the bioengineered cartilage matrix. The tissue bridge did not reliably develop in the absence of cells from the native osteochondral plug.

Conclusion:

Bioengineered cartilage formed by bovine chondrocytes contains cells that can migrate on PRP fibers and form cartilaginous tissue.

Clinical Relevance:

Migratory cells from bioengineered cartilage may promote cartilage integration. Further studies are required to determine the role of migratory cells in integration in vivo.
Health Care Providers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Facility-Based Management of Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Ridwan , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Rasul Md. Golam , Raihan Mohammad Jyoti , Ali Nafi Mohammad , Bulbul Md. Mofijul Islam , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: August 2022

Background:

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) contributes to a substantial number of child deaths globally per year. The mortality rates can be lowered markedly if guideline-based management protocol is properly followed. However, case-fatality rates in resource-poor centers remain high even after introducing the guidelines. Perhaps, the lack of adequate knowledge leading to inappropriate management by the health care providers is responsible for such burden.

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate health care providers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the facility-based management of children with SAM in Bangladesh.

Methods:

This was a qualitative study where data were collected cross-sectionally from 4 district and 2 tertiary care hospitals. Twenty-six semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among the doctors and nurses involved in inpatient care of SAM. Twenty-eight hours of observation were done in each facility to obtain information regarding the management practices.

Results:

The doctors had substantial knowledge in managing children with SAM in the facilities. However, knowledge of nurses was found suboptimal when evaluated based on the national guideline. Both doctors and nurses demonstrated favorable attitude toward management of childhood SAM. Identification of SAM at the facilities was poor due to lack of practice in relation to anthropometric measurements. In addition, improper practices related to blood glucose testing, dehydration monitoring, essential micronutrient administration, and follow-up of children with SAM were observed.

Conclusion:

The study results underscore the importance of taking appropriate measures to enhance knowledge and ensure proper practice in relation to inpatient care of children with SAM according to the national guideline in Bangladesh.
Counter-Narratives Mobilized by Deprived Communities Through Theatre Interventions: Deconstructing and Reframing Master Narratives
Authors: Saldanha Fabio Prado , Pozzebon Marlei , Mailhot Chantale , Le Puil David
Published: August 2022

Mise au Jeu is a Quebec-based social intervention organization that has been putting on forum theatre – in the Augusto Boal tradition of the theatre of the oppressed – for over 20 years. We investigate how such a non-profit organization creates spaces where members of a deprived communities can elaborate counter-narratives to deconstruct dominant narratives, thereby helping them to make sense of situations of oppression they are living and to act to promote social change. By unpacking counter-narrative strategies and their enabling mechanisms, our study contributes to the narrative tradition in two principal ways. First, while extending Deetz’s work on dominant narratives, we enrich existing understanding of the disruptive power of counter-narratives in situations of social exclusion by bringing to bear the theatrical principles and techniques of Augusto Boal, a missing voice in extant narrative literature. Second, we propose a reflexive discussion related to the political conceptualization of counter-narratives.
Core outcomes were rarely reported overall in systematic reviews on acupuncture for osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Hu Tengyue , Long Youlin , Chen Rui , Yang Zixin , Liu Liqin , Huang Litao , Huang Jin , Liao Ga , Du Liang
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To identify a comprehensive list of outcomes and explore the reporting rate of core outcome sets (COS) and related factors in systematic reviews (SRs) of acupuncture for osteoarthritis (OA).

Study design and setting:

Databases were searched for the relative SRs. Descriptive statistics were calculated as frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the factors affecting the reporting rate of COS.

Results:

We included 59 SRs. Outcome measures reported in the SRs were classified into 11 domains and 67 unique outcomes. No SR completely reported COS. In COS released in 2016, 75% of outcomes (6/8) were only reported by ⩽5% SRs. In COS released in 2019, the reporting rate was very low (from 0% to 17%) for 73.3% of outcomes (11/15). SRs published in the most recent 5 years had a significantly greater possibility of reporting COS (odds ratio (OR) = 4.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33 to 16.88, p = 0.016).

