bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19-Mediated Olfactory Loss on Quality of Life
Authors: Otte Martin Sylvester , Haehner Antje , Bork Marie-Luise , Klussmann Jens Peter , Luers Jan Christoffer , Hummel Thomas
Published: April 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 can be associated with a variety of longer-lasting impairments that can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). While this is well described in the literature for limitations in lung capacity or permanent headaches, there is little research on the impact of olfactory dysfunction in the context of COVID-19 on patients’ QoL. Methods: In 65 patients with a history of COVID-19, the present olfactory ability was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. In addition, olfactory QoL was assessed by the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders. Self-assessment was performed with visual analogue scales. The data were compared with the results obtained in healthy individuals and in patients with hyposmia due to other viral infections. Results: The QoL of COVID-19 patients was significantly lower compared to the healthy control group. Even recovered subjects whose olfaction had already returned to the normal range still had a reduced QoL. The severity of the olfactory impairment correlated with the reduction in QoL. However, the olfactory QoL of COVID-19 patients was not worse than that of patients’ olfactory loss due to other viral infections. Patients with parosmia had reduced QoL and rated their situation worse than patients without parosmia. Conclusion: QoL appears to be impaired in patients with long-lasting COVID-19 olfactory disorders several months after overcoming acute symptoms, even if olfaction has normalized. However, the impairment is not more pronounced than in patients with other postviral olfactory disorders of the same duration.
Th17 Cells Participate in Thy1.1 Glomerulonephritis Which Is Ameliorated by Tacrolimus
Authors: Watanabe Syuhei , Zhang Ying , Fukusumi Yoshiyasu , Yasuda Hidenori , Takada Akira , Kazama Junichiro J. , Kawachi Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Thy1.1 glomerulonephritis (Thy1.1 GN) in rats is widely used as an experimental model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN). We previously reported that T-helper (Th) cells were accumulated in glomeruli from the early phase of this model and that not Th2 cells but Th1 cells play an important role in the development of glomerular alterations. Although Th17 is reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, the role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of mesangial alterations in Thy1.1 GN remains unclear. Methods: The kinetics of the infiltration of subsets of Th cells and the expression of IL-17 in Thy1.1 GN were analyzed. Next, the localization and the cell types of IL-17 receptor (IL-17R)-positive cells and IL-6-positive cells were analyzed. Then, the effect of tacrolimus on the expressions of Th17-related cytokines in Thy1.1 GN was analyzed. Results: Not only Th1 cells but also Th17 cells were recruited into glomeruli from the early phase of the disease. mRNA expression of IL-17 in glomeruli was elevated. The increased positive expression of IL-17R was detected in the mesangial area, and some of IL-17R-positive cells were co-stained with IL-6. Tacrolimus treatment ameliorated mesangial alterations by suppressing the expressions of Th17-related cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-6. Conclusion: Th17 cells participate in the development of Thy1.1 GN, a mimic of mesangial proliferative GN, and Th17 cells and their related cytokines are pertinent therapeutic targets.
Serum Transferrin Level Is Associated with the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Independently of Obesity: A Propensity Score-Match Observational Study
Authors: Ming Xiaoping , Li Zhen , Yang Xiuping , Cai Weisong , Wang Gaoya , Yang Minlan , Pan Dingyu , Yuan Yufeng , Chen Xiong
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Dysregulation of iron metabolism is closely associated with the development of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but little is known about the relationship between serum transferrin (TF) level and OSA severity. We aimed to verify this relationship and fit into account for obesity-related confounders among bariatric candidates. Methods: We compared data retrospectively collected in 270 bariatric candidates. A propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was used to determine the impact of iron metabolism on OSA severity independently of obesity. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between serum TF level and the severity of OSA reflected by hypoxia and night awakenings parameters. Serum TF level to predict the severity of OSA was assessed by using univariate and multiple logistic regression model. Results: The preliminary analysis showed that serum ferritin (113 ng/mL [50–203] vs. 79 ng/mL [40–130], p = 0.009) and TF (2.72 g/L [2.46–3.09] vs. 2.65 g/L [2.34–2.93], p = 0.039) level was significantly higher in the moderate/severe OSA group than the no/mild OSA group. After PSM analysis, there were 75 patients in each group and only serum TF level remained significant (p = 0.014). The proportion of patients with combined T2D and hyperlipidemia also remained higher in moderate/severe OSA groups. Univariate analysis showed that the group with higher degree of hypoxia had higher serum TF levels no matter the severity of OSA was grouped by oxygen desaturation index (ODI; 2.79 g/L [2.56–3.06] vs. 2.55 g/L [2.22–2.84], p < 0.001) or minimum oxygen saturation (SpO2nadir; 2.75 g/L [2.50–3.03] vs. 2.56 g/L [2.24–2.92], p = 0.009). Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis further showed that serum TF level emerged as a significant and independent factor associated with OSA severity especially grouped by ODI (odds ratio: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.36–6.23, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The existence of OSA exacerbates obesity comorbidities, particularly type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Serum TF level is associated with the severity of OSA independently of obesity and might be a potential identification and therapeutic targets.
The Implementation of Government Regulation Number 23 of 2018 (PP 23) to The Tax of MSMEs
Authors: Putri Sofie Yunida , Wilasittha Acynthia Ayu
Published: April 2022

