bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on (in)visibility and (in)audibility in music therapy: Who? How? To whom?
Authors: Myerscough Francis
Published: November 2022

This article grew from a consideration of perceived visibility; specifically how this might play a role in experiences of minoritisation. In this article, I reflect on the concepts of (in)visibility and (in)audibility, together with critical theories of bodymind literacy and Barthes’s theory of the grain of the voice to consider what fresh perspectives these might offer to music therapy. Examples are drawn from clinical work and my personal lived experience as a nonbinary, trans, White, disabled person, to demonstrate how these concepts can be applied together in the context of music therapy work. Links are made with contemporary politics and popular culture to situate the implications for music therapy within a broader context, and to acknowledge some of the experiences nonbinary, trans and disabled people might carry to therapy sessions with them. I conclude with reflections questioning who Music Therapists are willing to listen to, suggesting the use of different conceptual lenses to support inclusive practice relating to music therapy process and experience, and noting the potential relevance to discussions around therapist self-disclosure, especially implicit disclosure.
The inclusion of disability as a non-trade issue in preferential trade agreements
Authors: Jaramillo Ruiz Felipe , Nielsen Rebecca , Fagundes Cezar Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

This study examines the inclusion of disability provisions in preferential trade agreements (PTAs). We analyse how disability is referenced in 518 PTAs negotiated between 1948 and 2020. As an inductive analysis, our research identifies five main modes of inclusion of disability. In doing so, it problematizes the way disability materializes in PTAs, underscoring the prevalence of a medical model of disability and the limited scope of the provisions regarding the rights of persons with disabilities. These findings contribute to the understanding of the insertion of non-trade issues in international trade agreements and to the place of disability in global governance.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Political Normativity
Authors: Kreutz Adrian , Rossi Enzo
Published: November 2022

Do salient normative claims about politics require moral premises? Political moralists think they do, political realists think they do not. We defend the viability of realism in a two-pronged way. First, we show that a number of recent attacks on realism as well as realist responses to those attacks unduly conflate distinctly political normativity and non-moral political normativity. Second, we argue that Alex Worsnip and Jonathan Leader-Maynard’s recent attack on realist arguments for a distinctly political normativity depends on assuming moralism as the default view, which places an excessive burden on the viability of realism, and so begs the question. Our discussion, though, does not address the relative merits of realism and moralism, so its upshot is relatively ecumenical: moralism need not be the view that all apt normative political judgements are moral judgements, and realism need not be the view that no apt normative political judgements are moral judgements.
Fostering Leader Feedback Seeking at the Workplace: The Role of HRD Practice
Authors: Carvalho Sheldon , Kurian Prasad Oommen , Carvalho Charles , Carvalho Fallan Kirby
Published: November 2022

The Problem.

Scholars in the feedback-seeking domain have predominantly focused on employee feedback seeking. However, there is less known about feedback seeking when the leader is the seeker of feedback. This is unfortunate because in dynamic and uncertain environments, as presented by the COVID-19 crisis, leaders will need to seek feedback from others to develop a holistic view of the emerging situation and respond in a timely manner.

The Solution.

The authors make a case for leader feedback seeking by identifying its four potential benefits for leaders themselves and organizations. Subsequently, they discuss four human resource development practices that can promote leader feedback-seeking behavior within organizations.

The Stakeholders.

This article will benefit organizations that seek to encourage their leadership talent to seek feedback at work.
A Metacognitive Technological Intervention for Promoting Eye Contact Among Children With ASD: Preliminary Research Evidence
Authors: Shamir Adina , Tova Oren , Horovitz Shay , Munits Nicole , Amon Moris , Eden Sigal
Published: November 2022

This preliminary study aimed to examine improvement in eye contact among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following an innovative technological intervention integrated with meta-cognitive guidance. Eighteen ASD participants, ages 5–9 years, were divided into two equal intervention groups—one received metacognitive guidance, and one did not. An eye-contact assessment was conducted pre-intervention and post-intervention by tracing the children’s head and eye movements using a built-in laptop camera. The intervention included six 30-min sessions in which the participants played a computer game (C-Me) that required them to make eye contact with cartoon characters who needed assistance in solving a problem or completing a task. The results indicate that the technological intervention effectively promoted eye contact among all participants, especially those in the metacognitive intervention group.
Physical and flammability properties of treated sugar palm fibre reinforced polylactic acid composites
Authors: Sherwani Shah Faisal Khan , Salit Mohd Sapuan Bin , Zainudin Edi Syams bin , Leman Zulkiflle , Khalina Abdan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to determine the physical properties and flammability of a composite of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with chemically treated sugar palm fibre (SPF). Seven different SPF parameters have been evaluated: untreated, alkaline treatment with three alkaline solution concentrations of 4, 5 and 6% and 50 mL of benzoyl chloride treated SPFs at three different soaking times (10, 15 and 20 min). 30 wt.% of SPF reinforced with 70 wt.% PLA composites have been prepared by using a Brabender plastograph mixer and compression moulding. The 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites resulted in the lowest water absorption and thickness swelling of 7.09% and 4.69%, respectively. These composites reached the lowest ‘maximum equilibrium sorption’ value [Formula: see text] of 5.94%. Benzoyl chloride treated SPF/PLA composites (for 15 min soaking) exhibited the highest density of 1.34 g/cm3 and void content had reduced from 14% to 0.7%. The flammability of the c omposites is characterised by the horizontal UL-94 and vertical UL-94V burning test. Through the flammability test, the outcomes reveal that treated SPF/PLA composites are highly fire-resistant, except for 6% alkaline treated SPF/PLA composites. Morphologies of the composites have been analysed using the scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the maximum surface roughness and fewer voids were accomplished after 6% alkaline treatment of SPF. The novel treated SPF/PLA composites are appropriate for the application of automobile components.
A dynamic weaving simulator for filament-level 3D woven fabric modelling
Authors: Ma Ying , Xiang Weihong , Lu Sheng , Hu Hanjie , Zeng Xianjun
Published: November 2022

