bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Property Rights, Moral Extensionism and the Wise-Use Movement: A Rawlsian Analysis
Authors: Reitan Eric
Published: June 2023

Efforts to protect endangered species by regulating the use of privately owned lands are routinely resisted by appeal to the private property rights of landowners. Recently, the ‘wise-use’ movement has emerged as a primary representative of these landowners’ claims. In addressing the issues raised by the wise-use movement and others like them, legal scholars and philosophers have typically examined the scope of private property rights and the extent to which these rights should influence public policy decisions when weighed against other moral considerations. Whether from an anthropocentric standpoint or from a perspective of moral extensionism, the key question seems to be the extent to which prima facie property rights are overridden by other moral interests, not whether such rights claims can reasonably be appealed to at all in public discussions of environmental justice. I argue, however, that a morally extensionist perspective not only introduces more potential defeaters of prima facie property rights, but actually strips appeals to private property rights of their moral significance. Hence, I argue on Rawlsian grounds that appealing to private property rights in the way that the wise-use movement does is unreasonable in a pluralistic society. In so doing, I show that a Rawlsian perspective may be more congenial to the interests of moral extensionists than is typically thought.
Whether HIV Discordance Among Couples Is Getting Altered Due to the Changing Discourseof the HIV Epidemic in India? Evidence fromTwo Rounds of National Family Health Survey
Authors: Singh S. K. , Siddhanta Ankita
Published: June 2023

This article aims to analyse the role of dual challenges in the HIV epidemic in India, especially in the context of the criticality of the emerging epidemic, in altering the HIV discordance among couples. Analysis of the evidence from two rounds of community-based HIV testing (NFHS-3&4) portrays that coverage of HIV testing in India has remarkably increased (91%) over the last decade. Although the overall prevalence of HIV in the country has declined, a noticeable decline can be found only among the males. The percentage of HIV concordant among couples in India remains unchanged (0.11%). Whereas, HIV prevalence among the couples where only the male partner is HIV positive has declined to 0.17% in NFHS-4 from 0.32% in NFHS-3. On the other hand, among couples where only the woman is HIV positive, the prevalence has increased. This shows that Indian women are in a disadvantageous position, and the gender difference in new infections is narrowing down. Thus, it can be said that the emerging HIV epidemic is altering the HIV discordance among couples in India, which poses the need to effectively and rapidly refine the HIV prevention strategies to target the sub-typologies and vulnerabilities.
Unveiling the Role of Structural, Relational and Cognitive Social Capital Dimension in Explaining Female Business Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention in Small Island Developing States: The Maldives
Authors: Hassan Shahid , Poon Wai Chuen , Alisa Ibiwani
Published: June 2023

Female entrepreneurship has emerged as a matter of concern in recent years, making a significant contribution towards economic development, job creation and uplifting communities. However, the interplay and nuances of female entrepreneurship and social capital are currently understudied. In context of small island developing states, the present study investigates the role of structural social capital (SSC), relational social capital (RSC) and cognitive social capital (CSC) in shaping female cognitive mechanism which leads to entrepreneurial intention (EI) in Maldives. A total of 325 responses from ten tertiary educational institutions in Maldives were collected and subsequently analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The data subject to revealed that SSC and CSC play an important role in promoting female attitudes towards entrepreneurship (ATE), perceived subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC), while RSC only promotes female ATE and SN, but it negatively affects females’ PBC. These findings provide policymakers and ecosystem players with important insights into social capital, highlighting the need for role models and mentorship in formulating the right environment for women entrepreneurs in Maldives. This study argues for the need to integrate the influence of social capital on female EI.
Physical and Chemical Compatibility of Medications Commonly Used in Critically Ill Patients With Balanced Crystalloids: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buckley Christopher T. , Farrar Julie E. , Schleicher Mary , Stollings Joanna L. , Duggal Abhijit , Bauer Seth R.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Evaluate available evidence of physical and/or chemical compatibility of commonly used medications in critically ill patients with balanced crystalloids.

Data sources:

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried from inception to September 2022.

Study selection and data extraction:

This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. English-language studies reporting physical and/or chemical compatibility data between 50 selected medications and balanced crystalloids were included. A previously designed tool to assess risk of bias was adapted for use.

Data synthesis:

Twenty-nine studies encompassing 39 (78%) medications and 188 unique combinations with balanced crystalloids were included. Combinations included 35 (70%) medications with lactated Ringer’s, 26 (52%) medications with Plasma-Lyte, 10 (20%) medications with Normosol, and one (2%) medication with Isolyte. Studies commonly evaluated physical and chemical compatibility (55.2%). More medications were evaluated via Y-site than admixture. Incompatibilities were identified in 18% of combinations comprising 13 individual drugs.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice:

This systematic review evaluates the compatibility of select critical care medications with balanced crystalloid solutions. Results may be used as a tool to guide clinicians on balanced crystalloid compatibility, potentially increasing ubiquitous use and reducing patient exposure to normal saline.

