bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of early diagnosis and intervention in chronic kidney disease: Calls-to-action from nephrologists based mainly in Central/Eastern Europe
Authors: Covic Adrian , Säemann Marcus , Filipov Jean , Gellert Ryszard , Gobin Niels , Jelaković Bojan , Kabulbayev Kairat , Luman Merike , Miglinas Marius , Mosenzon Ofri , Okša Adrián , Radovic Milan , Rozen-Zvi Benaya , Ziediņa Ieva , Tesar Vladimir
Published: March 2024

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a global prevalence of 9.1–13.4%. Comorbidities are abundant and may cause and affect CKD. Cardiovascular disease strongly correlates with CKD, increasing the burden of both diseases.
Summary
As a group of 15 clinical nephrologists primarily practicing in 12 Central/Eastern European countries, as well as Israel and Kazakhstan, herein we review the significant unmet needs for patients with CKD and recommend several key calls-to-action. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to ensure optimal outcomes for patients with CKD, with the potential to greatly reduce both morbidity and mortality. Lack of awareness of CKD, substandard indicators of kidney function, suboptimal screening rates, and geographical disparities in reimbursement often hamper access to effective care.
Key Messages
Our key calls-to-action to address these unmet needs, thus improving the standard of care for patients with CKD, are: increase disease awareness, such as through education; encourage provision of financial support for patients; develop screening algorithms; revisit primary care physician referral practices; and create epidemiological databases that rectify the paucity of data on early-stage disease.
By focusing attention on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of high-risk and early-stage CKD populations we aim to reduce the burdens, progression, and mortality of CKD.
Modeling the impact of MRI acquisition bias on structural connectomes: Harmonizing structural connectomes
Authors: Patel Jagruti , Schöttner Mikkel , Tarun Anjali , Tourbier Sebastien , Alemán-Gómez Yasser , Hagmann Patric , Bolton Thomas A. W.
Published: March 2024

One way to increase the statistical power and generalizability of neuroimaging studies is to collect data at multiple sites or merge multiple cohorts. However, this usually comes with site-related biases due to the heterogeneity of scanners and acquisition parameters, negatively impacting sensitivity. Brain structural connectomes are not an exception: Being derived from T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images, structural connectivity is impacted by differences in imaging protocol. Beyond minimizing acquisition parameter differences, removing bias with postprocessing is essential. In this work we create, from the exhaustive Human Connectome Project Young Adult dataset, a resampled dataset of different b-values and spatial resolutions, modeling a cohort scanned across multiple sites. After demonstrating the statistical impact of acquisition parameters on connectivity, we propose a linear regression with explicit modeling of b-value and spatial resolution, and validate its performance on separate datasets. We show that b-value and spatial resolution affect connectivity in different ways and that acquisition bias can be reduced using a linear regression informed by the acquisition parameters while retaining interindividual differences and hence boosting fingerprinting performance. We also demonstrate the generative potential of our model, and its generalization capability in an independent dataset reflective of typical acquisition practices in clinical settings.
Characterisation of Paratylenchus cacao n. sp. from Ghana, and P. enigmaticus (Nematoda: Paratylenchinae) from Belgium
Authors: Maosa Joseph O. , Singh Phougeishangbam R. , Asumaila Abdul-Ganew , Couvreur Marjolein , Bert Wim
Published: March 2024

Paratylenchus cacao n. sp., a pin nematode associated with cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) from Ghana, is described herein based on morphology, morphometrics and phylogenetic relationships with other species. Morphologically, P. cacao n. sp. is characterised by a female body length of 174-265 μm, body assuming a ‘C’ or ‘J’ shape after heat relaxation, a flat head, slightly set off lip region, a truncated anterior end, a rigid stylet of 24-31 μm, four lateral lines, vulval region with distinct vulval flaps, and a finely rounded tail with a mucron-like terminus. The findings of the phylogenetic analyses utilising the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S, ITS of rDNA, and COI of mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate that P. cacao n. sp. is a species closely related to P. leptos. Additionally, based on butterhead lettuce and leek populations from Belgium, the first description of a male, SEM pictures and COI sequences of P. enigmaticus are presented. Both studies exemplify how even potentially important plant-parasitic nematode species can remain unnoticed for a long time. This suggests the need to conduct more nematode diversity studies and underscores the significance of correct nematode identification through the utilisation of tools such as integrative taxonomy.
Species and Genus as Mutual Parts in Aristotle: a Hylomorphic Account
Authors: Rotkale Līva
Published: March 2024

A genus contains its species, and the species implies its genus. Does it mean that the species is a part of the genus and also the genus is a part of the species? But how can they be part of each other without being identical? In the context of kinds, in what sense is ‘part’ applicable?