Conclusion:

Core outcomes were rarely reported in systematic reviews of acupuncture for OA, with considerable heterogeneity in the use of outcomes. The publication of COS in the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) database may help promote the reporting of COS. We encourage systematic reviewers to use relevant COS.
Second round of an interlaboratory comparison of SARS-CoV2 molecular detection assays used by 45 veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States
Authors: Deng Kaiping , Uhlig Steffen , Goodman Laura B. , Ip Hon S. , Killian Mary Lea , Nemser Sarah M. , Ulaszek Jodie , Kiener Shannon , Kmet Matthew , Frost Kirstin , Hettwer Karina , Colson Bertrand , Nichani Kapil , Schlierf Anja , Tkachenko Andriy , Mlalazi-Oyinloye Mothomang , Scott Andrew , Reddy Ravinder , Tyson Gregory H.
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a continued public health challenge. Veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States use RT-rtPCR for animal testing, and many laboratories are certified for testing human samples; hence, ensuring that laboratories have sensitive and specific SARS-CoV2 testing methods is a critical component of the pandemic response. In 2020, the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) led an interlaboratory comparison (ILC1) to help laboratories evaluate their existing RT-rtPCR methods for detecting SARS-CoV2. All participating laboratories were able to detect the viral RNA spiked in buffer and PrimeStore molecular transport medium (MTM). With ILC2, Vet-LIRN extended ILC1 by evaluating analytical sensitivity and specificity of the methods used by participating laboratories to detect 3 SARS-CoV2 variants (B.1; B.1.1.7 [Alpha]; B.1.351 [Beta]) at various copy levels. We analyzed 57 sets of results from 45 laboratories qualitatively and quantitatively according to the principles of ISO 16140-2:2016. More than 95% of analysts detected the SARS-CoV2 RNA in MTM at ≥500 copies for all 3 variants. In addition, for nucleocapsid markers N1 and N2, 81% and 92% of the analysts detected ≤20 copies in the assays, respectively. The analytical specificity of the evaluated methods was >99%. Participating laboratories were able to assess their current method performance, identify possible limitations, and recognize method strengths as part of a continuous learning environment to support the critical need for the reliable diagnosis of COVID-19 in potentially infected animals and humans.
A Critical Discussion of the Work-Life Experiences of Scholar Practitioners
Authors: Munn Sunny L. , Huyler Debaro , Roque Gustavo , Rocco Tonette S. , Delgado Patty , James Jocelyn Y.
Published: August 2022

The ability to understand how our work-life experiences impact our pursuits as emerging scholars, parents, and individuals is critical to our successful performance in each role. We explore the intricacies of our work-life systems using collaborative autoethnography, a technique in which several autobiographical ethnographies are analyzed in a group. We use a critical lens to better understand our experiences as a consequence of socially acceptable norms and challenges to the status quo. It is our hope that by better understanding and discussing our work-life experiences as emerging scholars, others balancing these multiple identities will also find useful lessons. Self-reflection questions grounded in our findings and a free-write prompt from our initial data collection are shared as a starting point for others to begin their own autoethnographies.
Robust observer for input and state estimation in building structure systems
Authors: Galaz-Palma Rene , Targui Boubekeur , Hernández-González Omar , Valencia-Palomo Guillermo , Espinoza-Molina Adrian , Guerrero-Sánchez María-Eusebia
Published: August 2022