Conclusion and relevance:

Data are limited regarding chemical/physical compatibility of commonly used medications in critically ill patients with balanced crystalloids. Additional compatibility studies are warranted, particularly methodologically rigorous studies assessing Plasma-Lyte, Normosol, and Isolyte. Of the evaluated medications, there was a low frequency of incompatibilities with balanced crystalloids.
Hierarchical Interactions and Compliance in Comparative Courts
Authors: Masood Ali S. , Bowie Jennifer
Published: June 2023

Given their place within the judicial hierarchy, judges on lower courts face a complex array of challenges including heavy caseloads, mandatory dockets, and the threat of Supreme Court reversal. Despite the extensive scholarship on the American courts, little is known about judicial interactions in comparative contexts. We articulate and evaluate a framework for lower court adherence to Supreme Court precedents by leveraging a cross-national design in three countries—Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States—with similar systems but meaningful institutional variability. We find that the mechanisms promulgating adherence to Supreme Court precedents do not substantially vary across design or institutional context. Instead, our results demonstrate that legal factors exert a consistent, homogeneous effect on lower court compliance across judicial systems. Our work offers new and important implications for studies on law and courts and comparative institutions, more broadly.
The Prognostic Significance of Nomogram-Based Pretreatment Inflammatory Indicators in Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Receiving Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Xu Zhiyang , Ke Hongqian , Zheng Binglin , Lin Chuyan , Zhang Yiping , Wang Liyan , Lin Yu , Ye Yuling , Cai Lifang , You Mengxing , Chen Junqiang , Xu Yuanji
Published: June 2023

Background

At present, there is no objective prognostic index available for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). This study is to develop a nomogram based on hematologic inflammatory indices for ESCC patients treated with IMRT.

Methods

581 patients with ESCC receiving definitive IMRT were enrolled in our retrospective study. Of which, 434 patients with treatment-naïve ESCC in Fujian Cancer Hospital were defined as the training cohort. Additional 147 newly diagnosed ESCC patients were used as the validation cohort. Independent predictors of overall survival (OS) were employed to establish a nomogram model. The predictive ability was evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, the concordance index (C-index), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical benefits of the nomogram model. The entire series was divided into 3 risk subgroups stratified by the total nomogram scores.

Results

Clinical TNM staging, primary gross tumor volume, chemotherapy, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio were independent predictors of OS. Nomogram was developed incorporating these factors. Compared with the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, the C-index for 5-year OS (.627 and .629) and the AUC value of 5-year OS (.706 and .719) in the training and validation cohorts (respectively) were superior. Furthermore, the nomogram model presented higher NRI and IDI. DCA also demonstrated that the nomogram model provided greater clinical benefit. Finally, patients with <84.8, 84.8-151.4, and >151.4 points were categorized into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups. Their 5-year OS rates were 44.0%, 23.6%, and 8.9%, respectively. The C-index was .625, which was higher than the 8th AJCC staging.

Conclusions

We have developed a nomogram model that enables risk-stratification of patients with ESCC receiving definitive IMRT. Our findings may serve as a reference for personalized treatment.
Strategies Used by Home Health Care Professionals Working With Older Adults to Navigate the Institutional Context: An Integrative Review
Authors: Ethier Alexandra , Carrier Annie , Dubois Marie-France
Published: June 2023

To respond to the needs of home healthcare (HHC) patients, HHC professionals must use strategies to navigate the influence of the institutional context, that is, laws and regulations, the administration, and the organization of HHC services. However, no synthesis of those strategies exists. This review aimed to synthesize the strategies used by HHC professionals working with older adults to navigate the institutional context. An integrative review was undertaken in 5 databases, from 2011 to January 2023. The quality of documents was assessed based on an adapted version of the Critical Review Form—Qualitative Studies (Version 2.0) in which a score was calculated out of 25, and data was analyzed through coding, data display and comparison. Thirteen documents were included. The quality of studies ranged from 13 to 21.75. Strategies are often used to overcome limited resources (e.g., time, funding). Six types of strategies were identified: Deviating (bypassing rules or processes), taking on more and more (taking additional work), offering one’s personal time (working without remuneration), reallocating resources (splitting HHC services between patients), limiting HHC visits (restricting interventions or actions) and relying on others (transferring responsibilities). The use of strategies could alleviate the discomfort felt by HHC professionals due to limited resources. However, as some strategies lead to a reduced scope of practice and to a loss of expertise, this could impede the quality of the care, resulting in non-responded needs for HHC patients.
Plastid DNA Barcoding and RtActin cDNA Fragment Isolation of Reutealis Trisperma: A Promising Bioresource for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Jadid Nurul , Rosidah Nur Laili Alfina , Ramadani Muhammad Rifqi Nur , Prasetyowati Indah , Sa’adah Noor Nailis , Widodo Aulia Febrianti , Oktafitria Dwi
Published: June 2023

