bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which U.S. Congregational Leaders Also Work as Chaplains? A National Overview
Authors: Cadge Wendy , Lawton Amy , Holleman Anna , Roso Joseph
Published: January 2024

Historically, congregational leaders did the work of chaplaincy. In the past century, the professions have diverged and chaplaincy has diversified in form and function. We ask which congregational leaders currently also serve as chaplains to identify the extent of overlap between these two types of religious leaders in the contemporary United States. We analyze data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL), a nationally representative sample of 1,600 clergy collected in 2019 to 2020, to determine how many congregational leaders are also working or volunteering as chaplains. Though some overlap exists between the occupational roles of chaplains and congregational leaders, our study shows that they are largely distinct professions, with only 17.1% of primary congregational leaders also working or volunteering as chaplains. Catholic primary leaders and Hispanic primary leaders are more likely than their peers to also work as chaplains. Researchers studying each group should be attentive to the ways these professional groups overlap and diverge, and the corresponding possible confusion among religious practitioners and the general public. Theological educators should consider the specific training and support needs of the portion of clergy who serve as chaplains alongside of their congregational positions.
Rethinking biopolitics: COVID-19, differential vulnerabilities and biopolitical rights
Authors: Lorenzini Daniele
Published: January 2024

In this article, I develop a critique of the forms of differential vulnerability produced by biopolitical technologies of power which became particularly salient during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, I address some conceptual and methodological questions linked to Foucault’s work on biopolitics, and I argue that one of his most promising insights is the claim that biopolitics necessarily entails a politics of differential vulnerability. I then develop an immanent critique of this politics of differential vulnerability and show that it should be construed as a form of injustice. Finally, I argue that some of the most fundamental human rights can be conceived as ‘biopolitical rights’, that is, as rights whose normativity stems from the biopolitical mechanisms of power that manage our biological lives. I conclude by suggesting that a critical theory of biopolitical rights constitutes an effective strategic response to the current injustices created – before, during and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic – by the biopolitical production of the differential exposure of citizens to health, social and environmental risks.
Children Value Animals More Than Adults Do: A Conceptual Replication and Extension
Authors: Paruzel-Czachura Mariola , Maier Maximilian , Warmuz Roksana , Wilks Matti , Caviola Lucius
Published: January 2024

Recent psychological research finds that U.S. American children have a weaker tendency than U.S. American adults to value humans more than animals. We aimed to conceptually replicate and extend this finding in a preregistered study ( N = 412). We investigated whether 6- to 9-year-old Polish children (Study 1a) are less likely to prioritize humans over animals than Polish adults are (Studies 1b and 1c). We presented participants with moral dilemmas where they had to prioritize either humans or animals (dogs or chimpanzees) in situations that involved harming (i.e., a trolley problem) or benefiting (i.e., giving a snack). We found that Polish children prioritized humans over animals less than Polish adults did. This was the case both in dilemmas that involved preventing harm and in dilemmas that involved providing snacks. Both children and adults prioritized humans over chimpanzees more than humans over dogs.
Unraveling Mentors’ Positive and Negative Reactions to Protégés’ Taking Charge
Authors: Liu Xin , Derfler-Rozin Rellie , Mao Jih-Yu , Schaubroeck John M. , Zhou Qiwei
Published: January 2024

In the mentoring relationship, protégé proactivity is a key facilitator of mentoring support. However, we consider how protégé proactivity at work may lower mentors’ inclination to share knowledge. Drawing on and extending social perception theory and envy subtypes theory, we build a contingent dual-path model to theorize that a proactive protégé who takes charge at work may elicit mentor knowledge sharing or hiding through mentor benign or malicious envy, depending on the protégé's benevolence. Specifically, mentors are more likely to feel benign envy toward taking-charge and benevolent protégés, enhancing their knowledge sharing. Taking-charge protégés seen as less benevolent may encourage malicious envy in the mentors, leading them to hide knowledge. Findings from a multi-source, two-wave survey of the data of 187 mentor–protégé dyads in China (Study 1) and a pre-registered scenario-based experiment of 404 participants in the United States (Study 2) support our predictions. This research advances our knowledge of mentoring, envy, and proactivity, and provides practical implications to enhance the effectiveness of mentorship programs.
Introduction to special issue on book symposium Populism and civil society: The challenge to democratic constitutionalism (2022) by Andrew Arato and Jean Cohen
Authors: Kreide Regina
Published: January 2024

Populism and Civil Society: The Challenge to Democratic Constitutionalism (2022) by Andrew Arato and Jean Cohen is an important book that addresses a widespread and ominous phenomenon around the world: The challenge of populism. This book forms a symposium by renowned authors which gathers commentaries on Arato and Cohen’s book. From different points of view, comments, suggestions and queries are put forward, to which the authors respond. The authors’ illuminating rejoinders not only present some of their arguments in a new light but also arrive at a clarifying interpretation of their approach.
Fat Phobia Among Youth Sport Coaches
Authors: Winter Emily L. , Bellara Aarti P. , Bray Melissa A. , Puhl Rebecca M. , Kaufman Alan S. , Trudel Sierra M. , La Salle-Finley Tamika
Published: January 2024