We argue that for Aristotle, a species and its genus are mutual parts, standing in different parthood relations to each other, viz. the genus is a prior part of its species, while the species is a posterior part of its genus. Furthermore, we show that prior and posterior parthood concerning the genus and its species is grounded on the relations between matter and form in a matter-form compound.
Nur-e Afshan (the refulgent light)
Authors: Singh David Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Periodicals played increasingly an important role, particularly from the nineteenth century, within missionary circles. This paper focuses on the American Presbyterian Periodical, nur-e afshan (the refulgent light). The initial evidence presented here supports the argument that there were changes in its ownership and use over the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Initially edited by the Presbyterian missionary, Wherry, by the turn of the nineteenth century, the periodical reflected the broader change from missionary to native leadership in the Presbyterian Mission. The policy to gradually ‘indigenise’ the periodical went hand in hand with the native Christians replacing the missionaries as lead contributors and consumers. Nur has been dismissively described as a ‘semi-secular’ magazine, which undermines its significance as a forum for native agency and thought in the changing socio-political context of India. Under this agency, the periodical surrendered the traditional triumphalist polemics for a more reflective discourse leading up to India’s independence.
The Swedish-Norwegian Experience of Increased Budget Control Due to Hierarchical Budget Reforms in their National Parliaments
Authors: Schjøtt-Pedersen Karl Eirik
Published: March 2024

There has been a wide-ranging discourse among scholars as to whether a hierarchical budget process contributes to increased fiscal discipline. During the 1990s such reforms were introduced in Sweden and Norway. These countries are characterized as being quite equal. However, they faced contrary economic challenges, with an accelerating debt in Sweden contrasting with huge resource revenues in Norway. Nonetheless, they shared equal political challenges by being characterized by minority as well as coalition governments, and even a large proportion of minority, coalition governments. This study confirms that there has been significantly increased fiscal discipline during the parliament’s budget approval process. The outcome has been supported by reforms to the preparation of the budget approval, which have been centralized to the parliaments’ standing committees on finance. The study supports the framework for evaluation of budget processes in von Hagen and Harden (1995). However, there are two significant modifications which stands out as supplements to the framework. First, strong limitations on amendments may be less important under a regime of top-down budgeting than anticipated in their framework. Second, the importance of centralizing the budget preparation in one specific committee, normally the standing committee on finance, may be stronger than anticipated by von Hagen and Harden.
A Rose by Any Other Name: On Basic Scores from the 2 × 2 Table and the Plethora of Names Attached to Them
Authors: Brooks Harold E. , Flora Montgomery L. , Baldwin Michael E.
Published: March 2024

Forecast evaluation metrics have been discovered and rediscovered in a variety of contexts, leading to confusion. We look at measures from the 2 × 2 contingency table and the history of their development and illustrate how different fields working on similar problems has led to different approaches and perspectives of the same mathematical concepts. For example, probability of detection (POD) is a quantity in meteorology that was also called prefigurance in the field, while the same thing is named recall in information science and machine learning, and sensitivity and true positive rate in the medical literature. Many of the scores that combine three elements of the 2 × 2 table can be seen as either coming from a perspective of Venn diagrams or from the Pythagorean means, possibly weighted, of two ratios of performance measures. Although there are algebraic relationships between the two perspectives, the approaches taken by authors led them in different directions, making it unlikely that they would discover scores that naturally arose from the other approach. We close by discussing the importance of understanding the implicit or explicit values expressed by the choice of scores. In addition, we make some simple recommendations about the appropriate nomenclature to use when publishing interdisciplinary work.
Performance Characterization of Heliotrope Solar Hot-Air Balloons during Multihour Stratospheric Flights
Authors: Swaim Taylor D. , Hough Emalee , Yap Zachary , Jacob Jamey D. , Krishnamoorthy Siddharth , Bowman Daniel C. , Martire Léo , Komjathy Attila , Elbing Brian R.
Published: March 2024

Heliotropes are passive solar hot-air balloons that are capable of achieving nearly level flight within the lower stratosphere for several hours. These inexpensive flight platforms enable stratospheric sensing with high cadence enabled by the low cost to manufacture, but their performance has not yet been assessed systematically. During July–September of 2021, 29 heliotropes were successfully launched from Oklahoma and achieved float altitude as part of the Balloon-based Acoustic Seismology Study (BASS). All of the heliotrope envelopes were nearly identical with only minor variations to the flight line throughout the campaign. Flight data collected during this campaign comprise a large sample to characterize the typical heliotrope flight behavior during launch, ascent, float, and descent. Each flight stage is characterized, dependence on various parameters is quantified, and a discussion of nominal and anomalous flights is provided.
Analysis of Lithium Aging Using Machine Learning-Enhanced Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Stofel James T. , Rao Ashwin P. , Patnaik Anil K. , Giminaro Andrew V. , Shattan Michael B.
Published: March 2024

