bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of post-migration living difficulties on mental health among refugees and asylum seekers: A scoping-review on clinical tools
Authors: Santambrogio Jacopo , Cimminiello Noemi , Wisidagamage Don Prasad , Leon Elisabetta , Miragliotta Elena , Capuzzi Enrico , Colmegna Fabrizia , Clerici Massimo
Published: July 2024

Background:

The literature indicates an increasing interest in the mental health of refugees (R) and asylum seekers (AS) – particularly how it could be affected by previous exposure to trauma and violence – but less has been written about the issues they are forced to face during the post-migration period and how these also can affect mental health. Research shows that the mental health of R/AS is highly influenced by their post-migration conditions and may deteriorate due to post-migration social health-related determinants; in addition, a lack of language skills, discrimination, separation from family, poverty, and other stressors can contribute to social isolation. The difficulty in asking for help in case of psychological distress and, consequently, in accessing care, contributes to the worsening of their clinical condition.

Aims:

The primary purpose of this study is to identify and provide a review of the clinical tools used to screen migrants (R/AS) at risk of developing psychological distress, identifying post-migration difficulties.

Methods:

We searched studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane (Central), and Cinahl (ultimate) with the last search on 14 April 2023, using a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).

Results:

Our systematic search identified 1,878 records. After removing duplicates, we screened 1,238 records by title and abstract, retaining 97 for full text review. Of these, 68 met full eligibility criteria (1995–2023). A total of 30 social scales have been identified, as well as structured or semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Translated into multiple languages, the tools can be self-administered or administered by trained professionals. PMLD is known for its effectiveness in evaluating the post-migration period and predicting mental health issues.

Conclusions:

Considering the limited number of studies and, consequently, the limited number of tools found, it can be inferred that not enough attention is given to post-migration in the broader sense.
Making Individual Claims Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006: Clarifying and Defining Adivasi Lands
Authors: Anusha Chandana
Published: July 2024

This article traces the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 inside a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, Western India. In so doing, it moves beyond tropes of bureaucratic inefficiency, administrative lethargy and corruption typically assigned to its ineffectiveness to examine the work of documentation it takes to mobilise the rights guaranteed within the legislation. It concentrates on the struggle for evidence-making that constitutes the ordinary life of the law as it enters lower tiers of the government and penetrates the forest dwellers’ encounters with the government. Engaging with government officers, activists and forest dwellers, it examines mapping and counter-mapping activities. Records presented as evidence draw attention to the social histories of use and contest, archived and congealed in these tactics of claim-making. In effect, the Act, in its operations extends the preexisting clashes between the state government and Adivasi claimants—which it was meant to mitigate.
Bringing Religion into Public Value Theory and Practice: Rationale and Perspectives
Authors: Ongaro Edoardo , Tantardini Michele
Published: July 2024

Public Value (PV) is a notion and an approach to the governance and management of public services that has gained traction over the past three decades. However, there seems to be a major gap in PV theory: the influence that institutionalized religions have on public life in countries around the world and hence on the ways in which PV notions become acceptable across different countries. This article seeks to address this gap by developing an analytical framework to understand the influence of religions on PV. The nature of the religious regime in a given country—whether liberal or non-liberal—is a key mediating factor.
Does Public Accreditation Promote More State-Friendly Decisions at the Street Level?
Authors: Gershgoren Sagi , Cohen Nissim
Published: July 2024

When public administrators resolve disputes between citizens and other state officials, are they truly impartial? The question is imperative for evaluating resolutions made by street-level bureaucrats whom citizens often perceive as the face of public administration. This study examines the relationship between public accreditation and the tendency of street-level bureaucrats’ resolutions to accept the state’s arguments or the citizens’ claims. Using quantitative analysis of administrative lower-court rulings in Israeli tax disputes, the findings link public accreditation to state favoritism in street-level resolutions. Such an outcome, if not accounted for, may jeopardize procedural fairness and erode public trust in government.
Caring for elderly parents while living away: Sri Lanka’s professional and skilled emigrants
Authors: Chandrarathne Udeshika , Hettiarachchi Asel , Silva Oshadhie
Published: July 2024

Providing parental care within transnational families poses significant psychological costs for migrants in their migration and return migration decisions. The facilitation of transnational elderly care is complicated by associated stressors and mediated by systems that ease the emotional burden. The recently growing skilled emigration from Sri Lanka, often as a means of escapism, poses unique challenges in navigating the care needs of the left-behind elderly. Our study explored how 10 skilled migrants from Sri Lanka attempted to provide transnational care. Findings revealed that emigrants resorted to many conventional and novel coping mechanisms, which in turn, mediated their return decisions.
Mixed H2/H∞ optimal hierarchical tracking control for partially unknown dynamics
Authors: Cui Xiaohong , Wang Binrui , Wang Lina
Published: July 2024

