bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Versatile software-defined HPC and cloud clusters on Alps supercomputer for diverse workflows
Authors: Alam Sadaf R , Gila Miguel , Klein Mark , Martinasso Maxime , Schulthess Thomas C
Published: April 2023

Supercomputers have been driving innovations for performance and scaling benefiting several scientific applications for the past few decades. Yet their ecosystems remain virtually unchanged when it comes to integrating distributed data-driven workflows, primarily due to rather rigid access methods and restricted configuration management options. X-as-a-Service model of cloud has introduced, among other features, a developer-centric DevOps approach empowering developers of infrastructure, platform to software artefacts, which, unfortunately contemporary supercomputers still lack. We introduce vClusters (versatile software-defined clusters), which is based on Infrastructure-as-code (IaC) technology. vClusters approach is a unique fusion of HPC and cloud technologies resulting in a software-defined, multi-tenant cluster on a supercomputing ecosystem, that, together with software-defined storage, enable DevOps for complex, data-driven workflows like grid middleware, alongside a classic HPC platform. IaC has been a commonplace in cloud computing, however, it lacked adoption within multi-Petascale ecosystems due to concerns related to performance and interoperability with classic HPC data centres’ ecosystems. We present an overview of the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre’s flagship Alps ecosystem as an implementation target for vClusters for HPC and data-driven workflows. Alps is based on the Cray-HPE Shasta EX supercomputing platform that includes an IaC compliant, microservices architecture (MSA) management system, which we leverage for demonstrating vClusters usage for our diverse operational workflows. We provide implementation details of two operational vClusters platforms: a classic HPC platform that is used predominantly by hundreds of users running thousands of large-scale numerical simulations batch jobs; and a widely used, data-intensive, Grid computing middleware platform used for CERN Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG) operations. The resulting solution showcases reuse and reduction of common configuration recipes across vCluster implementations, minimising operational change management overheads while introducing flexibility for managing artefacts for DevOps required by diverse workflows.
The Effects of Linguistic Coordination on Perceived Quality of Consumer Reviews: A Dual Process Perspective
Authors: Liu Angela Xia , Wang Yinglei , Zhang Jurui
Published: April 2023

Online consumer reviews, as a major source of information and influence, are of great interest to marketing researchers and practitioners. This study investigates the effects of linguistic coordination on perceived review quality. Drawing on the elaboration likelihood model, the authors theorize that two types of linguistic coordination—topic matching (semantic component) and language style matching (lexical component)—have profound effects on perceived review quality. Utilizing natural language processing tools and a novel clustering technique to measure matching, empirical analyses based on an IMDb data set support the positive direct effects of both types of matching. Moreover, the authors find that there is a negative interaction between topic matching and language style matching in affecting perceived review quality. The findings contribute to the understanding of online review quality, and the application of natural language processing enriches the methodological tool kit available to researchers.
Long term outcomes of Yamane technique in various indications
Authors: Sahin Vural Gozde , Guven Yusuf Ziya , Karahan Eyyup , Zengin Mehmet Ozgur
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To describe the clinical and refractive outcomes of Yamane transconjunctival sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (SIS IOL) fixation technique in aphakic and dislocated IOLs.

Methods

The aphakic and IOL dispositioned patients who underwent Yamane surgery in Bozyaka Research and Training Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic data, preoperative & postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent (SE), indication for surgery, additional surgical interventions, complications, the final status of retina, and central macular thickness (CMT) through spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were recorded.

Results

A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients were evaluated. The indication for surgery was aphakia in 24 patients, lens dislocation in 1 patient, and IOL dislocation in 5 patients. The mean age of participants was 64.17 ± 14.69 years, and the mean follow-up was 46.07 ± 7.96 months. The mean BCVA was improved from 0.25 ± 0.22 (−0.94 ± 0.83 log MAR) to 0.49 ± 0.24 in decimals (−0.37 ± 0.27 log MAR) (p:0.041). The mean subjective refraction improved from 10.06 ± 3.10 to −1.45 ± 0.73 D in the final visit (p < 0.05). The mean of cylindrical refraction was −1.22 ± 1.03 D in the postoperative period. At the time surgery, 36.6% of patients required at least one additional surgical procedure. During follow-up period, two (6.7%) out of 30 of patients had retinal detachment, two of the patients (6.7%) occured epiretinal membrane, one of the patients (3.3%) had cystoid macular edema.