Body weight is a common reason youth face stigma, yet it has received little attention from athletic coaches working closely with youth of diverse sizes. The present study assessed weight bias in middle and high school athletic coaches ( N = 320) via a survey of demographic characteristics and explicit weight bias ( Fat Phobia Scale-Short Form). Results indicate moderate levels of bias ( M = 3.44, SD = 0.42), with mean scores slightly lower compared to general community samples, yet higher than other specialized groups, and not varying based on the gender of the coach, the gender of the athletes coached, or the type of sport. Psychometric properties of the Fat Phobia Scale-Short Form were assessed through confirmatory factor analysis, suggesting a one-factor model as too simplistic. Implications for future research on this topic are explored, noting the importance of coaches understanding biases and the implications of bias on coaching practices.
Digital transformation of Tabriz, Iran by IoT adoption
Authors: Hassani Saeed , Babazadeh Sangar Amin
Published: January 2024

The society's digital transformation reshapes both of the private and public sectors and covers technology, organizations, and people aspects. The Internet of Things (IoT) as a fifth generation technology plays a significant role in digitalization and creation of a smart city. Tabriz metropolis is one of the five selected pilot cities for implementing smart city projects in Iran. On the other hand, municipalities have the biggest contribution in transforming a city into a smart city by utilizing the new technologies in urban management, in the other words digitalization. Hence, this study examined the successful IoT adoption in Tabriz Metropolitan municipality in the developing country of Iran by combining the information systems’ success model and TOE framework. Aimed at collecting data on the IoT adoption process, the electronic questionnaire link was distributed among ICT experts and managers of the organization, and 74 valid answers were received. The collected data were analyzed using the regression method. The obtained results proved the positive and direct impact of system quality, ICT infrastructure, enterprise financial and human resources, and external support. In addition, the results showed that information quality and service quality factors did not affect the IoT adoption process significantly. This research can help the senior managers of Tabriz metropolitan municipality in policymaking and launching this technology successfully by identifying the influential factors in IoT adoption.
Unveiling heat-affected zone softening in dissimilar AZ31B and WE43 alloy welds
Authors: Bandi Anil , Cheepu Muralimohan , Bakshi Srinivasa R.
Published: January 2024

In this study, AZ31B-H24 and WE43-T5 Mg alloys were joined using friction stir welding. The effect of base material position, tool offset and rotational speed on the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. With AZ31B on the advancing side (AS), distinct layers of both materials were observed in the nugget zone (NZ), while material mixing in the NZ was better with WE43 on the AS. A maximum joint strength of 207 MPa (97% of AZ31B) was observed with AZ31B on the AS without tool offset and a tool rotation speed of 600 RPM. The failure location was at the thermo-mechanically affected zone/heat-affected zone of AZ31B side when AZ31B was on the AS, while joints with WE43 on the AS failed in the NZ.
Microstructure development of quenching and partitioning-processed martensitic stainless steels with different manganese content
Authors: Li Gaojie , Kwakernaak Cees , Smith Ali , Muratori Marta , Gonzalez-Garcia Yaiza , Santofimia Maria J.
Published: January 2024

This work presents an investigation of the microstructure development during the application of the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process to two stainless steels with different Mn content. The results are compared with calculations based on the constrained carbon equilibrium theory, paying special attention to the presence of reactions competing for the carbon available for partitioning and to the effect of alloying element segregation. Results show that chromium carbides must be considered when accounting for the carbon available for austenite stabilisation. Moreover, manganese/chromium segregation bands play an important role in the microstructure development, particularly in martensite formation, with important consequences in the microstructure development during the following processing steps.
The wear properties of Al-BN nanosheets coating by cold spray
Authors: Yang Hao , Zhang Bin , Sun Wen , Li Ruitao , Liu Weili , Wang Yun , Zhang Koubao
Published: January 2024

Pure aluminium (Al) and aluminium-boron nitride (Al-BN) nanosheets composite coating was fabricated by mechanical alloying and then cold spray. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy spectrum analysis (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were performed to characterise the morphology and structure of the coatings. Furthermore, investigations were conducted to assess the hardness and wear behaviours of the coatings. The results indicate that BN nanosheets distributed in the Al matrix improve the hardness and antifriction properties of composites significantly. The addition of BN nanosheets into the Al coating resulted in a 44.19% increase in hardness and a 62.50% decrease in wear rate. BN nanosheets impede plastic deformation and provide self-lubrication to the coating.
Mechanical and tribological property of Cu/CrB2 composites under dry sliding condition
Authors: Guo Xin-Feng , Jia Lei , Lu Zhen-Lin , Xie Hui , Kondoh Katsuyoshi
Published: January 2024