Lithium compounds such as lithium hydride (LiH) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) have a wide range of industrial applications, but are highly reactive in environments with H2O and CO2. These reactions lead to the ingrowth of secondary lithium compounds, which can alter the homogeneity and affect the application of particular lithium chemicals. This study performed an exploratory analysis of different lithium compounds using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy. Machine learning models are trained on the recorded spectral data to discriminate emission features that differ between LiH, LiOH, and Li2CO3 to perform high-fidelity classification. Support vector machine classifiers yield perfect prediction accuracy between the three compounds with optimal training time. Multivariate methods are then used to produce regression models quantifying the ingrowth of LiOH in LiH. Performing a mid-level data fusion of selected LIBS and Raman features with partial least-squares regression produces the superlative model with a root mean square error of 2.5 wt[Formula: see text] and a detection limit of 6.3 wt[Formula: see text].
Pacem in Terris: Are Papal Visits Good News for Human Rights?
Authors: Endrich Marek , Gutmann Jerg
Published: March 2024

We analyze the effect of state visits by the Catholic pope on human rights in the host country to understand how a small theocracy like the Vatican can exert disproportionate political influence in international politics. Our theory of the strategic interaction between the Catholic Church and host governments describes how the pope’s use of conditional approval and criticism incentivizes governments to refrain from human rights violations. Drawing on a new dataset of papal state visits outside Italy and a novel identification strategy, we test for the first time whether governments react in anticipation of a papal visit by improving their human rights protection. Our empirical analysis offers robust evidence for this causal effect, which is supported by qualitative evidence.
Youth violence and knife crime in ethnic minorities in the UK: A review of the literature
Authors: Gwata Dorcas , Ventriglio Antonio , Hughes Peter , Deahl Martin
Published: March 2024

Background:

Youth violence and knife crime is increasing dramatically, so much so it has been described as a global epidemic. The social, economic and political forces fuelling this rise mean that minority groups are particularly affected.

Aim:

This paper reviews the literature primarily from a UK perspective, and illustrates the disparate factors that are influencing the rise in youth violence and knife crime and illustrates the complexities of integrating the perspectives of different disciplines into coherent intervention strategies.

Method:

We conducted a systematic review of the literature that explores both the causes of increasing youth violence and knife crime as well as some of the interventions that have attempted to deal with the problem.

Results:

A complex interplay of social, economic, mental health and political factors underpin the increase in youth violence and knife crime. An uneasy tension exists between a traditional criminal justice system-based approach based upon deterrence and punishment, and a more liberal preventative model focusing on adolescent mental health. None of the interventions thus far have been particularly effective.

Conclusion:

Youth violence and knife crime is a global social issue that causes untold suffering to individuals, families and communities as well as fear that reverberates through society. Interventions have often been devised through the lens of particular disciplines or ideologies. Integrating these perspectives into a coherent approach that is actually effective demands greater co-operation, dialogue and mutual understanding between disciplines and agencies, as well as a robust framework for the evidence-based assessment of outcomes.
Changing the school system improvement narrative
Authors: Greenberg Sharon , Bryk Anthony S.
Published: March 2024

Districts are struggling to accelerate students’ learning, support their health and wellness, and close the achievement gap. Labeled “worst” in 1987, by 2017 Chicago Public Schools was among the nation’s most improved school systems. Chicago’s story embeds many lessons about system change. Sharon Greenberg and Anthony S. Bryk illustrate how local research evidence helped leaders target a few high-leverage processes and informed their ongoing efforts to improve outcomes. Achieving quality enactment of these processes at scale depended on building capacity, which, in turn, took time.
Instructional design for innovation and reform
Authors: Kingsley Lisa Dover , Cheatham Jennifer Perry
Published: March 2024

Not enough attention is paid to the instructional design decisions that define students’ experiences. Lisa Dover Kingsley and Jennifer Perry Cheatham contend that while quality teaching is crucial, the structural decisions supporting meaningful engagement often go unexamined. Using innovations in North Kansas City, Missouri, as a throughline, they review key themes present in research on four elements of instructional design. They urge leaders to reconsider outdated and unexamined design practices with an equitable approach, centering the voices of students typically left out of such decisions. They offer practical shifts and entry points for leaders to consider as they build a more inclusive and effective instructional design.
Backtalk: Academic jargon and the illusion of objectivity
Authors: Rotberg Iris C.
Published: March 2024

