bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gemstones as “Pure” Symbols: Archaeological Insights from the Buddhist Site of Tapa Sardar
Authors: Forgione Giulia
Published: August 2024

New systematic studies of the clay monuments found by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Afghanistan (hereafter IAMA) in the 1960s and 1970s at the Buddhist archaeological site of Tapa Sardar, in the Ghazni area, are providing a deeper understanding of both the general context and the details of the decorations. This paper focuses on the row of thrones alternating with small stūpas that were discovered in the pradakṣiṇāpatha around the Main Stūpa and assigned to the Late Period of the site (end of the 7th–8th/9th century CE).

Although still far from the goal of comprehensively explaining the complex iconographic program of these monuments, we started itemizing significant details that, in spite of their apparently marginal character, are likely to have had a strong impact on the monuments’ physical and symbolic definition. The rich array of their surface decoration, which combines a great variety of moulded motifs, was meant to convey the notion of preciousness. While the majority of those motifs may represent the portrayal of real jewellery, some stand apart for their unusual shapes, which depict gems in their natural state and may arguably be considered as having special emblematic meaning, such as the perfect, powerful, “pure” symbols of an unconditioned reality.
Leafhoppers of the genus Kybos Fieber, 1866 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Empoascini) in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: TISHECHKIN DMITRI YU.
Published: August 2024

Illustrated descriptions of six Kybos species found in Kyrgyzstan are provided, with data on biology and distribution. Oscillograms of the male vibrational calling signals are presented for four species. The synonymies K. oshanini oshanini Zachvatkin, 1953 = K. oshanini mesasiaticus Zachvatkin, 1953, syn. n. = K. mesasiaticus iliensis Mitjaev, 1971, syn. n. = Empoasca (Kybos) iliensis (Mitjaev, 1971), syn. n. are established, and data on identification and variability of K. oshanini are provided. Four of the six Kybos species are native to Kyrgyzstan, two more species were found only in a few localities in the north of the country and were apparently introduced; all native species are endemic to Central Asia.
The identity of Psilochironomus Sublette, 1966 (Chironomidae, Chironominae, Pseudochironomini)
Authors: ANDERSEN TROND , SANZ-LAPARRA ANNUI MALLA , GIŁKA WOJCIECH
Published: August 2024

Chironomus fumeus Walley in Curran, 1934 was described based on a single male from British Guyana. When reviewing the type specimens of Chironomidae (Diptera) in the American Museum of Natural History, Sublette erected the monotypic genus Psilochironomus Sublette, 1966 based on the species. Subsequently, Sæther included the genus when he suggested the new tribe Pseudochironomini Sæther, 1977. However, the type specimen’s hypopygium has been missing since before Sublette’s examination; thus, Spies & Reiss in 1996 considered both C. fumeus and Psilochironomus to be nomina dubia. Below we redescribe C. fumeus based on four males collected by E.J. Fittkau in Pará State in northern Brazil and give an emended diagnosis for Psilochironomus. An updated key to the genera of Pseudochironomini is included.
Two new species of the genus Pseudokuzicus Gorochov, 1993 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China
Authors: LV WENQING , LI JICHENG , XIE GUANGLIN , CHANG YANLIN
Published: August 2024

This paper describes two new species of the genus Pseudokuzicus from China, i.e. Pseudokuzicus (Pseudokuzicus) latus sp. nov. and Pseudokuzicus (Pseudokuzicus) dentatus sp. nov. Morphological photographs of the new species and a distribution map for the species occurred in China are provided.
Superinertial Internal Tides Propagating along the Coast: Dynamics and Energetics Revealed through Topographic Modes
Authors: Tanaka Yuki
Published: August 2024

Internal tides are an important energy source for diapycnal mixing in the ocean interior. Subinertial internal tides are known to have a cross-sectional structure that is baroclinic in deep areas but more barotropic in shallower areas, making the conventional barotropic–baroclinic decomposition ineffective to separate internal tides from surface tides. To address this issue, Tanaka introduced a “topographic mode” which represents internal motions with a barotropic vertical structure and proposed a new energy diagram enabling us to quantify the generation of subinertial internal tides. Here, the applicability of this new energy diagram to superinertial internal tides at various latitudes is investigated by idealized numerical experiments with uniform surface tides passing over a continental slope with a bump in the coastline. The calculated results show that both the topographic and baroclinic modes are generated over the bump and propagate downstream along the coast, inseparably forming a topographically modified internal Kelvin wave whose cross-sectional structure closely resembles that obtained by solving a two-dimensional eigenvalue problem for a superinertial frequency. The energy conversion rate from the surface mode to the topographic mode is about half of the energy conversion rate from the surface mode to the baroclinic mode when the tidal frequency is slightly superinertial and maintains a nonnegligible contribution even when the tidal frequency is substantially superinertial. The findings of this study indicate that the new energy diagram can be applied seamlessly across the critical latitudes and possibly provides a global distribution of the internal tide generation significantly larger than the previous estimates.