This paper develops a robust observer for a class of linear systems subject to unknown signals, uncertainties, and disturbance output measurements for building structure systems. The highlight of the proposed observer is that it mitigates the adverse effects present in physical systems as it happens with the structural systems of buildings. The proposed robust observer provides a simultaneous estimation of building displacements and velocities (state vector) and the seismic force acceleration signal (unknown input) from noisy acceleration measurements of the structure. These estimations can help to reduce the displacements of building structure systems with the aid of a vibration controller. The convergence analysis of the proposed robust observer is based on Lyapunov theory, which resulted in a simple set of Linear Matrix Inequalities. An example considering a two-story building-like structure was performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed observer.
Embracing Vulnerability: The Critical Practice of Reflexivity as a Non-Pacific Researcher Using Indigenous Methodologies
Authors: Schuster Suzie
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on the challenges I have encountered during my PhD journey regarding positionality and the complexities of being an insider–outsider researcher. I am originally from the global North, living in the global South and conducting research with communities in Samoa, my home of 30 years, though geographically located in New Zealand due to border closures. This autoethnographic reflection elaborates the complexities of being both an insider and outsider engaging in research focused on competitive swimming in Samoa, using Pacific methodology of talanoa. The article aims to highlight my competing identities and how I negotiated these within the data collection process. It concludes that it is necessary for non-Pasifika researchers to be cautious if using indigenous methods as there are ever-changing dynamics within cross-cultural fieldwork that requires adopting an intentional vulnerability within the research space.
Chiral Cosserat homogenized constitutive models of architected media based on micromorphic homogenization
Authors: Alavi S Ehsan , Ganghoffer Jean-François , Sadighi Mojtaba
Published: August 2022

The present contribution aims to build chiral Cosserat effective models of architectured media prone to such effects, recoursing to dedicated homogenization methods. In order to develop a method in full generality, the effective Cosserat model is obtained from the degeneration of the micromorphic effective continuum, by projecting the micromorphic kinematic degrees of freedom onto the Cosserat variables. The proposed homogenization method relies on variational principles and a decomposition of the microscopic displacement into a so-called homogeneous part and a periodic fluctuation. The homogeneous contribution to the total microscopic displacement accounts for the postulated effective generalized continuum, and it is corrected by a displacement fluctuation. The energy of the fluctuating displacement is shown to define a measure of the accuracy of the homogenized chiral Cosserat model. Applications of the proposed homogenization framework are done for centrosymmetric and non-centrosymmetric chiral architected media.
Well-being index of Indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia: an application of the multidimensional poverty index (MPI)
Authors: Saifullah Md. Khaled
Published: August 2022

The Indigenous people of Malaysia are a heterogeneous community scattered over more than 852 villages in Peninsular Malaysia. This community has been identified as socioeconomically and culturally poor and marginalized in Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, the study aims to examine the well-being and create well-being indices of the Indigenous people. This study employed Alkire and Foster’s multidimensional poverty index (MPI) to create the well-being indices by using primary data. The finding revealed that Indigenous people are likely to remain poor due to insufficient access to basic education and lack of employment opportunities. The well-being index showed that females are more deprived than males and Indigenous people living in rural areas are better off compared to those living in urban and sub-urban areas. The study suggests that there is a need to combat low education levels and the government should introduce a community-based education system and mobile health clinics for Indigenous people.
Gender- and age-stratified analyses of gambling disorder in Finland between 2011 and 2020 based on administrative registers
Authors: Salonen Anne H. , Castrén Sari , Latvala Tiina A. , Grönroos Tanja , Levola Jonna , Vuori Miika
Published: August 2022