PP No. 23 of 2018 is one of the tax reforms carried out by the Government for MSME actors as a form of development of PP No. 46 of 2013. Through this research, it is hoped that it will be known how the effect of the application of PP No. 23 of 2018 on the amount of tax that must be paid by the perpetrators. SMEs. In addition, this study also aims to find out whether the implementation of PP No. 23 of 2018 can provide advantages or disadvantages for MSMEs. This type of research is a qualitative research with a comparative descriptive analysis approach where the researcher conducts comparisons and comparative analysis related to the simulation of tax calculations when MSMEs apply PP No. 23 of 2018.
A Independência e o banco, Brasil 1821-1829
Authors: Gambi Thiago Fontelas Rosado
Published: April 2022

Em 1822, em sentido estrito, havia somente um banco no país, o Banco do Brasil. O primeiro objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar, por meio de relatórios do Ministério da Fazenda, sua atuação como fornecedor de crédito ao governo desde a Independência até sua extinção em 1829. Num segundo momento, analisou--se o que disse a imprensa da corte sobre os negócios bancários no contexto da emancipação política. A pesquisa mostrou que, na altura da Independência, embora os bancos não tenham sido protagonistas da expansão do mercado de crédito no país, o Banco do Brasil cumpriu uma importante função no financiamento do gasto público e na consolidação da Independência. Desse modo, o artigo procurou contribuir para esclarecer o papel do banco no financiamento dos gastos públicos depois da Independência e captar, pela imprensa, o efeito de seus desdobramentos políticos sobre a confiança na instituição.
A escravidão brasileira à época da Independência
Authors: Motta José Flávio
Published: April 2022

Fornecemos, de início, estimativas do “estoque” e do “fluxo” de pessoas escravizadas no Brasil na primeira metade do século XIX, enfatizando a intensificação da entrada de cativos. Em seguida, analisamos os impactos desses números nas características da escravidão brasileira à época da Independência, privilegiando dois temas. O primeiro, o padrão da distribuição da posse de cativos, permite-nos perceber o alargamento da disseminação daquela posse. Quanto ao segundo, as famílias escravas, evidenciamos a concomitância de sua vulnerabilidade e resiliência no enfrentamento dos rigores do cativeiro. Por fim, discutimos a eventual participação direta das pessoas escravizadas no processo de emancipação política, apresentando as características do Partido Negro. Nas considerações finais, destacamos aspectos da trajetória da escravidão até sua abolição, apontando as cicatrizes profundas por ela deixadas, ainda nitidamente visíveis em nossos dias.
Urinary Proteomic Profile of Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Wei Dongmei , Melgarejo Jesus D. , Thijs Lutgarde , Temmerman Xander , Vanassche Thomas , Van Aelst Lucas , Janssens Stefan , Staessen Jan A. , Verhamme Peter , Zhang Zhen‐Yu
Published: April 2022

Background

The underlying mechanisms of arterial stiffness remain not fully understood. This study aimed to identify a urinary proteomic profile to illuminate its pathogenesis and to determine the prognostic value of the profile for adverse outcomes.

Methods and Results

We measured aortic stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and analyzed urinary proteome using capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry in 669 randomly recruited Flemish patients (mean age, 50.2 years; 51.1% women). We developed a PWV‐derived urinary proteomic score (PWV‐UP) by modeling PWV with proteomics data at baseline through orthogonal projections to latent structures. PWV‐UP that consisted of 2336 peptides explained the 65% variance of PWV, higher than 36% explained by clinical risk factors. PWV‐UP was significantly associated with PWV (adjusted β=0.73 [95% CI, 0.67–0.79];
P
<0.0001). Over 9.2 years (median), 36 participants died, and 75 experienced cardiovascular events. The adjusted hazard ratios (+1 SD) were 1.46 (95% CI, 1.08–1.97) for all‐cause mortality, 2.04 (95% CI, 1.07–3.87) for cardiovascular mortality, and 1.39 (95% CI, 1.11–1.74) for cardiovascular events (
P
≤0.031). For PWV, the corresponding estimates were 1.25 (95% CI, 0.97–1.60), 1.35 (95% CI, 0.85–2.15), and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.02–1.47), respectively (
P
≥0.033). Pathway analysis revealed that the peptides in PWV‐UP mostly involved multiple pathways, including collagen turnover, cell adhesion, inflammation, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

PWV‐UP was highly associated with PWV and could be used as a biomarker of arterial stiffness. PWV‐UP, but not PWV, was associated with all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, implying that PWV‐UP–associated peptides may be multifaceted and involved in diverse pathological processes beyond arterial stiffness.
Yucca muscipula (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae), a new species from central Mexico
Authors: AYALA-HERNÁNDEZ MARÍA M. , RÍOS-GÓMEZ RAMIRO , SOLANO ELOY , GARCÍA-MENDOZA ABISAÍ
Published: April 2022