The mixed [Formula: see text] dual-performance tracking control optimization problem for continuous-time systems with unknown internal dynamics is solved in the framework of Stackelberg games with hierarchical control. Compared with the traditional Nash games, the mixed [Formula: see text] tracking optimization problem is solved by finding the solution to a two-stage constrained optimal tracking control problem. The hierarchical tracking control problem is first changed into an optimization regulation problem by augmenting the state vector. The control input and the unknown external disturbances are deemed as the leader and the follower, which is obtained by solving the coupled hierarchical leader–follower Hamiltonian–Jacobi (HJ) tracking equations with constrained conditions. An improved hierarchical online integral reinforcement learning (IRL) tracking control algorithm is proposed to obtain the Stackelberg equilibrium and the optimal cost functions iteratively based on the Lyapunov-like equations. The single NN structure is applied for each player to approximate the unknown cost function. In addition, the sufficient and necessary condition is discussed about the uniqueness and existence of Stackelberg equilibrium. The universality and the practicability of the learning algorithm are shown by two simulation results.
A Technique of Autologous Costal Cartilage Graft Combined With Auricular Cartilage Folding to Correct Question Mark Ear in a Single Procedure
Authors: He Bei , Wang Bingqing , Zhang Qingguo
Published: July 2024

Background: Question mark ear is a rare congenital deformity, mainly characterized the interruption of the natural continuity between the lower border of the helix and the earlobe. In severe cases, the earlobe may be absent. In addition, there may be protrusion and outward expansion of the upper part of the auricle, with partial or complete disappearance of the antihelix. This article aims to introduce a technique that combines autologous costal cartilage carving with auricular cartilage folding to achieve a stable and aesthetic auricle. Method: This study included 26 patients with sporadic question mark ear deformity who were treated at our clinical center from January 2020 to December 2022. Based on the different appearances of the lower part of the auricle, they were divided into 2 categories:11 cases showed a natural continuity interruption between the helix and the earlobe, while 15 cases showed the absence of the earlobe. All patients underwent corrective surgery using costal cartilage transplantation combined with the upper part of the auricular cartilage folding, performed by senior surgeons. Results: Question mark ear was effectively improved and with no significant rebound. The average follow-up period was 8.4 months (ranging from 6 to 12 months). A satisfaction survey showed that 23 patients (88%) were satisfied, 3 patients (12%) were partially satisfied, and no patients were dissatisfied. Most patients experienced temporary swelling after surgery, which resolved within 3 months to half a year. Conclusion: Autologous costal cartilage transplantation combined with folding of the auricular cartilage is an ideal surgical method to correct question mark ear.
Clinicopathological Findings of Surgically Treated Nasal Cavity Schwannomas: A Case Series
Authors: Yaprak Bayrak Busra , Yaylacı Atılay , Ozturk Murat
Published: July 2024

Objectives: Nasal cavity schwannomas are exceedingly rare, benign neoplasms that pose challenges in clinical differentiation from other nasal tumors. Methods: This study presents 5 cases of nasal cavity schwannoma treated surgically over a 10 year period, along with a review of the literature. Results: The most prevalent symptoms included unilateral nasal obstruction and intermittent nosebleeds. Tumors originated from various nasal sites, including the septum, middle conchae, lateral nasal wall, and alar mucosa. All surgeries were conducted transnasally, with 3 tumors excised en bloc, and the remaining two subjected to piecemeal resection. Ancient schwannoma was identified in 4 cases. No instances of recurrence were observed during the average 61 month follow-up period. Conclusions: The definitive diagnosis of schwannomas necessitates histopathological examination. An endoscopic approach to the nasal cavity, obviating the need for external intervention, proved highly effective and appropriate for both diagnosis and symptom alleviation.
Intracapsular Enucleation of Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannoma: Improved Strategy of Intraoperative Hemostasis and Better Outcome
Authors: Zhu Shan-Shan , Zhang Hui , Dong Yan-Bo , Liu Yu-He , Lu Cheng , Li Wan-Xin
Published: July 2024