Conclusion

Yamane SIS IOL fixation technique is an effective and reliable surgical option in complicated cases that require additional surgical interventions in long-term follow-up.
COVID-19 Epidemic Forecast in Brazil
Authors: Gaidai Oleg , Xing Yihan
Published: April 2023

This study advocates a novel spatio-temporal method for accurate prediction of COVID-19 epidemic occurrence probability at any time in any Brazil state of interest, and raw clinical observational data have been used. This article describes a novel bio-system reliability approach, particularly suitable for multi-regional environmental and health systems, observed over a sufficient time period, resulting in robust long-term forecast of the virus outbreak probability. COVID-19 daily numbers of recorded patients in all affected Brazil states were taken into account. This work aimed to benchmark novel state-of-the-art methods, making it possible to analyse dynamically observed patient numbers while taking into account relevant regional mapping. Advocated approach may help to monitor and predict possible future epidemic outbreaks within a large variety of multi-regional biological systems. Suggested methodology may be used in various modern public health applications, efficiently using their clinical survey data.
Risk factors and protective factors for nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: A hospital- and school-based case–control study
Authors: Geng Shuo , Wang Lin , Sun Jinping , Xu Mingdong , Zhang Li , Yi Zhi , Ji Jun , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2023

Objective

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in China has increasingly interested clinicians, although few studies have investigated its risk and protective factors. This study examined the risk factors of NSSI among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

The researchers recruited adolescent participants with NSSI from a hospital outpatient clinic to form a case group and recruited adolescents without NSSI who provided informed consent from the school to form a control group. Participants completed a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 138 cases and 276 controls participated in this study. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjusting for age and sex showed that domestic violence (OR = 8.615, 95%CI: 3.081–24.091), parental overconcern (OR = 6.995, 95%CI: 3.447–14.192), guilt (OR = 4.949, 95%CI: 2.227–10.996), and school bullying (OR = 21.676, 95%CI: 6.799–69.109) increased the risk of NSSI, while peer support (OR = 0.068, 95%CI: 0.030–0.150) and living in an urban environment (OR = 0.157, 95%CI: 0.056–0.437) decreased the risk of NSSI.

Conclusion

Some psychosocial factors were confirmed to be independent risk and protective factors for NSSI in this study. However, the clinical significance of the results needs to be interpreted with caution due to sample size limitations.
Earthling: the labourer and the soil
Authors: Griffin Carl J.
Published: April 2023

Geography is a discipline rooted in the idea of ‘earth writing’, yet until recently human geographers had left the study of the very matter of the earth – the soil beneath our feet – to natural scientists. If human geographers – amongst other humanities scholars – have begun to address human-soil relationships there is a need to attend to meanings invested in and generated by being with the soil. This paper attempts to address this by analysing the relationship with the soil by those who made their living by tilling and tending it, rural agricultural workers, those who laboured on (and in) the soil. Specifically, it focuses on the ‘long 19th century’, the period at the start of which when labourers remained the largest occupational sector but when agricultural ‘improvement’, industrialisation and rapid urbanisation were challenging human-soil entanglements. Drawing upon novels, poetry and biographical writing, this paper plots three key ways in which the relationship between rural workers and the soil was figured: as the link to the past; as inheritance, the promise of the future; and through the affective nature of tilling. In so thinking about these multi-layered meanings, the paper shows not only the value of excavating past human-environmental entanglements but also the need to adopt a cultural geographical methodology and sensibility. In sum, it is shown that soil was a crucible not just of life but of meaning in life.
A novel fault evaluation method based on nonlinear vibration features and Euclidean distance measurement for grid-like structures
Authors: Li Quankun , Ma Ruixian , Liao Mingfu , Jing Xingjian
Published: April 2023

Complex grid-like structures such as steel truss bridges and steel truss roofs commonly exist in civil engineering applications. Since these structures are usually subject to dynamic operational forces, faults like chemical corrosion, fatigue crack, and bolt loosening arise, and seriously affect structural health. To consider some issues in existing frequency domain fault evaluation methods like applicability for complex structures, requirement of baseline data, neglect of nonlinear boundaries, and localization of local faults, a novel method using nonlinear vibration features and Euclidean distance measurement is presented in this paper. Firstly, complex grid-like structures are decomposed into a series of simple T-type substructures according to structural characteristics and load paths. Secondly, related T-type multi-degree-of-freedom model is built by simulating potential faults and nonlinear boundaries as related nonlinear damper-spring connections. Thirdly, exciting the model and extracting output responses only, novel and local fault features, which are functions of structural properties, nonlinear fault-induced loads and transmissibility functions, are defined. Then, utilizing defined features from the local substructure to be evaluated only, a novel fault index is defined with Euclidean distance measurement. Finally, corresponding evaluation method is developed, and its effectiveness and applicability are demonstrated by comparative studies on a lab bolted grid-like structure.
Develop an optimal washing and care mode for knapsack
Authors: Wei Yuhui , Cao Xuejiao , Huang Yuxuan , Su Zhaowei , Wang Peng , Wang Zongqian , Wang Kaifa
Published: April 2023

