bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satire and the Diffusion of Spa Culture in the Long Eighteenth Century
Authors: Wood Karl
Published: November 2023

The eighteenth-century spa was an important heterotopic social space and functioned as a centre for the diffusion of the culture of sociability generally, as well as its own local variations and expressions. This took place both in the physical space of the spa, but also in the world of print through personal correspondence, a proliferating number of guidebooks, as well as a wide range of writing. These created a literary existence of the spa outside of its physical existence that contributed to the diffusion of spa culture and sociability from its centres into peripheral locations. In addition to guides, descriptions and journalistic reports, satires of the spa experience enjoyed considerable popularity. Perhaps the best known and studied of these is Astley's New Bath Guide, but less known works provided satirical commentary on the peculiar environment and practices of sociability in spaces located more on the periphery of the spa world. Through a close reading of two such works– Meine viertägigen Leiden im Bade zu Pyrmont [My Four-Day Sufferings in the Spa of Pyrmont] (first edition, 1809) by G.C. Sponagel, and Admonitory Epistles to Visitors to Ballston Spa, by Simeon Senex, Esquire (1808), a little known work from New York whose authorship remains disputed, but may have been written by Washington Irving – this article seeks to identify elements of commonality across different spa environments removed from what might be seen as the foundational tradition of Bath, as well as to seek out distinctive peculiarities that may be German in the case of Pyrmont, or colonial-peripheral in the case of Ballston Spa. It is hoped that in doing so, some insights might be drawn regarding the diffusion of spa culture.
The Seshemnofer Dilemma: Genealogy and Succession
Authors: Green Gemma F. P.
Published: November 2023

The relationship between the owners of G 4940 and G 5080, whom Junker deemed to be Seshemnofer I and II, respectively, has long been questioned by Egyptologists. Some scholars consider Seshemnofer I to be the father of Seshemnofer II, while others refute this idea because the wife of Seshemnofer I did not have the same name as the mother of Seshemnofer II. Junker raised the possibility that Seshemnofer I was married more than once, and although there is no direct evidence for this, there may be some rather suggestive indirect evidence. Using wall scenes from the tombs of the Seshemnofer family, statuary and other inscriptional evidence, the idea that Seshemnofer I was married multiple times will be reconsidered. This study aims to provide more clarity on the relationship between Seshemnofer I and Seshemnofer II, and highlight the subtleties used by tomb owners to distinguish the different maternities of their children.

[Formula: see text]
Occupational therapy upper limb splinting practice for clients with acquired brain injuries: A cross-sectional study from South Africa
Authors: van Wyk Megan Barbara , de Klerk Susan , Jacobs-Nzuzi Khuabi Lee-Ann Juliana
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) form part of the caseload of occupational therapists treating adult clients with neurological conditions. One adjunct to treatment of the upper limb condition following ABI is splinting. Little is known about the occupational therapy splinting practices in this field. This study aimed to describe these practices within a South African context.

Method:

A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was utilised. A convenience sample of occupational therapists from across South Africa completed a survey. The survey comprised of demographic factors; types of splints used; wear schedule regimens during the motor recovery phases and influencing factors. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results:

Fifty-two participants ( n = 115) completed the survey, representing a 45.2% response rate. Participants (52.9% ( n = 27) indicated that splints are provided to 25% of clients with ABI. Splints are used to maintain soft tissue length and to ensure correct biomechanical alignment.

Conclusions:

Splinting for clients with ABI in South Africa is used as a preventative and maintenance approach. Failing more high-level evidence to support the use of splints for clients with ABI, therapists should consider the client-, therapist- and environment-related factors when determining the suitability and appropriateness of splinting clients with ABI.
More 50+ Workers Means More 50+ Policy—Until it Doesn’t. The Non-Linear Relation Between Proportion of Older Workers and Implementation of Policies for Older Workers
Authors: Lössbroek Jelle , Hulsegge Gerben
Published: November 2023

Personnel policies specifically for older workers can benefit both the older workers and their organization. It is often assumed that a higher percentage of older workers in an organization is associated with more policies for older workers. We hypothesize that policies accommodating older workers, such as extra leave or a reduced workload, become unfeasible if the proportion of older workers is high. We pooled data from five datasets to study eleven older-worker policies in 7330 Dutch establishments. The results show that the number of implemented personnel policies for older workers is highest in establishments where 30-50% of the workers are 50 years and older. The number of implemented policies is lower in establishments with more older than younger workers. This pattern is found for most phasing out policies.
Neurological Complications of the Lower Extremities After Femoral Cannulated Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Johannes Frauke , Frohofer-Vollenweider Rahel , Teuschl Yvonne
Published: November 2023

Background

Femoral cannulated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been associated with neurologic complications in the lower extremity ipsilateral to the cannulation. There is uncertainty about the prevalence of these complications and their mechanisms of development.