Reutealis trisperma belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae is currently used for biodiesel production, and rapid development in plant-based biofuel production has led to its increasing demand. However, massive utilization of bio-industrial plants has led to conservation issues. Moreover, genetic information on R trisperma is still limited, which is crucial for developmental, physiological, and molecular studies. Studying gene expression is essential to explain plant physiological processes. Nonetheless, this technique requires sensitive and precise measurement of messenger RNA (mRNA). In addition, the presence of internal control genes is important to avoid bias. Therefore, collecting and preserving genetic data for R trisperma is indispensable. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the application of plastid loci, rbcL, and matK, to the DNA barcode of R trisperma for use in conservation programs. In addition, we isolated and cloned the RtActin ( RtACT) gene fragment for use in gene expression studies. Sequence information was analyzed in silico by comparison with other Euphorbiaceae plants. For actin fragment isolation, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used. Molecular cloning of RtActin was performed using the pTA2 plasmid before sequencing. We successfully isolated and cloned 592 and 840 bp of RtrbcL and RtmatK fragment genes, respectively. The RtrbcL barcoding marker, rather than the RtmatK plastidial marker, provided discriminative molecular phylogenetic data for R Trisperma. We also isolated 986 bp of RtACT gene fragments. Our phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that R trisperma is closely related to the Vernicia fordii Actin gene (97% identity). Our results suggest that RtrbcL could be further developed and used as a barcoding marker for R trisperma. Moreover, the RtACT gene could be further investigated for use in gene expression studies of plant.
Investigating language transfer from a usage-based perspective
Authors: Barking Marie , Mos Maria , Backus Ad
Published: June 2023

Aims and objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate language contact from a usage-based perspective. In particular, we test the explanatory power of a schematicity continuum, one of the central assumptions within usage-based approaches, in regard to these contact effects. In doing so, we aim to better understand how schematicity influences language transfer as well as learn more about the cognitive mechanism of schematicity itself.

Design:

The empirical focus of this study is on native German speakers living in the Netherlands who tend to experience a lot of language transfer from their second language Dutch to their native language German. The experiment consists of a production task containing constructions that differ in regard to their potential level of schematicity (i.e., lexically specific, partially schematic, fully schematic) and in the type of transfer that they might trigger (i.e., covert and overt transfer).

Data and analysis:

We compare production data of native German speakers living in the Netherlands ( N = 60) with those of a control group of speakers not in contact with Dutch ( N = 60), to establish whether the language use of these two groups differs. In addition, we analyze both speaker and item variation for the different constructions.

Findings/conclusions:

The speakers with Dutch contact show a number of contact effects, such as covert and overt transfer as well as hypercorrection regarding the use of certain constructions.

Originality:

The variation analysis reveals individual differences in how speakers use the different constructions. Some of these differences can be attributed to their mental levels of schematicity.

Significance/implications:

The study shows that transfer depends on schematicity. In doing so, it provides direct evidence for different levels of schematicity in speakers’ mental representations, demonstrating the usefulness of studying cognitive mechanisms within a language contact setting.
Being Tried and Sentenced as an Adult: Amplifying Voices of Transferred Juveniles
Authors: Jaspers Yana , Christiaens Jenneke , Nuytiens An
Published: June 2023

This article analyses the qualitative findings of doctoral research on a sample of 210 young offenders who were transferred to Adult Court in 1999, 2000 and 2001. The results give an insight into the impact of juvenile transfer on a specific subgroup of participants, now aged between 30 and 40 years, allowing a critical evaluation of their pathways into adulthood. Drawing on the life stories of 17 young adults from a cohort of transferred juveniles who were still in prison at the time, we focus on their lived experiences of the decision to transfer them from the juvenile justice system and its impact on their lives. The findings support the idea that transfer, and its experienced ‘collateral’ effects, contributes to an escalating trajectory of judicial contacts; a view echoed by the transferred participants themselves. We present and discuss three main findings that offer important insights to extend the understandings of patterns of reoffending and involvement in the criminal justice system: (1) the impact of the first detention in an adult prison (as a consequence of the juvenile transfer), (2) a fatalistic attitude towards the future and (3) the unanticipated impact of family on views on re-offending.
The spatially uneven effects of a desegregation education policy
Authors: Bonal Xavier , González Motos Sheila
Published: June 2023

