bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and Sex Disparities in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management prior to Stroke: Linked Registry and General Practice Data
Authors: Bam Kiran , Kilkenny Monique F. , Kim Joosup , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Pearce Christopher , Andrew Nadine E. , Sanders Lauren , Thrift Amanda G. , Nelson Mark R. , Gall Seana , Daraganova Galina , Olaiya Muideen T.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: There is limited evidence about the management of cardiovascular risk factors within 12 months before stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in Australian general practices. We evaluated whether age and sex disparities in cardiovascular risk factor management for primary prevention exist in general practice. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2014–2018) linked with general practice data from three Primary Health Networks in Victoria, Australia. We included adults who had ≥2 encounters with a general practitioner within 12 months immediately before the first stroke/TIA. Cardiovascular risk factor management within 12 months before stroke/TIA was evaluated in terms of: assessment of risk factors (blood pressure [BP], serum lipids, blood glucose, body weight); prescription of prevention medications (BP-lowering, lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, antithrombotic agents); and attainment of risk factor targets. Results: Of 2,880 patients included (median age 76.5 years, 48.4% women), 80.9% were assessed for BP, 49.9% serum lipids, 46.8% blood glucose, and 39.3% body weight. Compared to patients aged 65–84 years, those aged <65 or ≥85 years were less often assessed for risk factors, with women aged ≥85 years assessed for significantly fewer risk factors than their male counterparts. The most prescribed prevention medications were BP-lowering (64.9%) and lipid-lowering agents (42.0%). There were significant sex differences among those aged <65 years (34.7% women vs. 40.2% men) and ≥85 years (34.0% women vs. 44.3% men) for lipid-lowering agents. Risk factor target attainment was generally poorer in men than women, especially among those aged <65 years. Conclusion: Age-sex disparity exists in risk factor management for primary prevention in general practice, and this was more pronounced among younger patients and older women.
Short-Term Medication Effect on Fall Risk in Multimorbid Inpatients with Dementia
Authors: Podesser Franziska , Weninger Johannes , Weiss Elisabeth M. , Marksteiner Josef , Canazei Markus
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Dementia increases the risk of falls and fall-related injuries, which may be caused by inappropriate medication use. To date, there is little evidence on which medications are more likely to cause falls. We therefore investigated the effects of medication use and medication changes 48 h before falls in hospitalised patients with dementia. Methods: This matched case-control study included 74 patients with a mean age of 83 years (38% women) who had been hospitalised for at least 7 days. Information on medications, diagnoses, disease severity, use of walking aids, falls, and demographics was collected from electronic medical records. The effects of the number of medications and psychotropics, equivalent daily doses of antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, anticholinergic burden, medication initiation, dose change, medication discontinuation, as-needed medications, opioid use and the presence of fall-increasing diseases were examined separately for the periods 0 h–24 h and 24 h–48 h before the falls using binomial logistic regression analyses. Results: Falls increased significantly with higher daily antipsychotic doses 24 h before the fall. In addition, the rate of falls increased with higher anticholinergic burden and prevalence of medication discontinuation 24–48 h before the fall. Notably, the total number of medications and psychotropic medications had no effect on the incidence of falls. Conclusion: With regard to the short-term effects of medication on fall risk, particular attention should be paid to the daily dose of antipsychotics, anticholinergic burden and medication discontinuation. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the results of this study.
The Incidence of Pulmonary Embolism in Hospitalized Non-ICU Patients with COVID-19 during the First Wave: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in the Netherlands
Authors: Maas Arno F.G. , Wyers Caroline , Dielis Arne , Barten Dennis G. , van Kampen Vivian E.M. , van der Krieken Thomas E. , de Kruif Martijn , Simsek Suat , Spaetgens Bart , van Haaps Thijs , Appelman Brent , Gritters Niels C. , Doornbos Stefan , Moeniralam Hazra S. , Noordzij Peter G. , Reidinga Auke , Douma Renée A. , Nossent Esther J. , Beudel Martijn , Elbers Paul , Middeldorp Saskia , van Es Nick , van den Bergh Joop P.W. , van Osch Frits H.M.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: During the first COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 in the Netherlands, the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) appeared to be high in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was performed to evaluate the incidence of PE during hospital stay in COVID-19 patients not admitted to the ICU. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 8 hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients admitted between February 27, 2020, and July 31, 2020, were included. Data extracted comprised clinical characteristics, medication use, first onset of COVID-19-related symptoms, admission date due to COVID-19, and date of PE diagnosis. Only polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive patients were included. All PEs were diagnosed with computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Results: Data from 1,852 patients who were admitted to the hospital ward were collected. Forty patients (2.2%) were diagnosed with PE within 28 days following hospital admission. The median time to PE since admission was 4.5 days (IQR 0.0–9.0). In all 40 patients, PE was diagnosed within the first 2 weeks after hospital admission and for 22 (55%) patients within 2 weeks after onset of symptoms. Patient characteristics, pre-existing comorbidities, anticoagulant use, and laboratory parameters at admission were not related to the development of PE. Conclusion: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study of 1,852 COVID-19 patients only admitted to the non-ICU wards, the incidence of CTPA-confirmed PE was 2.2% during the first 4 weeks after onset of symptoms and occurred exclusively within 2 weeks after hospital admission.
A questão colonial durante a conjuntura crítica do mundo Luso-Brasileiro no início do século XVIII
Authors: Ricupero Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

