bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The politics of vulnerability in the influencer economy
Authors: Erin Duffy Brooke , Ononye Anuli , Sawey Megan
Published: December 2023

While workers of all stripes are compelled to embrace uncertainty under conditions of neoliberalism, ideologies of risk assume a particular guise in the platform economy, wherein laborers are exhorted to ‘put yourself out there’. Given the attendant harms associated with public visibility – especially for women and other marginalized groups – it seems crucial to explore platform-dependent laborers’ experiences of ‘putting themselves out there’. This article draws upon in-depth interviews with 23 social media influencers and content creators, sampled from across platforms, content niches and subjectivities. Our analysis revealed that vulnerability is a structuring concept in the influencer economy – one that operates at multiple, often overlapping levels. First, the commercial logic of authenticity casts personal vulnerability as a strategy for building community and accruing followers. But influencers’ individual disclosures were often entangled with their social identities (e.g., gender, race, sexuality, ability and body type), which rendered them socially vulnerable to targeted antagonism from audiences﻿. Interviewees experienced a range of harms, from identity-based hate and harassment to concerted take-down campaigns. These personal and social vulnerabilities were compounded by the vulnerabilities of platform-dependent labor: not only did participants identify the failures of platforms to protect them, some shared a sense that these companies exacerbated harms through a commercial logic that incentivizes antagonism. After examining the emotional labor necessary to manage such platform vulnerabilities, we close by reiterating the unique precarity of platform labor, wherein participants lack the social and legal protections typically afforded to ‘vulnerable workers’.
Enhancing Equity in Australian Higher Education Using Fuzzy Trace Theory
Authors: Geritz Courtney , Raciti Maria
Published: December 2023

Australian higher education is unequal, with regional and remote students under-represented and less likely to succeed at university despite decades of policy initiatives. Regional and remote communities are diverse, requiring tailored marketing communications to improve their university participation and experience. There is often a considerable gap between pre-commencement expectations and perceived experiences of first-year, first-time (FYFT) students. The purpose of this research is to better understand how the pre-commencement expectations of FYFT regional university students are influenced by Fuzzy Trace Theory’s (FTT) gist mental representations and the influence this has on their satisfaction. This study qualitatively explores a theoretical framework linking FTT with expectations, cognitive dissonance, action/inaction responses and satisfaction. The five identified insights were pre-commencement expectations for (1) micro-cohort connections, (2) macro-cohort connections and (3) recreational connections that, when not met, led to FYFT regional university students’ (4) responding with action or inaction, or both; with (5) action responses leading to increased satisfaction and inaction responses leading to decreased satisfaction. This research is novel, exploring and establishing the influence of FTT gist representations on FYFT regional university students’ pre-commencement expectation development to help address educational inequality. These findings confirm the powerful influence university marketing communications have on underrepresented groups.
Strategic Offending: Colombia’s Part-Time Child Drug Traffickers and Their Community, City and Country Lines
Authors: Charles Mathew H.
Published: December 2023

Through participatory research and creative auto/biography, in particular, this article highlights how young offenders in southwestern Colombia live at home, go to school and fit in the trafficking of cannabis in their spare time. This part-time participation in criminal networks becomes part of a deliberate plan to succeed and confront positions of socio-economic hardship and emotional precarity. This strategic offending in the region of Cauca with its protracted violence and alternative social order constitutes an attempt to confront ontological insecurity and establish improved life chances. These lived experiences of drug trafficking also highlight Colombia’s community, city and country lines – three levels of trafficking route along which these young part-timers shift cannabis to local, national and international markets.
Supersonic jet noise and screech tone suppression using cross-wire
Authors: Periyasamy Kaleeswaran , Parthasarathy Natarajan Kadiresh
Published: December 2023

This experimental investigation is aimed at assessing how the introduction of a cross-wire at the exit of a CD nozzle influences the performance of a supersonic nozzle. The study focuses on cold air jets generated by De Laval nozzles equipped with cross-wires and baseline configurations, particularly at design Mach numbers of 1.5 and 1.75. The investigation involves collecting measurements from the noise field emitted by the cross-wire nozzle with a 2% obstruction at the exit. This passive control approach effectively reduces the occurrence of screech tones in both over-expanded and under-expanded conditions in the azimuthal plane at appropriate operating pressures. Various acoustic parameters, including sound pressure levels (SPL), Strouhal numbers, and the overall sound pressure level spectra (OASPL) are recorded. Schlieren imaging captures images of shock cell patterns, illustrating the impact of shock-associated noise. In comparison to a baseline nozzle, the results demonstrate that a CD nozzle equipped with a cross-wire proves to be a proficient screech tone suppressor, leading to an average reduction of up to 5 dB in OASPL in under-expanded and over-expanded scenarios.
Acoustic measurements in single-rotor/wing interaction at low disk loading and Reynolds number
Authors: Chen Mingtai , Hua Jie , Maier Nick , Burdette Dylan
Published: December 2023