In order to develop a suitable washing mode for knapsack, mechanical agitation (1), water bath vibration (2), ultrasonic (3), micro-nano bubble (4) and complex washing mode of the two were systematically investigated. Results showed that regardless of fabric, the washing efficiency of composite washing mode {mechanical agitation + ultrasonic (1 + 3), mechanical agitation + micro-nano bubble (1 + 4)}, was highest among all washing modes. Moreover, the decrease of stiffness, tensile strength, smoothness and micro-morphology of knapsack by using complex washing mode {mechanical agitation + ultrasonic (1 + 3), mechanical agitation + micro-nano bubble (1 + 4)} significantly lower than that of mechanical agitation. This indicated that mechanical agitation was the key to remove stain, micro-nano bubbles and ultrasound only assisted its removal. But the addition of micro-nano bubbles and ultrasound was helpful to improve the washing efficiency and reduce the performance degradation caused by washing mode of mechanical agitation. Complex washing mode {mechanical agitation + ultrasonic (1 + 3), mechanical agitation + micro-nano bubble (1 + 4)} was optimal washing combination for knapsack, especially the composite mode of mechanical agitation + ultrasonic (1 + 3), due to its ability to remove residual stains in the inner layer and slit. Moreover, the complex washing mode was also more environmental-friendly and sustainable, compared to other washing mode, because of washing time and detergent dosage reducing occurred by its high washing efficiency. The results were not only helpful to guide manufacturers of washing machine to develop a program dedicated to the daily washing and care knapsack, but also provided scientific care guidance and optimization ideas for subsequent research and applications.
New Artificial Intelligence-Integrated Electromyography-Driven Robot Hand for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation of Patients With Stroke: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Murakami Yuhei , Honaga Kaoru , Kono Hidemi , Haruyama Koshiro , Yamaguchi Tomofumi , Tani Mami , Isayama Reina , Takakura Tomokazu , Tanuma Akira , Hatori Kozo , Wada Futoshi , Fujiwara Toshiyuki
Published: April 2023

Background

An artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated electromyography (EMG)-driven robot hand was devised for upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation. This robot detects patients’ intentions to perform finger extension and flexion based on the EMG activities of 3 forearm muscles.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of this robot in patients with chronic stroke.

Methods

This was a single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial with a 4-week follow-up period. Twenty patients were assigned to the active (n = 11) and control (n = 9) groups. Patients in the active group received 40 minutes of active finger training with this robot twice a week for 4 weeks. Patients in the control group received passive finger training with the same robot. The Fugl-Meyer assessment of UE motor function (FMA), motor activity log-14 amount of use score (MAL-14 AOU), modified Ashworth scale (MAS), H reflex, and reciprocal inhibition were assessed before, post, and post-4 weeks (post-4w) of intervention.

Results

FMA was significantly improved at both post ( P = .011) and post-4w ( P = .021) in the active group. The control group did not show significant improvement in FMA at the post. MAL-14 AOU was improved at the post in the active group ( P = .03). In the active group, there were significant improvements in wrist MAS at post ( P = .024) and post-4w ( P = .026).

Conclusions

The AI-integrated EMG-driven robot improved UE motor function and spasticity, which persisted for 4 weeks. This robot hand might be useful for UE rehabilitation of patients with stroke. Clinical Trial Registry Name: The effect of robotic rehabilitation using XMM-HR2 for the paretic upper extremity among hemiparetic patients with stroke. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/ Unique Identifier: jRCTs032200045.
Aortoiliac occlusive disease – a novel classification system based on anatomical segments and disease severity for management planning
Authors: Ogunsanya Ngozi Lola , Milner Ross , Delaney Chris L , Puckridge Phillip
Published: April 2023

Aims

The aim of this classification system is to provide vascular surgeons with a simple tool that categorises disease severity by anatomical segment in aortoiliac occlusive disease and thus guide decision making and management strategies. Disease of the common femoral arteries is included as the distal extent of disease with respect to access for both open and endovascular intervention is essential to management planning.

Methods

The classification system designates diseased segment letters and numbers to guide treatment planning. The degree of disease other than stenotic or occluded is not required. In a similar manner to the TNM classification, anatomy and disease severity – based on angiography, CTA, and MRA – are categorised using a simple, user-friendly method. Two clinical cases are presented to exemplify the clinical application of this classification system.

Results

A simple and useful classification system is presented and ease of use exemplified by two clinical cases.

