bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of lateral flow devices for postmortem rabies diagnosis in animals in the Philippines: a multicenter study
Authors: Cruz Jeffrey L. , Garcia Alyssa M. , Saito Nobuo , Lagayan Maria Glofezita O. , Dela Peña Rainelda C. , Usana Michael S. , Agustin Steciousneil P. , Tattao Judith Z. , Mamauag Christine V. , Ducayag Ofelia P. , Nabus Heather Laxe F. , Flores Princess Diana D. L. , Fabon Ralph Joselle A. , Peñaflor Rogelio P. , Viñas Dave Christopher G. , Limsan Carla A. , Bernales Rona P. , Llames Maria Erlinda T. , Balopeños Lerisa E. , Morales Ramir G. , Migriño Ana Marie Cristina V. , Calunsag Orfel June S. , Datoy Josephine J. , Palma Ken Y. , Sepulveda Maria Corazon B. , Eng Ma Noreen J. , Moscoso Jobienaur S. , Julabar Sheena Mae F. , Mauhay Jaira D. , Espino Mark Joseph M. , Javier Christine Joyce M. , Kimitsuki Kazunori , Nishizono Akira
Published: November 2023

Expansion of the use of lateral flow devices (LFD) for animal rabies diagnosis can help mitigate the widespread underreporting of rabies. However, this has been hindered by the limited number and small sample size of previous studies. To overcome this limitation, we conducted a multicenter study with a larger sample size to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the ADTEC LFD for postmortem rabies diagnosis in animals. Thirteen governmental animal diagnostic laboratories in the Philippines were involved in this study, and 791 animals suspected of having rabies were tested using both the direct fluorescence antibody test (DFAT) and ADTEC LFD between August 2021 and October 2022. The LFD demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 94.1%–97.9%] and a specificity of 99.7% (95% CI: 98.4%–100%). Notably, false-negative results were more likely to occur in laboratories with lower annual processing volumes of rabies samples in the previous years (adjusted odds ratio 4.97, 95% CI: 1.49–16.53). In this multicenter study, the high sensitivity and specificity of the LFD for the diagnosis of animal rabies, compared to that of the DFAT, was demonstrated, yet concerns regarding false-negative results remain. In areas with limited experience in processing rabies samples, it is essential to provide comprehensive training and careful attention during implementation.
Genome sequences of
Arthrobacter globiformis
B-2979 phages MidnightRain and Gusanita
Authors: Bansal Devansh , Fazilat Alexander Z. , Genchev Matthew V. , Han Sanguk , Ho David Y. , Kumar Amisha , Lam Brian J. , Le Noah Q. , Lin Ryan P. , Lopez Amanda J. , Lu Nicole Y. , Marroquin Marco , Neemuchwala Zainab H. , Seng William J. , Shah Priya T. , Toliao Jason M. , Bancroft Christa T.
Published: November 2023

Phages MidnightRain and Gusanita, with siphovirus morphology, were isolated on
Arthrobacter globiformis
B-2979. MidnightRain’s genome consists of 53,674 bp, encoding 101 putative genes and 1 tRNA, whereas Gusanita’s genome is 42,742 bp, encoding 68 putative genes and 2 tRNAs.
Gene of the month: DDIT3
Authors: Diaz-Perez Julio A , Kerr Darcy A
Published: November 2023

DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) gene, mapped to the human chromosome 12q13.3, encodes a protein that belongs to the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein family of transcription factors. DDIT3 is involved in the proliferative control that responds to endoplasmic reticulum stress in normal conditions, dimerising other transcription factors with basic leucine zipper (bZIP) structural motifs. DDIT3 plays a significant role during cell differentiation, especially adipogenesis, arresting the maturation of adipoblasts. In disease,FUS/EWSR1::DDIT3fusion is the pathogenic event that drives the development of myxoid liposarcoma. The amplification ofDDIT3in other adipocytic neoplasms mediates the presence of adipoblast-like elements. Another fusion,GLI1::DDIT3, has rarely been documented in other tumours. This paper reviews the structure and function ofDDIT3, its role in disease—particularly cancer—and its use and pitfalls in diagnostic testing, including immunohistochemistry as a tissue-based marker.
Cell-free hemoglobin triggers macrophage cytokine production via TLR4 and MyD88
Authors: Schaaf Kaitlyn R. , Landstreet Stuart R. , Pugazenthi Sangami , Qian Emily Y. , Putz Nathan D. , Siderova Tatiana , Owen Allison M. , Bohannon Julia K. , Ware Lorraine B. , Bastarache Julie A. , Shaver Ciara M.
Published: November 2023

Cell-free hemoglobin (CFH) is elevated in the airspace of most patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and causes severe inflammation. Here, we identify that CFH contributes to macrophage-induced cytokine production via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) signaling. These data increase our knowledge of the mechanisms through which CFH contributes to lung injury and may inform development of targeted therapeutics to attenuate inflammation.
A Comparative Study of Sleep Parameters in Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Healthy Peers: Insights from Accelerometer Data
Authors: Vyhlídal Tomáš , Dygrýn Jan , Chmelík František
Published: November 2023