The tiltrotor design is favored for urban air mobility (UAM) prototypes due to the combination of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability and efficient forward flight. With rising UAM air traffic at low altitudes, noise from these aircraft is a crucial design factor. Most tiltrotor noise research focuses on high disk loading and Reynolds number setups, leaving smaller aircraft configurations less explored. This study investigates aero-acoustic trends from rotor-wing interaction at low disk loading ([Formula: see text]100 N/m2) and Reynolds number (Re < 100,000). While prior literature suggests lowering disk loading and reducing rotor wake interference can mitigate rotor noise, such ideas lack empirical validation. The setup involves an anechoic chamber housing a two-blade rotor, along with flat and NACA 0012 airfoil wings. Microphones and a rotation stage capture acoustic data for analysis. Factors like flow recirculation, isolated rotor noise, rotor height, rotation direction/rate, and wing curvature are assessed for impact on noise signature. It is found that the deflected rotor wake in rotor-wing interaction significantly increases low-frequency broadband noise and overall sound pressure level (OASPL), compared to an isolated rotor. Dominant tonal noise diminishes based on the strength of the deflected rotor wake. These findings offer insights into reducing noise from rotor wake impingement on the wing.
Contesting European Union From the ‘Heart of Europe’: A Peculiar Case of Polish Populist Euroscepticism After 2015
Authors: Styczyńska Natasza
Published: December 2023

Poland is an interesting example of a country in which a Eurosceptic government was elected by citizens who on the whole declare their commitment to European Union membership and trust in the European institutions. Notwithstanding, due to country-specific factors, Poles are prone to populist and anti-elitist rhetoric. Poland, similarly to other countries in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, serves also as a case study of how populism can be merged with Euroscepticism, which can be observed particularly on the right side of the political arena and enhanced by nationalism. The article focuses on Poland as a peculiar example of a country in which a populist Eurosceptic government was elected by citizens who on the whole declare their commitment to European Union membership but are prone to populist rhetoric and identity politics.
What Measures are Effective in Trauma Screening for Young Males in Custody? A COSMIN Systematic Review
Authors: O’Rourke Rachel , Marriott Mike , Trigg Richard
Published: December 2023

Despite the available evidence identifying the high prevalence rates of potentially traumatic experiences in forensic populations, there is still a lack of evidence supporting the use of suitable assessment tools, especially for young males in custody. For services to identify, support, and offer trauma interventions to this cohort, practitioners require reliable and valid assessment tools. This systematic review (Open Science Framework registration: https://osf.io/r6hbk ) identifies those tools able to provide valid, reliable, and comparable data for this cohort. Five electronic databases and gray literature were searched to identify relevant measures. Inclusion criteria: studies of tools to assess for trauma with males aged between 12 and 25 years-old in a custodial setting, any year of publication, and available in English. Exclusion criteria: studies that did not measure psychological trauma or include a standalone trauma scale, or report primary data. A three-step quality assessment method was used to evaluate the methodological quality and psychometric properties of the measures. Fourteen studies were selected for review (which included 12 measures). The studies sampled a total of approximately 1,768 male participants and an age range of 12 to 25 years. The studies reported on various types of psychometric evidence and due to the lack of homogeneity, a narrative synthesis was used to discuss, interpret, and evaluate each measure. The overall quality of the psychometric properties of the measures in this review showed that the currently available instruments for the assessment of trauma with young males in custody is limited but promising.
A systematic analysis and data mining of opioid-related adverse events submitted to the FAERS database
Authors: Le Huyen , Hong Huixiao , Ge Weigong , Francis Henry , Lyn-Cook Beverly , Hwang Yi-Ting , Rogers Paul , Tong Weida , Zou Wen
Published: December 2023

The opioid epidemic has become a serious national crisis in the United States. An indepth systematic analysis of opioid-related adverse events (AEs) can clarify the risks presented by opioid exposure, as well as the individual risk profiles of specific opioid drugs and the potential relationships among the opioids. In this study, 92 opioids were identified from the list of all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, annotated by RxNorm and were classified into 13 opioid groups: buprenorphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, tapentadol, and tramadol. A total of 14,970,399 AE reports were retrieved and downloaded from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) from 2004, Quarter 1 to 2020, Quarter 3. After data processing, Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM) was then applied which identified 3317 pairs of potential risk signals within the 13 opioid groups. Based on these potential safety signals, a comparative analysis was pursued to provide a global overview of opioid-related AEs for all 13 groups of FDA-approved prescription opioids. The top 10 most reported AEs for each opioid class were then presented. Both network analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were conducted to further explore the relationship between opioids. Results from the network analysis revealed a close association among fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, which shared more than 22 AEs. In addition, much less commonly reported AEs were shared among dihydrocodeine, meperidine, oxymorphone, and tapentadol. On the contrary, the hierarchical clustering analysis further categorized the 13 opioid classes into two groups by comparing the full profiles of presence/absence of AEs. The results of network analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis were not only consistent and cross-validated each other but also provided a better and deeper understanding of the associations and relationships between the 13 opioid groups with respect to their adverse effect profiles.
4-Octyl itaconate alleviates renal ischemia reperfusion injury by ameliorating endoplasmic reticulum stress via Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Li Xiang-Kun , Yang Hong-Juan , Du Shi-Han , Zhang Bing , Li Ling-Yu , Li Shao-Na , Liu Cui-Cui , Ma Yang , Yu Jian-Bo
Published: December 2023

