bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On‐Desk Model‐Based Study for Evaluating the Effect of Squeezing the Arteries in the Forearm on the Bioimpedance and Pressure of Blood
Authors: Metshein Margus , Annus Paul , Land Raul , Rist Marek , Min Mart , Lotamõis Kristina , Märtens Olev
Published: March 2023

Background. Today, central aortic pressure (CAP) is measured through the invasive procedure of angiography. The only feasible alternative is applanation tonometry, requiring experienced staff to perform reliable measurements. The method of measuring the electrical bioimpedance (EBI) from the wrist gives promising results in estimating the CAP. However, the origin of the EBI data, its quality, and approaches to acquiring the signal are still vague. This study is aimed at determining the dependency of EBI of blood on the diameter, branching, and hindering the blood flow by squeezing the vessel. Methods. An on‐desk hydraulic and mechanical pipe system that imitates the arterial tree in the forearm with the modulated flow of saline solution to imitate the pulsating blood was constructed. The setup was verified in the simulation model. The flexible and rigid pipes were squeezed at selected locations of radial and ulnar arteries, and the superficial palmar arc and the pressure with impedance were measured. Results. The multifaceted effect of squeezing the selected locations of arteries in the forearm on the measured EBI and pressure was verified. The effect of arterial stiffening was verified, revealing a very strong inverse correlation of the time‐varying impedance (ΔZ(t)) of rigid pipe compared to the measured data of the wrist. Conclusion. To gain the highest magnitude of ΔZ(t), our research suggests applying pressure on the radial artery and measuring the EBI of the ulnar artery. Our results propose physiology‐based suggestions to increase the sensitivity of measured EBI of the pulse wave, constituting a base for designing novel wearable monitoring devices and algorithms for CAP estimation.
Patient-Derived Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis In Vitro Model Using Bone-Mimetic Nanoclay Scaffolds
Authors: Jasuja Haneesh , Solaymani Mohammadi Farid , Kim Jiha , Gaba Anu , Katti Dinesh R. , Katti Kalpana S.
Published: March 2023

The unavailability of reliable models for studying breast cancer bone metastasis is the major challenge associated with poor prognosis in advanced-stage breast cancer patients. Breast cancer cells tend to preferentially disseminate to bone and colonize within the remodeling bone to cause bone metastasis. To improve the outcome of patients with breast cancer bone metastasis, we have previously developed a 3D in vitro breast cancer bone metastasis model using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and primary breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDAMB231), recapitulating late-stage of breast cancer metastasis to bone. In the present study, we have tested our model using hMSCs and patient-derived breast cancer cell lines (NT013 and NT023) exhibiting different characteristics. We investigated the effect of breast cancer metastasis on bone growth using this 3D in vitro model and compared our results with previous studies. The results showed that NT013 and NT023 cells exhibiting hormone-positive and triple-negative characteristics underwent mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) and formed tumors in the presence of bone microenvironment, in line with our previous results with MCF-7 and MDAMB231 cell lines. In addition, the results showed upregulation of Wnt-related genes in hMSCs, cultured in the presence of excessive ET-1 cytokine released by NT013 cells, while downregulation of Wnt-related genes in the presence of excessive DKK-1, released by NT023 cells, leading to stimulation and abrogation of the osteogenic pathway, respectively, ultimately mimicking different types of bone lesions in breast cancer patients.
Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance (MNBI) Provides Evidence for Standardized Management Algorithms of Nonacid Gastroesophageal Reflux-Induced Chronic Cough
Authors: Zhu Yiqing , Zhang Tongyangzi , Wang Shengyuan , Li Wanzhen , Shi Wenbo , Bai Xiao , Sha Bingxian , Zhang Mengru , Wen Siwan , Shi Cuiqin , Xu Xianghuai , Yu Li
Published: March 2023

Background. The clinical management of nonacid gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC) is challenging, and patient response to standard antireflux therapy (omeprazole 20 mg twice daily plus mosapride 10 mg thrice daily) is suboptimal. This study aimed to identify predictors of standard antireflux therapy efficacy and provide evidence for standardized management algorithms of nonacid GERC. Methods. A total of 115 nonacid GERC patients who underwent multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) were enrolled between March 2017 and March 2021. Retrospective analysis of general information and MII-pH indications were used to establish a regression analysis model for multiple factors affecting standard antireflux therapy efficacy. Results. 90 patients met the inclusion criteria, and the overall response rate to standard antireflux therapy was 55.5% (50/90). The mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) (1817.75 ± 259.26 vs. 2369.93 ± 326.35,

P
=
0.030

) and proximal MNBI (1833.39 ± 92.16 vs. 2742.57 ± 204.64,

P
≤
0.001

) of responders were lower than those of nonresponders. Weakly acid reflux (56.00 (31.70, 86.00) vs. 14.00 (14.00, 44.20),

