bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Kidney Injury in Relation to Nephrotoxic Medication Use Among Critically Ill Children in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chan Vivian Pui Ying , Hui Wun Fung , Lok Veronica Ka Wai , TSE Hercules Hei Kiu , Wong Ricky Cheng , Wong Serena Sze Ming , Poon Man Hong , Hon Kam Lun
Published: August 2024

Background: Critically ill children are vulnerable to acute kidney injury (AKI) and are often exposed to nephrotoxic medications. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between nephrotoxic medications and the risk of AKI in critically ill children admitted to our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: Patients aged > 1 month to ≤18 years old were prospectively recruited from 6/2020 to 6/2021. The medication records from 14 days prior to PICU admission to PICU discharge were reviewed. Medication-exposure intensity was defined as the number of concomitant nephrotoxic medications. The relative risk (RR) of nephrotoxic medication exposure indices and other potential predictors for AKI development were determined. Results: Altogether 253 episodes of admissions (median [IQR] age of 4.9 [9.6] years) were enrolled. The AKI incidence was 41.9% and 69.2% of the patients were exposed to ≥1 of the 47 nephrotoxic medications. The total nephrotoxic medication dose (RR: 1.01 [1.00, 1.02]) and medication-exposure intensity (RR: 1.381 [1.101, 1.732]) were significantly associated with AKI development. The risk of AKI increased when the medication-exposure intensity was ≥4 (RR: 3.687 (1.320, 10.301)). During their PICU stay, children with AKI received a higher number ( P < .01), total dose ( P < .01) and medication exposure intensity ( P < .01) of nephrotoxic medications. Children with AKI who received nephrotoxic medications were more likely to have a persistently higher peak-to-baseline ratio ( P = .046). Conclusion: Nephrotoxic medication exposure significantly increased the risk of AKI development among critically ill children. The use of nephrotoxic medications among critically ill children at risk for AKI should be monitored frequently.
Causality analysis of meteorologically sensitive in offshore wind power generation based on the time-lagged convergent cross mapping
Authors: Lin Chuan , Guo Xiaojun , Luo Jiaman
Published: August 2024

Regarding the relationship between wind power generation and meteorological factors, previous studies tend to focus on the correlation between them, but correlation does not imply causation. In this context, we propose to use a combination of time-lagged convergent cross mapping (CCM) and graph network theory to investigate the causal relationship between wind power generation and meteorological factors. The effectiveness of time-lagged CCM is demonstrated by applying it to three scenarios of strong linear correlation, weak linear correlation and no linear correlation, respectively, and comparing it with Standard CCM and time-lagged Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Time-lagged CCM can accurately identify the causal relationship between wind power generation and meteorological factors and quantitatively assess the variables' causal intensity. Further, combined with graph network theory, we constructed a causal pattern diagram. From it, we can find that the causal relationship and intensity between wind power generation and meteorological factors also change dynamically throughout the year, following a specific temporal causal chain law. This finding is conducive to establishing a more accurate wind power prediction model, especially in the model’s feature selection and feature relationship analysis.
The role of e-commerce demonstration zones in carbon emission reduction: Harmonizing economy and environment
Authors: Du Juntao , Zhang Ziyi , Chen Xueli , Song Malin
Published: August 2024

The convergence of economic growth and environmental preservation has become a crucial objective for governments worldwide. As the digital economy helps transform industries, its carbon-reducing effect has been continuously validated. Technological innovation, policy support, and the promotion of trade openness are ways to encourage the greening of the digital economy. Currently, China is vigorously building a national e-commerce demonstration zone (EDZ). Hence, the main purpose of this study is to explore how e-commerce, as an important part of the digital economy, can help reduce carbon emissions (CE). Based on the panel data of 276 prefecture-level cities in China from 2007 to 2019, the empirical results obtained under the difference-in-difference model are that the establishment of EDZs can bring 0.0463 units of reduction in CE. The effect of suppressing CE is more significant for some regions located in the west, with larger city sizes and relatively scarce resource endowments. Distinguishing from the common paths of industrial structure, technological innovation, and optimal allocation of resources, this study also reveals the regulating role of economic openness in the mechanism analysis and finds that increasing foreign direct investment can effectively promote EDZs to reduce CE. The findings of this paper emphasize the practical significance of EDZs for energy saving and emission reduction, promoting green and high-quality development, and provide valuable references for managers and policy makers.
Does Science Erode Meaning?
Authors: Tracy Jessica L. , Hohm Ian , Makridakis Ari
Published: August 2024

