bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircLPHN3 correlates with prognosis in colorectal cancer and regulates cellular processes by targeting miR-142-5p
Authors: Zhang JiWen , Cai Yan
Published: October 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is often diagnosed late and has a poor prognosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as prognostic biomarkers in various cancers, including CRC.

Objective

The objective was to elucidate the role of circLPHN3 (hsa_circ_0069865) in CRC progression and to provide a promising prognostic marker for CRC.

Methods

CircLPHN3 was identified through bioinformatics analysis of the GSE121842 dataset. The levels of circLPHN3 in CRC samples were analyzed by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Its clinical significance was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier curve and multivariate Cox regression. Downstream microRNAs of circLPHN3 were predicted with the RNAhybrid, Circular RNA Interactome, and starBase online databases. The target of miR-142-5p was predicted using miRDB, TargetScanHuman, starBase, and miRWalk databases. The relationship between circLPHN3, miR-142-5p, and LDB2 was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The function of circLPHN3 on CRC cell growth and metastasis was measured using Transwell and the cell counting kit-8 assay.

Results

Significant downregulation of circLPHN3 was found in CRC. CircLPHN3 was closely related to higher tumor node metastasis stage, lymph node metastasis, and predicted unfavorable prognosis. miR-142-5p was highly expressed in CRC and its expression was negatively regulated by circLPHN3. Overexpression of circLPHN3 curbed CRC cell growth, migration, and invasion, mediated by miR-142-5p. Moreover, LDB2 was identified as a target of miR-142-5p.

Conclusion

CircLPHN3 acted as a prognostic biomarker and tumor suppressor for CRC via modulating miR-142-5p.
SMC4 serves as a potential marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Dawei , Cheng Wenxin , Liu Ying , Ma Liang , Sun Yao , Wang Hongzhen , Liu Haifeng , Nan Li , Yang Yang , Wang Xinyue
Published: October 2024

Objective

We aimed to explore the role of structural maintenance of chromosomes 4 (SMC4) in malignant progression and immunology of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

Methods

The expression, genetic and protein features, and immune cell infiltration of SMC4 in pan-cancer were provided by public databases and websites. The protein expression of SMC4 in COAD tissues was screened by immunohistochemical assay. Si-RNA-mediated transfection was performed in COAD cells and the proliferation viability was measured using MTT, colony formation and EdU assays. Cell autophagy was detected by AO staining, western blots, and immunofluorescence staining. The migratory ability was determined using scratch and transwell assays. The expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and transcriptional factors were detected using western blots.

Results

The expression of SMC4 was upregulated in pan-cancer and had relationships with prognosis, TMB, and MSI of cancer patients. Particularly, SMC4 protein was highly expressed in COAD tissues and correlated with poor prognosis of patients. Depletion of SMC4 inhibited cell proliferation, induced autophagy, and decreased migration through EMT progression in COAD cells. In addition, SMC4 was associated with infiltration of neutrophils, M2 macrophages, and CD4 + T cells in COAD, and had positive association with M2 macrophage markers and immune checkpoints.

Conclusion

SMC4 was correlated with patients’ poor prognosis, proliferation, metastasis, and immune cell infiltrates, and might function as a potential diagnosis and prognostic biomarker in COAD.
Lessons from a Pilot Study of a Culturally Tailored Financial Well-Being Intervention Among Latino Family Caregivers
Authors: Meyer Kylie , Mage Susanna M. , Gonzalez Alexander , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Rhodes Shanae , Perales-Puchalt Jaime , Wilber Kathleen , Song Lixin , Puga Frank , Benton Donna
Published: October 2024

Financial strain disproportionally affects the growing population of Latino family caregivers. This pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of a culturally tailored psychoeducational intervention for Latino caregivers designed to reduce financial strain by improving resourcefulness and self-efficacy. Feasibility was assessed according to participant demands, ability to deliver the intervention, and preliminary efficacy. From May 2022 to September 2023, Confidently Navigating Financial Decisions and Enhancing Financial Wellbeing in Dementia Caregiving (CONFIDENCE) was administered to 69 caregivers over 11 cohorts in a community setting. Caregivers attended an average of 3.13 ( SD = 0.17) of five sessions. Eligible caregivers were given the option to participate in a single-arm pre- and post-test study. Results from N = 20 caregivers indicated reduced levels of financial strain 2 months post-intervention ( p-value = .013). Findings also showed improvements resourcefulness and self-efficacy. Although CONFIDENCE appears feasible to deliver and may affect desired outcomes, future studies should reduce intervention demands to improve attendance.

