bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of continuum damage mechanics in fatigue assessment of A516 steel specimens considering residual stresses
Authors: Attarha MJ , Sattari-Far I
Published: June 2023

The present study evaluates the effects of tensile residual stresses on fatigue behaviour of ASTM A516 pressure vessel steel specimens. In this regard, fatigue specimens containing a smooth notch region are studied. A damage coupled elastic-plastic constitutive material model is developed to investigate effects of residual stresses on fatigue life. Isotropic and kinematic hardening parameters of the material are experimentally determined. Additionally, the damage model parameters are specified from fatigue experiments conducted on standard specimens in different stress ratios. Tensile residual stresses are introduced into the smooth notched specimens through employing four-point-bending method. The hole drilling technique is utilized to measure the residual stress magnitudes. The results indicate that about two third of fatigue life of the specimens is decreased due to the existed tensile residual stresses. Furthermore, fatigue crack initiation and propagation behaviour in the specimens containing residual stress are studied based on the developed continuum damage model.
Emergence of altruistic behavior in heterogeneous populations of artificial agents by evolution of kin discrimination mechanism
Authors: Pardo Manuel , Ciria Alejandra , Lara Bruno
Published: June 2023

The emergence of altruistic behaviors in heterogeneous populations of autonomous robots, especially in signaling tasks, has proven to be a difficult problem to solve. However signaling and altruistic behaviors are present throughout the tree of life. Specially giving that, signaling behaviors seem to have evolved multiple times whenever there is a channel to emit a signal and one to receive it. In this work, this problem is addressed, using evolutionary algorithms, and modeling phenomena such as kin selection and kin discrimination in a biologically plausible way. We also used self-organizing maps to analyze the behavior of these populations during the evolutionary process, within the solution space. We believe that this approach can shed light on the predictive power of the Hamilton rule, the importance of kin selection in the evolution of altruistic behaviors, and how self-organizing maps can allow us to observe the different solutions in which the evolutionary algorithm converges through time.
Temporal Stability of the Personality Assessment Inventory: Investigating Potential Predictors
Authors: Maffly-Kipp Joseph , Morey Leslie C.
Published: June 2023

In this study, we explored the temporal stability of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), which has not been comprehensively reexamined since it was first published. Our three specific aims were to determine the utility of PAI indicators of basic protocol validity (inconsistent responses [ICN] and highly unusual/unlikely responses [INF]) in identifying suspect responding; calculate the stability coefficients for each PAI scale and subscale across 3-, 6-, and 9-week spans; and explore whether profile stability across four measurements could be prospectively predicted. We administered the PAI to a sample of undergraduates ( N = 579) at four separate timepoints. ICN and INF effectively identified likely attriters and inconsistent responders. All PAI full scales and subscales evidenced good test–retest reliability, with some small exceptions. Finally, all PAI clinical scales were correlated with profile instability although many of these correlations were no longer significant when controlling for mean clinical elevation of the profile. We interpreted these results as evidence for the utility of PAI validity scales, the temporal reliability of the PAI, and the role of psychopathology in response variability over time. We also discussed some preliminary evidence that this variability can be prospectively predicted, suggesting that it in part reflects substantive changes rather than random error variance.
Bystander Behavior and Sexual Harassment: The Case of the Fashion Industry
Authors: Crowley Jocelyn Elise
Published: June 2023

This study examines the role of bystander behavior in cases of sexual harassment within the cultural economy's fashion industry. Using grounded theory to explore 34 sexual harassment narratives posted on Instagram, this analysis revealed that while some bystander victim–alliance behavior occurred in the forms of verbal objections and a strong physical presence to thwart perpetrators, bystander facilitation of perpetrator abuse was much more common. Types of facilitation included active bystander complicity, bystander inaction, and what is termed automatic industry bystander deference, whereby seemingly widespread acceptance of certain norms in the business prevented intervention. Implications for victim counseling, bystander intervention training, and public policy reforms are discussed.
Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Exercise Among Women Survivors of Sexual Violence by Physical Activity Level and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Status
Authors: Pebole Michelle M. , Singleton Chelsea R. , Hall Katherine S. , Petruzzello Steven J. , Alston Reginald , Gobin Robyn L.
Published: June 2023

An online, cross-sectional survey of women survivors of sexual violence (SV; N = 355) gathered information on perceived barriers and benefits of exercise, along with exercise level and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study reports exercise perceptions and provides comparisons by exercise level and PTSD status. Differences by exercise level were found in life enhancement, physical performance, psychological outlook, and social interaction ( ps  < 0.05 ; rs = −0.04–0.25). Differences were found by PTSD status in physical performance, social interaction, and preventative health and exercise milieu, time expenditure, and family discouragement ( ps < 0.05; rs  = −0.39–0.21). Findings provide new information relevant for promoting exercise among women survivors of SV.
A one-dimensional model for mechanical coupling metamaterials using couple stress theory
Authors: Chen Jingbo , Qu Yilin , Guo Ziwen , Li Dongbo , Zhang Gongye
Published: June 2023