Humans need to experience meaning in their lives yet often find it difficult to do so. We argue that, for nonreligious individuals in many Western cultures, the materialist and reductionist ideology that surrounds scientific practice and data may be an impediment to attaining a robust sense of meaning in life. Furthermore, scientific materialism and reductionism may be especially problematic for existential mattering—the form of meaning entailing a belief that one’s life matters in the context of the universe as a whole. We review new research supporting this account, along with implications for those immersed in the materialist worldview. We conclude by suggesting possible means of finding meaning, including a sense of existential mattering, without abandoning science, and highlight research directions to further examine these possibilities.
Preparation and characterization of Poly(acrylic acid)/carbonized waste rubber composites
Authors: Yazıcı Hikmet
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to prepare and characterize PAA/carbonized waste rubber composites. Composites containing different proportions of PAA, and carbonized waste rubber were prepared (0.5%, 1% and 2% carbonized waste rubber by weight of PAA). Structural characterization of the prepared composites was carried out using FT-IR and XRD techniques. Thermal stability was examined with the TGA/DTG technique. Their morphologies were investigated using SEM. It is evaluated that the thermal stability of PAA is increased by preparing the composites obtained from all the results and the obtained composites can be used in areas where the thermal management of the electronic product is required.
The Changing Landscape of Financial Services in the Age of Digitalization: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Gulati Anmol , Singh Sultan
Published: August 2024

The advent of technology has led to significant changes in many facets of the economy, including financial services industry. To secure the future of financial services, there is a need to streamline it through digitalization. Thus, the focus of the current study is to examine and uncover the emerging trends through bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications on digital financial services (DFS) and also to highlight the research agenda and thrust areas that may be covered by prospective research studies. The current research study used performance analysis, bibliographic coupling, and co-occurrence analysis techniques to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research publications in the area of DFS. The articles were assessed and visualized utilizing VoSviewer user interface. Descriptive and visual representations were used to portray the discussions on citations, authors, and source contributions toward the evolution of financial services in the digital realm. The study also shed light on the innovations that have penetrated the financial sector, helping service providers and financial institutions to innovate traditional financial products and services and produce new ones with the help of blockchain, machine learning, and advanced analytics. Also, this article offers a comprehensive roadmap for further research as well as a broad perspective on the leading nations, authors, and publications in the field.
Epidemiological Model of the Regional Distribution and Analysis of Hepatitis B in Ghana: A Sub-Saharan African Country
Authors: Awuah-Mensah Kwaafo Akoto , Mueller Ute , Richardson Steven
Published: August 2024

Hepatitis B (HB) is a global public health burden which has impacted economies of many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The effect is worse where there is lack of definite information regarding policy direction and capacity towards implementing interventions to control the transmission and spread of the infection. In this study, a SEIR deterministic compartmental model and a hybrid optimisation method for parameter estimation, similar to that of Awuah-Mensah et al. (2022), were used to analyse the regional distribution of HB in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. The regional epidemiological threshold parameters [Formula: see text] and herd immunity threshold parameters [Formula: see text] computed based on the estimated parameters for each of the regions ranged from a minimum of [Formula: see text] for Volta region in the southeast to a maximum of [Formula: see text] for Upper West region in the northwest of Ghana. These values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] indicated that HB persists in Ghana and the transmission and spread and the associated burden were found to generally increase from south to north of the country. Based on the estimated parameters, only Western region recorded a recovery rate of [Formula: see text]. The remaining nine regions recorded zero recovery rates. The trend of transmission and spread of the infection was also found to be positively related to poverty and health sector inequalities across the regions of the country.
Bank Competition and Financial Stability Relationship in India:  Post-bank Consolidation Analysis
Authors: Ishu  , Mallik N. S.
Published: August 2024

The discussion of the competition–stability nexus has always been a subject of widespread concern among academicians, but its importance has deepened since the onset of the global financial crisis (GFC) and more so post-bank consolidation reforms of 2016 in India. Bank stability in India noted a surge in early decade of the twenty-first century; however, the same declined continuously after the GFC, and a massive dip was noted post-bank consolidation of 2016 in India. This motivates us to revisit the competition–stability relationship with renewed banking structure. We utilize the dynamic panel models over Indian banks during 1991–2021. The study lends support to the competition–fragility hypothesis and also underlines the role of extraneous factors, including bank-specific and macro-environment, on financial stability. The study also finds that stability behaves in a non-linear fashion and supports an inverted U-shaped relationship. The empirical findings for asymmetric impact across crisis period, ownership and size effects suggest that the Reserve Bank of India’s policy push for increasing concentration through consolidation of public sector banks but enlarging the smaller private banks is key to maintaining financial stability in India.
Anxiety-like Characteristics, Forepaw Thermal Sensitivity Changes and Glial Alterations 1 Month After Repetitive Blast Traumatic Brain Injury in Male Rats
Authors: Kallakuri Srinivasu , Sadik Nareen , Davidson Cameron J. , Gheidi Ali , Bosse Kelly E. , Bir Cynthia A. , Conti Alana C. , Perrine Shane A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Many military service members are victims of repetitive blast traumatic brain injuries (rbTBI) and endure diverse altered psychological and behavioural conditions during their lifetime. Some of these conditions include anxiety, post-traumatic stress and pain. Thus, this study attempts to fill the knowledge gap on enduring behavioural and neuroinflammatory marker alterations 1 month after rbTBI.