The spatial, institutional and social configurations of school supply and demand are crucial aspects in understanding the various mechanisms of production and reproduction of socio-spatial inequalities in education. The same policy instruments may have different effects depending on the characteristics of local education markets and the dynamics of supply and demand in each of them. This article investigates how a policy designed to reduce school segregation in the city of Barcelona resulted in uneven effects in different catchment areas of the city, which are socially and educationally diverse. By comparing the effects of the same policy strategy in different territories, the article identifies four mechanisms that mediate and occasionally prevent the effectiveness of the policy instruments or their implementation procedures. Identifying these mechanisms is an important and necessary task when reviewing the existing policy design and adapting it to the particularities of local education markets.
Examination of air flow characteristics over an open rectangular cavity between the plates
Authors: Goktepeli Ilker , Atmaca Ulas
Published: June 2023

Air flow characteristics of an open cavity have been numerically examined by using different turbulence models of Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), k-ε Realizable, k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) based on an experimental study of open literature. Numerical results of transient analyses have been compared to experimental results at cavity length-based Reynolds number of Re = 4600. Pressure distributions, streamline patterns, streamwise velocity components, mean velocity values and their vectors have been given in terms of contour graphics. Moreover, velocity profiles have been presented. Pressure fluctuations have been triggered by flow separation and its reattachment. Due to upstream separation of boundary layer, there was curved boundary layer obtained between the outer potential-flow-like and the recirculation zones. As a result, negative velocity values are evidence for rotational flows affected by formation of secondary flows in the cavity. Furthermore, lower pressure region has been observed as a result of rotational flow which was powerful in the open cavity. Numerical results of DES and LES turbulence models are in good agreement with the results of reference study. As the numerical results obtained by LES turbulence model are approximately same with those of experimental reference study, LES turbulence model is mostly recommended. As an option to these turbulence models, k-ω SST model could be utilized for limited computer capacity. However, k-ε Realizable model is not sufficient for capturing rotational flows which are very effective in terms of present case.
Associations of Telomere Length and Change With Cognitive Decline Were Modified by Sex and Race: The REGARDS Study
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yang Keming , Nan Hongmei , Unverzagt Frederick , McClure Leslie A. , Irvin Marguerite R. , Judd Suzanne , Cushman Mary , Kamin Mukaz Debora , Klaunig James E. , D'Alton Mary E. , Kahe Ka
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We examined the associations of baseline telomere length (TL) and TL change with cognitive function over time in older US adults, as well as differences by sex and race.

Methods

A total of 1820 cognitively healthy individuals (median baseline age: 63 years) were included. Telomere length was measured using qPCR-based method at baseline and among 614 participants in the follow-up examination 10 years later. Cognitive function was assessed by a four-test battery every 2 years.

Results

In multivariable-adjusted linear mixed models, longer baseline TL and smaller attrition/lengthening of TL over time were associated with better Animal Fluency Test score. Longer baseline TL was also linearly associated with better Letter Fluency Test score. The observed associations were consistently more pronounced in women than men and in Black compared to White participants.

Discussion

Telomere length may be a biomarker that predicts long-term verbal fluency and executive function, particularly in women and Black Americans.
Men’s Experiences With Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Their Encounters With Health Professionals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pihl Eva Vibeke Kofoed , Hansen Louise Søgaard , Bjerregaard Anne-Louise , Iversen Peter Bindslev , Thualagant Nicole
Published: June 2023

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise globally, and previous research has identified gender as one known risk factor for developing this disease. Gender has also been reported to affect patients’ experiences of managing type 2 diabetes. However, little is known of men’s specific experiences with type 2 diabetes, as research with a gendered focus has concentrated more on women’s experiences with the disease. This scoping review explores how research has addressed men’s experiences of managing type 2 diabetes and their encounters with health professionals. The review consists of an iterative process, involving six steps: identification of the research questions, identification of relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, collating and summarizing results, and consultation with external stakeholders. Through the process, 28 publications were identified, which indicate a gap in research on patients’ experiences with type 2 diabetes. The majority of the identified studies focuses on men from an ethnic minority due to their poorer health outcomes. However, a knowledge gap regarding men belonging to an ethnic or racial majority warrants further attention, as studies indicate that men who share similar social economic status face similar barriers to improving the management of type 2 diabetes. There is little discussion of how the gendered dynamics in encounters between patients and health professionals affect the management of type 2 diabetes. This review suggests a need for further research that explores how practices of masculinities, that is, the normative practices guiding men’s behavior, intersect with men’s experiences with type 2 diabetes in a broader perspective.
Investigation of the thermal comfort of the sportswear by standing thermal manikin and thermal imaging techniques
Authors: Taştan Özkan Esra , Kaplangiray Binnaz , Şekir Ufuk , Şahin Şenay
Published: June 2023