Significance Statement

Quantifying the generation of internal tides is essential for accurate climate modeling, since they are a major energy source of vertical mixing in the ocean. It is known that diurnal internal tides change their characteristics poleward of 30° latitude, where their motion is dominated by horizontal rotation rather than vertical oscillation. This study demonstrates that a recently proposed energy diagram for quantifying the generation of diurnal internal tides poleward of 30° latitude is also effective equatorward of 30° latitude. This is because the rotational motion remains significant even equatorward of 30° latitude, being a fundamental component of the internal tides over a sloping seafloor. The application of this energy diagram will improve the global estimate of internal tide generation.
Selective Bribery: When Do Citizens Engage in Corruption?
Authors: Erlich Aaron , Gans-Morse Jordan , Nichter Simeon
Published: August 2024

Corruption often persists not only because public officials take bribes, but also because many citizens are willing to pay them. Yet even in countries with endemic corruption, few people always pay bribes. Why do citizens bribe in some situations but not in others? Integrating insights from both principal-agent and collective action approaches to the study of corruption, we develop and empirically evaluate an analytical framework for understanding selective bribery. Our framework reveals how citizens’ motivations, costs, and risks influence their willingness to engage in corruption. A conjoint experiment conducted in Ukraine in 2020 predominantly corroborates our pre-registered predictions. By shedding light on conditions that dampen citizens’ readiness to pay bribes, our findings offer insights into the types of institutional reforms that may reduce corruption and ultimately help countries to escape self-reinforcing corruption cycles.
Efficacy of solution-focused interventions with caregivers of persons living with different conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Kumar Amit , Raman Kalyanasundaram Janaki , John John P , Bhaskarapillai Binukumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

In this review, we aim to determine the efficacy of Solution-Focused Interventions (SFI) among caregivers of persons living with different conditions.

Method:

Articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022 were used. Databases used included EBSCOhost, PubMed, ProQuest, ERIC, and Google Scholar. We used Zotero to remove the duplicate studies. Further, we used the Risk of Bias for RCTs and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental and non-randomized experimental studies.

Results:

Total number of studies from five databases was 2,693. After evaluating the eligibility and duplication removal, 10 relevant articles were found suitable for this review, including 3 RCTs, 3 single group pre-post, 2 quasi-experimental, and 1 each from case study, and multiple baseline designs. Stress, quality of life, and coping variables were studied. Studies compared with alternative treatments: Though 9 out of 10 studies were superior to alternative treatment, and none were equivalent to solution-focused intervention. SFI has shown efficacy on all the variables selected in the study. In these studies, the efficacy is compared with the alternative treatment, and SFI has demonstrated better outcomes than the alternative treatments.

Conclusion:

Based on the studies reviewed, robust evidence supports SFI as a treatment approach for caregivers. SFI can also benefit caregivers in shorter sessions, making it more affordable than other treatments.
Vibration analysis of a double-row planetary gear set considering the sun gear axial position
Authors: Cheng Yan , Liu Yanfang , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2024

Double-row planetary gear set (PGS) is a common form of the PGS, which is relatively more complex than the regular PGSs. It consists of one sun gear, several long planets, several short planets, two ring gears, and one carrier. Due to the significantly wider tooth width of the long planet compared to the sun gear, the axial meshing position between the sun gear and the long planet can be adjusted. The vibrations of PGS should vary with different axial meshing positions. If the axial position of the sun gear is optimized, the vibrations of PGS can be reduced. This work establishes a dynamic model of a double-row PGS. The dynamic model considers the mesh forces of the gear pairs and the supporting forces of the bearing. The effect of the sun gear axial position on the sun gear and ring gear #2 vibrations are investigated. Finally, the recommended axial position for the sun gear is provided.
“Education was Equally Important for All Us Siblings”: Family Cultures of Mobility, Gender and Higher Education in Middle-Class India
Authors: Mukherjee Anushyama , Kibria Nazli
Published: August 2024

This article explores the culture of aspirations for mobility through higher education in middle-class Indian families. Drawing on a study of adult sibling relationships among middle-class Indians, we explore the character and consequences of this culture as revealed in the retrospective accounts of 38 women and men from middle-class families. Our investigations show the centrality of siblings and comparisons between them in the organisation of family projects of mobility through higher education. Siblings are allies in these projects as well as competitors, as children struggle to gain parental favour and resources. Family cultures of collectivism and age and gender hierarchies shape these struggles in varied and complex ways. Our findings highlight the fluid and deeply contested presence of family cultures that emphasise the special importance of educational achievement for sons who are expected to assume responsibility for family elders.
Alleviating Travelers’ Privacy Concern in Personalized Recommendations Through Perceived Information Autonomy: Strategies via Hedge Words and Communication Styles
Authors: Lv Linxiang , Chen Siyun , Liu Gus Guanrong , Chen Mingwen
Published: August 2024

