bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Coronary Calcification in Patients Referred for Invasive Coronary Angiography
Authors: Jian Wen , Shen Xueqian , Zheng Ze , Wu Zheng , Shi Yuchen , Liu Jinghua
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to determine whether red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with coronary calcification. A total of 4796 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and subsequent invasive coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS), demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. RDW were expressed in two forms, as a coefficient of variation (CV) or as a standard deviation (SD). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the association of RDW with CACS grades (CACS 0–99, 100–399, 400–999, and >1000). A significant association was found between elevated RDW-SD and higher CACS grades after full adjustment (adjusted OR per 1-SD increase: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.18; P < .001), while no significant association was found between RDW-CV and CACS grades. When RDW-SD was analyzed as a categorical variable, it was primarily the 4th quartile of RDW-SD that was associated with elevated CACS grades compared with the 1st quartile (adjusted OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.46; P = .006), while the 2nd and 3rd quartiles showed no significantly higher risk. RDW-SD is a more robust biomarker for coronary calcification compared with RDW-CV.
Who Supports Gender Quotas in Transitioning and Authoritarian States in the Middle East and North Africa?
Authors: Noh Yuree , Shalaby Marwa
Published: March 2024

What are the drivers of citizens’ support for electoral gender quotas in transitioning and authoritarian states? Despite extensive research examining public support for women in politics in democracies, we know little about how the public perceives them in less democratic settings. To address this shortcoming, we use original survey data from authoritarian Morocco and transitioning Tunisia – two Arab countries hailed for their progressive gender policies. We argue that in these countries where citizens lack political information, they instead rely on their assessment of the government’s performance to form attitudes toward gender quotas. Furthermore, electoral legitimacy plays an important role in shaping citizens’ support for quotas, which are closely linked to how elections and legislatures operate. The findings offer strong support for our theoretical expectations and uncover important gender differences.
One World, Many Stories: Finding Human Connection through Global Sociology
Authors: Pearce Susan C. , O’Neill Jennifer
Published: March 2024

This Teaching Note examines the implementation of a full-semester course model for digital exchanges between students across countries. The model, Global Understanding, created and administered by East Carolina University, is a platform for humanistic pedagogy that dovetails seamlessly with sociological content, methods, and principles. Through an examination of student writing products, this account considers how the course exemplifies humanistic pedagogy through (1) an expansion of a verstehen of a shared experience of the “human” in the world, (2) the integration of teaching source materials from conventionally defined “humanities” fields, and (3) a normative directive to forward global human understanding.
Using a Decolonial Humanistic Sociological Lens to Teach Global Migration: The Global Migrations Exhibit Assignment
Authors: Gil-García Óscar F. , Sati Büşra , Martin Justin M. , Velazquez Luz F.
Published: March 2024

Conversations surrounding decolonial humanistic sociology have been guided by a moral imperative—to advance a radical critique of society for the purpose of reducing inequality. Storytelling has been used by marginalized groups to advance decolonization. Exactly how can instructors use the power of storytelling and maps to facilitate the study of migration among students? We argue that narratives, maps, and museum-like exhibitions can be used to teach human migration in a way that moves beyond the dominant approach of push-pull nation-centered demography. This contribution describes how decolonial humanistic sociology informed the development of the Global Migrations Exhibit Assignment: a hands-on learning experience focused on translating students’ learning into action. We outline learning outcomes, review a sample of students’ work, and consider the limitations of the assignment. We also consider the hostile responses those who use the assignment may face and discuss the peril this poses to academic freedom and democracy.
When What Is Beautiful Is Not Good: The Role of Trait Self-Control in Resisting Eye Candy
Authors: vanDellen Michelle R. , Schiavone William M. , Wright Julian W. C. , Bornstein Jerica X.
Published: March 2024

People are drawn to and like others who are physically attractive. In the present research, we investigated the influence of trait self-control on individuals’ interest in relationships with physically attractive others. We hypothesized that high (vs. low) self-control individuals would approach relationships by considering information beyond appearance about potential partners, including partners’ self-control. We additionally explored the influence of other traits (e.g., Big 5, self-esteem, and attachment styles) on relationship interest. Across studies, we consistently found that individuals with higher self-control avoided pursuing relationships with attractive individuals who display low self-control. In Study 3, we observed a similar pattern for three other traits: conscientiousness, extraversion, and positivity embracement. These results suggest perceivers’ self-control shapes relationship interest, particularly when attractive individuals possess less desirable qualities. The findings extend past research that attractiveness increases interest in others and highlights the potential for trait self-control to direct relationship interest during initial interactions.
Using Interpretable Machine Learning for Differential Item Functioning Detection in Psychometric Tests
Authors: Kraus Elisabeth Barbara , Wild Johannes , Hilbert Sven
Published: March 2024