A new model for a one-dimensional (1D) metamaterial model is formulated based on the couple stress theory. Different point groups of crystal will affect the mechanical couplings in the 1D metamaterial model. We find that when the material belongs to D2 point group, an unusual set of equations is decoupled from governing equations: axial force–torsion–warping (FTW) metamaterial model, which describes an unusual mechanical coupling that cannot occur in traditional materials. The deformation behaviors of the current model under a different axial force are analyzed by using the FTW metamaterial model. The numerical results show that the middle part of the current model has maximum torsional deformation when subjected to sine-type axial force. Since the end of the current model is fixed, the current model does not have compressional deformation globally. Moreover, when the current model is subjected to cosine-type axial force, the FTW coupling is successfully achieved. Then, we study a rod-like metamaterial model under an axial end force. The results show that the compressional deformation occurs at the free end, with a counterclockwise torsion. The current work provides guidance for the structural design and theoretical analysis of the rod-like metamaterial when using the couple stress theory.
Building a Transdisciplinary Team to Prevent Intimate Partner Homicide: A Research Note
Authors: Pizarro Jesenia M. , Messing Jill T. , AbiNader Millan , Zeoli April M. , Spearman Kathryn , Campbell Jacquelyn
Published: June 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and intimate partner homicide (IPH) are complex global problems. Transdisciplinary research approaches offer the potential to increase the understanding of these events and inform best practices for prevention. To encourage scholars to adopt transdisciplinary practices when investigating multifaceted problems, this note employs a case study approach to detail one such effort—The Preventing and Assessing Intimate Partner Homicide Risk (PAIR) Studies. The goal of the PAIR Studies is to improve the understanding of IPH to inform the development of best practices for prevention. The note concludes with a discussion of the benefits of transdisciplinary approaches.
Updating the Standards of Professional Competence in the Field of Toxicology: The Second Generation of Best Practice
Authors: Soucy Nicole V. , Masten Susie , Caro Carla , Arthur Ann M. , Moore Nadia H. , Hooth Michelle J. , Mitkus Robert
Published: June 2023

The American Board of Toxicology (ABT), in consultation with ACT Credentialing & Career Services (ACT), performed a practice analysis study of general toxicology in 2020-21. This work follows up on an initial practice analysis commissioned by the ABT and conducted in 2014-2015, results of which were published in 2016. The purpose of the current, second-generation study was to update and validate the existing process-based delineation of practice of general toxicologists, including major domains of responsibility and tasks performed in practice. In addition, the study included the review, update, and validation of the knowledge areas required by toxicologists developed by subject-matter experts (SMEs) that have been used for ABT examination development initiatives. Consistent with best practices in the field of credentialing, ABT also contracted with ACT to conduct 2 follow-on activities: a study to evaluate the reliability of a reduced-length ABT examination and a standard setting study to establish a valid passing score for the updated examination. In addition to informing ongoing ABT certification examination and question writing activities, it is anticipated that the results of this practice analysis will be of value to those responsible for developing graduate and undergraduate toxicology curricula, creating continuing education content, and authoring textbooks covering the contemporary practice of toxicology.
Uncovering the Hidden “Where” of Sustainable Service Ecosystems: The Role of Spaces and Places
Authors: Anzivino Alessia , Nenonen Suvi , Sebastiani Roberta
Published: June 2023

Multiple research efforts are currently unfolding to advance the wide-scale sustainability transformation of services and service ecosystems to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While “how” to create service ecosystems and “whom” and “what” these service ecosystems serve have been receiving increasing scholarly attention, current research leaves the “where” question relatively underexplored. Thus, precise theoretical conceptualizations of the role of spaces and places in sustainable service ecosystem design (SED) are lacking. By longitudinally investigating two in-depth case studies, we illuminate the spatial aspects of sustainable SED. Our findings suggest five spatial mechanisms that enlighten how sustainable SED unfolds in relation to spaces and places. We also identify three tensions that affect the implementation of sustainable SED, each tension having both enabling and constraining manifestations. The study contributes to the service research on sustainability by illuminating the previously under-researched spatial aspects of sustainable SED. Results have implications for a broad set of actors involved in sustainable SED, providing advice on how to design new and utilize existing spaces and places to maximize their potential in addressing sustainability challenges.
Gen Z Travelers in the Instagram Marketplace: Trust, Influencer Type, Post Type, and Purchase Intention
Authors: Choi Miju , Choi Youngjoon , Lee Hwabong
Published: June 2023

