bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vehicle Collision Load Design Demands for Deck Overhangs with Parapet Railings
Authors: Loken Andrew E. , Steelman Joshua S. , Bielenberg Robert W. , Rosenbaugh Scott K. , Faller Ronald K.
Published: January 2025

The majority of bridge rails used in the U.S.A. and Canada are solid concrete parapets. However, the design procedure included in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) for deck overhangs supporting parapets has not been modified for nearly 50 years. The specifications currently recommend that the deck overhang moment demand is taken as the cantilever bending strength of the parapet at its base. This recommendation results in uneconomical deck designs if the parapet is overdesigned. In this research effort, which was performed under National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project 12-119, the distribution of vehicle impact loads through the parapet and overhang was characterized, new equations were proposed to calculate overhang design demands, and the effect of deck understrength on parapet capacity was quantified. To develop updated design guidance, physical testing of instrumented specimens was performed, and validated LS-DYNA models were used to evaluate a variety of in-service railing and overhang designs. Results indicated that deck moments from lateral vehicle impact loads can be reliably estimated by assuming they distribute at 45 degrees with downward travel through the parapet and at 60 degrees with inward travel through the overhang. These angles are used to calculate effective lengths at critical sections, and overhang design moments are calculated by dividing the total applied moment over these lengths. Distribution of tensile loads was found to be minimal. The overhang design guidance developed in this project, which is currently under review for adoption into the BDS, routinely results in more economical deck designs than the existing method.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Complete ACL Tears in the Skeletally Immature Population: A Prospective Multicenter PLUTO Study
Authors: Christino Melissa A. , Hutchinson Lauren E. , Pennock Andrew T. , Cook Danielle L. , Anderson Christian N. , Busch Michael T. , Chambers Henry G. , Cordasco Frank A. , Edmonds Eric W. , Fabricant Peter D. , Ganley Theodore J. , Green Daniel W. , Heyworth Benton E. , Todd R. Lawrence John , Matava Matthew J. , Micheli Lyle J. , Milewski Matthew D. , Nepple Jeffrey , Parikh Shital N. , Perkins Crystal A. , Saluan Paul M. , Shea Kevin G. , Wall Eric J. , Willimon Samuel C. , Kocher Mininder S.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients. Understanding this population's injury characteristics and treatment strategies is vital for managing this high-risk group.

Purpose:

To report the descriptive epidemiology and treatment strategies of a large cohort of skeletally immature patients with complete ACL tears.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Consecutive skeletally immature patients diagnosed with complete ACL tears were enrolled at 10 institutions across the United States. Treatment was provided by 1 of 23 participating orthopaedic surgeons. Patient characteristics (chronological and skeletal age, sex, race, and ethnicity) as well as anthropometric measures, mechanism of injury, and ACL treatment type were collected.

Results:

A total of 749 skeletally immature participants were included in the final cohort; the mean chronological age was 12.9 years, and 62% were male. The mean skeletal age (13.2 years) was a mean of 0.34 years (4 months) higher than the mean chronological age ( P < .001). Tanner staging revealed that 18% of participants were Tanner stage 1, 20% were Tanner stage 2, 28% were Tanner stage 3, 30% were Tanner stage 4, and 4% were Tanner stage 5. Five percent of participants reported a previous ipsilateral knee injury, and 30% had a family history of ACL injuries. Sport was the predominant mechanism of injury (89%), with noncontact injuries the most common (64%). The most common sport resulting in an ACL tear among boys was American football (41%) and among girls was soccer (44%). Overall, 99.9% of skeletally immature patients were treated surgically by 1 of 4 reconstruction techniques: transphyseal (53%), partial transphyseal (7%), physeal-sparing all-epiphyseal (13%), and physeal-sparing iliotibial band (ITB) (27%). The most common surgical techniques for patients with a skeletal age <13 years were physeal sparing with ITB (56%) and all-epiphyseal (22%), while in patients with a skeletal age ≥13 years, transphyseal (71%) and physeal sparing with ITB (12%) were the most common. Overall, 57% of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction had arthroscopically documented meniscal tears, with high rates of meniscal repair (90% medial tears and 66% lateral tears).

Conclusion:

Almost all skeletally immature patients with ACL tears were injured during sports, surgical treatment was overwhelmingly the treatment of choice, and preferred surgical techniques varied based on skeletal ages.
Midterm Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes in Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for the Treatment of Large Bipolar Lesions of the Knee
Authors: Bouz Tony S. , Wang Tim , Penn Jordan K. , McCauley Julie C. , Bugbee William D.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is an established treatment option for patients with chondral or osteochondral lesions of the knee. Predictably positive outcomes are seen in situations of focal or isolated cartilage defects. However, OCA transplantation may also be performed in more complex joint salvage situations in young patients.