This study presents a novel method to investigate test fairness and differential item functioning combining psychometrics and machine learning. Test unfairness manifests itself in systematic and demographically imbalanced influences of confounding constructs on residual variances in psychometric modeling. Our method aims to account for resulting complex relationships between response patterns and demographic attributes. Specifically, it measures the importance of individual test items, and latent ability scores in comparison to a random baseline variable when predicting demographic characteristics. We conducted a simulation study to examine the functionality of our method under various conditions such as linear and complex impact, unfairness and varying number of factors, unfair items, and varying test length. We found that our method detects unfair items as reliably as Mantel–Haenszel statistics or logistic regression analyses but generalizes to multidimensional scales in a straight forward manner. To apply the method, we used random forests to predict migration backgrounds from ability scores and single items of an elementary school reading comprehension test. One item was found to be unfair according to all proposed decision criteria. Further analysis of the item’s content provided plausible explanations for this finding. Analysis code is available at: https://osf.io/s57rw/?view_only=47a3564028d64758982730c6d9c6c547 .
Effect of ionic liquids on the corrosion behaviour of X80 pipeline steel
Authors: Ma Chen , Liu Shuai , Wang Jia , Zhao Wei , Zhang Hui , Gao Song , Rao Weifeng
Published: March 2024

The study encompasses the synthesis of an ionic liquid corrosion inhibitor using the ion exchange method. Its impact on the corrosion and hydrogen permeation behaviour of X80 pipeline steel in a CO2 environment is thoroughly investigated. The findings reveal that the corrosion resistance and hydrogen atom diffusion of X80 pipeline steel exhibit an initial decline, followed by an increase with escalating inhibitor concentration. The nadir values are recorded at an inhibitor concentration of 500 mg·L−1, attaining a remarkable maximum inhibition efficiency of 97%. Following the addition of corrosion inhibitors, the formation of corrosion products notably decreases, indicating a positive inhibition effect on both corrosion and hydrogen permeation. Additionally, a correlation is successfully established between hydrogen permeation parameters and inhibitor concentration.
Secondary hardening in an Cr-Mo-V steel: Effect of thermal cycle tempering
Authors: Díaz-Villaseñor P.G. , Vázquez-Gómez O. , Garnica-González P. , Vergara-Hernández H.J. , Campillo-Illanes B. , López-Martínez E.
Published: March 2024

Secondary hardening by precipitation of alloy carbides during tempering in an experimental Cr-Mo-V alloy steel was studied under continuous and isothermal conditions. Measurements of microhardness and nanohardness analysed the hardening behaviour during stage IV as a function of time, temperature, and heating rate. Scanning electron microscopy and scanning probe evidenced the carbides precipitated during stage IV. It was observed that hardening is a function of not only tempering temperature and time but also of the heating rate according to the Hollomon–Jaffe parameter. The parameter increases as the heating rate increases due to the effect on the temperature, showing a clear softening. The hardening behaviour, evaluated with the Hollomon–Jaffe parameter, was very similar regardless of the test, micro- or nanoindentation.
The sonographic features of lymph node venous networks and flow patterns in patients with primary chronic venous disease
Authors: Liu Gaorui , Clarke Jillian , Liu Yong , Zhang Yunwei , Mohan Irwin
Published: March 2024

Background

Our study aims to enhance the understanding of lymph node venous networks (LNVNs) by summarising their anatomical, sonographic features, and reflux patterns.

Method

We examined 241 legs from 141 patients with primary chronic venous disease (CVD) using duplex ultrasound.

Results

The findings indicated variations in the shape, size, vascularity, and echogenicity of LNVN. The superficial inguinal lymph node with reflux appeared slightly larger, exhibiting higher velocities in the hilar artery. Regarding connections, venous flow within LNVN was predominantly drained through the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV), and great saphenous vein (GSV). A significant number of LNVNs were observed to be associated with anterolateral thigh tributaries. The study also identified valve cusps within LNVN.

Conclusion

This study revealed a 12% prevalence of primary LNVN. Understanding the anatomical and haemodynamic features of LNVN informs treatment strategies and potentially helps prevent the recurrence of varicose veins.
A beginner's guide to crossing the road: towards an epistemology of successful action in complex systems
Authors: van der Merwe Ragnar , Broadbent Alex
Published: March 2024