Background. Sleep problems are among the common late side effects of treatment that can occur in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. At present, the objective evaluation of sleep in the natural environment using actigraphy rather than self-assessment of research participants or the more demanding polysomnography is increasingly coming to the forefront in population epidemiological studies. The main objective of this cross-sectional study is to objectively characterize selected sleep parameters with respect to gender in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALS) in their natural environment and to compare them with a control group (CG) sampled from a healthy population. Another partial aim of the study is to determine the fulfillment of recommendations in the areas of sleep (SL) and sleep efficiency (SE). Methods. 20 ALS and 20 CGs aged 18–30 years participated in the survey. The ALS were diagnosed on average 15.5 years ago. Selected sleep parameters were measured instrumentally by means of an Axivity AX3 accelerometer worn on the wrist for seven days in a natural environment. Results. No significant differences were found between the ALS and CG groups for the selected sleep parameters. The total time in bed for the ALS was 405.5 min/day compared to 428.2 min/day for the CG (

p
=
0.37

), sleep for the ALS was 372.7 min/day compared to 382.9 min/day for the CG (

p
=
0.34

), and SE for the ALS was 88.0% compared to 88.5% for the CG (

p
=
0.99

). No significant gender differences were found. The sleep recommendation of >420 min/day was met by 15% for the ALS and 19% for the CG; SE > 85% was achieved by 80% for the ALS and 80% for the CG. Conclusion. The results of our study suggest that ALS may achieve the same values as the healthy population in selected sleep parameters.
Flow-Based 6D Pose Tracking of Uncooperative Spacecrafts
Authors: Su Yu , Zhang Zexu , Yuan Mengmeng , Wang Yishi
Published: November 2023

In this work, an optical-flow-based pose tracking method with long short-term memory for known uncooperative spacecraft is proposed. In combination with the segmentation network, we constrain the optical flow area of the target to cope with harsh lighting conditions and highly textured background. With the introduction of long short-term memory structure, the proposed method can maintain a robust and accurate tracking performance even in a long-term sequence of images. In our experiments, the pose tracking effects in the synthetic images as well as the SwissCube dataset images are tested, respectively. By comparing with the state-of-the-art pose tracking frameworks, we demonstrate the performance of our method and in particular the improvements under complex environments.
Correlation of the Dietary Protein Intake between Those Estimated from a Short Protein Food-Recall Questionnaire and from 24-Hour Urinary Urea-Nitrogen Excretion in Stages 3-4 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Thanachayanont Teerawat , Chanpitakkul Methee , Saetie Akhathai , Lekagul Salyaveth , Tungsanga Kriang
Published: November 2023

Introduction. High protein intake may accelerate progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Estimation of dietary protein intake (DPI) is indispensable for management of CKD, but to achieve optimum DPI is quite challenging in routine clinical practice. We recently studied a beneficial effect of utilizing integrated care on the management of CKD at the rural community level. In that study, we created a short protein food-recall questionnaire (S-PFRQ) as a working tool to estimate DPI of the CKD patients during home visit by community health personnel. Herein, we reported the initial evaluation of the reliability of S-PFRQ from our previous study. Objective. We compared the amount of DPI obtained from S-PFRQ with that obtained from protein-equivalent of total nitrogen appearance (PNA). Methods. In the previous ESCORT-2 study, 914 patients with CKD stage 3 or 4, who were living in the rural area of Thailand, were prospectively followed while receiving integrated care for 36 consecutive months. During home visits by community nurses from subdistrict health centers, dietary food recall was made, recorded in S-PFRQ, and DPI was obtained. Among these, sixty patients were randomly selected, and 24-h urine was collected for urinary urea-N and estimation of PNA. A correlation was made between DPI obtained from S-PFRQ and PNA. Results. The DPIs derived from S-PFRQ and PNA were 28.8 ± 14.8 and 39.26 ± 17.79 g/day, respectively. The mean difference and 95% CI between the 2 methods was −10.43 (−7.1 to −13.8) g/day, respectively (