Yucca muscipula is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to the Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve, Hidalgo, Mexico. This species is morphologically related to Y. mixtecana but is shorter, has a stem that lacks branching, and has glaucous leaves that are linear, with papillae on both surfaces and an entire margin, separating into recurved filaments. When dry, the leaves of Y. muscipula persist in the distal portion of the stem after the first flowering. It can grow sympatrically with Y. filifera, that also has a pendulous inflorescence and papillose filaments across entire surface, but from which it differs in several traits including glabrous branches, and larger flowers and fruits.
Notes on the specific identity of Synotis damiaoshanica (Compositae, Senecioneae), with clarification of the confusing identities of S. guizhouensis and S. sinica
Authors: FAN YU , WANG LONG YUAN , ZHANG RUI , TANG MING
Published: April 2022

Careful examination of herbarium specimens and observation of living plants demonstrated that Synotis damiaoshanica is conspecific with S. guizhouensis and should be merged. Morphological differences of S. guizhouensis and its two most close allies, i.e. S. austroyunnanensis and S. sinica are discussed. Color plates of S. guizhouensis, S. damiaoshanica and S. austroyunnanensis are illustrated, a distribution map and a key to the three species are provided.
Marrubium asumaniae, a new name proposed for a Marrubium species (Lamiaceae) in the flora Turkey
Authors: DESHMUKH UMAKANT BHOOPATI , REDDY EANGUWAR SRINIVAS , SHENDE MUKUND BAPURAO
Published: April 2022

N/A
A new species of Neoscutops Malloch (Diptera: Periscelididae) reared from an ant nest
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO S. , BARBOSA RODRIGO R. , VIANA TALITA C.
Published: April 2022

A new species of Neoscutops Malloch (Diptera: Periscelididae), Neosctups rungae sp. nov., is described from the Brazilian Amazon based on three specimens (2 males and 1 female) reared from carton nests of the ant Azteca aff. chartifex Forel (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). The new species belongs to the rotundipennis species-group, which is now composed of five valid species. The new species can be readily diagnosed by the following combination of characters: face fully dark brown and surstylus with a basal rounded projection on inner margin.
2. Volumes, Part I
Authors: Tănăsescu Mihnea
Published: April 2022

Politics is always stabilized by an implicit notion of space that gives it power. This chapter attends to the specifically modern notion of space as characterized through an operation of bifurcation. This operation, which separates primary and secondary qualities, is a descriptive simplification of space that requires a literal simplification of countless territories. This is shown through a discussion of the actual life of Descartes, as well as cartography. But actual spaces are resistant to modern bifurcation and simplification. This is argued through a discussion of geological history and critical anthropology.
5. Ecopolitical Ethics, Part I
Authors: Tănăsescu Mihnea
Published: April 2022

The concept of reciprocity is developed as fundamental for political practice in the Ecocene. It is presented, through extensive discussion of Māori philosophy and the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty, as a genealogical practice of exchange that obliges one to pay attention to one’s immediate surroundings. The idea of genealogy and the art of observation are developed in tandem.
Age-Related Differences in Injury Patterns and Outcome From Falls From Tree Stands
Authors: Cash Chad , Caswell Shayne , Gratton Austin , Colosimo Christina , Kubasiak John , Yon James , Mentzer Caleb
Published: April 2022

From 2009 to 2019 there were 77 youth and 1046 adults injured in tree stand–related emergency department visits. There was no statistically significant different in sex or gender. Injury types were similar among groups and were categorized by body part. Despite the above-mentioned insignificant differences between the groups, we did identify several statistically significant findings. Adults that were not Caucasian or African-American were more likely to sustain injuries related to tree stands when compared to their youth counterparts (P-value 0.029). Adult patients were also more likely to sustain trauma to their torso (P-value 0.017). Lastly, adult patients were found to be more likely to require hospitalization in comparison to the youth population (P-value 0.018). Improved education and safety guidelines in the use of tree stands, particularly in individuals in ages 18 and up, would likely lessen the discrepancies between age groups identified in this study.
Comparison of Recent Practice Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Antignani Pier Luigi , Ascher Enrico , Baradaran Hediyeh , Bokkers Reinoud P.H. , Cambria Richard P. , Comerota Anthony J. , Dardik Alan , Davies Alun H. , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Faggioli Gianluca , Fernandes e Fernandes Jose , Fraedrich Gustav , Geroulakos George , Gloviczki Peter , Golledge Jonathan , Gupta Ajay , Jezovnik Mateja K. , Kakkos Stavros K. , Katsiki Niki , Knoflach Michael , Eline Kooi M. , Lanza Gaetano , Lavenson George S. , Liapis Christos D. , Loftus Ian M. , Mansilha Armando , Millon Antoine , Nicolaides Andrew N. , Pini Rodolfo , Poredos Pavel , Proczka Robert M. , Ricco Jean-Baptiste , Riles Thomas S. , Ringleb Peter Arthur , Rundek Tatjana , Saba Luca , Schlachetzki Felix , Silvestrini Mauro , Spinelli Francesco , Stilo Francesco , Sultan Sherif , Suri Jasjit S. , Svetlikov Alexei V. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Chaturvedi Seemant
Published: April 2022

Despite the publication of several national/international guidelines, the optimal management of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (AsxCS) remains controversial. This article compares 3 recently released guidelines (the 2020 German–Austrian, the 2021 European Stroke Organization [ESO], and the 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery [SVS] guidelines) vs the 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines regarding the optimal management of AsxCS patients.