Conclusions

Management strategies for peripheral artery disease in general, aortoiliac occlusive disease specifically, have evolved rapidly in recent years. Existing classification systems, such as TASC II, steer the clinician towards specific treatment approaches. However, the first step in the management decision-making process is the accurate identification of the arterial segments that require treatment. None of the existing classification systems specifically address anatomy as an entity in itself. This classification system provides an intuitive framework, based on letters and numbers, that provides specific information on arterial segments and disease severity in aortoiliac occlusive disease on which clinicians can base management decisions. It has been developed to bolster this aspect of the vascular surgery armamentarium; to be used as a decision making and management planning tool, in partnership with, not instead of, existing classification systems.
Simulation of suspended cable-driven parallel robot on SimulationX
Authors: Jomartov Assylbek , Tuleshov Amandyk , Kamal Aziz , Abduraimov Azizbek
Published: April 2023

Currently, research is being carried out on a new type of parallel robots, such as cable-driven parallel robot. The cable-driven parallel robot are parallel robots with flexible (cables), with a large workspace, with high speeds and accelerations of the end effector. In the cable-driven parallel robot, cables can only work in tension, and cable-driven parallel robot lose their performance when they are compressed. This feature severely limits the development and application of cable-driven parallel robots and requires further development of cable-driven parallel robot modeling on various software systems. Currently, Adams multibody dynamics software is widely used to create and test virtual prototypes of mechanical systems. But for cable-driven parallel robot modeling, the Adams program is quite complex and expensive to use. In this article, the simulation of the cable-driven parallel robot is carried out on the SimulationX software. Unlike other software packages, SimulationX is more accessible and cheaper and is well suited for cable-driven parallel robot simulation. Cable-driven parallel robot modeling on SimulationX allows you to identify the main design flaws even before its prototype is made. A model on the SimulationX software of a suspended cable-driven parallel robot with a point mass end effector, taking into account the elastic-dissipative properties of cables, was developed. The prototype of suspended cable-driven parallel robot with a point mass end effector was manufactured. Experimental researches of the prototype of the suspended cable-driven parallel robot with a point mass end effector confirmed the correctness of the application of the model on SimulationX for practical calculations.
Does Employment Complexity Promote Healthy Cognitive Aging in Down Syndrome?
Authors: Piro-Gambetti Brianna , Schworer Emily K. , Handen Benjamin , Glukhovskaya Masha , Hartley Sigan L.
Published: April 2023

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) experience high risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there is variability in the timing of transition from a cognitively stable state to prodromal AD and dementia. The present study examined the association between a modifiable lifestyle factor, employment complexity, and cognitive decline across two time points in adults with DS. Employment complexity, defined as the degree of problem-solving or critical thinking required for employment activities, was operationalized using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a system which classifies occupations based on three categories: Data, People, and Things. Eighty-seven adults with DS (M = 36.28 years, SD = 6.90 years) were included in analyses. Partial correlations revealed that lower employment complexity involving People and Things were associated with increased dementia symptoms. Lower employment complexity involving Things was also associated with memory decline. These findings have implications for vocational programs focused on job training and placement for adults with DS.
Volatile Components and Biological Activities of n-Hexane Extract From Rhizomes of Homalomena cochinchinensis
Authors: Nguyen Linh Thuy Khanh , Nguyen Phu Quynh Dinh , Doan Nghia Ai Thi , Nguyen Chau Bao Hoai , Doan Tuan Quoc , Tran Linh Thuy Thi , Nguyen Hoai Thi , Ho Duc Viet
Published: April 2023

In this study, we analyzed the volatile constituents of the n-hexane extract from the rhizomes of Homalomena cochinchinensis Engl. by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We also investigated the anti-inflammatory, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities of this extract. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 25 compounds, of which linalool was the primary component (17.6%). The extract significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 cells (IC50 = 21.08 ± 1.80 µg/mL); displayed weak cytotoxic activity against SK-LU-1, HepG2, and MCF7 cancer cell lines (IC50 values ranged from 154.60 to 184.25 µg/mL); and exhibited a weak capacity for AChE inhibition (IC50 = 131.10 ± 9.76 µg/mL). This report is the first to examine the volatile components and biological activities of the n-hexane extract from rhizomes of Homalomena cochinchinensis.
Putting ‘rupture’ to work at the Three Gorges Dam
Authors: Wilmsen Brooke , Rogers Sarah
Published: April 2023

This provocative article by Sango Mahanty and co-authors proposes rupture as a temporally and spatially expansive view of change and one that encompasses intersections with other crises. In our commentary, we put rupture to work as an analytic, thinking through the dynamics of China's massive Three Gorges Dam as a rupture episode with far-reaching disruption to everyday lives and hydrological and socio-economic systems. Through our consideration of the complex temporalities, spatial and material relationships, and generative sociopolitical potential of the Three Gorges Dam, we see value in the authors’ expansive view of change that looks well beyond the boundaries of ‘the project’. Practically speaking; however, we see the need to put some boundaries around our analysis, or the scope of rupture is potentially endless.
Efficacy of vedolizumab as maintenance therapy in a patient with ulcerative colitis receiving haemodialysis in end-stage kidney failure: A case report
Authors: Albertini Petroni Guglielmo , Pisani Laura Francesca , Borsotti Edoardo , Doria Maria , Annunziata Maria Laura
Published: April 2023