P
=
0.022

), nonacid reflux (61.35 (15.90.86.50) vs. 21.60 (0.00, 52.50),

P
=
0.008

), and proximal extent (19.00 (5.04, 24.00) vs. 5.50 (2.56, 11.13),

P
=
0.011

) were markedly higher in responders than nonresponders. Proximal MNBI (OR = 0.997,

P
=
0.042

, and optimal cutoff = 2140 Ω) and weakly acid reflux (OR = 1.051,

P
=
0.029

, and optimal cutoff = 45) were independent predictors of standard antireflux therapy efficacy. The combination predictive value did not show better results than either individual predictor. Conclusions. Proximal MNBI < 2140 Ω may be used to screen patients with nonacid GERC suitable for standard antireflux therapy and in standardized management algorithms for nonacid GERC. In the absence of MNBI, weakly acid reflux > 45 can be used as an auxiliary indicator.
Ameliorative Effects of some Natural Antioxidants against Blood and Cardiovascular Toxicity of Oral Subchronic Exposure to Silicon Dioxide, Aluminum Oxide, or Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Wistar Rats
Authors: Naji Riyadh Musaed , Bashandy Mohamed A. , Fathy Abdallah H.
Published: March 2023

The present study determines the possible protective role of fig fruit extract with olive oil and date palm fruit extract (FOD) in decreasing the oral subchronic blood and cardiovascular toxicity of SiO2NPs, Al2O3NPs, or ZnONPs. The present study used 80 male Wistar rats (8 groups,

n
=
10

) distributed according to the treatment. The FOD treatments were used at their recommended antioxidant doses. All nanoparticles (NPs) were given orally and daily at doses of 100 mg/kg for 75 days. The oral administration of different NPs alone led to dramatic, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, blood coagulation, endothelial dysfunction markers, myocardial enzymes, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and histopathological features compared with the control group. The FOD-NP-treated groups recorded significantly ameliorated blood and cardiovascular toxicity hazards compared to the groups administered with the NPs alone. In conclusion, the administration of FOD provides considerable chemopreventive and ameliorative effects against NP toxicity.
Comparison of the Quality of Life and Depression in the Elderly with and without a History of COVID-19 Infection in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Boustani Akram , Torabizadeh Camellia , Najafi Kalyani Majid
Published: March 2023

Background. COVID-19 causes many physical and mental complications. The elderly, as one of the vulnerable groups, were more exposed to the problems caused by this pandemic. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life and depression in the elderly with and without a history of COVID-19 infection. Method. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 404 elderly people (202 from the affected group and 202 from the nonaffected group) aged over 60 years old in Shiraz city. The elderly participants were selected based on simple random sampling from the elderly list. In order to collect information, the quality of life questionnaire of the World Health Organization and Beck’s depression questionnaire were used. Data analysis was done through SPSS software version 22 using statistical tests of chi-square,

t

-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. An alpha level under 0.05 was considered the significant level. Results. The average score of depression in the elderly with a history of COVID-19 (

14.66
±
13.17

) was significantly higher than that of the elderly without a history of COVID-19 (

9.71
±
10.12

) (

p
<
0.001

). The average score of the quality of life in the elderly with a history of COVID-19 (

80.15
±
14.85

) was significantly lower than that of the elderly without a history of COVID-19 (

85.25
±
14.09

) (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Elderly people with a history of COVID-19 had more depression and lower quality of life compared to people without a history of COVID-19. It is suggested that planners and health policymakers should pay special attention to the use of effective psychological interventions in order to reduce the problems of the elderly.
Experimental Study of the Boost Converter under Current Mode Control
Authors: Gozim Djamal , Guesmi Kamel , Mahi Djilali
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the practical analysis of Boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode under current control. We start by theconverter modeling, then experimental results will be exposed where we propose an experimental circuit, to study the influence of the variation of different circuit parameters such as reference current, input voltage and load. We also analyze the control technique performances. The experimental results are given and interpreted in each case.
Ratio of Economy of Motion: A New Objective Performance Indicator to Assign Consoles During Dual-Console Robotic Proctectomy
Authors: Devin Courtney L. , Gillani Mishal , Shields Mallory C. , Eldredge Kyle , Kucera Walter , Rupji Manali , Purvis Lilia A. , Paul Olson Terrah Jean , Liu Yuan , Jarc Anthony , Rosen Seth A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Our group investigates objective performance indicators (OPIs) to analyze robotic colorectal surgery. Analyses of OPI data are difficult in dual-console procedures (DCPs) as there is currently no reliable, efficient, or scalable technique to assign console-specific OPIs during a DCP. We developed and validated a novel metric to assign tasks to appropriate surgeons during DCPs.

Methods

A colorectal surgeon and fellow reviewed 21 unedited, dual-console proctectomy videos with no information to identify the operating surgeons. The reviewers watched a small number of random tasks and assigned “attending” or “trainee” to each task. Based on this sampling, the remainder of task assignments for each procedure was extrapolated. In parallel, we applied our newly developed OPI, ratio of economy of motion (rEOM), to assign consoles. Results from the 2 methods were compared.