The beginning of the 18th century is marked by internal and external threats and tensions to Portugal, both in the metropolis and in the colonial areas, a moment of the so-called critical conjuncture of the Luso-Brazilian world. In this context, reflections were developed regarding the dynamics of the empire and proposals for facing difficulties, resulting in a series of debates. This article intend to follow the proposals and discussions of the time, in order to identify the ideas and discussions on the colonial issue produced by agents of the royal administration on both sides of the ocean and also by mercantile agents, who, starting from the idea that Brazil’s growing wealth could bring risks to Portugal’s interests, developed the understanding that such riches should benefit Portugal and his vassals in the Kingdom.
Evaluation of Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio and Fractional Flow Reserve in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Jo Ha Hye , Kang Do-Yoon , Lee Joong Min , Lim So-Min , Park Young-Sun , Choi Yeonwoo , Kim Hoyun , Lee Jinho , Ahn Jung-Min , Park Duk-Woo , Park Seung-Jung
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The optimal functional evaluation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) has not been established. The objective of the study was to evaluate the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with and without severe AS.

METHODS:

We retrospectively investigated 395 lesions in 293 patients with severe AS and 2257 lesions in 1882 patients without severe AS between 2010 and 2022 from a subgroup of the Interventional Cardiology Research In-Cooperation Society FFR Registry. All patients had FFR values, and iFR was analyzed post hoc using dedicated software only in lesions with adequate resting pressure curves (311 lesions in patients with severe AS and 2257 lesions in patients with nonsevere AS).

RESULTS:

The incidence of iFR ≤0.89 was 66.6% and 31.8% (
P
<0.001), while the incidence of FFR ≤0.80 was 45.3% and 43.9% (
P
=0.60) in the severe AS group and the nonsevere AS group, respectively. In the severe AS group, most lesions (95.2%) with iFR >0.89 had FFR >0.80, while 36.2% of lesions with iFR ≤0.89 had FFR >0.80. During a median follow-up of 2 years, FFR ≤0.80 was significantly associated with deferred lesion failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.71 [95% CI, 1.08–6.80];
P
=0.034), while iFR ≤0.89 showed no prognostic value (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 0.47–3.60];
P
=0.60) in the severe AS group. Lesions with iFR ≤0.89 and FFR >0.80, in particular, were not associated with a higher rate of deferred lesion failure at 3 years compared with lesions with iFR >0.89 (15.4% versus 17.0%;
P
=0.58).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggested that FFR appears to be less affected by the presence of severe AS and is more associated with prognosis. iFR may overestimate the functional severity of coronary artery disease without prognostic significance, yet it can be useful for excluding significant stenosis in patients with severe AS.
Genetic Deletion of β-Arrestin 2 From the Subfornical Organ and Other Periventricular Nuclei in the Brain Alters Fluid Homeostasis and Blood Pressure
Authors: Mathieu Natalia M. , Tan Eden E. , Reho John J. , Brozoski Daniel T. , Muskus Patricia C. , Lu Ko-Ting , Wackman Kelsey K. , Grobe Justin L. , Nakagawa Pablo , Sigmund Curt D.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

ANG (angiotensin II) elicits dipsogenic and pressor responses via activation of the canonical Gαq (G-protein component of the AT
1
R [angiotensin type 1 receptor])-mediated AT
1
R in the subfornical organ. Recently, we demonstrated that ARRB2 (β-arrestin 2) global knockout mice exhibit a higher preference for salt and exacerbated pressor response to deoxycorticosterone acetate salt. However, whether ARRB2 within selective neuroanatomical nuclei alters physiological responses to ANG is unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that ARRB2, specifically in the subfornical organ, counterbalances maladaptive dipsogenic and pressor responses to the canonical AT
1
R signaling.

METHODS:

Male and female
Arrb2
FLOX
mice received intracerebroventricular injection of either adeno-associated virus (AAV)-Cre-GFP (green fluorescent protein) to induce brain-specific deletion of ARRB2 (
Arrb2
ICV-Cre
).
Arrb2
FLOX
mice receiving ICV-AAV-GFP were used as control (
Arrb2
ICV-Control
). Infection with ICV-AAV-Cre primarily targeted the subfornical organ with few off targets. Fluid intake was evaluated using the 2-bottle choice paradigm with 1 bottle containing water and 1 containing 0.15 mol/L NaCl.