Trial Registration

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05292248).
Towards a sociological anthropology: On Theodor Adorno's Contribution to the Theory of Ideology
Authors: Mercer Samuel J.R.
Published: October 2024

Adorno's argument in this recently translated essay is that sociology is necessary in order to unlock the ‘epistemological power’ of the concept of ideology. This paper reads Adorno's argument with an Althusserian guilt in order to isolate the theoretically anti-humanist character of this epistemological power. The paper demonstrates how sociology, for Adorno, unlocks this epistemological power by shifting the field of inquiry away from the psychology of the individual subject, towards the “objectively prescribed contexts of delusion” located at the meeting point of specific material social relations. In order to make sense of Adorno's theoretical work here, the paper employs the concept of ‘anthropology’ as developed by Étienne Balibar, in order to demonstrate how Adorno mobilises the concept of ideology in order to think about subjective interpellation in an anti-humanist way, breaking with the vulgar psychology of traditional theories of ideology.
Assembly method for curved porous circular workpieces based on multidimensional information fusion: Grid electrode component
Authors: Fang Yu , Huang Jimin , Zhang Ruxiao , Gao Weiwei , Liu Xintian , Yang Hao
Published: October 2024

To tackle the problems related to the complexities of obtaining depth information for circular workpiece with arc surface and holes, a novel vision guidance method has been introduced to precisely gauge interlayer spacing. The process includes the acquisition and preprocessing of point cloud depth information, along with matching and edge processing. The depth coordinates of the point cloud are subsequently determined. Two-dimensional image processing technology is employed to extract the coordinates of the center of the surface circular hole in the curved porous circular workpiece. The 3D coordinates are generated for guiding the assembly by integrating these datasets. Experiments on grid parts in aviation propulsion systems demonstrate that this method maintains dot matrix spacing within 0.5–1.2 mm, ensures the coaxiality of the center hole, and meets assembly standards. The results confirm the method’s effectiveness for automated assembly of curved porous round workpieces.
The impact of fuel cell vehicle exhaust grille shape under natural ventilation on hydrogen leakage and diffusion
Authors: Yin Bifeng , Deng Boxin , Xu Sheng , Gao Haiyu , Dong Fei
Published: October 2024

The rapid progression of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has brought forth various challenges, primarily the frequent occurrence of hazardous incidents stemming from hydrogen leakage and diffusion. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on hydrogen safety, leading to the development of stricter standards and regulations to mitigate the associated safety risks. Research on the design of exhaust port structures to facilitate the safe diffusion of hydrogen after leakage in diverse scenarios has become increasingly significant. This study examines the impact of exhaust grille shapes on hydrogen leakage and diffusion phenomena within the hydrogen storage compartment of fuel cell vehicles under natural ventilation conditions. Five distinct porous grille shapes were examined: rectangular, circular, square, rhombic, and hexagonal grilles. Numerical simulations of hydrogen leakage and diffusion within the compartment were conducted using Cradle scFLOW software. The effectiveness of the different grille shapes was assessed using several criteria, including average hydrogen molar fraction, pressure drop (indicative of negative pressure regions), density, and Richardson number. Overall, the rectangular grille exhibited superior performance in facilitating hydrogen venting.
Experimental investigation of nickel-based nanofluid on the performance of evacuated tube solar collector
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Tiwari Arun Kumar
Published: October 2024

This paper conducts an experimental investigation of an evacuated tube solar collector type solar collector employing a unique Ni/water nanofluid to assess its exergetic and energy performance. The investigation sheds light on the intricate behavior of nanofluid and their consequential impact on the efficiency, thermal properties, and entropy generation within the framework of evacuated tube solar collector (ETSC). The study reveals that an escalation of nickel nanoparticles volumetric concentration results in a reduction of specific heat capacity, attributed in part to the clustering effect of nanoparticles mixed with working fluid. Nevertheless, higher temperatures counterintuitively lead to an augmentation in specific heat capacity. The study presents the comparative behavior of nanofluid and the parent base fluid. The study further elucidates that augmenting the volumetric concentration of nanoparticles causes a reduction in the temperature difference between the collector's both side inlet and outlet, affecting thermal efficiency positively. Moreover, with mass flow rate contribute and increased volumetric concentration to a diminished outlet temperature, thereby enhancing the efficiency of ETSC. The study also analyzed the thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat of the Ni/water nanofluid across different volumetric concentrations and temperature ranges from 25 °C to 50 °C. Furthermore, the thermal performance of the collector was evaluated at various mass flow rates ranging from 0.0085 kg/s to 0.051 kg/s. The findings revealed a maximum energy efficiency of 73.14% at a volumetric concentration of 1% and a mass flow rate of 0.041 kg/s.
A fuzzy skyhook control strategy optimized by particle swarm strategy for magnetorheological semi-active suspension
Authors: Xiong Xin , Liu Yaming , Xu Fei
Published: October 2024

