bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actuator and sensor fault estimation for T–S fuzzy fractional-order systems based on adaptive and sliding mode observers
Authors: Dhahri Slim , Naifar Omar , Ben Alaia Essia
Published: November 2024

This study delves into the issue of estimating faults in actuators and sensors for a specific category of uncertain fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs). This category is characterized by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model, which operates in the presence of local nonlinear functions and external disturbances. The fractional-order T-S fuzzy system is divided into two subsystems using linear coordinate transformations: The first subsystem includes the effects of disturbances but not sensor faults, while the second subsystem incorporates sensor faults but no disturbances. Subsequently, a T-S fuzzy fractional sliding mode observer (FSMO) is constructed based on the first subsystem to entirely neutralize the impact completely of external disturbances. For the second subsystem, a T-S fuzzy fractional adaptive observer (FAO) is formulates to estimate both actuator and sensor faults, leveraging the estimated output subsystem. The stability analysis of state estimation errors ventures into the domain of Lyapunov stability theory for FONSs, thereby enriching our comprehension of their dynamics and predictive abilities. The necessary conditions for stability are subsequently deduced and articulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). To corroborate the findings, an exemplifying scenario is demonstrated at the end.

AMS Subject Classifications: 34K20.
Toward a modular understanding of school-to-work transitions: Comparing Italy and Austria
Authors: Cefalo Ruggero , Kazepov Yuri
Published: November 2024

Comparative analyses investigating school-to-work transitions (SWT) aim to explain how institutional characteristics shape national differences in the transition from education to employment. Researchers often rely on typologies and classifications to simplify the complex processes involved. While typologies serve as useful heuristic tools, they can also lead to oversimplification and neglect of the multilevel governance structures and territorial disparities. Our modular approach integrates various research strands to enhance understanding of the relational and spatial dynamic underlying the transition from education to the labor market. We use analytical dimensions from previous studies to structure a small-N comparison, accounting for a higher degree of complexity. Empirically, we explore the theoretical argument through the in-depth comparison of SWT systems in two diverse cases with contrasting outcomes: Italy and Austria. The analysis reveals significant hybrid traits in both countries that are often overlooked by SWT typologies. In addition, we gain insights into how multilevel institutional configurations interact with the socio-economic context contributing to diverging SWT outcomes.
Investigation on mechanical, physico-chemical and thermal properties of recycled polyamide 6 reinforced with continuous glass fibers
Authors: Hermassi Nahed , Ejday Mohsen , Grohens Yves , Guermazi Noamen , Corre Yves-Marie
Published: November 2024

The study primarily deals with recycled plastics, mainly polyamide 6 (rPA6), obtained from recycled fishing nets. These plastics are converted into reusable plate-like materials using the compression molding process. Moreover, the material was subjected to compression at different ratios of UD tape (4 wt%, 8 wt% and 12 wt%). In fact, reinforcement was added by incorporating a tape made of PA6 and unidirectional glass fibers, often known as PA6-GF UD tape. This research will investigate the physico-chemical structure, thermal properties, mechanical behavior, and microstructure of recycled Polyamide 6 (rPA6) and its composites, specifically rPA6 reinforced with glass fibers (rPA6GF) at different weight ratios. Besides this research makes a three analytical model (ROM, IROM, Hirsch) to predict the tensile properties of rPA6GF. The study’s findings demonstrate that recycled plastics sourced from fishing nets displayed favorable mechanical characteristics, after the addition of reinforcement materials, such as tensile strength (74.65 MPa), elastic modulus (5.64 GPa), flexural strength (≈155 MPa), impact resistance (143.36 KJ/m2), and hardness (79.5 D). While these improvements have been achieved, the presence of impurities and moisture still pose long-term performance problems that cause the degradation of the material and increased variability associated with it, complicating predictive modeling. Analytical modeling, while useful in explaining fiber reorientation, needs also to include these variabilities in order to improve long-term accuracy and performance prediction. The current study has approved the feasibility of locally reinforced composites with continuous fiber development by thermocompression, hence a promising approach toward the attainment of sustainable and reliable performance for the recycled plastic composites.
Examining Possible Determinants of Kinesiology Students’ Social Physique Anxiety: A Multiple Indicator Multiple Independent Cause Model
Authors: Guan Jianmin , Xiang Ping , Land William , Cordova Alberto
Published: November 2024