RESULTS:

Arrb2
ICV-Cre
mice exhibited a greater pressor response to acute ICV-ANG infusion. At baseline conditions,
Arrb2
ICV-Cre
mice exhibited a significant increase in saline intake compared with controls, resulting in a saline preference. Furthermore, when mice were subjected to water-deprived or sodium-depleted conditions, which would naturally increase endogenous ANG levels,
Arrb2
ICV-Cre
mice exhibited elevated saline intake.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, these data indicate that ARRB2 in selective cardiovascular nuclei in the brain, including the subfornical organ, counterbalances canonical AT
1
R responses to both exogenous and endogenous ANG. Stimulation of the AT
1
R/ARRB axis in the brain may represent a novel strategy to treat hypertension.
Dendrobium jizhuyeense (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae) a new species from China: evidence from morphology and DNA
Authors: LIANG MENG , CHANG LING-LING , WANG JIA-XIN , ZHANG YU , LIU LEI , ZHANG ZE , LI ZHENJIAN
Published: April 2024

Dendrobium jizhuyeense, a new species from Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated in this study. Morphological study indicates that D. jizhuyeense is similar to D. hancockii, but differs in having oblong sepals, obovate-elliptic petals and an obovate lip, including a smaller stem, smaller leaf and different flower type. Molecular analyses based on nuclear and plastid markers indicate that D. jizhuyeense is closely related to D. hancockii, belonging to section Holochrysa.
Kinetics of Hydrogen Absorption in Palladium/Kieselguhr Materials at Constant Flows
Authors: Cha Wei-Pei , Lu Jian-Xin , Wang De-Ming , Wei Le-Fu , Yang Hong-Guang
Published: April 2024

The hydrogen absorption kinetic behaviour of the Palladium/kieselguhr (Pd/K) composite materials activated in the range of 0.1–1 sccm · g−1, 263∼293 K and 20–100 kPa was determined by the constant-flow method, to establish a new gas-solid reaction
rate equation at constant flows and reveal kinetic regularity. The results indicate that the hydrogen absorption process at constant flows can be divided into three stages, with rate constants following kII < k < kIII. The nucleation and growth
processes regulate all three stages of constantflow hydrogen absorption, and the corresponding kinetic rate equations are denoted as follows [−ln(1−ξ)]r = kt(rI = 2/5, rII = 1, rIII = 1/2), which
it can be obtained that the changes of hydrogenation flows, temperature and initial hydrogen pressure have no effect on the hydrogen absorption kinetic regularity, but only on the hydrogen absorption rate. In the same hydrogen absorption stage, the hydrogen absorption rate increases with increasing
hydrogenation flows and initial hydrogen pressure, and decreases with increasing temperature in the selected temperature range. The mechanism of hydrogen absorption reaction at different temperatures is the identical, the Arrhenius relationship is met between the reaction rate constants and
temperatures, and the activation energies of the three stages are 12.9 kJ/mol, 36.5 kJ/mol and 9.0 kJ/mol respectively.
Template Synthesis of SnO2 Hollow Microspheres and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Du Kai , Yang Jiao , Li Gaojie , Li Yapeng , Gan Zewen
Published: April 2024

The paper describes a methodology for fabricating hollow microspheres of tin dioxide by utilizing carbonaceous saccharide microspheres as templates. The fabricated SnO2 microspheres exhibit uniform morphology and high crystallinity, which were verified with X-ray diffraction
analyses and electron microscopy images. Through controlling different solvent and heating rate, we can accurately control the uniformity, dispersion and surface morphology of the hollow microspheres. Additionally, the study explored the utilization of the prepared SnO2 hollow microspheres
and SnO2 nanoparticles in the degradation of Rhodamine B as detected by ultraviolet ray. Test data results indicated that the photocatalytic efficiency of SnO2 hollow microspheres surpassed that of the nanoparticles, attributed to the former’s multi-level reflection
of light, resulting in effective light utilization. The hollow SnO2 microspheres can serve as an excellent candidate for a photocatalyst, and this controllable yet sample synthesis route is anticipated to be employed for production of numerous hollow metal oxide structures with
superior photoelectric properties.
Morphological Study of Banana and Hemp Fiber Reinforced Nano-Titanium Oxide Composite Using Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Saxena Tanvi , Chawla V. K. , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Abd El-Salam Nasser M.
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the technological applications related to natural fibers and nano-fillers reinforced hybrid composites have gained popularity due to suitable composite properties, fiber durability and eco-friendly nature. In this investigation, the outcome of different percentages
of nano-titanium oxide (NTiO2) fillers at weights of (2%, 4%, and 6%) on banana-hemp fiber reinforced composite is analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). As per the ASTM standards, banana and hemp fibers are trimmed to an average size of 32 mm. The SEM analysis is conducted
in scanning mode, employing traditional SEM methodologies. The equipment utilized possesses a magnification range from 10X to approximately 40000X, a spatial resolution between 50 nm and 100 nm, and an acquisition speed ranging from 30 seconds to 60 seconds. The rheological and interfacial
study is examined using SEM to analyze voids, fracture, delamination, and fiber pull out. The SEM images of banana-hemp fiber composite reinforced with 4% NTiO2 filler shows minimal fiber pull-outs, de-laminations, and a reduced quantity of voids compared to the composites reinforced
with 2%, and 6% NTiO2 filler. The analytical modelling of the hybrid composite investigated in this research has been conducted and compared with the previous literature, in our previously published research [Saxena, T., & Chawla, V. (2024). Elastic properties evaluation of
banana-hemp fiber-based hybrid composite with nano-titanium oxide filler: Analytical and Simulation Study. Engineering Solid Mechanics, 12(1), 65–80].
A Fluorescent Sensor Based on P-Doped Biomass Carbon Quantum Dots for Selective Detection of Hg2+
Authors: He Wen , Lim Soh-Fong , Baini Rubiyah , Qu Yanping , Zhou Hai-Yu
Published: April 2024

