bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raster Manipulations
Authors: Gyenes Zsolt
Published: September 2024

The sense organs are not separated from each other. Contemporary art strives towards a holistic approach. The experimental artist is more sensitive to innovations and the exploitation of new opportunities, and the one who plays against the usual use of the medium or apparatus. This is a fundamental attitude towards progressive art. It would be a mistake to leave analog technology out of this contemporary story.
Computational Methods in Speech Derived Music: Field Review
Authors: O’Hare Fintan
Published: September 2024

Recent years have seen the emergence of diverse computational methods used to derive musical material from speech. While speech analysis, synthesis, and signal processing advancements have informed works, a review of computational methods is absent. This review addresses the gap, categorising methods from 1980 to 2023 found in literature and contemporary music festival programmes, identifying trends relating to live computation, automated compositional processes, use of acoustic-mechanical instruments, and themes including human-machine interaction, obscuring of semantic meaning, and highlighting geographical speech qualities. These approaches have broadened compositional palettes and fostered novel composer-performer-electronic interactions.
Deliberate Maladjustment by Microorganisms: A Medium for Images or Luminous Bacteria
Authors: Saeki Takumi , Masuda Nobuhiro , Jo Kazuhiro
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we seek to uncover the new significance of the phrase “deliberately maladjusted,” which is borrowed from video artists of the 1970s and their critical interventions (Vasulka, 1970), in the act of Microbial Image-Processing, using two artworks by the authors: A Medium for Images or Luminous Bacteria and ‘イ’(1926) by BioLuminescent Bacteria. In contrast to early video experimentations, contemporary Computational Image-Processing simulates and manipulates various visual media in a “well-adjusted” manner for the digital computation and display. With this paper, we reconsider the historical process of image-processing to focus on living entities and microorganisms and attempt to extend the possibility of works being “deliberately maladjusted.”
Associative Learning and Active Inference
Authors: Anokhin Petr , Sorokin Artyom , Burtsev Mikhail , Friston Karl
Published: September 2024

Associative learning is a behavioral phenomenon in which individuals develop connections between stimuli or events based on their co-occurrence. Initially studied by Pavlov in his conditioning experiments, the fundamental principles of learning have been expanded on through the discovery of a wide range of learning phenomena. Computational models have been developed based on the concept of minimizing reward prediction errors. The Rescorla-Wagner model, in particular, is a well-known model that has greatly influenced the field of reinforcement learning. However, the simplicity of these models restricts their ability to fully explain the diverse range of behavioral phenomena associated with learning. In this study, we adopt the free energy principle, which suggests that living systems strive to minimize surprise or uncertainty under their internal models of the world. We consider the learning process as the minimization of free energy and investigate its relationship with the Rescorla-Wagner model, focusing on the informational aspects of learning, different types of surprise, and prediction errors based on beliefs and values. Furthermore, we explore how well-known behavioral phenomena such as blocking, overshadowing, and latent inhibition can be modeled within the active inference framework. We accomplish this by using the informational and novelty aspects of attention, which share similar ideas proposed by seemingly contradictory models such as Mackintosh and Pearce-Hall models. Thus, we demonstrate that the free energy principle, as a theoretical framework derived from first principles, can integrate the ideas and models of associative learning proposed based on empirical experiments and serve as a framework for a better understanding of the computational processes behind associative learning in the brain.
Typification of the names in Armeria (Plumbaginaceae) recorded for Italy
Authors: IAMONICO DUILIO , DOMINA GIANNIANTONIO , TIBURTINI MANUEL , PERUZZI LORENZO
Published: September 2024

A contribution to the nomenclature of the genus Armeria is presented. Armeria alpina, A. gracilis, A. macropoda, A. plantaginea, Statice nebrodensis, S. plantaginea, and S. pungens, recorded for Italy, are typified here based on specimens deposited at B, G, MA, and NAP, plus an illustration by Allioni. The current application of these names is confirmed in most cases, except for Statice plantaginea, which is shown to be a heterotypic synonym of the Alpine endemic Armeria arenaria subsp. praecox, and not of the western Mediterranean A. alliacea, as previously thought. Accordingly, the latter species is excluded from the Italian flora.
First report of acifer group of the subgenus Tripodura Townes (Diptera: Chironomidae: Polypedilum) from India, with a new species and updated world checklist
Authors: MUKHERJEE BINDARIKA , RAY NAMRATA , MUKHERJEE ARKA , NASKAR ATANU , BANERJEE DHRITI
Published: September 2024

A new species of the acifer group of the subgenus Tripodura and genus Polypedilum Kieffer is described on the basis of adult male. The acifer species group is recorded firstly from India. The molecular barcoding of the new species is provided. Moreover, molecular phylogeny of all available species of the subgenus Tripodura, along with an Indian key based on adult males of this subgenus have been designed here. Additionally, a world checklist of the subgenus Tripodura has also been furnished in this study.
A New Species of Pontella Dana, 1846 and New Record of Pontella surrecta Wilson (1950) (Copepoda, Calanoida, Pontellidae) from Indonesian Waters, with Notes on Their Species-Groups
Authors: MULYADI  , SIDABALOK CONNI MARGARETHA , MULYADI HANUNG AGUS
Published: September 2024