Personalized recommendations based on personal information enhance travelers’ experiences but raise privacy concerns. The inherent uncertainty in tourism, where travelers cannot fully visualize their destination choices and frequently alter their plans, leads to highly variable and complex travel decisions. This complexity poses a challenge for intelligent systems attempting to predict traveler preferences accurately. Previous research has seldom examined the role of uncertain expressions in predicting traveler preferences within personalized recommendation systems. Through a field study on Facebook and three experimental studies, we find that travelers exhibit fewer privacy concerns and more positive attitudes toward personalized advertising in the presence (vs. absence) of hedge words—a form of uncertain expression—in personalized recommendation labels. Meanwhile, this effect is mediated by travelers’ autonomy over their personal information and moderated by the communication styles used in recommendation labels. These findings contribute to the tourism literature on privacy concerns and personalized recommendations.
The role of mining-induced seismicity amplitude and frequency in gob-side roadway rib spalling
Authors: Mu Zong-long , Zhuang Jiaxin , Zhang Xiufeng , Cao Jinglong , Lu Zujun , Ma Xingen , Li Fuhong
Published: August 2024

During underground coal mining, Mining-induced seismicity is a crucial factor leading to roadway deformation. Based on a case study of rib spalling caused by mining-induced seismicity in China, this paper utilizes the Universal Distinct Element Code to investigate the mechanism of rib spalling. It analyzes the stress evolution process of roadway surrounding rock and the damage process under the influence of mining-induced seismicity. Additionally, it examines the relationship between seismic wave amplitude, frequency and the damage characteristics of roadway surrounding rock. Findings show that seismic waves induce stress concentration zones in the deeper surrounding rock, causing shear failure, while stress concentration zones emerge in the top, bottom and shoulders of roadway, leading to tensile failure in the shallower surrounding rock. With increasing seismic wave amplitude, the critical crack length of surrounding rock decreases, resulting in a linear increase in crack count and distribution area. The roadway exhibits a ‘n'-shaped damage profile primarily driven by shear failure. With increasing seismic wave frequency, the crack count in the surrounding rock of the roadway exhibits a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. This trend becomes more pronounced with larger amplitudes. Rib spalling damage is influenced by seismic wave frequency and amplitude: frequencies of 20–25 Hz and 80–100 Hz require amplitudes exceeding 3 m for damage, while 25–30 Hz and 55–80 Hz require amplitudes over 2 m, and 30–55 Hz necessitate amplitudes exceeding 1.5 m.
The Racial Spectacular: Pandemic Governance Through Dashboards and State Biosecurity
Authors: Krupar Shiloh , Ehlers Nadine
Published: August 2024

Data visualizations related to COVID-19 operate as forms of spectacle essential to the racialized governance of the pandemic. Guy Debord theorized spectacle as separation—between subjects, populations, regions, dots on a map. We extend and revise Debord's framework of spectacle, drawing on Ruth Wilson Gilmore's definition of racism and Sylvia Wynter's critique of monohumanism to position spectacle as ways of seeing as separation: constructed ways of seeing that divide and partition. In this sense, spectacle contributes to material geographies of race and racism: what W.E.B. Du Bois referred to as the global color line and Michel Foucault called the caesura of race. We deploy this anti-racist interpretative methodology to analyze research from the 2020–21 period of the COVID-19 pandemic: first, COVID-19 dashboards that map infections, death, and other pandemic data; and, second, state biosecurity measures of lockdown in so-called areas of concern during the Delta outbreak in Sydney, Australia. Our methodology positions all real-time pandemic monitoring as part of the recursive operation of administering race as problem space, where the biopolitical twinning of life-and-death-making meet. We conclude by asking: what alternative forms of accounting of or for race are possible?
A longitudinal study of parents’ home-safety practices to prevent injuries during infancy
Authors: Morrongiello Barbara A. , Cox Amanda , Bryant Lindsay
Published: August 2024

Unintentional injury represents a significant health threat to children, and infancy marks a particularly vulnerable stage. This multi-method study (questionnaire, diary) measured parents’ ( N = 143) use of three popular home-safety practices (teaching about safety, environment modification to reduce access to hazards, supervision) and child injury rates at two stages of motor development during infancy (sitting, walking). Associations between these three safety practices and parental beliefs (protectiveness needed, perceived benefits of the child experiencing minor injuries) were examined, as was the effectiveness of these three practices to prevent injury. Results revealed that different parental beliefs were associated with implementing different safety strategies at each motor development stage. Strategies were differentially effective depending on mobility status of the infant, with supervision being the only strategy that was effective to prevent injury at both motor development stages. Implications for developing safety messages to promote parents’ injury-prevention strategies are discussed.
Threats to Democracy: A Theological Response
Authors: Bargár Pavol
Published: August 2024