Crossing the road within the traffic system is an example of an action human agents perform successfully day-to-day in complex systems. How do they perform such successful actions given that the behaviour of complex systems is often difficult to predict? The contemporary literature contains two contrasting approaches to the epistemology of complex systems: an analytic and a post-modern approach. We argue that neither adequately accounts for how successful action is possible in complex systems. Agents regularly perform successful actions without obeying (explicit or implicit) algorithmic rules (as the analytic approach suggests) and without an existential leap to action (as the post-modern approach suggests). We offer an alternative: A common-sense pragmatist epistemology, one that focuses on the kind of actions making up most agents’ successful moment-to-moment actions in complex systems. Successful actions obtain when agents apply ceteris paribus rules-of-thumb during predictive and decisional practices while achieving some desired goal.
Gold standard research and evidence applied: The Inspire Nursing Leadership Program
Authors: Geerts Jaason M. , Udod Sonia , Bishop Sharon , Hillier Sean , Lyons Oscar , Madore Suzanne , Mutwiri Betty , Sinclair Dionne , Frich Jan C.
Published: March 2024

Billions of dollars are invested annually in leadership development globally; however, few programs are evidence-based, risking adverse outcomes, and wasted time and money. This article describes the novel Inspire Nursing Leadership Program (INLP) and the outcomes-based process of incorporating gold standard evidence into its design, delivery, and evaluation. The INLP design was informed by a needs analysis, research evidence, and by nursing, Indigenous, and equity, diversity, and inclusion experts. The program’s goals include enabling participants to develop leadership capabilities, cultivate strategic community partnerships, lead innovation projects, and connect with colleagues. Design features include an outcomes-based approach, the LEADS framework, and alignment with the principles of adult learning. Components include leadership impact projects, 360-assessments, blended interactive sessions, coaching, mentoring, and application and reflection exercises. The evaluation framework and subsequent proposed research design align to top-quality standards. Healthcare leadership programs must be evidence-based to support leaders in improving and transforming health systems.
Multidisciplinary First-Line Healthcare Leaders’ Roles and Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario Canada
Authors: Bookey-Bassett Sue , Rose Don , Purdy Nancy , Cook Kim , Harvey Martha , Danial Anthony , Woodside Melanie , Belov Michelle
Published: March 2024

Background

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, first-line healthcare leaders across the healthcare system played crucial roles leading, motivating, and supporting staff.

Purpose

This study aims to describe multidisciplinary first-line healthcare leaders’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada using transformational and crisis leadership theory.

Methods

A descriptive two-phase (quantitative & qualitative) design was conducted in the spring of 2021. Phase 1 employed an online survey sent via email to first-line leaders from various sectors who were members of healthcare professional associations in Ontario. Participants included nurse managers, professional practice leaders (e.g., occupational and physiotherapists), advanced practice nurses, and clinical educators. In Phase 2, a subset (n  =  19) of the Phase 1 participants were interviewed to gain a deeper understanding of these leaders’ experiences including role impact and support available. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted and recorded via Zoom©. Inductive and deductive analysis approaches identified key themes. This paper reports the qualitative findings from Phase 2.

Results

Leaders’ behaviors were representative of the key dimensions of transformational and complexity leadership theories. Recommendations for leading during a crisis included: engaging in self-care activities to manage the personal impact of the crisis; teamwork and collaborative leadership; and support from fellow first-line leaders and senior leaders. Findings can inform healthcare leadership education programs designed to manage future crises for both academic and practice settings.

Conclusion

Descriptions of first-line healthcare leaders’ roles and experiences during multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic validated their important contributions within various health sectors.
Effects of Coriander on the Repair Process of Experimentally-induced Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Ballı Umut , Bozkurt Doğan Şeyma , Öngöz Dede Figen , Gülle Kanat , Çölgeçen Hatice , Avcı Bahattin , Akpolat Ferah Meryem , Kurtiş M. Bülent
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Coriandrum sativum L. (CSL) seed extract on gingival levels of antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and on alveolar bone and attachment levels after experimental periodontitis induction in rats and compare it with low-dose doxycycline (LDD). Forty adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided randomly into 5 groups as follows: 1 = periodontally healthy (control); 2 = periodontitis; 3 = periodontitis + CSL (32 mg/kg); 4 = periodontitis + CSL (200 mg/kg); and 5 = periodontitis + LDD (6 mg/kg). Gingival superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1βeta (IL-1β) immunoreactivity was detected immunohistochemically. Alveolar bone area in the furcation space (ABA), alveolar bone loss (ABL), and attachment loss (AL) were evaluated histomorphometrically. The SOD level was lower in group 5 than in groups 2, 3, and 4. The IL-1β level was highest in group 4. The TNF-α level was statistically higher in groups 2 and 4 than in groups 1, 3, and 5. The IL-6 level was highest in group 4. Its level was higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 5. ABA was less in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to groups 1 and 5. ABL was less in group 5 than in groups 2, 3, and 4. AL was greater in group 4 than in group 5. The use of 200 mg/kg CSL showed a pro-inflammatory effect and IL-1β and TNF-α levels decreased after 32 mg/kg CSL application in the treatment of periodontitis.
Exploring magnetic properties and dynamic performance of magnetic-hydraulic double-floating journal bearing based on offset load
Authors: Ouyang Wu , Wang Bin , Li Zhe , He Tao , Xiao Jinhua
Published: March 2024