The pollution problem caused by mercury ions (Hg2+) is becoming increasingly serious, and it is imperative to establish a methodology that is tailored to the precise identification of Hg2+. Phosphorus-doped biomass carbon quantum dots (P-BCQDs) with cyan fluorescence
were synthesized via a hydrothermal approach, utilizing willow leaves as the carbon precursor and sodium pyrophosphate as a modifying agent. The morphology and optical properties of P-BCQDs were analyzed, and the results showed that P-BCQDs had a spherical structure, uniform dispersion, and
particle size at 2.0±0.5 nm. Based on the principle that P-BCQDs bind to Hg2+ to burst the fluorescence, the P-BCQDs have an optimal time of 2 min for the detection of Hg2+, and the optimal pH = 7, with cHg2+ ranging from 0–20 μmol/L.
The linear relationship was achieved with the detection limit of 9 nmol/L. The spiked recovery experiments were conducted in actual water samples. The recoveries exhibited a range of 95.0% to 105.0%, accompanied by Sr ranging from 1.6% to 2.8%, which indicated that the proposed methodology
is applicable for the quantification of Hg2+.
Preparation and Properties of Cu-Plated Graphene/Cu Composites
Authors: Liu Baoliang , Wei Wenxin , Li Changqing
Published: April 2024

This research delves into the realm of advanced composite materials, focusing on the preparation and mechanical properties of Cu-plated graphene (Cu@rGO) and its comparison with copper-plated graphite (Cu@G). The electroless plating method was employed to create Cu@rGO and Cu@G, which
were subsequently mixed with copper powder and pressed, leading to the formation of Cu@rGO/Cu and Cu@G/Cu composites through vacuum sintering. A meticulous analysis of the mechanical properties, specifically hardness and compression strength, was conducted. Our findings reveal intriguing trends
in the mechanical behavior of these composites. In Cu@rGO/Cu sintered bodies, the hardness and compressive strength exhibit an increase with rising Cu@rGO content, up to 1.2 wt.%. Conversely, under analogous conditions, Cu@G/Cu sintered bodies display a decrease in both hardness and compressive
strength as the Cu@G content rises. This research not only contributes valuable insights into the preparation techniques of these composites but also sheds light on the nuanced mechanical responses associated with varying reinforcement phases. The implications of these findings extend to diverse
engineering applications, paving the way for optimized designs and applications of graphene-enhanced copper composites.
The Saltzman–Lorenz Exchange in 1961: Bridge to Chaos Theory
Authors: Lewis John M. , Lakshmivarahan S.
Published: April 2024

A single-day meeting between two theoretical meteorologists took place in 1961 at the Travelers Research Center (TRC) in Hartford, Connecticut. The two scientists were Barry Saltzman and Edward Lorenz, former proteges of V. P. Starr at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Several years before this meeting, Lorenz discovered the following profound result: extended-range weather forecasting was not feasible in the presence of slight errors in initial conditions. The model used was the geostrophic form of a two-level baroclinic model with 12 spectral variables. These results were presented a year earlier at the first symposium on numerical weather prediction (NWP) in Tokyo, Japan, and met with some skepticism from the NWP elite, dynamical meteorologists, and pioneers in operational NWP. Lorenz held faint hope that Saltzman’s recently developed model of Rayleigh–Bénard convection would produce the profound result found earlier. One of the numerical experiments executed that eventful day with Saltzman’s seven-mode truncated spectral model produced an unexpected result: inability of the model’s seven variables to settle down and approach a steady state. This occurred when the key parameter, the Rayleigh number, assumed an especially large value, one associated with turbulent convection. And further experimentation with the case delivered the sought-after result that Lorenz had found earlier and now convincingly found with a simpler model. It built the bridge to chaos theory. The pathway to this exceptional result is explored by revisiting Saltzman’s and Lorenz’s mentorship under V. P. Starr, the authors’ interview with Lorenz in 2002 that complements information in Lorenz’s scientific autobiography, and the authors’ published perspective on Salzman’s seven-mode model.
National Trends and Outcomes in the Operative Management of Thyroid Storm
Authors: Seo Young-Ji , Chervu Nikhil , Benharash Peyman , Wu James X.
Published: April 2024

Background

Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially lethal manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Guidelines recommend nonoperative management of thyroid storm, but thyroidectomy can be performed if patients fail medical therapy or need immediate resolution of the storm. Outcomes of thyroidectomy for management of thyroid storm remain ill-defined.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020, a retrospective analysis was conducted of patients admitted with thyroid storm. Outcomes of interest included operative complications and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with receiving thyroidectomy and mortality.