Purpose:

To evaluate survivorship and outcomes in patients who underwent OCA transplantation for large bipolar lesions of the knee.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Fresh OCAs were implanted for bipolar chondral lesions in 86 patients (89 knees) between 1983 and 2020. A total of 37 male and 52 female knees with a mean patient age of 37.9 years (range, 14.5-66.0 years) were treated. Surgical indications included degenerative chondral lesions, osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, traumatic chondral injuries, and previous failed OCAs. The clinical evaluation included the modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Outcomes were collected during outpatient clinic visits or via mail. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. Additional procedures after OCA transplantation were documented. OCA failure was defined as a reoperation that involved removal of the allograft.

Results:

There were 81 knees (91.0%) that had undergone previous surgery, with a mean of 3.2 previous procedures (range, 1-11). The mean treated defect surface area was 16.7 cm2. Graft failure occurred in 31 knees (34.8%). Reoperations (including failures) occurred in 46 knees (51.7%). The mean time to failure was 4.8 years. Survivorship of the bipolar OCA was 73.8% at 5 years, 66.6% at 10 years, and 58.9% at 15 years. Among the 58 knees (65.2%) in which the OCA was still in situ, the mean follow-up was 11.3 years (range, 2.1-27.6 years). The mean modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score improved from 12.4 to 14.8 points; 64.3% of knees (36/56 with available data) were considered successful with a score ≥15. The mean IKDC pain score improved from 6.3 to 4.0, and the mean IKDC function score improved from 2.9 to 6.2. The KOOS symptoms, pain, activities of daily living, sports/recreation, and quality of life subscores all increased postoperatively by a mean of 19.7, 25.9, 27.1, 35.4, and 36.4, respectively.

Conclusion:

OCA transplantation is a salvage treatment option for large bipolar cartilage lesions of the knee with acceptable survivorship and significant clinical improvement in a challenging patient population.
Predictive ability of systemic coagulation-inflammation index on early fistula failure after radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation
Authors: Atasoy Mustafa Selcuk , Muduroglu Ayhan
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

To the best of our knowledge, a possible predictive relationship between the systemic coagulation-inflammation index (SCI) and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure following AVF creation has not yet been examined. We therefore designed this study to examine the predictive ability of SCI on postoperative early AVF failure in patients undergoing primary radiocephalic AVF operation.

Methods:

A total of 189 patients who underwent primary radiocephalic AVF operation for hemodialysis access were included in this retrospective observational cohort study, and then divided into two groups according to whether AVF failure occurred within the first 3 months after the operation; as failed AVF group ( n = 44) and non-failed AVF group ( n = 145). The patients’ baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were recorded and then compared between the groups.

Results:

Patients in failed AVF group were significantly older and had higher smoking rate than those in non-failed AF group. The median values of fibrinogen, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and SCI were significantly higher in failed AVF group than in non-failed AVF group. With regards to other clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, no significant differences were detected between the groups in the univariate analyses. Only age and SCI maintained their significances in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, and were therefore considered as the independent predictors of AVF failure. ROC curve analysis revealed that SCI of 37.9 constituted the optimum cut-off value with 97.7% sensitivity and 94.5% specificity rates for predicting AVF failure.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrated for the first time in the literature that SCI significantly and independently predicted early AVF failure following radiocephalic AVF creation.
Teaching the Labor Theory of Value in China: Addressing Challenges with Effective Methods
Authors: Mengting Ma
Published: January 2025

This article explores effective teaching methods for the labor theory of value in Chinese economic education, with a focus on addressing students’ negative perceptions of Marxist economics. While Marxist economics remains one of the most widely taught heterodox approaches in Chinese universities, its prevalent treatment as ideological-political education has led to students’ stereotypical perceptions of the subject. To address this issue, the teaching design prioritizes the concept of surplus and uses the video game “Don’t Starve” as a scenario to illustrate the distribution of total social labor under various production relations. This approach highlights the social dimensions of the labor theory of value, enhancing engagement, and rectifying stereotypical misconceptions. Pre-course and post-course surveys indicate that these methods improve students’ understanding and critical thinking regarding the labor theory of value.