P

 < 0.001). Interclass correlation between these 2 methods was 0.24,

P

 = 0.007. The difference between the 2 methods remained constant across different amounts of DPI. Conclusion. The DPI estimated from S-PFRQ significantly correlated to that from PNA. However, the S-PFRQ method yielded a DPI value which was about 10 g of protein or 25% less than the PNA method. Despite this amount of difference, this S-PFRQ is user-friendly and could be used during field work as an easy and simple tool for DPI estimation in resource-limiting condition.
Dysphagia Secondary to a Large Anterior Cervical Osteophyte: A Case Report
Authors: Moghamis Isam Sami , Derbas Jawad , Khan Nasser Mehrab , Alamlih Moh’d Ishaq , Alhardallo Mutaz Awad , Baco Abdul Moeen
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common systemic condition that leads to ossification of the anterior spine longitudinal ligament with anterior marginal osteophyte formation. Generally, these osteophytes are asymptomatic, but when they are extremely large, their sizes may extend to the point that can lead to mechanical esophageal obstruction and dysphagia. Case Presentation: Sixty-three years old, male, presented with severe progressive dysphagia caused by a giant anterior cervical osteophyte, which was treated with surgical resection of the osteophyte and interbody fusion of the affected cervical segment. Conclusion: Cervical degenerative disc disease and DISH should be included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating an elderly patient for dysphagia. Early surgical intervention with osteophyte resection and interbody fusion is recommended to prevent recurrent osteophyte formation.
Comparison of the General Characteristics of Patients with Severe Asthma Who Switched from Omalizumab to Mepolizumab versus Patients Who Responded to Omalizumab Treatment: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Cakmak Mehmet Erdem , Öztop Nida , Yeğit Osman Ozan
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Severe asthma is characterized by frequent recurrent airway symptoms and exacerbations, and these affect the quality of life. Biological agents can be used in the treatment of patients with severe asthma if the disease cannot be controlled with standard controller treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and laboratory data of patients with severe asthma who were switched from omalizumab to mepolizumab and patients with severe asthma who responded to omalizumab. Methods: The clinical characteristics and laboratory data of patients with severe asthma who responded to omalizumab and switched from omalizumab to mepolizumab were compared retrospectively. Results: Evaluation was made of a total of 79 patients, including 64 omalizumab responders and 15 who switched to mepolizumab from omalizumab. After omalizumab and mepolizumab treatment, the annual number of asthma attacks, the use of oral corticosteroid (OCS), the annual number of hospitalizations, and the eosinophil count significantly decreased (omalizumab: p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively; mepolizumab: p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). After omalizumab treatment, the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (%) and asthma control test (ACT) score were determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). After mepolizumab treatment, the increase in ACT score was significant (p = 0.003). Drug allergy, chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), regular use of OCS, and high baseline eosinophil count (cells/µL) were associated with poor response to omalizumab treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 7.86, p = 0.003; OR = 52.92, p < 0.001; OR = 10.16, p = 0.004; OR = 0.99, p = 0.004, respectively). House dust mite sensitivity and high baseline FEV1 (%) were associated with good response to omalizumab treatment (OR = 0.29, p = 0.041; OR = 1.06, p = 0.03, respectively). The blood eosinophil count had diagnostic value in predicting the nonresponsiveness to omalizumab treatment (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.967, p < 0.001, cut-off: 510). Conclusion: A high pretreatment eosinophil count, concomitant CRSwNP, a history of drug allergy, and regular OCS use may be associated with poor response to omalizumab treatment in patients with severe asthma. Depending on the treatment response, treatment switching can be applied between biological agents. The results of the current study should be supported by multicenter studies.
la sombra del nopal: pliegues territoriales y agencia vegetal en los Altos de Morelos, México
Authors: Reséndiz Radamés Villagómez
Published: November 2023

El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo explorar etnográficamente los mundos más que humanos presentes en el monocultivo del nopal en los Altos de Morelos, México, así como el impacto diferencial que esta planta ejerce sobre la vida de las personas. Tomando en consideración el viraje plantar “plant turn” en la ecología política posthumanista y la noción de agencia vegetal, este escrito busca contribuir a la crítica de los monocultivos como ambientes ecológicamente empobrecidos y como impuestos a ultranza en la vida de las personas. Por otro lado, se pretende arrojar luz sobre el posicionamiento ontológico del nopal a través de una política vegetal que propicia la emergencia de dominios territoriales de conflicto, negociación y fricción. La caracterización ontológica del nopal que se busca apuntalar no se desprende exclusivamente de atribuciones humanas en torno a la planta, sino que a partir de la noción de pliegue se busca entender los entramados semiótico materiales en los que dicho monocultivo despliega sus relaciones en distintos nichos de la región norteña de Morelos. El eje del trabajo se encuentra en descifrar el oxímoron que subyace a la sombra del nopal.
New records of the Neotropical genus Phaonantho Albuquerque (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: Gomes Lucas Roberto Pereira , Carvalho Claudio José Barros de
Published: November 2023

The genus Phaonantho Albuquerque (Anthomyiidae) comprises three species: P. mallochi (Curran), P. benevola Couri, and P. sordilloae Pamplona & Couri. These species are distributed in the neotropics. In this study, we updated the distributional knowledge for Phaonantho species, including the first record of the genus in Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Mexico, and additional new records to Brazil.
First record of invasive Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) from the Southern region of Brazil
Authors: Hernandes Fabio Akashi , Cokendolpher James Craig , Pinho Luiz Carlos
Published: November 2023