Despite the growing role of virtual influencers in the tourism and hospitality business, there is a lack of research on Gen Z travelers’ trust in Instagram marketplace and virtual influencers. Thus, this study applied trust transfer theory to explore how Gen Z travelers’ trust in Instagram marketplace transferred to trust in tour program sellers and purchase intentions. In addition, it examined influencer type (human vs. virtual) and post type (sponsored vs. non-sponsored) as potential moderators of this relationship. A mixed methods approach was adopted that comprised in-depth interviews with Gen Z travelers (Study 1) and three between-subjects experiments (Studies 2–4). Key findings revealed that the interaction effect of high (vs. low) trust in Instagram marketplace and sponsored (vs. non-sponsored) posts resulted in higher trust in sellers when a virtual influencer was deployed than when a human influencer was deployed. In addition, trust in sellers was found to play a significant mediating role in the relationship between Gen Z travelers’ trust in Instagram marketplace and purchase intentions. These findings are pioneering insights into the effects of virtual influencers on Instagram from a marketing perspective.
Gatekeeping's Influence on Equitable Evaluation Practice
Authors: Moore Travis R. , Valmadrid Luke Carmichael , Baragwanath Robyn , Haack Nathaniel , Bakken Lori
Published: June 2023

The ethical guidelines for the American Evaluation Association and the principles of community-based participatory evaluation both state the importance of equitable stakeholder involvement. Regardless of the evaluation approach, however, evaluators are often confronted with gatekeepers, or those who control the access to stakeholders, information, or resources. Gatekeepers limit both the participation of key community members and, therefore, the exchange of relevant information related to the evaluation—a process called gatekeeping. Little research attention has been placed on studying gatekeeping, resulting in a dearth of knowledge about the influence of gatekeeping on stakeholder-engaged evaluations and social-structural dynamics that potentially perpetuate gatekeeping practices. In this article, we propose a gatekeeping influence theory grounded in the findings from 14 interviews. With a constructed theory of gatekeeping, we document the emergent social-structural and relational dynamics involved in stakeholder-engaged evaluation, with a focus on evaluations that include community partners and members.
A case of recurring acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy successfully treated with intravitreal Ozurdex injection
Authors: Lodhia Vaishali , Robson Anthony G , Khoda Shaheeni , Lee Hanbin , Hughes Edward
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We describe a case of acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) that recurred 9 years after the initial event. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of recurrent AEPVM showing recovery of retinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function and good visual outcome following treatment with intravitreal corticosteroid.

Case description

A 45-year-old Caucasian woman first presented with AEVPM in 2009. Her condition spontaneously resolved and she remained stable over several years. 9 years later, her condition recurred with bilateral reduction in visual acuity. Fundus examination revealed multiple small yellowish subretinal lesions across the posterior pole in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed bilateral cystoid macular oedema (CMO). She was referred for electrophysiology and her electrooculogram findings were in keeping with severe generalised RPE dysfunction bilaterally, with a light peak to dark trough ratio (Arden index) of 110%, comparable to her initial presentation 9 years earlier. She was initially treated with oral steroids with some improvement. However, the maculopathy in the left eye recurred on cessation of oral treatment. A sustained-release 700ug dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) was inserted in the left eye to which she responded remarkably, with improvement in visual acuity and complete resolution of the CMO. A year later, at her most recent clinic visit in March 2021, there was no evidence of any further recurrence.

Conclusion

Our case demonstrates clinical and imaging findings consistent with recurrence of AEPVM with CMO that has been successfully treated with Ozurdex®.
Investigation of Methyl-5-(pentan-3-yloxy)-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-ene-3-carboxyhydrazide Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of COVID-19 Main Protease: DFT and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Akinyele Olawale Folorunso , Fakola Emmanuel Gabriel , Adeboye Omolara Olubunmi , Chinuomah Sunday Chimela
Published: June 2023

The search for effective therapeutics to combat COVID-19 has led to the exploration of the biological activity of numerous compounds. In this study, hydrazones derived from oseltamivir intermediate, methyl 5-(pentan-3-yloxy)-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-ene-3-carboxylate have been investigated for their potential as drug candidates against the COVID-19 virus using computational methods, including density functional theory (DFT) studies, molecular docking, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) analysis. The DFT studies provide information on the electronic properties of the compounds while the molecular docking results using AutoDock reported the binding energies between the main protease of COVID-19 and the compounds. The DFT results revealed that the energy gap of the compounds ranged from 4.32 to 5.82 eV while compound HC had the highest energy gap (5.82 eV) and chemical potential (2.90 eV). The electrophilicity index values of the 11 compounds ranged from 2.49 to 3.86, thus they were classified as strong electrophiles. The molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) revealed electron-rich and electron-deficient regions of the compounds. The docking results reveal that all the compounds had better docking scores than remdesivir and chloroquine, frontline drugs employed in combating COVID-19, with HC having the best docking score of -6.5. The results were visualized using Discovery studio, which revealed hydrogen bonding, pi-alkyl interaction, alkyl interaction, salt bridge interaction, halogen interaction as being responsible for the docking scores. The drug-likeness results showed that the compounds qualify as oral drug candidates as none of them violated Vebers and Lipinski’s rule. Thus, they could serve as potential inhibitors of COVID-19.
Assessment of Carbon Monoxide in Exhaled Breath using the Smokerlyzer Handheld Machine: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Ramani Vinod K , Mhaske Manohar , Naik Radheshyam
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Nicotine dependence is known to be a chronic remitting and relapsing addictive disorder. Among cancer patients who smoke, nicotine addiction has been found to be more when compared with smoking healthy individuals. Smokerlyzer machine can be used to test smoking substance use and de-addiction services can be provided at Preventive Oncology units. The objectives of the study include: (i) To assess eCO using a Smokerlyzer hand-held machine and correlate it with the smoking status, (ii) To assess the cut-off value for smoking use, and discusses the benefits of this method.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, healthy individuals at the workplace were tested for exhaled CO (eCO), which is used as a biological marker for monitoring the tobacco smoking. We discuss the feasibility of testing and its implications for cancer patients. The Bedfont EC50 Smokerlyzer machine was used to measure the concentration of CO in the end-tidal expired air.