Objective

Aim of this systematic review was to investigate the prevalence of neurological complications after ECMO and to describe possible underlying mechanisms.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed in Medline-Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PEDro until April 2021 for clinical trials in English or German language which quantified neurologic complications in the lower extremity ipsilateral to the ECMO cannulation of adults. The complications had to be delimitable to intensive care unit–acquired weakness. Methodological quality was assessed by 2 independent investigators using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Results

Eight observational studies were included in the synthesis. Study quality was good to fair in 88% of the papers. Overall, 47 of 202 patients (23.3%; ranging from 3% to 48% across studies) with femoral ECMO cannulation showed neurologic complications of the lower extremity ipsilateral to the cannulation. Peripheral ischemia and compression of nerves by the ECMO cannula are discussed as mechanisms of injury.

Conclusion

The occurrence of neurological complications after ECMO was common and can lead to long-term impairment. The mechanisms are largely unknown but currently there is no sufficient evidence for the involvement of ECMO. Standardized assessments are needed to systematically screen for neurological complications early after ECMO, to enable countermeasures and prevent further complications.
Predicting Black Parents’ Attitudes Toward Corporal Punishment: A Moderated-Mediation Model of Frequency and Valence of Childhood Experiences
Authors: Duong Hue Trong , Sirohi Akansha , Baggett Kathleen M.
Published: November 2023

Child corporal punishment (CP) may lead to child physical abuse, which is a public health concern in the United States. The present study examined major risk factors predicting attitudes toward CP among a sample of Black parents ( N = 394), including frequency and valence of experiences of CP during childhood, outcome expectancies of CP, and perceptions of self-efficacy and response efficacy of non-physical discipline strategies. Structural equation modeling results revealed that the indirect associations between CP frequency and attitudes through self-efficacy and response efficacy were moderated by CP valence. Results extend the literature and point to the need for incorporating information about efficacy of evidence-based non-physical discipline strategies into intervention messages targeting prevention of child physical abuse.
Restructuring of Poorly Performing Family-Owned Portfolio Firms: The Role of Socioemotional Wealth
Authors: Palm Marina D. , Diaz-Moriana Vanessa , Kammerlander Nadine
Published: November 2023

How do owners of family firm portfolios restructure poorly performing firms? To answer this question, we conducted an in-depth qualitative case-study analysis of six poorly performing family portfolio firms, on the basis of 39 interviews, 117 pieces of archival data, and observations we gathered over 2 years. Drawing upon the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective and escalation-of-commitment literature, we suggest that family firm owners initially show refraining behaviors toward restructuring their poorly performing portfolio firms. Subsequently, they exhibit escalating behaviors by first investing and then reshuffling assets, to safeguard firm-level SEW. Yet, when retaining these poorly performing firms threatens the existence of the remaining portfolio and, thus, portfolio-level SEW, family firm owners exhibit de-escalating behaviors by divesting. Preferably, they attempt a sale and, when a sale is no longer an option, a liquidation. We developed a model that contributes to a more granular theoretical understanding of the family firm’s restructuring behavior, in the context of portfolio entrepreneurship.
Generating New Musical Preferences From Multilevel Mapping of Predictions to Reward
Authors: Kathios Nicholas , Sachs Matthew E. , Zhang Euan , Ou Yongtian , Loui Psyche
Published: November 2023

Much of what we know and love about music hinges on our ability to make successful predictions, which appears to be an intrinsically rewarding process. Yet the exact process by which learned predictions become pleasurable is unclear. Here we created novel melodies in an alternative scale different from any established musical culture to show how musical preference is generated de novo. Across nine studies ( n = 1,185), adult participants learned to like more frequently presented items that adhered to this rapidly learned structure, suggesting that exposure and prediction errors both affected self-report liking ratings. Learning trajectories varied by music-reward sensitivity but were similar for U.S. and Chinese participants. Furthermore, functional MRI activity in auditory areas reflected prediction errors, whereas functional connectivity between auditory and medial prefrontal regions reflected both exposure and prediction errors. Collectively, results support predictive coding as a cognitive mechanism by which new musical sounds become rewarding.
How different levels of education affect individuals’ attitudes and actions toward carbon neutrality? A novel quantile-on-quantile regression approach
Authors: Ahakwa Isaac , Xu Yi , Tackie Evelyn Agba , Tackie Faustina Korkor , Mangudhla Tinashe , Sarpong Francis Atta
Published: November 2023