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common clinical complication of multiple severe diseases. Owing to its high mortality and the lack of effective treatment, renal IRI is still an intractable problem for clinicians. Itaconate, which is a metabolite of cis-aconitate, can exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles in many diseases. As a derivative of itaconate with high cell membrane permeability, 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) could provide a protective effect for various diseases. However, the role of 4-OI in renal IRI is still unclear. Herein, we examined whether 4-OI afforded kidney protection through attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. To observe the effects of 4-OI on alleviating renal pathologic injury, improving renal dysfunction, decreasing inflammatory cytokines, and reducing oxidative stress, we utilized C57BL/6J mice with bilateral renal pedicle clamped and HK-2 cells with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) exposure in our study. In addition, through western blot assay, we found 4-OI ameliorated renal IRI-induced ERS, and activated Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, Nrf2-knockout (KO) mice and Nrf2 knockdown HK-2 cells were used to validate the role of Nrf2 signaling pathway in 4-OI-mediated alleviation of ERS caused by renal IRI. We demonstrated that 4-OI relieved renal injury and suppressed ERS in wild-type mice, while the therapeutic role was not shown in Nrf2-KO mice. Similarly, 4-OI could exert cytoprotective effect and inhibit ERS in HK-2 cells after H/R, but not in Nrf2 knockdown cells. Our in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that 4-OI protected renal IRI through attenuating ERS via Nrf2 pathway.
TGFβ1 induces CXCL1 to promote stemness features in lung cancer
Authors: Peng Ta-Jung , Wu Yi-Ching , Tang Shye-Jye , Sun Guang-Huan , Sun Kuang-Hui
Published: December 2023

Chemokines critically orchestrate the tumorigenesis, metastasis, and stemness features of cancer cells that lead to poor outcomes. High plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) correlate with poor prognostic features in advanced lung cancer patients, thus suggesting the importance of TGFβ1 in the lung tumor microenvironment. However, the role of chemokines in TGFβ1-induced tumor stemness features remains unclear. Here, we clarify the previously undocumented role of CXCL1 in TGFβ1-induced lung cancer stemness features. CXCL1 and its receptor CXCR2 were significantly upregulated in TGFβ1-induced lung cancer stem cells (CSCs). CXCL1 silencing (shCXCL1) suppressed stemness gene expression, tumorsphere formation, colony formation, drug resistance, and in vivo tumorigenicity in TGFβ1-induced lung tumorspheres. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that patients with stage II/III lung cancer had higher expression levels of CXCL1. The levels of CXCL1 were positively associated with lymph node metastasis and correlated with the expression of the CSC transcription factor Oct-4. Furthermore, online database analysis revealed that CXCL1 expression was negatively correlated with lung cancer survival in patients. Patients with high TGFβ1/CXCL1/CD44 co-expression had a worse survival rate. We suggest that CXCL1 serves as a crucial factor in TGFβ1-induced stemness features of lung cancer.
Mesenchymal stem cells with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase interference ameliorate mouse ischemic stroke
Authors: Bai Yingying , Wang Lishan , Xu Rong , Cui Ying
Published: December 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used in the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, factors such as high glucose, oxidative stress, and aging can lead to the reduced function of donor MSCs. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is associated with various functions, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, differentiation, and paracrine secretion. This study examined the hypothesis that the downregulation of p38 MAPK expression in MSCs improves the prognosis of mice with ischemic stroke. Lentiviral vector–mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was constructed to downregulate the expression level of p38 MAPK in mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs. The growth cycle, apoptosis, and senescence of MSCs after infection were examined. A mouse model of ischemic stroke was constructed. After MSC transplantation, the recovery of neurological function in the mice was evaluated. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of p38 MAPK. The senescence of MSCs in the p38 MAPK downregulation group was significantly reduced, but the growth cycle and apoptosis did not significantly change. Compared with the control group, the infarct volume was reduced, and the neurological function and the axonal remodeling were improved in mice with ischemic stroke after transplantation of MSCs with downregulated p38 MAPK. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that in the p38 MAPK downregulation group, apoptotic cells were reduced, and the number of neuronal precursors and the formation of white matter myelin were increased. In conclusion, downregulation of p38 MAPK expression in MSCs improves the therapeutic effect in mice with ischemic stroke, an effect that may be related to a reduction in MSC senescence. This method is expected to improve the efficacy of MSCs in patients, especially in patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes, thus providing a basis for clinical individualized treatment for cerebral infarction.
Everolimus-induced hyperpermeability of endothelial cells causes lung injury
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Chen Jianhui , Liu Shuihong , Li Xianfan
Published: December 2023