The 2017 ESVS guidelines defined specific imaging/clinical parameters that may identify patient subgroups at high future stroke risk and recommended that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) should or carotid artery stenting (CAS) may be considered for these individuals. The 2020 German–Austrian guidelines provided similar recommendations with the 2017 ESVS Guidelines. The 2021 ESO Guidelines also recommended CEA for AsxCS patients at high risk for stroke on best medical treatment (BMT), but recommended against routine use of CAS in these patients. Finally, the SVS guidelines provided a strong recommendation for CEA+BMT vs BMT alone for low-surgical risk patients with >70% AsxCS. Thus, the ESVS, German–Austrian, and ESO guidelines concurred that all AsxCS patients should receive risk factor modification and BMT, but CEA should or CAS may also be considered for certain AsxCS patient subgroups at high risk for future ipsilateral ischemic stroke.
Introducing MACEDA: New micro-data on an indigenous self-determination conflict
Authors: Cayul Pedro , Corvalan Alejandro , Jaimovich Dany , Pazzona Matteo
Published: April 2022

This article introduces MACEDA, a micro-level dataset on the self-determination (SD) conflict between the Chilean state and the indigenous Mapuche. Although SD disputes are one of the most common conflicts in the world, and indigenous movements represent about 40% of all SD movements, this is the first micro-dataset focused on an indigenous SD conflict. MACEDA covers the period 1990–2016, including more than 2,600 events collected from local media. As indigenous conflicts are much less violent in terms of casualties, we take a flexible definition of conflict, based on its constituent events, and we discuss the comparability and generalization of our approach. To illustrate the usefulness of these micro-data in the analysis of conflict-related theories, we present a descriptive empirical analysis on the strategies of indigenous resistance, and we discuss how the data can be used in the causal analysis of conflicts.
Emphasizing Transferable Skills in Undergraduate Cognitive Psychology is Associated With Higher Grades
Authors: Miller Leonie M. , Favelle Simone
Published: April 2022

Background

Cognitive psychology is challenging for both teachers and learners due to the abstract and complex nature of mental processes and variation in student motivation.

Objective

To test the effectiveness of an approach that seeks to motivate students to engage and successfully complete a cognitive psychology course by highlighting transferrable skills.

Method

A cognitive psychology course was redesigned to emphasize the transferability of skills. It involved providing students with scaffolded assessments, just-in-time learning, and drawing explicit connections between knowledge, skill development, and real-world applications.

Results

Comparison of student performance before and after course modifications showed a significant increase in learning outcomes, especially for students at the lower end of the performance spectrum.

Conclusion

A program of scaffolded assessment with just-in-time skills reinforcement and explicit discussion of the broader application of those skills is an effective approach to teaching cognitive psychology.

Teaching implications

This program produced a reliable improvement in learning outcomes in a course with a high level of theoretical and abstract content. The improvement was most noticeable in lower achieving students; however, all students benefit from a better developed transferable skill base and an awareness that can be used to articulate skills to potential employers.
Bidirectional language influence in mother–child interaction and its effects on the communicative development of children with cochlear implants: A longitudinal study
Authors: Persici Valentina , Morelli Marika , Lavelli Manuela , Florit Elena , Guerzoni Letizia , Cuda Domenico , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine , Majorano Marinella
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the communicative characteristics of children with cochlear implants (CIs) and their mothers in interaction, whether and how they differ from those of mother–child dyads with normal hearing, and whether mother and child influence each other over the first year after implantation. Eighteen Italian-speaking children with CIs were assessed longitudinally across four time points, from before implantation (ages: 10–33 months) to 1 year after implantation. Two groups of normally-hearing children matched for age or lexical production level were used as comparison groups. The language used by mothers in semi-structured play sessions with their children was analyzed for use of specific techniques aimed at eliciting language in children with CIs (or Facilitating Language Techniques [FLTs]: questions, labeling, comments, parallel talk, reformulations, and directives); children’s language was analyzed for communicative functions (initiatives and adequate responses). Results showed delayed communicative development for children with CIs with respect to both control groups and different use of FLTs such as directives between mothers of children with or without normal hearing. Findings also highlighted an effect of the interlocutor’s communicative behavior for both children and mothers: In the group of children with CIs, children’s initiatives were hindered by a higher use of questions; mothers’ labeling was negatively affected by children’s responsivity. Findings may have important implications for language development support programs, families, and professionals.
Distant Metastasis of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Multiple Subdermal and Intramuscular Cysts: A Case Report
Authors: Yang Chih-Yung
Published: April 2022