Carbon neutrality in the post-COP26 summit becomes a key goal in the fight against climate change, and the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG4, acknowledge the crucial role of education in enhancing both the environment and individual well-being and as a pathway towards attaining other SDGs. Therefore, this paper examines how individuals’ educational levels affect their behavior for realizing carbon neutrality within the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework while employing green energy, green finance, and natural resources as additional variables in the study model. This study utilizes robust econometric techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results, employing data from Ghana from 1990 to 2020. The results confirm that the study variables exhibit stationarity and long-term co-integration. Thus, the novel quantile-on-quantile regression (QQR) technique is utilized to analyze the variables’ relationships evolving throughout various quantile levels so as to offer a more nuanced understanding. The results reveal that secondary and tertiary education are beneficial for achieving carbon neutrality, but primary education alone is insufficient. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that green energy and green finance support the realization of carbon neutrality, while natural resources hinder carbon neutrality realization. Furthermore, the study validates the EKC hypothesis in Ghana. Ultimately, it recommends that authorities invest and prioritize the expansion and quality improvement of secondary and tertiary education in Ghana to accelerate the nation's journey towards carbon neutrality, with due recognition of the need to supplement primary education with a robust higher education system focused on sustainability and environmental studies.
Targeted next-generation sequencing assay to detect 3 Moraxella spp. directly from bovine ocular swabs
Authors: Wilkes Rebecca P. , Kattoor Jobin J. , Weng Hsin-Yi , Anis Eman
Published: November 2023

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is associated with 2 species of Moraxella: M. bovis and M. bovoculi. A third novel Moraxella spp., designated tentatively as M. oculi, has been identified from the eyes of cattle with and without pinkeye. These 3 Moraxella spp. can be found in various combinations within the same clinical sample, making speciation of this genus directly from a sample impossible with Sanger sequencing. Assessing Moraxella diversity found in IBK- and non-IBK–affected cattle eyes, independent of culture, may provide additional information about IBK by avoiding the selectivity bias of culturing. We developed a targeted NGS panel to detect and speciate these 3 Moraxella spp. directly from bovine ocular swabs. Our targeted panel amplifies bacterial essential genes and the 16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer region (ITS) of the 3 Moraxella spp. and speciates based on these sequences. Our panel was able to differentiate the 3 species directly from DNA extracted from 13 swabs (6 from healthy animals, 7 from animals with IBK), and every swab except one (clinically healthy eye) had the 3 Moraxella spp. Targeted NGS with sequencing of Moraxella spp. housekeeping genes appears to be a suitable method for speciation of Moraxella directly from ocular swabs.
StigmaBeat: Collaborating With Rural Young People to Co-Design Films Aimed at Reducing Mental Health Stigma
Authors: Hine Rochelle , Gladstone Brenda , Reupert Andrea , O’Dea Lotti , Cuff Rose , Yates Scott , Silvén Hagström Anneli , McGaw Violette , Foster Kim
Published: November 2023

Little is known about the experience and impact of intersectional stigma experienced by rural young people (15–25 years) who have a parent with mental health challenges. The StigmaBeat project employed a co-design approach to create short films to identify and challenge mental health stigma from the perspective of young people who have experienced this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to describe the co-design methodological approach used in StigmaBeat, as an example of a novel participatory project. We describe one way that co-design can be employed by researchers in collaboration with marginalised young people to produce films aimed at reducing mental health stigma in the community. Through describing the processes undertaken in this project, the opportunities, challenges, and tensions of combining community development methods with research methods will be explored. Co-design with young people is a dynamic and engaging method of collaborative research practice capable of harnessing lived experience expertise to intervene in social issues and redesign or redevelop health services and policies. The participatory approach involved trusting and implementing the suggestions of young people in designing and developing the films and involved creating the physical and social environment to enable this, including embedding creativity, a critical element to the project’s methodological success. Intensive time and resource investment are needed to engage a population that is often marginalised in relation to stigma discourse.
A Discourse of Deviance: Blame, Shame, Stigma and the Social Construction of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Thamm Carla , McCarthy Alexandra L. , Yates Patsy
Published: November 2023

Cancer of the head and neck is a confronting condition, as the disease and its treatments alter the appearance and function of body organs associated with physical appearance and identity. Many of the risk factors for head and neck cancers, including tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus, can also have significant negative social and moral permutations. Language and action (discourse) plays an important role in constructing disease and illness and shape the way it is managed, both institutionally and socially. This research used a critical constructionist lens to investigate how the common discourses surrounding head and neck cancer are constructed within the healthcare context and how this influences patients and healthcare professionals’ responses to the illness. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field noting, journaling and literature reviews. Analysis was guided by a three-dimensional approach to critical discourse analysis that investigated text, discursive practices, and social context. The overarching finding was that deviance dominates the common discourse and shapes head and neck cancer and responses to it. Deviance is channelled through metaphors, adjectives, descriptors, and collective nouns and is made overt through labelling, avoidance, blaming, shame, and categorization. Discourse is contextualized by a sociocultural understanding that when someone deviates from what is perceived as normal, they are devalued. Open dialogue and reflection on head and neck cancer discourse could enable better understanding of how people experience their condition and inform more supportive responses.
Fragility and Resilience: Stories of Recovering From Hip Fractures in the Oldest-Old Age
Authors: Tveit Bodil
Published: November 2023