A new species of Pontella Dana, 1846 from Indonesian waters is herein described. Pontella mayalibit n. sp. is distinguishable in the female by having a small posterodorsal beak-like process on the left side of Ur1, the extremely asymmetrical CR and the form of the P5; in the male by the Ur1 naked, the slender thumb of the chela and the elongated and slender shape of the finger of the right P5.
Pontella surrecta is recorded for the first time in Indonesia and an expanded description is provided based on topotypic specimens. The female is distinguishable by having a very large posterodorsal beak-like process of Ur1, the asymmetrical CR and the form of the P5; while the male by the long posterior corners of Pdg5, the elongated thumb of the chela and the very slender shape of the finger of the right P5.
Two new species of Torunotum Hosseini & Cassis 2019 (Hemiptera: Miridae: Deraeocorinae: Hyaliodini) from New Caledonia
Authors: GIERLASIŃSKI GRZEGORZ , DOBOSZ ROLAND , TASZAKOWSKI ARTUR
Published: September 2024

Two new species of the Torunotum Hosseini & Cassis, 2019—T. hirsutum sp. nov. and T. flavomaculatum sp. nov.—are diagnosed and described. Photographic images of habitus and male genital structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of the selected structures of these species, are provided. Additionally, the paper also presents a new locality of Torunotum badius Hosseini & Cassis, 2019, along with photographs of the habitus and the male genitalia.
Fluorescence and Colorimetric Dual-Readout Detection of Tetracycline Using Leucine-Conjugated Iron Oxide Quantum Dots
Authors: Sudewi Sri , Sashank Penki Venkata Sai , Rasool Akhtar , Ullah Najeeb , Zulfajri Muhammad , Chen Hsuan-Ying , Huang Genin Gary
Published: September 2024

This study developed a dual-readout system utilizing fluorescence and colorimetry based on iron oxide quantum dots (IO-QDs) for detecting tetracycline (TCy). IO-QDs were synthesized within 6 h using L-leucine as a surface modifier, achieving a more efficient route. Upon interaction with TCy, IO-QDs exhibited a significant decrease in fluorescence response and observable color changes, while fluorescence lifetime remained consistent regardless of TCy presence. Moreover, IO-QDs’ fluorescence response remained stable across various temperatures. The Förster resonance energy transfer distance of less than 2 nm and a quenching constant of 2.90 × 1012 M–1s–1 indicated static quenching in the presence of TCy. Additionally, significant changes in observed and corrected fluorescence efficiency suggested the involvement of the inner filter effect in the fluorescence quenching of IO-QDs. The synthesized IO-QDs were then utilized for selective and rapid fluorescence-based TCy detection, showing a linear range of 0.5 to 80 μM. Simultaneously, a colorimetric method for TCy detection was established, demonstrating a good linear relationship within the range of 0.5 to 20 μM. The detection limits for TCy were determined as 0.539 and 0.329 μM using fluorescence and colorimetric approaches, respectively. Furthermore, IO-QDs were applied to detect real samples, and the dual-readout probe exhibited satisfactory recoveries, confirming the practical reliability of the developed method for analyzing milk and drinking water samples.
Race and/or caste: What is at stake?
Authors: Dhanda Meena
Published: September 2024

This brief response raises a few key questions emerging from Suraj Yengde’s lecture and suggests a critical direction they can be steered towards. It considers in what sense caste may deserve an epistemology of its own. It suggests that we must look at what is at stake in answering the conundrum of which framework to use as primary, though a comparison between anti-racism and anti-casteism is preferable to one between race and caste. A continuing challenge is to bear witness to the experience of the subordinated. What is at stake is the intellectual and political consensus necessary to move towards action – to bring about an institutional or social change. Therefore, what is at stake is the power of the concepts deployed to communicate with and convince agents of change, principally, the activists. During these trying times, revisiting conceptual histories to provide a fresh perspective is immensely challenging; Suraj Yengde has done well to bravely undertake this challenge.
Caste, gender, race: Signposts of a feminist anti-caste approach
Authors: Kannabiran Kalpana , Purkayastha Bandana
Published: September 2024

This commentary responds to the essay by Suraj Yengde titled ‘Race and Caste in the Making of US Sociology’, picks up a few threads in Yengde’s argument and attempts to unravel them in the interests of deepening this conversation on an issue that has returned to the foreground of global sociology and anthropology. Given the thin and tenuous disciplinary separations between sociology and social anthropology in India, especially evident in studies on caste, this commentary straddles these two disciplines in the Indian context and points to some interesting disciplinary intersections in the American context. Specifically, Yengde’s discussion of questions of caste, race and class is extended to look at Indian and diasporic contexts to speak to the specific intersections of caste, race, gender, class, region and temporality in contexts of caste formation drawing on the work of Joan Mencher and Gail Omvedt, among others.
Race, caste and colonialism
Authors: Holmwood John
Published: September 2024