A dynamic textile weaving simulator is established to connect weaving actions to fabric patterns and microstructures. It utilizes the Digital Element Approach (DEA) under the framework of the software package Digital Fabric and Composite Analyser (DFCA). The key components of a Jacquard loom are explicitly modelled utilising the ‘hole/no hole’ principle. Yarn interlacing motion is guided by weaving matrix specified by steps. Shedding, weft insertion, beat-up, and take-up actions are modelled and explained. The inter-fibre contact force, fibre forces (tensile, shear, and bending), and boundary conditions in the weft direction are considered. The weaving process of five cells in the warp direction of a 10-layer 3D orthogonal woven fabric is simulated at the filament level to derive for its microstructure. The results show that the fabric microstructure continues to change after being woven, and the thickness and length of each individual cell decrease with further weaving steps. The microstructures of newly woven cells converge after the weaving of two further cells in the lengthwise direction. The microstructure of the second cell closely matches that of an actual weaved fabric, as evaluated by microscopy images. Penetration occurs between adjacent weft yarns in the same column, which fundamentally changes their microstructure, composition, and material properties. Parametric studies show that the ratio of binder to warp yarn tension determines the fabric thickness. Increases in the take-up length and binder yarn tension lead to a decrease and increase in the reed tension, respectively. This work provides valuable insights into fabric design and manufacture instruction.
San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang Exerts Antitumor Effects Associated With Decreased Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Targeting ERK and the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Pathway in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hsu Pei-Yu , Chen Jiun-Liang , Kuo Shun-Li , Wang Wan-Ling , Jan Fei-Wen , Yang Sien-Hung , Yang Chia-Yu
Published: November 2022

Background:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive cancer whose 5-year survival rate remains poor. San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang (SZKJT), a Chinese herbal formula, has long been used in clinical practice as adjuvant therapy in cancers. However, its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC remain unclear.

Methods:

We investigated the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism of SZKJT in OSCC in tumor cell lines and in tumor xenograft mice and evaluated combined SZKJT and cisplatin treatment efficacy. In vitro-cultured OSCC cells were administered SZKJT at different doses or SZKJT plus cisplatin, and cell proliferation, colony formation assays, and cell cycle analysis were used to assess the effects on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. We also analyzed the effects of SZKJT on oral cancer cell line migration, the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes. The antitumor effects of SZKJT plus cisplatin were also tested in vivo using a tumor-bearing NOD/SCID mice model.

Results:

The results showed that SZKJT effectively inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, induced cell cycle S phase arrest, and induced cell apoptosis. SZKJT also inhibited cell migration by modulating the MAPK signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Further exploration suggested that SZKJT affects OSCC by modulating ERK pathway; downregulating vimentin, fibronectin, and Oct-4; and upregulating E-cadherin. In vivo, SZKJT significantly inhibited tumor growth, and SZKJT and cisplatin exerted synergistic antitumor effects in model animals.

Conclusions:

SZKJT exerts antitumor effects in OSCC cells. Additionally, SZKJT and cisplatin exhibit synergy in OSCC treatment. These findings support the clinical usage of Chinese herbal formulas as adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
Bile acids as carcinogens in the colon and at other sites in the gastrointestinal system
Authors: Bernstein Harris , Bernstein Carol
Published: November 2022