This report describes vedolizumab’s clinical efficacy and safety in a patient with severe ulcerative colitis on haemodialysis for an end-stage kidney failure. The patient was a 75-year-old man on long-standing chronic diffusive three times per week haemodialytic treatment due to vascular nephropathy. At the presentation, the patient had severe bloody diarrhoea treated with a steroid cycle with temporary benefits and then developed steroid dependence. Upon remission, the patient started vedolizumab (Entivyo®) as maintenance therapy. After 6 weeks of induction, patient started the maintenance therapy with an infusion every 8 weeks. After the sixth infusion, the interval was prolonged to 9 weeks because of the good and fast response. Vedolizumab treatment proceeded without adverse events. However, no changes in renal function were noted during the same period, no complications were reported, and the patient regularly continued haemodialysis. At the second induction infusion (week 2) and the second maintenance infusion (week 22), we measured vedolizumab serum level before and after haemodialysis, observing no significant changes. Our case is the first report about using vedolizumab in a patient under haemodialysis, showing that vedolizumab can be safe, well tolerated, and effective in patients undergoing haemodialysis. However, more extensive trials are needed to prove its use in these patients.
The Relationship Between Government Response Speed and Sentiments of Public Complaints: Empirical Evidence From Big Data on Public Complaints in South Korea
Authors: Bae Young , Woo Byung-Deuk , Jung Sungwon , Lee Eunchae , Lee Jiin , Lee Mingu , Park Haegyun
Published: April 2023

This article utilizing unique data on 37,655 public complaints in South Korea from April 2021 to March 2022 aims to unveil the association between sentiments in public complaints or petitions and government response speed. We estimate sentiments in each complaint with five morphological analyzers and employ negative binomial regression models. The empirical results demonstrate that public complaints with the sentiment of Fear tend to receive faster governmental responses while complaints with the sentiment of Sorrow are more likely to be addressed slowly. The influence of the sentiment of Fear and Sorrow is consistently robust in logistic event history models, while the sentiment of Anger is not statistically significant anymore. The results contribute to the literature on political psychology by demonstrating that facing public complaints dominated by different sentiments can influence the efficiency of civil servants. At the same time, this article suggests providing periodical counseling and education for civil servants who continuously face waves of negative sentiments to treat public complaints expertly.
Impact of Personality Traits on Communication Effectiveness of Teachers: Exploring the Mediating Role of Their Communication Style
Authors: Dhillon Navdeep , Kaur Gurvinder
Published: April 2023

Personality traits of teachers are critical to their teaching reflections as well as students learning and satisfaction. However, there is no guiding framework about which personality factors and style of communication are important for teachers’ communication effectiveness during their classroom teaching. The current research studies the impact of personality traits on Communication Effectiveness (CE) of teachers during their classroom teaching and the mediating role of their Communication Style (CS). A sample of 250 teachers from Indian higher education institutions participated in the exploratory study. The study applies PLS-SEM, a theoretical model was proposed and the results point to a total mediating impact of CS on the relationship between personality and CE. The direct effect of the personality traits on communication effectiveness, although positive becomes insignificant, indicating that to a major extent the influence of personality traits on communication effectiveness is explained by the communication style of the teachers. “Conscientiousness” and “Extraversion” personality traits are the most significant personality traits which bring about communication effectiveness in teachers through their “expressive” and “precise” communication styles. Validation of the proposed model will facilitate the teachers to assess their personality traits and identify the most suitable teaching styles which will make their classroom teaching effective thus, enhancing students’ class participation and academic performance.
Devastating Effects of Combined DKA and Acute Pancreatitis in Select Patients: Two Cases
Authors: Fadeyi Olaniyi , Katamreddy Yamini , Dang Varun , Topacio Antonio
Published: April 2023

Most cases of acute pancreatitis are routinely managed in the hospital without complications. However, management could become very complicated when patients present with a combination of acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In fact, triad of acute pancreatitis, DKA, and hypertriglyceridemia in patients could result into systemic complications which may lead to fatal consequences. We report 2 cases in which patients presented with acute pancreatitis and DKA. Clinical course was complicated for both cases. While one of the patients expired, the other patient could not be extubated. This combination must be avoided at all costs because the clinical outcome for affected patients is difficult to predict.
“That’s Jesus’s Intent, and That Was Our Intent Too!”: African Migration, Race, and US Missions
Authors: Akano Kimberly
Published: April 2023

In this essay, I analyze the intersection of African migration, race, and Christianity in the United States to highlight the 1960s as a pivotal moment of African immigrant influence on US missions. Rather than serving as pawns in a US-centric debate about race and missions, African immigrants were key players given their firsthand racialized encounters and their efforts to link racial discord in the US with US missions in Africa. By situating this discussion in the 1960s—a time before the emergence of formalized African immigrant churches—this essay illuminates a longer history of African immigrant influence on US Christianity.
Possessing the Nations: Immigration and the Changing Landscape of the Church in Scotland
Authors: Akomiah-Conteh Sheila
Published: April 2023