JEL Classification: A22, B51
Book review essay: The modern self in crisis
Authors: Mendelssohn Edmund
Published: January 2025

While the humanities face various impasses and while any of us may sense that our “time is out of joint,” seldom does a book emerge that traces the path of the vanquished leading to our present. Fuoco B. Fann's This Self We Deserve: A Quest After Modernity offers an illuminating inquiry into modern knowledge, language, and the subject, drawing from French poststructuralism, continental and intercultural philosophies, and art theory. This review essay assesses the book's main claims: (1) that Euro-American (i.e., Western) knowledge has, over the past two centuries, lost its sustainability; and (2) that the present instability of knowledge has been bequeathed to us by a continuous modern tradition that we ought to “unlearn and relearn.” Drawing from Foucault, Derrida, Baudrillard, and others, Fann's Quest After Modernity weaves these thinkers’ ideas around a few central themes, including the modern speaking subject, modern phonetic language, ontology as white mythology, and various “post”-modern reversals.
Network Types for End-Of-Life Care and Home Deaths Among Older Adults in Europe During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cohen Liora , Shiovitz-Ezra Sharon , Cohen Avi , Erlich Bracha
Published: January 2025

The study identified care network types comprising informal and formal care providers during the end-of-life period, and examined their relationship with home deaths. End-of-life interviews were conducted with proxies during the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The sample included 486 participants who passed away during the pandemic and received care during their final year. Latent Class Analysis identified three care network types: “mixed-care”, mostly consisting of adult children in an informal network; “spouse”, dominated by spouses with adult children and formal caregivers; and “professional”, mainly with formal caregivers and some informal support. Patients with mixed-care were more likely to die at home compared to those with professional networks. Informal care, particularly from adult children, played a crucial role in end-of-life care. Policymakers should support adult children in end-of-life care and promote effective models that integrate formal care services.
Relationships Among Caregiver Burden, Psychological Flexibility Processes, and Depressive Symptoms in Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: Path Analyses
Authors: Han Areum , Hong Ickpyo , Yuen Hon K. , Hawkins Jessica , Lee Ho Kyung , Montoro-Rodriguez Julian , Lim Yoonjeong , Lee Hee Yun , Delzell Emily S.
Published: January 2025

This study examined relationships among caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, and key processes related to psychological flexibility (experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, values-driven actions, and mindfulness) in 157 family caregivers of individuals with dementia in the United States. Path analyses were used. Participants’ mean age was 59.5 years, ranging between 24 and 87 years. The model fit indices indicated excellent fit to the data. Caregiver burden had a direct effect on depressive symptoms (51.6 % of the total effect), while indirect effects accounted for 48.4%. The largest indirect effect was through values-driven action (14.6% of the total effect), followed by the paths through cognitive fusion → experiential avoidance (13.5%) and through mindfulness → cognitive fusion → experiential avoidance (8.7%). Targeting these key processes related to psychological flexibility with interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy may help reduce the negative impact of caregiver burden on depressive symptoms in these caregivers.
Determinants of Learning in Adulthood—Testing of the Cultural Reproduction Theory
Authors: Pieńkosz Julita , Petelewicz Marta , Piotrowska Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

The paper examines the influence of cultural capital from one's family of origin on adult participation in education. International research confirms that factors such as education level, professional status, age, and attitudes significantly explain variations in adult learning. To explore inequalities in adult education participation further, the study adopts Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework of cultural reproduction. The main hypothesis is that the cultural capital of one's family of origin indirectly affects adult learning through an individual's institutionalized capital (educational level) and embodied capital (attitude toward learning). These hypotheses were tested and validated using a structural equation model (SEM) applied to data from a nationwide random sample of the adult population in Poland. The influence of cultural capital from one's family of origin persists throughout an individual's lifetime, impacting both educational attainment and adult learning.
Institutions of Care: A Qualitative Study with Ancestral Black Nova Scotian Nurses in Healthcare
Authors: Jefferies Keisha , Martin-Misener Ruth , Murphy Gail Tomblin , Gahagan Jacqueline , Bernard Wanda Thomas
Published: January 2025

Background

Ancestral Black Nova Scotian (ABNS) nurses are a culturally distinct group yet, little is known about their experiences. Available literature suggests that ABNS nurses are underrepresented in nursing and that they encounter discrimination throughout the health system. Understanding the experiences of ABNS nurses facilitates addressing antiBlack racism in nursing and healthcare.

Purpose

This study sought to critically examine the leadership experiences of ABNS nurses in healthcare.

Methods

This qualitative study was guided by Black feminist theory and involved one-on-one semi-structured telephone interviews with eighteen ABNS nurses. Critical Discourse Analysis was applied in the reading of interview transcripts to examine words used by participants in relation to nursing and healthcare. The findings are presented in two conceptual themes.

Results

Black Tax in Nursing captures the added physical, mental, and spiritual strain experienced by ABNS nurses navigating nursing and healthcare. Black Tax encompassed everyday microaggressions and systemic processes, including intra-profession tensions. Integrating into nursing was made increasingly difficult by a reinforcing network of gatekeepers, policies, and structural design. Nova Scotia Healthcare as an Archaic Institution depicts an antiquated “broken” paternalistic system that did not empower patients nor promote health. Additionally, nursing education was accused of reinforcing negative stereotypes, competency gaps, and mistrust with patients.