Aim: Prevalence studies on gambling have largely relied on survey samples. Little is known about the diagnosed prevalence of gambling disorder (GD) based on register data. This study examines the annual prevalence rate of GD between 2011 and 2020 among Finns by gender and age. Methods: Aggregated data on the diagnosis of GD (corresponding to pathological gambling, code F63.0 in the ICD-10) were retrieved from the following national registers: Register of Primary Health Care Visits, and Care Register for Health Care, including specialised outpatient and inpatient health care, and inpatient Care Register for Social Welfare. Primary and secondary diagnoses of adults were included. Average population during a calendar year (4,282,714–4,460,177 individuals) was utilised to calculate annual prevalence. Results: The annual prevalence of diagnosed GD in the population increased from 0.005% ( n = 196) to 0.018% ( n = 804) within nine years. In 2011, the annual prevalence rate was 0.006% for men and 0.003% for women, compared to rates in 2020 of 0.025% and 0.011%. Gender discrepancy was relatively stable across years: 27.2–33.8% of the diagnoses were for women. The prevalence of GD varied between age groups within genders. GD was most prevalent among 18–44-year-olds. The prevalence rates increased the most among 30–44-year-old women. Conclusion: The extremely low prevalence rate of GD implies that the problem remains under-diagnosed, yet, it has increased among all age groups across genders, except for women aged 60 years or older. Active efforts are needed to increase awareness of GD among both primary and specialised healthcare professionals and the public for better recognition and early detection.
Experimental investigation on the characteristics of directional focusing waves
Authors: Lakshman Rajagopal , Sriram Venkatachalam , Sundar Vallam
Published: August 2022

The analysis on fixed or floating structures exposed to directional extreme waves has been a topic of keen interest in ocean engineering. In this context, an attempt is made to study the characteristics of laboratory generated directional rogue waves, termed also as focusing waves. The first-order wave paddle displacements were generated using the linear superimposition principle by applying a constant steepness spectrum associated with directional components. The phase angles are set to be constant at a predefined location to create an extreme event. The experimental test cases span from narrow to broadband spectra having two central frequencies, namely, 0.68 and 0.85  Hz. The bandwidth ratios of 0.5 and 0.75 were considered with five discrete directions ranging from −25° to 25°. The tests include spilling breakers and non-breaking waves. The investigation involves studying the variations in the Atiltness parameter (ATP), Crest height ratio, and the nonlinearity parameter provided by Hastings, an index to measure the effect of nonlinearity. In addition, directional studies using the maximum likelihood method (MLM) are also presented. The critical combination of frequency spectrum and bandwidth is identified from the focusing wave characteristics and discussed in this paper for the tested conditions. The shift in directional spectrum due to nonlinearity was noticed in the present study.
The SECI model and darknet markets: Knowledge creation in criminal organizations and communities of practice
Authors: Maras Marie-Helen , Arsovska Jana , Wandt Adam Scott , Knieps Melanie , Logie Kenji
Published: August 2022

This study examines darknet markets through the lens of a business theory on knowledge management. Taking epistemological and ontological dimensions into consideration, this study uses Nonaka's (1991) SECI model as a theoretical framework to identify and describe how tacit and explicit knowledge is created and shared on Silk Road, Pandora and Agora darknet markets, and how people affect this process. By studying this process, insights can be obtained into darknet market criminal organizations and communities of practice and their impact on the continuity and resilience of illicit darknet markets. This project used data from the Internet Archive collection of publicly available darknet market scrapes between 2011 and 2015 from Branwen et al. (2015) . We observed instances of the SECI model (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization) on darknet markets in both criminal organizations and communities of practice. Darknet market leaders and groups facilitated both knowledge creation and sharing. This study is the first to test the SECI model on darknet markets. The study provides an understanding of the complexity and resilience of darknet markets, as well as valuable information to help guide law enforcement agencies efforts to stop the illicit trade of goods and services.
Politics Spread COVID: Developing a Public Health Response
Authors: Cheatham Marcus , Hancher-Rauch Heidi , Brookins-Fisher Jodi , Blavos Alexis , Thompson Amy
Published: August 2022