Results

An estimated 16,175 admissions had a diagnosis of thyroid storm. The incidence of thyroid storm increased from .91 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 1.03 per 100,000 people in 2020, with a concomitant increase in mortality from 2.9% to 5.3% ( P < .001). Operative intervention was pursued in 635 (3.9%) cases with a perioperative complication rate of 30%. On multivariable regression, development of acute decompensated heart failure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.03-2.68, P = .037) and acute renal failure (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.17-3.75, P = .013) increased odds of receiving surgery. The same multivariable model did not show a significant association between thyroidectomy and mortality.

Discussion

The incidence of thyroid storm and associated mortality increased during the study period. Thyroidectomy is rarely performed during the same admission, with an overall perioperative complication rate of 30% and no effect on mortality. Patients with acute decompensated heart failure and renal failure were more likely to receive an operative intervention.
“It’s the Best Thing in the World Around Here”: The Potential for Protective Places in a High Crime Neighborhood
Authors: Porter Lauren C. , De Biasi Alaina , Jefferis Eric , Curtis Andrew
Published: April 2024

Our study explores whether certain establishments repel crime in a high-crime neighborhood. We draw on interviews with 35 neighborhood insiders in 2014 and 2015, consisting of ex-offenders, residents, and police. We examine the spatial relationships between places identified by participants—churches, parks, and community gardens—and calls for service (CFS) using Ripley’s network bivariate K-function. Community gardens were associated with repulsion consistently, but only reached statistical significance for drug-related CFS. Churches were associated with both crime repulsion and attraction. Parks show evidence of repulsion for drug CFS at certain distances and for violent CFS. In sum, while qualitative data suggest compelling possibilities for certain establishments to repel crime, quantitative results are mixed about the reality.
“. . .It’s Just the Barriers That Can Be So Vast and Different”: Domestic Violence Advocates’ Perceived Barriers for Service Across Survivor Subpopulations
Authors: Reed Shon M. , Kibler MacKenzie A. , Avalos Susana
Published: April 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious issue that impacts people of all demographics. Despite its pervasiveness, IPV survivors often seek help from informal sources of help over formal help sources, such as victim service providers (VSPs). This can prove to be an issue as VSPs provide crucial services that assist survivors in exiting abusive relationships. Using content analysis, the current study assesses interview data with 16 victim advocates to highlight barriers experienced by IPV survivors when seeking help. Analyses indicate specific barriers located at the organizational, community, and individual levels of society. Further, barriers specific to heterosexual men and LGBTQIA survivors were identified. Future avenues for research and policy recommendations are provided after a presentation of the findings.
Exploring the Influence of Response Styles on Continuous Scale Assessments: Insights From a Novel Modeling Approach
Authors: Huang Hung-Yu
Published: April 2024

The use of discrete categorical formats to assess psychological traits has a long-standing tradition that is deeply embedded in item response theory models. The increasing prevalence and endorsement of computer- or web-based testing has led to greater focus on continuous response formats, which offer numerous advantages in both respondent experience and methodological considerations. Response styles, which are frequently observed in self-reported data, reflect a propensity to answer questionnaire items in a consistent manner, regardless of the item content. These response styles have been identified as causes of skewed scale scores and biased trait inferences. In this study, we investigate the impact of response styles on individuals’ responses within a continuous scale context, with a specific emphasis on extreme response style (ERS) and acquiescence response style (ARS). Building upon the established continuous response model (CRM), we propose extensions known as the CRM-ERS and CRM-ARS. These extensions are employed to quantitatively capture individual variations in these distinct response styles. The effectiveness of the proposed models was evaluated through a series of simulation studies. Bayesian methods were employed to effectively calibrate the model parameters. The results demonstrate that both models achieve satisfactory parameter recovery. Neglecting the effects of response styles led to biased estimation, underscoring the importance of accounting for these effects. Moreover, the estimation accuracy improved with increasing test length and sample size. An empirical analysis is presented to elucidate the practical applications and implications of the proposed models.
The triple loss: Young people in Tonga's experience of altered work, education and aspirations in the transnational parenting period
Authors: Cunningham Julie I
Published: April 2024

There is much still to be learned regarding the outcomes of transnational parenting for young people in labour-sending countries. In particular, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding young people's perspectives on transnational parenting at the time of the parent's absence outside of Central America or Asia. Thus, the purpose of this study is to increase understanding of young people's experience in the under-researched Pacific Islands region by examining: How does a parent's international labour migration impact young people left-behind in Tonga's work, leisure, education and aspirations? A theoretical framework utilising social remittances theory was adopted. Utilising a quick, ethnographic approach, 179 secondary school students participated. This 2017 study included interviews, time diaries, short surveys, focus groups and fieldwork observations to facilitate participant-led accounts of young people's experience of transnational parenting in Tonga. This study provides an important empirical contribution regarding young people in Tonga's experience of transnational parenting. These findings demonstrate that, as a consequence of labour migration schemes that disregard family accompaniment, young people in Tonga are paying a high price, a triple loss, as their right to family is diminished, they are unable to prioritise their education, and migration goals are elevated, all of which inhibit their potential.
Assessing Lower-Extremity Visuo-Motor Reaction Time in Young Male Soccer Players: Test-Retest Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of the Brain Pro System
Authors: Secer Erhan , Ozer Kaya Derya
Published: April 2024

