bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and the climate emergency: A new sociological imagination
Authors: Bielsa Esperança
Published: December 2024

This article puts translation at the centre of an understanding of science, culture and politics and their interrelations in the face of anthropogenic climate change. It argues for an integrated approach to these traditionally separate knowledge domains in the form of a translational sociology that is centred on the politics of translation across languages, disciplines and knowledges, as well as practices of political advocacy and deliberation and policy implementation. A first section introduces the concept of metamorphosis to capture the transformations of the present and delineates its connections to a materialist notion of translation. Then the contours of a translational sociology built around analytically distinct processes of linguistic translation, political translation, policy translation and knowledge translation are specified. After that, these interrelated practices are examined with reference to relevant transnational instances through which the politics, science and culture in relation to the climate emergency are articulated and renewed: the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Covering Climate Now (CCNow). A concluding section argues for the more general significance of a translational approach beyond established academic disciplines in terms of a new sociological imagination.
Recruitment Strategies Bias Sampling and Shape Replicability
Authors: Vaughan-Johnston Thomas I. , Imtiaz Faizan , Patro Gabriella Avila , Shang Samantha Xiao , Fabrigar Leandre , Ji Li-Jun
Published: December 2024

Replicating psychological research has become a central concern for psychologists. Although attention has been paid to the possibility of heterogeneous populations driving replication success/failure, the heterogeneous recruitment strategies researchers use to draw samples from those populations are often overlooked. Yet recruitment strategies may bias the participants who show up and shape replication results. We examine this idea through several unique paradigms (sampling North American university students, Ntotal = 1,009). First, subtle manipulations of recruitment strategies (i.e., mentioning cash, expedient credit, fun, or a study narrative) were differentially appealing to individuals varying on experiential versus reward-based motivations (Experiment 1). Second, employing different recruitment strategies biased the motivational styles of actual participant show-ups, and sometimes even shaped the success of several replication studies (Experiment 2–3). We conclude that recruitment strategies may sometimes alter the degree of successful replication.
Significance of stem cell competition in the dose-rate effects
Authors: Tomita M. , Fujimichi Y. , Otsuka K. , Sasaki M. , Iwasaki T.
Published: December 2024

The system of radiological protection has been functioning well and is sufficiently robust. However, it needs to be further improved by new scientific findings. At low dose and low dose rate, which are the main areas of radiological protection, carcinogenesis is regarded as the main risk and its biological mechanisms need to be elucidated. Biological effect of a given dose generally decreases with a decreasing radiation dose rate, which is known as a ‘dose-rate effect’. Tissue stem cells are considered as targets for radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In tissues exposed to low dose of radiation, non-irradiated cells begin to appear when irradiation doses are approximately lower than the elemental dose. Under heterogeneous exposure conditions, biological effects could be reduced if damaged stem cells are eliminated by ‘stem cell competition’. Here we showed that proliferation of irradiated intestinal stem cells was inhibited by the presence of surrounding non-irradiated stem cells in the intestinal organoid, which is three-dimensional cultured tissue model generated from intestinal stem cells. Additionally, we found that x-ray-microbeam-irradiated stem cell and its daughter cells were excluded from the organoid. These results suggest that stem cell competition would play an important role in suppression of carcinogenesis under very low-dose-rate irradiation condition.
Exposure of volunteers in medical research – justified and optimised?
Authors: Almén A. , Frank A.
Published: December 2024

Volunteers participating in medical research must be adequately protected. A volunteer can be a person undergoing treatment for an illness (a patient) or a healthy person. The radiological imaging and therapy procedures used could be routine or project-specific with different purposes. This contribution aims to explore the features and conditions of this planned exposure situation and to address some challenges. The result of a national study is presented. The main aspects covered in this presentation are justification, optimisation of radiation protection and the use of dose constraints. The guidelines in ICRP Publication 62 were reflected upon.
Japanese translations of ICRP Publications on contract with the Nuclear Regulation Authority, Japan; activities in FY 2022
Authors: Hirasugi A. , Mori M. , Moriwake Y. , Takamasa A. , Toma H.
Published: December 2024

The project of Japanese translations of ICRP Publications is conducted by the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan (NRA) to share ICRP's knowledge widely among those concerned and to assist in enhancing reliability of Japanese domestic regulations. To hear from a professional and objective standpoint, the ICRP Publications Japanese Translation Committee was established to offer suggestions to the NRA about the selection of the Publications to be translated and to approve the final version of the translation. The priority of selection is given to those Publications that deal with important and urgent issues deeply connected to Japanese domestic radiation safety regulations. To ensure quality of translations, 7-step procedure was adopted. In financial year (FY) 2022, Japanese translations of Publications 129 and 135 will be published (by March 2023).
Protecting animals within a revised radiological protection framework
Authors: Pentreath R.J.
Published: December 2024