The most common sites of distant metastasis (DM) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue are the lung, bone, and liver; the early identification of metastasis to other sites is difficult. This case report discusses a 48-year-old male initially diagnosed with advanced-stage left tongue SCC, which was treated with wide excision, left radical neck dissection, and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Two months after completing adjuvant therapy, multiple painful nodules without local erythematous changes or warmth were found in the bilateral posterior neck and right medial thigh. Ultrasonography of these nodules revealed a cystic structure. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed metastatic SCC. The disease progressed despite salvage chemotherapy, and the patient passed away 4 months after the formation of the nodules. Subdermal and intramuscular cysts as the initial presentation of DM have rarely been reported. The identification of unusual cysts, even those outside the head and neck, should raise concern.
High‐Dose Celecoxib for Pain After Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Giordano Teresa , Durkin Alexandra , Simi Andrea , Shannon Megan , Dailey Julia , Facey Hannah , Ballester Lance , Wetmore Ralph F. , Germiller John A.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Pediatric tonsillectomy causes significant postoperative pain. Newer nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib control pain without increasing bleeding risk, but in prior studies provided only modest pain reduction at standard doses. We aimed to determine if high‐dose celecoxib (double the usual pediatric dose) is effective for pain, without increasing bleeding or other risks.

Study Design

Randomized double‐blind trial.

Setting

Pediatric tertiary center.

Methods

Children aged 3 to 11 years undergoing total tonsillectomy were randomized to receive celecoxib (6 mg/kg/dose) or placebo, twice daily, for up to 10 days. All cases were supplemented with acetaminophen and oxycodone as needed. All participants and personnel were blinded to treatment group. Subjects recorded coanalgesic consumption, pain, diet, and activity.

Results

The celecoxib group (n = 68) consumed 0.72 mg/kg of oxycodone, as compared with 1.12 mg/kg in the placebo group (n = 62), a 36% difference that was not significant. However, multivariate analysis by treatment group, separate from pain levels, confirmed that this reduction was due to celecoxib treatment (P = .03). In subjects with more prolonged pain (n = 88), celecoxib reduced consumption by 52% (P = .02). Celecoxib showed greater benefit for subjects in the prolonged pain group than for those in the lesser pain group (P = .006). Incidence of adverse events was similar between groups. Minor hemorrhage occurred in 4.6% (5 placebo, 3 celecoxib).

Conclusion

High‐dose celecoxib is effective in controlling pain after tonsillectomy, with no adverse effects in this relatively small sample. It reduces narcotic consumption, and its impact appears greater in children with higher degrees of pain. Celecoxib can be considered an effective alternative to ibuprofen after tonsillectomy.

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02934191.
The Patient Perspective of Telemedicine in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Altinisik Ergur G , Nuhoglu S , Cobanoglu C , Sengul M , Eryildiz N , Ergur A
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 Pandemic might be considered as a catalyst for transformation in healthcare experience via the use of video consultation as a method for telemedicine. The aim of our qualitative study is to understand the patient perception of video consultations in telemedicine, which has been used by a single pulmonologist in only one university hospital in Turkey since the first three months of the pandemic. Research findings are essential when it comes to a more effective and widespread future use of telemedicine, as it focuses on patient experience about a medical technology that is newly introduced. Totally 30 patients were randomly chosen and interviewed who get healthcare support via telemedicine. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to learn the experiences and opinions of the interviewees. The expressions of the patients highlight some advantages of using telemedicine such as being free from risk of contagion caused by exposure in the hospital, being able to save time and money while reaching to the physician online whenever needed, and success in technical details even though they were experiencing it for the first time. A very few of the patients are feeling discomfort to be in front of the screen. Almost all patients are applicants to suggest to other individuals the system they used, in conditions to be appropriate, and continuity after the pandemic period. Since the pandemic has propagated from one patient, the worldwide implementation of telemedicine might be catalyzed by following in the footsteps of the sporadic examples of decisiveness nourished from patient experiences.
Dueling and the Fantasmatic Specter of Male Honour in Imperial Germany: The Kaiser’s Will and Theodor Fontane’s Effi Briest
Authors: Schneider Jeffrey
Published: April 2022

Underneath the historiographical disagreements about military honor and dueling in Imperial Germany there lurks a consensus that most duelists simply internalized the dictates of honor. This article troubles that presumption by attending to the Prussian-German military honor code’s mixed messages and impossible demands, which I interpret through Slavoj Žižek’s concept of a fantasmatic specter. After analyzing a variety of military texts, I illustrate the value of a psychoanalytic approach via a case study and re-examination of Theodor Fontane’s novel Effi Briest (1894/95).
Teen Dating Violence Victimization: Associations Among Peer Justification, Attitudes Toward Gender Inequality, Sexual Activity, and Peer Victimization
Authors: Hunt Kristen E. , Robinson Luz E. , Valido Alberto , Espelage Dorothy L. , Hong Jun Sung
Published: April 2022