An innovative structural system of magnetic-hydraulic double-floating journal bearing is designed to improve the ability to resist offset loads. By considering the magnetic force to the water-lubricated journal bearing and the magnetic structure design, a force model of the innovative bearing is proposed. The magnetic force and water film force for the bearing are simulated by comparing the load-carry capacity of only water film force. Experimental results showed the load-carry capacity and stability test of the innovative bearing. The design of innovative bearing with the upper suction and lower magnetic repulsion based on the Halbach array can provide a larger supporting magnetic force. The axially non-uniform magnetic structure deployment can manipulate the changes of the magnetic force in the axial direction to hold the offset load. The test found that by comparing the traditional water-lubricated bearing, the bearing has a certain vibration suppression ability in the vertical direction. Under the test speed, the bearing stiffness hardly changes with the change of the speed, which also shows a slightly decreasing trend with the increase of the excitation frequency.
Design of the high-speed cam profile for the multi-DOF follower
Authors: Han Jiawei , Huang Jie , Qi Chenyu
Published: March 2024

The multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) follower may suffer from unwanted vibrations when the cam works at the high speed. The vibrations will cause significant problems of positioning accuracy, noise, wear, forces, and operating costs for the cam-follower mechanism. It is challenging to design high-speed cam profiles for multi-DOF followers because of the complicated dynamics. A novel method is presented to design the cam profile in this article. A polynomial profile filters through a continuous-piecewise smoother to produce the cam profile. While the profile and their derivatives are continuous, the profile provides good performance on the vibration reduction for multi-DOF followers. Simulated and experimental results from a flexible-link manipulator validate the effectiveness of the cam profiles created by the new method.
Energy-saving robust control of active suspension system based on bioinspired reference model
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Gong Mingde , Zhao Donghua , Chen Hao , Zhao Dingxuan
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes an energy-saving robust tracking control method for active suspension systems with a bio-inspired reference model and nonlinear extended state observer (NLESO). According to the principle of cheetah running biology, a bionic structure with nonlinear quasi-zero stiffness is designed, which also has ideal Sky-hook damping and vibration-absorbing mass. An NLESO is designed to estimate the total uncertain disturbance and the state of sprung mass in the suspension system, and then an energy-saving robust tracking controller is proposed. The controller consumes less control energy while isolating the vibration of the sprung mass, thus improving the riding comfort of vehicles and saving energy. The simulation results show that, compared with the reference control method, the vertical acceleration of the sprung mass is reduced by 80.68% and 92.42% respectively in the class C road and bump road conditions and the control energy is decreased by 31.71% and 30.50%, respectively. The control effect of the proposed controller for the active suspension system is verified.
How can Africa’s urban majority reframe sustainability agendas?
Authors: Ali Nura , Garfias Royo Margarita , Cupers Kenny , Arabbu Ndege George , Campbell-Clause Jack , Bennett Jhono
Published: March 2024

Reporting from ongoing research and planning with low-income residents in Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg, this field note discusses infrastructure-led sustainability transitions that are in progress, probable and possible from the perspective of Africa’s politically marginalized urban majority. Its authors probe to what extent efforts to advance more sustainable urban futures in African cities can foster climate justice – not only in terms of resource distribution and infrastructural access but also in terms of political rights, recognition and participation in decision-making about what those futures should or could be. They suggest different ways by which engaging with the infrastructural lives of politically marginalized urban subjects and collectives may allow reframing of dominant, donor-driven sustainability agendas.
Gerontechnologies, ethics, and care phases: Secondary analysis of qualitative interviews
Authors: Martani Andrea , Tian Yi Jiao (Angelina) , Felber Nadine , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: March 2024

Background

Gerontechnologies are increasingly used in the care for older people. Many studies on their acceptability and ethical implications are conducted, but mainly from the perspective of principlism. This narrows our ethical gaze on the implications the use of these technologies have.

Research question

How do participants speak about the impact that gerontechnologies have on the different phases of care, and care as a process? What are the moral implications from an ethic of care perspective?

Research design

Secondary analysis of semi-structure interviews, whose segments on specific technologies were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis.

Participants and research context

Sixty-seven Swiss stakeholders involved in the use of gerontechnologies, including professional caregivers, informal caregivers, and older persons themselves.

Ethical considerations

The research study was evaluated by the Ethics Commission of Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ). All participants received an information document before the interview date detailing the purpose, procedure, and anonymization measures. After explaining the study during the agreed upon interview time and upon receiving their written informed consent, the interview process began.