In order to solve the problem of unsatisfactory control effect caused by uncertain parameters in the fuzzy skyhook control method, a fuzzy skyhook control strategy optimized by particle swarm strategy is proposed. The magnetorheological (MR) damper is put on the bench for mechanical characteristics experiment, and the forward model of MR damper is established. The adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) system in simulation software is used to build its inverse model to verify the accuracy of the forward model of MR damper. A quarter vehicle suspension model is established, and a fuzzy skyhook control strategy based on particle swarm optimization is designed. Numerical simulations are carried out under the excitation of random road. The acceleration, suspension dynamic deflection and tire dynamic load are used to evaluate its performance. Compared with the passive control, the root mean square (RMS) values of the acceleration for the fuzzy skyhook control strategy are improved by 41.9% and 37.6%, the RMS values of the suspension dynamic deflection for the fuzzy skyhook control strategy are improved by 53.3% and 48.0%, and the RMS values of the tire dynamic load for the fuzzy skyhook control strategy are improved by 17.6% and 14.5% under the B-Class and C-Class road excitations. The simulations and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the controller.
COSCO and the privatisation of Piraeus port: A tale of three piers
Authors: Jackson Karen , Li Jiandan , Masino Serena
Published: October 2024

This study examines one of the highest-profile Chinese investment projects in Europe. Using data collected over the period 2019–2021, we address important questions about the impact on employment and workplace regimes of the state-run Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) and China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO)-run Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT) sides of Piraeus port in Greece. Our key findings indicate that while COSCO’s investment has created much-needed local employment, the adoption of widespread subcontracting of the labour force has segmented workers into very different workplace regimes depending on the side of the port at which they work. We found that the new workplace regime introduced by PCT has evolved over time since the inception of operations but retains the key elements of a labour control strategy detrimental to workers’ agency. We examine these findings in light of the facilitative and enabling role that the national labour market reforms played in paving the way for COSCO’s adoption and deployment of such working practices and contextualise them within a multi-scalar governance architecture that connects transnational, national, sectoral, and firm-specific elements of the prevailing labour conditions.
Green macro-financial governance in the European monetary architecture: Assessing the capacity to finance the net-zero transition
Authors: Guter-Sandu Andrei , Haas Armin , Murau Steffen
Published: October 2024

The European Green Transition requires massive financing efforts, with estimates of EUR 620bn EUR annually, and the headwinds are substantial. Central banks seem overstretched and busy tightening to combat inflation; treasuries are subject to austerity-inducing fiscal rules; and banking systems are afflicted by non-performing loans, fragmentation, and risk aversion. We employ the Monetary Architecture framework to analyze the EU’s monetary and financial system as a constantly evolving hierarchical web of interlocking balance sheets and study its capacity to find “elasticity space” to meet the financing challenge. To this end, we draw on a four-step scheme for Green macro-financial governance along the financial cycle of balance sheet expansion, funding, and final contraction. We find that, first, Europe’s monetary architecture still has ample elasticity space to provide a green initial expansion due to its developed ecosystem of national, subnational, and supranational off-balance-sheet fiscal agencies. Second, as mechanisms to consciously organize the distribution of long-term debt instruments across different segments are absent, its capacity to provide long-term funding is limited. Third, institutional transformation in the last two decades has greatly improved the capacity of the European monetary architecture to counteract financial instability by providing emergency elasticity. Fourth, the capacity of the European monetary architecture to manage a final contraction of balance sheets is limited, which is a general quandary in modern credit money systems. Our analysis points to the need for further investigations into techniques for monetary architectures to manage long-term funding and balance sheet contractions.
Elaborating On Ethnic Entrepreneurship: How Differences in Immigrant Founders’ Strategic Choices Regarding Human Capital Sourcing Affect Business Model Designs and Evolution
Authors: Banerjee Mallika
Published: October 2024

Strategic human capital literature assumes founders mobilize human resources from the market. Social capital research shows that relying on nonmarket sources, such as ethnic communities, for resources results in distinct ways of organizing business activities in immigrant and nonimmigrant firms. Based on a field study, I found that the impact of sourcing human capital from the market versus the ethnic community on business model designs and evolution can be better understood by examining the nature of control firm owners exert over employees and the network segmentation dynamics of subgroups within a community. The study expands on strategic human and social capital research, identifying two boundary conditions for entrepreneurship literature.
“You’re Just Stuck in a Hole, Really”: Mechanisms of Structural Racism Through Migrant Agricultural Worker Housing in Canada
Authors: Caxaj C. Susana , Weiler Anelyse
Published: October 2024