The current study, grounded in a social learning theoretical framework, examined attitudes and behaviors associated with verbal and physical teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. Because TDV varies by gender in both frequency and severity, these associations were examined first within the overall sample, and then by gender to further investigate these differences. A total of 1,884 adolescents (49.2% boys; 50.8% girls; average age 14.79 years; SD = .58) who reported ever dating someone were included in the analysis. Specifically, peers’ justification of TDV, attitudes supporting gender inequality, sexual activity, and peer victimization were included to determine their cross-sectional association with verbal and physical TDV victimization. Data were analyzed separately for boys and girls. Results indicated that peers’ justification of TDV, peer victimization, sexual activity, and attitudes supporting gender inequality were each associated with higher physical and verbal TDV victimization for girls and boys. Most of these factors remained significant when separated by gender, except for sexual activity and attitudes supporting gender inequality, which were not associated with physical TDV victimization for boys and girls, respectively. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Adapting Cohort-Component Methods to a Microsimulation: A case study
Authors: Puga-Gonzalez Ivan , Bacon Rachel J. , Voas David , Shults F. LeRon , Hodulik George , Wildman Wesley J.
Published: April 2022

Social scientists generally take United Nations (UN) population projections as the baseline when considering the potential impact of any changes that could affect fertility, mortality or migration, and the UN typically does projections using the cohort-component method (CCM). The CCM technique is computationally simple and familiar to demographers. However, in order to avoid the exponential expansion of complexity as new dimensions of individual difference are added to projections, and to understand the sensitivity of projections to specific conditions, agent-based microsimulations are a better option. CCMs can mask hidden assumptions that are surfaced by the construction of microsimulations, and varying such assumptions can lead to quite different projections. CCM models are naturally the strongest form of validation for population projection microsimulations but there are many complexities and difficulties associated with matching microsimulation projections and CCM projections. Here, we describe our efforts to tackle these challenges as we validated a microsimulation for Norway by replicating a UN CCM projection. This provides guidance for other simulationists who seek to use CCMs to validate microsimulations. More importantly, it demonstrates the value of microsimulations for surfacing assumptions that frequently lie hidden, and thus unevaluated, within CCM projections.
Intimate Partner Violence as Reflected in Internet Search Data
Authors: Youngmann Brit , Yom-Tov Elad
Published: April 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern with serious consequences for victims’ physical and mental health. Despite the high prevalence of IPV, describing it and detecting people suffering from it is difficult due to its sensitive nature and stigma associated with it. Existing tools for screening and tracking IPV victims are laborious, time-consuming, expensive, and require human supervision. Search engine data has previously been shown to provide insights into temporal behavioral information about millions of users who are truthful in their information seeking. Here, we present a large-scale analysis of individuals experiencing IPV providing insights into their characteristics and behavior. We extracted the queries from Bing search engine data of more than 50 thousand US-based individuals suffering from IPV. We provide insights into the differences among subpopulations of people experiencing IPV and the topics they search for. We find that approximately half of the users begin to search for IPV following an acute event (physical violence or abuse) and 20% of users actively hide their interest in IPV. Users typically begin to seek help 3 weeks after beginning to query about IPV. The topics of interest to people experience IPV include the effects of IPV, help seeking, and methods to escape from IPV. Our insights show that early cues of IPV may be difficult to detect within search queries, though even in the late stage that many IPV users are identified, interventions such as ads to guide people to safely exit violent situations could be beneficial.
Suppression of flow pulsations and energy consumption of a drug delivery roller pump based on a novel tube design
Authors: Manopoulos Christos , Tsoukalis Achilleas , Mathioulakis Dimitrios
Published: April 2022

A drug infusion peristaltic pump is experimentally studied, examining its performance for three flexible tubes, two cylindrical, and an innovative one of lenticular cross-section with an inflated part. Using water as flowing medium, the pump outlet flow rates were measured at nine phases of the semi-period, based on phase-locked 2D-PIV data. The roller disengagement phase showed to cause a reduction of the outlet flow rate, and in a lesser degree, the engagement phase. Flow acceleration at the pump outlet occurred when only one roller was squeezing the tube. The gauge pressure waveforms at the pump inlet and outlet although noisy had a phase lead with respect to the flow rate. According to the pump motor current waveform, the work of the forces necessary for the tube deformation was about 10 times higher than that of the fluid viscous and inertial forces. Among the three examined flexible tubes, the pump performance was the best when the lenticular tube was used, presenting the highest volumetric efficiency and the smallest outlet flow rate pulsations, pressure amplitudes, and energy consumption. The high pump performance is attributed to the innovative inflated part of the lenticular tube, its cross-sectional shape and its higher compliance compared to the other tubes.
Efficiency of rocket engine thrust vector control by solid obstacle on the nozzle wall
Authors: Strelnikov Genadii , Ihnatiev Oleksandr , Pryadko Nataliya , Ternova Katerina
Published: April 2022