This paper adopts a theological perspective to reflect on the question of what a response by Christian churches, and individual Christians, should be vis-à-vis current threats to democracy. The paper proceeds in three steps. First, an analysis of the problem, with a particular regard to the European context, is provided by exploring some examples of the contemporary threats to democracy. Second, a number of approaches are outlined based on theological resources in order to address the problem constructively and to build resilience. Finally, an argument is made that hope represents the criterion that should give orientation and sustain Christian deliberation on and engagement in society, including political life. While shaped by the Protest background and affiliation of its author and written from the post-communist, Central European context, this paper strives for a wider ecumenical outlook and engagement, seeking a broader relevance and implications beyond the boundaries of Christian churches.
Oral fibrolipoma in dogs: Retrospective case series study and comparative review
Authors: Barrantes Murillo Daniel Felipe , Berrocal Alexis , Bell Cynthia , Rissi Daniel R. , Craig Linden E. , Graham Erin A. , Brinker Emily J. , Negrão Watanabe Tatiane Terumi
Published: August 2024

Fibrolipoma is defined as a typical lipoma transected by variable amounts of paucicellular and collagenous fibrous components. Oral and lingual fibrolipomas are well-recognized histological entities in human medicine that are slightly more prevalent in females, occur most commonly after the fourth decade, and arise from the buccal mucosa. The documentation of this neoplasm in the oral cavity is lacking in veterinary medicine. Through a multi-institutional retrospective compilation of cases submitted to diagnostic pathology services, here we describe the clinical and pathologic features of oral fibrolipomas in dogs. A total of 112 cases of oral fibrolipomas in dogs were retrieved. The mean age was 10.1 years (range 2–16 years, ±2.63 years standard deviation), with an average tumor size of 1.7 cm (range 0.2–8 cm, ±1.1 cm standard deviation). The most common location was the tongue (57.1%, 64/112), followed by the buccal mucosa (15.2%, 16/112), sublingual area (8.0%, 9/112), gingiva and lip (4.5%, 5/112 each), and palate (1 case). The anatomical location of oral fibrolipomas only differed significantly among the dog breeds ( P < .001) but not among sex, age, anamnesis, or reason for submission. The tumor was most commonly reported in males (69.7%, 78/112), and in 62.5% (70/112) of the cases, the tumor was an incidental finding. Fibrolipoma should be considered a differential diagnosis when considering benign lingual and other oral soft tissue masses in dogs.
Awareness Regarding Clear Aligner Disposal Among Orthodontists and General Dentists: A Cross-sectional Survey-based Study
Authors: Raj Derine Rosalia , Sowmya Jangam , Verma Shubhnita , Raj G. Pradeep , Chitra Prasad
Published: August 2024

Aim and Objective:

To assess the awareness of clear aligner disposal among orthodontists and general dentists.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional electronic survey (e-survey) was developed based on the use of Google Forms. The survey link was randomly disseminated across social media platforms consisting of orthodontists and general dentists. The responses were subsequently tabulated and analyzed using statistical analysis with the help of Statistical Product and Services Solution software version 23.0. The survey comprised questions consisting of demographics, frequency of usage of clear aligners, and awareness on disposal of clear aligners.

Results:

The survey gathered responses from 760 participants, including 374 orthodontists and 384 general dentists from the 1,000 dentists and orthodontists who were surveyed, revealing trends in clear aligner usage, disposal practices, and awareness. Orthodontists showed higher frequency and safer disposal practices. A knowledge gap exists among dental practitioners regarding biodegradation characteristics and disposal regulations. Both groups express a shared interest in environmentally responsible practices, emphasizing the necessity for education and comprehensive guidelines from aligner companies to mitigate environmental impact.

Conclusion:

Clear aligners are popular in orthodontic treatment which contributes to environmental concerns due to improper disposal. The study explored clear aligner disposal practices among general dentists and orthodontists. The study underscores the need for increased awareness among orthodontists and general dentists, emphasizing proper clear aligner disposal methods and the importance of comprehensive instructions from aligner companies.
Fabrication of Modified Double-ended Distal End Bender from Discarded Instruments
Authors: Thakkar Jainav Balmukund , Sharma Padmaja , Patel Kalpesh , Patil Jagruti
Published: August 2024

In orthodontics, molar tubes are discarded once utilized, and in the general dental armamentarium, many double-ended angled instruments are used and subsequently discarded. Here, the authors have described a technique to fabricate a modified distal end bender from discarded instruments, which is cost-effective and easy to fabricate. With a rectangular slot, the double-ended instrument can be used for rectangular wire used early in a self-ligating system.
Compression behavior of sheet-network triply periodic minimal surface metamaterials as a function of density grading
Authors: Temiz Abdurrahim , Pehlivan Fatih , Öztürk Fatih H. , Demir Sermet
Published: August 2024