The ICRP's current strapline is that of ‘ Protecting people, animals and the environment around the world from the harmful effects of radiation’. But if that is the case, what revisions to its overall framework are necessary in order fully to achieve it? This paper briefly attempts to identify and address some of these questions.
Case study on occupational exposures to radiation with possible co-exposure to heavy metals
Authors: Wilkins R.C. , Beaton-Green L.A. , Barr T. , Gagnon Ir M.B. , Fréchette N. , Dutil Y.
Published: December 2024

Biodosimetry is a valuable tool for determining the ionising radiation dose received by exposed individuals. The dicentric chromosome assay and translocation analysis are both standardised methods of biodosimetry which analyse chromosome damage. The dicentric chromosome assay is most suitable for acute exposures in the recent past as the dicentric frequency decreases with time after exposure. Translocation analysis is more appropriate for chronic exposures and older exposures as the translocations are considered stable and long-lasting. For both, analysis of low doses is difficult due to the stochastic nature of the damage and high levels of uncertainty. Complicating matters, confounding factors, such as medical exposures or exposures to heavy metals, have been shown to have an additive or synergistic effect to damage from radiation. For the situation described here, the individuals were welders who were also potentially exposed to both radiation and heavy metals. Biodosimetry was performed on 8 welders who were potentially exposed to ionising radiation during an industrial radiographic procedure using 192Ir for non-destructive testing. Analysis was performed 4–6 years after the suspected exposures and chromosome damage above expected background levels was detected. Here we discuss the analysis performed, the methods used to estimate whole-body doses and the involvement of confounding factors.
The novel terminology ‘discernible’ undiscerned conclusions: a critical review of UNSCEAR 2020/21 Fukushima Report
Authors: Hamaoka Y.
Published: December 2024

On March 2022, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) released the updated Fukushima Report 2020/21. Through this critical review, I identified serious problems. (1) The Report introduced the novel terminology ‘discernible’ that is equivalent to statistically enough power to detect increases in cancer. The Report explains that ‘“no discernible increase” did not equate to an absence of risk (Para. 213)’. In fact, for ‘females of ages in utero to five years at initial exposure, about 16 to 50 cases of thyroid cancer attributable to radiation could be inferred (snip) A statistical power analysis showed that an excess of 50 cases or less would be undetectable (Para. 222)’. However, UNSCEAR’s news releases and briefings do not explain the meaning of ‘discernible’, leading reporters and the general public to misinterpret ‘no discernible’ is ‘no risk’. That is a fatal failure in risk communication. (2) For thyroid cancers identified in Fukushima Ultrasound Examination (TUE), the Report concludes ‘the excess does not appear to be associated with radiation exposure, but rather a result of the application of highly sensitive ultrasound screening procedures (Para. 246)’. Because compared to Chernobyl, where a significant increase was observed among children under five years after four years of the accident, in Fukushima, a large part of thyroid cancer was detected in adolescents within three years. The report missed the context of TUEs in Chornobyl and Fukushima: TUE in Chernobyl started in the 1990s or after 4–5 years of the accident; in Fukushima, TUE started after a half year. Moreover, the literature review in the Report does not understand the limitations of the studies that reported insignificant relationships between radiation and thyroid cancer, suffered a lack of statistical power, and/or improper analysis. (3) For solid cancer (excluding melanoma and thyroid cancer), UNSCEAR’s statistical power analysis in Attachment A-23 indicated a lifetime increase likely to be detectable (LFR is 1.2% for 10-year-old girls subpopulation with a statistical power of 0.80). On the contrary, the report describes, ‘the levels of exposure of members of the public have been too low for the Committee to expect distinctive increases in the incidence of breast cancer or other solid cancers (Para. 247)’. A Critical review revealed severe problems in the UNSCEAR2020/21 Fukushima Report; thus the Report must be corrected or updated accordingly.
Evidence of cortical vascular impairments in early stage of Alzheimer’s transgenic mice: Optical imaging
Authors: Jeong Hyomin , Pan Yingtian , Akhter Firoz , Volkow Nora D , Zhu Donghui , Du Congwu
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder with progressive cognitive decline, remains clinically challenging with limited understanding of etiology and interventions. Clinical studies have reported vascular defects prior to other pathological manifestations of AD, leading to the “Vascular Hypothesis” for the disorder. However, in vivo assessments of cerebral vasculature in AD rodent models have been constrained by limited spatiotemporal resolution or field of view of conventional imaging. We herein employed two in vivo imaging technologies, Dual-Wavelength Imaging and Optical Coherence Doppler Tomography, to evaluate cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to vasoconstrictive cocaine and vasodilatory hypercapnia challenges and to detect resting 3D cerebral blood flow (CBF) in living transgenic AD mice at capillary resolution. Results showed that CVR to cocaine and hypercapnia was significantly attenuated in 7–10 months old AD mice vs controls, indicating reduced vascular flexibility and reactivity. Additionally, in the AD mice, arterial CBF velocities were slower and the microvascular density in cortex was decreased compared to controls. These results reveal significant vascular impairments including reduced CVR and resting CBF in early-staged AD mice. Hence, this cutting-edge in vivo optical imaging offers an innovative venue for detecting early neurovascular dysfunction in AD brain with translational potential.
The Economic Power of Capital and the Spread of COVID-19 in the United States: An Empirical Study
Authors: Zhao Junfu
Published: December 2024