Purpose

Although previous rbTBI animal studies have shown behavioural and histopathological changes either a few days (acute) or many months (chronic) after trauma, knowledge related to post-traumatic changes during the intermediate timeframe, i.e. a month after rbTBI is less clear or unavailable.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats (male; n = 12) were assigned to either rbTBI or sham conditions. Animals assigned to the rbTBI group were subjected to 1 blast exposure per day for three consecutive days, while animals in the sham group were exposed to identical experimental conditions sans blast exposure. All animals were tested for anxiety at baseline. 30 days post-injury, animals were tested again for anxiety and paw thermal sensitivity, followed by brain harvest for immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

Animals exposed to rbTBI showed signs of anxiety-like behaviour on parameters of elevated plus-maze and behavioural signs of pain indicated by reduced thermal withdrawal latency of the forepaw. Histologically, brain sections from animals exposed to rbTBI showed a significantly increased number of microglial/macrophage and astrocytic counts in the medial prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion

Data from this initial preclinical study support the prevalence of putative anxiety-like behaviour, enhancement in forepaw thermal sensitivity and increase in the number of glial cells even 1 month after rbTBI. These findings have potential implications in the treatment evaluation of blast-exposed military and civilian populations and emphasise the need for devising protective measures for people susceptible to single or repeated exposures. A greater further understanding of rbTBI-related chronic concurrent behavioural and neuropathological sequela is warranted.
A Tension: Fortifying Usability While Safeguarding Voter Independence in Military Voting Solutions
Authors: Kim Nessa , Diokno Annlyle , Byrne Michael , Kortum Philip
Published: August 2024

Absentee voting presents a unique challenge for U.S. uniformed service members, as they often struggle to request and return absentee ballots while deployed, sometimes stationed far from their registered voting area. This research evaluates the usability of a proposed absentee voting system for military voters, which allows instant ballot requests and enables voters to verify their own votes, focusing on whether the user interface supports effective use among military personnel. Our evaluation revealed that military voters frequently relied on external assistance to navigate the electronic voting system, revealing opportunities for its improvement and design recommendations to facilitate absentee voting for U.S. military personnel.
From Categorical to Dimensional: A Multifaceted Approach to Emotions
Authors: Alkurdi Duha , Rasouli Shiva , Talamonti Walter J. , Nasir Mansoor , Alsaid Areen
Published: August 2024

Current emotion research utilizes two primary frameworks: categorical and dimensional. Each framework offers unique insight, but also faces challenges in capturing the full spectrum of emotional experience. This study compares and integrates categorical and dimensional approaches to better understand their applications and limitations in emotion research, particularly in enhancing human-centered designs. Using Plutchik’s Wheel and the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), 238 participants rated their emotional responses to AI- generated images of various driving scenarios. Subsequently, the categories of emotions were mapped into the valence and arousal space. The integration of categorical and dimensional models revealed significant variability in individual interpretations of different emotions, highlighting the complexity and non-uniformity of emotional experience. These findings suggest that emotions may require more than two dimensions for full representation. A multifaceted approach that combines both frameworks can offer a comprehensive understanding of emotions and is essential for developing effective, empathetic, human-centered applications.
Understanding the Workload of Remote Truck Operators with Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Ma Xingjian , Zakarian Vanik , McDonald Anthony D.
Published: August 2024

This study employs a discrete event simulation (DES) model to understand the dynamic workload of remote truck operators managing partially-automated trucks. The DES model uses operator queues and event generators simulating automated truck events and leverages data from the California DMV’s disengagement database and driving simulation experiments. Disengagement data were partitioned into three groups by disengagement frequency: low, moderate, and high and separate arrival time distributions were developed for each group. Simulations from the model suggest that for companies with low disengagement rates, operator utilization will likely remain below minimal thresholds to prevent boredom. In contrast, companies with moderate or high disengagement rates both exceed operator utilization capacity and generate prolonged wait times as more trucks are controlled. These findings suggest that calibrating remote truck control to human capabilities will be challenging. A sensitivity analysis suggests that accurately estimating disengagement rates will be crucial for model accuracy and predictive performance.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Needlesticks and Sharp Injuries Among Healthcare Workers of Hospital in Bule Hora, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Aliyo Alqeer , Gemechu Tibeso
Published: August 2024

Background:

Healthcare workers face a significant risk of sharp and needle-stick injuries, which can increase the likelihood of spreading illnesses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Currently, there is no available information on the prevalence or contributing factors of needle sticks and sharp injuries (NSSI) in hospitals in southern Ethiopia.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the needle sticks and sharp injuries among health care workers at the BHUTH, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at an institution in October 2023, with 164 randomly selected participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic factors and exposure status. The data was entered and analyzed using Epi-Data and SPSS. The risk factors were identified by binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A P-value less than .05 was considered statistical significance.