This study uses a narrative approach to explore the experiences of adults in the oldest stage of old age after they suffered a hip fracture. The focus was on participants’ perceptions and descriptions of the traumatic event, the recovery process, and the impact of the fracture on their lives. The study had a longitudinal design and included interviews with 10 participants (mean age 89) who had suffered hip fractures. Up to three semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the participants (a total of 27 interviews) over a 3-month period. The first interviews were at the hospital, the second at municipal rehabilitation facilities, and the third at the participants’ homes. The material was analysed by means of narrative analysis. The results show how the incident affected the participants’ active and meaningful lives and how they seemed to mobilise their resources and motivation to train and recover to be able to come back home and resume the life they had before the hip fracture. The study provides nuances in the understanding of how a hip fracture can impact lives in old age. The stories emphasise the resources and capacity for resilience elderly people can possess and the importance of listening to the individual life stories, situation, personal goals, and needs when planning services for elderly people recovering from a hip fracture.
Aggressive End-of-Life Treatments Among Inpatients With Cancer and Non-cancer Diseases Using a Japanese National Claims Database
Authors: Togashi Shintaro , Masukawa Kento , Aoyama Maho , Sato Kazuki , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: November 2023

To describe aggressive treatments at end‐of‐life among inpatients with cancer and non-cancer diseases and to evaluate factors associated with these treatments using the Japanese national database (NDB). We conducted a retrospective cohort study among inpatients aged ≥ 20 years who died between 2012 and 2015 using a sampling dataset of NDB. The outcome was the proportion of aggressive treatments in the last 14 days of life. We considered the underlying causes of death as cancer, dementia/senility, and heart, cerebrovascular, renal, liver, respiratory, and neurodegenerative diseases. We analyzed 54,105 inpatients, with underlying cause of death distributed as follows: cancer, 24.9%; heart disease, 16.5%; respiratory disease, 12.3%; and cerebrovascular disease, 9.7%. The proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 9.7%, being the highest in heart disease (20.5%), followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12.6%), and least in dementia/senility (.6%). The proportion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 19.6%, being the highest in heart disease (38.1%), followed by renal diseases (19.5%), and least in cancer (6.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that having heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, younger age, less comorbidities, and shorter length of stay were associated with an increasing risk of aggressive treatments in the last 14 days of life. The proportion of aggressive treatments at the end-of-life varies depending on the disease; additionally, these treatments were associated with having heart diseases, younger age, less comorbidity, and shorter length of stay. Our findings may help develop and set benchmarks for quality indicators at the end‐of‐life for patients with non-cancer diseases.
Transfer of Recalibration in Perceiving Surface Distance With a Haptic Sensory Substitution Device
Authors: Duffrin Tyler , Wagman Jeffrey B.
Published: November 2023

Studies have shown that, to a large extent, performance of a given perceptual task is independent of the specific sensitivities of the anatomical components used to perform that task. Consequently, the object of calibration—what it is that people become calibrated to when performing a given perceptual task—may be likewise independent of the specific sensitivities of the anatomical components used to perform that task. The experiment reported here used a transfer of calibration paradigm to investigate this hypothesis as well as the more specific hypothesis that the object of calibration is independent of the sensitivity of a given anatomical component to the particulars of a given energy form. In a pretest and posttest, participants perceived the distance of an occluded surface by two different modalities—by exploring that surface with a wooden rod and by doing so with and Enactive Torch, a vibrotactile sensory-substitution device. In a practice session, we manipulated which modality participants used to perform this task (Rod or Enactive Torch) and whether feedback about performance was provided. We found that, when feedback was provided during the practice session, recalibration of perception of surface distance transferred from the rod to the Enactive Torch, and vice versa. This pattern of results is consistent with the hypothesis that the object of calibration in this perceptual task is (potentially) independent of the particular form of mechanical energy generated when exploring the surface.
Family Functioning and Strengths in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhuzimi Talal E.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family functioning and strengths in the context of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 300 parents of a child with ASD completed a self-report questionnaire, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES IV), Family Communication Scale (FCS), Family Satisfaction Scale (FSS), and Family Strengths Scale, to measure different balanced and unbalanced aspects of family cohesion and flexibility, family communication skills, extent of satisfaction with family functioning, and the accord and pride facets of family strength. The data were analyzed using independent sample t-test, F-test, and ANOVA. The severity of child's ASD symptoms and age of the child when diagnosed with ASD had a significant effect on a family's cohesion and flexibility, communication, and accord. The parents’ years of marriage and annual income also had a significant effect on cohesion, flexibility, communication, and family strengths. Contributions of the study, limitations, and implications for future research and practice are provided.
Adipocytic Differentiation in a Sertoli Cell Tumor
Authors: Molina Jordan , Dabaja Ali , Gupta Nilesh , Alruwaii Fatimah I. , Hassan Oudai , Al-Obaidy Khaleel I.
Published: November 2023