This study proposes a Marxian explanation to account for the spread of COVID-19 in the United States in 2020. Capital opposed and resisted public non-pharmaceutical interventions because they interfered with short-term profitability. The economy was prematurely reopened under the structural economic power of capital at the expense of society. This empirical analysis exploits the variation in the local economic power of capital across counties, measured by the county-level employment share of employees of private for-profit companies. If the structural economic power of capital in a county was more substantial, then the cumulative COVID-19 death rate and the unemployment rate were larger, and social distancing behaviors were discouraged in that county. Workplace safety was not guaranteed during the pandemic, potentially contributing to the spread of COVID-19.

JEL Classification: B51, I18, P17
Exploring the Intersections Between Mass Incarceration and Reproductive Injustice: Implications for Critical Feminist Social Work
Authors: Furio Frances
Published: December 2024

The 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, rising threats to women's reproductive rights, and increasing populations of incarcerated women inspired this secondary analysis of qualitative data exploring the intersections between reproductive justice and mass incarceration. The original phenomenological study focused on women's perspectives on their interactions with law enforcement and the criminal legal system at the time of their arrests. Participants were recruited from a women's drop-in center for a three-round interview process. This secondary study revisited 13 participants’ transcripts to explore how the legal system intersected with and contributed to reproductive injustice. De-identified transcripts were analyzed using open coding and focused coding to identify themes and sub-themes. Four primary themes emerged, revealing a range of systemic inadequacies and the need for systemic reforms in the legal system: parental rights, healthcare access, economic challenges and homelessness, and systemic bias and discrimination. These findings amplify the often-overlooked voices of those with direct lived experiences, with participants clearly emphasizing the urgent need for adequate and equitable support and treatment. From a critical feminist perspective, the analysis links mass incarceration with reproductive injustice, highlighting intersecting systems of oppression.
A Painful Reality Check? Examining the Accuracy of Subjective Survival Probabilities by Pain Interference and Depression Status
Authors: Fennell Gillian , Andrasfay Theresa , Grol-Prokopczyk Hanna , Ailshire Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Pain and depression are linked to higher mortality risk and lower subjective survival probabilities (SSPs). We examine if SSPs for individuals with pain and depression match their actual lifespans.

Methods

Using data on 12,745 Health and Retirement Study respondents aged 57-89 in 2000 with follow-up through 2018, we assessed whether respondents’ SSPs were “correct,” “underestimated,” or “overestimated” relative to their lifespans. Adjusted multinomial logistic regressions predicted SSP accuracy based on pain interference, depression, and their interaction.

Results

Severe or interfering pain (i.e., high impact pain) was associated with a 25% higher risk of underestimating SSPs (RRR = 1.25, p = .04), and depression increased the risk by 49% (RRR = 1.49, p < .001). High impact pain and depression also corresponded with lower average SSPs and higher mortality risk.

Conclusion

High impact pain and depression increase the risk of underestimating longevity. Future research should explore the impact on health and financial decisions in older adults.
Wheel profile optimization of high-speed locomotive to improve railway line adaptability
Authors: Meng Fanyu , Deng Xiaoxing , Yao Yuan
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the low-frequency carbody swaying phenomenon of the locomotive belonging to the power concentrated electric multiple unit (EMU) for high-speed passenger transport, which operated in the early stage after the wheel profile is repaired as the JM3-32 thin flange profile according to the standard, the profile is optimized to improve the locomotive’s dynamic performance. The optimization objective is to improve the equivalent conicity and its distribution concentration of the wheel profile under various rail profiles and rail cants conditions, as well as to improve its wear performance. The mapping relationship between the design variables and the objective functions is realized by constructing the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) surrogate model. The Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is used to optimize the position and size of the four arcs in the rolling circle contact area of the wheel profile. The wheel-rail contact characteristics and vehicle dynamics simulation of the wheel profile before and after optimization are compared to reveal the optimization effects. The results show that under different wheel-rail matching conditions, the equivalent conicity of the optimized wheel profile is significantly improved compared with the original wheel profile, and the dispersion degree of its distribution is significantly reduced at the same time. The nominal equivalent conicities corresponding to the 3 mm lateral displacement of the wheelset are all about 0.1. The nonlinear critical velocity is increased by more than 290 km/h under the condition of 1/20 rail cant. Under the four wheel-rail matching conditions, the Locomotive will not have the problem of lateral ride comfort deterioration and vehicle swaying when running at high speed. The curve passing performance and wear performance are also improved.
Convex modeling and control of multi-fuel compression ignition engines
Authors: Altiner Berk , Sun Zongxuan , Kim Kenneth , Kweon Chol-Bum Mike
Published: December 2024