Herein we report for the first time a schizomid for the Southern region of Brazil, Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae), found in association with termite nests. This is the southernmost record of any schizomid for the Neotropical region. We hypothesize that the species was recently introduced by the sudden population growth of Florianópolis – along with the intense touristic activity – which might have contributed to the inadvertent transportation of this species.
Microbioma Pulmonar: um caminho para medicina de precisão
Authors: Nathan André
Published: November 2023

O corpo humano é um ecossistema habitado por uma vasta gama de microrganismos, destacando-se entre eles vírus, bactérias e fungos, cujo conjunto é conhecido como "microbioma" ou "microbiota". A composição da microbiota humana é altamente individualizada e desempenha um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento e funcionamento de diversas partes do organismo.
Medidas para adesão à higiene das mãos por profissionais de saúde em centros terciários: revisão integrativa
Authors: Cunha Kayron Rodrigo Ferreira , Braúna Tássia da Silva , Silva Geanderson Ferreira , Monção Maria dos Milagres das Neves , Silva Max Marques da , Maslinkiewicz Alexandre , Macedo Andréia Barcellos Teixeira
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: identificar e sumarizar evidências científicas sobre medidas para adesão à HM por profissionais da saúde em centros terciários. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa construída em seis etapas, realizada nas bases de dados Medline, LILACS, BDENF, SciElo e SCOPUS. Os descritores foram “Health Personnel” e “Hand Hygiene”, visando uma busca ampliada, separados pelo operador booleano AND. Foram incluídas publicações de outubro de 2017 a outubro de 2022. Para a extração foi construído um quadro sinóptico. Resultados: a busca resultou em 1276 artigos e a amostra final em 16 produções científicas, dos quais, 13 eram estudo do tipo quase-experimental e três se tratava de ensaio clínico randomizado. Identificou-se resultado positivo na taxa de adesão de higiene das mãos em 14 pesquisas. Conclusão: a implantação de medidas resulta em resposta imediata no aumento da adesão da higiene das mãos em centros terciários e as estratégias identificadas nesta revisão podem servir de exemplo para as instituições.
Autistic Persons in the Labour Market in the Light of ECtHR Case-law
Authors: Oksztulski Maciej , Perkowski Maciej , Zoń Wojciech
Published: November 2023

The European acquis on the protection of human rights is indisputable. This also applies to the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. However, this acquis is not extensive enough to cover all the problems Europeans have. The aim of this article is to establish the status quo in the area of anti-discrimination against persons on the autism spectrum in the labour market, taking into account the related Strasbourg jurisprudence in question, as a starting point for potential proceedings (in this area) before the European Court of Human Rights. Currently, the body of doctrine in this area is not extensive, and the increasing number of diagnosed cases of autism may in the future necessitate a deeper reflection on the guarantees provided by international law. The article will generally characterise autism, discuss ECtHR jurisprudence relating to persons with disabilities and (briefly) the right to work, discuss the labour market participation of persons on the autism spectrum in selected countries as a challenge to jurisprudence, and present a conclusion.
Modern Technologies as a Challenge for the Right to Privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Ziemblicki Bartosz
Published: November 2023

The paper explores the right to privacy as a human right and its contemporary challenges in the digital age. It discusses the definition of privacy, its recognition in international human rights documents, and the wording of the right to privacy in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The article highlights the increasing difficulty of protecting privacy in the digital age and the potential threats posed by modern technologies. It also examines the balance between the right to privacy and freedom of expression, particularly on the internet, citing relevant case law from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Furthermore, the article discusses mass surveillance and the protection of personal data as a component of the right to privacy. It emphasizes the importance of effectively enforcing the right to privacy to protect individuals and societies.
The Status of Women in the Armed Forces
Authors: Karska Elżbieta , Karski Karol , Wnorowski Konrad
Published: November 2023

The military service of female soldiers is now permanently embedded in the operation of the armed forces of many countries in the world. The availability of this form of professional activity for women was often only theoretical in many countries a few decades ago. Due to the gradual opening of the armed forces to women, international organizations, such as the UN, NATO or the European Union, have also begun to deal with this issue in the context of the protection of human rights, especially in the field of equality, the gender perspective or combating discrimination on the grounds of sex. A number of actions have been taken in the international arena to systematize this state of affairs and create appropriate models addressed at individual countries. This set of developed regulations in the form of documents, guidelines or recommendations constitutes the international standards for the protection of human rights in the field of military service of women in the armed forces. The purpose of this paper is to compare the Polish reality in which female soldiers serve, with these standards. A comparison of both spheres will allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the translation of these standards into the Polish army and to indicate mutual correlations in this respect. This will also give an indication as to the level of applicability of the latter in the terms of the specific guarantees they provide for female soldiers.
The Muddlescape of Time
Authors: Davies P.C.W.
Published: November 2023