The landscape of Christianity in Britain has changed significantly in the last sixty years. The presence and influence of old and established church institutions have significantly diminished, but many new groups have emerged to keep the heritage of the church alive. This mixed-methods study presents the changes that have occurred in the Christian landscape of the City of Glasgow in Scotland in recent years. It reports the formation of 110 new churches in Glasgow between 2000 and 2016 and the key role of international immigration in boosting theological diversity and numerical church growth in the Christian landscape of contemporary Scotland.
Affiliate stigma and related factors among parents of autism spectrum condition: A pilot study from mainland China
Authors: Ma Yu , Lee Liz Yuanxi , Zhang Xuemin
Published: April 2023

Background

Autistic individuals show differences in social and behavioral performances. Autism-related stigma affects autistic children as well as their caregivers (e.g., parents). Research has shown that stigmatizing reactions from others toward caregivers of autistic children are common and that these caregivers suffer from affiliate stigma.

Aims

To examine the level of affiliate stigma among parents of autistic children and its predictive factors in mainland China.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving parents of autistic children from mainland China. The sample consisted of 183 parents (mean age  =  36.5 years). The measures assessed included demographic characteristics, and parents completed two questionnaires. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was used to evaluate the characteristics of children by their parent's subjective assessments, and the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS) was used to investigate the affiliate stigma level of parents.

Results

The affiliate stigma levels of parents of autistic children were high, and the mean score of the affect subscale was higher than those of the other subscales. The mean ASS score differed significantly between employed and unemployed parents, those aged under 40 and over 40, and high- and low-income parents. The hierarchical regression analysis showed that parents’ age, monthly household income, and mean SRS score were significant predictors of the mean ASS score. The results indicated that parents of autistic children and their children need more social support and inclusion in mainland China.

Conclusion

The present study confirms the importance of studying primary caregivers (i.e., parents) in the context of traditional mainland Chinese culture. Although preliminarily, findings showed that the affiliate stigma levels of parents are high in mainland China, probably due to the influence of traditional cultural values. Moreover, considering the importance of autistic child characteristics, our results suggest that we should increase public knowledge of autism, enrich the general understanding of autism, and reduce the autism-related stigma of parents in mainland Chinese societies.
Great works: Archipelagic romanticisms on the Connemara coast
Authors: Pilz Anna
Published: April 2023

This article explores Maria Edgeworth’s letters on her 1833 Connemara tour as a starting point to investigate the connection between Ireland’s western district and the Scottish Highlands in the cultural imagination. Through Edgeworth’s acquaintance with and interest in the works of the Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo, I go on to establish the historical links between Scotland and coastal infrastructural developments along Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard. I offer a focused study of the creation of the fishing village of Roundstone by analysing an archive of texts, maps, reports, and images to highlight the ways in which colonial infrastructures, coastal community building, and the knowledge production of natural history are grounded in an archipelagic practice. Ultimately, this article reveals how a turn to coastal infrastructure developments brings into focus the multiple temporalities of archipelagic romanticisms.
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Using a Single Incision, Dual Anchor Technique
Authors: Jurgensmeier Kevin , Lamba Abhinav , Camp Christopher
Published: April 2023

Background:

Distal biceps tendon ruptures commonly present in the middle-aged population resulting in deficits of strength and endurance. Operative management has shown improved functional outcome; however, there is not a clear consensus on an ideal surgical method.

Indications:

Distal biceps tendon repair is indicated for patients with clinical evidence and supporting magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of complete or partial rupture of the biceps tendon. Ideally, surgery is performed within 1 to 2 weeks of the injury to minimize the amount of scar tissue that is formed and the severity of the tendon retraction.

Technique Description:

A single incision is created on the volar surface of the forearm approximately 15 mm distal to the main flexor crease. After dissection to and retrieval of the biceps tendon, a #2 FiberTag stitch is placed distally and secured in a standard looped, locking fashion. An anchor is then placed in the most proximal aspect of the radial tuberosity and preliminarily placed around the tendon. An all-suture intramedullary cortical button is then placed in the distal aspect of the radial tuberosity. The FiberTag sutures are then shuttled through the button and tightened to anatomically reduce the distal biceps. The sutures on the proximal anchor are then used as supplemental fixation.

Results:

An anterior, single incision technique provides exposure necessary for dual anchor fixation and anatomic restoration of the distal biceps tendon. Utilizing this approach, patients are found to have improved flexion and pronation at 1 year, lower rates of heterotopic ossification, and lower rates of reoperation.