Result:

The overall prevalence of at least one Needle sticks and sharp injuries in the last 12 months was 46.4% (95% CI of 39.3% to 53.6%). The majority of injuries 45.8% were due to the syringe needle. Factors such as needle recap (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.07-12.19), Recapping with two hands (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.36-10.02), working 40 hours per week (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.98-6.86), and lack of training in occupational safety practices (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 2.60-9.91), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries.

Conclusions:

This study found that nearly half of the respondents experienced a sharp needle poke and injury at least once in the previous year; however, the volume of NSSI remains high in the study area. Healthcare workers should receive on-the-job training, and hospital executives should set aside time for discussions on how to solve the problem.
Capitalizing on a crisis: the European Union Trust Fund for Africa
Authors: Vigneswaran Darshan , Söderberg Nora , Welfens Natalie , Bonjour Saskia
Published: August 2024

How do foreign policies and transnational projects become resistant to critique? This article seeks to better understand the legitimation of policies by studying the work involved in justifying public funding of migration and development initiatives. Government expenditures on migration and development have been increasing in recent years, despite widely shared concerns regarding the merits of such initiatives. In this article, we focus our attention on the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF). The EUTF has been assessed by EU agencies as a successful intervention, while never hiding its inability to achieve demonstrable progress toward its goals of addressing the “root causes” of the 2015–2016 migration “crisis” in the Mediterranean. We argue that this fund was legitimized as a valuable policy intervention through the efforts of European officials and Monitoring and Evaluation experts to, borrowing from Bourdieu, “convert capital”: translate one form of power resource into another form. Based on document analysis and 25 key informant interviews, we trace how EUTF officials successfully converted capital by, first, mobilizing political resources to generate economic capital for migration-related projects in Africa; and second, transforming some of this economic capital into more lasting symbolic capital which justifies long-term migration and development initiatives. In short, money becomes legitimacy. We argue that this “conversion work” helps us to better understand the continued growth and upholding of migration and development financing which consists not only of raw funds but also involves continuous efforts to legitimize these expenditures as inherently valuable policy interventions.
Estimating the implicit value of a short-term rental license: A case study of Airbnb survivals in New York city
Authors: Voltes-Dorta Augusto
Published: August 2024

Following New York City’s recent regulations requiring hosts of short-term accommodations to obtain licenses, most hosts either exited the market or switched to monthly rentals. This raises the question of the implicit value of a short-term rental license—a topic that has not received much attention in the literature. To address this gap, we estimated several fixed-effect negative-binomial regressions using data on New York’s extant Airbnb listings from February 2023 to March 2024. We found that short-term licensed listings earn, on average, between 5.2 and 7.2 thousand dollars more per year than unlicensed ones.
The transgender space invader: Out of time and out of affect
Authors: Turner Chloe
Published: August 2024

This short article builds on Nirmal Puwar’s concept of ‘space invaders’ – individuals deemed anomalously ‘out of place’ due to discordant identity markers of gender and/or race. I offer a transgender reading of Puwar’s work, to argue how following ‘out of place’ trans individuals are also positioned as both ‘out of time’ and ‘out of affect’ in a cisgender world. This piece highlights critical work on space, time and transgender feeling in the past decade following the percieved watershed moment of the ‘trangender tipping point’ in 2014.
Predictors of non-completion of upper secondary education in Finland based on register data
Authors: Raisamo Susanna , Pasanen Tytti , Hilli Petri , Ståhl Timo
Published: August 2024

Aims:

School non-completion is a public health and educational concern in most countries. This study sought to identify the strongest predictors of the non-completion of upper secondary education based on register data.

Methods:

A cross-validated elastic net regression analysis was used to predict school non-completion in a population of 2696 students in the city of Jyväskylä, Finland. The register data included data from the primary social and healthcare register and the educational register.

Results:

The non-completion rate was 13.1% (13.4% for males, 12.8% for females). The non-completion of upper secondary education was best predicted by the following seven features (ordered from strongest to weakest): unauthorized absences (odds ratio (OR) = 2.27), out-of-home placement (OR = 2.23), average grade when leaving lower secondary education (OR = 0.73), an anxiety/depression diagnosis (OR = 1.43), visits to child guidance and family counselling centres (OR = 1.17), family poverty (OR = 1.11) and the grade point average in the 5th Grade (OR = 0.95).