Findings/results

Four themes are identified: Identifying care needs, Taking responsibility, Hands-on work, Responding to care. As part of these themes, many codes highlighting the ambivalent impact of gerontechnologies are created, ranging from ‘Expanded capacity for…identifying care needs’ to ‘Create new & (un)necessary…hands-on work’. The moral implications of these results from the care ethics perspective are discussed, through the ethical elements of: attentiveness, responsibility, competence, and responsiveness.

Conclusions

The moral implications of gerontechnologies on care phases from the care ethics perspective open up several questions on whether they actually help give care a central role in social life and provide more competent care.
Documentation Errors and Deficiencies in Medical Records: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shahbodaghi Azam , Moghaddasi Hamid , Asadi Farkhondeh , Hosseini Azamossadat
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Identifying errors in documentation can improve the quality of medical records, healthcare services and health care systems, and thus provide a good framework for improvements in documentation policies. To this end, the current research systematically examined studies reporting documentation errors and deficiencies in medical records.

Method

The systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA. Original articles, published in English from January 2009 to April 2019, were retrieved using the Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

A total of 7,624 articles were found. After the exclusion of duplicates and irrelevant items from this total, just 48 articles met the requirements of the study, among which 47 had some sorts of incompleteness; inaccuracy, 14 articles; inconsistency, 8 articles; illegibility, 7 articles; unsigned document, 4 articles and irrelevancy, 2 articles. Factors contributing to the incidence of documentation errors included occupational stressors, manual documentation and absence of or a defect in local, national and international standards or guidelines, with 12, 9 and 11 articles, respectively.

Discussion

Incompleteness, inaccuracy and inconsistency are common errors in medical records documentation. Adopting necessary policies for enhancing the quality of documentation, making strides towards electronic documentation equipped with automatic error detection systems, and standardising the documentation process can be of great assistance in minimising documentation errors and deficiencies.
Cosmology, Ecology, and Spirituality: Reappraising Stone Culture, Genna Tradition, and Ancestor Veneration among the Naga Tribes
Authors: Das N. K.
Published: March 2024

In this article, the author intends to reappraise the Naga perceptions of cosmology and spirituality which are rooted in the spheres of ecology, folklore, stone culture, “gennas” (rituals and taboos), and ancestor veneration. Included within the realm of ecology are village territory, land, forest, and agricultural fields. The Naga spirituality is perceptible in persistent survival of revered human relationships with the nature and the supreme creator, enduring roles of shaman-priests and clan/village elders as also commitment toward village customs and gennas, including agricultural rituals plus reverence for elders.
Therapeutic Alleviation and Mechanism of Glabridin Liposome on Histamine-induced Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Lu Yongjie , Cheng Lushi , Ren Lu , Chen Dongqiu , Guan Shumin , Zhu Siyang , Xu Xian , Zhang Bing , Tang Minghui , Zhang Chijian , Ai Yong , Zhang Lanyue , He Tinggang
Published: March 2024

Background

One of the primary flavonoids found in the Glycyrrhiza glabra is called glabridin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antineoplastic effects. However, the insolubility of glabridin in water limits its application. Liposomes can increase the solubility of insoluble drugs and improve their bioavailability.

Objectives

We examined the potential for the treatment of glabridin liposomes on histamine-induced atopic dermatitis.

Materials and Methods

After GL treatment, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, and atopic dermatitis-related proteins were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of GL.

Results

Glabridin liposomes alleviated histamine-induced scratching behavior; reduced mast cell proliferation, infiltration, and degranulation; and restrained the expression of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, glabridin liposomes restored nerve growth factor to normal levels and enhanced the expression of filaggrin to promote cuticle growth and repair skin damage caused by atopic dermatitis.

Conclusion

Glabridin liposomes may relieve histamine-induced skin hypersensitivity and cortical hyperplasia by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating their potential for the clinical treatment of atopic dermatitis.
The Unseen Ripples: Examining the Links Between COVID-19-induced Disruptions and Trade Dynamics in Asia-Pacific Countries
Authors: Amin Aadil , Wani Farhana , Bhat Mudaser Ahad , Bhat Ghulam Mohammad , Bashir Shahid , Jamal Aamir
Published: March 2024