The thrust vector control of a rocket engine by disturbing the supersonic flow in its nozzle is used for missile development for various purposes in different countries. Disturbance of the supersonic flow in the jet engine nozzle can be caused by various obstacles on the nozzle wall: solid obstacle, liquid or gas jet, combinations of solid obstacle with injected jets. The simplest and most effective way to create a disturbance is to disturb it by setting a solid cylindrical obstacle on the nozzle wall. The high efficiency is explained by the lack of the working fluid consumption on board the aircraft to create a control force, or its minimum amount necessary to protect the obstacle from the high-temperature oncoming gas flow in the rocket engine nozzle. This paper presents the study results of gas flow simulation with cylindrical obstacle perturbation on the wall of the Laval rocket engine nozzle in its subsonic and supersonic parts. The optimal placement in the nozzle is determined to obtain the maximum lateral control force. As a result of research, it was found that the perturbation of a supersonic flow in a rocket engine nozzle by a cylindrical obstacle has practically the same character when its position changes along the length of the nozzle. In the subsonic part of the nozzle in the median plane, the perturbed pressure on the wall has a positive sign, and on the obstacle wall its sign-alternating. When an obstacle is in the subsonic part of the nozzle, the integral value of the lateral force is negative in comparison with positive for the supersonic part.
Biomechanical behavior of diamond lattice scaffolds obtained by two different design approaches with similar porosity; a numerical investigation with FEM and CFD analysis
Authors: Karaman Derya , Ghahramanzadeh Asl Hojjat
Published: April 2022

Scaffolds provide a suitable environment for the bone tissue to maintain its self-healing ability and help new bone-cell formation by creating structures with similar mechanical properties to the surrounding tissue. In the modeling of the scaffolds, an optimum environment is tried to be provided by changing the geometrical properties of the cell architecture such as porosity, pore size, and specific surface area. For this purpose, different design approaches have been used in studies to change these properties. This study aims to determine whether scaffolds with similar porosities modeled by different design approaches exhibit distinct biomechanical behaviors or not. By using the Diamond lattice architecture, two different design approaches were constituted. The first approach has constant wall thickness and variable cell size, whereas the second approach contains variable wall thickness and constant cell size. The usage of different design approaches affected the amount of specific surface area in models with similar porosity. Mechanical compression tests were conducted via finite element analysis, while the permeability performance of configurations with similar porosities (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) was evaluated by using computational fluid dynamics. The mechanical results revealed that the structural strength decreased with increasing porosity. Since their higher specific surface area causes lower pressure drops, the second group exhibits better permeability. In addition, it was found that to evaluate the wall shear stresses occurring on the scaffold surfaces properly, it is essential to consider the stress distributions within the scaffold rather than the maximum values.
A systematized review on data librarianship literature: Current services, challenges, skills, and motivational factors
Authors: Ashiq Murtaza , Warraich Nosheen Fatima
Published: April 2022

Data librarianship is becoming more common as a means of developing and integrating data-driven library services. Consequently, the academic and research libraries’ traditional role in providing information support and training has been expanded to include support in all aspects of the research lifecycle. Hence, this study systematically reviews the data librarianship literature focusing on current data librarianship services, challenges, skills, and motivational factors. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was formulated to extract maximum relevant results. The bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus, Web of Science, Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA). Finally, 27 studies that fulfill the criteria were included in this study. The findings revealed that two main factors that contribute to the success or failure in this emerging data librarianship roles are skills, knowledge, and expertise; and limited support and advocacy from library leadership and higher authorities. One is on the part of library professionals who can develop the required skills, knowledge, and expertise and the other is on the part of library leadership. The library professionals are hesitant to embrace this new role due to non-additional benefits, no relevant job description, and lacking leadership support. Overall, the findings revealed that the data librarianship scope is dynamic and has been expanded, albeit the progress is slow. The theoretical, practical, policy, and social implications described that the data librarianship services tend to be improved, and the relevant skills, knowledge, and expertise should be developed. The policy initiatives need to be taken, improved, and expanded to advance technical services related to data librarianship.
Assessment of vertebral bone mineral density and stand-alone oblique lumbar interbody fusion for adjacent segment disease and primary lumbar degenerative diseases
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yuan Chao , Liu Chao , Liu Minghan , Zhou Lei , Wang Jian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the vertebral bone mineral density and the value of stand-alone oblique lumbar interbody fusion (SA OLIF) for the management of single-level adjacent segment disease (ASD) and primary lumbar degenerative diseases.

Patients and methods

Seventy-eight patients undergoing single-level SA OLIF was divided into index surgery group ( n = 36) or revision surgery group ( n = 42) at single center. The vertebral body Hounsfield units (HU) value was measured to assess bone mineral density of operated level by the preoperative CT. The following data were retrospectively collected and compared between the two groups: demographic, surgical data, clinical results, and complications.