This study involved the fabrication and experimental testing of five distinct geometries of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cellular structures characterized by uniform and relative density grading. The specific geometries examined were Schoen-Gyroid, Schwarz-Diamond, Schoen-I-WP, Schwarz-Primitive, and Fischer-Koch S. The experimental tests focused on subjecting these structures to compression loads. Samples were produced with a masked stereolithography (MSLA) printer. The samples had initial and end volume fractions (VFs) ranging from 20% to 60% in increments of 10%, with five varied relative densities. The Taguchi method is utilized to determine the optimal testing parameters, while the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test is employed to examine the data. The novelty of this paper is to comprehensively investigate the structural efficiency and versatility of TPMS for various applications by optimizing five different functionally graded TPMSs. The ANOVA findings highlighted the substantial impacts of Initial VF, Final VF, and TPMS type on the observed fluctuations in stress at the first peak. The Initial VF made a significant contribution, demonstrating 28.8% higher effectiveness than the Final VF. The TPMS type had a statistically significant effect on the amount of energy absorbed, revealing that different lattice types have abilities to absorb energy.
Objectifying Contextual Effects. The Use of Snowball Sampling in Political Sociology
Authors: Audemard Julien
Published: August 2024

The statistical objectification of the contextual dimension of human behaviors, namely the part played by the interactions that individuals have with the people that they encounter in the places they frequent, often seems to be methodological gauntletly challenging. Among the different strategies that propose to achieve this objective, snowball sampling allows for isolating personal networks directly. This article interrogates the conditions of implementation of snowball sampling, as well as how the statistical materials that it produces are used in contextual analysis. I demonstrate why and how multilevel modeling is particularly relevant for solving the issue of the internal validity of snowball samples while taking advantage of the hierarchical structure of data to isolate the influence of contextual variables on behaviors. Referring to my doctoral research and using the specific example of the identification of individual and contextual factors of political discussions, I also show how data obtained through snowball sampling can be mobilized and modelized.
Outcomes and Practices of Endotracheal Intubation Using the Glasgow Coma Scale in Acute Non-Traumatic Poisoning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Proportions
Authors: Nanah Abdelrahman , Abdeljaleel Fatima , Matsubara Júlio Ken , Garcia Marcos Vinicius Fernandes
Published: August 2024

Background

Acute poisoning often results in decreased consciousness, necessitating airway assessment and management. Existing literature in the trauma setting suggests the importance of airway protection in unconscious patients to prevent complications, including aspiration. Practices for endotracheal intubation in non-traumatic acute poisoning are poorly described and variable, particularly regarding the use of a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤ 8 threshold for intubation.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to evaluate intubation rates and outcomes in patients presenting for acute non-traumatic poisoning. Studies were excluded if the primary indication for intubation was not airway protection. We analyzed rates of intubation, mortality, and aspiration by subgrouping patients into GCS ≤ 8, GCS 9–15, or mixed GCS. Common and random-effects analysis were used, supplemented by subgroup analyses.

Results

39 studies were included in the analysis, involving 15,959 patients. Random-effects pooled intubation rates varied significantly across GCS categories: GCS ≤ 8 (30.0%, I2 = 92%, p < 0.01), GCS 9–15 (1.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.91), and mixed GCS (11.0%, I2 = 94%, p < 0.01), p-value <0.01 for subgroup difference. Aspiration rates also varied: GCS ≤ 8 (19.0%, I2 = 84%, p < 0.01), GCS 9–15 (4.0%, I2 = 78%, p < 0.01), and mixed group (5.0%, I2 = 72%, p < 0.01), p-value <0.01 for subgroup difference. Mortality rates remained low across all groups: GCS ≤ 8 (1.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.62), GCS 9–15 (1.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.99), and mixed group (2.0%, I2 = 68%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The conventional “less than 8, intubate” approach may not be directly applicable to acute poisoning patients due to heterogeneity in patient presentation, intubation practices, and low mortality. Therefore, a nuanced approach is warranted to optimize airway management strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
Fifty Observations About the Health Promotion Discipline: Ambitions, Polemics and Inspiration (Part Two)
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: August 2024

In part one of this editorial covering fifty observations about the history and evolution of the health promotion discipline I shared twenty five observations relating to societal trends, definitional nuances and seminal studies and resources that have contributed to the trajectory of the field. In this, part two of the editorial, I list an additional twenty five observations focused on polemics and controversies and on the importance of effective teaching, research and writing. I reflect on the different approaches used by public sector and private sector health promotion experts respectively. I also share inspirational quotes that I consider closely aligned with the vision and mission of our profession.
The Show Must Go On! An Autoethnography of (Re)socialization into Senior Policing in England and the Prominence of “Leadership Theatre”
Authors: Corkhill (pseudonym) Phil , Charman Sarah
Published: August 2024

This unique autoethnographical perspective on senior police officer (re)socialization offers a vital insight into the challenges for genuine police reform.
Temporal Effect of CYP3A4/5 Induction on Ticagrelor’s Pharmacodynamic Effects: A Case Series
Authors: Szymanski Thomas W. , Rockhold Matthew R. , Lacoste Jordan L.
Published: August 2024