Although some people view quantitative studies as more legitimate than qualitative studies, both methods are subject to bias, Iris Rotberg explains. The study’s methodological strengths and weaknesses are determined when researchers frame questions, choose samples and outcome measures, and collect data. These design decisions and their implementation are far more important determinants of research validity than are the subsequent data analyses, whether quantitative or qualitative.
The Effect of Information About Local Demand for Redistribution on Support for Territorial Transfers Among Affluent Groups
Authors: Ferrari Diogo , Arretche Marta
Published: March 2024

Many multitier polities have some scheme of territorial-based redistribution, which plays a crucial role in mitigating territorial inequality. This article looks at the public opinion on inter-regional transfers and argues that: (1) perceptions of aggregate electoral support for interpersonal redistribution in the region affect support for inter-regional redistribution independently of perceptions about the region’s economic conditions and (2) perceptions of high electoral support for interpersonal redistribution among the region’s affluent can lead them to favor territorial transfers, because these transfers may work as a mechanism for local redistribution cost displacement. We test our argument using a survey experiment in which we provide information about regional economic conditions and aggregate demand for interpersonal redistribution. Our contribution highlights that the aggregate demand for interpersonal redistribution within regions is not necessarily endogenous to regions material conditions, and that the perception of this aggregate demand by the affluent affects their inter-regional redistributive preferences.
Urban History on the Seam: Frankfurt’s Judengasse and the Early Modern City
Authors: Kaplan Debra
Published: March 2024

This article examines the nexus between the Jewish ghetto in Frankfurt am Main (built in 1462) and a neighboring street, Wollgraben. Utilizing Jewish communal sources in Hebrew and Yiddish, German municipal records, and contemporary maps, it traces the development of the ghetto against the backdrop of urban expansion and population growth. Although the Jews were technically confined to the ghetto, these sources demonstrate that as the Jewish population increased, both Jewish residents and their buildings spilled over into the once-empty lot on Wollgraben. Building policies demonstrate, however, that limiting the visibility of the Jewish minority was essential to the city council. As such, they restricted the scope and zoning of buildings to obscure the Jewish presence, particularly as the majority population expanded into this once peripheral area.
What Happens When Family is Forced Together: Conflict, Intimacy, and Distance in Queer and Trans Youth’s Family Relations During the Pandemic
Authors: Stone Amy L. , Powell Allison , Pride Chiara , Rivera Guadalupe , Njowo Pekam
Published: March 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth lived with family members in forced togetherness. Using the Texas Queer Youth COVID Study, a longitudinal qualitative study of 26 LGBTQ youth in Texas, we argue that the social conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted relationships between LGBTQ youth and their family in dynamic ways, including cultivating intimacy and magnifying new or existing conflicts. LGBTQ youth could not use their preferred strategies of avoidance to handle relatives’ conservative pandemic politics and conspiracy theories. For Latinx LGBTQ youth, the intensified familism required during the shelter-in-place of the pandemic cultivated more intimacy but also became a justification for distance for youth trying to avoid homophobic relatives. These findings contribute to the study of LGBTQ youth and family relations, along with the impact of social isolation on family life.
Militarism and Militarization in Latin America: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Hochmüller Markus , Solar Carlos , Pérez Ricart Carlos A.
Published: March 2024

This Special Issue explores Latin America’s recent wave of militarism across countries, the militarization of the rule of law, and its consequences on everyday life. It draws on the region’s recent history of giving militarized responses to seemingly intractable social, political, and economical problems. We argue that the presence of military values, beliefs, and mentalities have permeated processes in which nations absorb and aspire to military practices, modes of organization, and martial discourses that require greater scholarly attention. The articles address a series of issues including various forms of militarism and the militarization of family, culture and education, diplomacy, policing, and public security in urban and rural settings. The contributions engage systematically with the roots of militarism and give evidence of militarization at the individual, national, and international levels, including a variety of case studies from across the Western Hemisphere.
A novel robust nonlinear optimal second-order sliding mode control scheme for power optimization of wind energy conversion systems
Authors: Shalbafian Arefe , Ganjefar Soheil
Published: March 2024

In this article, we propose a novel robust nonlinear optimal second-order sliding mode controller using the homotopy perturbation method (RNOSOSMC-HPM) to maximize wind power capture and minimize the mechanical stress on the drive train. To design the nonlinear optimal controller, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is applied to compute the approximate solution of the partial differential Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. Next, the nonlinear optimal controller is combined with a second-order sliding mode controller to create robustness and eliminate chattering. The RNOSOSMC-HPM controller can provide safe wind turbine operation under uncertainties and create a good trade-off between maximizing the wind power captured and attenuating the mechanical loads by minimizing the control input. To investigate the effectiveness of the presented the RNOSOSMC-HPM controller, we compare the results of the proposed method with some existing control schemes in two different scenarios. The results indicate that the RNOSOSMC-HPM controller furnishes desired responses.
Critically High Burden of Acute Malnutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Children Under 5 Years in the Rural Settings of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Getamesay Aynalem , Wana Ermias Wabeto , Workie Moges Getie
Published: March 2024