Multi-fuel engines are complex machines that operate in varied ambient and operating conditions. For reliable operation of multi-fuel engines in varying operating conditions, proper modeling, and efficient control design for their combustion phasing are required. One of the practically implementable ways this is achieved in practice is by, Gaussian process regression (GPR) models and then designing a feedforward control through look-up tables (LUTs). The main approach of designing LUTs is based on the inversion of GPR models that can be formulated as an optimization problem. Although GPR models have good generalization properties and ensure accuracy with a limited number of data, their usage in optimization problems leads to non-convex costs which are computationally burdensome to solve. To address this problem, this work proposes alternative modeling approaches for multi-fuel engines based on non-parametric convex regression and convex neural networks. First, the experimental data collected from the 4-cylinder diesel engine is exploited to obtain convex models and then, the resulting convex models are used in the LUT design process. To demonstrate the success of the method, we compare the convex models and the GPR model in terms of accuracy, computational time in control design, and control performance, as well as present a comparison in terms of model complexity between the investigated model structures.
A Mutinous Disposition? Discipline and (Dis)order in the Fencible Regiments in Britain and Ireland, 1793–1802
Authors: Butcher Rory
Published: December 2024

The fencible regiments of the 1790s operated like the regulars but were limited to serve only in wartime, like the militia, and only in Scotland, later becoming the British Isles. These restrictions were the primary cause of the 1794 ‘mutinies’. These events, alongside other incidents of poor discipline across all ranks, have been previously used to portray the fencibles poorly. This article will argue that the ‘mutinies’ and the wider interactions within the military justice system both demonstrate the ‘soldier as worker’ approach and how the inherent temporary nature of the fencibles fundamentally shaped the employment of fencible officers and men.
Development of a Valid and Reliable Questionnaire Assessing the Strengths and Limitations of Telemedicine Services in India
Authors: Yadav Sheetal , Ajmera Puneeta
Published: December 2024

Telemedicine has progressed in the last decade as a stimulating solution in providing distance support to healthcare workers at ground level. In a developing country like India, telemedicine sector is still at a nascent stage, and medical practitioners are facing many challenges while using telemedicine technologies. The aim of this study is to identify the strengths and limitations of telemedicine sector by developing a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire in reference to India. Data were collected via widespread, detailed interviews of different stakeholders of telemedicine, including people managing telemedicine facilities, who had a profound understanding of different aspects of telemedicine, and the doctors practicing telemedicine in various public and private hospitals and through rigorous review of literature to have thorough facts and knowledge about various attributes of questionnaire. To confirm the validity of the questionnaire, the item pool was assessed by three specialists providing tele-consultation services and two managers who manage telemedicine centres in a public and a corporate hospital. A pilot study was conducted at three telemedicine centres of private and public hospitals in India, and their responses were calculated. After ensuring the validity, the questionnaire was evaluated to examine its reliability Cronbach’s alpha by using SPSS software version 21. The final questionnaire consisting of 50 items was ultimately developed. This questionnaire contains appropriate content and face validities, very good reliability and hence can be a beneficial tool for assessing telemedicine services in India.
Cardioprotective Potential of Bioactive Compound from Methanolic Extract of Asparagus racemosus: An In Silico Study Utilizing GC–MS Analysis
Authors: Sen Sandip , Roy Biswabara , Kannappan N. , Zoghebi Khalid , Albratty Mohammed , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Najmi Asim , Alam Md Shamsher
Published: December 2024

Background

Historical accounts suggest that, throughout antiquity, medicinal plants and their constituent parts have been used to treat a variety of ailments. Asparagus racemosus, this plant exhibits a wide range of potential uses in medicine.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify any potentially bioactive ingredients in the methanolic extract of A. racemosus.

Methods

A variety of compounds were detected using gas chromatography, and their molecular structures were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and mass spectrometry. Using in silico approaches, the molecule’s potential as a therapeutic candidate, biological activity, and projected targets were carefully examined.

Results

The molecule 4-(((9-(5-(ethylcarbamoyl)-3,4-dihydroxy tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-9 H-purin-6-yl)amino)methyl)benzoic acid was found in the highest concentration (27.37%). The identified molecule is purine alkaloid in nature. The promising drug-like properties and therapeutic efficacy for the investigated molecule.