Garments should not overload the body during activity and should be chosen in accordance with the ambient conditions. Especially in active sports, sportswear should make a person feel comfortable and increase performance by easily removing excess heat and moisture from the body without interrupting physical activity. In this study, five T-shirts with the same size and weight characteristics, but in different yarn types were produced and analysed. The thermal and water vapour resistance properties of these garments were measured using a thermal manikin system. In addition, thermal camera images were taken at 10-minute intervals during the 50-minute wear trial programme, and skin temperatures were measured from the upper front body and the upper back body with two sensors. The results showed that POS and PM-coded garments made of polyester with low clothing insulation (clo) values were statistically different from CS and CPS coded cotton-containing garments in terms of front and back surface thermal camera images. It was observed that cotton-containing garments were more uncomfortable than polyester and Tencel owing to their higher thermal resistance, garment surface temperature, and skin temperature values. The Tencel garment was measured similarly to the CS and CPS coded garments at the beginning of the activity and measured similarly to the POS and PM coded garments at the end of the activity on both surfaces.
Anterior Interosseus to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfers: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Chambers Spencer B. , Wu Kitty Y. , Ross Douglas C. , Gillis Joshua A.
Published: June 2023

Background:

The anterior interosseus nerve (AIN) to ulnar motor nerve transfer has been popularized as an adjunct to surgical decompression in patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) and high ulnar nerve injuries. The factors influencing its implementation in Canada have yet to be described.

Methods:

An electronic survey was distributed to all members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery (CSPS) using REDCap software. The survey examined 4 themes: previous training/experience, practice volume of nerve pathologies, experience with nerve transfers, and approach to the treatment of CuTS and high ulnar nerve injuries.

Results:

A total of 49 responses were collected (12% response rate). Of all, 62% of surgeons would use an AIN to ulnar motor supercharge end-to-side (SETS) transfer for a high ulnar nerve injury. For patients with CuTS and signs of intrinsic atrophy, 75% of surgeons would add an AIN-SETS transfer to a cubital tunnel decompression. Sixty-five percent would also release Guyon’s canal, and the majority (56%) use a perineurial window for their end-to-side repair. Eighteen percent of surgeons did not believe the transfer would improve outcomes, 3% cited lack of training, and 3% would preferentially use tendon transfers. Surgeons with hand fellowship training and those less than 30 years in practice were more likely to use nerve transfers in the treatment of CuTS ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Most CSPS members would use an AIN-SETS transfer in the treatment of both a high ulnar nerve injury and severe CuTS with intrinsic atrophy.
Use of Framework Matrix and Thematic Coding Methods in Qualitative Analysis for mHealth: The FluidCalc app
Authors: Rosen Rochelle K. , Gainey Monique , Nasrin Sabiha , Garbern Stephanie C. , Lantini Ryan , Elshabassi Nour , Sultana Sufia , Hasnin Tahmida , Alam Nur H. , Nelson Eric J. , Levine Adam C.
Published: June 2023

Objective: Framework Analysis (FA) and Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) are qualitative methods that have not been as widely used/cited compared to content analysis or grounded theory. This paper compares methods of FA with ATA for mobile health (mHealth) research. The same qualitative data were analyzed separately using each methodology. The methods, utility, and results of each are compared, and recommendations made for their effective use. Methods: Formative qualitative data were collected in eight focus group discussions with physicians and nurses from three hospitals in Bangladesh. Focus groups were conducted via video conference in the local language, Bangla, and audio recorded. Audio recordings were used to complete a FA of participants’ opinions about key features of novel mHealth application (app) designed to support clinical management in patients with acute diarrhea, called FluidCalc: Rehydration Calculator for Acute Diarrhea. The resulting framework analysis was shared with the app design team and used to guide iterative development of the product for a validation study of the app. Subsequently, focus group audio recordings were transcribed in Bangla then translated into English for ATA; transcripts and codes were entered into NVivo qualitative analysis software. Code summaries and thematic memos explored the clinical utility of FluidCalc including clinicians’ attitudes about using this decision support tool. Results: Each of the two methods contributes differently to the research goal and have different implications for an mHealth research timeline. Recommendations for the effective use of each method in app development include: using FA for data reduction where specific outcomes are needed to make programming and design decisions and using ATA to capture the more nuanced issues that guide use, product implementation, training, and workflow. Conclusions: By describing how both analytical methods were used in this context, this paper provides guidance and an illustration for use of these two methods, specifically in mHealth design.
Research on active sound control in EV in-vehicle based on engine order sound fitting
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Yipeng , Cao Yuntao , Xu Liyou , Yuan Shixin
Published: June 2023