Worldwide, migrant agricultural workers face poor housing conditions and related health challenges. A growing body of research has documented the substandard housing often occupied by this largely racialized population. Yet limited health research has examined mechanisms of structural racism that determine this group’s poor housing and health. Drawing on interviews with 151 migrant farmworkers in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, we documented the housing experiences faced by migrant agricultural workers and examined the role of structural racism in determining housing and health inequities. Our analysis identified four overlapping mechanisms by which migrants’ housing and health were determined by structural racism: (1) scarcity, (2) segregation, (3) sacrifice, and (4) stagnation. These mechanisms both reinforced and normalized housing hardships, making it difficult for migrants to escape unsafe or inadequate housing. Our findings point to the need for immediate action to improve housing conditions for this population and to interrogate the racist design that keeps migrant workers at the margins of society.
Collaborative Autoethnography of Cancer Patients’ Dynamic Sense of Agency
Authors: Aromaa Eeva , Eriksson Päivi , Koskinen Satu
Published: October 2024

Through collaborative autoethnography, we studied shifts in cancer patients’ sense of agency and the meaning of cancer during the diagnostic and treatment phases. This article contributes to the illness management literature by adopting sense of agency perspective that provides new understanding of retrospective interpretation of cancer patients’ agency. The authors’ experiences of receiving cancer diagnoses and a related, collectively written story illustrate how relational and contextual elements facilitate rapid shifts in cancer patients’ sense of agency and illness management. The findings illustrate shifts in the sense of agency as a collaborative and reflexive process between cognitive, emotional, and bodily constraints and adjustments. We demonstrate how shifts in patients’ sense of agency and respective changes in meanings attached to cancer were shaped by near ones, healthcare actors, and other cancer patients, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and the fear of military conflict due to Finland neighbor Russia’s war on Ukraine. Furthermore, the study illustrates how shifts in sense of agency shape and are shaped by changes in the understanding of cancer as either a secondary issue, ambiguous stranger, travel companion, or enemy.
Educational Leaders’ Insights on PBPD, Implementation, and Sustainability Practices of SRSD, a Writing EBP
Authors: Connor Kate E. , Ray Amber B. , Price Richard A.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain insights from educational leaders who had participated in a larger study and received extensive practice-based professional development on an evidence-based practice, self-regulated strategy development for informative writing. The participants also previously implemented the self-regulated strategy development strategies with elementary students with high incidence disabilities during a summer tutoring program. The current study included one-on-one video conferencing interviews with six educational leaders: a principal, a complex area specialist, three complex area coaches, and a student services coordinator about their reported impact of the practice-based professional development on implementation of self-regulated strategy development during a regular school year given their current job descriptions. Open coding of the transcripts resulted in five descriptive codes detailing the participants’ intention for enrolling, application of self-regulated strategy development, additional supports, barriers, and the impact of the evidence-based practice. Implications discussed include post-intervention supports needed to help educational leaders guide the sustained implementation of an evidence-based practice for writing instruction.
Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening Adherence During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Cohort at Increased Inherited Cancer Risk in the United States
Authors: Harris Adrian , Bather Jemar R. , Kawamoto Kensaku , Fiol Guilherme Del , Bradshaw Richard L. , Kaiser-Jackson Lauren , Monahan Rachel , Kohlmann Wendy , Liu Feng , Ginsburg Ophira , Goodman Melody S. , Kaphingst Kimberly A.
Published: October 2024

Background

We examined neighborhood characteristics concerning breast cancer screening annual adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We analyzed 6673 female patients aged 40 or older at increased inherited cancer risk in 2 large health care systems (NYU Langone Health [NYULH] and the University of Utah Health [UHealth]). Multinomial models were used to identify predictors of mammogram screening groups (non-adherent, pre-pandemic adherent, pandemic period adherent) in comparison to adherent females. Potential determinants included sociodemographic characteristics and neighborhood factors.

Results

Comparing each cancer group in reference to the adherent group, a reduced likelihood of being non-adherent was associated with older age (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99), a greater number of relatives with cancer (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.86), and being seen at NYULH study site (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.60). More relatives with cancer were correlated with a lesser likelihood of being pandemic period adherent (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.97). A lower likelihood of being pre-pandemic adherent was seen in areas with less education (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.96) and NYULH study site (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.55). Finally, greater neighborhood deprivation (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.01) was associated with being non-adherent.