The circumstances leading to one million American deaths from COVID-19 are familiar to health educators: The pandemic was politicized from the outset; public health professionals were pushed aside and sometimes attacked; in many areas, compliance with public health recommendations was low, and vaccine uptake was much less than required to meet the threat; the public health community tied itself in knots trying to figure out how to cut through the plethora of misinformation; people in marginalized populations died in vastly disproportionate numbers in spite of years of preparation to prevent just that outcome. Cumulative mortality is equivalent to some of the “worst case” scenarios put forth by U.S. public health experts at the beginning of the pandemic even though we’ve worked so hard to prepare for this type of global pandemic, so what went wrong? Profound changes in American politics have led to a relationship between public health and swaths of society that is quite unlike what previously was assumed in the dominant models of public health; it was believed that public health experts would be treated as and listened to as the experts they are in the field. As the politicization of the pandemic and subsequent deaths show, these assumptions are no longer valid and we cannot assure the health of the public as we are required to do. The assumptions that we have operated under for so long in public health now must be deconstructed and revisited in order to move forward and prevent unnecessary future deaths. To do this, we must better understand the influence of American politics and we must more effectively engage in politics at all levels.
Low Dose Rate Radiation Regulates M2-like Macrophages in an Allergic Airway Inflammation Mouse Model
Authors: Jo Wol Soon , Kang Sohi , Jeong Soo Kyung , Bae Min Ji , Lee Chang Geun , Son Yeonghoon , Lee Hae-June , Jeong Min Ho , Kim Sung Ho , Moon Chongjong , Shin In Sik , Kim Joong Sun
Published: August 2022

We investigated the effects of low dose rate radiation (LDR) on M1 and M2 macrophages in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation and asthma. After exposure to LDR (1 Gy, 1.818 mGy/h) for 24 days, mice were euthanized and the changes in the number of M1 and M2 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung, and M2-associated cytokine levels, were assessed. LDR treatment not only restored the M2-rich microenvironment but also ameliorated asthma-related progression in a macrophage-dependent manner. In an ovalbumin-induced mouse model, LDR treatment significantly inhibited M2, but not M1, macrophage infiltration. M2-specific changes in macrophage polarization during chronic lung disease reversed the positive effects of LDR. Moreover, the levels of cytokines, including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 24, CCL17, transforming growth factor beta 1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, decreased in ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice upon exposure to LDR. Collectively, our results indicate that LDR exposure suppressed asthmatic progression, including mucin accumulation, inflammation, and Type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokine (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13) production. In conclusion, LDR exposure decreased Th2 cytokine secretion in M2 macrophages, resulting in a reduction in eosinophilic inflammation in ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice.
Wool Wax Extraction From Washing Effluent and Effect on Olea europea Germination and Growth
Authors: Aissani Nadhem , Ghidaoui Makrem , Sebai Hichem
Published: August 2022

Effluents from textile industry using wool pose serious environmental nuisances in Tunisia that are mainly due to their pollutant load and the release of unpleasant odors. In order to minimize these hazards and to take advantage of these wastes for the sake of our environment, the present work consists on valuating wool wax from washing effluent on olive ( Olea europea), germination and growth. Extraction was made in water at 70°C or hexane using sonication followed by concentration of the extracts in soxhlet apparatus. Results showed that this waste is characterized by its richness in total lipid content with extraction yields of 60.7 and 95.6%, respectively. GC-MS analysis of wax showed its richness on fatty acids. Six saturated fatty acids ranking from 15 to 27 carbon atoms were characterized. Furthermore, diluted wax at a dose of 1.25 mg/g significantly improves germination of olive seeds by germination index calculation, to reach a maximum of 150 ± 17%. In fertigation experiment, the use of the same dose of diluted wax promotes plant length to reach 45.7 ± 2.52 cm. GC-MS analysis after derivatization showed significant enhancement of auxin production in plants treated with 1.25 mg of wax/g of soil compared to control with a concentration of 1.1 ± .1 and .7 ± .2 ng/mg, respectively. This leads us to valuate wool wax as environmental friendly natural product in agricultural and fertigation practice of olive plant.
A Comparison of Leximancer Semi-automated Content Analysis to Manual Content Analysis: A Healthcare Exemplar Using Emotive Transcripts of COVID-19 Hospital Staff Interactive Webcasts
Authors: Engstrom Teyl , Strong Jenny , Sullivan Clair , Pole Jason D.
Published: August 2022