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, everolimus (but not dactolisib), is frequently associated with lung injury in clinical therapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Endothelial cell barrier dysfunction plays a major role in the pathogenesis of the lung injury. This study hypothesizes that everolimus increases pulmonary endothelial permeability, which leads to lung injury. We tested the effects of everolimus on human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HPMEC) permeability and a mouse model of intraperitoneal injection of everolimus was established to investigate the effect of everolimus on pulmonary vascular permeability. Our data showed that everolimus increased human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HPMEC) permeability which was associated with MLC phosphorylation and F-actin stress fiber formation. Furthermore, everolimus induced an increasing concentration of intracellular calcium Ca2+ leakage in HPMECs and this was normalized with ryanodine pretreatment. In addition, ryanodine decreased everolimus-induced phosphorylation of PKCα and MLC, and barrier disruption in HPMECs. Consistent with in vitro data, everolimus treatment caused a visible lung-vascular barrier dysfunction, including an increase in protein in BALF and lung capillary-endothelial permeability, which was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with an inhibitor of PKCα, MLCK, and ryanodine. This study shows that everolimus induced pulmonary endothelial hyper-permeability, at least partly, in an MLC phosphorylation-mediated EC contraction which is influenced in a Ca2+-dependent manner and can lead to lung injury through mTOR-independent mechanisms.
32-year-old Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting With Leg Ulcer and High-output Heart Failure
Authors: Palić Benjamin , Mandić Ante , Prskalo Zrinko , Fazlibegović Emir
Published: December 2023

Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is not a common disorder, and dermatological signs and heart failure caused by AVF are rarely reported. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman who was referred for congestive heart failure symptoms. Echocardiography revealed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Due to edema of the right leg with a long-standing leg ulcer and palpable femoral thrill, duplex ultrasonography was performed. It showed an AVF between the right superficial femoral artery (SFA) and the right femoral vein (FV). The patient recalled a 32-year-old gunshot injury that was not medically treated. After the diagnosis of AVF she was referred to a surgeon for an AVF ligation, with subsequent resolution of her symptoms. The differential diagnosis of leg ulcer with leg edema should include the possibility of AVF as a cause.
High-Pressure Injection Injuries of the Hand in Community and Industrial Settings: Incidence and Trends
Authors: Johnson Charles , Newton William , LaRochelle Luke , Allen John , Daly Charles
Published: December 2023

Background:

High-pressure injection injuries to the hand have been reported in both the community and industrial setting with varying levels of severity. However, there are little epidemiologic data regarding the prevalence of pressure-injection injuries. The purpose of this study is thus to describe trends in emergency department (ED) encounters associated with pressure injection injuries, thereby informing potential investments in research and education for these injuries.

Methods:

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a nationally representative database of all ED encounters, was queried for all high-pressure injection injuries from 2012 to 2021. Patient demographic and injury data were collected and analyzed to describe trends in incidence, patient demographics, and sequelae of hand injury associated with an ED encounter for a pressure injection-related injury.

Results:

There were an estimated 15 307 (95% confidence interval: 15 051-15 562) high-pressure injection hand injuries from 2012 to 2021. Injuries were more frequent on weekends with the highest incidence on Sundays (18.9%) and Saturdays (18.0%) and during late spring and summer months (58.6%), with peak incidence occurring in May (16.8%). High-pressure paint injuries demonstrated a significantly higher rate of infection (23.7% of injuries) than pressure washer injuries (3.7%); however, pressure washer injuries were much more common overall (90% vs 10%).

Conclusion:

High-pressure injection injuries to the hand and upper extremity represent a particularly concerning injury mechanism. Prompt recognition and proper management are crucial for improving outcomes. People that utilize pressure washers for household projects should be aware of the risks associated with these machines and utilize proper safety techniques.
Greening Hand Surgery: Targeted Measures to Reduce Waste in Ambulatory Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Authors: Tevlin Ruth , Panton Jasmine A. , Fox Paige M.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Operating rooms (ORs) produce approximately 70% of hospital waste. Greening strategies in the OR aim to reduce the environmental impact of surgery while maintaining patient safety and outcomes. The aim of this study was to strategically reduce waste and cost associated with common ambulatory hand procedures by implementing a 3-stage “green case” plan over a 1-year period in a high-volume tertiary referral hand surgery division.