Ticagrelor is contraindicated in combination with cytochrome P450 3A4 and 3A5 enzyme (CYP3A4/5) inducers due to increased clearance, causing diminished antiplatelet effects. The emergent nature of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may preclude scrutinization of home medications before P2Y12 inhibitor administration. The purpose of this case series is to establish the temporal impact of CYP3A4/5 enzyme induction on ticagrelor’s pharmacodynamic effect by utilizing VerifyNow platelet aggregation studies. This was a retrospective case series of three patients who were taking a CYP3A4/5-inducing medication and loaded with ticagrelor for ACS. The duration of ticagrelor’s antiplatelet effect was dramatically shortened in the presence of background CYP3A4/5 induction. The offset of antiplatelet effect, defined by platelet reactivity units (PRU), was 10-24 hours in the presence of CYP3A4/5 enzyme induction compared to the anticipated 36-48 hours. This was consistent across CYP3A4/5-inducing medications including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. This study demonstrates rapid return of platelet function after a ticagrelor loading dose in the presence of CYP3A4/5-inducing medications. Monitoring of PRU every 6-12 hours with subsequent loading with clopidogrel or prasugrel should be considered. Larger scale studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Balanced Fluids Versus Normal Saline for Initial Fluid Resuscitation in Adults With Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Carter Justin W. , Whaley Patrick M. , Gutierrez G. Christina , Fowler Amanda L. , Attridge Rebecca L. , Hughes Darrel W. , Hargrove Kristi L.
Published: August 2024

Background: Normal saline (NS) has been the choice fluid for volume resuscitation in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) for decades. Large volume resuscitation with NS can lead to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and is associated with a higher incidence of major adverse kidney events compared to balanced fluids (BF). Objective: Compare safety and effectiveness of fluid resuscitation with BF vs NS in adult patients with DKA. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who received NS or BF for DKA treatment between July 2020 and August 2021. Primary endpoint was time to DKA resolution. Secondary endpoints included time to anion gap ≤12, HCO3 ≥15 and ≥18 mmol/L, acute kidney injury, and hospital and intensive care unit length of stay. Results: 110 patients were included (NS 55% (n = 60), BF 45% (n = 50)). Time to DKA resolution was faster in patients who received BF vs NS (13 (10 – 19) hours vs 17 (11 – 25) hours, P = 0.02). Treatment with NS was associated with a longer time to resolution of DKA when adjusted for initial bicarbonate and AKI at admission. Conclusion: BF was associated with a shorter time to DKA resolution compared to NS.
Identifying the Role of Self-Compassion in Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Readiness for Practice: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Walter Laurie A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Study: Nursing students must be able to provide holistic, patient-centered, compassionate care upon entering professional practice despite the stress and psychological challenges of the healthcare environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between self-compassion, as a promoter, predictor and protector of psychological health, and perceived readiness for practice. Design of Study: This study used a convergent mixed-method design with correlational and directed content analyses. A convenience sample of undergraduate senior nursing students from baccalaureate programs in the Northeastern Region of the United States participated. Methods: Participants completed a 37-item online survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), and the Casey Fink Readiness for Practice Survey ©2008 (n = 82) followed by semi-structured online interviews (n = 18). Findings: Results indicated that self-compassion and support systems positively influence perceived readiness for professional nursing practice. Conclusions: The findings promote psychological health as a component of readiness for professional nursing practice and the incorporation of self-compassion development into nursing curriculum.
A comment on Dale Tomich’s exceptional world-historical research methodology
Authors: McMichael Philip
Published: August 2024

This comment reviews Dale Tomich’s exceptional methodological contribution to world-historical analysis, from the perspective of a close collegial dialogue over the last 50 years. It focuses on Tomich’s preoccupation with what he calls historical theory, through his outstanding and consequential research on world-historic slave systems’ actualization of capital’s emergent world market. Aside from Tomich’s detailed research on slave systems in the New World, his opus embodies a sophisticated and original critical dialogue with Marxist orthodoxy on the dialectical relationship between theory and history.
Prediction of noise generated by rod-airfoil configuration: An investigation based on experiments and machine learning
Authors: Kocak Eyup , Ayli Ece
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the effects of various parameters on the SPL (Sound Pressure Level) levels of rod-airfoil configurations. An experimental study was performed to investigate the effects of the rod parameters, such as the configuration of the rod, the distance between the rod and the airfoil, the diameter effect of the rod, and the geometry of the rod, on the performance of the rod-airfoil configuration. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was then developed and applied to accurately predict the SPL of rod-airfoil configurations. The results of the study revealed that the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm with 2 hidden neurons produced the best performance in predicting the SPL level, with a training R-squared value of 0.9998 and a testing R-squared value of 0.998715. The findings also indicated that increasing rod diameter increases sound pressure level while reducing gap width increases SPL levels and decreases frequency values. This method offers a more precise and effective technique to forecast the SPL levels of rod-airfoil designs, allowing designers to enhance their creations and lower noise levels. The findings of this study can also be utilized to direct future research in this area and offer important information for a better understanding of the mechanism of rod-airfoil noise creation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to look into rod-airfoil design predictions made using machine learning approaches.
French universalist disparities: A racial capitalist reading of French universalism
Authors: Maroun Daniel N.
Published: August 2024