Testicular sex cord-stromal tumors are clonal neoplasms, with the majority being of Leydig cell followed by Sertoli cell origins. In Leydig cell tumors, adipocytic differentiation has been previously reported as a possible distinguishing feature, which has not been reported in other sex cord-stromal tumors. Herein, we report a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with an incidentally discovered 1.1 cm testicular mass, for which he underwent partial orchiectomy. Microscopically, the tumor showed features consistent with sex cord-stromal tumor with strong and diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic reaction for B-catenin immunohistochemistry, supporting the diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumor. A novel adipocytic differentiation, reported previously in Leydig cell tumors, was present in this tumor.
Do Risk Factors for Incapacitated and Other Sexual Assault Differ for Black and White College Women? A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Wiseblatt Aria F. , Testa Maria , Read Jennifer P.
Published: November 2023

Heavy episodic drinking (HED) and hookups are risk factors for college women's sexual assault (SA). Black women engage in these behaviors less frequently than White women. We prospectively examined HED and hookups as mechanisms of incapacitated SA (ISA) and other SA (OSA) risks for Black and White first-year college women and sociocontextual factors that may contribute differentially to risk. In mediation analyses, Black women's less frequent HED predicted lower ISA. SA characteristics (e.g., setting) also differed by race. Mechanisms and types of assault risk may not be the same for all college women, an important consideration for intervention efforts.
Revenue Decentralization and the Probability of a Fiscal Crisis: Is There a Tipping Point for Adverse Effects?
Authors: Nakatani Ryota
Published: November 2023

Does government revenue decentralization affect the probability of a fiscal crisis? Is there a tipping point where revenue decentralization worsens the probability of a fiscal crisis? To answer these questions, we use cross-country panel data on 66 countries from 1982 to 2019. The binary choice models show that revenue decentralization is positively associated with crisis probability when countries exceed a certain threshold of decentralization. When more than approximately 16 percent of general government revenue is decentralized to local governments, this adverse effect of revenue decentralization occurs. This is consistent with the recent theoretical prediction that tax revenue collection efforts weaken as the government decentralizes revenue more. The adverse effects of revenue decentralization are large in low-income countries. Our finding implies the benefits of revenue centralization, such as economies of scale for revenue agencies, eliminating externalities due to tax competition, and the intergovernmental insurance role of federal transfers against local shocks.
Detection of Inflammatory Biomarker suPAR in COVID-19 Disease With CHORUS TRIO Instrument
Authors: Helena Cerutti , Giulia Tesi , Alessandra Cartocci , Roberto Guerranti , Caterina Silvestrini , Sabrina Gori , Simone Bianciardi , Tommaso Bandini , Alessandra Brogi , Roberto Leoncini
Published: November 2023

Background:

Deregulation in the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPA/uPAR) system is reported in many diseases where the immune system is activated. During SARS-CoV-2 infection, a rise in soluble uPAR (suPAR) levels has been detected and its concentration above 6 µg/L predicts worsening to severe respiratory failure 14 days earlier, with a positive predictive value of 85.9%, and was the prerequisite for a treatment with anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist that blocks the activity of both IL-1α and IL-1β.

Objectives:

To compare suPAR concentrations measured by CHORUS suPAR on CHORUS TRIO instrument of DIESSE with the commercially available suPARnostic (ViroGates) ELISA assay.

Design:

A single-centre, non-pharmacological, diagnostic study was performed.

Results:

A total of 522 serum samples from patients with COVID-19 were tested for suPAR. CHORUS suPAR resulted accurate and reliable, with a high grade of specificity (97.9%), accuracy (97.3%) and sensitivity (96.9%). The median concentration of suPAR, as determined with CHORUS suPAR, was 6.8 µg/L (interquartile range 4.5-9.7) in patients with moderate disease (n = 465) and 8.5 µg/L (interquartile range 5.4-10.6) in patients with severe disease. Among patients with moderate and severe disease, 60.6% and 71.9%, respectively, reached the cut-off concentration of suPAR ⩾6 µg/L, defining their illness severity and suggesting eligibility to anakinra treatment.