Colon cancer incidence is associated with a high-fat diet. Such a diet is linked to elevated levels of bile acids in the gastrointestinal system and the circulation. Secondary bile acids are produced by microorganisms present at high concentrations in the colon. Recent prospective studies and a retrospective study in humans associate high circulating blood levels of secondary bile acids with increased risk of colon cancer. Feeding mice a diet containing a secondary bile acid, so their feces have the bile acid at a level comparable to that in the feces of humans on a high-fat diet, also causes colon cancer in the mice. Studies using human cells grown in culture illuminate some mechanisms by which bile acids cause cancer. In human cells, bile acids cause oxidative stress leading to oxidative DNA damage. Increased DNA damage increases the occurrence of mutations and epimutations, some of which provide a cellular growth advantage such as apoptosis resistance. Cells with such mutations/epimutations increase by natural selection. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a beneficial process that eliminates cells with unrepaired DNA damage, whereas apoptosis-resistant cells are able to survive DNA damage using inaccurate repair processes. This results in apoptosis-resistant cells having more frequent mutations/epimutations, some of which are carcinogenic. The experiments on cultured human cells have provided a basis for understanding at the molecular level the human studies that recently reported an association of bile acids with colon cancer, and the mouse studies showing directly that bile acids cause colon cancer. Similar, but more limited, findings of an association of dietary bile acids with other cancers of the gastrointestinal system suggest that understanding the role of bile acids in colon carcinogenesis may contribute to understanding carcinogenesis in other organs.
Clinical applications of 3D normal and breast cancer organoids: A review of concepts and methods
Authors: Lewis Steven M , Callaway Mackenzie K , dos Santos Camila O
Published: November 2022

While mouse models and two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems have dominated as research tools for cancer biology, three-dimensional (3D) cultures have gained traction as a new approach that retains features of in vivo biology within an in vitro system. Over time, 3D culture systems have evolved from spheroids and tumorspheres to organoids, and by doing so, they have become more complex and representative of original tissue. Such technological improvements have mostly benefited the study of heterogeneous solid tumors, like those found in breast cancer (BC), by providing an attractive avenue for scalable drug testing and biobank generation. Experimentally, organoids have been used in the BC field to dissect mechanisms related to cellular invasion and metastasis—and through co-culture methods—epithelial interactions with stromal and immune cells. In addition, organoid studies of wild-type mouse models and healthy donor samples have provided insight into the basic developmental cellular and molecular biology of the mammary gland, which may inform one’s understanding of the initial stages of cancer development and progression.
Elimination of a cationic dye in aqueous solution by adsorption on activated carbon: Optimization of analytical parameters, modeling and thermodynamic study
Authors: Harrache Zahia , Abbas Moussa
Published: November 2022

Adsorption techniques are widely used to remove certain classes of pollutants from waters, especially those that are not easily biodegradable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye onto activated carbon from aqueous solutions was realized in a batch system. However, some examined factors such as contact time, pH solution, initial concentration of MB, adsorbent dosage and temperature were found to have significant impacts on the adsorption capacity of AC. The AC was characterized by BET surface area measurement, Point of Zero Charge (pHpzc), FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Batch studies were conducted in order to determine the optimal parameters required to reach the adsorption equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity of the AC for MB at 298 K was determined to be 170.357 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic data were analyzed employing several kinetic models: pseudo-first order, pseudo-Second order, Elovich equation, and intraparticles diffusion model. It was established that the adsorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a determination coefficient (R2) equal to 0.999. The evaluation of thermodynamics parameters such as the Gibbs free energy ΔG° (−7.856 to −6.142 kJ/mol), positive enthalpy ΔH° (13.384 kJ/mol) and the change of entropy (63.46 J/mol K) indicated a spontaneous and endothermic nature of the reaction with a chemisorption process. Comparative tests by the heterogeneous photocatalysis of MB in the presence of a semiconductor will be the subject of the rest of this study.
Experiment of swing and deformation of a droplet on a horizontal fiber due to crosswind
Authors: Liu Zhongmin , Du Yixuan , Sun Xingzhou , Cheng Liangzhu
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the oscillate of a clam-shell shaped droplet on a horizontal fiber by the action of crosswind, quantitatively describe the swing and deformation of the droplet, and analyze the damping force by surface tension. The dynamic images of the droplet are recorded by high-speed cameras, the profile curves in the top view and side view of droplet are both approximated to multiple ellipse arcs. Four kinds of liquids and three nylon fibers are used in the experiments. The experimental results show that the droplet oscillates periodically around the fiber by the flow drag force, the swing frequency is inversely proportional to the droplet mass, but does not increase with Re. In addition to the swing around the fiber, the droplet also oscillates periodically in the radial direction, and the frequency of radial oscillation is higher than that of circular swing, which results in the swing amplitude fluctuation. By the flow pressure, the windward side and the leeward side of the droplet deform asymmetrically, the difference of surface tension force on both sides of the droplet forms a moment against the droplet swing around fiber, the resistance moment increases with the liquid surface tension coefficient and fiber diameter.
Parameter estimation of lifetime distribution for the meta-action unit with uncertainty failure modes under type-I censored data
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Ran Yan , Li Xinglong , Xiao Liming
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a parameter estimation method for the lifetime distribution of the Meta-Action Unit (MAU) with uncertainty failure modes under type-I censored data. The MAU is regarded as the basic functional unit to accomplish the function of mechanical equipment, and its failure modes are classified according to the abnormal kinematic parameters in Meta-Action (MA), which are more succinct than the traditional mechanical failure modes on parts. However, there is some uncertain information about the failure data and censored data of MAU because of the technology limitations and the space accessibility constraints for monitoring the kinematic parameters of MA, which uncertainty information can impact the parameter estimates of MAU lifetime distribution. In order to avoid the impacts on the estimating accuracy of distribution parameters, the evidential likelihood function based on the belief function theory is constructed in view of the credibility level of the failure data and censored data. In addition, the Evidential Expectation Maximization (E2M) algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters of the mixed exponential distribution of MAU lifetime under type-I censored data. Finally, an application of an Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) is used to illustrate the validity of the MAU failure modes classification. The simulations of the E2M algorithm are conducted to show that the proposed parameters estimation method can integrate uncertain information in the failure data and the censored data, and obtain more stable results than those based on the conventional Expectation-Maximization (EM).
Optimizing inspection plan for corroded pipeline with considering imperfect maintenance
Authors: Wang Yifei , Su Chun , Xie Mingjiang
Published: November 2022