Conclusion

It could serve as a viable therapeutic option for addressing cardiovascular disorders.
Teaching Indigenous legal issues as a non-Indigenous teacher: Stories and perspectives
Authors: Gray Stephen
Published: December 2024

This short article suggests some ways for non-Indigenous law teachers to teach Indigenous legal issues in a culturally sensitive and respectful, as well as intellectually satisfying, way. It sets out five problems, or issues, which students have commonly raised in class, including the discussion of past racism, the disturbing nature of the content, and the question of whether these discussions further alienate, or ‘other’, Indigenous peoples. It suggests some strategies for dealing with these issues, including through the use of storytelling techniques and the acknowledgement of subjectivity.
Assessment of Symptom Burden and Quality of Life in Patients With Primary Brain Tumours Attending Palliative Care in a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre
Authors: Padhi Pratyasa , Gupta Nishkarsh , Bharati Sachidanand Jee , Garg Rakesh , Mishra Seema , Bhatnagar Sushma , Haresh K. P. , Kumar Vinod
Published: December 2024

Background: Patients with primary brain tumors navigate a distinct illness trajectory, characterized by an uncertain prognosis, a rapid decline in physical functioning, and a significant deterioration in the quality of life. These unique challenges underscore the importance of our research in understanding and addressing the needs of these patients. Methods: The EORTC QLQ C30 & EORTC BN 20 questionnaires assessed the quality of life and symptom burden in patients with primary brain tumors. The scores were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: 100 patients - 61 males and 39 females—were included with radiological or histopathological diagnoses of primary brain tumours. Seizures (38%) was the most common presenting symptom, followed by headache (18%), loss of consciousness (13%), focal neurological deficit (9%), and blurring of vision (8%). The mean quality of life at baseline was 78.29, with a standard deviation of 9.67 on a scale of 0 to 100, and the brain tumor-specific symptom burden score was 46.9, with a standard deviation of 17.95 on a scale of 0 to 100. There was a significant difference in the global health status score between the first and third visits at 3 months ( P value = .03). Conclusion: Despite the aggressive and often incurable nature of primary brain tumors, there is hope in the form of palliative care. By addressing unmet symptoms, uncertainties about the future, and social functioning, palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life of these patients.
Driven by purpose, weary in pursuit: Exploring competitive employment for autistic adults
Authors: Erdal Kerstin , Gelléri Petra , Billstedt Eva
Published: December 2024

Background: 

Autistic adults are notably underrepresented in the mainstream job market, with only 20% of them worldwide engaged in competitive employment. This underrepresentation carries significant societal and welfare costs. In our study, we explore the impact of competitive employment on autistic adults.

Objective: 

We examine the dynamics of personal resources, job demands, resource losses, and resource gains within the context of adult autism and competitive employment. We seek to comprehend the motivating factors related to work and the prerequisites for its sustainment, joining the theoretical frameworks of Job Demands-Resources and Conservation of Resources.

Methods: 

We conducted in-depth interviews with eight adults with autism who are employed in competitive roles. Thematic analysis was employed to identify categories and themes, further analyzed using inductive coding.

Results: 

Competitive employment was associated with resource gains, including feeling of mastery, improved self-esteem, and enhanced social connectedness. However, participants also reported elevated post-work fatigue as a job demand. Managing post-work fatigue required personal resources, such as stress management strategies and adequate recovery time.

Conclusion: 

Our findings highlight the potential of competitive employment to enhance the well-being among autistic adults. To realize these effects, both personal resources and a supportive work environment are crucial.
Study on the nonlinear stiffness variation and its effect on the dynamics of the rigid rotor-bearing system
Authors: Fang Bin , Li Wenchao , Zhang Jinhua , Yan Ke , Hong Jun
Published: December 2024

In this paper, to obtain the nonlinear stiffness behavior of ball bearing and its effect on the dynamics of the rotor-bearing system, a comprehensive theoretical study on the typical rigid rotor system supported on ball bearings is presented, and the stiffness matrix of the rotor-bearing system is derived based on a novel mathematical model of the supported ball bearings with the contact angles as the new unknown parameters. Then the change rules of the nonlinear stiffness behaviors and dynamics of the rotor system versus the initial preload, rotating speed and external load are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the rigid rotor-bearing system presents the stiffness change trend of the first “soft-spring” and then “hard-spring” under large preload and low speed condition, while presents the obvious nonlinear “hard-spring” stiffness characteristic under small preload and high speed condition.
Idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling: An optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of macular capillary plexus changes
Authors: Caretti Luigi , Pillon Giulia , Verzola Giacomo , Angelini Edoardo , Monterosso Cristina , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Longo Antonio , Formisano Martina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess retinal vascular changes following internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) treatment using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Design

A retrospective study was conducted.