Conclusion:

CHORUS suPAR kit resulted as sensitive, specific, accurate and able to quantify suPAR concentrations in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19.
Chitosan-Based Biostimulation: A Novel Approach for Simultaneous Remediation of Co-Existing Cadmium and Arsenic Contamination in Soil
Authors: Ullah Sajid , Hayat Kashif , Qiao Xiuchen
Published: November 2023

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) are both potentially toxic heavy metals (HMs) found ubiquitously in the environment. These HMs are prevalent in soil due to natural occurrences or anthropogenic activities. Co-contamination of Cd and As in soil is a major concern for plant and human health as well as ecosystem sustainability due to their hazardous properties. Therefore, a global imperative is developing improved technologies for managing and remediating soil co-contaminated with Cd and As. One effective solution for remediating Cd/As co-contaminated soil involves the utilization of natural biopolymers and biostimulants, such as chitosan (CS). CS offers distinct advantages, including its ready availability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness when compared to alternative adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism of CS and CS-based adsorbents for Cd and As primarily relies on electrostatic attraction, complexation, and ion exchange. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of Cd and As co-contamination in soil, elucidating their sources, distribution patterns, exposure pathways, and the prospective remediation approaches employing CS biostimulants and CS-based adsorbents. Furthermore, it summarizes recent studies investigating the adsorption of Cd/As by CS, the factors influencing the adsorption efficiency and the challenges associated with the utilization of CS and CS-based adsorbents. In conclusion, the review underscores the need for further research to concurrently remediate Cd and As co-contaminated soil, enhance the adsorption efficiency of CS and CS-based composites, and broaden their practical applicability for remediating co-contaminated soils.
Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness Among Selected Tertiary Students in the Accra Metropolis on Zoonotic Infections
Authors: Barimah Antwi Joseph , Ofosua Tweneboah Yvonne , Addo Henry Ofosu , Agbomadzi Samuella Klenam , David Adom-Brobbey , Agyei Stephen Boakye , Eric Anin Amoateng
Published: November 2023

Background:

Zoonotic infections are a serious threat to human health and a direct risk that could potentially be fatal. Animals both domestic and wild serve as reservoirs for zoonotic infections. Thus, frequent contact with animals might occasionally result in the transfer of infections from animals to people. Ghana is especially susceptible to the effects of zoonotic infections due to the increase in the household human-animal ratio. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge level of tertiary students in a selected tertiary institution on zoonotic infections.

Methods:

A quantitative research method was employed making use of a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The target population chosen for the research was mainly students from the University of Ghana. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting participants for the study. 440 participants were selected for the study. The university’s four primary colleges served as the strata for the basis of data collection.

Results:

The study revealed a moderate knowledge level among students. The term “zoonoses” was understood by the majority (70%) of the respondents. Respondents knew at least one route of transmission of zoonotic infection. For the spread of zoonotic infections, close contact with infected animals and consumption of contaminated food were seen as ways of spread by a majority.

Conclusion:

Although the basic strategies required for the control and elimination of the zoonotic diseases in such tertiary institutions are well known and practiced as per the study findings, zoonoses still persists and this can be attributed to low education on the subject. Knowledge and awareness level on zoonoses especially in tertiary institutions such as the University of Ghana could be improved if relevant authorities create adequate enlightenment programs on improving the knowledge of zoonotic diseases through a variety of media including seminars, workshop, television, radio, newspaper and social media.
Vihara: The Making of Social Space for the Chinese and Malay Communities in Pekan Labuhan
Authors: Siagian Morida
Published: November 2023

This article describes the creation of social space in the historical area of Pekan Labuhan of two ethnic groups, Chinese and Malay. The existence of two viharas (Chinese monasteries), Siu San Keng and Liat Sim Kong, and a row of Chinese-style shophouses were some of their heritage sites in Pekan Labuhan. The social relations between the Chinese and the Malay communities became strained after the political developments. Eventually, for their respective interests, the two ethnicities found ways to interact harmoniously. The viharas have turned into a social space that restores the harmonious relations between the two communities. At the same time, the viharas became a tool of struggle, where the Chinese’s interests in security and existence and the Malay’s need for living space were brought together.
Leonardo da Vinci's studies of rolling-element, disc and sector bearings
Authors: Hutchings Ian M
Published: November 2023

The notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) represent a unique source of information on Renaissance technology. They contain numerous references to tribological topics, including designs for bearings based either on rolling elements on axles (disc, cone, and sector bearings) or on freely rolling balls, cones or rollers. This paper provides the first comprehensive study of this material and its context, based on all of Leonardo's surviving manuscripts. While some of his bearing designs (such as the use of sector bearings to support bells) were clearly based on pre-existing technology, he showed a deep understanding of the principles behind them and remarkable ingenuity in developing them further. In some cases, however, these developments suffered from intrinsic defects or were completely impractical for other reasons. Although roller bearings pre-dated the work of Leonardo, the concept of using freely rolling balls in axial bearings appears to have originated with him.
Transcending “flexible time”: Platform labor in the Chinese food delivery industry and its temporal politics
Authors: Shu Kairong , Liu Hailong , Dong Chenyu
Published: November 2023