Background:

Globally, acute malnutrition threatens the lives of several million children under 5 years of age. Malnutrition affects the social, economic, and medical aspects of all countries. In Ethiopia, acute malnutrition is not decreasing at the intended rate for unclear reasons.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the burden of acute malnutrition and its associated factors among children under 5 years of age in a rural setting of southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 421 children. Mothers/caretakers were interviewed using interviewer-administered questionnaire, while their children’s height/length and weight were measured. Logistic regression analyses were used and presented as the crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

The burden of acute malnutrition among children under 5 years of age in the study area was 22.6% (95% CI = 18.5-26.8). Fathers with primary education (AOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 1.93-10.39), households with improper solid waste disposal (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.11-5.82), not usually sleeping under insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.01-3.19), unacceptable children dietary diversity score (DDS) (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.28-5.14), and unacceptable household DDS (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.02-5.00) were factors associated with acute malnutrition.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of acute malnutrition among children was critically high. Upgrading paternal educational status, encouraging safe solid waste disposal, ensuring consistent use of ITN, and improving both child and household DDS should be stressed.
The Effects of Paraeducator-Implemented Interventions on Student Literacy Skill Acquisition: A Review
Authors: Martin Guy , Lemons Christopher J. , Haddad Yasmina E.
Published: March 2024

Paraeducators are increasingly tasked with delivering early literacy instruction to students with disabilities in elementary schools. This review synthesized findings from 19 studies that examined paraeducator-implemented early literacy instruction and reported the included studies’ descriptive characteristics, methodological quality, and treatment outcomes. Studies were rated for methodological quality using the Council for Exceptional Children’s quality indicators. This systematic review was the first to describe paraeducator-implemented early literacy instruction in elementary school settings across single-case research designs and between-group research designs and the first to apply a set of quality indicators to rate study quality. The synthesized evidence suggests that, with the appropriate training and supervision, paraeducators were able to facilitate student acquisition in phonological knowledge, word reading, fluency, comprehension, and spelling domains. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Utilization of Art in Nursing Education to Enhance Student Spiritual Growth and Holistic Nursing Practice
Authors: Kowalski Sonya L. , Webber Elaine , Stocker-Schneider Julia , Long Taylor
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate student nurses’ perceptions of how creative art activities might support spiritual self-exploration, foster understanding of holistic care and promote spiritual growth in relation to Mercy and Jesuit values emphasized in their nursing program. Design: A qualitative design was used with data collected through surveys and students’ reflections. Methods: Students enrolled in an introductory nursing course with a service-learning component participated in the study. Students were initially asked to create drawings depicting Mercy/Jesuit charisms, spirituality, and holistic nursing then complete written reflections. At the term's end, students created group art projects connecting service learning, holistic nursing care, and spiritual growth. Students responded to survey questions regarding spirituality, Mercy/Jesuit charisms, nursing practice, and their art experiences. Findings: Surveys were completed by 122 of the 137 students who participated in the art projects. After initial difficulty with artistic expression, most students reported the projects provided an opportunity for introspection related to personal spirituality, nursing, and the impact of service-learning experiences on future nursing practice. Conclusion: Arts-based learning can help students explore and express spirituality related to nursing and support their understanding and integration of values essential to the delivery of holistic nursing care.
Nonlinear vibrations analysis of two-directional functionally graded porous cylindrical shells resting on elastic substrates in a thermal environment based on Donnell nonlinear shell theory
Authors: Rahmani Ahmad Ali , Hosseinnejad Farhad , Rostamiyan Yasser
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nonlinear free vibrational characteristics of temperature-dependent two-directional functionally graded porous (TDFGP) cylindrical shells resting on elastic substrates in a thermal environment. To accomplish this, the thermomechanical equations are derived based on the Donnell nonlinear shell theory framework in conjunction with the von Kármán assumption. Two-directional functionally graded porous cylindrical shell models have mechanical properties that can change smoothly and continuously across the length and thickness of the shell. Additionally, it is assumed that the internal porosities in the matrix materials can be dispersed into two independent patterns, either even or uneven porosity distribution. The nonlinearity in free vibration assessed via the nonlinear-to-linear frequency ratio concerning the central deflection amplitude can be gained employing the Galerkin discretization approach and modified Poincare–Lindstedt (P-L) method. The accuracy and effectiveness of the present analytical model are indicated through comparison with existing solutions. Finally, some comprehensive parametric investigations are carried out to gain insight into the impacts of several factors on the nonlinear free vibration characteristics of structures under different conditions. The results of this article demonstrate that parameters such as gradient indices, volume fraction, distribution pattern of porosity, geometric parameters, and ambient temperature rise significantly influence the structure’s nonlinear frequency and free vibration response.
The public you want, the public you get: Exploring the relationship between the public and science in the debate on xenotransplantation
Authors: Kögel Johannes
Published: March 2024