Methods:

A 3-stage greening initiative for hand surgery was designed and implemented in ambulatory open carpal tunnel release (CTR) and trigger finger release (TFR) cases, including: (1) introduction of minor field sterility; (2) implementation of a lean and green minor hand surgery pack and reduced instrument set; and (3) elimination of gown use by surgeons and OR staff. Surgical supply usage and costs were tracked during the study period and compared with control.

Results:

Each “green case” resulted in savings of $105 compared with the control cases from the preceding year, excluding cost savings associated with reduced waste processing. There was a 64% and 75% reduction in waste and costs after greening, respectively. This equates to a minimum institutional annual savings of $51 000 when used for CTR and TFR. There was no observed increase in surgical site infections or complications after the introduction of greening.

Conclusion:

Greening initiatives can be successfully implemented by surgeons to reduce waste and costs. With targeted greening of CTR and TFR procedures, we significantly reduced waste and decreased costs while maintaining patient safety and outcomes.
Optimization and economic analysis of heating scheme of a gymnasium
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Zhao Juan , Zhou Botao , Wang Liang , Li Yongcai , Lv Xinhui , Liu Chuang
Published: December 2023

To determine the optimal heating method for gymnasiums, this study focuses on a specific gymnasium. The heat load of the gymnasium is analyzed by importing the meteorological data of Xi’an, and energy consumption simulation models for four heating systems are developed using the TRNSYS simulation software. The economic evaluation of these systems is conducted using the annual cost value method, and the optimal solar collector area is proposed. Additionally, the study examines the impact of different electricity prices on the annual cost value of the heating systems, as well as the optimal heating system configuration and its effect on the annual cost value under varying electricity prices. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The density of people in the competition hall is much higher than that in the practice area, and the competition hall is located in the inner area with no external heat transfer protection structure, only the roof is used for heat exchange. The heat load in the competition hall (14.43 W/m2) is lower than that in the practice area (81.41 W/m2); (2) Through the economic analysis of two solar composite heating systems with different heat collection areas. The optimal heat collection area of the solar coupled electric boiler system and the solar coupled air source heat pump are 3024 and 2394 m2, respectively, and the minimum annual cost are 1,132,300 and 699,200 CNY, respectively; and (3) An economic analysis is conducted on the four heating systems at different electricity prices. When the electricity price is between 0.5 and 1.0 CNY/kWh, the air-source heat pump coupled with electric boiler system has the lowest annual cost value. However, when the electricity price is between 1.1 and 1.5 CNY/kWh, the solar energy coupled with air-source heat pump system has the lowest annual cost value.
Prone positioning during CPAP therapy in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a concise clinical review
Authors: Chiappero Chiara , Mattei Alessio , Guidelli Luca , Millotti Serena , Ceccherini Emiliano , Oczkowski Simon , Scala Raffaele
Published: December 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia threatened to overwhelm intensive care units. To reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), clinicians tried noninvasive strategies to manage ARF, including the use of awake prone positioning (PP) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In this article, we review the patho-physiologic rationale, clinical effectiveness and practical issues of the use of PP during CPAP in non-intubated, spontaneously breathing patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with ARF. Use of PP during CPAP appears to be safe and feasible and may have a lower rate of adverse events compared to IMV. A better response to PP is observed among patients in early phases of acute respiratory distress syndrome. While PP during CPAP may improve oxygenation, the impact on the need for intubation and mortality remains unclear. It is possible to speculate on the role of PP during CPAP in terms of improvement of ventilation mechanics and reduction of strain stress.
Female breast motion during exercise based on the Lagrange method
Authors: Sun Guangwu , Liu Shiyuan , Chen Xiaona , Xie Hong
Published: December 2023

Breasts can move considerably when women are active, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. Many studies have measured breast movement by a camera recording the movement of multiple markers attached to the breast. However, an excessive number of markers may hinder the subject’s movement. Additionally, camera images cannot readily distinguish closely arranged LED markers owing to interference of light from the markers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a numerical model to minimize experimental limitations. The present numerical model was developed based on the Lagrange method to enable simultaneous prediction of the movement of multiple positions on the breast during successional vertical jumps. The modeling results revealed the nipple demonstrated a larger displacement (average displacement ≈ 52.73 mm) than other marker positions during successive jumps. The breast top showed lower displacement (average displacement ≈ 46.18 mm) than other marker positions. The model also revealed the force variation on the breast during a jump. The whole breast movement was dependent on a combination of multiple forces. The viscoelastic force provided resistance to breast deformation. The restoring force drove the breast upward, while the gravity force pulled it down. The model synchronously calculated the displacements of more than 30 positions on the breast, then exported the vertical movement path of the whole breast. The model can only predict the vertical displacement and force; it still needs to be improved in other directions.
Football and the video assistant referee: A grounded theory approach
Authors: Pashaie Sajjad , Dickson Geoff , Abdavi Fatemeh , Badri Azarin Yaqhub , Golmohammadi Hamed , Zheng Jinming , Habibpour Romina
Published: December 2023