“Flexible time” as a myth in platform labor has been destructed by critical media scholars. However, while previous studies have answered the question of what platform time “isn’t,” most failed to go further in analyzing what “it is.” Based on the 6-month fieldwork, this study aims to re-construct the temporal politics of platform labor in the online food delivery industry in China. Specifically, we employ an inherently relational perspective to analyze three differential temporal themes constructed by heterogeneous actors, namely the “daily time” by third-party subcontractor, “event time” by platform, and “poaching time” by rider. In the investigation of multiple temporalities, this article also uncovers the asymmetrical “relational balancing” among heterogeneous actors in platform labor.
Modular self-lock origami: Design, modeling, and simulation to improve the performance of a rotational joint
Authors: Zare Samira , Spaeth Alex , Suresh Sandya , Teodorescu Mircea
Published: November 2023

Origami structures have been widely explored in robotics due to their many potential advantages. Origami robots can be very compact, as well as cheap and efficient to produce. In particular, they can be constructed in a flat format using modern manufacturing techniques. Rotational motion is essential for robotics, and a variety of origami rotational joints have been proposed in the literature. However, few of these are even approximately flat-foldable. One potential enabler of flat origami rotational joints is the inclusion of lightweight pneumatic pouches which actuate the origami’s folds; however, pouch actuators only enable a relatively small amount of rotational displacement. The previously proposed four-vertex origami is a flat-foldable structure that provides an angular multiplier for a pouch actuator, but suffers from a degenerate state. This paper presents a novel rigid origami, the self-lock origami, which eliminates this degeneracy by slightly relaxing the assumption of flat-foldability. It includes the earwig wing-inspired origami pattern with inextensible and flexible components. This joint is analyzed in terms of a trade-off between the angular multiplier and the mechanical advantage. Furthermore, the self-lock origami is a modular joint that can be connected to similar or different joints to produce complex movements for various applications; three different manipulator designs are introduced as a proof of concept.
Roundtable discussion: World-culture and social reproduction feminism
Authors: Houlden Kate , Rushton Amy , Marte-Wood Alden Sajor , Sánchez Russo Daniella , Varma Rashmi
Published: November 2023

This dialogic roundtable discussion elaborates the possibilities opened up by the use of social reproduction theory in intersection with world-literary, materialist feminist, queer Marxist and world-systems approaches to literature and culture. In particular, contributors consider how the analysis of social reproduction might illuminate the politics of everyday life, the representational challenges accompanying the banality or ubiquity of women's work, the potential gaps of social reproduction feminism, and the aesthetic challenges accompanying or following from an interest in social reproduction. Topics covered include digital media as foundational operating mode of Hindu nationalism, the sexuality- and race-based exclusions of employment in higher education, Philippine literature as ‘reproductive fiction’, the Latin American novel vis-à-vis its registration of domestic service, the short story as bellwether for global issues surrounding women’s labour, and questions of complicity in the kinds of labour some women and sexual minorities enact for larger authoritarian, patriarchal projects. If women do much of the work of producing the everyday then we must also ask how women might re-make the everyday along more radical, and radically egalitarian lines.
Handling the Inconsistency between Self-Report and the Actual Behavior: Validity of Excluding Survey Participants with Insufficient Effort Responding
Authors: Takeuchi Makito , Niimi Junichiro , Hoshino Takahiro
Published: November 2023

In this study, we aimed to understand and reduce the difference between self-report in a survey and the actual behavior. Thus, we investigated whether such a difference was caused by participants who engaged in insufficient effort responding (IER), which has been receiving increasing research attention. We collected and analyzed data of actual and self-reported smartphone game usage from behavior logs and survey responses including the items associated with the IER scale, respectively. The results confirmed a strong tendency of overreporting and low correlations between the behavior log and survey responses for IER participants. Although the distributions of survey responses differed between IER participants and others, those of the behavior log did not. In conclusion, when IER participants are excluded, the difference between the behavior log and survey responses reduces, but the distribution of the actual behavior remains the same without selection bias.
A culturally and linguistically tailored Community-Engaged Dementia Education Program (CEDEP) for the Houston Vietnamese American community
Authors: Miyawaki Christina E. , McClellan Angela , Nguyen Kim N. , Ho Tuong-Vi
Published: November 2023