The global COVID-19 epidemic and the strategies that were adopted to restrict its spread, such as lockdowns, had a significant impact on international trade. While the health crisis and the lockdown restrictions were linked, their repercussions on world trade patterns were distinct. This study examines trade data from 30 Asian-Pacific countries to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their trading patterns. In addition, it looks at the effects of COVID-19-related policies on trade flows and explores the causality between changes in trade flows and policies induced by COVID-19. The cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model, Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (JKS) causality test and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality test were employed to examine trade patterns of the Asia-Pacific amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of CS-ARDL model showed that COVID-19 cases, deaths and policy-related indices induced a noteworthy and negative influence on export and import flows of Asia and Pacific both in the short- and long run. However, with few exceptions, on average, the impact of COVID-19-related measures is far bigger than that of COVID-19 deaths as well as cases in the long run. Further, the study found that the COVID-19 cases, deaths and COVID-19 policy-related measures have a Granger-causal relationship with exports and imports. Therefore, fostering regional cooperation, strengthening trade agreements and prudent management of COVID-19-induced policies will be essential in a crisis like COVID-19 to streamline trade processes and to achieve the optimum level of exports and imports.
Redesign of Military Patient Handoff Training for Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Fausett Crystal M. , Korentsides Jenna M. , Knott Camilla C. , Chik Kerri , Grome Anna , Sciarini Lee W. , Keebler Joseph R.
Published: March 2024

We conducted a qualitative research inquiry to facilitate the redesign of a military patient handoff training program for a new population of civilian Emergency Medical Services (EMS) learners. Emergency Medical Service providers provided insights about the organizational and interpersonal factors that contribute to patient handoffs, which were used to tailor the existing military patient handoff training for a civilian population. Results revealed four key phases in the patient handoff journey and three topics regarding improvements to the EMS handoff process: importance of interpersonal communication, dedicated time for handoffs, and standardized communication.
Carboplatin desensitization – simplified 4-step 2-bag method
Authors: Kintzel Polly E , Gressel Gregory M , Van Rossum Brett T , Hillaker Kristin N , Ice Lauren L , Eastman Jacqueline J
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Our cancer program adopted a method for carboplatin desensitization (4-step 2-bag method) that administers the same intensity of drug exposure with a simplified approach to product management in comparison to a published protocol (4-step 4-bag method).

Methods

The intensity of carboplatin administration for 1:1,000, 1:100, 1:10, and 1:1 dilutions and concomitant fluid administration were compared for the 4-step 2-bag (bags A, B) and 4-step 4-bag (bags 1, 2, 3, 4) methods. Pharmacy preparation of bags A and B is described. A succinct overview of the desensitization procedure is provided. Important considerations germane to pharmacy practice are presented. Chart review of patients who underwent carboplatin desensitization with the 4-step 2-bag method between 7/13/2021 and 11/22/2023 was performed to demonstrate institutional use.

Results

The 4-step 2-bag method delivers similar rates of drug intensity from start of desensitization to completion of the planned dose as the previously published 4-step 4-bag method. Accuracy of regimen-based dose administration is assured by infusion of bag B contents irrespective of infusion interruptions or rate changes necessitated by patient tolerance. Bag A provides the 1:1000 dilution in a pharmaceutically elegant manner using administration rates and volumes compatible with clinical practice.

Conclusion

The 4-step 2-bag method for carboplatin desensitization administers controlled drug titration corresponding to 1:1000, 1:100, 1:10, and 1:1 dilutions for dose administration using two compounded admixture bags. Inaugural clinical use of the 4-step 2-bag method for carboplatin desensitization at our healthcare facility has proceeded with expected patient tolerance.
Stress intensity factors and full-field stresses for a hypocycloid-type crack within a thermo-elastic material
Authors: Liao Yi-Lun , Ma Chien-Ching , Chao Ching-Kong
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the failure analysis of a hypocycloid-type crack within a thermo-elastic material. Employing the conformal mapping method, analytical continuation theorem, and principle of superposition, the explicit general solution for stress intensity factors (SIFs) associated with an arbitrary-edged hypocycloid-type crack is determined analytically under the influence of remote homogeneous heat flux and mechanical load. The superposition method combines stress functions and SIFs for two distinct loading conditions. The outcomes of the normalized SIFs are affected by the magnitude and orientation of the heat flux and mechanical load. A full-field stress distribution is provided to account for variations in SIFs. Certain combinations of loads lead to maximum SIF values, rendering the system highly vulnerable to damage, while two specific scenarios inhibit crack propagation, thereby reducing the risk of structural failure.
Safety Assessment of Hydrogen Peroxide as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Cherian Priya A. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: March 2024

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Hydrogen Peroxide for use in cosmetics. This ingredient is reported to function in cosmetics as an antimicrobial agent, cosmetic biocide, oral health care agent, and oxidizing agent. The Panel reviewed the data relevant to the safety of this ingredient and concluded that Hydrogen Peroxide is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
Childhood and Adolescent Relapsed/Refractory Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas With t(8;14) and BCL2 Expression, Burkitt Lymphoma Versus Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: El Dana Fouad , Garces Narvaez Sofia Alexandra , El-Mallawany Nader K. , Agrusa Jennifer E. , Dreyer ZoAnn E. , Marcogliese Andrea N. , Elghetany Mohamed Tarek , Punia Jyotinder N. , Ok Chi Young , Patel Keyur P. , Lopez-Terrada Dolores H. , Fisher Kevin E. , Curry Choladda V.
Published: March 2024