In this study, we expanded on previous research by employing a Multiple Indicators, Multiple Independent Causes (MIMIC) model to investigate how gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and perceived stress may have collectively influenced social physique anxiety (SPA) among 593 college kinesiology students. Our MIMIC model revealed that perceived stress, gender, and BMI were significantly related to SPA scores, with perceived stress being the strongest factor. Moreover, the relationship between gender and kinesiology students’ SPA scores was consistent across different ages. These findings broaden the spectrum of the current nomological network regarding predictors of SPA. Based on these findings, future researchers should extend the current MIMIC model by including more predictor variables (e.g., depression, mood, & mental toughness) to gain additional and perhaps deeper insights. Additionally, we advocate for the adoption of the MIMIC model of statistical analysis in future SPA research.
The Influence of the Big Five Personality Factors on Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , Wittmann Lutz , Contino Carlo , van der Meulen Erik , Das Marcel , Adriaens Hendri
Published: November 2024

The Big Five personality factors (PF) are considered to be predictive of mental health problems, but it is unclear if these factors equally contributed to mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. This prospective study aimed to fill this knowledge gap. For this purpose data was extracted from the population-based LISS-panel. We included adult respondents (Nmales = 1,838, Nfemales = 1892) who participated in three surveys before the pandemic (T1March-2019, T2May-2019, T3November-2019) and in three surveys during the pandemic in 2020 (T4March-2020, T5May-2020, T6november-2020). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine and compare the longitudinal associations between PF at T2May-2019 and moderate-severe anxiety and depressions symptoms (ADS) at T3November-2019, and longitudinal associations between PF at T5May-2020 and ADS at T5November-2020 among males and females. Control variables (pre-existing ADS, lack support, demographics) were retrieved from the T1March-2019 and T4March-2020 surveys, respectively. For the present study we distinguished five levels (very high to very low) of each PF. For both sexes, those with (very) low emotional stability and/or conscientiousness had considerably higher rates of ADS compared to those with very high levels of the same trait. These findings were similar both before and during the pandemic. Moreover, we found no indications that those with a certain level of a PF during the pandemic were more of less at risk for ADS or persistent ADS, than those with the same level of the same PF before the pandemic. Thus, we found no indications that the pandemic affected the impact of personality factors on moderate-severe anxiety and depressions symptoms.
Research progress of graphene-based nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: He Jiali , Lin Chen , Hu Yanghao , Gu Shanshan , Deng Hongxia , Shen Zhisen
Published: November 2024

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world, and its incidence is increasing year by year. Due to the late-stage diagnosis and poor prognosis of HNC, as well as the limitations of traditional treatment methods, it is urgent to improve early detection rates and explore alternative treatment approaches. Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) have been widely applied in biomedical fields due to their high surface area, excellent photothermal properties, and high loading capacity. This literature review introduces the functionalization and biocompatibility of GBNs, followed by a focus on their applications in the diagnosis and treatment of HNC. This includes their potential as bioimaging or biosensing platforms for diagnosis and monitoring, as well as their research progress in chemotherapy drug delivery, phototherapy, and gene transfection. The tremendous potential of GBNs as a platform for combination therapies is emphasized. Finally, in this literature review, we briefly discuss the toxicity and limitations of GBNs in the current research and provide an outlook on their future clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of HNC.
Towards a Theory of Cis-Supremacy: Conceptualising Ongoing Barriers to Trans Equality
Authors: Horton Cal
Published: November 2024