This article addresses Oliver Cromwell Cox’s criticisms of the application of the concept of caste to understand race relations in the southern states of the Unite States. It proposes that there are deep similarities in the experiences of Dalits in India and Blacks in the United States, but argues that these derive from the modern construction of caste and race in the conjunction of colonialism and capitalism. In each case, the problems do not derive from the resilience of ‘pre-modern’ social structures, but from modern structures of colonialism that continue in the post-civil war United States and post-independence India. They are problems of democracy, not problems to be solved by the application of democratic values.
Leading Knowledge Exploration and Exploitation in Schools: The Moderating Role of Teachers’ Open Innovation Mindset
Authors: Özdemir Nedim , Çoban Ömür , Buyukgoze Hilal , Gümüş Sedat , Pietsch Marcus
Published: September 2024

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to identify teacher-level latent profiles of open innovation mindset and explore how these profiles moderate the effects of leader-member exchange on their exploitation and exploration activities. We also aim to investigate the indirect effects of principal transformational leadership on exploration activities via leader-member exchange. Research Design: Using a sample of 3,075 teachers working in 261 schools from 12 provinces across Türkiye, this study, first, employed a moderation analysis with latent profiles variables and, second, conduct a two-level structural equation model. Findings: Latent profile analysis produced three types of teacher mindset profiles: growth, average, and fixed. Findings indicate the quality of the dyadic exchange with the school principal did not influence engagement in exploitation activities of teachers with a growth mindset, whereas it contributed to the exploration activities of those teachers. Our results showed that when teachers perceived that their principal exhibited a higher level of transformational leadership behavior, they were more likely to have a higher leader-member exchange, which in turn increased the teachers’ exploration behavior. Implications: This study highlights both exploitative and explorative activities are facilitated by high-quality work-related social processes within the school, and we need to recognize affective and relational contexts in the schools, as they are primarily social institutions.
Men’s anxieties and defences regarding gender (in)equality in the workplace: An object-relations psychoanalysis of organisational masculinities
Authors: Baker Darren T , Rumens Nick
Published: September 2024

This article explores men’s psychic attachments to organisational masculinities in the context of gender equality initiatives in the UK finance sector. Deploying an object-relations psychoanalysis and generating interview data with 30 male executives and non-executives, it unpacks why and how men outwardly support but unconsciously repudiate workplace gender equality. We explain how this conflict indicates the presence of what Melanie Klein terms the paranoid-schizoid position. We examine two key unconscious processes of the paranoid-schizoid position in men’s accounts: gender-splitting, when men dissociate undesirable aspects of organisational masculinity, and projection, when repressed, negative parts of their masculine ideals are instead attributed to women. This article’s contributions demonstrate how the paranoid-schizoid position is defensive, enabling men to articulate support for gender equality, but also protect paranoid constructions of organisational masculinity when it is threatened by women. Empirically and theoretically, this article shows how organisational masculinities are ambivalent, which in Kleinian terms underscores how masculinity has ‘good’ and ‘bad’ components that are constituted unconsciously through its relationship with the object world. This article concludes by drawing out the implications for (re)positioning men within workplace gender equality debates and activities.
Factors Affecting Traditional and Modern Services Imports in an Emerging Economy: The Role of Real Exchange Rate and Remittances Inflows
Authors: Mahalik Mantu Kumar , Pal Shreya
Published: September 2024

This study examines the effects of real exchange rate and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports in India using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach from 1990 to 2020. Banking sector development, stock market development and net foreign direct investment inflows are controlled variables in the estimated services imports functions. The findings from the ARDL long-run model indicate that real exchange rate and remittance inflows inversely affect all service imports. Banking sector development and stock market development positively impact total and traditional services imports. In the case of modern services imports, the banking sector (stock market) inversely (positively) affects it. Net foreign direct investment inflows positively (negatively) affect modern services imports (traditional and total services imports). These findings suggest that policymakers in India should check the adverse effects of real effective exchange rates and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports.