Results

No differences were found between the two groups in surgical data. The fusion segment HU values in the revision group were significantly higher than that in the index group (147.4 ± 35.3 vs 129.2 ± 38.4 p = .033). There were significant differences while comparing fusion segment HU values to L1–L4 horizontal plane (147.4 ± 35.3 vs 126.1 ± 28.4, p = .000) and L1 (147.4 ± 35.3 vs 126.8 ± 26.2, p = .000) in revision group, meanwhile, no statistically significant difference was observed in index group ( p > .05). The cage subsidence was observed in the revision group ( n = 2) and index group ( n = 9) ( p = .045). The patients with cage subsidence had significantly lower vertebral HU values.

Conclusion

SA OLIF is valid alternative to the traditional posterior approach in the management of ASD with good clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up. Increased HU values of fusion segment may play a role in the management of ASD by SA OLIF.
Why passive? Exploring national judges’ motives for not requesting preliminary rulings
Authors: Leijon Karin , Glavina Monika
Published: April 2022

This article explores why national judges remain passive on EU legal integration by examining judges’ reasons for not requesting preliminary rulings from the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The article combines insights from social psychology and literature on the role of national courts in European integration to formulate expectations regarding what type of motives guide national judges’ behaviours. Drawing on interviews held with Croatian, Slovenian and Swedish judges, our results reveal three shared reasons judges remain passive: referrals are not required by the formal rules (procedural normative motivation), referrals are not made to protect the parties to the case (substantive normative motivation) and referrals are not made to protect judges’ reputations (instrumental motivation). In addition, we unveil motives that are shared by only judges from one or two Member States, such as not referring cases to uphold the capacity of the preliminary ruling procedure (Swedish judges) and not referring cases due to a fear of sanctions and a lack of knowledge and resources (Croatian and Slovenian judges). We discuss these similarities and divergences in light of the theoretical discussion on the role of courts as active or passive actors in EU legal integration.
A saliva urea test strip for use in feline and canine patients: a pilot study
Authors: Nickel Matthew R. , Sweet Hillary M. , Lee Albert , Bohaychuk-Preuss Kaylee , Varnhagen Connie , Olson Merle
Published: April 2022

We evaluated a saliva urea test strip (Kidney-Chek; SN Biomedical), as a rapid, noninvasive method to screen for azotemia. The test is a semiquantitative method that assesses 7 levels of saliva urea concentration, and indirectly serum urea, from <3 to >17 mmol/L. Ninety-two dogs (14 azotemic) with serum urea of 1.3–37 mmol/L and 56 cats (16 azotemic) with serum urea of 4.1–89.3 mmol/L were enrolled. A positive correlation was found for saliva urea against serum urea in each species (dogs: rs = 0.30, p < 0.005; cats: rs = 0.50, p < 0.001). After turning the semiquantitative data into continuous data by attributing to each level the midpoint of the described range, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed good performance for detecting serum urea above the upper limit of the laboratory RI (dogs: 2.1–11.1 mmol/L; cats: 5–12.9 mmol/L), with an area under the curve of 0.81 in dogs and 0.83 in cats. We recommend that the test be used as an exclusion test, given that it cannot confidently confirm azotemia with higher test results. Additional investigations are recommended for dogs with a test strip reading of ≥9–11 mmol/L and for cats with a test strip reading of ≥12–14 mmol/L.
Deviation-based calibration for progressive damage analysis in pultruded glass fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Fu Yun-Fei , Reiner Johannes
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a systemic calibration methodology to efficiently simulate progressive damage evolution in four different pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites using the strain-based COMposite DAMage Model (CODAM2) in the commercial finite element software LS-DYNA. In particular, Compact Tension (CT), scaled-up CT, and wide CT tests are simulated to find the best set of input parameters by considering four distinct indicators obtained from experimental and numerical load vs displacement data. By combining these indicators into a physically meaningful equivalent deviation value via a linear weighted-sum method, the results show that the most suited input damage variables yield physically accurate crack length predictions which underlines the robustness and accuracy of the proposed method. Furthermore, it is shown that the incorporation of bi-linear softening laws improves CODAM2 simulation results by up to 90%, however it also increases the number of parameters to be calibrated.
Towards a view from within: The contribution of Francisco Varela to the study of consciousness
Authors: Lanfranco Renzo C , Canales-Johnson Andrés , Lucero Boris , Vargas Esteban , Noreika Valdas
Published: April 2022

The contents of consciousness are complex and dynamic and are embedded in perception and cognition. The study of consciousness and subjective experience has been central to philosophy for centuries. However, despite its relevance for understanding cognition and behaviour, the empirical study of consciousness is relatively new, embroiled by the seemingly opposing subjective and objective sources of data. Francisco Varela (1946–2001) pioneered the empirical study of consciousness by developing novel, naturalised and rich approaches in a non-reductive and comprehensive manner. In this article, we review the main conceptual distinctions and philosophical challenges of consciousness research and highlight the main contributions of Varela and his associates: the development of neurophenomenology as a methodological framework that builds a bridge between subjective and objective sources of data and the discovery of gamma-band phase synchronisation as a neural marker of perceptual awareness. Finally, we describe the work of Varela on time consciousness, his philosophical approach and the implementation of his neurophenomenological framework for its study by integrating subjective reports with neural measures.