Conclusion:

Distal biceps tendon repair through an anterior, single incision provides excellent exposure for surgical repair. Utilizing a dual anchor technique, the distal button allows for anatomic fixation while the proximal suture anchor provides secondary fixation and increases the bone-tendon interface.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Oxygen in interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Cordeiro Ricardo , Nunes André , Smith Oliver , Renzoni Elisabetta A.
Published: April 2023

Domiciliary oxygen is essential in the care of hypoxaemic interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. Guidelines concur in advising prescription of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) for ILD patients with severe hypoxaemia at rest, in view of its beneficial impact on breathlessness/disability and extrapolating potential survival benefits seen in COPD patients. A less severe hypoxaemia threshold for initiation of LTOT is recommended for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH)/right heart failure, requiring careful evaluation in all ILD patients. In light of evidence suggesting a link between nocturnal hypoxaemia, development of PH and poor survival, studies assessing the impact of nocturnal oxygen are urgently needed.

Severe exertional hypoxaemia is frequent in ILD patients, with impact on exercise tolerance, quality of life and mortality. Ambulatory oxygen therapy (AOT) has been associated with improvement in breathlessness and quality of life in ILD patients with exertional hypoxaemia. However, given the paucity of evidence, not all current AOT guidelines are in agreement. Ongoing clinical trials will provide further useful data. Despite its beneficial effects, supplemental oxygen imposes burdens and challenges to patients. A key unmet area of need is the development of less cumbersome and more efficient oxygen delivery systems to reduce the negative impact of AOT on patients' lives.
Experimental Investigation of Material Removal in Elliptical Vibration Cutting of Cortical Bone
Authors: Bai Wei , Zhai Yuhao , Zhao Jiaqi , Han Guangchao , Ye Linzheng , Zhu Xijing , Shu Liming , Wang Dong
Published: April 2023

To benefit tissue removal and postoperative rehabilitation, increased efficiency and accuracy and reduced operating force are strongly required in the osteotomy. A novel elliptical vibration cutting (EVC) has been introduced for bone cutting compared with conventional cutting (CC) in this paper. With the assistance of high-speed microscope imaging and the dynamometer, the material removals of cortical bone and their cutting forces from two cutting regimes were recorded and analysed comprehensively, which clearly demonstrated the chip morphology improvement and the average cutting force reduction in the EVC process. It also revealed that the elliptical vibration of the cutting tool could promote fracture propagation along the shear direction. These new findings will be of important theoretical and practical values to apply the innovative EVC process to the surgical procedures of the osteotomy.
Genetic diversity analysis in wheat cultivars using SCoT and ISSR markers, chloroplast DNA barcoding and grain SEM
Authors: Abouseada Heba H. , Mohamed Al-Safa H. , Teleb Samir S. , Badr Abdelfattah , Tantawy Mohamed E. , Ibrahim Shafik D. , Ellmouni Faten Y. , Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Background

Wheat is a major cereal that can narrow the gap between the increasing human population and food production. In this connection, assessing genetic diversity and conserving wheat genetic resources for future exploitation is very important for breeding new cultivars that may withstand the expected climate change. The current study evaluates the genetic diversity in selected wheat cultivars using ISSR and SCoT markers, the rbcL and matK chloroplast DNA barcoding, and grain surface sculpture characteristics. We anticipate that these objectives may prioritize using the selected cultivars to improve wheat production. The selected collection of cultivars may lead to the identification of cultivars adapted to a broad spectrum of climatic environments.

Results

Multivariate clustering analyses of the ISSR and SCoT DNA fingerprinting polymorphism grouped three Egyptian cultivars with cultivar El-Nielain from Sudan, cultivar Aguilal from Morocco, and cultivar Attila from Mexico. In the other group, cultivar Cook from Australia and cultivar Chinese-166 were differentiated from four other cultivars: cultivar Cham-10 from Syria, cultivar Seri-82 from Mexico, cultivar Inqalab-91 from Pakistan, and cultivar Sonalika from India. In the PCA analysis, the Egyptian cultivars were distinct from the other studied cultivars. The rbcL and matK sequence variation analysis indicated similarities between Egyptian cultivars and cultivar Cham-10 from Syria and cultivar Inqalab-91 from Pakistan, whereas cultivar Attila from Mexico was distinguished from all other cultivars. Combining the data of ISSR and SCoT with the rbcL and matK results retained the close resemblance among the two Egyptian cultivars EGY1: Gemmeiza-9 and EGY3: Sakha-93, and the Moroccan cultivar Aguilal, and the Sudanese cultivar El-Nielain and between Seri-82, Inqalab-91, and Sonalika cultivars. The analysis of all data distinguished cultivar Cham-10 from Syria from all other cultivars, and the analysis of grain traits indicated a close resemblance between cv. Cham-10 from and the two Egyptian cultivars Gemmeiza-9 and Sakha-93.