Conclusion

Breast screening during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with being older, having more relatives with cancer, residing in areas with less educational attainment, and being seen at NYULH; non-adherence was linked with greater neighborhood deprivation. These findings may mitigate risk of clinically important screening delays at times of disruptions in a population at greater risk for breast cancer.
Harmonic response analysis of a circular plate subjected to moving point loads using Green’s function approach
Authors: Rai Amit Kumar
Published: October 2024

Dynamics of circular plates under moving loads are an important class of problems in manufacturing industry, for example, cutting thin annular plates using point cutting tools and wood/bar/pipe cutting saws. These tools are subjected to excessive vibration during operation. Its dynamic behavior needs to be analyzed rigorously. In the present work, dynamics of a circular plate subjected to moving harmonic point load is analyzed using Kirchhoff’s plate hypothesis. In order to capture the geometric nonlinearity, the von Kármán strain displacement relation is used. Constitutive relations are developed using a complex modulus. Further, extended Hamilton’s principle is used to obtain the nonlinear coupled governing equations in radial, tangential, and transverse directions. Governing equations are discretized using Galerkin’s method. The novelty in the present work is to develop Green’s function incorporating viscous damping to obtain the plate response subjected to arbitrary moving load for general boundary conditions. The proposed method is capable to obtain the plate response due to single/multi point moving loads. In order to verify the accuracy of the proposed method, Green’s function solution is compared with the numerical solution obtained from the RK4 method and shows good agreement. Further, resonance instabilities are studied, which occur when a single point load rotates with critical angular velocity. Subsequently, the response of the circular plate under three-point loads, each having a magnitude of 1/3rd of the single moving point load moving circularly in a constant phase has been discussed. In the end, a parametric study of hysteresis damping on the dimensionless deflection of the plate is carried out.
Examining the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD in School-Aged Children Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Boswell Emma , Crouch Elizabeth , Odahowski Cassie , Hung Peiyin
Published: October 2024

Background:

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long been associated with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in children; but the data used is now over 6 years old (from 2017 to 2018). Understanding the current landscape of their prevalence and association is needed to capture evolving social, environmental, and economic conditions, and ensure interventions remain relevant to addressing current childhood trauma.

Objective:

This study provides an updated analysis of the association between ACEs and ADHD using post-acute-COVID-19 pandemic data.

Participants and Setting:

This cross-sectional study of 10,518 children aged 5 to 17 years old derived data from the 2021 to 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Methods:

Differences in the prevalence of number (0, 1–3, or 4+) and type of ACEs by ADHD diagnosis were evaluated using Rao-Scott chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. All analyses incorporate complex survey weights.

Results:

In 2021 to 2022, 2,457 (23.3%) of children experienced ACEs and 1,115 (9.9%) had an ADHD diagnosis. Children with ADHD were more likely to experience every type of ACE and were more likely to have 1 to 3 or 4+ ACEs than children without ADHD. Children with 4+ ACEs had higher odds of having an ADHD diagnosis (aOR: 3.44, 95% CI [2.64, 4.49]) than children without ACEs. Male children, children with fair or poor health, and children living in rural counties were more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis, while children of color and uninsured children were less likely. We found the odds ratio of ADHD diagnosis for children with four or more ACEs, compared to those without ACEs, slightly lower than found in Brown et al., 2017’s estimate of 3.97 (CI [3.29, 4.80]). These results suggest a consistent association between ACEs and ADHD when comparing pre-COVID data to our post-acute-COVID results.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider traumatic stress in ADHD screening. Policymakers and early childhood organizations should encourage early screening and intervention for ACEs to reduce the impacts of ADHD diagnoses.
Rotavirus in Water Environments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Awere-Duodu Aaron , Donkor Eric S
Published: October 2024

Background:

Despite the adoption of rotavirus vaccines, sporadic outbreaks of the virus have been reported in many parts of the world. These outbreaks are facilitated by several factors including the ease of transmission of rotavirus through water environments. This systematic review aimed to determine the global prevalence of rotavirus in water environments.

Methodology:

Comprehensive Boolean searches were conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. A total of 75 eligible studies were included in the study, from which data was extracted for both systematic review and meta-analysis. Extracted prevalence data was grouped according to six water categories: drinking water, untreated sewage, treated sewage, surface water, groundwater, and others. A single-group prevalence meta-analysis was conducted in RStudio version 4.3.3 subjecting the data to the random-effects model.

Results:

The included studies were conducted in 32 countries that span 5 continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The pooled prevalence of rotavirus in water environments was 40.86%. Among the individual water environments, untreated sewage had the highest prevalence (68.27%), followed by treated sewage (53.07%), surface water (33.40%), groundwater (25.64%) and drinking water (9.46%). Continental stratification of the prevalence data was as follows: Africa (51.75%), Asia (32.48%), Europe (55.90%), North America (41.80%), and South America (28.51%).