Conclusions:

Register data can be utilized to find the strongest predictors of school non-completion. Predictors support multidisciplinary actions preventing non-completion by providing both early signals to target actions more specifically and indicators for monitoring the impact of preventative actions.
Reducing Resource Expenditure in Value Co-Creation: A Path to Market Shaping
Authors: Lipnickas Gediminas , Plewa Carolin , Conduit Jodie , Wilkie Dean
Published: August 2024

Although market-shaping is typically initiated by firms, its success relies on the collective efforts of multiple market actors. Consumers play a crucial role in shaping markets, by actively engaging in activities beyond merely purchasing products. For example, in the case of ride-sharing services, early adopters actively advocated for their use, educated others on how to access them, and lobbied for regulatory changes that enabled the services to operate and scale in various markets. Through these actions, consumers helped to establish the new service offering and shape the market. Despite this significant role, there is a limited understanding of how firms can motivate consumers in practical terms. This study employs a discrete choice experiment to investigate how a firm can elicit market-shaping behaviours of consumers within the context of autonomous ride-sharing services. Identifying three distinct consumer segments with unique resource expenditure preferences in the value creation process, the study sheds light on the specific activities that drive market-shaping. While some consumers prefer reducing specific key resources, others navigate trade-offs across a broader range of resources. The findings emphasise the importance of tailored value propositions in motivating consumers to engage in behaviours that support successful market-shaping.
Negative effect and optimal control of in-wheel motor with inclined eccentricity on driving safety for electric vehicle
Authors: Deng Zhaoxue , Qin Hansheng , Ma Tianji , Zhao Shuen , Wei Hanbing
Published: August 2024

During the driving process of the in-wheel drive electric vehicle, the air gap eccentricity of the motor caused by external disturbance cannot be avoided, resulting in a negative effect on vehicle dynamics. In this paper, the negative effect of vehicle lateral dynamics caused by motor-inclined eccentricity and the corresponding control method are studied. According to the Maxwell stress tensor and the air gap permeance correction coefficient, the unbalanced radial force under the inclined eccentricity of the in-wheel motor is characterized, and the corresponding vehicle dynamics model is established. Based on the vehicle dynamics model, different steering conditions are set to explore the influence of inclined eccentricity on the negative effect of vehicle lateral dynamics. It is found that the inclined eccentricity affects the handling stability of the vehicle under normal conditions and affects the rollover stability under extreme conditions. In order to solve these problems, the integrated control strategy is formulated by using the steering and driving system of an electric vehicle, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm is introduced to optimize it. The simulation results show that the proposed integrated optimal control of active rear-wheel steering and direct yaw control can effectively alleviate the negative effect of vehicle lateral dynamics caused by the inclined eccentricity of the in-wheel motor under different working conditions.
Proposing a novel nonlinear integrated control technique for an electric power steering system to improve automotive dynamic stability
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: August 2024

This article proposes a new control solution for an electric power steering (EPS) system to ensure the stability of car's dynamic behaviours. This work provides two new contributions which differ from previously existing publications. Firstly, a novel control method for the steering system is designed in this article based on a combination of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and backstepping control techniques. The input to the backstepping algorithm is the output of the PID controller, whose parameters are tuned by a complex fuzzy algorithm with two inputs. Secondly, values of road reaction torque and other dynamic effects are calculated using a complex automotive dynamics model based on a nonlinear motion model and a spatial oscillation model. The stability of the control system is evaluated through the Lyapunov control function and the error between the output signals, while the dynamic stability is evaluated through the changes in car's dynamic behaviours. According to the simulation results, output values always closely follow ideal values with negligible errors if and only when the steering system is controlled by the proposed algorithm. In some conditions, the steering motor angle error achieved by the proposed controller does not exceed 0.022 rad, much lower than the fault scenario. In addition, the vehicle's roll angle and motion trajectory always follow the desired value with minimal errors. In conclusion, if the EPS system is controlled by the new control technique shown in this article, car dynamic stability will be guaranteed under all investigated conditions.
Capitalism is capitalism, not technofeudalism
Authors: Gane Nicholas
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it assesses Yanis Varoufakis’ theory of technofeudalism, and will argue, by way of response, that capitalism has not been displaced by a resurgence of feudalism, but is taking new forms that, increasingly, lie outside the powers of nation-states and of social democracy. Second, it questions the ‘libertarian Marxist’ alternative that Varoufakis proposes in its place, which abdicates any interest in the regulatory powers of the state and, paradoxically, advocates consumer-based political action to damage the market position of big corporate entities, even though markets and profits are said to be no longer central to the operation of technofeudalism.
Embracing the potential of ambiguous place brands: Illustrations from the Wild Atlantic Way
Authors: O’Malley Lisa , Lichrou Maria , Patterson Maurice
Published: August 2024