Trans scholarship and trans perspectives have historically been marginalised from mainstream academia. There is value in ongoing theoretical exchange between sociology and the evolving post-discipline of applied trans studies. This article introduces three prominent theories within applied trans studies, namely cisnormativity, pathologisation and gender minority stress, considering the strengths and limitations of these theories. The author then highlights the need for a greater theoretical focus on cis power, drawing from scholarship on white supremacy to articulate and introduce a theory of cis-supremacy. Within the UK cis-supremacy manifests in experiences of control and coercion; problematisation; toleration of trans harm; and cis institutional dominance. A theory of cis-supremacy calls attention to the forces and systems that actively oppress trans people, perpetuating systemic and sustained injustices. Recognition of cis-supremacy is important for understanding intersectional inequality, and a vital component of any movement for trans liberation.
Toward an Enactivist Account of What Constitutes Collective Action
Authors: Peck Zachary
Published: November 2024

Both group agents (for group agency theorists) and individual agents (for enactivists) are themselves constituted by agents. This raises a similar challenge for both group agency and enactivism, namely to explain the constitutive relationship between sub-agential agents and the agents themselves. In this paper, I propose an enactivist account of what constitutes collective action. I conclude that non-human processes—both natural and artificial—may be constitutive of group agents typically recognized as human. In particular, I argue that machine learning recommendation algorithms should be recognized as constitutive of certain group agents on an enactivist account of what constitutes collective action.
Bad Friends Make Bad Boys? The Mediating Effects of Gender-Role Stereotypes on the Relationship Between Delinquent Peer Association and Violent Behavior Adolescents Boys
Authors: Lee Wonki
Published: November 2024

Although the link between delinquent peer association and violent behavior in adolescent boys is well documented, the underlying mechanisms are less explored. To address this gap, this study examines the mediating role of gender-role stereotypes in the relationship between delinquent peer association and violent behavior. Structural equation modeling was conducted using a longitudinal, nationally representative sample of South Korean adolescents ( N = 1,444). Results indicate that delinquent peer association is a significant source of the development of gender-role stereotypes in adolescent boys. Furthermore, these gender-role stereotypes, influenced by delinquent peer association, significantly increase the likelihood of engaging in violent behavior. Overall, the study reveals that gender-role stereotypes partially mediate the effect of delinquent peer association on violent behavior.
Point-line Visual-Inertial Odometry Systems under Short and Long Line Segment Fusion
Authors: He Xiaojing , Li Baoquan , Shi Wuxi
Published: November 2024

In visual-inertial odometry (VIO) research, combining point and line features can satisfy high requirements of integrity and restoration for scene reconstruction. In this paper, an integrating strategy of two types of line segments is proposed on the basis of utilizing point and line features for VIO frameworks. First, line segments are classified as short and long categories after extraction and tracking to enhance feature utilization. Then, short lines are spliced and long lines are merged on the basis of distance constraint and consistent direction. In the meanwhile, considering epipolar constraints during back-end processing, triangulation of the two line categories is optimized on the premise of correct matching between adjacent frames, so as to improve accuracy of pose estimation. Finally, point and line feature constraints are utilized simultaneously to reconstruct environments with back-end optimization. Evaluation on the EuRoC dataset shows that localization accuracy and robustness are improved with the proposed strategy.1
Which Canal BPPV Should be Checked for Residual Disease after 1 Week?
Authors: Öner Fatih
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the residual disease rate due to the affected canal in patients diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and reveal the factors affecting the residual disease. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive investigation was conducted to determine the effect of the affected canal, sociodemographic data, body mass index, hospital admission time, systemic disease history, betahistine use, and previous otologic vertigo history on the residual BPPV rate. This investigation was carried out on 201 patients who underwent repositioning maneuvers with BPPV diagnosis and came for a follow-up 1 week later, ensuring a robust and reliable dataset. Results: Two hundred one patients were included in the study: 91 (45.3%) male and 110 (54.7%) female. The mean age of the patients was 60.44 + 13.83 (min = 23-max = 90) years. Residual disease was significantly higher in bilateral canal involvement ( P = .001), anterior canal involvement, and those presenting 72 hours after the onset of the vertigo attack ( P = .001). There was no significant difference between residual disease and those with successful initial maneuver results regarding age, gender, obesity, canalolithiasis, or cupulolithiasis. Conclusion: The most effective treatment for BPPV is canalith reposition maneuvers. We recommend that patients be called for follow-up after 1 week, especially in cases of anterior canal involvement and bilateral involvement. These findings provide valuable insights for the management of BPPV.
The Effects of a Fatherhood Intervention on the Co-parenting Behaviors of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black Fathers
Authors: Cederbaum Julie A. , Saldate Andrea , Rodman John C. S. , Monro William , Parker Keith , Mennen Ferol E.
Published: November 2024