Methods

A cohort of thirty-nine patients was enlisted for this study. Each participant underwent comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation and OCT-A imaging at baseline, as well as at 1-month and 6-month intervals post-pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling.

Results

Post-surgery, remarkable improvements were observed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (from 0.335 ± 0.173 to 0.096 ± 0.126 at 6 months), coupled with a notable reduction in central retinal thickness (CRT) (from 460 ± 87 µm to 395 ± 53 µm at 6 months). Additionally, there was a noticeable expansion in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) perimeter (from 0.099 ± 0.060 mm² to 0.125 ± 0.056 mm² at 6 months). However, there was a decline in vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) (from 46.7 ± 4.4 to 43.8 ± 3.5% at 6 months), contrasted by an elevation in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) (from 45.2 ± 5.5% to 43.6 ± 5.3% at 6 months. Noteworthy correlations were detected between CRT and BCVA, as well as CRT and vascular parameters.

Conclusion

ERM instigates a milieu of changes including SCP crowding and elevation, potentially leading to a falsely augmented density at OCT-A in affected patients. Subsequent surgery results in a release of ERM-induced forces, elucidating the observed decrease in SCP density. Conversely, the DCP appears to be less distorted by the ERM, facilitating gradual vessel reopening after its removal. OCTA provides valuable insights into optimal surgical timing.
Reflecting the seen scene: Theorizing screenshots as multistable metapictures
Authors: Miller Marty
Published: December 2024

This paper develops contemporary theorizing of vernacular screenshots by positioning them as artifacts reflecting the technological design and individual choices that allow their content to be viewed. By situating them within metapicture theory, screenshots induce a multistable perception of static image content as visibly nested within an imaging process. Screenshots, then, infer causal reasoning over how and why they exist. Several examples of screenshots are given to exercise this contextually reflective reading. Analysis of each exemplifies the theoretical stance described and aids in two contributions for this paper to existing discourse on image ontology in New Media. First, the paper applies metapicture theory to increasingly contemporary cases of image remediation. Second, the paper provides a theoretical approach to assess screenshots as multistable metapictures where simultaneous content readings are possible. As a result, screenshots emerge to increasingly implicate a world of interaction behind the camera lens.
Viral nationalism: Right wing media and the aesthetics of distributed participation
Authors: Baishya Anirban K.
Published: December 2024

Globally, far-right populisms are seeing a new resurgence fueled by digital technologies. This paper explores such modalities by taking the case of Hindu right-wing mobilization in social media- and physical- spaces in India. Specifically, I examine the media event around the release and reception of The Kashmir Files in 2022, which, while only one in a series of similar films, is exemplary for the scale of its jingoistic reception. While the study is rooted in India, its implications are wider and provide a model for understanding transmedia, convergent, right-wing ecologies elsewhere. Such ecologies enforce an understanding of how the aesthetic object (in this case, film), moves beyond its intended frame (the screen). Rather, through acts of repeated circulation, fragmentation, and de/re-contextualization, they produce a distributed, affective form of populist participation that can be described as viral nationalism.
In- and near- nozzle and external flow characterization in Gasoline Direct injection (GDi) engines – A review of latest technologies and trends. Part 1: Experimental background
Authors: Martínez María , Martí-Aldaraví Pedro , Payri Raúl , Martínez-Miracle Enrique Carlos
Published: December 2024

In an era of increasingly stringent emissions regulations, environmental standards are driving gasoline engine research and development toward more widespread use of direct injection systems. It is also of interest to know what kind of phenomena cause these types of emissions in order to address and reduce them as much as possible. Therefore, it has been considered of interest to summarize in this article the latest research topics related to the gasoline direct injection (GDI) process, providing researchers with a valuable resource to understand the current state of research, the different technologies of gasoline direct injection and the phenomena that take place in this process. Research applied to GDI engines can be approached in several ways. The one chosen for this article is mainly based on separating the relevant processes within the engine with the objective of going deeper into each of them. In this sense, it is proposed to study the injection without taking into account the combustion phenomenon. In the same way, it is suggested to study the injection process in several phases: in- and near-field of the injector and downstream of the injector. Therefore, this work performs an extensive analysis of the experimental techniques employed for the study of each of the phenomena that take place in the injection process. The objective of the research is a better understanding of the phenomena, an improved characterization of the internal flow and spray and consequently the final optimization of the engine design. In a subsequent publication (Part 2), the same literature review will be addressed but only taking into account the computational work carried out in recent years with the same objective of investigating the injection, the mixture formation process, and the associated emissions characterization.
A defense of specialized citizenship
Authors: Elliott Kevin J
Published: December 2024