Conclusion:

There is a high prevalence of rotavirus in water environments, especially in untreated sewage, and in Europe. Further research is needed to find more efficient methods that can effectively eliminate rotavirus to insignificant levels in water environments.
Breaking the mold when organizing: Disability inclusion and countercultural practices
Authors: Napolitano Domenico , Sicca Luigi Maria
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the potential and limits of countercultural practices in reshaping arts-based approaches to disability inclusion, as increasingly advocated by alternative and community-based organizations. Adopting the framework of crip theory, the study focuses on the use of noise music in a French association of alternative organizations dedicated to mutual aid. We find that countercultural practices in that context rework disability inclusion in three ways: (1) By considering accessibility as not merely the removal of barriers, but also as a cultural transformation characterized by friction; (2) By emphasizing the importance of disharmony to challenge normalizing and assimilatory expectations related to the climate of inclusion; (3) By fostering economic eccentricity that shifts the valorization of disability from an individual to a collective level. We consider these practices as examples of an approach that overcomes the simple inclusion/exclusion dichotomy and claims the value of being in the margins. At the same time, these practices are also characterized by an essential tension between margins and center, as they often rely on the very organizational forms they want to counter. We propose the term “dis-including” to conceptualize this ambivalent, as well as contestatory and non-dichotomous character of the countercultural way of practicing inclusion. Dis-including is not a simple way out of marginalization, but a practice that questions established values, shifts the focus from the individual to the collective and requires breaking the mold when organizing. We therefore highlight the potential of dis-including to reshape mainstream notions of disability inclusion, extending beyond alternative organizations.
Through the history of the acoustic response within the theatre of Taormina: From Greek and Roman periods to our days
Authors: Bevilacqua A. , Iannace G. , Giuri F. , Ferrari I.
Published: October 2024

The ancient theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most beautiful attractions of this town. Built on top of a cliff over the Mediterranean Sea, the spectators remain captured by the suggestions that this performance arts space can still inspire. Finished to be erected in the 3rd century BC, the theatre in Hellenistic period was provided with a small temple on the top centre of the cavea. Modified by Romans based on their requirements for spectacles, the organization of this ancient theatre was amplified with the creation of a double porticus supported by a columnade, and with the extension of the scenic building. After its desuse, some construction elements of the theatre were utilized to build new structures in town, provoking significant damage to the original shape. The spectacles that nowadays are conducted within the ancient theatre are many, executed especially over summer seasons. Acoustic measurements have been carried out inside the theatre to understand the acoustic response of the existing conditions. Starting from this scenario, the values of the main acoustic parameters have been compared with the digital reconstruction of the building at the Greek and Roman period. This research study highlights the difference in the acoustic response between these two scenarios and the existing conditions, and how the acoustics during the Roman period was the most suitable for musical performances.
Impact of serum neurofilament light on clinical decisions in a tertiary multiple sclerosis clinic
Authors: van Lierop Zoë YGJ , Wessels Mark HJ , Lekranty Womei ML , Moraal Bastiaan , Hof Sam N , Hogenboom Laura , de Jong Brigit A , Meijs Nandi , Mensing Liselore A , van Oosten Bob W , Sol Nik , van Kempen Zoé LE , Vermunt Lisa , Willems Myrthe J , Strijbis Eva MM , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Killestein Joep , Teunissen Charlotte E
Published: October 2024

Background and objectives:

Serum neurofilament light (sNfL) is a biomarker for neuro-axonal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinical implementation remains limited. We investigated the impact of implementation on clinical decisions using questionnaires at the MS Center Amsterdam, a tertiary outpatient clinic.

Methods:

sNfL assessments were added to routine clinical practice (August 2021–December 2022). Before and after the results, clinicians filled in questionnaires on context of testing, clinical decisions, certainty herein, expectation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity, urgency, and motivation to receive the sNfL result and perceived value of sNfL.

Results:

sNfL was assessed in 166 cases (age 41 ± 12 years, 68% female, 64% disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use) for the following contexts: “DMT monitoring” (55%), “new symptoms” (18%), “differential diagnosis” (17%), and “DMT baseline” (11%). Clinical decisions changed in 19.3% of cases post-disclosure, particularly in context “new symptoms” (38%) and with higher sNfL levels (β = 0.03, p = 0.04). Certainty increased ( p = 0.004), while expectation of MRI activity decreased with disclosure of low sNfL levels ( p = 0.01). Motivation was highest in context “differential diagnosis” ( p < 0.001); perceived value and urgency were highest in context “new symptoms” ( p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

In this study, sNfL implementation had considerable impact on clinical decision-making and certainty herein. Standard implementation may complement patient care but warrants caution and more exploration in diverse clinical settings
Multiple sclerosis subgroups: Data-driven clusters based on patient-reported outcomes and a large clinical sample
Authors: De Nadai Alessandro S , Zamora Ryan J , Finch Alyse , Miller Deborah M , Ontaneda Daniel , Gunzler Douglas D , Briggs Farren S
Published: October 2024

Background:

While standard clinical assessments provide great value for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), they are limited in their ability to characterize patient perspectives and individual-level symptom heterogeneity.