Results

Among 643 study subjects, we found a statistically significant difference (P < .001) of median (IQR) eCO (measured in ppm) among smokers and non-smokers 2(1,5) vs 1(1,2). A significant and moderate positive correlation (Spearman rank correlation coefficient: .463) was observed between eCO and subjects who used cigarettes (measured in pack years). The ROC curve shows a cut off value for eCO as 2.5 with sensitivity 43.6% and 1 – specificity 2.76% (Specificity: 97.24%), which was rounded to 3. The area under the curve is 74.9%, which indicates a moderate discrimination performance of the test. The diagnostic accuracy of the test is 82.89%, which shows the proportion of correct test results.

Conclusion

Estimating eCO in health care settings will enable monitoring the smoking substance use which has important impact on clinical outcomes. In cancer hospitals, when the goal is complete abstinence a stringent CO cutoff in the range of 3-4 ppm should be used.
Same but different? Explaining issue agendas of right-wing parties’ Facebook campaigns in the 2019 EP election
Authors: Pfetsch Barbara , Benert Vivien , Heft Annett
Published: June 2023

Social media are important for right-wing parties to communicate with and mobilize potential voters in election campaigns. Our study focuses on the Facebook campaigns of right-wing parties in six European countries and aims to understand which issues are transnationally shared and which ones emphasize national perspectives on the agenda of the populist actors. We ask what context conditions at party and country-levels determine the individual issue agendas. Using structural topic modelling, we analyze the communication of the Austrian FPÖ, the German AfD, the French RN, the Italian Lega, the Polish PiS, and the Swedish SD during the 2019 EP election campaign. To explain their issue agendas, we run logistic regression models testing the influence of country-specific and party-specific factors. Our analyses establish that while right-wing parties across Europe are similar in pushing a few populist issues like blaming elites and immigration, they still engage in campaigning on national politics.
A Fish in Many Waters? Addressing Transnational Habitus and the Reworking of Bourdieu in Global Contexts
Authors: Stahl Garth , Soong Hannah , Mu Guanglun Michael , Dai Kun
Published: June 2023

This article explores the operationalization of transnational habitus by scholars to understand how individuals experience mobilities across borders. Our scoping study of 21 scholarly publications focuses on the various ways in which transnational habitus is defined as well as the different approaches to theorizing a transnational habitus. In critically mapping the relatively short history of transnational habitus, we are interested in what about habitus appears particularly generative to scholars interested in migratory experiences. The study first charts the sociological scholarship to date on transnational habitus and how it is used to understand the ways in which transnational migrants negotiate and navigate their social and cross-border mobilities. Then, to critically appraise these theorizations, the analysis focuses on two key trends in the literature: treatment of clivé/adaptation and the role of time(lag)/temporality before addressing two key silences in the use of transnational habitus – specifically gender and consideration of differences in class background.
Analysis of the fractional oscillator for a mass attached to a stretched elastic wire
Authors: Lu Junfeng , Sun Yi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider a fractional nonlinear oscillator for a mass attached to a stretched elastic wire. The coupling technique based on the fractional complex transform and the global residue harmonic balance method is proposed for solving this fractional oscillator. The approximated periodic solutions and frequencies are provided without complicated computation and discretization. The frequency–amplitude relationship is investigated to show its monotonic property. Numerical approximations for the nonlinear oscillator with integer or fractional orders are compared with the approximations by some existing methods. Numerical results confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
An endless struggle between discourses: How Italian journalists have been claiming their jurisdiction in the digital era
Authors: Splendore Sergio
Published: June 2023