JEL Codes: F14, F31, F24, G21, G10, C32
Prison Family Engagement Policies: A Multistate Systematic Review and Content Analysis
Authors: Pappas Laceé N. , Rodriguez Nancy , Butler H. Daniel
Published: September 2024

Opportunities for incarcerated persons to connect with their loved ones exist in several forms. Yet, there is limited evidence documenting the scope of state prison family engagement policies beyond visitation. To fill this gap, a systematic policy review and content analysis of nine state prison family engagement policies was conducted. The results provide evidence of both consistencies and inconsistencies in policies across forms of prison contact, as well as opportunities and barriers for incarcerated persons. Important policy and practice takeaways are discussed, particularly the need for more timely, transparent, and clear policies regarding family engagement in correctional settings.
“Alexithymia, Cognitive Distortion and internet Addiction: Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence”
Authors: Rana Jyoti , Gupta Shubhangi , Darzi Mushtaq Ahmad , Amin Faseeh , Hakak Irfan Ahmad , Khurshid Shabana
Published: September 2024

Excessive engagement in online activities, also known as Internet addiction can have detrimental impacts on the mental, social, and physical well-being of individuals. This research work aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on internet addiction and alexithymia to provide insights that may inform the development of targeted interventions to support university students at risk of internet addiction. With emotional intelligence as the moderator and cognitive distortion as the mediator, the study investigated the effect of alexithymia on internet addiction. The approach of this cross-sectional design allowed researchers to investigate intricate interactions among several elements influencing internet addiction among university students in northern Indian areas. For data collection, the study created a thorough English 53-item questionnaire. Initially, 600 surveys were distributed, and 508 useable surveys were used. All the study hypotheses have received adequate support from empirical evidence, thus offering significant insights. This study supported a direct positive correlation between alexithymia and internet addiction. Also, the findings revealed a positive relationship between alexithymia and cognitive distortions which further leads to internet addiction. Moreover, moderation results show that emotional intelligence acts as a significant moderator in this relationship between alexithymia and internet addiction. The study has added a unique antecedent of cognitive distortion of internet addiction, which is currently under-researched in previous works. This research adds to the knowledge of alexithymia as not only a personality characteristic but also a variable that should be taken into account regarding constituent processes of the regulation of emotions.
Use of At-Home Medical Tests Among Older US Adults: A Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Rager Joshua B. , Kirch Matthias , Singer Dianne C. , Solway Erica , Malani Preeti N. , Roberts J. Scott , Kullgren Jeffrey T.
Published: September 2024

The availability of direct-to-consumer, at-home medical tests has grown over the last decade, but it is unknown how frequently older adults purchase at-home tests, how they perceive such tests, and how interested they are in using at-home tests in the future. We conducted a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized US adults aged 50 to 80 about their previous use of, perceptions of, and future intentions to use at-home medical tests. We found that nearly half of older adults (48.1%) have purchased an at-home medical test (95% CI 45.2%-51.0%), including 32.0% (95% CI 29.3%-34.8%) who purchased a COVID-19 test, 16.6% (95% CI 14.7%-18.7%) who purchased an at-home DNA or genetic test, 5.6% (95% CI 4.5%-7.0%) who purchased a screening test for cancer, and 4.4% (95% CI 3.4%-5.6%) who purchased a test for an infection other than COVID-19. Compared with White, non-Hispanic adults, Black, non-Hispanic adults were less likely to have purchased an at-home test (35.5% vs 49.6%, P < .01). Those with a college degree and those with an annual household income greater than $100K were more likely than others to have purchased at-home tests (55.5% vs 42.0%, P < .01; 60.6% vs 39.0%, P < .001, respectively). Most older adults had positive perceptions about at-home tests and expressed interest in using at-home tests in the future. At-home medical testing is now common among older adults. Clinicians should be familiar with different tests that patients can purchase and be prepared to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of at-home testing.
Exploring the factors driving the sustainable consumer intentions for over-the-air updates in electric vehicles
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Khan Asif
Published: September 2024

With the development of intelligent and connected vehicles, over-the-air (OTA) updates empower cars with continuous evolution capabilities, leading to an accelerated penetration rate and steady market share growth. This research endeavors to construct a comprehensive model to understand and predict sustainable consumer intentions to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) and their inclination to pay for OTA updates for EVs. Empirical validation of the model was conducted through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), using responses from 504 Chinese participants gathered through an online survey. The study demonstrates that instrumental attributes, product innovativeness, and driving experience have indirect effects on the intention to purchase both EVs and OTA updates. This indirect effect is observed through the construct of relationship quality, which includes trust and satisfaction. Moreover, satisfaction and trust are found to have significant and positive associations with purchase intentions for both EVs and OTA updates. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and marketers seeking to promote EV purchases and OTA updates. It also contributes to the academic implication of intention and behavior in the context of sustainable transportation.
Exploring the experiences of people with obesity and post-bariatric surgery patients after three months using the mindful eating reflective practice: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Mantzios Michael , Bahia Henna , Hussain Misba , Keyte Rebecca , Egan Helen , Strachan Rachel , Tahrani Abd A
Published: September 2024