A reliable, versatile means of assessing visuo-motor reaction time (V-MRT) is important to football (soccer) players for many reasons, including the fact that faster V-MRT is a critical sport skill that may even play a role in reducing common sports injuries to the lower muscle extremities that can be associated with lost time on the field. We aimed to determine the test-retest reliability and minimum detectable change (MDC) of the Brain Pro System for assessing lower-extremity V-MRT in young male football players. We had 68 participants ( M age = 16.35, SD = 1.71 years) perform two assessment sessions one-week apart. For test-retest reliability, we calculated a one-way intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) at the 95% confidence interval and provided the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) (MDC = SEM × 1.96 × √2) for V-MRTs. We obtained excellent V-MRT test-retest reliability for dominant lower-extremity, non-dominant lower-extremity, and dominant and non-dominant lower-extremities (ICC2,1 = .93, 95%CI = .89–.96; ICC2,1 = .94, 95%CI = .91–.96; ICC2,1 = .96, 95%CI = .94–.97; respectively). The calculated MDC for the dominant lower-extremity V-MRT, the non-dominant lower-extremity V-MRT, and dominant and non-dominant lower-extremities (random) V-MRT were 1.21 seconds, 1.13 seconds, and 1.21 seconds, respectively. Brain Pro System had excellent reliability for assessing lower-extremity V-MRT in young male football players. The MDC values at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) we obtained were reliable for assessing clinically meaningful V-MRT changes.
Mining Extractivism, Commodification of Nature and Indigenous Peasantry in the Atacama Desert: The Political Economy of Yareta (Azorella Compacta) in Historical Perspective (1915-1960)
Authors: Calderón-Seguel Matías , Prieto Manuel
Published: April 2024

Studies on the agrarian question in Latin America have dealt with the role of capital in the area of agriculture and forestry while paying scant attention to its role in other areas, such as mining. Research on mining extractivism, for its part, has privileged recent socio-environmental conflicts without delving into the configurations of social classes and labor relations as it relates to agriculture. This article integrates these topics, analyzing the connections between copper extractivism, the commodification of the yareta plant, and indigenous peasant labor. We studied the medium-upper basin of the Loa River, in northern Chile, where one of the most important copper mines in the world (Chuquicamata) has been operating since 1915. Using ethnography and bibliographic analysis, we provide an account of how the expansion of extractivism requires a mixture of properly capitalist labor relations mixed with customary Andean practices. The latter are subsumed by capital and have played a key structural role during certain periods.
A new model of giftedness for transformational active concerned citizenship and ethical leadership
Authors: Sternberg Robert J
Published: April 2024

Individuals are typically identified as gifted largely on the basis of competence in limited contexts, but their performance in the real world, both as children and adults, often lags far behind their competence. Thus, the identification of the individuals as “gifted,” however useful in theory, is much less useful in practice. This article explains some of the reasons why people identified as gifted by competence often fail in their performance. In this article, I propose a transformational, T-ACCEL model of giftedness. In this model, it is important not only to become an active concerned citizen and ethical leader, but also to do so in a way that makes the world a better place—that makes a positive, meaningful, and possibly enduring difference to the world, not just to one’s national, or ideological, ethnic, racial, religious, or other group.
Publications by Indian Orthodontists Making Global Waves: An Analysis from 2017 to 2023—Before, During, and After the Pandemic
Authors: Mathur Sanjana , Mohelay Nikita , Batra Puneet
Published: April 2024

Aim

This article seeks to evaluate the shifts in publication rates and the participation of Indian orthodontists in different quartiles of orthodontic journals before, during, and after the pandemic, spanning the years 2017–2023.

Methods

The evaluation involved manually searching through archives of 15 journals divided into quartiles, that is, Q1, Q2, and Q3. Articles with at least one author affiliated with an Indian university were collected and tabulated into graphs.

Results

In Q1 journals, “Progress in Orthodontics” achieved the highest Indian publication percentage at 4.66%, whereas the European Journal of Orthodontics recorded the lowest at 0.93%. Among Q2 journals, the Journal of Orthodontic Science led with a maximum publication rate of 35.83%, while the Korean Journal of Orthodontics had the least, accounting for only 0.36%. In Q3 journals, the highest contribution of 31.16% was observed in APOS Trends in Orthodontics, while International Orthodontics had the lowest contribution at 8.24%.