Co-parenting relationships have a significant impact on the involvement of all fathers. Fathers who report better relationships with the mother of their child report less parenting stress and more positive parenting strategies. We explore the impact of a group-based male-led and father-focused intervention on co-parenting behaviors of 385 Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black fathers. Multivariable linear mixed effects regression was used to evaluate the association of time period (pre-intervention vs. post-intervention) on co-parenting behaviors of undermining, alliance, and gatekeeping. The intervention had an impact on experiences of undermining ( p = .002), but showed no significant impact on alliance or gatekeeping. There was significant difference in all subscales by father’s ethnicity with Hispanic men reporting less undermining ( p = .001), more alliance ( p = .001), and less gatekeeping ( p = .021) than non-Hispanic Black men. Time spent with child was predictive of father’s reports of co-parenting experiences on all three subscales. Implications for group-based father-focused interventions are discussed.
Systemic Toxicity of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy Vectors
Authors: Assaf Basel T.
Published: November 2024

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have emerged as a promising tool for gene therapy. However, the systemic administration of rAAV vectors is not without risks, particularly for dose levels >1 × 1014 viral genome per kilogram of body weight (vg/kg). rAAV-associated toxicities can variably manifest either acutely or in a delayed manner. Acute toxicities often present shortly after administration and can include severe immune responses, hepatotoxicity, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Delayed toxicities, on the other hand, may emerge weeks to months post-treatment, potentially involving chronic liver damage or prolonged immune activation. Thrombotic microangiopathy is often associated with complement activation and endothelial damage. The activation of the complement system can additionally trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses, exacerbating systemic toxicity. While many of these toxicities are reversible with appropriate medical intervention, there have been instances where the adverse effects were severe enough to lead to fatalities. Both human and animal studies have reported these adverse effects, highlighting the critical importance of thorough preclinical testing. However, a differential toxicity profile associated with systemic AAV administration exists between humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs), in which certain toxicities reported in humans are yet to be observed in NHPs, and vice versa. This review aims to explore the recent literature on systemic rAAV toxicities, focusing on dose levels, the role of the complement activation pathway, endothelial injury, TMA, hepatotoxicity, and the bidirectional translational safety profiles from both human and animal studies.
Stengers’s Whitehead and Field Philosophy
Authors: Muecke Stephen
Published: November 2024

In his lucid introduction, Thomas Lamarre, Stengers’s translator, considers this book ‘a summation of Stengers’s work to date’, as she ‘relays’ Whitehead’s thought to grapple with contemporary issues in our ‘times of collapse’. In this she is continuing the work of her longer Thinking with Whitehead that did much to relaunch the somewhat forgotten Whitehead, via Europe and back to readers in the anglosphere. This review article takes Stengers’s cue to test its ideas elsewhere, specifically among the Goolarabooloo people in North-West Australia, fairly recently colonised and resisting the modernisation frontier of which Stengers is very critical. To that end, this article finds field philosophy, as in the environmental humanities, a commensurate approach, as it teases out some Indigenous Australian concepts that ‘make sense in common’ with Stengers’s Whitehead.
Actor, partner, and similarity effects of attachment anxiety and avoidance on well-being and health in romantic couples
Authors: Weidmann Rebekka , Yang Hyewon , Purol Mariah F. , Chopik William J.
Published: November 2024