Results

A total of 1811 individual surgical tasks were recorded during 21 proctectomy videos. A median of 6.5 random tasks (137 total) were reviewed during each video, and the remainder of task assignments were extrapolated based on the 7.6% of tasks audited. The task assignment agreement was 91.2% for video review vs rEOM, with rEOM providing ground truth. It took 2.5 hours to manually review video and assign tasks. Ratio of economy of motion task assignment was immediately available based on OPI recordings and automated calculation.

Discussion

We developed and validated rEOM as an accurate, efficient, and scalable OPI to assign individual surgical tasks to appropriate surgeons during DCPs. This new resource will be useful to everyone involved in OPI research across all surgical specialties.
Does Gender Affect the Outcomes of Myocardial Revascularization for Left-Main Coronary Artery Disease?
Authors: Daoulah Amin , Elsheikh-Mohamed Nezar Essam , Yousif Nooraldaem , Hersi Ahmad S. , Alharbi Ahmad W. , Almahmeed Wael , Alshehri Mohammed , Alzahrani Badr , Elfarnawany Amr , Alasmari Abdulaziz , Abuelatta Reda , Al Garni Turki , Ghani Mohamed Ajaz , Amin Haitham , Hashmani Shahrukh , Al Nasser Faisal Omar M , Hiremath Niranjan , Arafat Amr A. , Elmahrouk Youssef , Kazim Hameedullah M. , Refaat Wael , Selim Ehab , Jamjoom Ahmed , El-Sayed Osama , Dahdouh Ziad , Aithal Jairam , Ibrahim Ahmed M. , Elganady Abdelmaksoud , Qutub Mohammed A. , Alama Mohamed N. , Abohasan Abdulwali , Hassan Taher , Balghith Mohammed , Hussien Adnan Fathey , Abdulhabeeb Ibrahim A. M. , Ahmad Osama , Ramadan Mohamed , Alqahtani Abdulrahman H. , Qenawi Wael , Shawky Ahmed , Ghonim Ahmed A. , Elmahrouk Ahmed , Naser Maryam Jameel , Abozenah Mohammed , Shawky Abeer M. , Alqahtani Abdulrahman M. , Ahmed Ruqayyah Ali , Abdelaziz Ahmed F. , Alhamid Sameer , Lotfi Amir
Published: March 2023

Currently, gender is not considered in the choice of the revascularization strategy for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. This study analyzed the effect of gender on the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ULMCA disease. Females who had PCI (n = 328) were compared with females who had CABG (n = 132) and PCI in males (n = 894) was compared with CABG (n = 784). Females with CABG had higher overall hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than females with PCI. Male patients with CABG had higher MACE; however, mortality did not differ between males with CABG vs PCI. In female patients, follow-up mortality was significantly higher in CABG patients, and target lesion revascularization was higher in patients with PCI. Male patients had no difference in mortality and MACE between groups; however, MI was higher with CABG, and congestive heart failure was higher with PCI. In conclusion, women with ULMCA disease treated with PCI could have better survival with lower MACE compared with CABG. These differences were not evident in males treated with either CABG or PCI. PCI could be the preferred revascularization strategy in women with ULMCA disease.
Development of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum Biofilm Monitored in Real Time Using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Measurements in a Flow Cell Chamber
Authors: Budil Jakub , Štenclová Pavla , Kromka Alexander , Lišková Petra
Published: March 2023

Biofilms of sessile Pseudomonas syringae cells formed on top of plant host's leaves or fruits allow surviving harsh environmental conditions (desiccation) and improve their resistance to antibacterial treatments of crops. A better understanding of these biofilms can help minimize their effect on harvests. In the present study, infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy coupled with optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy has been applied for the first time to analyze Pseudomonas syringae pathovar morsprunorum biofilm development in real time. The biofilm development was observed within a spectral window 4000–800 cm−1 under constant flow conditions for 72 h. The kinetics of representative integrated band areas (nucleic acids with polysaccharides at 1141–1006 cm−1, amino acid side chains with free fatty acids at 1420–1380 cm−1, proteins at 1580–1490 cm−1, and lipids with proteins at 2935–2915 cm−1) were analyzed with regard to the observed biofilm structure and the following P. syringae biofilm developmental stages were attributed: The inoculation phase, washing of weakly attached bacteria closely followed by recolonization of the vacated surface, the restructuration phase, and finally the maturation phase.
Portable Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy of Potato Leaves for Pre-Symptomatic Detection of Late Blight Disease
Authors: Zhou Chen , Bucklew Victor G. , Edwards Perry S. , Zhang Chenji , Yang Jinkai , Ryan Philip J. , Hughes David P. , Qu Xinshun , Liu Zhiwen
Published: March 2023