Effective consumer centred healthcare incorporates consumer and clinician perspectives into decision making, in addition to traditional quantitative measures. This information is usually captured in qualitative data that requires manual analysis. Healthcare systems often lack resources to systematically incorporate qualitative feedback into decision making. Semi-automated content analysis tools, such as Leximancer, provide an efficient and objective alternative to time consuming manual content analysis (MCA). Literature on the validity of Leximancer in healthcare is sparse. This study seeks to validate Leximancer against MCA on a broad emotive conversational dataset gathered in a healthcare setting. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large Australian hospital and health service conducted interactive webcasts with staff to provide updates and answer questions. A manual thematic analysis and a Leximancer content analysis were conducted independently on 20 webcast transcripts. The findings were compared, along with the time required to the complete each analysis. The Leximancer analysis identified nine concepts, while the manual analysis identified 12 concepts. The Leximancer concepts mapped to five of the concepts identified in the manual analysis, which accounted for 74% of mentions tagged in the text through the manual analysis. Leximancer missed concepts which required an emotional or contextual interpretation. The Leximancer analysis took 21 hours (excluding time to learn the program), compared to 73 hours for the manual analysis. Semi-automated content analysis provides an efficient alternative to manual qualitative data analysis, shifting it from a small-scale research activity to a more routine operational activity, albeit with some limitations. This is critical to be able to utilise at scale the rich narratives from consumers and clinicians in healthcare decision making.
Jesus Also Died For Our Corrupted Shame
Authors: Ng Edmund
Published: August 2022

A number of theological writers have averred that principally our Lord Jesus Christ came to die not only for our sin but also for our shame. After establishing the case for this by highlighting the honor-shame significance of the cross through both theological and psychological theory and research, this article further argues that Jesus did not die for our natural and healthy shame but for our corrupted shame. The paper then concludes by explaining from the theological, humanity, and missional perspectives, why it is important for us to make the distinction between healthy and corrupted shame that Jesus died for us.
Perceptions on Barn Owls and Their Use in Rodent Control: A Case Study of Hwange District
Authors: Sebele Lovelater , Mundy Peter , Fritz Hervé , Guerbois Chloé
Published: August 2022

Background and Research Aims:

Myths and beliefs shape the relationships that people have with different species. They lead to the protection of revered species and the persecution of negatively viewed species. In some instances, people fear these species resulting in a failure to tap into their benefits. This study investigates the possibility of using Barn Owls, a species largely linked to traditional beliefs, as a biological control for rodent pests.

Methods:

Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Chi-square tests were used to assess the links between socio-demographic variables and the people’s attitude towards the use of owls in rodent control. A Generalised Linear Model was used to investigate the influence of the distance of the homestead from a protected area on their perceptions of owls.

Results:

Although most respondents acknowledged that they had a rodent problem, 41% would not use owls for their control. More females than males did not want to use owls for fear of being labelled as witches, whilst males felt owls were good for rodent control and ecosystem balance. Level of education and age did not influence people’s perceptions. People living closer to a protected area embraced the use of owls in rodent control and village of origin influenced perception of owls. Most teenagers displayed the same attitude towards owls as their mothers.

Conclusion:

Gender and parental influence play a role in influencing the perceptions of the community on owls. There is need to further investigate the factors within a village which influence perceptions on owls.