Objectives:

To identify PwMS subgroups based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. We also sought to connect PRO-based subgroups with demographic variables, functional impairment, hypertension and smoking status, traditional qualitative multiple sclerosis (MS) symptom groupings, and neuroperformance measurements.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional design, we applied latent profile analysis (LPA) to a large database of PROs; analytic sample N = 6619).

Results:

We identified nine distinct MS subtypes based on PRO patterns. The subtypes were primarily categorized into low, moderate, and high mobility impairment clusters. Approximately 70% of participants were classified in a low mobility impairment group, 10% in a moderate mobility impairment group, and 20% in a high mobility impairment group. Within these subgroups, several unexpected patterns were observed, such as high mobility impairment clusters reporting low non-mobility impairment.

Conclusions:

The present study highlights an opportunity to advance precision medicine approaches in MS. Combining PROs with data-driven methodology allows for a cost-effective and personalized characterization of symptom presentations. that can inform clinical practice and future research designs.
Trajectories and management of vascular risk following the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: A population-based matched cohort study between 1987 and 2018 in England
Authors: Palladino Raffaele , Chataway Jeremy , Mathew Mekha , Majeed Azeem , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: October 2024

Background:

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have an increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease burden, but this could be mitigated by vascular risk factor management.

Objectives:

We compared the trajectories of vascular risk factors, vascular comorbidities and clinical management in PwMS against the general population post-MS diagnosis while controlling for frailty.

Methods:

Retrospective longitudinal analysis using English data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1987 and 2018 comprising PwMS matched with up to six controls without MS by age, sex and general practice.

Results:

We compared 12,251 PwMS with 72,572 matched controls; 3.8% of PwMS had mild–moderate frailty, 1.2% more than matched controls. Compared to controls, PwMS had an elevated incidence of Type 2 diabetes (HR 1.18, 95% CI (1.04, 1.34)), and starting antihypertensive medications (HR 1.40, 95% CI (1.33, 1.47)). Among those with hypertension at baseline, blood pressure trajectories did not differ between PwMS and controls. PwMS had increased rates of meeting targets for hypertension management (HR 1.25, 95% CI (1.12, 1.41)).

Conclusion:

The observation that PwMS with hypertension are more likely to meet treatment targets than matched controls is encouraging, but the elevated rates of vascular comorbidities suggest that tighter vascular management may be needed in this population.
Which destination brands among nation, city, and event brands benefit from hosting mega-events? Before-after comparison of three destination brands for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics
Authors: Kim Hany , Choe Yeongbae
Published: October 2024

This research empirically examined concurrent brand effects in a multistep longitudinal study using multiple brand equity values as measurements. By choosing the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics as the study context, this study compared the brand equity of PyeongChang, South Korea, and the Olympic Games at three different time points. The findings showed significant variance in the brand effect for PyeongChang at the different time points, signifying that the city brand had the largest utility of mega-events. Although PyeongChang scored the lowest for all aspects of brand equity compared with the other two brands, it was the only brand that showed an increase in all brand equity over time.
Perceptions of pet-accompanying tourism: Pet owners vs. nonpet owners
Authors: Quan Wei , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Baah Nancy Grace , Kim Hyojin , Han Heesup
Published: October 2024

This study used a mixed-methods design combining qualitative interviews (30 respondents: pet owners and nonpet owners) and quantitative questionnaires (832 valid samples) based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore the formation of behavioral intentions in pet owners and nonpet owners in pet-friendly tourism destinations. This study found that the green environment of tourism destinations significantly affects behavioral intention, specifically for pet owners. In contrast, perceived constraints had no significant effect on behavioral intentions. In addition, although pet owners and nonpet owners showed consistency in their attitudes toward pet tourism, there was a significant difference in the importance they placed on a green environment. This finding not only enriches the application of the TPB in the field of pet tourism, but also emphasizes the importance of the green environment in pet tourism planning and provides the industry with targeted recommendations for improvement.
‘Just knowing it’s there gives me comfort’: Exploring the benefits and challenges of autism alert cards
Authors: Edwards Chris , Love Abigail MA , Flower Rebecca L , Ying Cai Ru , Gibbs Vicki
Published: October 2024

This study explores the experiences and outcomes associated with the use of an autism alert card, developed to assist with the complexities of autism disclosure. A mixed-methods approach was employed, surveying 272 Australian participants, including 136 Autistic adults, 128 parents or caregivers of Autistic children and eight Autistic children. Our research aimed to understand who is using the alert card, in what contexts and the differences in perceptions of the card between Autistic individuals and their parents. Findings indicate that about half of the participants used the card, primarily in public settings such as transport (17%), healthcare (16%) and retail (16%). The card was seen as a valuable tool for facilitating communication, reducing the need for verbal explanations and providing a sense of security. However, challenges were reported, including societal disbelief, patronising attitudes and internalised stigma, highlighting the need for greater public education on autism. Despite these challenges, majority of participants (76.2%) would recommend the card. This research underscores the dual nature of autism alert cards as both beneficial and limited by societal attitudes, emphasising the need for comprehensive training and awareness programmes to maximise their effectiveness.