The article describes the discursive evolution of digital journalism in Italy since 2008 by drawing on a database consisting of extracts taken from 227 semi-structured interviews with Italian journalists over 15 years (from 2008 to 2021). The study identifies three fundamental phases in the development of Italian digital journalism: the birth of the first online newsrooms; the spread of social media; and the data/platform turn. The article applies a new institutionalism discursive approach to investigate the impact of macro-level forces on micro-level journalists’ accounts. For this purpose, it considers excerpts from interviews in which journalists talk about change and professional jurisdiction. The following three main results emerge. 1. Political parallelism and resistance to technology have ceased to be the most prevalent features of Italian journalism; 2. In the first two periods identified, the clash of discourses is more oriented to identifying practices that may be identified as ‘journalism’ (e.g. the newcomer is a journalist who does the job differently). (C) Much of what is regarded as an uncertainty has been incorporated over time and no longer appears to be a threat, but awareness of the power of online platforms is growing.
Multiphysics performance assessment of hydrogen fuelled engines
Authors: Rahmani Ramin , Dolatabadi Nader , Rahnejat Homer
Published: June 2023

In the quest for decarbonisation, alternative clean fuels for propulsion systems are sought. There is definite advantage in retaining the well-established principles of operation of combustion engines at the core of future developments with hydrogen as a fuel. Hydrogen is envisaged as a clean source of energy for propulsion of heavy and off-road vehicles, as well as in marine and construction sectors. A source of concern is the unexplored effect of hydrogen combustion on dilution and degradation of engine lubricants and their additives, and consequently upon tribology of engine contact conjunctions. These potential problems can adversely affect engine efficiency, durability, and operational integrity. Use of different fuels and their method of delivery, produces distinctive combustion characteristics that can affect the energy losses associated with in-cylinder components and their durability. Therefore, detailed predictive analysis should support the developments of such new generation of eco-friendly engines. Different fundamental physics underpin the various aspects of a pertinent detailed analysis. These include thermodynamics of combustion, in-cylinder tribological interactions of contacting surfaces, and blowby of generated gasses. This paper presents such an integrated multi-physics analysis of internal combustion engines with focus on hydrogen as the fuel. Such an in-depth and computationally efficient analysis has not hitherto been reported in the literature. The results show implications for lubricant degradation due to the use of hydrogen in the performance of in-cylinder components and the underlying physical principles.
Crack detection in ultrahigh-performance concrete using robust principal component analysis and characteristic evaluation in the frequency domain
Authors: Cao Jixing , He Haijie , Zhang Yao , Zhao Weigang , Yan Zhiguo , Zhu Hehua
Published: June 2023

Studying the crack propagation of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) helps us understand its mechanical mechanism and assess its structural performance. A novel method for crack separation and its characteristic evaluation was developed in this work. The proposed method introduces robust principal component analysis (RPCA) to decompose a data matrix from video streams stacked into a low-rank matrix and a sparse matrix, in which the sparse matrix represents the crack information. Compared with the cracks in a binary image, the obtained sparse matrix preserves rich crack information that can be used to quantify crack characteristics. The statistical characteristics of the crack area, the major and minor axes of the equivalent ellipse for crack regions, and the power spectral density are investigated and compared continuously. The proposed method is demonstrated by the crack development of UHPC under tensile loading. The analysis results indicate that RPCA can accurately separate cracks from the background. In the frequency domain by performing the Fourier transform of the sparse matrix, cracks are concentrated at small wavenumbers and the magnitude of small wavenumbers increases with an increase in the crack width. The relationship between the crack propagation and the stress–strain is also discussed. This work provides insight into the crack propagation of UHPC and an accumulated crack database for predicting the damage evolution of UHPC.
Educational futures: Alternative scenarios for the primary school curriculum
Authors: Yousefi Hamedani Elham , Taheri Demneh Mohsen , Nasr-Isfahani Ahmad Reza , Abedini Yasamin
Published: June 2023

In an increasingly complex and uncertain world of the future and aligned with the emergence of Society 5.0, exploring alternative futures of education and the curricula in terms of fulfilling the mission of education systems is necessary. Therefore, this study set out to do foresight for the primary school curriculum in Iran. The study was conducted using the scenario planning method, which resulted in four alternative scenarios. The first scenario, called “The Magic School Bus” represents “curriculum as a personal roadmap.” The second scenario, entitled “The Pursuit of Happyness” describes the “curriculum revival.” The third scenario, named “The Ice Age” represents the “curriculum collapse.” The fourth scenario, entitled “Dead Poets Society” narrates the situation of “curriculum in limbo.” The findings showed that innovation comes from agency of players rather than impeccable structures and requires a transformation in perspectives about the educational aims in the digital era, as well as an increase in the authority and empowerment of schools. A key policy priority should thus be developing practical ideas for reshaping the curriculum and producing prototypes of future-proof educational models.
IVUS Improves Outcomes With SUPERA Stents for the Treatment of Superficial Femoral-Popliteal Artery Disease
Authors: Krishnan Prakash , Sharma Raman , Avadhani Sriya , Tarricone Arthur , Gee Allen , Farhan Serdar , Kamran Haroon , Kini Annapoorna , Sharma Samin
Published: June 2023

Background:

Nitinol interwoven bare metal stents represent an advancement in stent technology; however, nominal deployment remains an area of focus. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been shown to improve outcomes in both the coronary and peripheral vasculature by providing the operator with greater vessel detail; however, the use of adjunctive IVUS with nitinol bare metal stents has not been widely studied. This studies aims to determine the effect of IVUS when used adjunctively with nitinol interwoven bare metal stents in the management of femoropopliteal lesions.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

This study included a cohort of 200 consecutive patients with peripheral artery disease. All patients were treated with ≥1 Supera bare metal stent, and 91 received adjunctive IVUS imaging prior to stent deployment. Deployment conditions of nominal, compressed, and elongated were measured, and the primary clinical outcomes included target lesion reintervention, amputation, and mortality. This study also showed that 8.3 number needed to treat (NNT) patients must be treated with IVUS to avoid an additional revascularization event.

Results:

The patients who received IVUS had a significantly greater number of nominally deployed stents (p<0.001). Patients who had IVUS imaging also had significantly lower reintervention rates compared with those who did not receive IVUS imaging (p=0.047).

Conclusion:

The IVUS and angiography decreases clinically-driven target lesion reintervention and increases nominal deployment compared with angiography alone in femoropopliteal lesions treated with interwoven bare metal nitinol stents.

Clinical Impact

Endovascular surgones may conisder the adjuctive use of IVUS when using the Supera stent for the treatment of infra inguinal superficial femoral artery lesions. The adjunct use of IVUS may lead to improved sizing, vessel prep, deployment, and ultiamtely reduction in CD-TLR.
Encouraging Black and Latinx Radio Audiences to Register to Vote: A Field Experiment
Authors: Cohen Hayley , Gomez José , Green Donald P. , Sutherland Joseph L. , Zee Michelle A.
Published: June 2023

Traditional in-person voter registration drives increase voter registration rates in minority communities but became infeasible during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic. An alternative approach is to promote registration through mass media, such as local radio. We present results from a large-scale experiment testing the effects of radio ads on voter registration. During the run up to the November 2020 election, we identified 186 radio stations with predominantly Latinx or African American audiences; 50 randomly selected stations were assigned to a week-long advertising campaign each week for 3 weeks. Nonpartisan messages encouraged voter registration by stressing the importance of the election and featured celebrity voices. The number of new registrants rose slightly in treated areas during the week when the ads aired. No further gains were apparent one or 2 weeks later.
Robot-Assisted Treatment of Symptomatic Lymphocele Postradical Prostatectomy and Lymphadenectomy in the Era or Robotic Surgery: Narrative Review
Authors: Di Gianfrancesco Luca , Alessandro Crestani , Paolo Corsi , Davide De Marchi , Eugenio Miglioranza , Angelo Porreca
Published: June 2023

Background: Pelvic lymphnode dissection (PLND) is an integral part of surgical treatment for localized intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer. The most common complication of PLND is lymphocele formation. In the majority of cases the development of lymphoceles is clinically asymptomatic but in case of symptomatic/infected lymphocele an active treatment is required. The aim of this article is to analyse the current evidence on the treatment of symptomatic/infected lymphocele trough robotic approach. Materials and Methods: The search was applied to PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases with following terms: “lymphocele”, “symptomatic”, “infected”, “robot-assisted AND radical prostatectomy”, “robot-assisted”, “treatment”. Results: The search identified three series focusing on the treatment by robot-assisted approach of symptomatic and/or infected lymphocele. The main and most frequent reason for performing the robotic treatment was an infected lymphocele, the median time from robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and PLND to robotic treatment of lymphocele was 118 days (range 30-240). Robot-assisted treatment was successful in all reports. Conclusions: The drainage of lymphocele with the robot-assisted approach appeared safe, feasible, and with satisfactory outcomes for the definitive treatment of symptomatic/infected lymphocele.
Predictive value of serum HIF-1α and VEGF for arrhythmia in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Li Bin , Feng Qiuting , Yu Cheng , Yang Jun , Qin Xian , Li Xing , Cao Jianing , Xu Xin , Yang Chenjian , Jin Yan
Published: June 2023

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been widely used in the alleviation of myocardial ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmia (RA) after PCI is high, which seriously affects the prognosis of ACS patients. Therefore, this study aimed to study the predictive value of serum HIF-1α and VEGF levels before PCI for RA in ACS patients post PCI. A total of 200 ACS patients who underwent PCI were selected and divided into those with RA after PCI (RA, n = 93) and those without RA after PCI (non-RA, n = 107) according to Lown grade. Spearman correlation analysis was applied for the relationship between serum hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and Lown grade. Patients with RA after PCI tended to have higher levels of creatine kinase muscle and brain isoenzyme (CK-MB), serum HIF-1α and VEGF before surgery. Low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), high CK-MB, high serum VEGF and HIF-1α were risk factors for RA in ACS patients within 24 h after PCI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that serum HIF-1α and VEGF levels could predict RA in ACS patients after PCI, and the combined detection could increase the sensitivity of single HIF-1α detection and the specificity of single VEGF detection. Lown grade was positively correlated with the serum HIF-1α and VEGF concentrations. In conclusion, serum HIF-1α and VEGF levels before PCI are risk factors for the occurrence of RA in ACS patients after PCI, and have certain predictive values for the occurrence of RA in ACS patients after PCI.
The ECHO Was Heard Throughout the School
Authors: Becker Danielle A.
Published: June 2023