Conclusion

The examination of 15 orthodontic journals spanning the 7 years from 2017 to 2023 revealed that the publication trends remained largely unchanged in the majority of journals across all three time periods: pre-COVID-19, during the pandemic, and post-COVID-19. Notable exceptions included a slight increase in publications observed during and after the pandemic, specifically in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Q1 journal), Journal of Orthodontic Science (Q2 journal), APOS Trends in Orthodontics (Q3 journal), and International Orthodontics (Q3 journal).
New geographies of crime? Cybercrime, southern criminology and diversifying research agendas
Authors: Hall Tim , Yarwood Richard
Published: April 2024

This paper argues that reconsidering the disciplinary significance of the geographies of crime is timely. It has three aims. First, it identifies recent developments in the geographical study of crime, arguing that they both challenge and extend its intellectual traditions. Second, using the example of cybercrime, it identifies new forms of crime that deserve scrutiny by geographers. Third, it draws on ideas of Southern criminology to identify how research agendas can be diversified to advance how geographers study crime. In doing so it proposes that geographers’ renewed interest in crime over recent decades is appropriately labelled ‘new geographies of crime’.
Mechanical Properties and Performance of Mixtures with the Same Volumetric Classification
Authors: Isied Mayzan , Williams Nathaniel Reuben , Saleh Nooralhuda F. , Kuchiishi Kazoo , Underwood B. Shane , Kim Y. Richard
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the variations in performance among mixtures that are designed for use with the same traffic classification and whether a single mixture class index–volumetrics relationship (IVR) can be applied to all mixtures within that classification. Three surface mixtures, which are intended to serve traffic levels of 3–30 million equivalent single axle loads, were sourced from different regions in North Carolina: the coast; Piedmont; and the mountains. Dynamic modulus, cyclic fatigue, and stress sweep rutting tests were conducted using the asphalt mixture performance tester. Pavement performance simulations were performed using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design for fatigue cracking predictions and FlexPAVE™ for permanent deformation predictions. The findings indicate substantial differences in mechanical properties, performance indices, and pavement performance among the mixtures despite having similar volumetric properties. The study also shows that an IVR calibrated for a mixture cannot be used to predict the performance of other mixtures within the same mixture classification as the tested mixture. This research highlights the need for restructuring the mixture classification system so that it is based on mixture performance rather than on volumetric design, with the ultimate goal being a performance-based or related specification to eliminate the limitations introduced by the use of volumetric properties.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Ridesourcing and Metro Transit Integration Considering Heterogeneity
Authors: Liu Xinghua , Li Ye , Fan Jing , Shao Xuan , Lai Ziliang , Li Qiumeng
Published: April 2024

Metro transit has good social and environmental benefits but cannot cover every corner of a city. Ridesourcing is being integrated with metros to provide first- and last-mile connections in many cities. Understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics of this integrated use is crucial for building more sustainable and cooperative multimodal urban mobility systems. However, integrated use has not been investigated comprehensively, owing to a lack of observed data. To fill this gap, a three-level structure was used to identify access- and egress-integrated ridesourcing trips based on 2 months of observed data from Shanghai metropolis, China. Afterward, the travel patterns of integrated trips were analyzed in temporal (weekdays and weekends) and spatial (urban and suburban areas) dimensions. Finally, the spatially heterogeneous effect of determinants on integrated use was evaluated via geographically weighted regression. The results indicated that more than 60% of integrated trips are concentrated in suburbs to serve first- and last-mile connections. The duration and distance of integrated trips in suburbs significantly exceed those in urban areas. Further examination indicated that determinants such as the transfer distance, metro ridership, and the distance to the city center are positively correlated with integrated use. The effects of these determinants on integrated use vary among stations. These findings can provide theoretical guidance for the coordinated development of emerging shared mobility services and traditional public transit modes.
Why gendered quantification trends are a problem: Post-traumatic growth arguments and the civil war malestream
Authors: Duvendack Maren , Theuerkauf Ulrike G
Published: April 2024

Feminist scholars have long debated quantification trends in the social sciences. Of particular concern has been the extent to which the prestige assigned to quantitative methods may reinforce ‘malestream’ dynamics in academic knowledge production. ‘Malestream’ dynamics include the (implicit or explicit) privileging of a male-centric lens in the research process and the association of ‘hard’ numerical data with notions of ‘scientifically superior’ masculinity. We build on these discussions by asking how the rise in quantitative writings may affect gender disparities in the civil war literature. Using descriptive data from a newly coded dataset that contains 1,851 articles published in high-ranking journals between 1998 and 2018, we, firstly, illustrate how – in the generally male-dominated field of civil war research – the author gender gap is particularly pronounced among quantitative writings. Secondly, we present an in-depth discussion of three articles that use statistical analysis to test the effects of violence on prospects of post-traumatic growth. A distinct difference between the three articles is that they tend to be more sceptical of arguments on ‘positive change’ following violence the more account they take of gender differentiation in their theoretical framing and/or empirical identification strategy. All in all, our arguments call for greater awareness of gender bias in quantitative research, and for more rigour in currently hegemonic standards of what ‘counts’ as reliable evidence.
Listening to young people’s voices: Attempts at developing context- and participant-sensitive approaches
Authors: Sæther Elin , Kjørven Ole Kolbjørn , Dewilde Joke , Skrefsrud Thor-André
Published: April 2024