Romantic attachment orientations are important predictors of individuals’ and their partners’ well-being and health. However, less is known about whether similarity in attachment between partners predicts better well-being and health outcomes. In two studies (total N couples = 1,602), we tested with actor-partner interdependence and dyadic polynomial regression models if partners’ attachment and their similarity were linked to their well-being and health (i.e., life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, medical conditions). Results revealed significant actor effects between anxiety and life satisfaction (Study 1, male partners Study 2), depressive symptoms (both studies), self-rated health (both studies), and medical conditions (Study 2 only). For avoidance, significant actor effects were found for life satisfaction (Study 1, female partners Study 2), depressive symptoms (both studies), and self-rated health (both studies). Partner effects emerged for anxiety and life satisfaction (Study 1, male partners Study 2) and depressive symptoms (Study 1 only) and for avoidance and life satisfaction (Study 1, male partners Study 2), depressive symptoms (both studies), and self-rated health (both studies). The results of dyadic polynomial regression and response surface analyses, however, provided no evidence for any similarity effects of romantic attachment on well-being and health in both studies. In sum, the findings suggest that lower anxiety and avoidance in both partners is generally associated with higher well-being and health. However, similarity in partners’ attachment seem unimportant for concurrent well-being and health. Implications of the findings are discussed considering attachment theories and relationship processes.
Failure of vinyl coatings under alternating hydraulic pressure
Authors: An Gezheng , Liang Xingxin , Wang Ruyi , Dong Xiaowei
Published: November 2024

To investigate the effects of substrate surface roughness and alternating pressure on the bonding strength between the vinyl anti-corrosion coating and the substrate, several coated samples were prepared using 304 stainless steel substrate to carry out alternating hydraulic pressure tests. The surface morphology of the coating and substrate, as well as the surface roughness of the substrate, were examined using a laser confocal microscope and a three-dimensional surface profiler. The alternating hydraulic pressure test was conducted inside an autoclave, and the bonding strength was measured using the double-test column method. The results show that the bonding strength of the coating increases with substrate roughness, with a more pronounced effect when the roughness is less than 1 μm. When the roughness increased from 0.189 µm to 0.85 µm, the bond strength of the coating without vacuum treatment increased from 4.97 MPa to 7.07 MPa; further increasing the roughness to 1.251 μm resulted in a bond strength of 7.92 MPa. During the preparation phase, vacuum treatment effectively eliminated internal bubbles and micro-defects within the coating, significantly enhancing the bond strength by 4 to 5 MPa. The alternating pressure causes cracks on the surface of the coating and further accelerates the failure of the protective effect of the coating. After 180 cycles of alternating hydraulic pressure tests, the bonding strength of the coating without vacuum treatment decreased by 43.3% from 6.99 MPa to 3.96 MPa. In contrast, the bonding strength of the vacuum-treated coating decreased by only 18.6% from 11.77 MPa to 9.58 MPa. The increase in coating thickness is related to the accumulation of water penetration and corrosion products at the substrate-coating interface.
Reduced neurovascular coupling is associated with increased cardiovascular risk without established cerebrovascular disease: A cross-sectional analysis in UK biobank
Authors: Yang Sheng , Webb Alastair John Stewart
Published: November 2024

Mid-life vascular risk factors predict late-life cerebrovascular diseases and poor global brain health. Although endothelial dysfunction is hypothesized to contribute to this process, evidence of impaired neurovascular function in early stages remains limited. In this cross-sectional study of 31,934 middle-aged individuals from UK Biobank without established cerebrovascular disease, the overall 10-year risk of cardiovascular events was associated with reduced neurovascular coupling (p < 2 × 10−16) during a visual task with functional MRI, including in participants with no clinically apparent brain injury on MRI. Diabetes, smoking, waist-hip ratio, and hypertension were each strongly associated with decreased neurovascular coupling with the strongest relationships for diabetes and smoking, whilst in older adults there was an inverted U-shaped relationship with DBP, peaking at 70–80 mmHg DBP. These findings indicate that mid-life vascular risk factors are associated with impaired cerebral endothelial-dependent neurovascular function in the absence of overt brain injury. Neurovascular dysfunction, measured by neurovascular coupling, may play a role in the development of late-life cerebrovascular disease, underscoring the need for further longitudinal studies to explore its potential as a mediator of long-term cerebrovascular risk.
Rapid oxygen titration following cardiopulmonary resuscitation mitigates cerebral overperfusion and striatal mitochondrial dysfunction in asphyxiated newborn lambs
Authors: Badurdeen Shiraz , Galinsky Robert , Roberts Calum T , Crossley Kelly J , Zahra Valerie A , Thiel Alison , Pham Yen , Davis Peter G , Hooper Stuart B , Polglase Graeme R , Camm Emily J
Published: November 2024