Background: Experiential dimensions of Mindful Eating Practices are scarce in the literature. Aim: The study focuses on thirteen individuals with clinical obesity and nine post-bariatric surgery patients who engaged in MERP over three months. Methods: The present research utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as the analytical framework of interviews. Results: Four overarching themes emerged from the analysis: 1. “Enhanced Awareness of Eating": This theme underscores MERP's central emphasis on cultivating heightened mindfulness during food consumption, highlighting the importance of being present at the moment while eating; 2. “Facilitating the Transition to Healthier Eating Habits": This theme explores how MERP influences participants’ dietary choices, eating pace, portion control, and overall enjoyment of meals. It reveals that MERP encourages individuals to reflect on their eating habits and transition towards healthier choices; 3. “Diverse Perspectives on Satisfaction with MERP": Within the context of MERP, participants held varied interpretations of satisfaction. Some encountered practical limitations or engaged in reflective self-examination, while others found sensory satisfaction, enhancing their overall eating experiences; and 4. “Utilization and Development of MERP": This theme delves into participants’ patterns of using MERP. It reveals a tendency to avoid MERP in the morning, a gradual decline in its usage over time, and a preference for an electronic version of the practice. Conclusion: The MERP shows promise in improving overall eating habits by enhancing enjoyment of food, increasing awareness of body cues, promoting healthier choices, and encouraging mindful eating practices. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and the refinement of clinical tools aimed at effective weight management and the promotion of sustainable healthy eating practices by effectively addressing a significant gap in our understanding of the experiential facets of eating practices.
Career management practices and job performance among university library personnel in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Omotunde Oluwatobi Iyanu , Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy , Ajie Ifeoma Abigail
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the level of career management practices and job performance among library personnel in university libraries in south-west Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. Data was collected from 433 respondents using a questionnaire. The results showed a moderate level of career management practices, with personnel moderately agreeing that human resource development programs contribute to achieving library objectives and impact productivity and performance. The level of job performance was rated as high, with very high scores for administrative duties and working with co-workers. Career management practices like receiving performance feedback, allowing staff decision-making, and using weaknesses for training were moderately implemented. Common career management strategies employed included library linkages, staff engagement, and deployments/retraining, while workforce planning and promotion exercises were least used. A positive correlation was found between career management practices and job performance (r = 0.086, p < .05). The study concludes there is a correlation between career management practices and job performance of library personnel in these university libraries. The study recommends that university libraries strengthen their human resource development programs, ensuring HRD is given adequate attention and resources, including regular training and development opportunities and comprehensive HRD policies and strategies.
Study on the heating process, high temperature mechanical properties and fatigue properties of a low-carbon microalloyed steel
Authors: Zou Jiahui , Fan Lei , Yuan Qinpan , Xiao Juan , Xu Guang , Tian Junyu
Published: September 2024

The dynamic continuous cooling transformation (CCT) experiments of a low-carbon microalloyed building structure steel were conducted on a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulation test machine, and the corresponding dynamic CCT curve was drawn. According to the dynamic CCT curves, different austenitization temperatures were designed to clarify the influence of austenitization temperature on the transformation and microstructure of the tested steel. The results showed that when the austenitization temperatures were set as 1050, 1150 and 1250 °C, respectively, the microstructure mainly consisted of ferrite and granular bainite. With the increase of austenitization temperature, the starting temperature of ferrite transformation gradually decreased, but the starting and ending temperatures of bainite transformation gradually increased, leading to the increase of the volume fraction of granular bainite. In addition, the tensile properties of the tested steel at different temperatures were determined. The tensile strength gradually decreased with the increase of the tensile temperature, and the highest tensile strength was 502 MPa for the room-temperature sample, while the elongation showed different trends. It was the largest elongation (57.8%) at the tensile temperature of 500 °C, while the smallest value of 19.2%–23.2% was obtained in the 200–300 °C tensile samples. Finally, the fatigue property of the experimental steel was detected by plotting the corresponding fatigue curves. The fatigue limit strength under 1 million cycles was about 376.2 MPa. Results provide a theoretical reference for the setting of heating process in the real industrial production and the application of the low-carbon microalloyed building structured steel.
Effects of CaF2 and La2O3 on the phase structure of rare earth in CaO–SiO2–La2O3–CaF2 slags
Authors: Wang Jinming , Liu Xiangjun , Guo Wentao , Zhao Zengwu , Sun Zuolin
Published: September 2024

The rare earth in the rare earth slag can be separated and enriched by heating and melting the rare earth slag and then slowly cooling crystallisation. In this process, it is of great significance to study the effect of chemical composition on the crystallisation of rare earth phase in slag and the effect of slag viscosity on crystal growth. The rare earth slag melt samples were prepared according to the main chemical composition of rare earth slag by using an analytical pure reagent. The effects of CaF2 and La2O3 contents on the phase structure and morphology of rare earth phase in CaO–SiO2–La2O3–CaF2 slags were studied by SEM-EDS and XRD. The relationship between the viscosity of the slag and the crystal growth behaviour was studied by measuring the melt viscosity with the cylinder rotation method. The results show that the rare earth in CaO–SiO2–La2O3–CaF2 slags exists in the form of CaLa4(SiO4)3O. The change of CaF2 and La2O3 content has no effect on the structure of rare earth phase, but the size of rare earth crystal phase changes obviously. With the increase of CaF2 and La2O3 content, the size of rare earth crystal phase increases gradually. CaF2 and La2O3 can reduce the viscosity transition temperature of slag melt and increase the crystallisation temperature range of rare earth phase to promote crystal growth.
A case of cardiorespiratory collapse following bilateral sub-Tenon’s blocks from brainstem anaesthesia
Authors: Cai Steven C , Dempster Anne-Marie (Amie) W , Chua Alfred WY
Published: September 2024