Lay abstract

This study looks at how people use and feel about autism alert cards, which help Autistic people communicate their diagnosis/identity. We surveyed 272 Australian people, including 136 Autistic adults, 128 parents of Autistic children and eight Autistic children. About half of the participants used the card after ordering it, mostly in public places such as public transport, healthcare settings and in retail settings. People found the card helpful because it made it easier to explain their needs without having to speak and provided them a sense of security. However, some people treated Autistic people poorly after being shown the card due to a lack of understanding about autism. Many participants felt that more education about autism is needed to improve how people react to the alert card. Despite these challenges, most participants (76.2%) would recommend the alert card to others. This research shows that while autism alert cards can be very helpful, their effectiveness depends on how well other people understand and accept autism. To make these cards work better, we need more training and awareness programmes for the general public and professionals such as doctors or police officers who may interact with Autistic people.
Police officers’ management of suspects’ I don’t know responses in Chinese investigative interviews
Authors: Yao Yun , Zhai Naihai
Published: October 2024

In question-answer sequences, I don’t know-responses (IDK-responses) are often considered to be dispreferred. How police officers handle these dispreferred responses in Chinese investigative interviews remains unclear. By adopting the method of conversation analysis, this study examines suspects’ IDK-responses and police officers’ management of these responses. It is found that suspects usually design their IDK-responses in two formats: stand-alone IDK and mitigated IDK. Changing topics, initiating repairs, reformatting questions and displaying explicit disbelief are those strategies frequently employed by police officers to manage suspects’ IDK-responses. These strategies do not necessarily elicit new information from the suspects. But except changing topics, the other three types of management formats can all provide suspects with opportunities to alter their original claims of insufficient knowledge. Suspects may produce accounts or further utterances to mitigate their prior IDK-responses or provide new answers to questions posed by police officers.
Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities: Fisheries regulator or environmental backstop? The complexities of section 153 Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009
Authors: Bean Emma , Lowther Jason , Williams Mike
Published: October 2024

Since the introduction of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (‘MCAA'), fishing within England's inshore marine area has been managed by Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs). The powers and duties of IFCAs are contained in section 153 of MCAA and include a conservation remit; requiring IFCAs to have regard to the sustainability of fisheries activities and to conservation of the inshore marine environment. The inclusion of conservation in the name of these bodies and references to sustainability in their duties leads to questions as to the scope of IFCAs’ remit in relation to conservation. An examination of the parameters of section 153 suggests that the conservation that IFCAs can concern themselves with must relate to the management of fisheries activities, although the precise extent of this duty is not always clear. At the same time, examples from recent IFCA experiences, suggest that some stakeholders are interpreting the conservation duty much wider and viewing IFCAs as a broad conservation authority for the inshore marine area, thereby placing increased pressure on the organisations. The tension this mismatch creates must be carefully navigated by IFCAs if they are to remain within the bounds of the powers given to them by MCAA.
Development and validation of finite element model of dissimilar friction crush welding for automotive applications
Authors: Kumar Ashu , Brar Gurinder Singh , Singh Prem
Published: October 2024

Several present-day applications require the joining of dissimilar materials by solid-state processes. Aluminum-stainless steel sheet metal joining finds its application in the Automotive industry. In present work, two dissimilar sheet metal workpieces of Aluminium and Stainless Steel were joined with a newly developed Friction Crush Welding (FCW) process. Macro-structure images along with an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern were used to investigate the prepared samples, and a hook-like structure was found along with a U-shaped interface and intermetallic phases such as FeAl2, Fe2Al5, FeAl3, Al, and ϒ-Fe. The work aims to develop a novel Finite Element (FE) model based on ABAQUS for FCW of Aluminium-Stainless Steel. The FE model was developed as a three-dimensional, explicit nonlinear model utilizing the Lagrange technique. The developed FE model was validated by comparing the FE model results with experimental temperature data obtained by infrared thermography. The predicted temperature values from the FE model are in excellent agreement with the experimentally measured values. The influence of welding variables, i.e., tool rotational speed (2000, 3000, and 4000 rpm) and welding speed (15, 30, and 45 mm/min), on temperature, was also investigated. It was found that increasing tool rotational speed increases temperature but decreases stress distribution, whereas the correlation between feed rate and temperature was inversely proportional. Results show that the best weld structure was obtained when welding was performed at a welding speed of 30 mm/min and tool rotational speed of 3000 rpm. The developed FE model may be used to predict the temperature and weld structure.