What does it take to be a good democratic citizen? Many scholars emphasize that being a good citizen is difficult because there is so much citizens should know to participate responsibly in politics. These critics implicitly assume that citizens should aspire to be “omnicompetent citizens:” fully informed about the issues of the day, candidates’ stances on them, and relevant scientific knowledge. In this article, I advance an alternative, less demanding standard of good citizenship in which citizens focus their political concern on just a few issues, or even a single one. I defend this model of specialized citizenship from the objection that it licenses myopic and irresponsible decision making by citizens with two complementary arguments. The first draws from the work of Bernard Williams to demonstrate the ethical permissibility of citizens making decisions based on even single issues when they implicate citizens’ fundamental commitments. The second argument suggests that such seemingly blinkered decision-making may, when operating systemically, improve democratic decision making via a division of labor between citizens specializing in different issues. I conclude that there may be less of a tension between the demands of ordinary life and those of a flourishing democracy than previously thought.
Control of fan broadband noise through wavy leading and trailing edge serrations
Authors: Narayanan S , Singh Sushil Kumar , Kant Manish , Narayanmurthy Aadit
Published: December 2024

The present study provides comprehensive experimental investigations into the use of wavy leading edge (LE) and trailing edge (TE) serrations as a passive means for augmenting the reductions of fan broadband noise. The findings clearly indicate that the wavy LE – TE serrated fan could yield greater noise reduction performance than the un-serrated and wavy LE serrated fan, over a wide range of frequencies. In general, the wavy LE-TE serrated fans offer a maximum noise reduction of about 10 - 6 dB and an average reduction of about 4 - 5 dB, over a broad range of frequencies. For the range of frequencies from about 3 to 8 kHz, the wavy LE – TE serrated fan delivers a notable additional noise reductions of about 1-2 dB as compared to LE serrated ones, which is observed for all rpm values. For all rpm values, the un-serrated and serrated fans exhibit maximum / minimum directivity at an emission angle of about 127.5o / 77.5o. The lower far-field acoustic emissions (i.e., interaction noise + self-noise) offered by the wavy LE-TE serrated fans arises due to intense far-field destructive interference as a result of the faster spanwise phase variation of the velocity/pressure as well as the higher spanwise de-coherence. Further, the wavy LE-TE serrations mitigate direct scattering at both the LE and TE by dispersing sound energy over a wider area, which results in less intense noise signature in the far field. Thus, it clearly demonstrates that the second generation wavy LE-TE serrations could provide the substantial reduction of the far-field noise as compared to first-generation wavy serrations over a broad range of frequencies.
Facial Affect Recognition and Executive Function Abnormalities in ADHD Subjects: An ERP Study
Authors: Vosough Saghar , Candrian Gian , Kasper Johannes , Abdel Rehim Hossam , Eich Dominique , Müller Andreas , Jäncke Lutz
Published: December 2024

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 12% of children worldwide. With a 50% chance of persistence into adulthood and associations with impairments in various domains, including social and emotional ones, early diagnosis is crucial. The exact neural substrates of ADHD are still unclear. This study aimed to reassess the behavioral and neural metrics of executive functions and neural substrates of facial affect recognition. A total of 117 ADHD patients and 183 healthy controls were evaluated by two Go/NoGo tasks: the classic visual continuous performance test and the emotional continuous performance test, which requires facial affect encoding. Group differences between ADHD subjects and healthy controls were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with age and sex included as covariates. Dependent variables comprised behavioral (number of omission and commission errors, reaction time, and reaction time variability) and neurophysiological measures (event-related potentials [ERPs]). As the main result, we identified significant differences between ADHD patients and healthy controls in all behavioral metrics, one neural marker of action inhibition (P3d) and the facial processing marker (N170). The differences were moderate-to-large when expressed as effect size measures in behavioral variables and small-to-moderate for neurophysiological variables. The small-to-moderate effect sizes obtained from the neurophysiological measures suggest that ERPs are insufficient as sole markers for effectively screening emotion and face processing abnormalities in ADHD.
In-hospital outcomes of acute aortic occlusion treated by endovascular intervention: A single center study
Authors: Adiarto Suko , Wijaya Ray , Indriani Suci , Taofan Taofan , Dakota Iwan
Published: December 2024

Background

Endovascular intervention by means of thrombolysis is emerging as a promising management of Acute Aortic Occlusion (AAO). This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for AAO cases in a single-center tertiary hospital in Indonesia.

Methods

We review retrospectively AAO patients treated by Rheolytic thrombectomy ± stenting or TEVAR at our referral center from 2011 to 2024. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed independently and in correlation to one another.