We report on the use of leaf diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for plant disease detection. A smartphone-operated, compact diffused reflectance spectrophotometer is used for field collection of leaf diffuse reflectance spectra to enable pre-symptomatic detection of the progression of potato late blight disease post inoculation with oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Neural-network-based analysis predicts infection with >96% accuracy, only 24 h after inoculation with the pathogen, and nine days before visual late blight symptoms appear. Our study demonstrates the potential of using portable optical spectroscopy in tandem with machine learning analysis for early diagnosis of plant diseases.
Effect of Tissue Composition and Microstructure on Rabbit Meat Optical Properties
Authors: Hao Yuan , Li Congyan , Li Fanglin , Liu Cailing , Wang Hongying , Xie Xiaohong
Published: March 2023

To facilitate the design of an optical detection system for assessing rabbit meat quality, nine rabbits of different ages, weights, and varieties were used to collect optical coefficients, compositions, and microstructures from external oblique muscle (EOM) and internal oblique muscle (IOM) samples to research the relationship between them. The results show that rabbit age had a significant influence ( P < 0.05) on the absorption coefficient (μa) and the proportion of myoglobin in IOM and EOM, and the older the rabbits are, the greater the μa and the proportion of myoglobin are. Weight also significantly ( P < 0.05) influenced the muscle fiber cross-sectional area. The age and weight had a significant ( P < 0.05) impact on the reduced scattering coefficient (μs′). The linear fitting results between the relative proportion of myoglobin and the μa showed that the higher the myoglobin content is, the greater the μa is. The linear fitting results between the cross-sectional area of muscle fiber and the μs′ showed that the smaller the cross-sectional area of muscle fiber is, the greater the μs′ is. These results will be helpful to intuitively understand the working principle of spectral technology in meat quality detection.
Suicidal ideation and mental health care: Predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with general and specialist mental health service use in France
Authors: Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Léon Christophe , du Roscoät Enguerrand , Husky Mathilde M
Published: March 2023

Background:

Population-based studies have shown that less than one in two individuals reporting suicidal ideation also report past-year mental health service use. Only a few studies have looked at different types of providers consulted. There is a need to better understand the factors associated with different provider combinations of mental health service use in representative samples of individuals with suicidal ideation.

Aims:

The aim of the current study is to assess, using Andersen’s model of healthcare seeking behaviors, the predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with type of mental health service use in adults with past-year suicidal ideation.

Methods:

Data were drawn from the 2017 Health Barometer survey, a representative sample of the general population aged 18 to 75 years, among whom 1,128 respondents had reported suicidal ideation in the past year were analyzed. Past-year outpatient mental health service use (MHSU) was categorized into mutually exclusive groups as no use, general practitioner (GP) only; mental health professional (MHP) only; and both GP and MHP. Multinomial regression analyses were used to model mental health service use as a function of predisposing, enabling and need factors.

Results:

Overall, 44.3% reported past-year MHSU and this was higher in females than males (49.0% vs. 37.6%). Prevalence of GP only use in the overall sample was 8.7%, consulting with GP and MHP was 21.3%, consulting with MHP only was 14.3%. Higher education was associated with increased MHP use. Residing in a rural area was associated with increased GP only use. Presence of a suicide attempt within the year, a major depressive episode and role impairment were associated with consulting a GP and MHP, and MHP only, but not GP only.

Conclusions:

When controlling for need and predisposing factors, socio-economic factors related to employment and income were associated with higher levels of consulting with mental health professionals.
Biblical Theodicy of Righteous Fulfillment: Divine Promise and Proximity
Authors: Moser Paul K.
Published: March 2023

How, according to the best Biblical theodicy, does God justify God’s allowing extreme suffering and evil? According to this article, the Biblical God is Lord of the future as well as the present and uses the future to fulfill divine promises to humans. The future fulfillment, coupled with present divine proximity to humans, includes restoring and saving them in full righteousness, given their losses from suffering and evil. This lesson is part of a widely neglected Biblical theodicy of restoration for humans in divine righteousness at God’s appointed time. Such righteousness aims to renew people for their lasting moral good in relationship with God and others. Benefiting from some Old Testament writers, the apostle Paul, and Jesus, the proposed theodicy illuminates God’s intention in bringing about a world that undergoes severe suffering and evil. It fits with humans’ ‘knowing in part’ and thus their being unable to justify God, but it leaves room for God justifying God in righteousness to be fulfilled, coupled with present divine proximity to humans in need.
Numerical lamb wave modeling and analysis for cure cycle shortening of carbon fiber composites
Authors: Mahfoud Elie , Harb Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Advanced carbon fiber composites are renowned for their great tenacity as, although being thin, they provide great strength, keeping structures light in weight. The composites industry struggles with longer cure times when compared to other traditional material production. In this study, a computational model for a carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) plate is developed to imitate experimental monitoring of its cure cycle and degree of cure. The CFRP storage modulus is measured during the curing cycle with the aid of dynamic mechanical analysis, and its trend is incorporated into COMSOL combined structural and electrostatics multiphysics to replicate the same mechanical fluctuations during oven curing. Then, Lamb waves are excited and sensed via sandwiched piezoelectric transducers in a reusable Polytetrafluoroethylene sensing film to monitor the structural health of the structure. Minimum viscosity, gelation and vitrification are cure parameters observed from analyzing voltage and velocity curves of the A0 mode of the sensed signal. The cure cycle is trimmed, and the same cure parameters are shown offset by the 1 h deducted, proving that the numerical model is valid. Further analysis of the numerical voltage and velocity curves suggests an additional cure parameter defined as “gelation initiation” when compared directly to the experimental trends. Additionally, the decomposition of different wavefield modes is scrutinized to describe their scattering throughout the layered structure. Results show a new entrapped antisymmetric mode appearing inside the CFRP laminate at the start of the cure, which suggests that the previously studied A0 mode had been initially converted from the CFRP S0 mode.
‘What about me?’: An analysis of employers’ engagement with employment service providers in Australia
Authors: Ingold Jo , Knox Angela , Macaulay Luke , Senewiratne Sherrica
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the under-explored demand-side of active labour market programmes that aim to transition people without jobs into employment. The paper's contribution centres on understanding the benefits that government-funded employment services can offer to employers and how they can work with employment service providers to leverage these. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews with employers in Australia, our findings extend pre-existing concepts of employer engagement by illustrating the human resource, corporate social responsibility, and financial benefits to employers of engaging with employment services and how firm size affects their engagement. The findings offer improvements to policymaking and practice to facilitate the effectiveness of employment services in Australia and elsewhere.
Copy Skills and Writing Abilities in Children With and Without Specific Learning Disabilities
Authors: Re Anna Maria , De Vita Francesca , Cornoldi Cesare , Schmidt Susanna
Published: March 2023