There is a well-known clash between the subjective sensation of time as flowing or passing, and the physicist’s description of ‘block time’ in which all of time is laid out as a timescape, the temporal analogue of a spatial landscape. A common mistake is to conflate the physical arrow of time — the asymmetry of sequences of physical states under time reversal — with the psychological flow of time. A clearer picture is to replace the language of time’s passage with one in which states of the world at various moments are correlated with states of the brain at those same moments. Time’s flow is a purely psychological phenomenon and not an aspect of fundamental spacetime physics.
The Tide Is Turning: More and More Philosophizing Women in Bulgaria
Authors: Gicheva-Gocheva Dimka Ivanova
Published: November 2023

The article uses the method of the historical narrative. The main characteristics and stages in the development of the University of Sofia are sketched. The article focuses on this university because it is the oldest and until recently the biggest in the country, and the participation and inclusion of female scholars is best seen here. Abundant information is provided on the number of women studying and teaching in this university since its establishment and, in the last three decades, elsewhere. The tendencies are positive: more women intellectuals are participating in academic and cultural life, and they are employed and supported at many more institutions than during the previous century.
Development of SSR markers identification system for Carex L. based on RAD sequencing
Authors: CUI RONGFENG , WEI BO , LIANG FANG , LI ZIJING , DONG AIXIANG , ZHOU YAN , NAIZHE JI , LIU DONGYUN , WANG QING , FU FANG , SUN LIPING , QIN HELAN , YUAN CHAO , SONG LINA , WANG TAO , WANG QIAN , SHAN JIN
Published: November 2023

In this study, we designed and evaluated an efficient set of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing data of four widely utilized Carex L. accession across Northern China, especially in Beijing. Based on their genomic sequencing data, we developed 400 SSR markers and evaluated their amplification specificities among which a total of 17 SSR markers were identified as a core set of molecular markers for efficient assessment of diverse Carex L. accessions. Using this molecular identification system, we classified 26 Carex L. accessions into 3 genetically distinct groups. The establishment of a molecular identification system based on a core set of 17 SSR markers provides an essential basis for evaluating genetic relationships among Carex L. accessions along with a wealth of genetic resources for marker-assisted selection and breeding of Carex L..
Model-free adaptive chaos control for the boost converter
Authors: Li Ning-zhou , Jiang Yi-xiang , Wei Xiao-juan
Published: November 2023

In order to solve the dynamic analysis and chaotic motion control problems of the current-mode-controlled Boost converter system, a state equation model in the continuous current mode is established. The evolutionary path of the periodic motion of the system through the doubling bifurcation to the chaotic motion is analyzed by the bifurcation diagram, Poincaré sections and phase portraits. Then, according to the fundamental principle of the resonant parametric perturbation (RPP) method, a controller is designed based on the model-free adaptive control (MFAC) method to output the perturbation amplitude, and the disturbance quantity is calculated according to the perturbation amplitude. By adding a small amplitude disturbance to the controllable parameter of the controlled system, the chaotic motion of the system is guided to expected periodic orbit. The advantage of this method is that no precise mathematical model (PMM) of the system is required. At the same time, the design of the controller is simple and easy to implement.
Stress-strain analysis of steel S235JRH pipe ring tensile specimens using 3D optical methods
Authors: Travica Milan , Mitrović Nenad , Petrović Aleksandar , Jevtić Ivana , Milošević Miloš
Published: November 2023

Various pipe production procedures, including the construction of seamless pipes using a shaft with the conical tip in the oil industry, require data on the circumferential strain and stress state of the pipe. A method for measuring the displacement, strain and stress behavior of a pipe ring tensile specimen (PRTS) in the hoop direction is what this study’s goal was to develop, as there was a lack of a standardized testing process. For the study, five single S235JRH steel PRTS were tested. In the paper, it is presented how to test S235JRH steel PRTS using a Digital Image Correlation method, Thermal Imaging camera, and 3D scanner. A specially designed steel tool with two D blocks was developed for testing steel PRTS. The strain progression was documented using the 3D Digital Image Correlation method. Using a thermographic camera, an attempt was made to analyze the change in the temperature field of the PRTS during the test. All the specimens were subjected to 3D scanning to verify the cross-sectional geometry of the PRTS after a fracture. Fractures of all Single PRTS occurred in the break zone and almost identical places. The deviation value for the Experimental Ultimate strength value (true stress value) higher than the theoretical Ultimate strength value. Deviation value for the Experimental 0.2% Offset Yield Strength value is higher than the theoretical value. The results of the analysis of cross-sectional dimensions revealed a more significant variation in the thickness of the PRTS compared to its width. A potential area of literature review is the application of a high-resolution thermal imaging camera and the analysis of the stress state of the material using it.
The Enforcement of U.S. Economic Sanctions and Global De-risking Behavior
Authors: Early Bryan R. , Peterson Timothy M.
Published: November 2023