In order to upgrade the comfort and dynamic feeling of the sound in the cabin of electric vehicle acceleration and uniform driving, this paper conducted a study on active sound making control in EVs based on sound fitting. Sound fitting was analyzed by short-time Fourier technique (STFT), sound extraction and synthesis was tested by STFT and synthesis method was conducted by Kaiser window function. A study on the sound requirements of a Class A EV was completed, in which a sound design method integrated three objective dimensions of sound amplitude strengthening, energy distribution, and order composition in the vehicle speed range, so as to determine the sound design scheme of accelerated driving with both comfort and dynamic sense. By comparing the characteristics of two kinds of engine sound extraction, the correlation between dynamic sensation and engine sound amplitude was analyzed, and the active sound parameter selection was confirmed under two conditions of acceleration and uniform speed. Efforts were devoted to conduct the active sound system program workflow diagram and system hardware design and testing, and to complete the active sound generation system (ASGS) formation and accuracy testing of the electric vehicle based on the audio system speaker, and additionally the sound calibration and target verification of the ASGS under the static conditions of the real vehicle were carried out. The objective test shows that the ASGS reduces the sharpness under the two working conditions of acceleration and constant speed to 1.0 and 0.52 acum respectively, which effectively alleviates the uncomfortable feeling brought by the high-frequency order sound, and proves that the ASGS can enhance the comfort and dynamic quality characteristics of the electric vehicle interior sound.
Match analysis in wheelchair basketball: An observational analysis of the best team in the world (USA) in the 2020 Paralympic Games
Authors: Arroyo Rubén , Alsasua Roberto , Arana Javier , Lapresa Daniel , Teresa Anguera M.
Published: June 2023

This work shows the possibilities that observational analysis can offer to match analysis in Wheelchair Basketball, outlined in a study of the sequences that end in a shot, in the men's team considered to be the best in the world (USA), in the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020. Data recording and coding the 527 sequences that end in a shot was carried out via the LINCE software, and inter-rater reliability guaranteed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Two diachronic behaviour analysis techniques – lag sequential analysis and T-pattern detection – were applied complementarily, thus allowing us to characterise effective and ineffective sequences. Effective behaviours are highlighted as being those which incorporate a final reception and shot by players with less functional limitation; or those in which the shot is made from the paint. Ineffective behaviours are those carried out by players with greater functional difficulty; or those which end in shots made from the offensive zone and external offensive zone.
A Motivational Account of Convergence in Emotion Expressions Within Groups: The Emotional Conformity Framework
Authors: Wolf Svenja A. , Heerdink Marc W. , van Kleef Gerben A.
Published: June 2023

Although convergence in emotion expressions within small groups is well documented, the motives that explain why members converge are rarely explicated. We approach expressive convergence from a conformity perspective and introduce the Emotional Conformity Framework, in which we posit that members match their groupmates’ emotion expressions because they are motivated to gain an accurate understanding of reality (informational conformity motive) or to form and maintain social relationships (normative conformity motive). These motives determine members’ standards for correctness, social responses, and plausible convergence mechanisms, while members’ personalities and situational properties shape the relative strength of the two motives. By explicating these motivational underpinnings, the Framework improves our capacity to understand, predict, and regulate expressive convergence and emphasizes its functionality.
Competition in the Beer Industry—From Pipe Dream to Reality: Exploring the Potential Impacts of Executive Order 14036
Authors: Taylor Scott , Taylor D. Christopher , Norris Cortney L.
Published: June 2023

This article provides a technical assessment of the February 2022 Treasury Department report titled “Competition in the Markets for Beer, Wine, and Spirits” as it relates to the overall beer industry. Furthermore, this article investigates the various governmental departments and regulations that govern the production, distribution, and selling of beer within the U.S. Departments and regulations at both the federal and state level are discussed and the impacts that each have on the (lack-of) competition within the beer industry are outlined. The article also offers a call-to-action for policymakers and academics, respectively, to ensure the future of the beer industry is fairer and more competitive than it has been in the past.
Pro-Environmental Behavior of Religious Tourists: Moderating Role of Religious Beliefs
Authors: Kala Devkant , Chaubey Dhani Shanker
Published: June 2023