Data from the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey (VACS) showed the high prevalence of disability, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment in older Vietnamese immigrants and refugees. We proposed a Community-Engaged Dementia Education Program to examine the Houston Vietnamese American community’s literacy on dementia and develop a one-pager educational material. This is a cross-sectional, qualitative study (interviews and focus groups) using the Cultural Exchange Model as a conceptual framework. We interviewed fourteen Vietnamese key informants and assessed the community’s knowledge of dementia based on Edwards’ 9-stage Community Readiness Model. The community’s low literacy on dementia (Stages 2–3: Denial/resistance to vague awareness) was revealed. Approaches to introducing dementia conversations to the community and what to include in the one-pager were discussed. Based on the key informants’ insight, we developed a dementia one-pager tailored to the community by using lay language with a representative image of the target population, indicating warning signs of dementia, and encouraging them to see their doctors for cognitive check-ups. The plan for the next steps includes utilizing the local ethnic media, collaborating with the existing pillars of the Cultural Exchange model, leveraging the university students’ learning opportunities, and disseminating the culturally and linguistically tailored one-pager.
Making Psychological Literacy an Integral Part of the Psychology Bachelor Curriculum: Exploring Teacher Experiences and Student Views
Authors: Tick Nouchka T. , Rijkelijkhuizen Dominique N. J. , van der Smagt Maarten J.
Published: November 2023

To promote psychological literacy (PL) in our bachelor psychology teaching, over recent years we have implemented various modifications to our curriculum at the Utrecht University psychology bachelor program, with a focus on the societal application of psychology knowledge. To support psychology programs around the world in integrating PL in their curriculum, knowledge about experiences may offer valuable suggestions for future initiatives. We therefore aim to share our experiences in implementing PL-related courses in our curriculum. We systematically explored teachers’ and students’ views and experiences, using course evaluations and questionnaires. Results showed that both teachers and students value PL as a learning objective for psychology teaching. However, they were often unaware of these learning objectives (students) or felt not enough attention was being paid to them (teachers). Teachers encountered several obstacles while integrating PL in their teaching, relating to aspects such as a lack of an explicit focus on these objectives, and felt ability. Teachers offer valuable suggestions related to being explicit about definition and goals, implementing learning trajectories, and training teachers. We discuss the main practical considerations and highlight issues of motivation and assessment that may guide future research in this area.
How clinicians can respond when family members question a proxy/surrogate's judgment and decisional capacity
Authors: Calon Gregoire , Drabiak Katherine
Published: November 2023

Many state laws specify procedures for determining surrogate or proxy decision-makers for end-of-life care in the absence of an advance directive, living will, or other designation. Some laws also set forth criteria that the decision-maker must follow when making medical decisions for an incapacitated patient and determining whether to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. This article provides analysis of a medical ethics case on the question of how to address family allegations that the proxy decision-maker suffers from dementia and is unable to make decisions for the patient. Cases such as this involve interwoven legal and ethical considerations including: how to address concerns that the proxy is making questionable or unreasonable decisions, how to evaluate the proxy's decisional capacity, strategies for enhancing communication, and standards for removing a proxy. This article suggests that “surrogacy ladders” in state law serve not only as a procedural mechanism, but also protect important ethical values such as tiers of moral authority for decision-making, relational autonomy, and privacy.
Thermomechanical devulcanization of butyl rubber using twin-screw extruder: Process parameters, viscoelastic and compatibility properties
Authors: Parsamanesh Maryam , Abbassi-Sourki Foroud , Karrabi Mohammad , Soltani Sedigheh
Published: November 2023

Thermomechanical devulcanization of butyl rubber (BR1), bromobutyl rubber (BR2) vulcanizates, both prepared in laboratory, and a waste commercial butyl rubber (BR3) using a twin-screw extruder is reported. The commercial butyl rubber vulcanizate (BR3) was used as a tire curing bladder and the waste rubber received from a tire manufacturing company. The devulcanization process was carried out at various barrel temperatures and screw speeds (40, 80 and 120 r/min). The lowest sol fraction was obtained for devulcanized waste commercial butyl rubber (D-BR3). According to Horikx theory, devulcanized butyl rubber (D-BR1) presented mainly crosslink breakup while devulcanized bromobutyl rubber (D-BR2) and devulcanized waste commercial butyl rubber (D-BR3) showed a mixture of main chain and crosslink scission. As cure rheographs at 190°C indicated, the addition of devulcanized rubbers to the corresponding virgin ones influenced both scorch and optimal cure times. The tensile properties of devulcanized/virgin rubber blends changed depending on the blend type and virgin rubber. The stress relaxation experiment revealed that the addition of devulcanized rubber to virgin one mostly influenced short relaxation times and also decreased G0. BR1/D-BR3 blends exhibited higher elastic component than BR1/D-BR1 and BR2/D-BR2 samples. The Han plots revealed higher compatibility for BR2/D-BR2 blends.