Objective: Intracapsular enucleation (ICE) of cervical sympathetic chain schwannoma (CSCS) is associated with technical difficulties, with diffuse hemorrhage being the main challenge in our previous attempts. This article presents our new strategy for achieving better hemostasis during ICE procedures in CSCS cases. Methods: A retrospective review of CSCS cases treated at our tertiary medical institution was undertaken between April 2018 and February 2024. Only cases with successful ICE were included. Results: A total of 8 cases were included, with 4 male and 4 female patients and an age range of 23 to 77 (average and median ages were 48.5 and 49.5 years, respectively). The presenting symptom was a neck mass for all the patients, with 4 masses on the left and 4 on the right sides. Enucleation was first undertaken for the first 3 cases (before March 2022), followed by hemostasis; this strategy was quite difficult and time-consuming. For the remaining 5 cases, a new strategy was developed to preemptively manage any potential nourishing vessel between the capsule and tumor parenchyma, which significantly decreased operation time ( P = .0155) and facilitated hemorrhage control. First bite syndrome (FBS) was avoided in all cases. Postoperative Horner’s syndrome (HS) was avoided in 1 patient (Case 6, new strategy) but occurred in 7 patients, taking 8 days to 1 month to recover with the new strategy (4 patients), significantly shorter ( P = .0364) than before (3 patients, 1-3 months). The median duration of follow-up was 20 months. No recurrence was documented. Conclusions: ICE was achieved for CSCS cases, especially with our newly developed strategy, by preemptively and securely managing potential nourishing vessels. Operation time and duration of recovery of postoperative HS could both be shortened. Moreover, FBS could be avoided.
Adoption and uses of cloud computing in academic libraries: A systematic literature
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Arif Muhammad , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This study aims to synthesise the findings of research on cloud computing adoption and use in libraries. This systematic literature review is based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method and comprises publications in the English language, published in the four world-renowned databases. This study identified various cloud computing practices, including library automation systems on clouds, email services, applications of social media, cloud storage (Dropbox), consortium services, digital library and file sharing. The libraries adopted cloud computing due to cost-effectiveness, storage facility, ease-to-use, flexibility and scalability, time-saving, lack of in-house skill set and ubiquitous nature of the technologies. Several factors, for example, security issues, privacy of data, slow Internet connectivity and high subscription rate affect the adoption of cloud computing. The critical adoption, usage factors and various challenges identified would provide valuable insight to library professionals to decide how to employ cloud-based practices to offer innovative services in academic libraries.
Cross-domain corpus selection for cold-start context
Authors: Hsiao Wei-Ching , Wang Hei Chia
Published: July 2024

Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool for monitoring attitudes towards companies, products or services and identifying specific features that drive positive or negative sentiment. However, collecting labelled data for training sentiment analysis models in a specific domain can be challenging in practical applications. One promising solution to this ‘cold-start’ problem is domain adaptation, which leverages labelled data from a related source domain to train a model for the target domain. A critical yet often neglected aspect in prior research is the measurement of similarity between the source and target domains, a factor that greatly impacts the success of domain adaptation. To fill this gap, we propose a novel measure that combines semantic, syntactic and lexical features to assess corpus-level similarity between two domains. Our experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves high precision (0.91) and recall (0.75), outperforming traditional methods. Moreover, our proposed measure can assist new domain products in selecting the most suitable training data set for their sentiment analysis tasks.
Immune-Mediated Liver Effects Associated With Administration of a Human Anti-IL-21 Receptor Antibody (ATR-107) in Rats
Authors: Hu Wenyue , Buetow Bernard S. , Sachdeva Karuna , Leach Michael W.
Published: July 2024

The toxicity of ATR-107, a human anti-interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R) monoclonal antibody (mAb), was evaluated in CD-1 mice and cynomolgus monkeys after single-dose intravenous (IV) administration, and in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and cynomolgus monkeys after weekly IV and subcutaneous (SC) administration in 13-week toxicity studies that included recovery. Adverse liver necrosis, diffuse bridging fibrosis, and higher liver enzymes occurred in rats in the low-dose IV group (10 mg/kg), but not at 50 or 250 mg/kg IV, and not following SC administration despite overlapping systemic ATR-107 exposures. Similar findings were not seen in mice or cynomolgus monkeys. A series of investigative rat toxicity studies showed liver findings only occurred after administration of at least 3 weekly doses, only occurred in rats that developed anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), and the incidence was associated with higher ADAs titers. However, the presence of ADAs did not always result in liver injury. Liver findings did not occur in nude rats, which had high ATR-107 exposures and no ADAs. These findings suggest an adaptive immune response with formation of ADAs was necessary for development of ATR-107-related liver findings, and that liver injury can occur in rats secondary to development of ADAs following repeated administration of a human therapeutic mAb.
Person-situation interactions as predictors of variations in attachment
Authors: Gillath Omri , Deboeck Pascal R. , Fraley R. Chris , Dugan Keely A.
Published: July 2024

Existing work on the contribution of life events and person characteristics to changes in attachment has mostly overlooked interactions between events and characteristics. Using 15 common events and ten personality characteristics in a multi-wave longitudinal study of 6,566 people, we examined whether person characteristics moderate the impact of life events on change in attachment. Although we found more interactions than were expected by chance, they did not consistently involve specific events or person characteristics and had small effect sizes. The largest number of event-person interactions were observed for changes in attachment security, followed by anxiety and avoidance. We found a similar number of interactions between events and within-person variation in person characteristics and “traditional” PxE interactions where the person characteristics are stable. These results suggest the need to look at both the traditional PxE interactions and the way dynamically varying person characteristics interact with events to understand changes in attachment.
Pathways of front-line healthcare professionals’ information anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in China
Authors: Lu Quan , Tao Liang , Peng Xueying , Chen Jing
Published: July 2024