Evidence suggests that firms frequently over-comply with U.S. sanctions—a process also known as “de-risking.” We argue that U.S. enforcement of its economic sanctions has contributed to this phenomenon to the extent that we can observe a systematic relationship between U.S. sanctions enforcement and third-party trade with U.S. sanction targets. Specifically, we theorize that, the greater the frequency and severity of sanctions enforcement penalties imposed by the U.S. against sanctions violators, the more third-party trade with U.S. sanction targets will decline. Analyzing data from 2003 to 2015, we find that U.S. sanctions enforcement actions correlate with significant declines in dyadic trade between third-party states and U.S. sanctions targets, even when enforcement actions target parties external to that dyad. This suggests that the U.S.’s enforcement of its sanctions magnifies the harm that U.S. sanctions inflict on target economies.
A Phenomenological Study on the Reintegrating Experiences of Prison Torture Survivors into the Community in Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Sharew Adebababy , Bihonegn Adugna Abebe , Teater Barbra , Hassen Seid
Published: November 2023

This phenomenological study explores the reintegrating experiences of nine prison torture survivors in the community of Gondar, Ethiopia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and then thematically analyzed, revealing three major themes: the nature of reintegration, personal challenges of integration, and available supports for reintegration. The findings revealed prison torture survivors’ successful integration was based on their community social bonds. Poorly reintegrated prison torture survivors gradually become violent and committed other crimes. Providing community-based psychosocial support and well-organized social services is necessary for the well-being and sustainable reintegration of prison torture survivors into the community.
Quantitative evaluation of The Imagineerium education project by students: Introducing the trowsdale index of confidence in experiential learning
Authors: Trowsdale Jo , McKenna Ursula , Francis Leslie J
Published: November 2023

The Imagineerium is an arts and engineering based curriculum project designed to enhance student confidence in learning. This study reports on the development of the Trowsdale Index of Confidence in Experiential Learning, an instrument designed to conceptualise and operationalise a four-component model of confidence in experiential learning appropriate for upper primary school students, embracing confidence in creativity, confidence in competence, confidence in collaboration, and confidence in learning. Data provided by 140 9- to 10-year-old students both before and after participating in the 10-week programme, demonstrated a significant increase in scores on this measure at time two, although there was no increase in scores on a control variable hypothesised not to be influenced by the intervention.
Overview of the impact of sleep monitoring on optimal performance, immune system function and injury risk reduction in athletes: A narrative review
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Banihashemi Mojgan , Saedmocheshi Saber , Prieto-González Pablo , Oliveira Rafael
Published: November 2023

Sleep is essential for a range of physiological and mental functions in professional athletes. There is proof that athletes may experience lower quality and quantity of sleep. While adequate sleep has been shown to have restorative effects on the immune system and endocrine system, facilitate nervous system recovery and the metabolic cost of wakefulness, and play a significant role in learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, which can affect sports recovery, injury risk reduction, and performance. Sports performance may suffer significantly from a lack of sleep, especially under maximal and long-term exercise. Due to the potential harm, these factors may do to an athlete's endocrine, metabolic, and nutritional health, sports performance is impacted by reduced sleep quality or quantity. There are several neurotransmitters associated with the sleep–wake cycle that have been discovered. They comprise cholinergic hormone, orexin, melanin, galanin, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, histamine, and serotonin. Therefore, dietary modifications that affect the neurotransmitters in the brain also may affect sleep; particularly for athletes who require more physical and psychological recovery owing to the tremendous physiological and psychological demands placed on them during training and performance. This review explores the variables that influence the quantity and quality of sleep-in populations of athletes and assesses their possible effects. In addition, several recommendations for improving sleep are presented. Even though there has been much research on variables that impact sleep, future studies may highlight the significance of these aspects for athletes.
Aiming for the good life: A study of two BAPS-led youth programmes in India
Authors: KIM Hanna H
Published: November 2023

This article explores two youth programmes, YTK (Yuvati/Yuvak Talim Kendra) and IPDC (Integrated Personality Development Course), created by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), a global Hindu community. Both programmes rest on BAPS’s vision of the good life while recognising globally circulating ideas of success that associate economic mobility with self-motivated and disciplined workers. In the context of neoliberalising India, BAPS programmes provide a toolkit for attaining devotional objectives and aspirational success where each depends on refashioning the self into an optimised ideal. BAPS’s emphasis on the continuous and affectively intensive work of self-making in order to attain devotional goals draws attention to the translatability of devotional labour to those market arenas that demand affective responsiveness and flexibility. The youth programmes highlight the global discourse of self-improvement, filtered through BAPS conceptions of self in relation to others and point to the continued salience of religion in entrepreneurial times.
A deathly silence: why has the number of people found decomposed in England and Wales been rising?
Authors: Hiam Lucinda , Estrin-Serlui Theodore , Dorling Danny , McKee Martin , Minton Jon
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The number of deaths occurring in private homes in England and Wales had been rising for years, increasingly rapidly from 2020. Media stories and research linked decomposing bodies found in private homes with pandemic-related social isolation. We aim to explore whether these incidents are one-offs or part of a wider trend.

Design

Descriptive analysis of publicly available Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

Setting

England and Wales.

Participants

All residents of England and Wales, 1979 to 2020.