This article explores the methodological impact of sharpening researchers’ listening skills as part of the development of more context- and participant-sensitive approaches to research. The starting point is an analysis of structured app interviews with young people at a multicultural festival. Through the research process, we became increasingly aware of forms of communication we were prone to overlook, such as the here-and-now engagement of the participants, their carnivalesque expressions and associative and fragmented narration. Listening more openly required a reflexive extension of the data analysis and gave us unexpected glimpses into the life world and identity formation of young people.
Berlin techno goes intangible cultural heritage: Modern music, the cultural appropriation debate, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Authors: Wissmann Sara
Published: April 2024

This paper argues that cultural appropriation can – but does not always – constitute a human rights incompatibility precluding a classification as intangible cultural heritage (ICH) pursuant to Art. 2(1) Sentence 3 of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (CSICH). To set up this argument, the paper first addresses whether and in how far the human rights compatibility test is exercised in the realm of the CSICH. Subsequently, it seeks to analyse whether cultural appropriation violates that test. To this end, the paper first develops an understanding of cultural appropriation informed by insights ranging from philosophy to anthropology. It then raises the question in how far cultural appropriation and protection therefrom is covered by the IHRL canon, most importantly the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Using Berlin Techno as an example, the aim of this contribution is to reveal the limits of cultural appropriation in the legal field and to initiate a legally sound discussion on the relationship between culture, appropriation, and human rights that has thus far been absent.
Improved Jacobian-Torsor model for optimizing mechanical product quality
Authors: Liu Yazui , Shen Haodong , Zhao Gang , Jing Xishuang , Du Xiaoxiao
Published: April 2024

The quality of an assembly largely depends on the predictive accuracy of the assembly deviation model in the selective assembly process. Presently, three-dimensional deviation analysis methods only offer tolerances that indicate the overall deviation of a part feature. This limitation fails to accurately represent the fit of the parts during the assembly process, resulting in initial inaccuracies in the selective assembly model. To address this issue, an improved Jacobian-Torsor model is proposed that incorporates measured data from part assembly features into the deviation analysis model. Initially, the actual contact state of the assembly is determined by measuring the contact surface of the plane fit and the shaft-hole fit. Next, the Jacobian matrix, representing the transmission path of assembly deviation, is constructed by analyzing the assembly connection diagram. Subsequently, by integrating the actual contact state characterized by small displacement torsor (SDT) into the unified Jacobian-Torsor model, the advantage of high credibility tolerance propagation is provided. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed improved Jacobian-Torsor model is verified using the double-joint manipulator.
Corrosion inhibition by Myristica fragrans extract in neem biodiesel: Evaluation by machine learning and traditional methods
Authors: Iyyappan S , Vinod Kumar KP , Ponram P
Published: April 2024

Ethyl acetate extract of Myristica fragrans mace flowers was investigated as an effective inhibitor for copper in neem biodiesel. Employing the ASTM D130 method to assess copper corrosion in biodiesel, a remarkable inhibition efficiency of 98.04% was achieved. Inhibitor adsorption on the surface of copper metal was substantiated by FTIR spectral evaluation. Surface morphology studies by SEM confirmed the protective nature of the inhibitor for copper metal corrosion prevention. Further, several support vector machine (SVM) learning algorithms were employed with three different classes of corrosion to study the corrosion inhibition of which, the medium Gaussian procedure gave a maximum accuracy of 92.4%. The work reveals the applicability of the SVM algorithm for accurate corrosion estimation and classification not only in biodiesel medium but also in various environments.
Prediction of excess cement residues using a regression model to avoid peri-implant diseases: An in vitro study
Authors: Josephraj Febina , Venugopal Vidyashree Nandini , Karthik Varshini
Published: April 2024

Dental implant restorations attached to cement can potentially result in peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis if cement residues are present. Effectively predicting and eliminating such dental cement residues is crucial for preventing complications. This study focuses on creating a regression model using the pixel values to predict the Excess Cement Residues (ECR) by employing an octagonal surface imaging approach. A model featuring gingival imitation, ten abutments, and ten crowns was created, and the cemented implants underwent thorough photographic and analytical assessment. The ECR was determined through two distinct approaches: the Computerized Planimetric Method (CPM) and the weighing method. Across ten implants in this in vitro study, ECR varied from 0.3 to 21 mg, with an average of 5.69 mg. The findings reveal a higher amount of ECR on the distal, mesiobuccal, and mesial sides. Utilizing Pearson’s correlation, a coefficient value of r = 0.786 signifies a strong correlation between CPM and the weighing method. The regression model further aids in predicting ECR based on pixel values. The octagonal surface imaging approach not only vividly captures information about ECR in the implant cementation region but also emphasizes the feasibility of ImageJ as an effective tool for detecting ECR. The congruence between CPM and the weighing method results supports the application of the regression model for precise ECR prediction.