Exploring information anxiety is critical to protecting the mental health of front-line healthcare professionals. Their information anxiety is impacted by interrelated conditions during public health emergencies, but existing studies have not confirmed the impact of the combination of conditions and clarified the pathways of information anxiety. Twenty-four healthcare professionals were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Qualitative Comparative Analysis was used to analyze necessary conditions and pathways of information anxiety. The results showed that information, environment, personal, and content were identified as antecedent conditions, and information quantity anxiety, information quality anxiety, and information content anxiety were identified as outcome conditions. Furthermore, information quality and social environment were necessary conditions. Spontaneous and extrinsic information anxiety were found based on pathways. Identifying conditions and pathways was essential for understanding the information anxiety of front-line healthcare professionals and providing evidence for medical institutions to take target measures in future public health emergencies.
Does a service provide safe, effective rehabilitation? An evaluation method for providers and purchasers
Authors: Wade Derick T
Published: July 2024

Background

Independent organisations monitor the safety and governance of clinical services but do not assess specialist expertise. Peer review can assess service capability but is resource-intense and infeasible.

The problem

How can you ensure a service provides safe, effective rehabilitation? You ask them to provide data as evidence that they can be trusted to do so. This article suggests a structured approach to providing data on entrustability.

An analogy

How is the specialist skill of a doctor in training established? They provide evidence about high-level outcomes (capabilities in practice) related to their speciality. An educational supervisor assesses whether they can be trusted to perform safely and effectively without supervision. The capabilities in practice define their expertise.

The solution

A service can use seven high-level rehabilitation service capabilities, based on the clinical capabilities associated with medical training, with observable indicative descriptors, to collect evidence of their rehabilitation approach. A service must also select four to eight high-level competencies indicating they can rehabilitate their patient caseload safely and effectively. These competencies also need indicative descriptors as evidence of their performance in the service; 11 examples are given.

Capabilities.

The seven rehabilitation capabilities are: using the biopsychosocial model, having a multi-professional team, making a person-centred rehabilitation plan, working collaboratively across all boundaries, tailoring treatments to the patient's needs, ensuring staff have specific competencies required for their caseload, and acknowledging and managing uncertainty and complexity.

Conclusion.

Service providers could use this structured approach to develop and provide users with evidence of their rehabilitation expertise.
Static autoregulation in humans
Authors: Paulson Olaf B , Strandgaard Svend , Olesen Jes , Baron Jean-Claude
Published: July 2024

A recent publication in JCBFM, “Static autoregulation in humans” gives rise to critical comments. Autoregulation of cerebral blood flow implies that flow is rather constant within a certain blood pressure (BP) range with a lower and an upper pressure limit. The physiology at the two limits is very different, making comparison of the brain’s vulnerability at the limits questionable. The recent publication in JCBFM claims a narrow autoregulatory range based on pooling of data from several studies. However, we argue that such pooling blurs the autoregulatory limits. We summarize the classical literature, therefrom we argue for a broad autoregulatory range.
Preliminary investigations into human neurofluid transport using multiple novel non-contrast MRI methods
Authors: Rane Levendovszky Swati , Flores Jaqueline , Peskind Elaine R , Václavů Lena , van Osch Matthias JP , Iliff Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

We discuss two potential non-invasive MRI methods to study phenomena related to subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) motion and perivascular fluid transport, and their association with sleep and aging. We apply diffusion-based intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging to evaluate pseudodiffusion coefficient, D*, or CSF movement across large spaces like the subarachnoid space (SAS). We also performed perfusion-based multi-echo, Hadamard encoded arterial spin labeling (ASL) to evaluate whole brain cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) and trans-endothelial exchange ( Tex) of water from the vasculature into the perivascular space and parenchyma. Both methods were used in young adults (N = 9, 6 F, 23 ± 3 years old) in the setting of sleep and sleep deprivation. To study aging, 10 older adults (6 F, 67 ± 3 years old) were imaged after a night of normal sleep and compared with the young adults. D* in SAS was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced with sleep deprivation (0.016 ± 0.001 mm2/s) compared to normal sleep (0.018 ± 0.001 mm2/s) and marginally reduced with aging (0.017 ± 0.001 mm2/s, p = 0.029). Cortical CBF and Tex were unchanged with sleep deprivation but significantly lower in older adults (37 ± 3 ml/100 g/min, 578 ± 61 ms) than in young adults (42 ± 2 ml/100 g/min, 696 ± 62 ms). IVIM was sensitive to sleep physiology and aging, and multi-echo, multi-delay ASL was sensitive to aging.
The Community Landscape and Culturally Important Fauna Among the Mbya Guaraní of Misiones, Argentina: Participatory Mapping as a Study Tool
Authors: Araujo Jorge Jorge , Lezcano Rossana Celeste , Sackser Mario Gabriel , Hilgert Norma Inés
Published: July 2024