We present 2 diagnostically challenging cases of pediatric/adolescent relapsed/refractory aggressive mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) within the spectrum of Burkitt lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and illustrate the different therapeutic regimens that are employed for pediatric and adult cancer centers. Both cases displayed varying-sized lymphoma cells with occasional single prominent nucleoli and heterogeneous BCL2 expression. Cytogenetics revealed complex karyotypes with t(8:14)(q24.2;q32) and IGH::MYC rearrangement by FISH. Next generation sequencing revealed deleterious TP53 and MYC mutations. We concluded that both could be diagnosed as “DLBCL-NOS with MYC rearrangement” using the current pathologic classifications, 2022 International Consensus Classification (ICC) and World Health Organization Classifications of Haematolymphoid Tumors (WHO-HAEM5). This report illustrates diagnostic challenges and treatment dilemmas that may be encountered, particularly for adolescent and young adults (AYA).
Elegant With Leisurely: Luxury Tourism Consumption and Brand Love
Authors: Ku Edward C. S. , Wu Shu-Hua , Lai Tzu-Ching
Published: March 2024

This study examines how the prestige sensitivity, uniqueness, and vividness of tourism products affect brand love through luxury tourism consumption; likewise, it explores the moderating effects of perceived product fit diagnosticity and peer influence on brand love. We developed our proposed research model from a theoretical background. Using a partial least squares regression model, we analyzed 213 completed questionnaire samples. The study’s findings provide a valid description of the origins, relationship, and impact of luxury tourism consumption and brand love. Artificial intelligence-enabled diagnosticity can affect purchasing behavior, implying that the perceived usefulness of collected information can help consumers decide. Tourism businesses offering unique products under a corporate brand can successfully develop distinctive marketing strategies and attract consumers to brand-love-based businesses.
Young Men and Feminism: Gendered Struggle and Sense-Making for Australian University Students
Authors: Kean Jessica , Buiten Denise
Published: March 2024

This paper explores feminism as a site of explicit struggle and implicit sense-making for young men. Through an analysis of interviews with twenty young people at two Australian universities, it considers how popularised feminist (and anti-feminist) discourses shape discussions of men, boys and masculinity. Actively grappling with the place of boys and men in certain high-profile feminist debates, participants’ responses revealed core sites of tension around their collective and individual responsibility for gendered harms, tensions reflective of those present within feminist debates themselves. The impact of feminism could also be seen in the gendered analysis so many participants produced to make sense of limiting emotional norms, even though they did not recognise this analysis as a feminist inheritance. Moving beyond an approach seeking to categorise young men’s responses as either pro- or anti-feminist, this paper highlights the entanglement of feminism in young men’s sensemaking around gendered issues.
This isn’t plug and play: intersectionality, Indigeneity, and EDID work
Authors: Major Rebecca
Published: March 2024

For some, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) work is new, and they are working to catch up. For others, attention to EDID work occurring is because of the many years of labour involved, and it is not a new area or vocation. Much like Indigenization, which is being treated as plug and play when it is its own discipline, EDID is developing in a similar fashion. EDID committees are becoming part of administrative work within institutions, just as Indigenization and reconciliation committees did a few short years ago in many spaces. Institutions must populate these communities, and with their creation, conversations are developing surrounding questions of who is qualified to work in the area? This article explores some of the nuanced differences to consider when working with EDID and Indigenization space. This discussion means to serve as a contribution to the broader discussion taking place.
Demographic and autism characteristics as predictors of age of autism diagnosis of individuals with autism in Paraguay
Authors: Terol Adriana Kaori , Xia Yan , Jara Ronaldo L. Rodas , Meadan Hedda
Published: March 2024

Autism is a lifelong condition characterized by repetitive and restrictive behaviors and differences in social communication. The reported prevalence of autism has risen exponentially in the past years. Early identification and subsequent early intervention are key to promoting better outcomes for autistic individuals. However, there is a dearth of research focusing on understanding variables that impact the age of diagnosis of autistic children in Paraguay. We collected data from 176 caregivers of autistic individuals aged 18 years or younger who lived in Paraguay and conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to understand whether demographic and clinical variables predicted the age of autism diagnosis in Paraguayan autistic children. Our results indicated that child’s age, child’s age at caregivers’ first concerns for their development, and child’s verbal skills were significant predictors of the age of autism diagnosis in Paraguay. Educating caregivers and professionals to increase awareness of autism characteristics and atypical behaviors in social communication beyond verbal skills may support the early identification of autism and subsequent access to early intervention.