Asphyxiated neonates must have oxygenation rapidly restored to limit ongoing hypoxic-ischemic injury. However, the effects of transient hyperoxia after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are poorly understood. We randomly allocated acutely asphyxiated, near-term lambs to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 100% oxygen (“standard oxygen”, n = 8) or air (n = 7) until 5 minutes after ROSC, or to resuscitation in 100% oxygen immediately weaned to air upon ROSC (“rapid-wean”, n = 7). From 5 minutes post-ROSC, oxygen was titrated to target preductal oxygen saturation between 90–95%. Cerebral tissue oxygenation was transiently but markedly elevated following ROSC in the standard oxygen group compared to the air and rapid-wean groups. The air group had a delayed rise in cerebral tissue oxygenation from 5 minutes after ROSC coincident with up-titration of oxygen. These alterations in oxygen kinetics corresponded with similar overshoots in cerebral perfusion (pressure and flow), indicating a physiological mechanism. Transient cerebral tissue hyperoxia in the standard oxygen and air groups resulted in significant alterations in mitochondrial respiration and dynamics, relative to the rapid-wean group. Overall, rapid-wean of oxygen following ROSC preserved striatal mitochondrial respiratory function and reduced the expression of genes involved in free radical generation and apoptosis, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy to limit cerebral reperfusion injury.
Different iron distribution patterns in Parkinson's disease and its motor subtypes: a quantitative susceptibility mapping study
Authors: Zang Siting , Pan Yu , Chen Miao , Zhang Gang
Published: November 2024

Background

This study utilized quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to evaluate magnetic susceptibility of brain nuclei in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Purpose

To explore iron deposition patterns in PD and ascertain if these patterns can distinguish between motor subtypes.

Material and Methods

This study enrolled 30 healthy controls and 34 patients with PD categorized mainly into postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) (n = 12) and tremor dominance (TD) (n = 16). A total of 18 regions of interest were delineated, and a comprehensive classification of nuclei was conducted, including the differentiation of globus pallidus (GP) into its external (GPe) and internal (GPi) segments. All participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Notable differences in magnetic susceptibility were identified in bilateral substantia nigra pars reticulate (SNr) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) between PD and HC. Significant differences in QSM values of bilateral GPe, SNr, and SNc-R were found between TD and PIGD. The susceptibility values of bilateral putamen (PUT) were positively correlated with MDS-UPDRSIII score and Hoehn–Yahr scale in PD. QSM values of bilateral PUT and SNc-L showed associations with MDS-UPDRSIII score in TD. QSM values showed associations with MDS-UPDRSIII in bilateral PUT and Hoehn–Yahr scale in PUT-L and TH-L in PIGD.

Conclusion

Pathologic iron deposition exhibits variability across nuclei of PD, with age also influencing this distribution. SN may be meaningful in identifying different subtypes of PD, such as differentiating PD from HC in the future.
Preliminary Report on the Salvage Excavation in the Egyptian Section at the National Museum of Rio De Janeiro
Authors: Von Seehausen Pedro Luiz Diniz , Machado Tamires , César Marina Buffa , Amaral Ana Luiza Castro , Bastos Murilo Quintans Ribeiro , Rodrigues-Carvalho Claudia
Published: November 2024

On the night of 2 September 2018, a large fire struck the Brazil National Museum located in the Quinta da Boa Vista Palace, in Rio de Janeiro. The fire caused considerable damage to the structure of the building and to the collections housed inside. To rescue the collections from the affected area, a salvage excavation has been conducted in the ruins of the palace. This article provides a preliminary report on the salvage excavation in the room housing the Egyptian collection exhibition.