This study analyses the perceived interactions between wildlife and the local landscape in Mbya Guaraní communities in the province of Misiones, Argentina. The objectives of this work are to identify the fauna of cultural importance from the perspective of the Mbya Guaraní communities, characterize the landscape units associated with the animals and the emerging trophic relationships in these representations, and determine the different uses assigned to the fauna wild. Work was conducted in 10 communities of Mbya Guaraní villages between 2019 and 2022. In each community, the following activities were carried out: presentation of the objectives of the study and request for prior informed consent; participatory map making; guided and observation walks; semistructured interviews with the use of visual stimuli; and free listings. In the maps prepared, 11 different vegetation units were visualized, of which 26 animal species were cited. The vegetation units with the greatest diversity of associated animal species are high and marginal forests, forest monocultures, and palm and fruit tree communities. The free lists made it possible to estimate that the animal with the most significant cultural importance is the kochi ( Tayassu pecari). With the participatory maps designed and the observations recorded during their preparation, it was possible to analyze the conceptual configuration underlying the wildlife and the landscape (vegetation units) and identify the leading traditional hunting practices. The semistructured interviews, with visual stimuli and free listings, allowed the estimation of the relative importance of wildlife for residents broadly.
Preliminary differentiation of benign and malignant gastric wall thickening using dual-layer spectral-detector CT
Authors: Li Hongjian , Zhu Qianni , Liu Linjiang , Zou Haijun , Gu Dayong , Wu Cheng , Li Weihua
Published: July 2024

Background

Dual-layer spectral-detector computed tomography (DLCT) may have the potential to evaluate gastric wall thickening.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of DLCT quantitative parameters in differentiating between benign and malignant thickening of the gastric wall.

Material and Methods

A total of 58 patients with “gastric wall thickening” who underwent multi-phase abdominal enhanced DLCT scans were included in this study. Of these patients, 33 were malignant and 25 were benign. Parameters such as iodine concentration (IC), effective atomic number (Zeff), and attenuation of the lesions were measured during the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP). Binary logistic regression was employed to calculate the combined prediction probabilities. The accuracy of the DLCT parameters was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The values of IC, nIC, Zeff, normalized Zeff, and attenuation in the AP and VP were significantly higher (all P < 0.05) in the malignant group compared to the benign group. The ROC curves revealed that the IC, Zeff, and attenuation in the VP exhibited high diagnostic performance, with area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 0.864, 0.862, and 0.840, respectively. The new combination of these three factors and gastric wall thickness had an AUC of 0.884, and the sensitivity and specificity were determined to be 81.8% and 92.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Spectral CT parameters, particularly the combination of gastric wall thickness, attenuation, IC, and Zeff in VP, have value in distinguishing between benign and malignant gastric wall thickening.
Integrative genomic analysis reveals cancer-associated mutations in patients with ophthalmic tumors
Authors: Zhu Fengjiao , Wang Pengpeng , Zhang Zhiyuan , Yao Chunlei , Wang Yijie , Ye Juan , Wu Jian
Published: July 2024

Objective

Apart from the role of the retinoblastoma gene, the genomic events associated with poor outcomes in patients with ophthalmic tumors are poorly understood.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with six types of ophthalmic tumors. We searched for high-frequency mutated genes and susceptibility genes in these patients using combined exome and transcriptome analysis.

Results

We identified four clearly causative genes ( TP53, PTCH1, SMO, BAP1). Susceptibility gene analysis identified hotspot genes, including RUNX1, APC, IDH2, and BRCA2, and high-frequency gene analysis identified several genes, including TP53, TTN, and MUC16. Transcriptome analysis identified 5868 differentially expressed genes, of which TOP2A and ZWINT were upregulated in all samples, while CFD, ELANE, HBA1, and HBB were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis indicated that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and Transcriptional misregulation in cancer signaling pathways may be involved in ophthalmic tumorigenesis.