Copying a text quickly and accurately is important both in school and in daily life. However, this skill has never been systematically studied, either in children with typical development (TD) or in children with specific learning disabilities (SLD). The aim of this research was to study the features of a copy task and its relationship with other writing tasks. For this purpose, 674 children with TD and 65 children with SLD from Grades 6 through 8 in Italy were tested with a copy task and other writing assessment tasks, measuring three aspects of writing: handwriting speed, spelling, and expressive writing. Children with SLD performed worse on the copy task, both in terms of speed and accuracy, than children with TD. Copy speed was predicted by grade level and by all three major writing skills for children with TD but only by handwriting speed and spelling for children with SLD. Copy accuracy was predicted by gender and the three major writing skills for children with TD but only by spelling for children with SLD. These results suggest that children with SLD also have difficulty copying a text and benefit less than children with TD from their other writing skills.
Diasporic capital and the financialisation of housing in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Vo Hung Dao
Published: March 2023

In recent years, policymakers and development practitioners have focused on the potential of remittances for economic growth. The World Bank projects that remittances will soon outpace overseas aid and foreign direct investment combined in low- and middle-income countries. This article examines how remittances, or what I call ‘diasporic capital’, sustain urban financialisation at multiple scales. Most research on urban restructuring in the financialisation literature has focused on major corporations, management actors and financial markets without considering the specific sources of capital flows. Diasporic capital flow is facilitated through a unique financial architecture and an incoherent regulatory framework distinct from foreign direct investment. Drawing from interviews conducted with government stakeholders, private sector representatives and members of the Vietnamese diaspora, this article examines the actors, motivations, mechanisms, regulations and products that shape and constitute diasporic capital flow. I argue that classical notions of remittances as money supporting the social reproduction of family are outdated and do not reflect emergent forms of diasporic investments in Ho Chi Minh City’s financialised landscape.
Cervical Cancer Screening Practice Among Women: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study Design
Authors: Tadesse Frew , Megerso Abebe , Mohammed Ebrahim , Nigatu Desalegn , Bayana Ebissa
Published: March 2023

Early detection of cervical cancer through screening practice in developing countries is still low. The study is aimed to determine cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among women of age 25 to 59 years old. Community-based study design was employed and systematic sampling was used to get 458 samples. The data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.1.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for cleaning and analysis. Binary and Multivariable Logistic regression was used and adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at P-value <.05 was reported as significant value. Cervical screening practice among the study participants was 15.5%. Women’s age 40 to 49 (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI = 0.94, 9.28), educational status (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.31, 13.37), employed women (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.01, 6.68), parity above 4 (AOR = 3.09, CI = 1.03, 9.31), sexual partners 2 to 3 (AOR = 5.32, CI = 2.33, 12.14), good knowledge about cervical cancer (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI = 1.83, 8.23) and positive attitude toward cervical cancer (AOR = 5.92, CI = 2.53, 13.87) were independently associated with cervical cancer screening practices. The study revealed that the utilization of cervical cancer screening was very low. Educational status, Women’s age, number of sexual partners, knowledge, and attitude were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening practice. Therefore, intervention programs intended at improving cervical cancer screening practice among women should focus on the significant factors.
Association Between Multiple Sclerosis and the Symptoms of Vertigo and Facial Nerve Palsy
Authors: Yoshida Alyssa , Tsuzuki Nobuyoshi , Kanzaki Sho
Published: March 2023