Dry sliding friction and wear test of Cu/CrB2 composites manufactured by ex situ method was studied, and the mechanical properties were also measured to assistant analysis wear behaviour. When CrB2 content is 3 vol.-%, both the mechanical and tribological properties reach the maximum values, viz., 113 HV, 304 MPa and 9.1 × 10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1 of the normal load is 10 N, higher 71.2%, 33.3%, lower 52.8% than that of pure Cu, respectively, which can be ascribed to the increase of hardness and the transfer of main wear mechanisms of Cu matrix from adhesive to abrasive wear by the addition of CrB2. Further increase CrB2 content to above 5 vol.-%, wear resistance would decreases since the pulled out of CrB2 particles.
Corrosion and adhesion properties of MAO-coated LA91 magnesium alloy
Authors: Sukuroglu Suleyman , Sukuroglu Ebru Emine , Totik Yasar , Gulten Gokhan , Efeoglu Ihsan , Avci Selcuk
Published: January 2024

Magnesium–lithium alloy is used in different areas of industry and is known as a super light metallic engineering material. However, the use of these alloys is limited due to their surface properties under extreme loads and aggressive environments. Surface treatments can be applied to these alloys to increase their usage areas and improve their weak surface properties. In this study, the micro-arc oxidation method was applied to improve the surface properties of LA91 alloy. The corrosion and adhesion behaviour of the coated samples were investigated. The lowest corrosion current density in the coatings was obtained under Experiment 3. Experiment 3 has the highest Lc2 value due to the coating thickness and the denser and smaller diameter pores of the functional intermediate layer.
Interaction mechanism of elements and second phase characteristics in as-cast Cu–15Ni–8Sn–(1Al–0.1Y) alloy
Authors: Yang Shaodan , Zhou Yanjun , Zhang Chaomin , Song Kexing , Yang Ran , Feng Shihao , Du Juan , Cao Shuguang , Xiao Lili , Zhou Fei , Yang Wenhao , Zhang Guoshang
Published: January 2024

In this article, the effects of Al and Y elements on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu–15Ni–8Sn alloy were studied. The interaction mechanism between elements is proved by first-principles calculation. The results show that the strength of Cu–15Ni–8Sn–1Al–0.1Y alloy reaches 760 MPa, and the hardness of matrix (α-Cu) and Sn-rich phase (γ) are 292.43 and 341.65 HV, respectively, which are 23.78%, 97.80% and 65.21% higher than those of Cu–15Ni–8Sn alloy, respectively. The formation of a large number of dispersed nano-scale Ni3Al second phase is the main reason for the great improvement of the strength of the alloy. In addition, the solid solution of Al and the formation of the Ni17Y2 phase improve the hardness of the Sn-rich phase.
Properties and elevated temperature wear mechanism of pure copper and TiC/Cu nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Dong-Dong , Han Zhi-Wu , Wang Jin-Guo
Published: January 2024

The properties and elevated temperature wear mechanism of pure copper and in situ TiC/Cu matrix composites fabricated via combustion synthesis assisted with hot press were investigated. Brinell hardness, compression properties and electrical conductivity were studied. It was found that of the Brinell hardness, yield strength and compressive strength of the composites is higher than sintered pure copper, however, the electrical conductivity and fracture strain of the composites are lower. Dry sliding friction and wear tests showed that the worn surface transformed from furrow to spalling pit and the wear rate increases with the increasing temperature and applied load, the wear failure changes gradually from surface plastic deformation, plough wear and oxidation wear to abrasive wear and fatigue spalling wear.
Effects of welding parameters on Inconel 625 coating synthesised by tungsten inert gas cladding
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wei Mingyuan , Guo Xuhong , Li Ming , Pang Xuming
Published: January 2024

Inconel 625 coatings were synthesised on AISI 4130 steel substrates by tungsten inert gas welding. Optimisation of process parameters was conducted through a combination of numerical simulations and technological experiments. The welding speed has a significant effect on the width and height of the cladding layer and the welding current mainly affected the penetration. A proper decrease of welding speed with raising heat input was conductive to the decrease of coating residual stress levels and dilution rates, which promoted the solid solution of corrosion resistant elements (Mo and Nb) and favoured the improvement of coating corrosion resistance. The cladding quality and efficiency could be improved by parameter optimisations through the combination of numerical and technological methods.
Effect of Ce on microstructure and dynamic compression properties of ZK60 alloy
Authors: Xu Chenkun , Wang Zhi , Zhou Le , Dai Yijian , Wang Feng , Zhang Weihan , Wei Ziqi , Mao Pingli
Published: January 2024

The Mg–6Zn– xCe–0.6Zr ( x = 1, 2) alloys were subjected to a dynamic compression experiment, and the change in microstructure was noticed and studied. The primary components of two alloys are α-Mg matrix, Mg7Zn3 phase, and (Mg1− xZn x)11Ce phase. The two alloys have grain diameters of 2.8 and 3.2 μm, respectively. The dynamic compressive mechanical characteristics of the two alloys show a positive strain-strengthening effect, with Mg–6Zn–1Ce–0.6Zr alloy having somewhat higher values than Mg–6Zn–2Ce–0.6Zr alloy. At a strain rate of 500 s−1, {10[Formula: see text]2} tensile twin is the dominant deformation mechanism for two alloys, but the Mg–6Zn–2Ce–0.6Zr alloy is more prone to produce {10[Formula: see text]2} tensile twin. With the increase of the strain rate, the dominant deformation mechanism changes from {10[Formula: see text]2} tensile twin to pyramidal slip.
Hot working behaviour of Ti–8Al–1Mo–1V alloy through the hot compression test
Authors: Ebrahimi G. R. , Zarghani F. , Ezatpour H. R. , Taheri J.
Published: January 2024