While providing economic benefits, tourism also contributes to environmental problems. Besides regulatory measures to mitigate tourism’s impact on the environment, voluntary changes in the behavior of tourists are needed to encourage environment-friendly behavior. This research examines religious tourists’ pro-environmental behavior (PEB) by using the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory and the concept of religious beliefs. Data were collected through on-site and online surveys of 391 tourists who visited religious destinations and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS)-structural equation modeling. The results confirmed the relationships between tourists’ values, beliefs, and personal norms that predicted PEB. This study also found that religious beliefs strengthen the effect of personal norms on PEB. This research contributes to improving the understanding of religious tourists’ PEB and offers suggestions for destination management organizations (DMOs), religious center authorities, and policymakers to encourage the PEB of tourists in religious destinations.
A Comparative Analysis of Multimodal Native Cultural Content in English-Language Textbooks in China and Mongolia
Authors: Li Zuoteng , Zeng Jiayan , Nam Benjamin H.
Published: June 2023

This article examines the multimodal native cultural content in two sets of English-language textbooks widely used in public junior high schools in China and Mongolia. A pre-existing analytical framework was adapted for this analysis. Through this adapted framework, this paper aims to analyze and compare the distribution of multimodal native cultural content in the chosen textbooks. The results reveal that the two sets of books contain diverse multimodal native cultural content, despite the significant imbalance between Big “C” and Small “c” categories in each set. The two sets of textbooks also have different emphases on representing these elements. We argue that previous studies overgeneralized language textbooks’ native cultural content. Learners’ intercultural communicative competence development may be impacted by the overemphasis and shortage of some cultural categories in the chosen books. This article concludes with implications for textbook design and classroom teaching and calls for further studies of teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of multimodal native cultural content.
Teaching International Law in the Time of COVID-19: A View from the Experience and Beyond
Authors: Alshdaifat Shadi A. , Hassanzadeh Niloufar
Published: June 2023

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity has arisen to reconsider educational concepts in general and the teaching of international law in particular. International Law professors have been required to participate in mandatory online learning and teaching during the pandemic. The students of today are self-organized learners and active observers who are able to cope with new situations. In the future, is it possible to combine online and in-person teaching? This article aims to describe our experience teaching international law using technologies in a theoretical setting. With current circumstances in mind, it is necessary to consider ways to seamlessly integrate physical and digital methods and tools. The result is a more active, flexible, and meaningful learning experience. To this end, we borrow Pope Francis’ words: ‘Peggio di questa crisi c’è solo il dramma di sprecarla’—the only thing worse than this is the misfortune of wasting it, in the sense of failing to learn from it.
Rare Coexistence of Acute Intermittent Porphyria With Systemic Lupus Erythematous: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yusuf Asmaa , Alhaj Omar , Aldaheri Afra , AlShamsi Aisha , AlMarshoodi Mozah , AlKindi Fatima , Mohammed Farooqi , Almazrouei Raya
Published: June 2023

Porphyrias, particularly acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), are rare, inherited disorders of heme synthesis. On the other hand, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an uncommon autoimmune disease that affects women predominantly. The coexistence of AIP and SLE is rare. We report a case of concomitant diagnosis of AIP and SLE in a 21-year-old woman who presented with recurrent acute abdominal, chest, and back pain associated with nausea and vomiting, followed by arthralgia, multiple joint pain, and rash. Investigations revealed severe hyponatremia related to SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion) with a positive SLE antibody panel and a positive urine screen for porphobilinogen. Molecular test confirmed the diagnosis of AIP with a pathogenic mutation in the HMBS gene.
COVID-19 after rituximab therapy in cSLE patients
Authors: Nelson Meghan Corrigan , Manos Cynthia K. , Flanagan Elaine , Prahalad Sampath
Published: June 2023

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rituximab is a B-cell depleting therapy utilized in the treatment of SLE. In adults, rituximab has been associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess the impact of prior rituximab treatment on clinical outcomes from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children with SLE. To describe the impact of rituximab on outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection, we conducted a retrospective study of pediatric SLE patients in our center diagnosed with COVID-19 who had previously received rituximab between February 2019 and October 2022. Patients’ clinical characteristics, disease activity, and outcomes were assessed. Of the eight subjects assessed, five required hospitalizations for COVID-19, four required ICU admission, and two were seen in the emergency department for their symptoms. One patient ultimately expired from her illness. The median time between rituximab administration and COVID-19 diagnosis was 3 months. We assessed the clinical outcomes, including the need of ICU admission and fatal outcome, of COVID-19 in our cSLE patient population after rituximab administration. Approximately 60% of our patients required hospitalization for their illness, and seven out of eight patients required healthcare utilization to include hospitalization and/or emergency department visits.
Development of Preventive Measures and Treatment Strategies Against Nipah Virus is a Timely Need: Bangladeshi Perspective
Authors: Urmi Taslima Jamal , Dewan Syed Masudur Rahman , Rahman Jannatul Mabia , Sharmin Syeda Nusrat , Hassan Md. Mahadi
Published: June 2023