Metal-loss corrosion may result in pipeline’s failure and expensive downtime loss. Thus, to keep the pipeline’s normal operation, it is crucial to draw up scientific inspection and maintenance plans. This study is to optimize the inspection plan for corroded pipeline. Limit state functions are established for the corrosion leakage and burst respectively, and the pipeline’s failure probability is obtained with Monte Carlo simulation. The pipeline’s failure probability is further evaluated by the copula function and with considering the correlation of different failure modes. Moreover, a hybrid failure rate model is developed to update the pipeline’s failure probability, where the age reduction factor and failure rate increase factor are adopted, and imperfect maintenance is taken into account. On this basis, an optimization model is established with the objective to minimize the total maintenance cost, and genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the inspection plans. A case study is conducted, and the optimal results are analyzed according to acceptable maximum failure probability characteristics for the areas with different risk levels. The results show that periodic inspection and perfect maintenance are suitable for high-risk areas, and the proposed inspection plan is more suitable for corroded pipeline in low or medium-risk areas.
Principles of management of hand fractures
Authors: Christodoulou Neophytos , Asimakopoulos Dimitrios , Kapetanos Konstantinos , Seah Matthew , Khan Wasim
Published: November 2022

The optimal management of hand fractures requires a multidisciplinary approach. Initial assessment should include a thorough medical history and clinical examination, followed by appropriate radiological imaging. These are crucial in determining the appropriate management. Following joint stabilisation to allow fractures to unite, early mobilisation is needed to maximise the functional restoration of the hand. In this review, the principles of operative and non-operative management of these injuries are discussed.
A randomised pilot feasibility study of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing recent traumatic episode protocol, to improve psychological recovery following intensive care admission for COVID-19
Authors: Bates Andrew , Golding Hannah , Rushbrook Sophie , Shapiro Elan , Pattison Natalie , Baldwin David S , Grocott Michael P W , Cusack Rebecca
Published: November 2022

Background:

Approximately 50% of intensive care survivors experience persistent psychological symptoms. Eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely recommended trauma-focussed psychological therapy, which has not been investigated systematically in a cohort of intensive care survivors: We therefore conducted a randomised pilot feasibility study of EMDR, using the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), to prevent psychological distress in intensive care survivors. Findings will determine whether it would be possible to conduct a fully-powered clinical effectiveness trial and inform trial design.

Method:

We aimed to recruit 26 patients who had been admitted to intensive care for over 24 h with COVID-19 infection. Consenting participants were randomised (1:1) to receive either usual care plus remotely delivered EMDR R-TEP or usual care alone (controls). The primary outcome was feasibility. We also report factors related to safety and symptom changes in post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) anxiety and depression.

Results:

We approached 51 eligible patients, with 26 (51%) providing consent. Intervention adherence (sessions offered/sessions completed) was 83%, and 23/26 participants completed all study procedures. There were no attributable adverse events. Between baseline and 6-month follow-up, mean change in PTSD score was −8 (SD = 10.5) in the intervention group versus +0.75 (SD = 15.2) in controls ( p = 0.126). There were no significant changes to anxiety or depression.