Result

Out of 21 episodes in 19 patients, AAO was correlated with thromboembolism in 57.1 %, in situ thrombosis in 23.8%, and malperfusion syndrome in 19% of patients. Most prevalent comorbidities found were coronary arterial disease, hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Method of revascularization were Rheolytic thrombectomy (12), covered stent (5), catheter-directed thrombolysis (2), and TEVAR (4) with an average 90.9% success rate. In-hospital mortality was 21% and did not vary significantly according to etiology (thromboembolism 30% vs in situ thrombosis 20%) except for malperfusion syndrome 0% which comprised of four patients. All fatality occurred among patients with history of coronary artery disease and one failed revascularization case required urgent amputation (5.3%). Average length of stay was 8.67 ± 5.31 days.

Conclusion

Based on our data, thromboembolism remained highly associated with occurrence of AAO. Endovascular approach by Rheolytic thrombectomy is proven to be comparable or slightly superior in restoring occluded aorto-iliac connection compared to conventional management options. Compared to previous studies, this study establishes a wider representation of AAO cases treated by endovascular means considering the rarity of cases.
A Positive Parathyroid Washout May Obviate the Need for Nuclear Scintigraphy in Parathyroid Adenoma Localization: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Moise Alexander , Abdulhaleem Mawaddah , Bandargal Saruchi , Daniela da Silva Sabrina , Payne Richard J. , Forest Veronique-Isabelle
Published: December 2024

Background

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in patients with a parathyroid adenoma (PA) requires imaging modalities for precise localization. Parathyroid hormone assay on ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration washout, or PTH washout, can be used for this purpose. It is unclear whether PTH washout complements traditional PA localization techniques such as a sestamibi (MIBI) scan or diminishes its need. This study aims to determine whether a positive PTH washout obviates the need for an MIBI scan in the preoperative localization of a PA.

Method

A multi-center retrospective, comparative review comprised adult patients who underwent MIP at 2 McGill University teaching hospitals between 2018 and 2022. Patients who had both PTH washout and MIBI scan for preoperative localization of PA, final histopathology reports available, and preoperative/postoperative results recorded were included in the final analysis.

Results

Of the 193 patients’ charts reviewed, 87 were included in this study. Of these 87 patients, 74.7% (65/87) had a positive PTH washout result. Among those, MIBI correctly detected 90.8% (59/65) of the PAs. The MIBI scan did not contribute meaningful information for any of the 65 patients who had positive PTH washout results.

Conclusion

These findings strongly support the use of preoperative dedicated ultrasound as the initial standard procedure. When a PA candidate on ultrasound is found, a PTH washout should be performed. If positive, it could suffice as the sole localization method for MIP surgery. When a PA was identified on ultrasound and confirmed with PTH washout, the MIBI scan did not add more information. Benefits include fewer patient tests, less exposure to ionizing radiation, and reduced healthcare expenses.
Workplace-based assessment in healthcare: Key concepts and best practices
Authors: Dong Chaoyan , Low Siew Ching , Yan Clement C
Published: December 2024

Workplace-based assessment (WBA) integrates assessment with clinical practice and ensures that healthcare professionals meet required competency standards. This essay discusses WBA's key concepts, such as competency, standards, principles of assessment, rules of evidence, and entrustable professional activities (EPAs). It highlights the importance of aligning assessments with learning objectives and setting clear standards to enhance healthcare education and patient care.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase1 positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the urinary bladder: A rare mesenchymal neoplasm with diagnostic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Poombal FNU , Mansoor Ibrahim , Abdellatif Randa M , Shaker Nada
Published: December 2024

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms characterized by spindle-cell morphology with accompanying inflammatory infiltrates. Originally described in 1939, these tumors can arise in various anatomic locations, with the urinary bladder being a rare site of occurrence but the most common within the genitourinary tract. IMTs typically present as polypoid masses or firm submucosal nodules, often with painless hematuria in bladder cases. Histopathologically, IMTs are composed of myofibroblasts with myxoid stroma and mixed inflammatory cells, predominantly lymphocytes and plasma cells. Immunohistochemically, these tumors commonly express anaplastic lymphoma kinase1 (ALK1), vimentin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and cytokeratin, with ALK1 serving as a crucial marker for diagnosis. This report details the case of a 31-year-old female presenting with hematuria, found to have a soft tissue mass in the urinary bladder (5.0 × 3.0 cm). Imaging revealed a well-defined lesion with vascularity. Histopathological examination confirmed an IMT, with immunohistochemistry showing diffuse ALK1 positivity, patchy SMA staining, and variable desmin expression, consistent with the diagnosis. IMTs are generally considered neoplasms of intermediate malignant potential. While metastasis is exceedingly rare in bladder IMTs, local recurrence has been reported, particularly in cases of incomplete surgical resection. Recent advances highlight the role of ALK inhibitors in managing unresectable cases, enabling partial cystectomy in select patients. This article underscores the importance of achieving complete surgical excision and highlights the role of ALK expression in diagnosis and differentiation from other spindle-cell neoplasms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular and clinical factors influencing prognosis and to refine treatment strategies for IMTs.