Hot deformation behaviour of Ti–8Al–1Mo–1V alloy (Ti-811) was investigated through the hot compression tests at the temperatures of 950–1075 °C and at strain rates of 0.001–1 s−1. The flow curves of the Ti-811 alloy were successfully modelled by means of the sinh equation and constitutive equations were proposed for isothermal hot compression of Ti-811 alloy. According to the date of flow curves, the values were calculated for the strain rate sensitivity, stress exponent and activation energy. The amounts of the strain rate sensitivity, stress exponent, and activation energy were calculated as 0.19, 3.95 and 730 kJ mol−1 for α + β region and 0.21, 3.6 and 194 kJ mol−1 for β region, respectively.
Use of the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour model (COM-B) to Understand Interventions to Support Physical Activity Behaviour in People with Stroke: An Overview of Reviews
Authors: Paterson Sarah , Dawes Helen , Winward Charlotte , Bartram Emilia , Dodds Emma , McKinon Jane , Gaskell Helen , Collett Johnny
Published: January 2024

Objective

Physical activity in people with stroke remains low despite considerable research. This overview aimed to provide high-level synthesis and aid clinical decision-making. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model was used to classify interventions to understand which components improve physical activity behaviour in people with stroke.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Cochrane Database, MEDLINE, PEDro, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus

Review Methods

A systematic search was conducted (November 2023) to identify reviews of interventions to improve physical activity in people with stroke. Results were screened and assessed for eligibility. Participant characteristics, intervention classification using COM-B, and effect of intervention were extracted. Quality was assessed using AMSTAR2, and Corrected Cover Analysis for study overlap. Narrative synthesis was used to understand components of interventions to improve physical activity behaviour.

Results

1801 references were screened and 29 full-text references assessed for eligibility. Twenty reviews were included. Quality ranged from critically low ( n = 3) to high ( n = 10). Study overlap calculated using corrected cover area indicated slight overlap (0.028) and minimal reporting bias. The majority of participants were mobile with mild stroke and community dwelling. Twenty-three interventions were classified using COM-B. Three of twelve interventions classified to one aspect of the COM-B were effective. Fourteen of sixteen effective interventions combined at least two COM-B elements, ten of these combined capability and motivation.

Conclusion

Interventions including at least two elements of the COM-B are most likely to improve physical activity in mobile stroke survivors. Further research is needed to understand physical activity behaviour in those with moderate to severe stroke.
Age-related decline in cerebral oxygen consumption in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Knudsen Maria H , Vestergaard Mark B , Lindberg Ulrich , Simonsen Helle J , Frederiksen Jette L , Cramer Stig P , Larsson Henrik BW
Published: January 2024

Cerebral oxygen metabolism is altered in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), possibly a result of disease related cerebral atrophy with subsequent decreased oxygen demand. However, MS inflammation can also inhibit brain metabolism. Therefore, we measured cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) using MRI phase contrast mapping and susceptibility-based oximetry in 44 patients with early RRMS and 36 healthy controls. Cerebral atrophy and white matter lesion load were assessed from high-resolution structural MRI. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were collected from medical records. The CMRO2 was significantly lower in patients (−15%, p = 0.002) and decreased significantly with age in patients relative to the controls (−1.35 µmol/100 g/min/year, p = 0.036). The lower CMRO2 in RRMS was primarily driven by a higher venous oxygen saturation in the sagittal sinus (p = 0.007) and not a reduction in CBF (p = 0.69). There was no difference in cerebral atrophy between the groups, and no correlation between CMRO2 and MS lesion volume or EDSS score. Therefore, the progressive CMRO2 decline observed before the occurrence of significant cerebral atrophy and despite adequate CBF supports emerging evidence of dysfunctional cellular respiration as a potential pathogenic mechanism and therapeutic target in RRMS.
Synesthetic Colors Associated with Personality
Authors: Craver-Lemley Catherine , Dillon Caroline , McGraw Amanda , Reeves Adam
Published: January 2024

DR experiences a rare form of synesthesia in which the sight of people simultaneously induces colors. We evaluated her conviction that her synesthetic ‘people-colors’ are stable and associated with personality. In Study 1, DR briefly viewed each of 10 strangers through a half-silvered mirror, in silence, over two sessions. In Study 2, DR could both see and talk briefly to each of 12 new strangers, over three sessions. For each stranger, DR described her synesthetic colors and filled out a ten-item personality inventory (TIPI) based upon them. She provided consistent synesthetic colors/personality ratings across sessions. Still, her initial person-colors did change with further exposure, for the dimension of personality that she identified most accurately, namely, Extraversion. The correlations of DR's colors with the subjects’ Extraversion (as coded from the TIPI self-reports) rose from low-moderate in Study 1 to r = .74 in Study 2, but were weak (r < .03) for the remaining four personality dimensions. We conclude that experiential learning can affect synesthesia, not only for color-word associations, but also for person-colors.
Adherence to guidelines for management of acute kidney injury
Authors: Hauptmann Sarah , Matyukhin Igor , Patschan Susann , Ritter Oliver , Patschan Daniel
Published: January 2024

Background and aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects a significant number of patients and the prognosis for this condition remains poor. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to KDIGO clinical practice guidelines and identify areas for improvement.