Conclusions

Institution of Care show how ABNS nurses challenge institutional standards and norms in their approach to nursing. ABNS nurses navigate nursing and the health system by maintaining a community-oriented approach to health. Addressing anti-Black racism in nursing and healthcare requires attention to multi-level processes within institutions.
Key Themes and Conceptual Frameworks for a Smart-Inclusive City: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lee Saerom , Park In Kwon
Published: January 2025

Despite the growing significance of smartness and inclusivity in urban development, the concept of a city that integrates both remains unclear. This study explores existing literature, clarifies underlying themes and proposes a conceptual framework for a smart-inclusive city. The scoping review identifies four key themes where the concepts intersect across social, political, spatial, and environmental domains. The framework positions inclusivity as the city's goal and smartness as the means, highlighting their complementarity, and suggests strategies based on two principles of citizen-centered processes and equitable benefit-sharing outcomes. This enhances our understanding and preparedness for achieving both agendas in a balanced manner.
Research on meshing method for industrial CT volume data based on iterative smooth signed distance surface reconstruction
Authors: Jiang ShiBo , Xu Shuo , Sun YueWen , Wu ZhiFang
Published: January 2025

Industrial Computed Tomography (CT) technology is increasingly applied in fields such as additive manufacturing and non-destructive testing, providing rich three-dimensional information for various fields, which is crucial for internal structure detection, defect detection, and product development. In subsequent processes such as analysis, simulation, and editing, three-dimensional volume data models often need to be converted into mesh models, making effective meshing of volume data essential for expanding the application scenarios and scope of industrial CT. However, the existing Marching Cubes algorithm has issues with low efficiency and poor mesh quality during the volume data meshing process. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an innovative method for industrial CT volume data meshing based on the Iterative Smooth Signed Surface Distance (iSSD) algorithm. This method first refines the segmented voxel model, accurately extracts boundary voxels, and constructs a high-quality point cloud model. By randomly initializing the normals of the point cloud and iteratively updating the point cloud normals, the mesh is reconstructed using the SSD algorithm after each iteration update, ultimately achieving high-quality, watertight, and smooth mesh model reconstruction, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the reconstructed mesh. Qualitative and quantitative analyses with other methods have further highlighted the excellent performance of the method proposed in this paper. This study not only improves the efficiency and quality of volume data meshing but also provides a solid foundation for subsequent three-dimensional analysis, simulation, and editing, and has important industrial application prospects and academic value.
Peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation: Your questions answered
Authors: Shapiro Joshua , Schiff Jeffrey , Perl Jeffrey
Published: January 2025

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and kidney transplantation are important therapeutic options in patients with advanced kidney disease. This article delineates the relationship between PD and kidney transplantation in several key domains, including: (1) Comparative merits and limitations of PD versus center-based hemodialysis prior to kidney transplantation, (2) Patient outcomes after kidney transplantation in individuals receiving PD prior to kidney transplantation, (3) Perioperative management strategies of patients receiving PD at the time of kidney transplantation, and (4) The relative advantages and clinical outcomes of PD use following kidney allograft failure compared to other modalities. This article aims to provide comprehensive guidance for optimizing care across the PD–kidney transplant transitions continuum.
A loss reduction design strategy for a ducted fan under boundary layer ingestion condition based on a lip bump
Authors: Lu Hanan , Wang Lei , Su Guanting , Li Qiushi
Published: January 2025

A distributed fan propulsion system can potentially achieve a 10%-20% fuel burn reduction compared with traditional podded engines. However, the ducted fan is continuously working under inflow distortion conditions caused by boundary layer ingestion, thus resulting in an increase of aerodynamic loss and decreasing the aircraft overall aerodynamic benefit achievement. To control the loss in the boundary layer ingestion ducted fan, a loss reduction design strategy based on the lip-installed bump is developed. The computational results show that the lip-installed bump can effectively suppress the intensity of the distorted inflow with a 9.7% reduction at the rotor inlet. The reason is that a high-pressure area will be presented on the mount of bump and a low-pressure on both sides of the bump compression surface which pushes the low-momentum flow in the boundary layer away from lip. In this way, the bump energizes the low-momentum flow on the downer wall of the lip and reduces the local boundary layer momentum loss thickness. In the meanwhile, as the distortion intensity is decreased near the downer wall at rotor inlet, the local blade load is also reduced, especially near the blade tip. Further, the decrease of the blade load near the tip leads to a reduction of the normal pressure difference between the pressure and suction surfaces which can eliminate the interaction of the main flow and the tip leakage flow, resulting in a 6% decrease of flow loss in the rotor blade tip region. In comparison to the baseline ducted fan, the fan with a lip-installed bump has achieved a 1.3% enhancement of adiabatic efficiency at the re-design point under inflow distortion condition, without a sacrifice of total pressure ratio.
Seeking safety, finding fear: Corpus-assisted discourse analysis of electoral immigration detention discourse in three countries
Authors: Mussell Linda , Troath Sian
Published: January 2025