Patients with vertigo and facial nerve palsy as initial symptoms are rarely diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A 43-year-old woman presented to our department with symptoms of vertigo and right facial nerve palsy (Yanagihara 16-point system [total score, 40] or House– Brackmann grade IV [obvious facial weakness]). On the day of the visit, she presented with right eye abduction, left eye adduction, and complaints of diplopia. Based on magnetic resonance imaging findings, she was diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome, which is an early manifestation of multiple sclerosis. She was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. Otolaryngologists often suspect Hunt’s syndrome in patients who present with facial nerve palsy combined with vertigo. However, herein, we report our experience with an extremely rare case of a patient with atypical nystagmus symptoms, eye movement disorder, and diplopia secondary to facial palsy and vertigo, who presented with a clinical course different from that of Hunt’s syndrome.
Social Class and Social Pain: Target SES Biases Judgments of Pain and Support for White Target Individuals
Authors: Johnson Brielle N. , Freiburger Erin , Deska Jason C. , Kunstman Jonathan W.
Published: March 2023

Social pain, defined as distress caused by negative interpersonal experiences (e.g., ostracism, mistreatment), is detrimental to health. Yet, it is unclear how social class might shape judgments of the social pains of low-socioeconomic status (SES) and high-SES individuals. Five studies tested competing toughness and empathy predictions for SES’s effect on social pain judgments. Consistent with an empathy account, in all studies ( Ncumulative = 1,046), low-SES White targets were judged more sensitive to social pain than high-SES White targets. Further, empathy mediated these effects, such that participants felt greater empathy and expected more social pain for low-SES targets relative to high-SES targets. Social pain judgments also informed judgments of social support needs, as low-SES targets were presumed to need more coping resources to manage hurtful events than high-SES targets. The current findings provide initial evidence that empathic concern for low-SES White individuals sensitizes social pain judgments and increases expected support needs for lower class White individuals.
Effect of Seclusion on Mental Health Status in Hospitalized Psychiatric Populations: A Trial Emulation using Observational Data
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Kaiser Stefan , Wullschleger Alexandre
Published: March 2023

The use of coercive practices, i.e., interventions against a person’s will, is controversial. Recent observational studies highlighted their potential detrimental effects on patients’ mental health, but this topic remains understudied. This study investigated the effect of a common coercive practice, seclusion (i.e., being locked in a closed room), on mental health using a trial emulation of observational data to allow causal inference. We used data from 1200 psychiatric inpatients, classified as being either secluded or non-secluded during their hospital stay. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to emulate the random assignment to the intervention. The primary outcome was the Health of the Nations Outcome Scales (HoNOS). The secondary outcome was the first item of the HoNOS, which focuses on overactive, aggressive, disruptive, or agitated behavior. Both outcomes were assessed at hospital discharge. There was a significant effect of seclusion with increases in both total HoNOS score ( p = .002) and item 1 of the HoNOS ( p = .01). Seclusion may have a negative causal effect of patients’ mental health status and should therefore be avoided in mental health care settings. Training efforts should raise the awareness of the medical staff about potential adverse effects instead of therapeutic benefits.
Too easy, too hard, or just right: Lifespan age differences and gender effects on task difficulty choices
Authors: Schaefer Sabine , Riediger Michaela , Li Shu-Chen , Lindenberger Ulman
Published: March 2023

In everyday life, individuals often need to make choices about the difficulty level of tasks they wish to perform. Here, we investigate age- and gender-related differences in the monitoring of discrepancies between the difficulty of a given task and one’s own performance level, and in the likelihood to select task difficulties that match one’s performance level. Male and female children, teenagers, younger adults, and older adults (total N = 160) were asked to play a modified version of the BINGO game. Task difficulty was operationalized as the number of cards played simultaneously. We expected that (a) discrepancies between individuals’ self-selected difficulty levels and their objectively assessed maximum manageable task difficulty (MMTD) would be lowest in early adulthood; (b) children and teenagers, on average, would select relatively difficult task difficulties; and (c) males would overestimate their performance levels, on average, to a greater extent than females. As predicted, younger adults selected task difficulties closest to their MMTD. All other age groups, including older adults, chose task difficulties above their MMTD. The expected gender differences were restricted to children, with boys showing more pronounced performance overestimations than girls. Children and teenagers fluctuated more in their difficulty choices than adults, and many of them, especially boys, occasionally chose difficulty levels far beyond their performance capabilities. We conclude that task-difficulty choices are an interesting topic for lifespan studies. Future research should systematically vary the physical risk involved in a task, and also include the presence of peers.
Contemporary Marriage in Cambodia
Authors: Heuveline Patrick , Nakphong Michelle Kao
Published: March 2023