Methods

For this retrospective study, data were extracted from the medical database of the University Hospital Brandenburg, for patients who had been diagnosed with AKI from January to March 2021. Implementation rates of eight KDIGO AKI therapeutic measures were analyzed in relation to several AKI severity/risk categories.

Results

Data from 200 patients were included in the study. Three specific measures were commonly implemented: hyperglycemia control (100%), volume therapy (82%), and fluid balance management (65%). Nephrotoxic medications were discontinued in 51% patients, while iodinated contrast media was used in 35% patients. Patients with an increased risk of complications, such as those requiring ICU therapy or with sepsis, received these measures more frequently.

Conclusions

While some 2012 KDIGO recommended measures were implemented for a substantial number of affected individuals, others were not. Our study highlights the need for improvement in the quality of care for patients with AKI.
Efficiency of continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19
Authors: Manole Corina , Dediu-Anghel Mihaela , Baroiu Liliana , Ștefanopol Ioana Anca , Nechifor Alexandru , Niculet Elena , Mihailov Raul , Moroianu Lavinia Alexandra , Voinescu Doina Carina , Firescu Dorel
Published: January 2024

Objective

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome characterized by relatively well-preserved pulmonary compliance but severe hypoxemia. The challenge in managing such patients lies in optimizing oxygenation, which can be achieved through either high oxygen flow or noninvasive mechanical ventilation. This study was performed to compare the efficiency of two methods of noninvasive oxygen therapy: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study involved 668 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the “Sf. Apostol Andrei” Emergency Clinical Hospital, Galati, Romania from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 (CPAP, n = 108; HFNO, n = 108).

Results

Mortality was significantly lower in the CPAP and HFNO groups than in the group of patients who underwent intubation and mechanical ventilation after ICU admission. Mortality in the ICU was not significantly different between the CPAP and HFNO groups.

Conclusions

HFNO and CPAP represent efficient alternative therapies for patients with severe COVID-19 whose respiratory treatment has failed. Studies involving larger groups of patients are necessary to establish a personalized, more complex management modality for critically ill patients with COVID-19.
ABO and Rh (D) blood group phenotype distribution pattern among blood donors at the Nekemte Blood Bank, Oromia, West Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Tekle Esayas , Adisu Yonas , Rikitu Dufera , Teferi Sisay , Fikadu Ashetu , Kifle Edosa
Published: January 2024

Objective

To determine the distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood group phenotypes among blood donors.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled blood donors whose socio-demographic and blood group phenotype data were collected from blood bank donor records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the number and percentage distribution of categorical variables. To determine if the distributions of the ABO and Rh phenotypes differed, a chi-square test was employed.

Results

Of 14,887 blood donors with a median age of 20 years (interquartile range = 18–30 years), 72.8% were males, and young donors (age range = 18–24 years) accounted for 61.7%. Group O (45.6%) was the most prevalent ABO blood phenotype, followed by A (29.5%), B (20.2%), and AB (4.7%). The dominant blood group was O positive (42.4%), followed by A positive (27.4%), B positive (18.9%), AB positive (4.3%), O negative (3.2%), A negative (2.1%), B negative (1.3%), and AB negative (0.4%). The overall Rh (D)-negative distribution rate was 7.0%.

Conclusion

This study showed that blood group O was the most common ABO phenotype, followed by A, B, and AB. Overall, 93.0% of the donors were Rh (D)-positive. These findings may help guide blood transfusion programmes.
Pyrethroid-associated nephrotoxicity in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and blue catfish, I. furcatus, at a public aquarium
Authors: Stilwell Justin M. , Perry Sean M. , Petrie-Hanson Lora , Sheffler Rachel , Buchweitz John P. , Delaune Alexa J.
Published: January 2024

Over the course of an approximately 11-month period, an outdoor, freshwater, mixed species, recirculating, display system at a public aquarium experienced intermittent mortalities of channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish ( I. furcatus). Catfish acutely presented for abnormal buoyancy, coelomic distention, and protein-rich coelomic effusion. Gross lesions typically involved massive coelomic distension with protein-rich effusion, generalized edema, and gastric hemorrhage and edema. Microscopically, primary lesions included renal tubular necrosis, gastric edema with mucosal hemorrhages, and generalized edema. Aerobic culture and virus isolation could not recover a consistent infectious agent. Intracoelomic injection of coelomic effusion and aspirated retrobulbar fluid from a catfish into naïve zebrafish (bioassay) produced peracute mortality in 3 of 4 fish and nervous signs in the fourth compared with 2 saline-injected control zebrafish that had - no mortality or clinical signs. Kidney tissue and coelomic effusion were submitted for gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring against laboratory standards, which detected the presence of multiple pyrethroid toxins, including bioallethrin, bifenthrin, trans-permethrin, phenothrin, and deltamethrin. Detection of multiple pyrethroids presumably reflects multiple exposures with several products. As such, the contributions of each pyrethroid toward clinical presentation, lesion development, and disease pathogenesis cannot be determined, but they are suspected to have collectively resulted in disrupted osmoregulation and fluid overload due to renal injury. Pesticide-induced toxicoses involving aquarium fish are rarely reported with this being the first description of pyrethroid-induced lesions and mortality in public aquarium-held fish.
Treatment patterns and characteristics of headache in patients in Japan: A retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of health insurance claims data
Authors: Katsuki Masahito , Matsumori Yasuhiko , Ichihara Taisuke , Yamada Yuya , Kawamura Shin , Kashiwagi Kenta , Koh Akihito , Goto Tetsuya , Kaneko Kazuma , Wada Naomichi , Yamagishi Fuminori
Published: January 2024