Implications for Conservation

Cultural beliefs should be considered in conservation as the belief in witchcraft transcends age and education. There is need for conservation efforts to focus on improving ecological literacy of target groups to improve the conservation of feared species.
Co-Registration of pre- and post-Operative images after cochlear Implantation: A proposed technique to Improve cochlear visualization and localization of cochlear electrodes
Authors: Benson John C , Nassiri Ashley M , Saoji Aniket A , Carlson Matthew L , Lane John I
Published: August 2022

Background and Purpose

After cochlear implantation, metallic artifact can obscure nearby structures on CT images, which is problematic in patients with facial nerve stimulation (FNS). This study evaluated the usefulness of co-registered pre- and post-operative examinations to evaluate the cochlear implant and adjacent structures.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was completed of consecutive patients that underwent CT imaging of the temporal bone before and after placement of a cochlear implant. Two blinded neuroradiologists independently reviewed all available examinations. All examinations were assessed for the presence or absence of dehiscence of the osseous ridge between the cochlea and facial nerve canal (FNC). Pre-operative and fused pre- and post-operative examinations were compared in their ability to visualize the osseous ridge using a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from 1 = unfused images were substantially superior to 5 = fused images were substantially superior). The electrode closest to the FNC were noted.

Results

Of 34 included patients, 13 (38.2%) were female and 21 (61.8%) were male; average age was 72.2. Seven patients (20.6%) had frank dehiscence between the cochlea and FNC. Fused images were superior to the post-operative study alone for assessing the integrity of the osseous partition between the cochlea and FNC and for reducing artifact from the electrode array (average Likert scores for both reviewers were 4.4 and 4.7). There was good agreement between reviewers in noting electrode closest to the FNC (concordance correlation coefficient=0.82).

Conclusions

Following cochlear implantation, co-registered pre- and post-operative CT images are superior to conventional images in assessing the anatomic relationship between the cochlea and FNC.
Do Not Recommend? Reduction as a Form of Content Moderation
Authors: Gillespie Tarleton
Published: August 2022

Public debate about content moderation has overwhelmingly focused on removal: social media platforms deleting content and suspending users, or opting not to do so. However, removal is not the only available remedy. Reducing the visibility of problematic content is becoming a commonplace element of platform governance. Platforms use machine learning classifiers to identify content they judge misleading enough, risky enough, or offensive enough that, while it does not warrant removal according to the site guidelines, warrants demoting them in algorithmic rankings and recommendations. In this essay, I document this shift and explain how reduction works. I then raise questions about what it means to use recommendation as a means of content moderation.
Non-Elitist Truth? The Epistemologies of Italian Journalists in the Hybrid Media System
Authors: Splendore Sergio , Iannelli Laura
Published: August 2022

Epistemology in journalism is the criterion of validity that enables journalists to distinguish the false from the true. Questioning how journalists depict reality is important especially in an age of economic and technological uncertainty. A new group of media actors involved in the news cycles is increasingly able to “hack the attention economy”; non-elite actors by the algorithmic logics of platforms tend to be increasingly regarded as influential (if not authoritative) in journalists’ decisions to transform facts into news. This study explores how in the various phases of newsmaking (i.e., discovering, gathering, spreading, and verifying news) non-elite actors are shaping journalists’ everyday epistemology in the contemporary Italian hybrid media system. This study draws on an analysis of 147 semi-structured interviews conducted with Italian professional journalists from 2008 to 2020. The results of the analysis confirmed the most conventional view about Italian journalism, that is, that journalists present knowledge essentially by using elite actors’ subjective reconstructions of reality. The integration of non-elite sources in the various stages of news production is due to an attitude of journalists aimed not so much at increasing pluralism as at producing news by providing evidence. The low level of journalists’ reflexivity in the use of web platforms, while involving some non-elite actors, appears to favor platforms themselves and their requisites.
Preoperative Multifidus Muscle Quality is Associated With Patient Reported Outcomes After Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Zavras Athan G. , Sullivan T. Barrett , Federico Vincent P. , Nolte Michael T. , Munim Mohammed A. , Phillips Frank M. , Colman Matthew W.
Published: August 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort

Objective

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) commonly involves a transpsoas approach. Despite the association between LLIF, postoperative iliopsoas weakness, and iatrogenic neuropraxia, no study has yet examined the effect of psoas or multifidus muscle quality on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent LLIF with 1-year minimum follow-up. Psoas and multifidus muscle qualities were graded on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging using two validated classification systems for muscle atrophy. Average muscle quality was calculated as the mean score from all levels (L1-2 through L5-S1). Univariate and multivariate statistics were utilized to investigate the relationship between psoas/multifidus muscle quality and preoperative, 6-weeks postoperative, and final postoperative PROs.