This paper argues that a capacity to embrace ambiguity allows market actors to accommodate the symbolic, dialectical and dynamic nature of place brands. Using the Wild Atlantic Way as an illustration, the paper considers how this brand is appropriated by diverse actors to create value through place performances and experiences. Brands can embody tourism imaginaries and are part of the cultural media for creating and circulating place meanings. When brands are mobilised in ways that result in convergent or coherent meanings, the result is a living brand, accommodating an evolving sense of place. The paper contends that the ambiguity of place branding is manifest in the spaces in-between materiality and discourse, reality and imagination, object and experience, concept and performance.
The use of photovoice to explore the physical disability experience in older adults with mild cognitive impairment/early dementia
Authors: Jenkins Emerald , Szanton Sarah , Hornstein Erika , Reiff Jenni Seale , Seau Quinn , Huynh Grace , Gray Ja’Lynn , Wright Rhonda Smith , Li Qiwei , Cotter Valerie , Curriero Samantha , Taylor Janiece
Published: August 2024

Although co-occurring cognitive impairment and physical disability in older adults is common, there is little understanding of how this group perceives their ability to do their daily activities. This study used photovoice to explore how older adults with MCI/early dementia and physical disability without and with care partners (dyads) perceive challenges with their daily activities. Photovoice is a visual research methodology to capture participants’ insight on aspects of their daily lives. No known studies have taken this approach to explore the experiences of older adults with MCI/early dementia and co-occurring physical disability. We used a cross-sectional, exploratory research design to understand participants’ ( n = 12) experiences in their home environment. Photos and participant thoughts on the photos were categorized based on the Blackfoot Breath of Life Theory and the Hierarchy Model of Needs in Dementia, an adaptation of Maslow’s Model. Notable findings included: awareness of physical/cognitive difficulties by older adults, solutions for ADL difficulty in persons with MCI/early dementia, care partners’ difficulty recognizing pain without the presence of severe emotional or physical responses, reducing mood severity, and self-esteem needs met with structured, memory-issue adapted, meaningful activities. Older adults with co-occurring physical disability and MCI/early dementia identified both physiological and psychological needs despite challenges impacting their cognition. Photovoice evoked daily situations of these individuals and revealed the importance of developing individualized intervention elements for older adults with dementia and physical disability.
Affective authoritarianism as joyful ‘oeuvre?’ Godly Subjects and Suburban Gladiators
Authors: Luger Jason
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the spatial experience of authoritarianism as a dynamic atmosphere with the seductive potential for radical joy. For Lefebvre (1996), joyful co-creation of space – an ‘oeuvre’ – was a vital facet of everyday urban life. As such, the paper challenges normative portrayals of authoritarianism as an inherently joyless, bleak and oppressive operation of power, and delves deeper into its variegated, contextually contingent and complex P/political spatialisations, conflicts and contradictions. Affect emerges as a productive lens through which to explore the complexities, range of emotions, identities and world-makings of authoritarian space, and its paradoxical capacity for joy. The paper draws from ethnographic reflections and spatial vignettes from three comparative experiences in different parts of the world: a mega-church service in suburban Singapore, and visits to two suburban hardcore gyms (in Northern England and Southeastern United States). These experiences are thematically framed as spaces of ‘Godly Subjects’ and ‘Gladiators’. They are spiritual, exhilarating spaces; spaces of radical possibilities. They are also inherently hierarchal, patriarchal, disciplined and oppressive. Thus, conjunctural subjectivities are affectively embodied in these spaces resulting in conflictual experiences. Though joyful, these are spaces of ‘cruel optimism’, where desire and aspiration are caught in a loop of un-achievability. Such is the contradictory nature of authoritarian power/space. However, whilst critical, the paper avoids an easy taxonomy of authoritarianism into clear binaries, framing it as both an open and closed socio-cultural-political space, and highlighting how and why more affective and spatialised readings of authoritarianism are needed across contextual cultural geographies at this moment.
Teacher participation in young children’s dramatic play
Authors: Young Sarah , Edwards Susan , Nuttall Joce
Published: August 2024