Previous work has suggested that the drastic Khmer-Rouge-era changes to the family institution have not endured. Potentially more influential in the long term were the rapid socio-economic changes Cambodia underwent starting in the 1990s. We use four waves of the Cambodian Demographic and Health Surveys from 2000 to 2014 to document contemporary trends in marriage formation and dissolution. We find little change in the centrality of marriage, as both cohabitation and sex between unmarried partners remain quite rare. Marriage also continues to be nearly universal and early for women, but we find that the transition to self-arranged “love” marriages occurred earlier and faster than previously documented. A sign that parental endorsement may still matter though, marriage dissolution continues to be associated with spousal characteristics deemed undesirable by past generations. While higher among recent marriage cohorts, especially in the first year after marriage, levels of marriage dissolution remain comparatively low overall.
Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with visual impairment
Authors: Khan Haaris M , Abbas Khaldon , Khan Hamza N
Published: March 2023

We present a comprehensive review of the various challenges that individuals with visual impairment (VI) face during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured review was done using online databases PubMed, EMBASE, and grey literature databases between 19 April 2021 and 4 August 2021, using search terms ‘COVID-19’, ‘SARS-CoV-2’, ‘Coronavirus’, or ‘pandemic’ combined with ‘visually impaired’, ‘visual impairment’, or ‘Blind’. Studies included were written in English, published after the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic (11 March 2020), and focused on the VI population during the pandemic. The initial search yielded 702 publications, of which 20 met our inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. Emotional distress from deteriorating mental health and social isolation were considerably higher in the VI population. For a community that relies on spatial awareness and touch, regulations related to social distancing and avoiding contact were considerable barriers. Further challenges were noted in accessing healthcare, care, receiving timely health information and changes in regulations, adequately sanitizing, using technology, and completing activities of daily living. In the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VI community has faced unique challenges. A more holistic and inclusive approach needs to be adopted to ensure that more vulnerable populations are adequately cared for.
Why isn’t my professor Aboriginal?
Authors: Jones Mark , Stanton Pauline , Rose Mark
Published: March 2023

This article focuses on the lived experience of a Karajarri Yawuru, First Peoples Doctoral candidate and his interactions with the Academy. This article draws on three vignettes and highlights first, racism that questions First Peoples’ academic expertise and knowledge, second, racism that dismisses and demeans First Peoples’ lived experience and third, racism that instrumentalises First Peoples’ academics. We argue that despite the aspirational strategies and good intentions of Australian universities, the deeply embedded and pervasive nature of colonisation and institutional whiteness has to be identified and challenged in order for First Peoples to take their rightful place in the Academy.

JEL Classification: J15, J71, M14, Z13
Dynamic performance of co-cured composite structure with sandwich damping film
Authors: Zheng Changsheng , Wang Guanghe , Zhou Yunfa , Fan Yaping , Su Jianmin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a research on theoretical analysis and finite element simulation of the damping sandwich composite plate with fixed support condition is carried out, and the dynamic characteristics of composite plates are explored by modal experiments. The vibration equilibrium equation of damping sandwich composite plate with fixed support condition is derived by combining first-order shear deformation theory, variational principle, and Hamilton principle. A set of modal basis functions satisfying the fixed support condition are established. The analytical solution is obtained via Galerkin weighted residual theory. The influence of structural parameters on the free vibration characteristics of the sandwich composite plates is investigated based on the mutual verification of theoretical calculation, numerical simulation, and modal test results. When the damping layer (0.2 mm) is located on the surface of the skin (2 mm), the first-order mode frequency and first-order loss factor are 196.66 Hz and 0.01, respectively. When the damping layer is in the neutral layer, the first-order mode frequency and first-order loss factor are 189.99 Hz and 0.14, respectively. Compared with the damping layer in the skin, the first-order mode frequency is reduced by 3.39%, while the first-order loss factor is 14 times higher. The results show that the damping performance of the structure is optimal when the damping layer is located in the neutral layer, and the structural stiffness is higher when the damping layer is close to the skin. The work provides theoretical guidance for the development and application of lightweight composite structures with large damping and high stiffness.
Industrial approach to circularity of polymer composites: Processing, characterization, mechanical testing, and wear regression
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Podgursky Vitali , Goljandin Dmitri , Antonov Maksim
Published: March 2023