Viral epidemics of variable frequency and severity have wreaked havoc and panic across the world. The Nipah virus (NiV), which has been linked to multiple outbreaks, mostly in South and Southeast Asia, is regarded as one of the deadliest in the world. In Bangladesh, seasonal outbreaks of encephalitis caused by the NiV have occurred annually since 2003. In particular, NiV has numerous characteristics that highlight its potential as a pandemic danger, such as its human-to-human transmission capability and its propensity to infect humans directly from natural reservoirs and/or from other animals. Numerous types of research investigate the pathophysiology and viral mechanisms of disease progression. The NiV and its disease have been studied thoroughly but attempts to implement preventive techniques have met cultural and social obstacles. This review highlights the NiV outbreaks, and its present status, the preventative and control measures implemented, the potential causes of the outbreaks in Bangladesh, and the precautions that must be taken by both government and nongovernment entities to contain the outbreaks and assure a future with fewer or no occurrences.
Intralipid infusion therapy as an adjunct treatment in women experiencing adenomyosis-related infertility
Authors: Henshaw James , Tremellen Kelton
Published: June 2023

Background:

Currently, there is some evidence that adenomyosis patients using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long downregulation (LDR) prior to embryo transfer may improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate, but not to the baseline expected success where there is no adenomyosis. Given the association between adenomyosis and an aberrant endometrial immune environment, many physicians also use prednisolone or Intralipid adjuvant treatments in combination with GnRH agonist therapy, despite neither being of proven benefit.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the addition of prednisolone or Intralipid immune therapy to GnRH agonist LDR improves fertility outcomes in patients with adenomyosis.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of 116 consecutive adenomyosis patients who underwent their first transfer of a genetically screened euploid embryo between January 2019 and December 2020 at a private IVF clinic.

Results:

There was no difference in maternal age, body mass index, number of embryo’s transferred and gravidity or parity among the three treatment groups. Patients who received Intralipid had a poorer prognosis with a longer duration of infertility (4 years) and a higher number of previous embryo transfers (ETs, 5 previous ETs) compared to the comparison groups. Logistic regression analysis adjustment for all covariates revealed that LDR plus Intralipid therapy produced significantly higher live birth rates (LBRs; 60%) compared to LDR alone (40% LBR); yet, the addition of prednisolone to GnRH agonist LDR (30% LBR) provided no additional live birth benefit.

Conclusion:

In this retrospective analysis, we showed Intralipid adjuvant treatment in combination with GnRH agonist therapy in adenomyosis patients undergoing IVF resulted in a LBR expected in women without adenomyosis using preimplantation genetic testing screened embryos. This benefit was not seen when using prednisolone as an adjuvant to GnRH agonist LDR. Future randomized clinical trials will be required to confirm the therapeutic benefit of Intralipid in combination with GnRH agonist therapy.
Saline at lower tonicity in cystic fibrosis (SALTI-CF) trial comparing 0.9%versus3%versus6% nebulised saline
Authors: Dwyer Tiffany J. , Elkins Mark R. , Dentice Ruth , Forbes Samantha , Cooper Peter , Jaffe Adam , Bishop Jennifer , Middleton Peter G. , Wark Peter , Bye Peter T.P.
Published: June 2023

Background

In people with cystic fibrosis (CF), regular nebulisation of 6% or 7% saline improves lung function; however, these concentrations are not always tolerable. Clinically, some CF patients report using lower concentrations of saline to improve tolerability, yet the effects of lower concentrations are unknown. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the relative effectiveness and tolerability of 0.9%versus3%versus6% saline nebulised twice daily with an eFlow rapid nebuliser.

Methods

This was a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre study where subjects inhaled 4 mL of 0.9%, 3% or 6% saline twice daily for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was forced expiratory volume in 1 s. The secondary outcomes were: forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of FVC; quality of life; exercise capacity; acquisition or loss of bacterial organisms in expectorated sputum; tolerability of nebulised saline; pulmonary exacerbations; and adverse events.

Results

140 participants were randomised to 0.9% (n=47), 3% (n=48) or 6% (n=45) saline. 134 participants (96%) contributed to the intention-to-treat analysis. 3% saline significantly improved lung function and increased the time to first pulmonary exacerbation compared with 0.9% saline but did not improve quality of life. 6% saline had similar benefits to 3% saline but also significantly improved quality of life compared with 3% saline. Only 6% saline delayed the time to intravenous antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbation. Tolerability and adherence were similar.

Conclusions

Dilution of 6% saline to 3% maintains the benefits for lung function and exacerbation prevention; however, the positive impacts of 6% saline on quality of life and time toi.v.antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations are lost.