Few studies have examined the impact of technological officiating aids on football. The purpose of this study is to design a comprehensive model examining the use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology in football. Based on interviews with eminent sports experts, this study explores the use of VAR technology in football and provides a paradigm model. Data analysis was based on the continuous comparison method during three stages of open, axial and selective coding. The findings point to the ability of a referee to make an informed decision regarding an incident during a match and trends suggest continuing adoption of new technologies in decision support systems. In the model, causal conditions (e.g. rules and regulations, innovation in football) attract attention to the axial phenomenon (i.e. application of VAR technology to football) and strategies for its use (e.g. Total Quality Management, justice, increasing referee supervision) given the interfering factors (e.g. fair play, competition) and existing contexts (e.g. control of anti-football behaviours, referee performance, information technology, IT, control of violence and aggression), which create consequences (i.e. process weakness, slowing down the game, passion killing, increasing the quality of the referee’s decision, increasing referee confidence, economical, increasing decision-making accuracy). Therefore, given the contextual conditions and the intervening factors, implementing VAR technology should improve the quality of football competitions. The research concludes that VAR has the potential to enhance the quality of football competitions but also acknowledges the need to address its negative impacts and ensure sustainable development.
Mathematical modelling of the application of lane conditioner to a Tenpin bowling lane
Authors: Hooper Curtis George
Published: December 2023

We construct a mathematical model to describe the application of lane conditioner (oil) onto an initially dry bowling lane via lane machines that use Kegel Sanction® Technology. The model consists of two coupled first order ordinary differential equations which describe the volume of oil on each of the brushes present in the oiling mechanism. Unknown parameters are fitted to best give certain features of the Highway to Hell oil pattern. The model, with the fitted parameters, is validated by using it to plot the Boardwalk oil pattern where certain key features are described well according to physical measurements of the actual oil pattern. The model is also shown to capture the need for the lane machine to dress two lanes before the output of oil becomes consistent.
Advancements in endoscopic management of small-bowel polyps in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Funayama Yohei , Shinozaki Satoshi , Yano Tomonori , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: December 2023

Before the development of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), the standard management of small-bowel polyposis was surgical resection. This is an invasive procedure that could lead to short bowel syndrome. In the 21st century, several new enteroscopy techniques were distributed worldwide, including DBE, single-balloon enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy, and motorized spiral enteroscopy. These devices enable the diagnoses and endoscopic interventions in the entire small bowel, even in patients with a history of laparotomy. In patients with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS), endoscopic ischemic polypectomy with clips or a detachable snare is the preferred method for managing pedunculated polyps because it is less likely to cause adverse events than conventional polypectomy. Although polyps in patients with PJS always recur, repeat endoscopic resection can reduce the total number and mean size of polyps in the long-term clinical course. Endoscopic reduction of small-bowel intussusception caused by PJS polyps can be successfully performed using DBE without surgery. A transparent hood is useful for securing a visual field during the treatment of small-bowel polyps, and minimal water exchange method is recommended to facilitate deep insertion. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Because jejunal and ileal polyps in patients with FAP have the potential to develop into cancer via the adenoma–carcinoma sequence, periodical surveillance, and endoscopic resection are needed for them, not only polyps in the duodenum. In cases of multiple small-bowel polyps in patients with FAP, cold snare polypectomy without retrieval is an acceptable treatment option for polyps that are 10 mm or smaller in size. Additional good pieces of evidence are necessary to confirm these findings because this narrative review mostly includes retrospective observational studies from single center, case reports, and expert reviews.
drCORRECT: An Algorithm for the Preventive Administration of Postprandial Corrective Insulin Boluses in Type 1 Diabetes Management
Authors: Pellizzari Elisa , Prendin Francesco , Cappon Giacomo , Sparacino Giovanni , Facchinetti Andrea
Published: December 2023

Background:

In type 1 diabetes therapy, precise tuning of postprandial corrective insulin boluses (CIBs) is crucial to mitigate hyperglycemia without inducing dangerous hypoglycemic events. Several heuristic formulas accounting for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) trend have been proposed in the literature. However, these formulas suggest a lot of quantized CIB adjustments, and they lack personalization.