[Formula: see text]
Enjambment as a syntactic phenomenon and poetic technique in the Psalms of Ascent
Authors: Anne-Lyne Krohn Rachel
Published: November 2024

The criteria for determining whether a biblical text is poetry or prose have long been debated, but there is widespread consensus that lineation is a key criterion. ‘Enjambment’ refers to the continuation of a syntactic unit across a line boundary without a major juncture or pause. This paper argues that correct identification of enjambment as a syntactic phenomenon can only take place if the line boundaries themselves have been determined according to syntactic criteria. To that end, this paper uses the syntactic criteria laid out in the Revised and Extended Hebrew Verse Structure ( REHVS) model first to determine the line boundaries in the ascent psalms (Psalms 120–134), and then to identify all instances of enjambment within that corpus. This is followed by an exploration of the effects of enjambment as a poetic technique in the ascent psalms in light of the appositive style of biblical Hebrew poetry.
The poetics of YHWH: Establishing criteria for identifying intentional allusions to the divine name in YHWH-acronyms
Authors: Hopf Matthias , Bezold Helge
Published: November 2024

The Hebrew Bible features 24 verses in which the initial letters of a four-word phrase form the divine name, Y-H-W-H. This paper proposes criteria for evaluating the intentionality of these acronyms drawing on the work of Roman Jakobson. Besides using this methodological approach, this article also brings to light allusions to the divine name that have not been discussed in exegetical scholarship before. With its differentiated and probabilistic approach, this paper suggests a differentiation between four levels of likelihood. Notably, the intentional use of this stylistic device is not limited to ‘poetic’ texts in the traditional sense. On a general level, this article also contributes to the question of identifying the intentionality of literary features as well as theological allusions in the Hebrew Bible.
Analysis of the Influence of Transportation Infrastructure on Socio-Environmental Efficiency: Countries Case Studies
Authors: Queiroz Júnior Hélio da Silva , Celestino Marcos Araújo de Souza , Falcão Viviane Adriano , da Silva Francisco Gildemir Ferreira , Andrade Maurício de Oliveira , Brasileiro Anísio
Published: November 2024

The literature suggests that a country’s economic development is directly related to the efficiency of its transportation system. While the importance of a well-functioning transport system for economic growth and poverty reduction is widely acknowledged, there is limited quantitative research demonstrating this relationship. Many studies have separately applied data envelopment analysis (DEA) to analyze highways, airports, railways, and harbors. However, they have yet to analyze all modes and their relationship with economic development comprehensively. Consequently, this paper seeks to address this gap in the existing literature. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that transportation system. To this end, we employ DEA and consider a range of operational variables, including airports, railways, highways, and harbors. Furthermore, we examine the relationship between transportation efficiency and several economic and social indicators, including gross domestic product (GDP), human development index (HDI), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the transportation system. Our findings reveal that Brazil exhibits the lowest relative efficiency when compared with the G-7 countries and South America. Additionally, it demonstrates medium efficiency within the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
Influence of Time Pressure and Flood Information Type on Flood Alert Effectiveness in Driving
Authors: Garcia Katherine R. , Mishler Scott , Chen Jing
Published: November 2024

Flood alerts are a means of risk communication that alerts the public to potential floods. The purpose of this research was to investigate factors that affected drivers’ understanding and actions given a flood presented through a mobile navigation application. Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of time pressure and type of flood information on drivers’ planned actions when faced with potential flooding. Participants were asked about their planned actions given one type of flood information in a driving scenario either with or without time pressure. Our results indicated significant differences in participants’ behaviors across the different flood information types, but not between the two time-pressure conditions. These results suggest that displaying the flood information is helpful in promoting drivers’ safe decisions to avoid the potentially flooded roadway, and that detailed information may help users better perceive the depth and risk of the potential flood.
Intrahousehold Food Distribution in the Philippines: A Food Share Over Energy Share Perspective
Authors: Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , Bouis Howarth , Briones Roehlano M. , Espineli Isabel B. , Maniego Ma. Lynell V.
Published: November 2024

Background

Studies on intrahousehold inequality in food distribution typically have focused on the distribution of total energy within the household. While some members within the household can satiate their hunger primarily from the consumption of inexpensive staple food items, others can consume a significantly larger share of much more expensive nonstaple food items rich in bioavailable micronutrients. This potential inequality, which significantly impacts micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries, can be influenced by the gender-related sociocultural norms.