Background

The present study aimed to investigate prescription patterns for patients aged over 17 years with headaches in the REZULT database.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study (Study 1) of the proportion of over-prescription of acute medications (≥30 tablets/90 days for triptans, combination non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and multiple types; ≥45 tablets/90 days for single NSAIDs) among patients with headache diagnosed in 2020. We longitudinally studied (Study 2) patients for >2 years from initial headache diagnosis (July 2010 to April 2022). The number of prescribed tablets was counted every 90 days.

Results

In Study 1, headache was diagnosed in 200,055 of 3,638,125 (5.5%) patients: 13,651/200,055 (6.8%) received acute medication. Single NSAIDs were prescribed to 12,297/13,651 (90.1%) patients and triptans to 1710/13,651 (12.5%). Over-prescription was found in 2262/13,651 (16.6%) patients and 1200/13,651 (8.8%) patients received prophylactic medication. In Study 2, 408,183/6,840,618 (6.0%) patients were first diagnosed with headaches, which persisted for ≥2 years. Over time, the proportion of patients over-prescribed acute medications increased. Over 2 years, 37,617/408,183 (9.2%) patients were over-prescribed acute medications and 29,313/408,183 (7.2%) patients were prescribed prophylaxis at least once.

Conclusions

According to real-world data, prophylaxis remains poorly prescribed, and both acute and prophylactic treatment rates for headaches have increased over time.
Musical score representation and retrieval in digital environments
Authors: Tolare Jéssica Beatriz , Fujita Mariângela Spotti Lopes , de Castro Fabiano Ferreira
Published: January 2024

This article aims to analyse the representation and retrieval of musical scores submitted by netizens or institutions, repositories and digital libraries across various digital environments such as score storage sites. It considers the characteristics of these interfaces and observes how the scores are thematically represented. The method employed in this study was exploratory research to search and retrieve scores, and descriptive research to analyse the thematic representation within these environments. The results reveal that these sites are organized by category, which helps netizens in their search for musical scores. The analysed sites differ in comprehensiveness and organization but have similar features with regard to indexing. Consequently, the study argues for investment in their structure, organization, languages and systems, and professional training.
Risk factors of stone residual after retrograde intrarenal surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zaza Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelfatah , Tawfeek Ahmed Mohamed , Salem Tarek Abd El-Mageed , Soliman Muhammad Ibrahim Salim , Hassan Ali Mohammed
Published: January 2024

Background:

Complete removal of renal stones is crucial for optimal patient outcomes, but recent studies have reported residual stones after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). This study aimed to identify the associated risk factors to improve patient management and treatment selection.

Methods:

This cohort study was conducted over 18 months at two hospitals and recruited adult patients with renal stones less than 3 cm. Preoperative assessment included medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiological imaging. Intraoperative and postoperative data collection and follow-up were conducted to evaluate surgical success and potential complications.

Results:

A total of 100 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.3 ± 10.7 years and a mean BMI of 26.2 ± 1.4 kg/m2. Approximately 19% of the patients had residual stones after the RIRS procedure. The RUSS score showed good diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.843, and the optimal cut point was ⩾2.0 with a sensitivity of 52.6% and specificity of 95.1%. Independent predictors of residual stones were multiple sites (OR = 24.98; p = 0.002), multiple stones (OR = 13.62, p = 0.002), stone size of 21–30 mm (OR = 4.91, p = 0.038), lower calyx site (OR = 4.85, p = 0.033), and surgeon experience of fewer than 50 cases (OR = 6.82, p = 0.020),

Conclusions:

This study identifies several factors associated with residual stones after RIRS for renal stones, including stone size, location, number, and surgeon experience. The study suggests that the RUSS score can be used as a reliable tool for predicting the likelihood of residual stones, which can help clinicians in patient selection and treatment planning.
Perspectives or Misperceptions? Why Better Land-Use Data Are Critical to Housing Policy Debates
Authors: O’Neill Moira , Gualco-Nelson Giulia , Biber Eric
Published: January 2024