Method:

drCORRECT algorithm proposed in this work employs a patient-specific time parameter and the “dynamic risk” (DR) measure to determine postprandial CIB suggestion. The expected benefits include the reduction of time in hyperglycemia, thanks to the preventive action exploited through DR. drCORRECT has been assessed retrospectively vs the literature methods proposed by Aleppo et al (AL), Bruttomesso et al (BR), and Ziegler et al (ZI) using a data set of 49 CGM daily traces recorded in free-living conditions. Retrospective evaluation of the algorithms is made possible by the use of ReplayBG, a digital twin-based tool that allows assessing alternative insulin therapies on already collected glucose data. Efficacy in terms of glucose control was measured by temporal, risk indicators, and dedicated hyperglycemic/hypoglycemic events metrics.

Results:

drCORRECT significantly reduces time spent in hyperglycemia when compared with AL and BR (33.52 [24.16, 39.89]% vs 39.76 [22.54, 48.15]% and 36.32 [26.91, 45.93]%, respectively); significantly reduces daily injected insulin (5.97 [3.80, 8.06] U vs 7.5 [5.21, 10.34] U), glycemia risk index (38.78 [26.58, 55.39] vs 40.78 [27.95, 70.30]), and time spent in hypoglycemia (0.00 [0.00, 1.74]% vs 0.00 [0.00, 10.23]%) when compared with ZI, resulting overall in a safer strategy.

Conclusions:

The proposed drCORRECT algorithm allows preventive actions thanks to the personalized timing configuration and the introduction of the innovative DR-based CIB threshold, proving to be a valid alternative to the available heuristic literature methods.
The effectiveness of single antibiotic paste nitrofurantoin V/S double antibiotic paste in alleviation of post-operative pain of patients suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abbasi Hira , Saqib Muhammad , Maqsood Afsheen , Jouhar Rizwan , Rashid Haroon , Ahmed Naseer , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Heboyan Artak
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The present research evaluated and compared effectiveness between nitrofurantoin and double antibiotic paste in alleviating post-operative pain in patients suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Methods:

There were 60 subjects enrolled who were allotted among three groups: Group 1 – Nitrofurantoin, Group 2 – double antibiotic paste, and Group 3 – Control. Succeeding access opening and chemo mechanical preparation, intracanal medicament was placed in the root canals. Using a numerical pain scale, pain scores were measured at the following time intervals: preoperative, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. One-way ANOVA and post hoc statistical analysis were conducted, with a p-value of ⩽ considered as statistically significant.

Results:

Preoperatively, most patients experienced moderate to severe pain. The patients in groups 1 and 2 reported considerable reduction in their pain scores ( p ⩽ 0.001) on each time interval. However, patients in group 3 experienced a higher level of pain even at 72 h. No considerable distinction was found among participant’s pain scores of groups 1 and 2 ( p = 0.193).

Conclusion:

For effective pain-relieving, both nitrofurantoin and double antibiotic paste can be successfully used in patients suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. However, when calcium hydroxide was used, patients experience high levels of pain.
Co-occurrence of ectopic pancreas and superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a child: A case report and literature review
Authors: Bajour Dina , Haddad Salim , Marina Sliman , Zoukar Sham , Haddad Sultaneh , Martini Nafiza , Khouri Lina
Published: December 2023

Ectopic pancreas refers to pancreatic tissue that lacks vascular or anatomical connection with the main body of the pancreas. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome involves the compression of the third part of the duodenum between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. We present a case of a 12-year-old female with a 4-year history of recurrent episodes of severe epigastric pain, improved by sitting and leaning forward, and occurred monthly for nearly 48 h. Radiological findings confirmed the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. However, further investigation revealed the presence of ectopic pancreas. Surgical intervention successfully treated both conditions. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain, and although there was a diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, the pain was not entirely attributable to this condition, as there was no correlation with food intake, and the degree of obstruction was mild. Further investigations revealed the presence of ectopic pancreas, which provided an explanation for the severity of the pain. This case highlights the need for further research on the potential association between superior mesenteric artery syndrome and ectopic pancreas.
Influence of Personality on Geriatric Rehabilitation Outcomes in Cauda Equina Syndrome Case
Authors: Biben Vitriana , Defi Irma Ruslina , Surjadi Elisa , Fajarulhuda Muhammad , Nurarifah Sitti Ayu Hemas
Published: December 2023