Together, with the rise in populist politics and growing polarisation, immigration detention is a salient topic mobilised during elections to generate political support and votes in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), Australia and the United Kingdom (UK). The language used about immigration detention, refugees and asylum seekers has impacts on policy and on lives, including exclusion, criminalisation, detainment, detention and expulsion. Existing scholarship lacks research on the role election periods play in facilitating the transfer of immigration detention discourses and policy across the case countries. We ask: is there evidence that immigration detention discourses transferred between NZ, Australia and the UK during recent elections (2013–2024)? And if so, in what possible ways are these discourses reflected in subsequent policy decision-making? With focus on the examples of ‘stop the boats’ and ‘mass arrivals’ discourses, we argue there is evidence that Australia’s immigration detention rhetoric has developed roots in NZ and UK discourses and policy, echoing similar narratives of deservingness and legality, security and humanitarianism.
Development of soft eutectic phase change material modified with expanded graphite for thermal energy storage and human comfort applications
Authors: Gupta Neeraj , Kumar Vivek , Gaddam Rohit Ranganathan , Verma Abhishek , Kumar Jayesh , Kumar Rohitash , Kumar Nitesh , Bhatnagar P. K. , Jain V. K.
Published: January 2025

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have gained huge importance for thermal energy storage systems, but their applicability is restricted due to their low thermal conductivity and hardness. The aim of this research work is to solve the problem by developing a novel organic binary eutectic PCM employing paraffin wax and coconut oil in the eutectic mixture (ratio 1:1) to soften the PCM for thermal comfort applications. 3D expanded graphite (EG) was used as a filler to enhance the thermophysical properties of eutectic-EG PCM composite formed by melt-mixing technique. The percolation limit of EG was 0.5 wt-% to form the thermal network in PCM matrix. The thermal conductivity of eutectic-EG PCM composite enhanced significantly from 0.2 W m−1 K−1 to 0.55 W m−1 K−1 at 2 wt-% of EG in pristine PCM. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was carried out to analyse the energy storage enthalpies and temperatures of composites. The 50 consecutive thermal heating and cooling cycles performed by conventional heating system showed the good thermal reliability of the composite. The numerical 2D simulation was conducted to reveal the heat propagation behaviour in the developed composite with the post-EG addition and to validate the enhanced thermal conductivity results obtained experimentally. The cost analysis results reveals that the cost per mean power of the composite is composite is approximately 100% lower than the pristine PCM. The developed composite's outstanding energy storage property indicates its potential for developing the soft heating pads/cartridges for human comfort and also the solar thermal energy storage applications for medium temperature ranges.
8000 Years of morphometric evolution of sheep, goat and pig in the northwestern Mediterranean basin
Authors: Jeanjean Marine , Mureau Cyprien , Valenzuela-Lamas Silvia , Nieto Espinet Ariadna , Jiménez Manchón Sergio , Colominas Lídia , Gardeisen Armelle , Renaud Audrey , Saña Segui Maria , Gourichon Lionel , Bonhomme Vincent , Ros Jérome , Bouby Laurent , Evin Allowen
Published: January 2025

Understanding how domestic mammal species evolved through time provides insight into the artificial and natural selection processes that have shaped the diversity of domestic animals. The focus of this article is the morphometric evolution of sheep, goats and suids in the Northwestern Mediterranean Basin over the last 8000 years, employing a 2D geometric morphometrics protocol applied to the third lower molars. Using a comprehensive dataset comprising 2798 archaeological specimens from 176 sites in Southern France and Spanish Catalonia, along with 1303 modern specimens, we aim to identify and contrast the environmental and anthropic factors influencing species evolution linked to past husbandry practices. Each of these three taxa follows its own evolutionary trajectory, exhibiting variations over time and across different regions. Notably, reduction in the centroid size of sheep molars between the Neolithic and the early Iron Age could potentially be associated with an increased demand for meat and/or shifts in male-to-female ratios. A clear geographical structuring of caprines between the Neolithic and Antiquity is observed, likely influenced by a combination of factors including artificial selection, environmental changes and socio-economic dynamics, as corroborated by previous studies. Moreover, a reduction in molar size during the Middle Ages is observed across all three species, possibly linked to extensive agropastoral practices. Furthermore, divergent processes of breed improvement and standardization are identified in pigs and caprines. This study highlights the complex nature of morphological variations in domestic species, emphasising the multifactorial influences involved. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the factors contributing to morphological transformations over time.
Women and the Polish-Lithuanian Army: Between Legal Norms and Everyday Life
Authors: Łopatecki Karol , Poniat Radosław
Published: January 2025