The debate that followed the first-in-human cardiac transplantation of a genetically modified pig organ emerged as a discussion of social justice when the patient’s criminal record was revealed. This article aims to make sense of this debate by understanding the role of the ‘public’ today, particularly in relation to the governance of biotechnology. The relationship between the public and science is increasingly mediated through citizen participation. However, the public debate that unfolded on matters of social justice can be seen as an unmediated public discourse, which carries the risk of producing unpredictable outcomes. The content of the debate gains significance due to the functional differentiation of society. The medical subsystem does not consider the patient’s history in terms of their involvement in the legal sphere, that is, their criminal record. Nevertheless, normative judgements are transferred across functional systems, allowing for the influence of public opinion and the potential for public scorn.
Book review: Suzanne Moon (2023), Technology in Southeast Asian History
Authors: DiMoia John P.
Published: March 2024

Suzanne Moon (2023), Technology in Southeast Asian History. Johns Hopkins University Press, 208 pp., $39.95 (Paperback), $39.95 (e-book), ISBN: 9781421446912.
A Phenomenological Study of Intensive Experiential Learning for University Faculty Professional Development
Authors: Rodriguez Mary , Dooley Kim E. , Roberts T. Grady
Published: March 2024

Background: College students need the ability to generalize and apply solutions through reflective practice. University faculty need professional development to use authentic cases to prepare students for the future. Purpose: This study was to explore the experiences of faculty through a year-long professional development program that included a field experience contextually focused on natural disasters. Methodology: This phenomenological study used personal interviews with faculty about the essence of the shared experience. Data were analyzed through open coding, axial coding, and theoretical triangulation from Kolb’s experiential learning model. Findings/Conclusions: Participant interviews yielded 32 codes that were categorized into 12 themes and theoretically triangulated into the four components of Kolb’s experiential learning model: Experience, Reflection, Generalization, and Application. The concrete experience themes were connection to disasters, to other faculty, and new perspectives. Faculty reflected on their expertise, the importance of engaging experiences, and new realizations. Generalization broadened disciplinary perspectives and connections. Faculty gained teaching applications, including leadership concepts, and humanizing science. Implication: Professional development for faculty using experiential learning can improve teaching capacity for the next generation to solve complex problems of social, economic, and health concerns within communities.
Research in Diversity: Lessons for Operations Management From the Women's Studies Field
Authors: Metters Richard , George Jordana
Published: March 2024

We postulate that the study of diversity, equity, and inclusion can deepen and add relevance to research in operations management (OM). Specifically, the role of gender is little studied in the existing OM literature—to the detriment of the field. This article considers OM issues by employing the theories, data, and topics from the field of Women's Studies. Our findings indicate that incorporating viewpoints from Women's Studies can change what is considered research, improve the accuracy of OM research, extend existing studies in the field through new parameters, and open new areas of inquiry.
A new model for spatial rods incorporating surface energy effects
Authors: Zhang Gongye , Gao Xin-Lin , Guo Ziwen
Published: March 2024

A new non-classical model for spatial rods incorporating surface energy effects is developed using a surface elasticity theory. A variational formulation based on the principle of minimum total potential energy is employed, which leads to the simultaneous determination of the equilibrium equations and complete boundary conditions. The newly developed spatial rod model contains three surface elasticity constants to account for surface energy effects. The new model recovers the classical elasticity-based Kirchhoff rod model as a special case when the surface energy effects are not considered. To illustrate the new spatial rod model, two sample problems are analytically solved by directly applying the general formulas derived. The first one is the buckling of an elastic rod of circular cross-section with fixed-pinned supports, and the other is the equilibrium analysis of a helical rod deformed from a straight rod. An analytical formula is derived for the critical buckling load required to perturb the axially compressed straight rod, and two closed-form expressions are obtained for the force and couple needed in deforming the helical rod. These formulas reduce to those based on classical elasticity when the surface energy effects are suppressed. For the buckling problem, it is found that the critical buckling load predicted by the current new model is always higher than that given by the classical elasticity-based model, and the difference between the two sets of predicted values is significantly large when the radius of the rod is sufficiently small but diminishes as the rod radius increases. For the helical rod problem, the numerical results reveal that the force and couple predicted by the current model are, respectively, significantly larger and smaller than those predicted by the classical model when the rod radius is very small, but the difference is diminishing with the increase of the rod radius.
An Open-Label Pilot Trial of a Brief, Parent-Based Sleep Intervention in Children With ADHD
Authors: Li Xiao , Lau Fanny Lok Fan , Chiu Waiyan Vivian , Wong Ching Kwong Dino , Li Albert Martin , Wing Yun Kwok , Lai Yee Ching Kelly , Shea Ka Sin Caroline , Li Shirley Xin
Published: March 2024

Objective:

To assess the effects of a brief parent-based behavioral sleep intervention in children with ADHD.