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) becomes more common as the population ages, making diagnosis challenging and leading to underdiagnosis and poor management. Person-centered care is crucial for successful rehabilitation outcomes, and patient’s personality influences it. Female, 77 years old, diagnosed with CES caused by nucleus pulposus herniation at fourth to fifth lumbar vertebrae, with a complication of pressure injury grade IV due to immobilization. Her family’s lack of caregiving skills, poverty, and histrionic personality disorder were her barriers to comply to rehabilitation program. Adding a psychotherapy based on personality on rehabilitation program increased her functional outcome. This case highlight the significance of assessing each patient’s personality to optimize outcomes, emphasizing the importance of tailoring rehabilitation programs to individual needs, including psychosocial and environmental factors.
The Use of Case Technology for the Formation of Information Competence for the Future Teachers of Mathematics
Authors: Abdualiyeva Rima , Seitova Sabyrkul
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the selected research topic arises from the numerous challenges encountered in the education of prospective mathematics teachers. The purpose of this research is to substantiate the advisability of using the case technology in the formation of information competence for the future teachers of mathematics in the process of their preparation. This study employs a methodological approach that combines literature analysis, synthesis of pedagogical experiences, statistical observation and a pedagogical experiment to assess the impact of case technology on the development of information competence among students in the context of professional education for future mathematics teachers. The main results of this study include the creation of case groups and their integration into the curriculum for students specializing in ‘mathematics’ and ‘mathematics-informatics’, as well as a comparative analysis of the components of information competence among future graduates and their proficiency levels. The study’s findings hold significant relevance for educators at the Higher School of Natural Sciences at Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov, with the overarching objective of preparing competent, highly skilled and competitive mathematics teachers for the job market.
Prevalence of Economic Exploitation, Education, and Social Relationship of Child Labourer: A Quantitative Study on Barishal City, Bangladesh
Authors: Mithila  , Abir Tareq Mahamud
Published: December 2023

The goal of this study was to expand the present understanding of the plight of child labourers who work in dangerous environments by discovering issues that are related to education and social relationships. The study presents the current situation of child labourers’ rights, as well as their working environment and family in Bangladesh. The study’s approach was based on both primary and secondary data. A sample survey was undertaken to gather primary field data once the relevant data was gathered from secondary sources. On the basis of the questionnaire, data were gathered, and the study’s sample was purposefully chosen. The study’s key findings show that both at work and at home, child labourers are highly exploited by both their employers and families. This study makes the case that the exploitation of child labourers can be stopped by raising public awareness, implementing measures to improve working conditions, establishing children’s rights, and working with GOs and NGOs to end child labour. Child work stands out as a flagrant violation of human rights. The socioeconomic situation in Bangladesh makes it a dismal reality, though.
Patient Perceptions of the Impact of the COVID Pandemic on the Quality of Their Gastrointestinal Cancer Care
Authors: Powis Melanie , Sutradhar Rinku , Hack Saidah , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Berlin Alejandro , Singh Simron , Krzyzanowska Monika K.
Published: December 2023

We surveyed patients who had a received care for a gastrointestinal cancer between 03/2020 and 05/2021 to understand their perceptions of the impact of the Covid pandemic on cancer care delivery and quality of care. Three-hundred fifty-eight respondents provided evaluable responses (response rate: 17.3%). Approximately half of respondents (46.4%) perceived that they had experienced a pandemic-related cancer care modification; most changes were initiated by a clinician or the cancer center (44.6%). Relative to White patients those from Racialized Groups (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.03-3.54) were more likely to report a cancer treatment change. Additionally, relative to patients in follow-up, those who were newly diagnosed (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.21-4.71) were more likely to report a change. Compared to White patients, patients from Racialized Groups were approximately twice as likely to report perceiving that virtual visits during Covid negatively impacted the quality of their care (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 0.96-5.08). These findings potentially reflect pre-existing systemic disparities in quality of and access to care, as well as differences in how care is experienced by patients from Racialized Groups.
Nanoparticle aggregation effect over MHD oblique stagnation point flow of the convective surface of nanoliquids
Authors: Mahmood Zafar , Althobaiti Saad , Adnan  , Khan Umar
Published: December 2023

This research could be useful in the construction of heavy power engines and the cooling of nuclear reactors, as well as in the insulation of buildings, the management of petroleum reservoirs, and the production of solar energy collectors. In this study, a numerical model is used to look at the steady, laminar, and incompressible MHD oblique stagnation point flow of nanofluids over a stretched convective surface. It is possible to evaluate nanoparticle aggregation with modified versions of the Krieger-Dougherty and Maxwell-Bruggeman models. Transforming the governing nonlinear PDEs into connected nonlinear ODEs through similarity transformations is necessary. We use a very efficient and precise numerical method to solve these equations. Mathematical implementation of the shooting technique using the Runge-Kutta-IV algorithm. Annotations on graphs illustrate how major physical factors affect the velocity, Nusselt number, streamlines, and temperature profiles. The local skin friction coefficient is tabulated. Velocity and temperature profiles increase with increasing values of stagnation parameters. The rate of heat transfer increases noticeably after incorporating the parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. When using the aggregation model, the heat transfer rate is increased by around 0.89%, compared to an increase of about 0.59% when not using the model. These enhancements manifest themselves at a 1% concentration of [Formula: see text] when the parameter [Formula: see text] is set to 0.5. With aggregation effects, ethylene glycol-based fluids performed better than without aggregation in terms of heat transfer rate. Consequently, we are confident in our numerical findings, which match earlier material for the limiting condition.