Conclusions

The analysis of rbcL and matK chloroplast DNA barcoding agrees with the ISSR and the SCoT markers in supporting the close resemblance between the Egyptian cultivars, particularly Gemmeiza-9 and Sakha-93. The ISSR and SCoT data analyses significantly expressed high differentiation levels among the examined cultivars. Cultivars with closer resemblance may be recommended for breeding new wheat cultivars adapted to various climatic environments.
Impact of externally facilitated continuous quality improvement cohorts on Advanced Access to support primary healthcare teams: protocol for a quasi-randomized cluster trial
Authors: Breton Mylaine , Gaboury Isabelle , Martin Elisabeth , Green Michael E. , Kiran Tara , Laberge Maude , Kaczorowski Janusz , Ivers Noah , Deville-Stoetzel Nadia , Bordeleau Francois , Beaulieu Christine , Descoteaux Sarah
Published: April 2023

Background

Improving access to primary health care is among top priorities for many countries. Advanced Access (AA) is one of the most recommended models to improve timely access to care. Over the past 15 years, the AA model has been implemented in Canada, but the implementation of AA varies substantially among providers and clinics. Continuous quality improvement (CQI) approaches can be used to promote organizational change like AA implementation. While CQI fosters the adoption of evidence-based practices, knowledge gaps remain, about the mechanisms by which QI happens and the sustainability of the results. The general aim of the study is to analyse the implementation and effects of CQI cohorts on AA for primary care clinics. Specific objectives are: 1) Analyse the process of implementing CQI cohorts to support PHC clinics in their improvement of AA. 2) Document and compare structural organisational changes and processes of care with respect to AA within study groups (intervention and control). 3) Assess the effectiveness of CQI cohorts on AA outcomes. 4) Appreciate the sustainability of the intervention for AA processes, organisational changes and outcomes.

Methods

Cluster-controlled trial allowing for a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the proposed intervention 48 multidisciplinary primary care clinics will be recruited to participate. 24 Clinics from the intervention regions will receive the CQI intervention for 18 months including three activities carried out iteratively until the clinic’s improvement objectives are achieved: 1) reflective sessions and problem priorisation; 2) plan-do-study-act cycles; and 3) group mentoring. Clinics located in the control regions will receive an audit-feedback report on access. Complementary qualitative and quantitative data reflecting the quintuple aim will be collected over a period of 36 months.

Results

This research will contribute to filling the gap in the generalizability of CQI interventions and accelerate the spread of effective AA improvement strategies while strengthening local QI culture within clinics. This research will have a direct impact on patients’ experiences of care.

Conclusion

This mixed-method approach offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific literature on large-scale CQI cohorts to improve AA in primary care teams and to better understand the processes of CQI.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials: NCT05715151.
Impact of a postpartum care rehabilitation program to prevent postpartum depression at a secondary municipal hospital in Qingdao China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Zuo Xiaoli , Matheï Catharina , Aertgeerts Bert , Afnan Masoud , Li Tang , Buntinx Frank , Vermandere Mieke
Published: April 2023

Background

The emerging postpartum rehabilitation (PPR) program in Chinese hospitals characterized by applying ongoing medical care through traditional cultural practices shows a protective effect in early puerperium in China. This study explores the benefit of PPR program practices to postpartum depression (PPD) and the influencing factors for PPD among Chinese women during the first postnatal six weeks.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included 403 participants and was conducted in a Secondary Municipal Hospital in Qingdao, China, from 01 to 2018 to 31 December 2021. Information on this PPR program was collected during the six-weeks postpartum consultation, including the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) scores, the measurement results for diastasis recti abdominis, and the international physical activity questionnaire (long form) (IPAQ-L) scores. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of the PPR program on PPD among the local population. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate possible influencing factors for PPD, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), physical exercises, etc.

Results

PPR program has shown a positive effect in preventing PPD (p < 0.001) and diastasis recti prevalence (p < 0.001) during the six-weeks postnatal control in Qingdao, China. Better post-pregnancy weight reduction (p = 0.04) and higher metabolic equivalent of task (MET) value (p < 0.001) were noticed in the non-PPR group. Furthermore, lower PPD risk was associated with factors such as longer relationship duration years (2–5 years) (p = 0.04) and exercising one to three times a week (p = 0.01). A higher PPD risk was related to factors such as urinary incontinence during the postpartum period (p = 0.04) and subjective insomnia (p < 0.001). No significant effect was shown between COVID-19 and the EPDS score in this study (p = 0.50).

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the PPR program provided protection against PPD and diastasis recti during the first six weeks after delivery. Urinary incontinence and subjective insomnia were the main risk factors for PPD, while longer relationship duration years and exercising one to three times a week gave protective effects to PPD. This study emphasized that a comprehensive ongoing medical care program, such as the PPR program, effectively improves women’s mental and physical health in the early postpartum in China.