Sub-Tenon’s block has a superior safety profile and life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular collapse and brainstem anaesthesia are extremely rare. We report a case of cardiorespiratory collapse following bilateral sub-Tenon’s blocks at the conclusion of a laser photocoagulation procedure under general anaesthesia. The cause was most likely brainstem anaesthesia. We explore and discuss the likely mechanisms and other potential differential diagnoses. It highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance following an eye block. Attention should not falter upon completing a block or at the conclusion of a case, regardless of its type or safety profile. This case also illustrates how the presence of general anaesthesia may obscure and delay the diagnosis of brainstem anaesthesia.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacy and Autophagy-Mediated Mechanisms of Action of Urine-Derived and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Tianhao , Zhang Kaibo , Hu Yunan , Yang Runze , Tang Jiexi , Fu Weili
Published: September 2024

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling disease that affects a significant proportion of the global population. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have shown great prospects in the treatment of OA, but there is no study that has compared them with traditional stem cells.

Purpose:

This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of USCs and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for OA treatment.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

We compared the biological properties of USCs and ADSCs using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, adhesion, and apoptosis assays. We evaluated the protective effects of USCs and ADSCs on IL-1β–treated OA chondrocytes by chemical staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We assessed the effects of USCs and ADSCs on chondrocyte autophagy by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We also compared the therapeutic efficacy of intra-articular injections of USCs and ADSCs by gross, histological, micro–computed tomography, and immunohistochemical analyses in an OA rat model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection.

Results:

USCs showed higher proliferation, colony formation, DNA synthesis, adhesion, and anti-apoptotic abilities than ADSCs. Both USCs and ADSCs increased the expression of cartilage-specific proteins and decreased the expression of matrix degradation–related proteins and inflammatory factors in OA chondrocytes. USCs had a greater advantage in suppressing MMP-13 and inflammatory factors than ADSCs. Both USCs and ADSCs enhanced autophagy in OA chondrocytes, with USCs being more effective than ADSCs. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA reduced the enhanced autophagy and protective effects of USCs and ADSCs on OA chondrocytes.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the efficacy of USCs in the treatment of knee OA and to compare them with ADSCs. Considering the superior properties of USCs in terms of noninvasive acquisition, a high cost-benefit ratio, and low ethical concerns, our study suggests that they may be a more promising therapeutic option than ADSCs for OA treatment under rigorous regulatory pathways.

Clinical Relevance:

USCs may be a superior cell source for stem cells to treat knee OA, and this study strengthens the evidence for the application of USCs.
Virtual Versus In-Person Follow-up After a Psychiatric Emergency Visit: A Population-Based Cohort Study: Suivi virtuel opposé à en personne après une visite à l’urgence psychiatrique : une étude de cohorte dans la population
Authors: Crocker Matthew , Huang Anjie , Fung Kinwah , Stukel Therese A. , Toulany Alene , Saunders Natasha , Kurdyak Paul , Barker Lucy C. , Hauck Tanya S. , Rotenberg Martin , Hamovitch Emily , Vigod Simone N.
Published: September 2024

Objective

With increased utilization of virtual care in mental health, examining its appropriateness in various clinical scenarios is warranted. This study aimed to compare the risk of adverse psychiatric outcomes following virtual versus in-person mental health follow-up care after a psychiatric emergency department (ED) visit.

Methods

Using population-based health administrative data in Ontario (2021), we identified 28,232 adults discharged from a psychiatric ED visit who had a follow-up mental health visit within 14 days postdischarge. We compared those whose first follow-up visit was virtual (telephone or video) versus in-person on their risk for experiencing either a repeat psychiatric ED visit, psychiatric hospitalization, intentional self-injury, or suicide in the 15–90 days post-ED visit. Cox proportional hazard models generated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for age, income quintile, psychiatric hospitalization, and intentional self-injury in the 2 years prior to ED visit. We stratified by sex and diagnosis at index ED visits based on the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) coding.