This article unveils how the French political ideology of universalism benefits from the perpetual racialization of others. Drawing from various definitions and understandings of racial capitalism, I demonstrate how the success of universalism relies on the racialization of French society to strengthen its homogenizing cultural hegemony. Cedric Robinson notes that European civilization has historically demonstrated a tendency to differentiate social, cultural, and linguistic differences along racial lines and therefore becomes a distinctive subject of how racism and capitalism intersect in the form of a political ideology. I understand racial capitalism as a process where one derives social or economic value from the racial identity of another person. In this manner, I propose that universalism gains social and economic value by maintaining a racialized and differentiated social and working consciousness. To reinforce these observations, this article will examine various cultural events of the early 21st century where individuals of color and their labor are positioned as profitable entities for the Republic. These examples will highlight how certain French political agents employ universalism to assign socially tangible value to non-White bodies who adopt Republican values. The essay unfolds over three sections: firstly, an overview of the French universalist model and its contemporary crisis in light of a postimperial, pluralistic society; secondly, a theoretical reading of how racial capitalism and universalism intersect to produce and reproduce systemic inequalities that universalism purports to erase; and lastly, an analysis of various cultural examples that showcase how the institution of universalism, a cultural superstructure, depends on the infrastructure of non-White bodies to maintain its hegemony.
Ab-normalising projects of third culture kid identity: Troubling the god trick
Authors: Bateson-Ardo Ruth , Rogerson Ann , Denne Stephanie , Coombes Leigh
Published: August 2024

Over the last half-century, an industry of sense-making and psy-management has emerged to narrate an increasingly “special” population of third culture kids (TCKs): children with highly mobile formative contexts, living between countries and cultures. Producing categories of identification and models of development through dominant monocultural assumptions, TCK literature performs colonising epistemological disciplines of coding difference as risk and capital. In this article, we trouble the prevailing assumptions and frameworks that narrate TCK identity through a paradox of unrecognisability, integrating autobiographical responses to theorise questions about accounting for one another and ourselves as subjects of otherness. Decoding movements of posthuman commitments to disrupting universalising god tricks offer memories of encountering paradigms of ab-normality in TCK accounts as ruptures that open up new possibilities. Beyond restrains of normalising frameworks, unusual life stories flow in affirmative, relational, and creative accounts of responsive citizenship in between and among multiple countries and cultures.
The moderating effect of technology turbulence on the relationships between e-marketing mix and customer satisfaction for electronic information services
Authors: Elfadel Maha , Othman Roslina , Nik Mat Nik Hziman , Mohadis Hazwani , Ahmed Mahfooz
Published: August 2024

This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) (Smart PLS 3.0) to investigate the moderating effect of technological turbulence on the relationships between the e-marketing mix (4Ps) and customer satisfaction with e-information services provided by public university libraries in Jordan. Using an online survey with (792) postgraduate students who were chosen from a voluntary response sample. The study unveiled that various elements within the e-marketing mix significantly influence customer satisfaction with e-information services. The results of the study revealed significant positive relationships between e-product, e-pricing, and e-promotion with customer satisfaction (CSEIS). Additionally, there are significant negative relationships between e-place and CSEIS. the results highlighted the moderating role of technology turbulence in influencing these relationships. Specifically, technology turbulence negatively moderates e-product and e-place, while positively moderating e-pricing and e-promotion in their impact on CSEIS. All reported relationships are statistically significant based on the provided p-values, indicating the robustness of the observed effects.
Impact of research characteristics and methodologies used in LIS articles on citation count
Authors: Ullah Ahsan , Hayat Sarwat , Ameen Kanwal
Published: August 2024

Citation count is a mechanism for making scholarly impact assessments. The current study estimated the influences of publication year, authorship patterns, publishing outlets and use of methodologies on citation count. Citation analysis and content analysis are used to examine the differences between variables in the citation count. The current study used a sample of LIS articles published by Pakistani authors from 2001 to 2016. Content analysis is used to identify themes about the use of methodology. The authorship patterns, publishing channels and year of publication were quantified from the bibliometric data of articles. Citation scores were explored on Google Scholar. An independent sample t-test and an ANOVA were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the publishing year has affected the citation count. The periods between 2001–2008 and 2013–2016 saw fewer citations for articles, while articles published from 2009 to 2012 had higher citation shares. Articles published by faculty and collaborated by two or more authors have significantly higher citations, but females have a slightly higher citation count. Articles published in impact factor journals, international journals and subscription journals have a higher citation count. Non-peer review journals have the lowest citation count. Empirical and quantitative methodology and inferential statistics have increased the citation score. Gaps in reporting methodology have reduced the citation score. Among the two types of methodological plurality, mixed-methods articles have significantly higher citations as compared to multi-methods articles. The current study is unique because it is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of social, academic and methodology factors on the citation count of entire LIS articles published from a developing country. It has identified positive and negative factors affecting citations, and these will be helpful for researchers, policymakers, institutions and journal publishers in planning quality research publishing.
Gösta Jönsson (1909–1978): A pioneer in the hormonal treatment of prostate cancer in Sweden
Authors: Uvelius Bengt , Lundgren Rolf , Andersson Karl-Erik
Published: August 2024

Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer is and has been a challenge. In 1957, the chemist Imre Könyves came to Sweden as a refugee from Hungary and started to work at AB Leo, a pharmaceutical company in Helsingborg. In 1961, he started to synthesize compounds where the oestrogens were linked to a mustard group by a carbamate. This resulted in estramustine phosphate, which was initially tested against mammary cancer with disappointing results. He then started a cooperation with urology professor Gösta Jönsson, Head of the Department of Urology at the Lund University Hospital, to test estramustine phosphate against prostate cancer. Jönsson started clinical estramustine phosphate tests in 1966. His studies were one-armed and consecutive, with a “favourable response” in 83% of previously untreated patients. These favourable results could not be reproduced in later randomized controlled studies suggesting that estramustine phosphate as primary treatment was not better than conventional estrogenic treatment. Conclusions: Even if the results of Gösta Jönsson's studies could not be confirmed, the subsequent randomized studies of estramustine phosphate may hide the desired action of estramustine phosphate in a subgroup of patients. It has still not been elucidated whether estramustine phosphate has effects in this subgroup of patients with ostrogen-resistant prostate cancer.
Suspicious eyes – Elvis's glaucoma battle
Authors: Zegers Richard HC , Liu Katy C , Heutink Joost , Tennant Forest , Weinreb Robert N
Published: August 2024

Elvis Presley (1935–1977) is an iconic figure in modern pop culture. Although many of his medical conditions have been the subject of extensive speculation, less is known about his ophthalmological problems, including steroid-induced glaucoma caused by a life-long use of steroids, both prescribed and self-administered, and secondary angle closure glaucoma most likely due to anterior uveitis. Further, he had an episode of acute angle closure glaucoma in 1971 that was treated with a subconjunctival injection of a mydriatic agent or, less likely, a paracentesis combined with an iridotomy. David Meyer, MD, was Presley's main ophthalmologist from 1971 until the latter's death in 1977.
Applicability of GLI 2012 Spirometry Equation and a Regional Equation Among Iraqi Adults
Authors: Al-Qerem Walid A. , Alsajri Alaa , Ling Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Spirometry is an essential tool to effectively diagnose and manage respiratory diseases. However, population-specific predicted values are essential to interpret the results accurately. The GLI-2012 equations were formulated to be used globally and are widely endorsed. However, these equations have never been validated among the Iraqi population. Pulmonary function tests were successfully performed by 738 (345 females) healthy, non-smoker, Iraqi adults. z-scores, per cent predicted values and frequency of measures below lower limit of normal (LLN) were computed using Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012 equations for Caucasians (GLI-C) and other or mixed (GLI-O) and Al-Qerem et al. equations. The Al-Qerem et al. equation produced the closest z-scores’ means to zero in forced vital capacity (FVC) in females (0.18) and in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/FVC% in both sexes (0.18 for males and 0.58 for females). For FEV1, the closest z-scores’ means to zero were produced by GLI-C (–0.15 for males and –0.18 for females). All the studied equations had a frequency of participants with LLN significantly different from the expected 5 per cent in at least one spirometric parameter. The GLI 2012 equations were not a suitable fit for Iraqi adults.
Astilbin Inhibits the Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells (AGS) by Targeting the Key Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Zhang Guoshan , Zhuang Xiaoyuan , Lin Shen , Wang Yatian
Published: August 2024

Background

The predisposition toward gastrointestinal disease is increasing as a result of dietary changes and overindulgence in food preparation. Ninety percent of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, a type of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract that is the leading cause of mortality worldwide.

Purpose

Astilbin, a natural dihydroflavonol substance derived from a range of foods and medicinal herbs, has been shown in the current study to have anticancer potential against gastric cancer in AGS cell lines.

Materials and Methods

The half maximal inhibitory concentration value was determined after astilbin was given to AGS cell lines at various doses. To verify apoptosis, the astilbin-treated cell line was subsequently stained with the dual dye acridine orange/ethidium bromide. AGS cell lines, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach was also used to investigate the inflammatory cytokines. Using ELISA, apoptotic marker expression including Bcl-2-associated X-protein, caspase-9 proteins, and B-cell lymphoma 2 was assessed in gastric cancer cells treated with astilbin.

Results

The study’s findings reveal that astilbin is a prime candidate for gastric cancer therapy since it causes apoptosis in AGS cells and has a stronger effect on the major inflammatory markers of the disease.

Conclusion

The study provides comprehensive methodologies and tools for predicting absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties, facilitating informed decision-making in the development and optimization of astilbin as a gastric cancer therapy.