Conclusion:

Remotely delivered EMDR R-TEP met pre-determined feasibility and safety objectives. Whilst we achieved group separation in PTSD symptom change, we have identified a number of protocol refinements that would improve the design of a fully powered, multi-centre randomised controlled trial, consistent with currently recommended rehabilitation clinical pathways.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04455360.
Brain tissue integrity mapping in adults with obstructive sleep apnea using T1-weighted and T2-weighted images
Authors: Roy Bhaswati , Sahib Ashish K. , Kang Daniel , Aysola Ravi S. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2022

Background:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is accompanied by both gray and white matter differences in brain areas that regulate autonomic, cognitive, and mood functions, which are deficient in the condition. Such tissue changes have been examined through diffusion tensor and diffusion kurtosis imaging-based procedures. However, poor in-plane spatial resolution of these techniques precludes precise determination of the extent of tissue injury. Tissue texture maps derived from the ratio of T1-weighted and T2-weighted images can provide more adequate in-plane assessment of brain tissue differences.

Objectives:

To examine brain tissue integrity in recently diagnosed, treatment-naïve OSA subjects, relative to age- and sex-comparable control subjects using T1-weighted and T2-weighted images.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Methods:

We examined the extent of tissue changes in 106 OSA over 115 control subjects using high-resolution T1- and T2-weighted images collected from a 3.0-Tesla scanner (analysis of covariance; covariates: age, sex, body-mass-index, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Epworth sleepiness scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory II; false discovery rate corrected; p < 0.01).

Results:

OSA subjects showed significantly lowered tissue integrity in several brain regions, including the frontal, cingulate and insular cortices, cingulum bundle, thalamus, corpus callosum, caudate and putamen, pons, temporal, occipital, and parietal sites, cerebellar peduncles, and medial medullary sites, compared with controls.

Conclusion:

OSA subjects show widespread lowered tissue integrity in autonomic, mood, and cognitive control sites over healthy controls. The pathological processes contributing to the alterations may include repetitive hypoxic and hypercarbic processes and excitotoxic injury, leading to altered brain tissue integrity in OSA.
Treatment patterns and oncological outcome of patients with advanced small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors: real-world data from the Medical University of Vienna
Authors: Melhorn Philipp , Kretschmer-Chott Elisabeth , Wolff Ladislaia , Haug Alexander , Mazal Peter , Raderer Markus , Kiesewetter Barbara
Published: November 2022

Background:

Different oncological therapies have been approved for small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs), but relatively little is known about efficacy and long-term outcome outside of phase III trials.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis assessed patients with well-differentiated, metastatic SI-NETs treated at the Medical University of Vienna, an approved European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) Center of Excellence for neuroendocrine tumors. The primary objective was to assess progression-free survival (PFS) following approved therapies, that is, octreotide, lanreotide, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), and everolimus, in a representative real-world collective.

Results:

A total of 77 patients receiving systemic treatment for advanced SI-NETs between 2010 and 2021 were included, with a median follow-up time of 82.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 57.8–106.8 months]. In the entire collective, the estimated median PFS following first-line therapy was 32.0 months (95% CI, 23.5–40.5 months). Peritoneal carcinomatosis was significantly associated with worse PFS ( p = 0.016). Regarding therapeutic strategies and outcome, 59 patients received somatostatin analogs first line and no significant difference in PFS was observed between lanreotide and octreotide (29.3 versus 35.5 months, p = 0.768). Across all treatment lines, 42 patients underwent PRRT (estimated median PFS: 32.0 months; 95% CI, 25.6–38.3 months) and a small subgroup of 7 patients received everolimus (estimated median PFS: 9.2 months; 95% CI, 1.6–17.0 months). For the total cohort, the estimated median OS following first-line therapy was 100.6 months (95% CI, 82.3–118.8 months), but the high proportion of deaths attributed to NET (77.8%) underlines the lethal nature of the disease. No unexpected toxicities were observed.

Conclusions:

While peritoneal carcinomatosis emerged as an adverse prognostic factor for PFS in this collective, the long-term outcome of patients treated at a specialized NET center using approved therapies appeared comparable to pivotal studies in SI-NET.
Where next for the electricity distribution system operator? Evidence from a survey of European DSOs and National Regulatory Authorities
Authors: Anaya Karim L. , Giulietti Monica , Pollitt Michael G.
Published: November 2022

This paper seeks to shed light on the nature of optimal regulation of the electricity distribution system operator (DSO) over the period to 2025 and beyond, following the implementation of the EU Clean Energy Package and its constituent parts: Electricity Regulation (EU) 2019/943 and Electricity Directive (EU) 2019/944. We conducted two parallel surveys of DSOs and their national regulatory authorities (NRAs) across 39 European countries. This produced 39 responses from DSOs and 12 responses from NRAs covering, respectively, 40% and 78% of customers in those countries. We asked both DSOs and NRAs three sets of questions related to: (1) the definition and regulation of the future system operator function of the DSO; (2) lessons learned from transmission system operator (TSO) regulation that can be translated to the DSO; and (3) the way in which regulators support the capacity of the DSO to operate and coordinate the system. Our findings are consistent with the observation that the move towards a more active role for the DSO remains work in progress for both DSOs and their NRAs, given the fact that the Clean Energy Package has only passed into European Law relatively recently and some Member States are still implementing its provisions.
The Data Governance Act: – Promoting or Restricting Data Intermediaries?
Authors: von Ditfurth Lukas , Lienemann Gregor
Published: November 2022