Conclusions

TP53 is clearly involved in ophthalmic tumorigenesis, especially in basal cell carcinoma, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway may be an essential pathway involved in ophthalmic tumorigenesis. RUNX1, SMO, TOP2A, and ZWINT are also highly likely to be involved in ophthalmic tumorigenesis, but further functional experiments are needed to verify the mechanisms of these genes in regulating tumorigenesis.
Omentum pregnancy resulting in severe hemoperitoneum: Lessons learned from a review of the literature along with a case report
Authors: You Shu-Li , Wang Yu
Published: July 2024

Abdominal pregnancies are a rare form of ectopic pregnancy with omentum pregnancies being even rarer. Ectopic pregnancy should be diagnosed and terminated early to prevent the risk of harm to the mother. This case report describes a rare case of omentum pregnancy with severe hemoperitoneum. The patient had not visited a doctor until she failed to menstruate for 3 months, by which point she had developed severe hypogastralgia. The patient was diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy after ultrasonography. The omentum pregnancy was complicated by severe hemoperitoneum, which was confirmed by emergency laparotomy. The patient was treated successfully with fetal extraction and partial omentectomy. Ultrasound examination in early pregnancy is essential to detect and treat ectopic pregnancies as early as possible, as surgery is usually required for abdominal pregnancies. Prompt treatment of ectopic pregnancies is critical, as an omentum pregnancy is dangerous and may result in severe intraperitoneal bleeding.
Local High Reliability Calibration of Faulting Model Using Pavement Management Data
Authors: de Salles Lucio Salles , Li Haoran , Khazanovich Lev
Published: July 2024

Conventional approaches to the local calibration of mechanistic-empirical (ME) pavement performance prediction models require the use of field data with low variability. However, these strict data requirements often lead to datasets with a limited number of observations. Local calibrations using such datasets permit the elimination of biases in predictions with 50% reliability, but might not provide an accurate evaluation of predictions of higher design reliability, which can exceed 90%. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to faulting model evaluation for concrete pavements that specifically focuses on high levels of reliability. To address the issue of limited dataset size, our approach leverages pavement management system (PMS) data, which are collected regularly and in large quantities at a local level. We also account for the presence of censored data from out-of-service or modified pavement sections. This permits the local calibration of performance prediction models, with a particular emphasis on the accurate prediction of pavement distress with high reliability levels, which is critical for the design of high-volume roads. To validate our methodology, we applied it to evaluate, modify, and calibrate the Pavement ME faulting model using Pennsylvania PMS data. The proposed methodology can be applied for the local calibration of other Pavement ME models.
Can Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Aggregates be Effectively Utilized in Designing Paving-Grade Geopolymer Concrete? An Experimental Study with Strength Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Ghosh Ayana , R.N G.D. Ransinchung , Kumar Praveen
Published: July 2024

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a prominent choice in the construction industry as a sustainable alternative binder. This research delves into the performance of paving-grade GPC by recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a replacement for natural coarse aggregates. The experimental framework comprehensively examines its effect on the strength and elastic modulus ( E), with results portraying more than a 20% reduction in 28 days of compressive strength with a 50% RAP inclusion. Similarly, complete replacement of RAP (100%) significantly affected the E value, revealing a substantial decrease of 46.67%. However, contrary to the existing literature, a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study indicated no notable change owing to RAP integration, suggesting a physical interaction at the molecular level. The acquired mechanical properties were used to design pavement thickness, which indicated that, even with a 50% RAP incorporation in the mix, the thickness could be reduced by approximately 9% compared to traditional cement concrete. In addition, an analysis of its impact on the stress ratio revealed an increase with the increment of RAP proportion. To understand the effect of relevant parameters such as NAOH molarity, RAP proportion (%), and curing age on the compressive strength of RAP–GPC, an in-depth analysis leveraging six supervised machine learning algorithms was carried out. The gradient booster validated with a k-fold cross-validation technique demonstrated the highest accuracy for both training and test data sets (89.5% and 96.6%, respectively). The minimal root mean square error (4.18%), mean square error (26.9%), and mean absolute error (4.16%) further substantiated the accuracy of the developed model.
Influence of Interchange, Train Type and Commodity Shipped on the Adoption of Higher Gross Rail Load Railcars by US Freight Railroads
Authors: Shi Diwen , Dick C. Tyler
Published: July 2024

The freight railroad industry has experienced many changes and technological advancements over the past 25 years, influencing operating strategies and traffic patterns. To help identify the major trends in railroad shipping patterns and how heavier carloads have evolved in the process, this quantitative study of North American freight railroad transportation investigates the trend of adopting heavier carloads over the years 1996 to 2019 with consideration of the impact of interchange operations, train types, and specific commodities. A literature review of previous studies related to the adoption of 286,000-pound gross railcar loads revealed research gaps currently exist and inspired this particular analytical research. Specific research questions and hypotheses based on railroad industry trends were investigated by detailed statistical analysis of carload waybill sample data. Results quantify how the railroads have shifted from 263k-pound cars to 286k-pound cars, and how the rate of adoption varies across different combinations of train type, involvement of interchange, and commodity shipped. For certain commodities such as chemical products, there appears to be potential for additional conversion of traffic to heavier axle loads, with corresponding increases in efficiency and energy and emissions benefits. However, for commodities such as coal and field crops using certain train operating types, the adoption of heavier railcars has plateaued, suggesting that substantial investments are required to convert remaining traffic, or alternative strategies, such as longer trains, are required to achieve further economies. Future work is required to further investigate the specific patterns observed within other commodity types, including the role of shortline interchange in limiting adoption of heavier railcars, and to extend the analysis to intermodal shipments.
Dynamic Calibration of a Carsharing System in Multiagent Transport Simulation
Authors: El Megzari Idriss , Ciari Francesco , Frayret Jean-Marc
Published: July 2024