Main outcome measures

Using data from the Office for National Statistics, we calculate European Age Standardised Rates for deaths coded as R98 (‘unattended death’) and R99 (‘other ill-defined and unknown causes of mortality’) in the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), and the corresponding codes in ICD-9, by sex and age group from 1979 (when ICD-9 began) to 2020. These are proxy markers for deaths where decomposition precludes attribution of a specific cause at postmortem.

Results

While mortality from all other causes decreased from 1979 to 2020, the opposite was seen for deaths from R98 and R99 (or ‘undefined deaths’), with men more affected than women. There was a sharp rise in these deaths in both sexes but in men particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, coinciding with a time when overall mortality was rapidly improving.

Conclusions

The increase in people found dead from unknown causes suggests wider societal breakdowns of both formal and informal social support networks. They are concerning and warrant urgent further investigation. We call on national and international authorities to consider measures that would make it possible to identify these deaths more easily in routine data.
Assessing Validity and Bias of Within-Person Variability in Affect and Personality
Authors: Anvari Farid , Rensing Noëlle Z. , Kalokerinos Elise K. , Lucas Richard E. , Schneider Iris K.
Published: November 2023

Within-person variability in affect (e.g., Neuroticism) and personality have been linked to well-being. These are measured either by asking people to report how variable they are or to give multiple reports on the construct and calculating a within-person standard deviation adjusted for confounding by the person-level mean. The two measures are weakly correlated with one another and the links of variability with well-being depend on which measure researchers use. Recent research suggests that people’s repeated ratings may be biased by response styles. In a 7-day study ( N = 399) with up to five measurements per day, we confirmed that the measures of variability lacked sufficient convergent validity to be used interchangeably. We found only 1 significant correlation (of 10) between variability in repeated ratings of affect or personality and variability in repeated ratings of a theoretically unrelated construct (i.e., features of images). There was very little evidence supporting the response styles hypothesis.
Accelerating Racial Activism in STEM Higher Education by Institutionalizing Equity Ethics
Authors: McGee Ebony O. , Morton Terrell R. , White Devin T. , Frierson Whitney
Published: November 2023

Background/Context:

The United States invests in STEM education, but this investment is racialized and political. The country wants to maintain global economic domination, but there are also calls to diversify the STEM workforce (Baber, 2015; Basile & Lopez, 2015; Vakil & Ayers, 2019). This context leaves Black and Brown people to navigate racially hostile, toxic, and oppressive STEM learning and working environments (Bullock, 2017; Erete et al., 2020; Wright & Riley, 2021).

Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study:

This conceptual paper offers strategies for institutionalizing equity ethics in STEM higher education. The paper attends to the core components of equity ethics and its possibilities while identifying structural constraints. Equity ethics is an equity-minded perspective that focuses on leveraging the multiple forms of knowledge associated with understanding and engaging the natural world to foster an oppression-free society that specifically enhances the lives of Black and Brown people. We also examine specific cases of STEM education and research scholars and practitioners who are committed to engaging and uplifting racially minoritized communities through the intersection of STEM and justice.

Research Design:

This conceptual paper takes a qualitative approach. It uses the existing literature to review the current state of diversity in STEM, the major components of an equity ethic, the structural and institutional barriers people of color face in STEM higher education, and how equity ethics may be institutionalized. In particular, we highlight examples of equity ethics in action to provide models for action and policy change.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Institutionalized equity ethics at the mid-institutional level (e.g., departments and units) would require all faculty to mentor Black and Brown STEM students through critical transitions. We also recommend revising department- and unit-level policies and practices around access to resources that are critical for STEM achievement and knowledge production. Although expanding and sustaining financial investments in equity-focused endeavors is required, these investments must also come with the power and agency to transform institutional structures around STEM access, learning, and innovation. Transformation of top-level policies and practices could include changes to institutional admissions processes and ensuring that racist gatekeeping mechanisms are removed, while also requiring senior-level administrators to have training in racial justice ideologies and praxes. Building equity ethics into STEM higher education is essential to creating a more just and equitable STEM ecosystem.
It's in the Syllabus: The Relationship Between Syllabi Word Use and Teaching Evaluations
Authors: Zinger Joanne F. , Lee Diane J. , Su Charlie C.
Published: November 2023

The authors analyzed 1,472 course syllabi written by 611 professors to determine whether communion-related and/or agency-related word use in professors’ syllabi predicted those same professors’ end-of-semester teaching evaluations. Linguistic inquiry and word count (LIWC) analyses revealed that professors who used more communal language—including third person plural pronouns (e.g., we), social words (e.g., discussion), and positive emotion words (e.g., please)—received significantly higher teaching evaluations, but agentic language did not significantly predict evaluation scores.
Evaluating Risk Prediction with Data Collection Costs: Novel Estimation of Test Tradeoff Curves
Authors: Baker Stuart G.
Published: November 2023

Background

The test tradeoff curve helps investigators decide if collecting data for risk prediction is worthwhile when risk prediction is used for treatment decisions. At a given benefit-cost ratio (the number of false-positive predictions one would trade for a true positive prediction) or risk threshold (the probability of developing disease at indifference between treatment and no treatment), the test tradeoff is the minimum number of data collections per true positive to yield a positive maximum expected utility of risk prediction. For example, a test tradeoff of 3,000 invasive tests per true-positive prediction of cancer may suggest that risk prediction is not worthwhile. A test tradeoff curve plots test tradeoff versus benefit-cost ratio or risk threshold. The test tradeoff curve evaluates risk prediction at the optimal risk score cutpoint for treatment, which is the cutpoint of the risk score (the estimated risk of developing disease) that maximizes the expected utility of risk prediction when the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve is concave.