Following its approval by the European Parliament in April 2022, the Data Governance Act (DGA) is the first legislative instrument announced in the European Data Strategy to come into force. Aimed at facilitating the re-use and sharing of data in and between the private and public sectors, the DGA introduces regulation for a newly emerging type of digital platforms – the so-called “providers of data intermediation services”. In order to offer their services on the market, providers will have to submit to a prior notification procedure and show compliance with several conditions placed on their economic activities. The regulation of data intermediaries is intended to increase their trustworthiness and ensure the competitiveness of the markets in which they operate. Recent experiences with digital platforms have shown the potential of intermediaries to organise and facilitate markets. At the same time, digital platforms pose undeniable risks to their users and markets at large. Against this backdrop, the role of data intermediaries as envisioned by the DGA must be examined carefully before turning to the question whether the DGA can achieve competitive and trustworthy data sharing through registered third parties. This paper intends to shed light on these and other issues by examining, in-depth, the chapter in the DGA dedicated to data intermediaries (Art. 10–15) from a legal, policy and competition economics perspective. In particular, this paper explores how the experiences made with large-scale digital platforms have shaped the DGA. Thereby, this paper aims to contribute towards a holistic understanding of these provisions as a basis for an informed discussion on the legal framework and on possible alternatives.
A global bibliometric and visualized analysis in the status and trends of corneal tissue engineering research from 1991 to 2021
Authors: Niu Hua-Qing , Yang Yun , Wang Bei-Bei , Xiao Wen-Tian , Wu Hui-Ru , Liu Ya-Dong , Zheng Bo-Wen , Zou Ming-Xiang
Published: November 2022

Corneal tissue engineering has developed rapidly in recent years, with a large number of publications emerging worldwide. This study focused on exploring the global status and research trends in this field. Publications related to corneal tissue engineering from 1991 to 2021 were acquired from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-Expanded) of Web of Science (WoS). Firstly, the VOS viewer software was chosen for visualizing bibliometric networks, including bibliographic coupling analysis, co-citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, and co-occurrence analysis, and the CiteSpace software was used to detect burst keywords. Subsequently, the publication trends in corneal tissue engineering research were also predicted. In present study, 953 publications were selected and analyzed. The number of annual publications was increasing globally and was predicted to continue the current trend. While Japan ranked top 1 in terms of average citation, the USA contributed the most to the corneal tissue engineering research with highest number of citations and highest H-index. The journal of Biomaterials contributed the largest publication number. The top-ranked institutions were National University of Singapore and Singapore National Eye Center. Additionally, researches could be manually divided into four clusters: “biomaterial related research,” “cell related research,” “transplantation therapy,” and “mechanism research on biomaterials.” Specifically, the research topic “hydrogel” was predicted to be hotspots which may help researchers to explore new directions for future research.
Food taboos among pregnant women and associated factors in eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Amare Wbalem , Tura Abera Kenay , Semahegn Agumasie , Teji Roba Kedir
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The main aim of this study was to assess food taboos and associated factors among pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 422 pregnant women at Haramaya Demographic Surveillance System from Haramaya District, eastern Ethiopia. Data on sociodemographic conditions, the presence of food taboos, and perceived reasons were collected using the face-to-face interview method by trained data collectors through arranged home visits. Collected data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to statistical package for social sciences version 23 for cleaning and analysis. Descriptive, binary, and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the relationship between explanatory and outcome variables. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) at p value less than 0.05 was used to declare significant association.

Results:

Approximately half (48%, 95% CI: 43%, 52%) of the pregnant women reported the presence of pregnancy-related food taboos. Pregnant women who have heard about food taboos (AOR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.89, 6.83), pregnant women had friends who avoided food (AOR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.99), women’s monthly income ⩽840 ETB (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.73), and pregnant women who had not attended formal education (AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.23) were more likely to report food taboos. The odds of pregnant women who had attended uptake of immunization services were less likely to have food taboos (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.58).