Research correlating stringency in land-use regulation to low housing supply, high housing costs, and segregation relies on surveys of planners about land-use regulation. Housing policy reform proposals rely on much of this same research. We assess the reliability and validity of questions from three surveys using objective data on land-use regulation and its application. Response errors indicate that planners systematically underestimate the stringency effects of local regulation while overestimating the impact of state law. This signals potential bias that may skew some analysis. Scholars should account for this potential bias when analyzing survey data to inform land-use policy debates.
POCUS in the PICU: A Narrative Review of Evidence-Based Bedside Ultrasound Techniques Ready for Prime-Time in Pediatric Critical Care
Authors: Naber Catherine E. , Salt Michael D.
Published: January 2024

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an accessible technology that can identify and treat life-threatening pathology in real time without exposing children to ionizing radiation. We aim to review current evidence supporting the use of POCUS by pediatric intensivists with novice-level experience with bedside ultrasound. Current evidence supports the universal adoption of POCUS-guided internal jugular venous catheter placement and arterial line placement by pediatric critical care physicians. Focused cardiac ultrasound performed by PICU physicians who have completed appropriate training with quality assurance measures in place can identify life-threatening cardiac pathology in most children and important physiological changes in children with septic shock. POCUS of the lungs, pleural space, and diaphragm have great potential to provide valuable information at the bedside after validation of these techniques for use in the PICU with additional research. Based on currently available evidence, a generalizable and attainable POCUS educational platform for pediatric intensivists should include training in vascular access techniques and focused cardiac examination. A POCUS educational program should strive to establish credentialing and quality assurance programs that can be expanded when additional research validates the adoption of additional POCUS techniques by pediatric intensive care physicians.
Novel Management of Masticatory Myositis in Three Dogs with a Selective Janus Kinase (JAK-1) Inhibitor
Authors: Congiusta Michael C. , Snyder Christopher , Soukup Jason W. , Apostolopoulos Neoklis
Published: January 2024

Masticatory myositis (MM) is an inflammatory myopathy reported in dogs and is characterized by inflammation of the masticatory muscles (temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles). Immunosuppressive therapy is the current recommended treatment for MM and may involve glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, or a combination of these treatments that are slowly tapered to the lowest effective dose. However, side effects from multimodal medical therapy and complications associated with MM relapses have been reported. The purpose of this case series was to report oclacitinib as a treatment alternative to traditional medical management of MM. The intent of this alternative is to manage side effects from glucocorticoid use. Oclacitinib (1mg/kg per os q12h) was used solely for treatment of MM in three dogs. The dogs were followed up to >6 months after oclacitinib administration. An increase in oral range of motion, as determined by gape angle, was noted in all three dogs. However, a corresponding drop in antibody titers (2M fiber) did not occur. All dogs showed improvement in overall clinical management of MM, side effects from glucocorticoids, and clinical signs related to chronic prednisone use. Larger controlled trials with consistent measurements (interincisal distance, gape angle) and 2M fiber antibody titers are indicated to further assess validation of oclacitinib treatment of MM. The clinical outcome of all dogs was considered successful.
A Synthesis of Prealgebraic Reasoning Interventions for Students with Mathematics Difficulty in Grades 6 Through 8
Authors: Lariviere Danielle O. , Powell Sarah R. , Akther Syeda Sharjina
Published: January 2024

In this synthesis, we analyzed 10 prealgebraic reasoning interventions for students with mathematics difficulty (MD) in Grades 6 through 8. All interventions focused on one or more prealgebraic concepts including integer operations, algebraic expressions and equations, and functions. Of the 10 intervention studies, six employed single-case design methodology and four employed group design. We synthesized intervention effects and identified instructional practices utilized within interventions. Results indicated positive proximal student performance across studies, generally positive maintenance effects, and mixed transfer effects. Manipulative-based instruction and explicit instruction were the two most used instructional practices within interventions, supporting their use in improving targeted prealgebraic reasoning skills among students with MD. Additional implications for research and practice are discussed.
Relational Responsibilisation and Diversity Management in the 21st Century: The Case for Reframing Equality Regulation
Authors: Vincent Steve , Lopes Ana , Meliou Elina , Özbilgin Mustafa
Published: January 2024

This article critiques equality regulation within neoliberal policy regimes and suggests an alternative. We argue that, globally, neoliberal regimes exacerbate social divisions by individualising responsibilities for addressing inequalities. Consequentially, a new policy direction for equality regulation is required. Using the UK economy as an exemplar, we make the case for relational responsibilisation, which involves raising awareness of workplace inequalities on an international basis; attributing responsibility for inequalities onto specific socioeconomic causes and institutions; and systematically developing policies and practices that extend accountability for and ameliorate the negative consequences of workplace inequalities. Theoretically, Bourdieusian social critique and realist sociological imagination are used to conceive responsibilisation in relational terms and to imagine a policy agenda that might make societies more responsible for tackling the forms of inequality they produce. Our overall argument is for the creation of a new equality, diversity and inclusion-aware form of social democracy.
Comprehensive wheel cylinder pressure estimation based on systematic hydraulic control unit model
Authors: Liu Yicai , Wei Lingtao , Shao Dong , Chen Zhentao , Wang Xiangyu , Li Liang
Published: January 2024