The article describes the presence of women in the armies of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These armed forces differed from the European military as there was a small proportion of women accompanying the soldiers. The differences did not disappear until the following century. The duties normally performed by women were fulfilled by ‘camp servants’, and military law strongly fought against any form of female presence, with the exception of soldiers’ wives and tradeswomen.
Revisiting the Fall of Aq Masjid: Khoqand Instability and the Russian Conquest
Authors: Tokbolat Seiilkhan , Dzhursunbaev Bakytzhan
Published: January 2025

The 1853 capture of Aq Masjid was a decisive moment in Russia's Central Asian expansion, acting as a springboard for further advances. Traditionally seen as a response to Khoqandi raids on Qazaqs under Russian protection, this article challenges that view and emphasises the impact of internal instability within the Khoqand Khanate. Russia strategically exploited civil strife and political fragmentation that had weakened Khoqand's leadership. Archival materials, including Qazaq intelligence documents, Russian military correspondence, and Khoqandi chronicles, reveal that the campaign was less a reaction to raids and more a calculated move to capitalise on Khoqand's internal divisions.
30 Years of Nursing Ethics: Reflections on progress in the field
Authors: Gallagher Ann
Published: January 2025

Background

The field of formal nursing ethics is not new, with literature primarily from North America, dating back to the 1880s. The establishment of the international journal Nursing Ethics in 1994 served to stimulate, curate and disseminate research and scholarship in this evolving field. Three decades on, it is timely to review progress and to make recommendations for the future focus of the field.

Purpose

This article reviews 182 issues of Nursing Ethics over 30 years, focusing on: regions of origin of published articles; methodologies; and topic themes.

Research design

The process involved documentary analysis, by hand, summarising: (1) regions of origin; (2) most common methodologies - qualitative; quantitative; mixed methods; argument-based; and reviews; and (3) themes relating to topic areas.

Ethical considerations

The manuscript was reviewed by members of the Nursing Ethics Editorial Board and revised in accord with reviewers’ feedback. The research did not involve human participants nor require consent from individuals.

Findings

There has been an escalation of scholarship in nursing ethics with significant shifts over 3 decades, as evidenced in the journal Nursing Ethics. This paper focuses on trends relating to: (1) Regions of origin of published papers – initially manuscripts were primarily from Europe and North America and there is now more geographical diversity; (2) Methodologies – there is strong evidence of the ‘empirical turn’ from an initial focus on philosophical perspectives to empirical research, particularly quantitative research; and (3) Topic areas – whilst there is rich diversity, there has been increasing focus on areas such as moral distress, ethical climate and ethics education.

Conclusion

This review is intended to stimulate reflection on progress made and approaches to future directions. This includes more critical focus on: the meaning and purpose of nursing ethics; impact on practice, education and research; and potential to respond to care challenges.
The Role of Public Expenditure and Employment Opportunity to Stimulate the Development of an Economy: Reference from PMG-ARDL Model
Authors: Agarwalla Megha , Sahu Tarak Nath
Published: January 2025

The study investigates the influence of public expenditure and employment opportunity in the presence of two control variables [namely foreign direct investment (FDI) and industrialization] in the economy of 23 developed and 38 developing countries across the world during the period 2000–2021. Pooled data of 61 countries is also taken into consideration. The study employs the panel autoregressive distributed lag model for the empirical results. The long-run estimation result implies that government spending adversely influences the economic expansion of entire and developing countries, but the impact is insignificant for the developed countries. This outcome does not validate the view of Wagner and Keynes on the importance of public spending for economic progress. The variable employment opportunity flourishes the economic expansion in the long run for all three types of data sets. Apart from these exogenous variables, impact of foreign investment and industrialization is positive in the long term. Panel causality test documents bidirectional causal relationship of economic development with the government expenditure (GE) and employment opportunity in all types of sample sets. Therefore, effective and liberal policies concerning industrialization and foreign investment are necessary, which will also create employment opportunities and assist in attaining the targets of sustainable development goals.
Thyme and Basil Essential Oils Attenuate Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats
Authors: Qahl Safa H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Excessive levels of oxidative radicals injure organs by directly reacting with macromolecules [proteins, lipids, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)]. Anti-oxidant supplements with compounds rich in anti-oxidants, such as essential oils, combat oxidative radicals.

Purpose

This investigation aimed to assess the theory that supplementation with thyme essential oil (TEO) and basil essential oil (BEO) lessen the harmful consequences of hepatic oxidative stress that occur when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is added to drinking water.

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC) received a basal diet; positive control (PC) was intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 3% H2O2; and TEO or BEO groups were PC groups received 200 mg/kg of TEO or BEO for 30 days.