Socio-dramatic play is an everyday occurrence in early childhood education as children create narratives together in shared imagined worlds. The teacher’s role in this type of play is less clear and this paper draws on a study using Lindqvist’s “playworlds” approach to gain insight into how teachers participate in children’s play. In applying Kravtsov and Kravtsova’s concept of children’s “double subjectivity” in dramatic play, the paper argues that teachers can also maintain dual affect roles—those of teacher outside the play, and co-player within the play—to co-create with children in their dramatic play narratives. In this study, four teachers in Melbourne, Australia participated in weekly playworlds with the researcher in their kindergarten rooms, resulting in identification of a third affect role for teachers—that of “public performer.” This third affect was found to hinder teachers’ capacity to maintain simultaneous subject positions of themselves as teacher and a co-player, thereby minimizing the improvised narrative trajectory and potential of the dramatic play. We argue this third affect should be acknowledged to support teacher participation in children’s play.
Photovoice for promoting empowerment with migrant and refugee communities: A scoping review
Authors: Cubero Aloe , Mildenberger Lucía , Garrido Rocío
Published: August 2024

Policymakers and researchers carry a significant responsibility to foster environments and opportunities that authentically enhance migrants’ sociopolitical involvement in host societies. Incorporating participatory action research methods, such as photovoice, is crucial to amplify migrants’ voices and experiences. This scoping review investigates the implementation of photovoice projects with migrant and refugee populations, as well as their impact on empowerment. Following PRISMA guidelines, 65 articles published from 2000 to 2020 were analysed. The findings indicate that photovoice can serve as a potent tool for fostering intrapersonal, interpersonal and citizenship levels of empowerment. However, key epistemological and methodological considerations must be upheld to promote profound levels of empowerment.
Effect of differences in proximal neck angles on biomechanics of abdominal aortic aneurysm based on fluid dynamics
Authors: Wang Yang-yi-jing , Chen Jie , Luo Dong-yang , Chen Hui , Deng Zhi-he , Chen Meng-zhi , Mi Si-yuan , Xie Qian-qian , Zou Qing-qing , Xiong Guo-zuo , Bi Guo-shan
Published: August 2024

Background

This study aimed to analyze the effect of proximal neck angulation on the biomechanical indices of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and to investigate its impact on the risk of AAA rupture.

Methods

CT angiography (CTA) data of patients with AAA from January 2015 to January 2022 were collected. Patients were divided into three groups based on the angle of the proximal neck: Group A (∠β ≤ 30°), Group B (30°<∠β ≤ 60°), and Group C (∠β > 60°). Biomechanical indices related to the rupture risk of AAA were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics modeling (CFD-Post) based on the collected data.

Results

Group A showed slight turbulence in the AAA lumen with a mixed laminar flow pattern. Group B had a regular low-speed eddy line characterized by cross-flow dominated by lumen blood flow and turbulence. In Group C, a few turbulent lines appeared at the proximal neck, accompanied by eddy currents in the lumen expansion area following the AAA shape. Significant differences were found in peak wall stress, shear stress, and the maximum blood flow velocity impact among the three groups. The maximum blood flow velocity at the angle of the proximal neck impact indicated the influence of the proximal neck angle on the blood flow state in the lumen.

Conclusion

As the angle of the proximal neck increased, it caused stronger eddy currents and turbulent blood flow due to a high-speed area near the neck. The region with the largest diameter in the abdominal aortic aneurysm was prone to the highest stress, indicating a higher risk of rupture. The corner of the proximal neck experienced the greatest shear stress, potentially leading to endothelial injury and further enlargement of the aneurysm.
Perioperative anaesthetic management of an elderly high-risk male with cardiac ochronosis undergoing aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass graft: A case report
Authors: Thiruvenkitasamy Nareshkumar , Manimozhi Siddharth
Published: August 2024

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder of metabolism that affects 1 in 250,000 live births. It manifests as ochronosis and degenerative arthritis due to the accumulation of homogentistic acid in cartilage and heart valves along with precipitation of renal, salivary, pancreatic and gall bladder calculi. It is noted to cause cardiac valve stenosis and regurgitation secondary to calcification leading to cardiac failure in 10% of patients. Through this report, we present a successful perioperative anaesthetic management of a 74-year-old man with cardiac ochronosis, who underwent an aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass graft surgery at our centre.
A bite of death: Anaesthetic challenges in frostbite
Authors: Bansal Himanti , Bandyopadhyay Anjishnujit , Sawhney Chhavi
Published: August 2024

Background:

Frostbite is defined as tissue damage that is sustained as a result of prolonged exposures to less than 0°C resulting in ice crystallisation, microvascular occlusion and subsequently thrombosis.

Case:

A 33-year-old mountaineer with cold burn over 20% of the total body surface area with eschar formation, acute renal failure, upper limb venous thrombosis and bilateral pleural effusion. We hereby report a successful anaesthetic management of this patient undergoing debridement and escharotomy for frostbite injuries and review its perioperative concerns.