Wheel cylinder pressure (WCP) is a crucial state for vehicles, directly influencing safety, comfort, and fuel economy. Serving as the foundation for sensor-less control and sensor redundancy, WCP estimation is a promising work for brake-by-wire systems (BBW). Nevertheless, WCP estimation is a challenging problem due to the nonlinear characteristics and intricate coupling within the hydraulic control unit (HCU). To enhance the performance of BBW, this paper proposes a comprehensive WCP estimation scheme based on the systematic HCU model. Component models including direct current (DC) motor pump and normally open valve (NOV) are established first. Considering the pulsation of the plunger pump, a modified nonlinear observer (MNO) is used to observe the angular speed of the DC motor. Inspired by the critical state, the linear pressure-drop relationship of NOV is analyzed and the NOV is simplified as a relief valve model expressed by algebraic equations. Dividing the HCU into the pump front part, pump rear part, and cylinder part, the systematic HCU model is then established, based on which, the comprehensive cause-based WCP estimation scheme is proposed. Next, simulations utilizing Amesim validate the angular speed estimator, while bench experiments prove the NOV model. Finally, vehicle tests under active and passive pressure regulating conditions are conducted. The results indicate the proposed scheme exhibits satisfactory performance while preserving computational efficiency.
An individualized robust stability control strategy for active front steering vehicles
Authors: Zhang Han , Li Yuanhao , Quan Weimei , Zhao Wanzhong
Published: January 2024

To improve the vehicle stability and driver steering performance, this paper presents an individualized yaw stability control strategy based on H∞ robust control for active front steering (AFS) vehicles. A driver-vehicle system, including a driver steering model and a vehicle dynamics model with AFS, is formed. To analyze the steering characteristics of different drivers, a set of driving data of 36 drivers is collected, and the driver’s characteristics parameters are identified by using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. A general evaluation function considering the trajectory tracking performance, vehicle stability, driver workloads, and driver’s characteristics parameters are established to evaluate the comprehensive steering performance. To accomplish the personalized control of vehicle yaw stability, an individualized H∞ robust yaw stability controller is presented by adjusting the gain of the weighting function according to the general evaluation of each driver. Driver-in-the-loop experiment is conducted based on the Matlab/Simulink-CarSim®-Prescan co-simulation platform, and the results demonstrates that the proposed control strategy can provide driver with individualized driving assistance while improving the overall driving performance and reducing the driver’s workloads.
Multi-objective crashworthiness optimization for a newly developed 3D re-entrant auxetic structure using response surface method and MOPSO algorithm
Authors: Lotfi Majid , Masoumi Abolfazl
Published: January 2024

With the quick advancement of the vehicle industry, attention to automobile safety has increased. Crash boxes, which are placed in front of the side rails, play an essential role in preventing much damage to the front part of the car and also protecting passengers. Improving and optimizing these crash boxes’ energy absorption properties is necessary. In this study, a new structure of three-dimensional re-entrant auxetic has been presented for use as a crash box. Quasi-static uniaxial loading has been investigated experimentally and numerically. With the validation of the numerical simulation, the response surface method was implemented to investigate the value and type of different parameters’ effect on peak load and specific absorbed energy. Variables of the base and re-entrant strut thicknesses ( t1) and ( t2), the length of the base to re-entrant strut ( L/H), and the re-entrant angle ( θ) were considered in three levels. Through ANOVA analysis in Design-Expert software, it was found that the parameters t2 and θ had the highest effect on the peak load, energy absorption, specific energy absorption, and mean crashing force responses. With the increasing of t2 and θ, all responses increase and decrease, respectively. Also, multi-objective optimization based on minimum peak load and maximum specific energy absorption was performed by the desirability function method in Design-Expert software and the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm. The proposed optimized structure exhibits enhanced energy absorption when compared to the optimized cylindrical auxetic structure and the thin-walled circular structure within the peak load range below 80 kN. Therefore, the proposed structure due to low peak load, uniformity collapse in the force-displacement diagrams, and stability of the structure during compression loading, can be used as the crash box.
Investigations of TiC and SiC films synthesized by DC magnetron sputtering and thermal annealing
Authors: Vishwakarma Deepti , Sasikumar C
Published: January 2024

In this research article, two-dimensional thin films of titanium, hierarchical titanium-carbon, titanium carbide, hierarchical silicon-carbon, and silicon carbide films were synthesized on the plates of AISI 304 stainless steel and glass slides, individually, using DC magnetron sputtering techniques. During the sputtering process, the creation of stable plasma was affected by the vacuum level, DC potential, plasma current, and Argon gas. The results showed that the coatings of titanium, titanium-carbon, and titanium carbide modified the optical properties of stainless steel. Additionally, titanium carbide coatings displayed a shiny gold appearance with a hardness of 1500 HV. Besides this, X-ray diffraction studies revealed a hexagonal Ti in the metallic films and C60, and diamond-like structures dispersed on its surface after the carbon coating. The spherical particulates of Ti and C60/diamond-like carbon particulates anchored on its surface were observed using scanning electron microscope analysis. The structural analysis indicated C vacant sites, which are available for ionic/electronic charge diffusion, thereby rendering these structures suitable for making Li storage batteries as electrode material.