Results

About 65% ( n = 18,354) of first follow-up visits were virtual, while 35% ( n = 9,878) were in-person. About 13.9% and 14.6% of the virtual and in-person groups, respectively, experienced the composite outcome, corresponding to incidence rates of 60.9 versus 74.2 per 1000 person-years (aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.01). Results were similar for individual elements of the composite outcome, when stratifying by sex and index psychiatric diagnosis, when varying exposure (7 days) and outcome periods (60 and 30 days), and comparing “only” virtual versus “any” in-person follow-up during the 14-day follow-up.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results support virtual care as a modality to increase access to follow-up after an acute care psychiatric encounter across a wide range of diagnoses. Prospective trials to discern whether this is due to the comparable efficacy of virtual and in-person care, or due solely to appropriate patient selection may be warranted.
Schoolwork With Purpose: A Mixed Methods Study on Youths’ Perspective on What Makes Learning Meaningful
Authors: Ward-Seidel Allison Rae , Rimm-Kaufman Sara E. , Sandilos Lia
Published: September 2024

Making school meaningful is a widely accepted goal in education, yet what is considered meaningful, meaningful to whom, and why, leaves room for interrogation. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study aims to understand: (1) The extent to which students experience meaningful education at EL Education schools compared to comparison schools, and (2) How adolescents describe meaningful schoolwork. Survey responses were gathered from 258 students at nine middle schools (five EL Education, four comparison). Participants self-identified as 49% male, 47% female, 2% gender non-binary, 41% Black, 40% Latina/o, 33% White, 16% Multiracial, 1% Asian, and 31% low-income. Controlling for demographic characteristics, EL Education students reported statistically significantly more meaningful school experiences than comparison school students. Subsample analyses showed substantially greater meaningfulness at EL Education than comparison schools for Black ( n = 107; p < .01) and Latina/o students ( n = 40; p < .001). Interviews from 32 students and grounded theory analysis revealed that meaningful schoolwork focuses on: (a) Learning about and addressing “real-world problems” (e.g., racism, environmentalism, sociopolitical development), (b) Engaging content that was personally relevant, hands-on, and socially interactive, and (c) Future-oriented academic or social skills. Findings point to promising practices at EL Education schools and implications are discussed.
Cerebral Cortical Encephalitis and Other Meningocortical Manifestations of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease in Children: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Carozza Richard B. , Bolte Kristen , Greene Elton B. , Reddy Shilpa B. , Vu NgocHanh H.
Published: September 2024

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody–associated disease is a neuroinflammatory disorder (MOGAD) with heterogeneous phenotype including paroxysms of optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, brainstem demyelination, and encephalitis. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense cortical lesions in MOG-associated encephalitis with seizures, or FLAMES, is a manifestation of cerebral cortical encephalitis seen less frequently than other typical MOG antibody–associated disease presentations. Cases of FLAMES are rarer in children, and frequently initially misdiagnosed with infectious meningoencephalitis. Other meningocortical manifestations of MOG antibody–associated disease have been described and likely exist along a continuum. In this retrospective single-center case series, we describe the demographic, clinical, radiographic, laboratory, and electroencephalographic features of 5 children with clinicoradiographic features consistent with the spectrum of MOG-IgG–positive meningocortical syndromes.
Exploring the use of a goal-attainment, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot coach to support first-time graduate employees
Authors: Terblanche NHD , Tau T
Published: September 2024

First-time graduate employees1 face numerous challenges in the workplace. Organizational coaching is a proven individual HR support intervention, however due to prohibitive cost, graduate employees typically don’t qualify for this type of assistance. This study investigated a cost effective, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot coach to support graduate employees. Nine graduate employees used a goal-attainment AI chatbot coach for 4 weeks to help with their career goals. They were interviewed afterwards on their perceptions of the chatbot. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged. Participants liked the convenience and accessibility and the chatbot coach’s effectiveness in career development as well as the chatbot’s ability to assist their reflection and self-awareness. They missed the human touch and flexible ( limitations). Findings were interpreted using technology adoption and self-determination theories. The chatbot coach satisfies the ease-of-use technology adoption factor and promoted autonomy and competence. Organisations should seriously consider the use of AI coaching to support graduate employees given the significant challenge they face and the lack of support. The use of AI coaching is a new frontier in organisational coaching. This study provides initial insights into potential role of AI coaching in niche organizational context such as graduate employee support.
Optimization strategies for bifacial floating photovoltaic systems on different water bodies: A 10E performance evaluation
Authors: Rathinavel Pandian Ganesan , Balachandran Gurukarthik Babu , David Prince Winston , Thangaraj Hariharasudhan
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the performance and optimization of standalone floating bifacial solar photovoltaic systems through a comprehensive 10E analysis, covering energy, exergy, economic, environmental, energo-economic, exergo-economic, enviro-economic, energo-environmental, exergo-environmental, energy payback time, and embodied energy factors. The research evaluates energy efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact using various water coolants. Fresh water emerged as the best performer, delivering the highest output power (399 W), final yield (371.94 W), and performance ratio (59.082). Capacity utilization factors were comparable, with fresh water (0.517) and black water (0.516) leading. Fresh water also showed the lowest energy loss (−365.64) and highest exergy efficiency (32.10%). It achieved the lowest levelized cost of energy at 3.39 $/MWh and the highest enviro-economic parameter (243.497). The exergo-environmental analysis demonstrated consistent efficiency, with energy payback time ranging from 37.28 to 37.36, and the embodied energy for the panels was 2840.67 units. Optimization techniques such as random forest, gradient boosting, XGBoost gain, neural network, and response surface methodology were used to identify optimal panel heights, water depths, and azimuth angles. Fresh water was identified as the most effective coolant, balancing high energy efficiency, minimal energy loss, and environmental sustainability. Response surface methodology proved to be the most accurate method for predicting power output and bifacial gain. This study provides valuable insights into improving the efficiency and sustainability of floating bifacial photovoltaic systems under various environmental conditions.
Coexistent Coronary and Cerebrovascular Disease: Results of Simultaneous Surgical Management in Specific Patient Groups
Authors: Kaul T. K. , Fields B. L. , Riggins L. S. , Wyatt D. A. , Jones C. R.
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Results of synchronous combined revascularization were examined in specific patient groups with coexistent coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.