Cotton, polyester, and polyethylene terephthalate are the most common types of polymers that produce huge wastes. The circularity of these post-consumer (PC) waste faces operational problems during processing. In this innovative research, the relationship between circularity, surface characterization, mechanical and tribological testing of fiber reinforced (cotton, polyester), and particulate (polyethylene terephthalate) composites is explored for industrial pilot production. Cutting model can control the size of fibers during grinding. The fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) with 10% (by weight) fiber loadings are found as operational candidates for structural, automotive, and medical applications due to suitable tensile strength (26–29 MPa), percentage of extension (10%) and abrasive wear (3 × 10−6 mm3/Nm). An increase in fiber content produces micro-defects like asperities, rough areas, voids, cracks, and pits in recycled composites. Therefore, the particulate and FRCs with 40% (by weight) fiber loadings become hard and brittle. However, these composites (especially with 40% wt. fiber loadings) exhibit reasonable elastic modulus (1526–2751 MPa) and abrasive wear (6.5 × 10−6 mm3/Nm). The ductile to brittle transition effect has appeared in all composites (with 30% wt. fiber content) due to continuous fiber addition, micro-defects creation and dual phase presence. In conclusion, natural and synthetic PC wastes can be utilized for sustainable processing of commercial polymer composites. Moreover, injection molding, polymer characterization, tensile testing, abrasion evaluation, and regression analysis can be introduced for the transformation of open-loop into closed-loop manufacturing.
“We Did More Damage”: How COVID-19 Collapsed the Care Convoys of Residents Living With Dementia
Authors: Hackett Sara E. , Peterson Lindsay J. , Vogel Carlyn E. , Dobbs Debra
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 regulations have posed challenges for long-term care (LTC). However, few studies have examined how such regulations influenced the care of residents living with dementia. Our objective was to gain an understanding of LTC administrative leaders’ perceptions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 response on this population. Using the convoys of care framework, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Forty-three participants, representing 60 LTC facilities, completed one interview where they described how COVID-19 policies shaped care for residents living with dementia. Results from deductive thematic analysis revealed that participants believed the care convoys of residents living with dementia were strained. Participants emphasized how diminished family involvement, increased staff responsibilities, and the industry’s heightened regulatory climate contributed to disrupted care. Further, they highlighted how pandemic-focused safety guidelines did not always consider the unique needs of those living with dementia. Consequently, this study may inform policy by outlining considerations for future emergencies.
Implementation of a finite element modelling strategy for the prediction of aircraft tyre response
Authors: Ramji Amit , Grasso Marzio , Chase James , Maqbool Hasher , Krypciak Michal , Merchante Veronica , Brighton James
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the finite element modelling (FEM) strategy to identify the structural response of aircraft tyres under quasi-static and taxiing load conditions. The tyre FEM was developed to simulate the aircraft tyre/ground interaction for a range of inflation pressures under vertical, lateral, longitudinal, torsional, yawed and un-yawed rolling. A thorough comparison for validation purposes is made between the test and simulation data extracted from the FEM. The reinforcement plies of the tyres are modelled in a computationally efficient manner whilst also considering the variable fibre volume fractions and ply discontinuities within the tyre. The accurate material characterisation at coupon level combined with the overall modelling approach allowed most simulated responses to match the experimental stiffness within 12% against best fit curves of similar tyre types and within 5% for the majority of test comparisons.
Unions and precarious work: How power resources shape diverse strategies and outcomes
Authors: Keizer Arjan , Johnson Mat , Larsen Trine P , Refslund Bjarke , Grimshaw Damian
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the ability of unions to tackle precarious work by analysing three illustrative case-studies from Denmark, Germany and the UK. It draws on the power resource theory to analyse how different dimensions of power interact with union strategies towards workers in precarious employment, shaping outcomes in both collective representation and labour market conditions. The analysis stresses how unions need multiple forms of power, with important interactions among and across different levels of power resources and important differences between countries, sectors and workplaces. The paper discusses these interactions with a specific focus on the need to develop new resources, in particular ideational resources that are inclusive to those in precarious work, and the interaction between power resources and union strategies as the availability or absence of resources affects the strategies that unions can develop.
Late-Holocene changes in vegetation composition and fire regimes in the subalpine western Nanling Mountains in subtropic China
Authors: Quan Mingying , Zhong Wei , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Bingxiang , Li Tianhang
Published: March 2023

Understanding the responses of vegetation composition to climate, fire regimes and human disturbance is crucial to provide valuable insights to protect current and future ecosystems. However, relevant studies were poorly performed on the heavily forested montane areas in subtropic East Asia. In this study, we present pollen and charcoal records from a 95-cm long peat core in the subalpine Daping swamp in the western Nanling Mountains in subtropic China, to discuss the possible interactions among vegetation, fire, climatic change, and human activities in the late-Holocene. Our results suggest that the vegetation in the study area was composed of deciduous–evergreen mixed forests with few fire events during 3140–630 cal yr BP, and its changes were mainly controlled by climate with rare human impacts reflected by low concentrations of charcoals, low proportions of Poaceae pollen, and high AP/NAP ratios. After 630 cal yr BP, pollen data indicate an obvious shift from dense forests to more open landscape. The sharp increase of charcoal concentrations, the extremely low AP/NAP and increased Poaceae percentages suggest that this vegetation shift is not only impacted by the dry climate conditions, but also by the intensified deforestation due to enhanced human activities such as the slash-and-burn cultivation, etc. This study reveals a vital transitional timing from the natural to the superimposed anthropogenic forcing of vegetation composition and fire regimes at ~630 cal yr BP. Regional comparison of charcoal records indicates that the onset timing of intensified human disturbance in the inland montane areas is much later than that in the coastal areas in subtropic China. We infer the obstacle impacts of the montane terrain and the different responses of the dissemination of agriculture and enhanced population migration have played a crucial role in this asynchronous spreading pattern.