Conclusion:

Frostbite injuries pose a challenge to the anaesthetic team due to the multi-systemic nature of its involvement.
Is the impact of previous rotator cuff repair on the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty clinically relevant? A systematic review of 2879 shoulders
Authors: Berk Alexander N , Rao Allison J , Obana Kyle K , Ifarraguerri Anna M , Trofa David P , Connor Patrick M , Schiffern Shadley C , Hamid Nady , Saltzman Bryan M
Published: August 2024

Background

Outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with prior rotator cuff repair (RCR) remain inconsistent. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to systematically review the current outcomes literature on RSA in patients with prior RCR and to compare the results with controls without prior RCR.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed, and outcome studies reporting on functional and clinical outcomes were included.

Results

A total of 11 studies encompassing 2879 shoulders were included. Improvements in postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the baseline were higher in controls including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (47.0 vs 39.5), Simple Shoulder Test (6.0 vs 4.9), Constant score (32.6 vs 26.4), and Visual Analog Scale for pain (−5.6 vs −4.9). Improvement in range of motion was greater in the control group, including external rotation (17° vs 11°), anterior elevation (56° vs 43°), and abduction (52° vs 43°). The overall complication rate (8% vs 5%) and revision rate (3% vs 1%) were higher in the RCR group.

Discussion

Differences in postoperative PROs and improvement from the baseline demonstrate a trend toward lower outcomes in patients with prior RCR but may be below the minimal clinically import difference.

Level of evidence

IV; systematic review
Entrepreneurship environments and entrepreneurial intention- the role of self efficacy and role model
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thu , Phan Hoa Thi Thanh
Published: August 2024

This empirical study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurship environments and entrepreneurial intention, contributing to the academic literature on entrepreneurial intentions in emerging economies. It specifically examines the mediating effect of entrepreneurship self-efficacy beliefs and the moderating effect of role models on these relationships. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 592 undergraduate students from 11 universities and colleges in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling analysis was employed to test hypotheses. The results indicate that while perceived supportive entrepreneurship environments and entrepreneurship university environments did not have direct significant impacts on entrepreneurial intention, their indirect effects were significant, mediated by entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Furthermore, prior exposure to business role models strengthened the associations between environments and entrepreneurial intention. This research offers empirical insights and suggests practical implications for fostering entrepreneurship in both practitioners and scholars in developing countries.
Effect of femoral derotational osteotomy in patients with idiopathic increased femoral anteversion on joint loading and muscular demands
Authors: Alexander Nathalie , Cip Johannes , Brunner Reinald GH , De Pieri Enrico
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to analyse the effect of the femoral derotational osteotomy (FDRO) on joint kinematics, kinetics, joint and muscle forces, and muscle moments in patients with idiopathic increased femoral anteversion compared with typically developing children (TDC).

Methods:

In this retrospective study, 17 patients (25 limbs, 13.2 ± 2.2 years, femoral anteversion = 49.0° ± 7.1°) were compared to nine TDC (9 limbs, 12.0 ± 3.0 years, femoral anteversion = 18.7° ± 4.1°). Gait analysis was performed 8.5 ± 7.2 months pre-surgery and 17.3 ± 5.5 months post-surgery. Joint angles, moments and forces as well as muscle forces and muscle contributions to joint moments were analysed using statistical parametric mapping.

Results:

Significant improvements in kinematics (hip rotation, foot progression, knee and hip flexion) were observed pre- to post-FDRO. Joint forces remained unaltered after surgery and did not differ from TDC. Gluteus minimus and deep external rotators muscle forces decreased in mid-stance, while adductor muscle forces increased during stance post-op compared to pre-op. Due to an improved knee extension postoperatively, the rectus femoris muscle force decreased to normal values during mid- and terminal stance. Postoperatively, only the deep external rotator muscle forces differed from TDC.

Conclusions:

This study showed that FDRO can restore muscle forces and muscle contributions to joint moments in addition to normal gait kinematics, while joint contact forces remain within normative ranges. This knowledge might also apply to other conditions in which pathological femoral anteversion is present.
The Curious Case of Aistija: Sidelights on Latvian–Lithuanian Rapprochement During the 20th Century
Authors: Baxenfield James Montgomery
Published: August 2024

The nascent Aistijan movement centred around the idea of establishing a Latvian–Lithuanian state following the Second World War. This article surveys the background of the idea, with particular attention to the public diplomacy of Lithuanian American émigrés, demonstrating its prevalence during the First World War. The activities of interwar Latvian and Lithuanian rapprochement societies are outlined, noting the prominence of the Aestii – the earliest recorded inhabitants of the eastern littoral of the Baltic Sea – in both academic and popular history, in addition to the emergence of the Aistijan movement following the Second World War. Examining the initial successes and rapid decline of the movement, the article also charts developments and material circumstances of language learning practices in connection with the idea of a Latvian–Lithuanian state.