Methods:

Families with a child with ADHD and parent-reported sleep problems received a brief parent-based sleep intervention, which involved two one-to-one consultation sessions and one telephone follow-up with the parent/caregiver. Child’s sleep and clinical symptoms, and parental sleep and daytime functioning were assessed at baseline, 2-week post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Results:

Sixty eligible families (mean age of the child: 9.4 ± 1.5 years; boys: 75%) were recruited, and 43 (72%) completed the whole intervention. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in the child’s sleep, clinical symptoms, and parental sleep and parenting stress, and these improvements were generally maintained at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

The findings supported the promising effects of a brief parent-based sleep intervention on improving sleep and clinical symptoms in children with ADHD and parental sleep and parenting stress. Further randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to test the robustness of the effectiveness of the intervention.
Mechanisms through which befriending services may impact the health of older adults: A dyadic qualitative investigation
Authors: Hannigan Caoimhe , Kelly Michelle , Holton Eimile , Lawlor Brian , Scharf Thomas , Kee Frank , Moynihan Sean , O’Reilly Aileen , McHugh Power Joanna
Published: March 2024

Befriending services are often delivered to older adults with a view to improving social connectedness, but they may also lead to improved health. The objective of the current study was to explore potential mechanisms through which befriending services might impact the health of older adults. Data were collected from 13 befriendee-befriender dyads ( n = 26), using a constructivist grounded theory and dyadic analytic approach. Potential mechanisms were described, using a realist evaluative framework of mechanistic processes in a complex intervention context. Five mechanisms of action triggered by the intervention were identified: supporting health behaviours; providing emotional support; improving mood; getting cognitive stimulation and novelty; and providing opportunities for socialising. We identified five potential mechanisms through which befriending services might impact health for older people. Our results suggest potential mechanisms through which befriending might positively impact the health of older people, and which should be evaluated empirically in future research.
The power of words and voices: The role of direct and vicarious contact (text vs. audio modalities) in reducing anti-Chinese prejudice
Authors: Chen Roberta , White Fiona A. , Deng Michael , Shi Ellen
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated anti-Chinese sentiments, demonstrating an urgent need for effective prejudice reduction interventions. Study 1 tested the relationship between contact and prejudice and its mediators toward Chinese people in Australia ( N = 362). As predicted, positive contact was significantly associated with less prejudice and, reliably, intergroup anxiety had the strongest mediation effect in this relationship. In Study 2, European Australians ( N = 161) were randomly assigned to an intergroup or intragroup (control) contact interaction, delivered vicariously via audio or text. As hypothesized, vicarious intergroup contact significantly reduced prejudice and negative emotions toward Chinese people. Moreover, text-based vicarious contact led to significantly lower intergroup anxiety and negative intergroup emotions than audio-based contact. No interaction effects of vicarious contact and delivery mode were found. Overall, these studies support direct and vicarious text-based contact as effective strategies for reducing prejudice in a global crisis and improving attitudes toward Chinese people.
Short-term association between air temperature and mortality in seven cities in Norway: A time series analysis
Authors: Vázquez Fernández Liliana , Diz-Lois Palomares Alfonso , Vicedo Cabrera Ana M. , Freiesleben De Blasio Birgitte , Di Ruscio Francesco , Wisløff Torbjørn , Rao Shilpa
Published: March 2024

Background:

The association between ambient air temperature and mortality has not been assessed in Norway. This study aimed to quantify for seven Norwegian cities (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Drammen, Fredrikstad, Trondheim and Tromsø) the non-accidental, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases mortality burden due to non-optimal ambient temperatures.

Methods:

We used a historical daily dataset (1996–2018) to perform city-specific analyses with a distributed lag non-linear model with 14 days of lag, and pooled results in a multivariate meta-regression. We calculated attributable deaths for heat and cold, defined as days with temperatures above and below the city-specific optimum temperature. We further divided temperatures into moderate and extreme using cut-offs at the 1st and 99th percentiles.