Conclusion:

Pregnancy-related food taboos among pregnant women are unacceptably high. Therefore, awareness creation and nutritional counseling at health service delivery points are imperative actions for pregnant women to avoid food taboos norms. Further research should be done to understand the social and cultural ground of food taboos during pregnancy.
Analysis on Use of Open Educational Resources during EmergencyRemote Education due to Covid-19: A Case Study in Turkey
Authors: Sunar Ayşe Saliha , Yükseltürk Esra , Duru İsmail
Published: November 2022

During the mass curfews, travel bans, school shutdowns, face-to-face education was discontinued, and many universities had to urgently switch to online education. Academics, most of whom are not familiar with digital pedagogy, had to adapt their lectures to online learning. The aim of this study is to analyze how Open Educational Resources (OERs) are used in practice during emergency remote teaching (ERT) and whether this influences the regular practice of academics on a global level and in Turkey in the longer term. Methodologically, we adopt a mixed-methods approach in two stages: (i) an empirical study conducted in Turkey to find out what prior knowledge and experience academics have with OERs and how they use OERs during ERT; (ii) a complimentary desk study on the global situation of OER use. Our results show that academics who did not know about OERs before the pandemic are still hesitant to use them, even though they have prior experience with online teaching. In addition, academics with higher rank and academics in architecture, philology, and arts have the most negative opinion about campus education being fully accessible online.
Effects of Home Language and Socioeconomic Status on Modern Standard Written Chinese Literacy
Authors: Luo Dehong , Gong Jing
Published: November 2022

Home language (HL) effects on academic language literacy have been extensively discussed. However, previous research has mostly focused on Indo–European languages. This study extends the literature by using data ( n = 17,600) collected in a diversified language area: Guangxi, China. We examined the effects of four HLs and four socioeconomic factors by using modern standard written Chinese literacy as an outcome across three developmental levels (ages 10.45, 12.31, and 14.72). School clustering effect existed and adding the predictors of HL and socioeconomic status did not change the variance proportion in literacy performance accounted for by the school groupings. The findings indicate that (a) Putonghua-only speakers performed poorest in school Grades 5 to 6 and 7 to 8, (b) dominant Putonghua speakers performed best in Grades 7 to 8, (c) heritage-only speakers performed best in Grades 5 to 6, and (d) the contribution of the parents’ socioeconomic factors depended on the participants’ developmental levels. Our study supports the bilingual literacy advantage and explains why a heritage-only acts as a type of bilingualism.
The Central Role of Lifelong Learning and Humility in Clinical Psychology
Authors: Washburn Jason J. , Teachman Bethany A. , Gaudiano Brandon A. , Penberthy J. Kim , Peris Tara S. , Davison Gerald C. , Hollon Steven D.
Published: November 2022

Lifelong learning plays a central role in the lives of clinical psychologists. As psychological science advances and evidence-based practices develop, it is critical for clinical psychologists to not only maintain their competencies but to also evolve them. In this article, we discuss lifelong learning as a clinical, ethical, and scientific imperative in the myriad dimensions of the clinical psychologist’s professional life, arguing that experience alone is not sufficient. Attitude is also important in lifelong learning, and we call for clinical psychologists to adopt an intellectually humble stance and embrace “a beginner’s mind” when approaching new knowledge and skills. We further argue that clinical psychologists must maintain and refresh their critical-thinking skills and seek to minimize their biases, especially as they approach the challenges and opportunities of lifelong learning. We intend for this article to encourage psychologists to think differently about how they approach lifelong learning.
A Case of Consanguinity
Authors: Brown Carla , Jones-Brooks Paige , White Gwenevere , Shearer Zackary , Baber Megan
Published: November 2022

A newborn of unknown gestational age and unknown chronological age was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit after presenting to the emergency department for evaluation and concern for neglect. The infant was found at home by authorities with no adult caretaker. As part of routine newborn care, this infant was noted to have an abnormal newborn metabolic screen. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed an inborn error of metabolism. When family and social history became available, it was determined that the mother and putative father were genetically related. This case report discusses newborn metabolic screening and inborn errors of metabolism and their relationship to consanguinity.
New Evaluation Method for Lateral Ankle Instability using Ultrasound
Authors: Sato Go , Takagi Kenichi , Bhimani Rohan , Saengsin Jirawat , Lubberts Bart , Hagemeijer Noortje , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil , Yagura Yukihisa
Published: November 2022

Category:

Ankle; Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Despite the fact that stress fluoroscopy is the most common method of quantifying lateral ankle instability, ultrasound evaluation has grown in popularity as a way to assess ankle stability at the point of care due to its simplicity, accuracy, low cost, and lack of exposure. The aim of this study is to introduce a new method for evaluating lateral ankle instability using ultrasound.

Methods:

A 37-year-old man with history of lateral ankle ligament injury underwent ultrasound and fluoroscopic evaluation. The anterior drawer distance (ADD) was quantified under anterior drawer stress. During ADD measurement, the patient sat with the knee extended and the heel on the examination table or chair, and the examiner performed the anterior drawer test (Image 1a). The amount of talar movement was measured as an ADD using an ultrasound probe placed on the posteromedial side of the ankle (Image 1b). A lateral clear space (LCS) was also measured under varus stress using ultrasound from the tip of the lateral malleolar to the lateral process of the talus. The aforementioned measurements were repeated under stress fluoroscopy and compared with ultrasound findings.