Lay abstract

Autism is a lifelong condition characterized by repetitive behaviors and social communication differences. The reported cases of autism increased globally in the past years. Detecting autism early and providing appropriate supports promptly are crucial for better outcomes. Yet, little research focuses on what factors interplay in the diagnostic process of autistic children in Paraguay. We gathered data from 176 caregivers of autistic children under 18 years in Paraguay. Through a detailed analysis, we found that child’s age, child’s age at the caregiver’s first concerns about their development, and the child’s verbal skills are key in predicting the age of autism diagnosis in Paraguay. Educating caregivers and professionals about autism and social communication development can help identify autism early and provide timely support.
The domestication of data journalism in Palestine: Consumption of data-based news stories via social media
Authors: Abu-Ayyash Shadi , AlAhmad Hussein , Kukali Elias
Published: March 2024

Data journalism (DJ) stands out as a distinguished contemporary form of news storytelling in which data are simplified and communicated via visuals. It can disseminate knowledge on complex phenomena and contribute to the advancement of journalism. Understanding the motives of readers’ DJ consumption is vital to the understanding of three focal elements in the journalism equation: society, journalists, and news-media institutions. This paper fills a gap in the knowledge about studies in DJ – audience interrelationship, contributing to the understanding of the twinning relationship between domesticating everchanging communication technologies and DJ consumption. The theoretical framework draws on news consumption and domestication theory in examining the way media and communication students in Palestinian universities (hereinafter MC students) interact with DJ-based stories communicated via social media platforms. Surveying MC students ( N = 99) at four prominent Palestinian universities in the West Bank, the paper explores the motivations behind MC students’ DJ consumption, and how recent media technologies might induce its levels of consumption. Targeting Facebook, results show that MC students’ engagement with DJ stories is primarily induced by their interest in the topics presented, with social and human stories as primary topics. Other inducers included visuals, proximity to topics discussed, and familiarity with the publishing source.
Reporting on artificial intelligence use in entrepreneurship research: Using a model card
Authors: Fox Joseph D
Published: March 2024

The study of artificial intelligence is of increasing importance in the entrepreneurial domain. Despite the popularity of many artificial intelligence models, experimental studies in entrepreneurship that apply models are subject to replicability issues if they are not properly reported on. This note is a call to adopt a method of reporting on artificial intelligence models commonly used in the open source software community to ensure progress in future studies and to offer researchers a reflective opportunity to consider the appropriateness of models they use in experimental studies.
Evaluation of manufacturing methods for pultruded rod-based hierarchical composite structural members with minimal porosity
Authors: Pickard Laura Rhian , Crinson Joel , Darras Nicolas , Allegri Giuliano , Wisnom Michael R
Published: March 2024

Bio-inspired, hierarchical structures following the example of natural composites such as bone, wood or bamboo promise a new approach to advanced composites. This work focuses on hierarchical composites based around pultruded carbon fibre-epoxy rods, rather than layered plies of material. A structural member, or strut, of circular cross-section, consisting of cured pultruded rods and epoxy resin, demonstrates this hierarchical concept. This paper focuses on manufacturing of struts by vacuum infusion and by pressurised resin transfer moulding, with the aim of minimising porosity while retaining the desired cross-section. Rod alignment and packing are also considered. Vacuum infusion is carried out with stiff and flexible tooling, and pressurised resin transfer moulding using rigid cylindrical copper tools with and without a flexible liner. Porosity is measured via X-ray computed tomography. The results indicate a way forward for manufacturing low porosity hierarchical composites based on pultruded rods, either via vacuum infusion with a flexible tool, requiring machining to reach a circular cross-section, or pressurised resin transfer moulding using a combination of rigid tool and flexible liner at 3 x 105 Pa or higher, where porosity is below the limit of detection in a Nikon XTH-320 CT scanner.
Relation between water absorption and mechanical properties of flax 3D braided yarn woven fabric PLA bio-degradable composites
Authors: Kanakannavar Sateeshkumar , Pitchaimani Jeyaraj
Published: March 2024

Natural fibre (flax) plain type of woven fabric is developed by using solid braided yarn and is utilised as filler material and PLA (polylactic acid) as a matrix. Solution casting is then used to create sheets of pure PLA and flax fabric–PLA. Composites are manufactured by sheets sequencing technique using the hot compression moulding method. Water absorption, thickness swelling and flexural tests are performed in loading directions of warp and weft of the composites. Results revealed that the absorption of water and swelling of thickness are enriched with an addition of flax fabric. The weft direction loaded composite displayed greater values of water uptake and thickness swelling. The warp direction loaded composites demonstrated the highest flexural strength (92.3 MPa) and modulus (4.5 GPa) compared to weft direction loaded composites. These values are decreased after water absorption.