Results

BEO demonstrated a higher capacity for radical scavenging than TEO in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 assays. Treatment with BEO and TEO significantly improved various liver functions, including total protein, total bilirubin, albumin, and liver enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] with BEO preferred over TEO. TEO and BEO administration significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation by lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) values and enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, and maintaining normal levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitrite production in H2O2-treated rats. TEO and BEO also repaired the deformed liver structure to the normal.

Conclusion

These results provide critical insight into how thyme and basil essential oils might protect the liver from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for an Adolescent Victim of Sexual Abuse: A Case Report
Authors: Augustus Prathibha , Pandey Smita
Published: January 2025

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an efficacious treatment for trauma-related symptoms in children and adolescents. It is found to be effective for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, sexually inappropriate behavior, externalizing symptoms, dissociative symptoms, fear, and anxiety in sexually abused children. Here, we present a case report that describes the psychotherapeutic management of a 13-year-old girl who was sexually abused and subsequently developed symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. TF-CBT was employed for the management of trauma-related symptoms. The post-therapy assessment showed a reduction in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, indicating the utility of TF-CBT in treating trauma-related symptoms in children.
‘Niche Diplomacy’ by Middle Powers in the Middle East: Cases of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye and Egypt
Authors: Priya Lakshmi , Quamar Md. Muddassir
Published: January 2025

At a time when international politics has become multipolar, middle powers are adopting strategic autonomy on matters of global importance, and the world is witnessing multifaceted challenges due to military conflicts and geopolitical tensions, it is important to understand the ways in which Middle Eastern powers are exerting influence in regional and international arenas. With growing geostrategic tensions, among big powers, the role of middle powers, especially in a strategically important Middle East, becomes significant. This article takes the cases of four Middle Eastern middle powers, namely Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye and Egypt, and analyses their international relations through the lens of ‘niche diplomacy’ and argues that these powers have developed niche diplomacy tools to seek influence and status at the regional and international arena. The article offers a novel framework to analyse the diplomatic manoeuvres of the Middle Eastern middle powers that help in deciphering the increasingly complex diplomatic and strategic developments in the region.
Development of a SYBR Green–based RT-qPCR assay for the rapid detection of peste-des-petits-ruminants virus
Authors: Arun Paravalappil Muraleedharan , Rajasekhar Ravindran , Ravishankar Chintu , Palekkodan Hamza , Kanjirakkuzhiyil Sumod , Somasekhar Shashank
Published: January 2025

Peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR) is primarily a disease of small ruminants caused by peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV; Paramyxoviridae, Morbillivirus caprinae), formerly the small ruminant morbillivirus. PPRV can cause significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants and a significant economic impact. Conventional reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and probe-based and SYBR Green–based RT quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), are employed for the molecular detection of PPRV. Here we describe a SYBR Green–based RT-qPCR for rapid and sensitive detection of PPRV. We designed the specific primers from the conserved region of the fusion gene ( F) of PPRV. The standard curve of the established RT-qPCR assay had a good linear relationship. The developed assay was also 3 log units more sensitive than the conventional RT-PCR, with a detection limit of 13.6 copies and an efficiency of 98.2%. There was no cross-reactivity with other caprine respiratory viruses, namely bluetongue virus, goatpox virus, and orf virus. The positive detection rate of clinical samples was 11 of 64 (17.2%) versus 10 of 64 (15.6%) by conventional RT-PCR. We confirmed our results by sequencing the full F and N genes of the isolates. Our SYBR Green RT-qPCR can be used as a fast, economical, and sensitive alternative to RT-PCR for the detection of PPRV.
Meningioma in the fourth ventricle in 2 cats
Authors: Santos Igor R. , Paz Milena C. , Bandinelli Marcele B. , Fett Rochana R. , Rissi Daniel R. , Sousa Renato S. , Swist Shannon , Pavarini Saulo P.
Published: January 2025

Feline meningiomas typically arise on the surface of the brain but can occur in the third ventricle. Meningiomas in the fourth ventricle have not been reported in cats, to our knowledge. Here, we describe the clinical and pathologic findings of meningioma in the fourth ventricle in 2 cats. Both affected patients (1 castrated male, 1 spayed female) were 15-y-old. Case 2 had neurologic signs, including absent menace response, head tilt, and ataxia. Grossly, both tumors were well-demarcated and firm, expanded the fourth ventricle, and compressed the adjacent neuroparenchyma. Cytology of the ventricular mass in case 1 revealed a spindle-cell neoplasm. Based on histology, the neoplasms were classified as WHO grade 1 fibrous meningioma (case 1) and transitional meningioma (case 2). Immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse, robust cytoplasmic E-cadherin and vimentin immunolabeling in both cases and multifocal, weak cytoplasmic pan-cytokeratin AE1/AE3 immunolabeling in case 2. Our findings indicate that meningiomas should be included as a differential diagnosis for tumors of the fourth ventricle in cats.
Mandibular ossifying fibroma in 2 cattle in Brazil
Authors: Cavasani João P. da S. , dos Santos Ícaro G. , Garcia Daniela M. , Olaya Camilo E. B. , de Queiroz Adriele A. , Néspoli Pedro E. B. , Souza Marcos de A. , Colodel Edson M.
Published: January 2025