Results:

On ultrasound evaluation, the ADD was 7.1 mm and the LCS was 17.1 mm. Furthermore, the stress fluoroscopic evaluation yielded a similar result, with an ADD of 8.7 mm and an LCS of 17.5 mm.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that this new method of evaluation of lateral ankle instability under dynamic ultrasound appears to be a highly accurate and useful alternative for assessing lateral ankle stability at the point of care in a radiation-free, non- invasive, and low-cost manner.
Does the Addition of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate from the Pelvis Improve Fusion Rates of Hindfoot and Ankle Arthrodesis?
Authors: Sleasman Brian T. , Gillikin Tyler , Peabody John J. , Zbihley Andrew , Olamigoke Oluwafikayo , Patel Milap , Cantrell Colin K. , Tanenbaum Joseph E. , Kadakia Anish R.
Published: November 2022

Category:

Ankle Arthritis; Ankle; Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis are common interventions for degenerative and inflammatory foot and ankle conditions. These include, but are not limited to osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, deformity, and instability. While we know the addition of bone graft is critical for successful union, we do not fully understand how graft selection affects union rates. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is commonly chosen due to its ease of availability and osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. In our study, we aim to determine if adding BMAc, and thus osteogenic properties, to a DBM allograft improves union rates following ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis.

Methods:

After receiving IRB approval from our institution, we collected the records of patients who underwent arthrodesis of the hindfoot (subtalar, calcaneocuboid, talonavicular) or ankle during a 10-year time period. Patients were then divided into two groups: arthrodesis performed with the use of DBM and arthrodesis performed with DMB-BMAc. Cases using other graft options such as bulk allograft, autograft, or bone morphogenic protein (BMP) were excluded. Fusion was determined by standard radiographic and clinical criteria and CT scans were utilized in cases which fusion could not be determined. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months. If fusion was not complete at that time clinical and radiographic exams were performed at the 9- and 12-month period. Patients were analyzed for sucussesful arthrodesis. Complications and revisions were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 124 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. In 49 patients only DBM was utilized, and 75 patients BMC was added to the DBM. At 12 months post operatively the group utilizing only DBM had a union rate of 90% while the union rate of the BMAc/DBM had a union rate of 88% (p=0.985) There was no difference in the rate of complications between the two groups and the groups were matched in terms of age, smoking status, DM, sex and BMI. Additionally, in our cohort there was a trend toward increased non-union and complication rate in smokers, although this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion:

Ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis are a reliable treatment option for patients with specific foot and ankle pathology. Our study reports a fusion rate in line with previous studies. The addition of BMAc from the pelvis, attempting to improve the biology of the fusion site, to DBM does not seem to affect fusion rates.
A Systematic Review of Lower Extremity Return to Sport
Authors: Smiley Traci , Dallman Johnathan , Aldag Levi , Mok Anthony C. , Tarakemeh Armin , Burki Megan , Martin Kyle , Vopat Bryan G.
Published: November 2022

Category:

Sports; Ankle; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

A uniform criterion has not been established for return to sport (RTS) testing which is complicated by the lack of a standardized definition of the term RTS. Most commonly, RTS is defined as playing in at least one game of the athletes' respective sport, or the first game played after treatment.1 However, the timeline from the injury and/or treatment date to RTS varies amongst each physician or institution. Regarding the ankle, there is an enormous paucity of functional testing research. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to review current literature for joint-specific and global lower extremity testing to determine the most valid functional test that can be utilized to prevent re-injury as athletes RTS.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, OVID, and Embase databases was conducted to identify clinical studies that included evaluation of a return to sport test or functional test (single test or test battery) for the lower extremities. Both operative and non-operative treatments included in this review. Only studies that had patients between the ages of 14 years old and 40 years old were included. Specfici rehab protocik or treatment plan, non-English publications, non- human or cadaver studies, and studies that did not evaluate return to sport test or function test were excluded.

Results:

Of 8,705 studies, 65 (0.7%) studies published through October of 2021 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. 52 out of 65 (80%) articles discussed RTS for the knee. Furthermore, 50 out of the 52 (96%) specifically analzyed RTS following ACLR. With this said, we did not abandon ankle and hip RTS cases. Discussed herein, are numerous RTS tests including the most common, isokinetic dynamometry testing which is seen in 38 out of the 52 (73%) of the knee RTS cases. Unfortunately, only 4 out of 65 (6.2%) studies analyzed RTS for the hip and 1 out of the 65 (1.5%) barely touched on the ankle. The remaining studies analyzed healthy participants only.

Conclusion:

More research is clearly required to identify the most valid functional test batteries for joint-specific RTS lower extremity testing. Even with the enormous amount of literature that exists regarding ACL injuries and testing there is no standardized criterion for RTS clearance. As seen in this review, the research available for the hip and ankle is substantially scarcer in regards functional testing. We hope that the suggested test batteries from this review can serve as a framework for future research and validation for joint-specific RTS functional testing.