Methods:

Between 1.1.1980 and 31.12.1998, 408 patients underwent a synchronous combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA) + myocardial revascularization (CABG). In 259 (63.5%) patients, carotid disease was asymptomatic. Remaining patients presented with a previous stroke ( n = 35) or a transient ischemic episode (TIA) ( n = 114). In 245 (60%) patients, carotid stenosis was bilateral (Group A: bilateral ≥ 80% stenosis. Group B: contralateral occlusion, Group C: contralateral subcritical disease). A synchronous ipsilateral CEA + CABG was performed in all patients with an unilateral disease ( n = 163) and also in all Group B ( n = 33) and Group C ( n = 142) patients with bilateral disease. A simultaneous bilateral CEA + CABG was performed in 12 high risk Group A patients. Remaining Group A patients ( n = 58), initially underwent an ipsilateral CEA for most dominant lesion + CABG, soon followed by the contralateral CEA. Results were examined in above specific patient Groups.

Results:

Overall combined hospital mortality from stroke + myocardial infarction was 2.45%. No independent predictor of stroke was identified. In general, initial prophylactic CEA, subdued the risk of subsequent strokes for 7–8 yr. Predictors of a late stroke were: progression of bilateral ( P = 0.007) and intracranial ( P = 0.04) cerebrovascular disease. Highest risk of an early stroke was recorded in Group A patients. A composite high risk group of patients with multiple risk factors ( n = 155) demonstrated a higher risk of both early and late strokes, as compared to the remaining patients ( n = 253) ( P < 0.04). Observed risk of early and late strokes, in specific patient groups was lower than standard predictions.

Conclusions:

A regular use of combined approach was justified in the above patient groups.
Redo Surgery for Carotid Artery Stenosis: When and How?
Authors: Gorlitzer M. , Heine B. , Mendel H. , Günen E. , Meinhart J. , Sisel A. , Deutsch M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

We analyzed operations performed at our institution retrospectively for recurrent carotid artery stenosis to assess the indication for surgery. We also assessed the techniques used for these operations.

Patients and methods:

From January 1992 to December 1998 1210 carotid endarterectomies were performed. Forty two (3.4%) of these were for recurrent stenosis. A new vein patch was implanted in 27 cases, PTFE patches were used in nine cases. In six cases an interposition with the great saphenous vein was performed.

Results:

The mean interval between primary and secondary procedure was 60.2 months (3 months to 23 yr). Twenty five of our 41 patients had had ipsilateral neurologic symptoms before redo surgery, the remainder were free of symptoms. The grade of stenosis was over 90% in 22 cases, between 75 and 90% in 11 cases and below 75% in nine cases, two cases had aneurysmatic lesions. None of the patients died in the 30 day observation period. One patient had a stroke with a permanent neurological deficit. In two cases postoperative bleeding occurred requiring reexploration. Two patients developed hypoglossal neurapraxia and in four patients the recurrent laryngeal nerve was injured. One patient had an apnoic episode in the recovery room.

Conclusion:

The reported incidence of recurrent carotid artery stenosis surgery ranges from 3 to 36% and our incidence is at the lower end of this range. The surgical results of reoperating are acceptable with a low incidence of complications.
Iaterogenic Injuries during Retrograde Delivery of Cardioplegia
Authors: Kaul T.K. , Fields B.L. , Jones C.R.
Published: September 2024

During last eight years, retrograde delivery of cardioplegia was used on a regular basis, utilizing a DLP INC (Grand Rapids. MI) or a Research Medical INC (Salt Lake City UT) delivery systems, in almost an equal number of patients. This method resulted in a high pressure rupture, or perforation of the coronary sinus, its radicals or the right ventricle (RV) in 0.06% (5/7886) of patients. Intraoperative diagnosis of these injuries were confirmed on abnormal haemodynamic tracings and trans oesophageal echocardiography (TOE), and appearance of cardiac contusion or leakage of cardioplegia. A low incidence of these iaterogenic injuries may be attributed to: (1) a regular use of this method and (2) use of TOE guided manipulations in select high risk and reoperative patients. Repair of these injuries, as described, resulted in salvage of 4/5 (80%) patients.