When employing simulation platforms to reproduce user behaviors of a transport mode as close to reality as possible, the model used must be calibrated. With simulation software, several calibration methods can be used. Some models are calibrated manually: users modify the parameters to be calibrated, launch the simulation, and then evaluate the results. Users perform these steps until the simulation results satisfy the desired objective. In this study, the multiagent transport simulation (MATSim) platform was used to simulate user behavior across various transportation modes. In addition to known transportation modes (private cars, public transit, and walking), carsharing mode was added to the Siouxfalls scenario. This enhanced scenario was used as the baseline to simulate the impact of the chosen parameters on the agent’s behavior. Previous studies on the calibration of agent-based models such as MATSim have introduced two automated methods based on entropy and gradient descent. However, these methods can require a higher number of calibration iterations and longer simulations to reach the required parameters. To offer both an efficient method in relation to computation time, and a solution that is adapted specifically to the carsharing mode, this paper presents a calibration methodology based on a surrogate algorithm that will act as a substitute for MATSim during calibration to speed up the process. Assuming that the parameters related to the basic mode of transportation were calibrated, the process described in this paper was applied specifically to the calibration of the carsharing mode in MATSim.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and serum procalcitonin level as a predictor of spontaneous ureteral stone passage: A prospective study
Authors: Faujdar Gaurav , Jaiswal Sanjeev , Singh Satyaveer , Singh Rahul , Sevach Prashant , Negi Saurabh , Priyadarshi Shivam
Published: July 2024

Background:

Ureteric stone is responsible for around 20% of urinary tract stones and among them 70% of these are located in distal portion of the ureter. Stone causing ureter obstruction produce inflammatory changes in ureteric wall and prevent spontaneous passage of stone. The objective of the study is to compare the predictive role of procalcitonin and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for spontaneous passage of stone.

Materials and methodology:

Total 150 participants having ureteric stone of 4–8 mm, were included in prospective observational study. The patients were followed up for 4 weeks. Spontaneous Stone Passage (SSP) was confirmed with either the patient collecting the stone during urination or by Non-Contrast CT performed at 4 weeks. Blood samples of the patients were analysed and White blood cells, sedimentation, Neutrophile to Lymphocyte (NLR), procalcitonin level compared to analyse predictors of future SSP.

Result:

The procalcitonin levels of the Spontaneous stone passing SSP (−ve) group (209.05 ± 78.45 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the not passing the SSP (+ve) group (130.76 ± 24.18) ( p < 0.001). NLR is significantly higher in the SSP −ve (3.84 ± 0.41) than the SSP +ve (2.18 ± 0.38) group ( p < 0.001). In single and multivariate analysis, significant activity was found for procalcitonin in SP +ve group.

Conclusion:

The findings of the study suggests that high level of procalcitonin, and high NLR have a negative effect on passage of stone. So early intervention can be planned to these patients to prevent complications.
Centrality and Historicity of Work in Marx’s Thought: Some Reflections from a Post-Marxian Point of View
Authors: Sobel Richard
Published: July 2024

The article explains the three dimensions of Marx’s philosophy of work: work as production, work as subjectivation, and work as integration. From this, the article defends the following thesis: while Marx allows us to shed much light on exploitation (social pathology of work as production) and alienation (social pathology of work as subjectivation), in particular in capitalism, nonetheless, he lacks an understanding of the ins and outs of emancipation as it is effectively deployed in our wage societies, far from the radicalism of his communist utopia.

JEL Classification: B14, B40, B52
Strategies for Achieving Better Cognitive Health in Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum: A Focus on the Canadian Landscape: Stratégies pour atteindre une meilleure santé cognitive chez les personnes souffrant du spectre de la schizophrénie : un regard sur le paysage canadien
Authors: Lepage Martin , Guimond Synthia , Raedler Thomas , McNeely Heather E. , Ungar Thomas , Margolese Howard C. , Best Michael
Published: July 2024

Background

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are a group of psychiatric disorders characterized by positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive impairment that can significantly affect daily functioning.

Method

We reviewed evidence-based strategies for improving cognitive function in patients with SSDs, focusing on the Canadian landscape.

Results

Although antipsychotic medications can address the positive symptoms of SSDs, cognitive symptoms often persist, causing functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Moreover, cognitive function in patients with SSDs is infrequently assessed in clinical practice, and evidence-based recommendations for addressing cognitive impairment in people living with schizophrenia are limited. While cognitive remediation (CR) can improve several domains of cognitive function, most individuals with SSDs are currently not offered such an intervention. While the development of implementation strategies for CR is underway, available and emerging pharmacological treatments may help overcome the limited capacity for psychosocial approaches. Furthermore, combining pharmacological with non-pharmacological interventions may improve outcomes compared to pharmacotherapy or CR alone.