[Box: see text]
lgrgtest: Lagrange multiplier test after constrained maximum-likelihood estimation
Authors: Tauchmann Harald
Published: June 2023

Besides the Wald and likelihood-ratio tests, the Lagrange multiplier test (Rao, 1948, Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 44: 50–57; Aitchison and Silvey, 1958, Annals of Mathematical Statistics 29: 813–828; Silvey, 1959, Annals of Mathematical Statistics 30: 389–407) is the third canonical approach to testing hypotheses after maximum likelihood estimation. While the Stata commands test and lrtest implement the first two, Stata does not have an official command for implementing the third. The community-contributed boottest package (Roodman et al., 2019, Stata Journal 19: 4–60) focuses on methods of bootstrap inference and also implements the Lagrange multiplier test functionality. In this article, I introduce the new community-contributed postestimation command lgrgtest, which allows for straightforwardly using the Lagrange multiplier test after constrained maximum-likelihood estimation. lgrgtest is intended to be compatible with all Stata estimation commands that use maximum likelihood and allow for the options constraints(), iterate(), and from(). lgrgtest can also be used after cnsreg.
Pseudo-observations in a multistate setting
Authors: Overgaard Morten , Andersen Per Kragh , Parner Erik Thorlund
Published: June 2023

Regression analyses of how state occupation probabilities or expected lengths of stay depend on covariates in multistate settings can be performed using the pseudo-observation method, which involves calculating jackknife pseudo-observations based on some estimator of the expected value of the outcome. In this article, we present a new command, stpmstate, that calculates such pseudo-observations based on the Aalen–Johansen estimator. We give examples of use of the command, and we conduct a small simulation study to offer insights into the pseudo-observation regression approach.
Altered Dynamic Resting State Functional Connectivity Associated With Somatosensory Impairments in the Upper Limb in the Early Sub-Acute Phase Post-Stroke
Authors: Bruyn Nele De , Bonkhoff Anna K. , Saenen Leen , Thijs Liselot , Essers Bea , Alaerts Kaat , Verheyden Geert
Published: June 2023

Background.

Altered dynamic functional connectivity has been associated with motor impairments in the acute phase post-stroke. Its association with somatosensory impairments in the early sub-acute phase remains unexplored.

Objective.

To investigate altered dynamic functional connectivity associated with somatosensory impairments in the early sub-acute phase post-stroke.

Methods.

We collected resting state magnetic resonance imaging and clinical somatosensory function of the upper limb of 20 subacute stroke patients and 16 healthy controls (HC). A sliding-window approach was used to identify 3 connectivity states based on the estimated dynamic functional connectivity of sensorimotor related networks. Network components were subdivided into 3 domains: cortical and subcortical sensorimotor, as well as cognitive control network. Between-group differences were investigated using independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney- U tests. Analyzes were performed with correction for age, head motion and time post-stroke and corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results.

Stroke patients spent significantly less time in a weakly connected network state (state 3; dwell time: pstate3 = 0.003, meanstroke = 53.02, SDstroke = 53.13; meanHC = 118.92, SDHC = 72.84), and stayed shorter but more time intervals in a highly connected intra-domain network state (state 1; fraction time: pstate 1 < 0.001, meanstroke = 0.46, SDstroke = 0.26; meanHC = 0.26, SDHC = 0.21) compared to HC. After 8 weeks of therapy, improvements in wrist proprioception were moderately associated with decreases in dwell and fraction times toward a more normalized pattern.

Conclusion.

Changes in temporal properties of large-scale network interactions are present in the early rehabilitation phase post-stroke and could indicate enhanced neural plasticity. These findings could augment the understanding of cerebral reorganization after loss of neural tissue specialized in somatosensory functions.
Mutants and Zombies Everywhere! Or Villains, Violence, and Selfishness: Questions of Humanity in the Post-apocalyptic (Pandemic) Video Game
Authors: Wintle Phil
Published: June 2023

The post-apocalyptic environment has been popular in video games for many decades—from nuclear fallout to alien invasions, there is a fascination with the decline of mankind. This article looks, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, at the depiction of failing and inhuman worlds in video games about pandemics. The environments in games such as Bioshock (2007), Left 4 Dead (2008, 2009), and The Last of Us (2013), are unflinchingly cruel, often depicting humans (and the player) as selfish entities seeking only self-survival. These environments are destructively violent, and, although the player is often surrounded by ‘mutants', these worlds are also oppressively lonely. This article looks at the fears reflected in pre-Covid-19 pandemic video games and what they say about our world, offering a retrospective view now we are living through a global pandemic perhaps not so different from those found in these games.
Successful retrieval of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) from the left middle cerebral artery during preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA)
Authors: Bah Momodou G , Wilseck Zachary M , Lin Leanne Y , Chaudhary Neeraj , Gemmete Joseph J
Published: June 2023

Preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) using ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is an effective adjunctive treatment prior to surgical resection. While liquid embolic agents are safe to use, we present a unique case involving the migration of EVOH into the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) through an external carotid artery–internal carotid artery (ECA–ICA) collateral during preoperative embolization using a dual-lumen balloon catheter. A 16-year-old male presented with left-sided nasal congestion, new nasal intonation in voice, and epistaxis. CT imaging showed a hypervascular mass centered within the left posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx with expansion of the ipsilateral sphenopalatine foramen. A JNA was diagnosed, and preoperative embolization was performed prior to surgical resection. During the embolization procedure, EVOH migrated into the intracranial circulation through a hypertrophied ECA–ICA collateral. Angiography confirmed embolic material at the left MCA bifurcation. The embolic material was successfully removed using a balloon guide catheter and stentriever. This case is presented to highlight potential complications and rescue techniques used in the setting of non-target embolization occurring during JNA embolization.
Combining Intergroup Dialogue and Sociotechnical Infrastructure Design: Addressing Social and Technical Determinants of Health Information Disparities with the Latinx Community
Authors: Espinoza Vásquez Fátima K. , Santiago Ortiz Aurora
Published: June 2023

This transdisciplinary research project employed a multi-method approach to address health information inequities in Kentucky’s Fayette County during the COVID-19 pandemic. We drew from the study of Sociotechnical Infrastructures, Health Inequities, and Community-Based and Intergroup Dialogue (IGD) to co-create an Alternative Sociotechnical Infrastructure to facilitate information sharing among three stakeholder groups: (1) Latinx community members, (2) civil society organizations, and (3) government officials. Our research design included a combination of methodologies that addressed the technical and, more importantly, the underlying social causes of information access disparities. Focus groups helped identify Information Communication Technology (ICT) use, preferences, barriers, and information-sharing strategies. Community dialogues highlighted information barriers, existing resources, and proposed community-based solutions. The findings informed development of a web-based platform prototype that will facilitate information sharing during a crisis among all stakeholders. The methodology used also allowed the emergence of community champions among Latinx people who need to be invited to the table for these initiatives. We found that combining participatory action research (PAR) principles with critical dialogic methods fosters an environment of trust that enhances collaboration among stakeholders and consequently makes the design of information infrastructures more equitable and sustainable. As Information Communication Technologies embody social relations, we recommend emphasizing dialogic competencies and knowledge around racism/difference while valuing differences, collaboration, equality, and inclusions.
Qualitative Comic Book Mapping: Developing Comic Books Informed by Lived Experiences of Refugee Youth to Advance Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Stigma Reduction in a Humanitarian Setting in Uganda
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Okumu Moses , McAlpine Alyssa , Odong Lukone Simon , Kisubi Nelson , Loutet Miranda G. , Berry Isha , MacKenzie Frannie , Kyambadde Peter
Published: June 2023

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a persistent concern in humanitarian contexts, yet there is a dearth of SGBV prevention and post-rape clinical care interventions tailored for refugee youth. Graphic medicine, the use of images and text such as in comic books, has been employed to depict lived experiences to promote health, wellbeing, and education. Comic books provide a low-cost, youth-friendly approach to health promotion that is accessible to varying literacy levels. Limited research, however, has described the process of developing graphic medicine approaches for SGBV prevention and sexual violence stigma reduction with and for refugee youth in humanitarian settings. To address this knowledge gap, this paper shares a Qualitative Comic Book Mapping approach, whereby qualitative data alongside theoretical and empirical SGBV literature informed the development of comic book scenarios with refugee youth aged 16-24 in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, Uganda. Steps included conducting focus groups and in-depth individual interviews with 78 community members (youth, elders, service providers) in Bidi Bidi to explore SGBV lived experiences among refugee youth in Bidi Bidi and ideas for solutions to reduce SGBV and related stigma, in addition to improving post-rape care experiences and engagement. The Qualitative Comic Book Mapping approach involved: a) thematic analysis of qualitative data and identification of overarching themes; b) aligning qualitative themes with theories of change for SGBV prevention and stigma reduction; and c) co-developing comic book scenarios with refugee youth peer navigators and community experts to integrate SGBV prevention and stigma reduction theory with refugee youth lived experiences. The final comic book involved five youth-focused scenarios and was integrated in an intervention with refugee youth, including providing youth with a blank version of the comic book to complete themselves. We share how theoretically-informed comic books can be developed from qualitative data with refugee youth in a humanitarian setting.