Results

74 patients (110 levels) with a mean follow-up of 18.71 ± 8.02 months were included for analysis. Greater multifidus atrophy was associated with less improvement on ODI, SF12, and VR12 ( P < .05) on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, worse multifidus atrophy predicted less improvement on SF12 and VR12 ( P < .05).

Conclusion

Despite the direct manipulation of the psoas muscle inherent to LLIF, preoperative psoas muscle quality did not affect postoperative outcomes. Rather, the extent of preoperative multifidus fatty infiltration and atrophy was more likely to predict postoperative pain and disability. These findings suggest that multifidus atrophy may be more pertinent than psoas atrophy in its association with patient-reported outcome measures after LLIF.
Virtual teaching assistants: A survey of a novel teaching technology
Authors: Audras Diane , Zhao Alex , Isgar Chuck , Tang Yucheng
Published: August 2022

This study centers around virtual teaching assistants (“VTA”) and the potential application of VTAs to reduce the burden on teachers across secondary schools in China exacerbated by the Double Reduction Policy. It seeks to understand how VTAs could be implemented in the classroom while ensuring student and teacher well-being, success, and happiness. Through interviews with fourteen different experts spanning industry, academia, and education, combined with extensive review of the existing literature and ecosystem of VTAs, research shows that VTAs are potentially a major aid in the context of exam review, after school tutoring, automated grading, and student performance reporting. However, they need to be created carefully with an attentive eye towards student support to ensure that the learning experience is not diminished. It must be clearly communicated to all stakeholders that the goal of a VTA is not to replace teachers, but rather to support them such that they can spend more time with students and less time on mundane tasks.
The Norm of Wage Negotiations in the United States
Authors: Demirović Melisa , Robbins Blaine G.
Published: August 2022

The moral economy is a set of institutionalized rules, norms, and values that guide action in market economies. Historically, the norm of wage negotiations has been a central pillar of the U.S. moral economy, but research suggests that this may be changing. In the present study, the authors seek to evaluate whether the norm of wage negotiations is decoupled from the U.S. moral economy. Results of a factorial survey experiment administered to a quota sample of U.S. adults ( N = 707) indicate that the norm of wage negotiations is weak: it is largely bipolar, conditional, and of a low to moderate intensity, with disagreement over the norm as well as the circumstances demarcating the norm. These social cleavages, however, do not fall along demographic lines: the character of the norm is comparable across groups. These findings reveal that there has been an erosion of the distributional norms underlying the U.S. moral economy.
Visualizing COVID Restrictions: Activity Patterns Before, During, and After COVID-19 Lockdowns in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Varela Gabriel , Swanson Kendal , Pasquale Dana K. , Mohanan Manoj , Moody James W.
Published: August 2022

Globally, restrictions implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19 have highlighted deeply rooted social divisions, raising concerns about differential impacts on members of different groups. Inequalities among households of different castes are ubiquitous in certain regions of India. Drawing on a novel data set of 8,564 households in Uttar Pradesh, the authors use radar plots to examine differences between castes in rates of activity for several typical behaviors before, during, and upon lifting strict lockdown restrictions. The visualization reveals that members of all castes experienced comparable reductions in activity rates during lockdown and recovery rates following it. Nonetheless, members of less privileged castes procure water outside the household more often than their more privileged peers, highlighting an avenue of improvement for future public health efforts.