Results:

We observed that 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–8.3) of the non-accidental related deaths, 11.8% (95% CI 6.4–16.4) of the cardiovascular and 5.9% (95% CI –4.0 to 14.3) of the respiratory were attributable to non-optimal temperatures. Notable variations were found between cities and subgroups stratified by sex and age. The mortality burden related to cold dominated in all three health outcomes (5.1%, 2.0–8.1, 11.4%, 6.0–15.4, and 5.1%, –5.5 to 13.8 respectively). Heat had a more pronounced effect on the burden of respiratory deaths (0.9%, 0.2–1.0). Extreme cold accounted for 0.2% of non-accidental deaths and 0.3% of cardiovascular and respiratory deaths, while extreme heat contributed to 0.2% of non-accidental and to 0.3% of respiratory deaths.

Conclusions:

Most of the burden could be attributed to the contribution of moderate cold. This evidence has significant implications for enhancing public-health policies to better address health consequences in the Norwegian setting.
Laughter in hospital emergency departments
Authors: Macqueen Susy , Collins Luke , Brookes Gavin , Demjén Zsófia , Semino Elena , Slade Diana
Published: March 2024

For patients, hospital emergency departments (EDs) are unfamiliar, institutional contexts involving high-stakes communication in heightened emotional circumstances. This study examines laughter, as one expression of emotion, in an existing 649,631-word corpus of naturally occurring clinician-patient interactions recorded in five Australian hospitals. A mixed methods approach revealed (1) the spread, frequency and producers of laughter, and (2) the functions of laughter in unfolding interactional contexts. First, a corpus analysis showed that laughter in the ED was most frequently produced by nurses and patients, but relatively infrequently by doctors. Secondly, two case studies comprising all the interactions of two patients for the whole duration of their ED visits were analysed in detail to explore the individuals’ contrasting patterns of laughter. The analysis revealed how laughter can be a cue to the affective dynamics of patient-clinician interactions about serious matters, for example, signalling difficult topics and managing anxiety in the ED context. Laughter, and any related humour, can indicate the achievement of mutuality, which is considered a cornerstone of genuine shared decision-making and patient participation in their own care. Therefore, the findings suggest that a sensitive responsiveness to patient-initiated laughter, and any associated humour, may promote patient-centred relationships in clinical interactions.
Experimental and numerical approach to assess the dynamic performance of an inductive ignition system
Authors: Monroy Jaramillo Mauricio , Ramírez Alzate Juan David , Romero Piedrahita Carlos Alberto , Mejía Hernández Juan Camilo
Published: March 2024

This paper envisages studying the features of a conventional inductive ignition system along with its MOSFET and IGBT-based transistorized modifications. The influence of mechanical contact breaker dynamics and ignition coil characteristics on the current and voltage waveforms of the primary and secondary circuits of these studied ignition systems are mathematically and experimentally exposed. The investigation is considered necessary prior to attempting subsequent modeling and diagnostics procedures on the current-voltage performance characteristics of conventional and transistorized ignition systems. The work has demanded the development of an experimental setup based on a basic modifiable ignition system mockup and an instrumentation system to measure and analyze the voltage-current parameters of inductive ignition systems. The paper describes the design details of such instrumentation system, presents mechanical and electrical models for contact breaker and ignition circuits, then simulated to obtain base free-run response waveforms and electrical continuity behavior of the contact. A test of frequency response of the ignition coil provided additional input to the model. An experimental test of continuity of the contact, in agreement with its model, shed light on the actual excitation of the primary coil. The work comments on a sample of the registered current and voltage waveforms in primary and secondary coil windings of the ignition system at atmospheric conditions. Comparisons of waveforms and energy for mechanical contact, MOSFET and IGBT switches are made to establish them as a reference for future tests.
Design, synthesis, and insecticidal activities of the novel sulfur-containing meta-amide compounds as potential pesticides
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Jingwen , Dang Shuaihui , Zhou Sha , Wang Jifen , Wang Ruixue
Published: March 2024

The potential risks associated with the high halogen content of typical meta-amide ( m-diamide) insecticidals aroused concerns among researchers. Hoping to make discoveries by introducing sulfur elements with good environmental compatibility, a series of novel sulfur-containing m-amide derivatives C were synthesized through exploration under mild conditions according to the literature. And the structures were confirmed by melting points, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, and HRMS. It was found that some target compounds C exhibited moderate to high insecticidal activities against Aphis craccivora (38.89%–75.00%) and Plutella xylostella (93.33%−100.00%) at 500 mg.L−1. Especially, the sulfone-containing compound C-3 revealed superior lethality rates against P. xylostella (100%, 12.5 mg.L−1) and A. craccivora (75.00%, 500 mg.L−1), suggesting its potential as a leading compound for further investigation.