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a slow-growing, expansive, and benign fibro-osseous neoplasm that is rare in cattle. It mainly affects the craniofacial bones, especially the mandible. Here, we report 2 cases of mandibular OF in Nelore and mixed-breed steers with enlarged masses in the rostral portion of the mandible. Radiographic analysis of case 1 revealed an oval, lobed mass with the radiopacity of bone tissue that displaced the incisors laterodorsally. Histologically, both masses were composed of a proliferation of spindloid-to-stellate cells, supported by a dense fibrovascular stroma, with bony trabeculae surrounded by stroma and covered by a single layer of osteoblasts. Cellular pleomorphism was low, anisocytosis and anisokaryosis were negligible, and mitotic figures were not observed. The clinical, radiologic, gross, and histologic changes are compatible with OF. The primary differential diagnoses of OF are fibrous dysplasia and osteoma; their differentiation can be difficult. Fibroma, low-grade osteosarcoma, and multilobular sarcoma of bone are also differential diagnoses, with striking features that facilitate their exclusion.
Aspergillosis in 41 wild bird species in the eastern United States: a 22-year retrospective review
Authors: Stilz C. Robert , Kunkel Melanie R. , Keel M. Kevin , Fenton Heather , Weyna Alisia A. W. , Niedringhaus Kevin D. , Andreasen Victoria A. , McKinney Amy S. , Maboni Grazieli , Nemeth Nicole M.
Published: January 2025

Aspergillosis is the most commonly and widely reported fungal infection in birds. Disease development is often secondary to stressors that cause immunocompromise, and it is typically regarded as a disease of captivity. We retrospectively evaluated data from 133 birds diagnosed with aspergillosis at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study from 2001–2023 to assess diversity and relative frequency across avian taxa, gross and histologic lesion patterns, and comorbidities. Of 10 taxonomic orders represented, Charadriiformes (shorebirds; n = 35) and Accipitriformes (raptors; n = 32) were most common. Among them, the laughing gull ( Leucophaeus atricilla; n = 20) and bald eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus; n = 14) were infected most commonly. Gross lesions were most frequent in lung ( n = 80), air sac ( n = 71), or celomic cavity lining ( n = 42). Four distinct gross lesion patterns were identified: 1) tan caseous plaques ( n = 106), 2) hollow masses lined with mold ( n = 26), 3) red pulmonary nodules ( n = 15), and 4) necrotic brown plaques ( n = 3). Histologically, fungal hyphae were most common in lung ( n = 107) and air sac ( n = 49). Comorbidities were diagnosed in 67 birds with a spectrum of viral ( n = 19), bacterial ( n = 11), parasitic ( n = 6), other fungal ( n = 4), and non-infectious ( n = 50) causes. Six birds each were diagnosed with highly pathogenic avian influenza or salmonellosis. Twenty-two birds were emaciated. Free-ranging birds are susceptible to myriad stressors that can predispose them to the development of aspergillosis.
The relationship among heart health attitudes, socioeconomic factors, and HbA1c levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gurbuz Funda , Geckil Emine , Gurbuz Ahmet Seyfeddin , Eklioglu Beray Selver
Published: January 2025

Background

Type 1 Diabetes is important chronic health problem that incidence increasing between the ages of 4–6 and 10–15, has multi-dimensional etiological factors. Cardiovascular diseases may develop due to diabetes and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetes cause deterioration of vascular structure, and sudden onset of heart disease through various pathophysiological mechanisms. Controlling factors, especially diabetes management, is very important in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between heart health attitudes, socioeconomic factors, and HbA1c levels in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.

Methods

The study included 10–15-year-old adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes treated in pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic provided they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Adolescents’ heart health attitudes were evaluated with the cardiovascular health promotion attitude scale for children. HbA1c levels and socioeconomic characteristics of the adolescents were recorded.

Results

The independent predictors of the group with favorable heart health attitudes were exercise duration, meal frequency, low economic status, and HbA1c levels. HbA1c levels were positively associated with nutrition, exercise, sedentary life, and smoking subscale scores as well as total scale scores. However, it was not associated with the scores of self-love and stress subscales. Low self-love and stress subscale scores were independent predictors of low economic status and explain why low economic status is a predictor of favorable heart health attitudes.

Conclusions

The cardiovascular health promotion attitude scale scores are associated with HbA1c levels, which is a predictor of increased cardiovascular diseases. This predictive ability of the scale makes its use meaningful.