Conclusion

This review highlights the challenges and discusses the potential solutions related to the assessment and management of cognitive impairment to help mental health-care practitioners better manage cognitive impairment and improve daily functioning in individuals with SSDs.

Plain Language Summary Title

Improving Thinking Skills in People With Schizophrenia: A Focus on Canada
Decolonising Medieval Irish Studies
Authors: Boyle Elizabeth , Collins Chelsey , Krivoshchekova Victoria , Lee Seungyeon , Nguyen Truc Ha , Silva Tiago Veloso
Published: July 2024

This short article reviews some of the colonial underpinnings of the field of Medieval Irish Studies (a subdiscipline of Celtic Studies), using the career of Whitley Stokes (1830–1909) as a case study in the entanglements between British colonial activity in India and the development of philological research on medieval Irish literature in the 19th century. It then proceeds to use autoethnographic reflections from graduate students in the field of Medieval Irish Studies whose backgrounds locate them at various intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class. These reflections offer constructive pathways toward working to decolonise the discipline.
Development of carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin hydrogel loaded with Omega-3 for skin regeneration
Authors: Zamani Sepehr , Rezaei kolarijani Nariman , Naeiji Mahdi , Vaez Ahmad , Maghsoodifar Hasan , Sadeghi douki Seyed Amir hossein , Salehi Majid
Published: July 2024

Hydrogels have several characteristics, including biocompatibility, physical similarity with the skin’s extracellular matrix, and regeneration capacity. Cell migration and proliferation are facilitated by natural polymers such as gelatin (Gel) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Gelatin dressing acts as a structural framework for cell migration into the wound area, stimulating cell division and promoting granulation tissue formation. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may prevent wound infection and improve the healing of wounds in the early stages. We studied the preparation of wound dressing containing Omega-3 and its ability to heal wounds. In this study, CMC-Gel hydrogels containing different concentrations of Omega-3 were investigated in full-thickness wounds. After the fabrication of the hydrogels by using surfactant (tween 20) and microemulsion method (oil in water), various tests such as SEM, Water uptake evaluation, weight loss, cell viability, blood compatibility, and in vivo study in rat cutaneous modeling during 14 days were performed to evaluate the properties of the fabricated hydrogels. The analysis of the hydrogels revealed that they possess porous structures with interconnected pores, with an average size of 83.23 ± 6.43 μm. The hydrogels exhibited a swelling capacity of up to 60% of their initial weight within 24 h, as indicated by the weight loss and swelling measurements. Cell viability study with the MTT technique showed that no cytotoxicity was observed at the recommended dosage, however, increasing the amount of omega-3 caused hemolysis, cell death, and inhibition of coagulation activity. An in vivo study in adult male rats with a full-thickness model showed greater than 91% improvement of the primary wound region after 2 weeks of treatment. Histological analysis demonstrated Omega-3 in hydrogels, which is a promising approach for topical skin treatment to prevent scar, and has shown efficacy as wound dressing by improving the repair process at the defect site.
Design of novel silicon-containing alkynyl diamines and their related thermosetting polyimide resins
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Liu Xiwei , Xia Jiyu , Wang Yitian , Hu Jianke , Hu Yanhong
Published: July 2024

In order to improve the PI resin’s processability and thermal properties, a novel diamine monomer bis(p-aminophenylethynyl)dimethylsilane was designed and synthesized by introducing silicon and alkyne groups in this paper. And a new thermosetting polyimide resin SiOPI with silicon and alkynyl structures in the main chain was prepared using 4,4′-oxobis (phthalic anhydride) (ODPA) as the dianhydride monomer with this diamine monomer. The structures of the diamine monomer and the polyimide were characterized by H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), mass spectrometry (MS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The incorporation of silyl groups into the PI increases the flexibility of the resin and provides good solubility and processability. The SiOPI is well soluble in DMF, DMSO and THF. The resin has a viscosity of less than 200 Pa·s at 50–88°C and has a wide processability range. By virtue of the introduction of alkyne groups, the cured polyimide forms dense reticulated structures, analogous to the benzene ring, giving the resin excellent heat resistance and mechanical property. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of SiOPI reached 367°C, and the heat loss temperature at 5% (Td5) is 540.9°C, the heat loss temperature at 10% (Td10) is 592.2°C, and the residual carbon rate at 800°C (R800°C) is 65.76% in a nitrogen atmosphere. The tensile strength of c-SiOPI is 257.6 MPa at room temperature and 232.9 MPa with a retention rate of 90.41% at 300°C, respectively.