Methods

Previous methods for estimating the test tradeoff required grouping risk scores. Using individual risk scores, the new method estimates a concave ROC curve by constructing a concave envelope of ROC points, taking a slope-based moving average, minimizing a sum of squared errors, and connecting successive ROC points with line segments.

Results

The estimated concave ROC curve yields an estimated test tradeoff curve. Analyses of 2 synthetic data sets illustrate the method.

Conclusion

Estimating the test tradeoff curve based on individual risk scores is straightforward to implement and more appealing than previous estimation methods that required grouping risk scores.

Highlights

The test tradeoff curve helps investigators decide if collecting data for risk prediction is worthwhile when risk prediction is used for treatment decisions. At a given benefit-cost ratio or risk threshold, the test tradeoff is the minimum number of data collections per true positive to yield a positive maximum expected utility of risk prediction. Unlike previous estimation methods that grouped risk scores, the method uses individual risk scores to estimate a concave ROC curve, which yields an estimated test tradeoff curve.
Cultural Appropriation in Historical Context: Native Americans in Firearms Advertising
Authors: Witkowski Terrence H.
Published: November 2023

The long standing appropriation of Native American culture for promotional purposes has received ample criticism from tribal members, Indigenous advocates, professional organizations, and scholars. Mounting disapproval has pressured private companies and public institutions to curtail these practices in the United States. This article expands historical understanding of these contested representation by analyzing the advertising of three major firearms manufacturers – Savage, Remington, and Winchester – and a few other gun sellers who have periodically exploited American Indian images and language from the late nineteenth century until the present day. These depictions, their historical context, and their macromarketing implications are critically examined. Also discussed are intersections with U.S. gun culture, study limitations, and opportunities for further research on Native American appropriation globally.
A variable-time day-ahead scheduling strategy considering spectrum analysis
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Yao Xinshuang
Published: November 2023

To build a new type of power system, the proportion of renewable energy sources with wind and solar energy as the main body has increased into the power grid. Due to the strong randomness and volatility of renewable energy as a power source, thermal power units need to fluctuate frequently to respond to system power requirements. To ensure the smooth operation of the thermal power units, a variable period day scheduling strategy considering spectrum analysis is proposed. Firstly, different dispatching periods are divided according to the characteristics of system net load fluctuation, secondly, to minimize the total cost, the joint dispatching model of wind power, solar energy, thermal power, and energy storage is established to form a day-ahead dispatching plan with variable time period. Finally, an example shows that this strategy can increase the smooth operation of thermal power units and improve the utilization rate of pumped storage units.
On the Relationship between the Money Rate of Interest and Aggregate Investment Spending
Authors: İnal Vedit
Published: November 2023

Careful observers had already pointed out before the capital theory controversies that an investment demand schedule inversely responsive to the rate of interest is theoretically untenable. This implies that the weak empirical evidence showing the negative relation between aggregate investment spending and the rate of interest cannot be explained via the neoclassical investment theory. Assuming a short-run framework and concentrating on the “Sources and Uses of Funds Account,” it is shown here that the inverse relationship between the two variables derives, not from the investment demand function, but from the ability to finance investment spending. The explanation is valid only in the short run. In the long run, aggregate investment spending may rise, fall, or remain constant in response to a change in the rate of interest.

JEL Classification: B51, E11, E22, G31
The Expanded Child Tax Credit: Impacts on Food Insufficiency Across Demographic Subgroups in the United States
Authors: Adrangi Bahram , Barnes William , Berning Derek
Published: November 2023

We investigate the association of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) program with food insufficiency and related anxieties among families with incomes below $35000. Analyzing the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey data, our xtprobit specification and estimation reveals the disparate impact of the CTC across demographic and racial divides, a departure from previous work. Subgroup analyses reveal that the final two CTC installments disproportionately benefited Hispanic households and those earning under $25000/year while producing no significant decrease in food insufficiency for black households or those earning $25000–$35000/year. The study indicates that the expanded CTC’s reduction of low-income households’ food insufficiency persisted across the program’s duration. Thus, the expansion achieved its intended purpose by helping to buffer low-income families against the fallout of the disrupted pandemic economy—an important result to keep in mind as policy makers continue to consider modifications to the CTC that improve efficacy and equity.

JEL Codes: A12, A13, A14