Methods

This article uses a “food share over energy share (FS/ES)” methodology applied to the Philippines 2013 intrahousehold individual food consumption survey to examine patterns of dietary quality by age and gender.

Results

No pattern of age or gender discrimination is found; females consume most nonstaple foods somewhat more intensively than males. Preschoolers and young children relatively intensively consume higher amounts of milk and milk products, eggs, processed meat, noodles, sweets/desserts, sugars/syrups, and chocolate drinks. Adults relatively intensively consume fresh meat, organ meat, fish and seafood, vegetables, coffee, and alcohol. Adolescents transition between the two patterns as they grow older.

Conclusion

The FS/ES methodology focuses on distribution choices of specific foods that family members explicitly know about. The implications of these behavioral choices (some foods are nutrient-dense, others not) for meeting nutrient requirements (of which most households are unaware) may be investigated separately. Several types of follow-up studies using the FS/ES methodology are suggested for a better understanding of the factors that drive food distribution behavior, which is key to effective nutrition messaging.

Distribution of food among household members in the Philippines: Understanding how we share meals
“He Knows Me as a Person”: Navigating Cultural Dynamics in Relational Pathways Towards Positive Youth-Adult Relationships in Youth Programs
Authors: Lee So Jung , Griffith Aisha N. , Sánchez Bernadette , Jiang Xue , Leggett Caniece , Bilal Nazarah J. N. , Chung Sunah
Published: November 2024

Understanding the role of cultural fit and responsiveness in youth-adult relationships is crucial for positive youth development within after-school programs. This study explored (a) youth’s conceptualization of cultural similarities/differences in relationships with adult program leaders, and (b) how processes within culturally similar/different relationships influence the formation of positive youth-adult relationships. Guided by constructivist grounded theory, semi-structured interviews with 50 youth (ages 12–19 years; 64% girls; racially/ethnically diverse adolescents) across 13 youth programs in the Midwest were analyzed. Findings revealed that youth determined cultural congruence/incongruence with adult program leaders based on various factors. In culturally similar relationships, youth (1) immediately assumed that program leaders understood them or (2) anticipated this understanding based on their friend/family-like connections. Conversely, in culturally different relationships, youth described assessing their leaders’ cultural sensitivity by (3) observing their interactions and behaviors, and (4) conversing with the leaders about their experiences with the youth’s culture or their shared commonalities. These four processes led to youth feeling understood by adult program leaders which then led to positive youth-adult relationships. Practical implications include activities that foster explorations of each other’s cultural backgrounds and training adult on cultural humility to ensure culturally sensitive interactions in a safe program environment.
Decreased Incidence of Pediatric Neuro-Autoimmune Disorders During COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions
Authors: Jaremek Adam , Chisvin Rikki , Kutcher Stephen A. , Webster Richard J. , Kazoun Fatima , Goldbloom Ellen B. , McMillan Hugh J. , Pohl Daniela
Published: November 2024

Infections are hypothesized to trigger certain autoimmune diseases; however, there is a lack of epidemiologic data surrounding pediatric neuro-autoimmune disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our retrospective study assessed the incidence of pre-defined autoimmune disorders diagnosed at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, Canada, between October 2017 and June 2024. Inpatient and outpatient charts were queried to identify subjects with neuro-autoimmune disorders or type 1 diabetes as a nonneurologic autoimmune comparison group. Monthly incidences were calculated and compared between 3 COVID-19 pandemic restriction periods: the prerestrictions period (October 2017–March 2020), intrarestrictions period (April 2020–June 2022), and postrestrictions period (July 2022–June 2024). Poisson regression models were fit to the incidence data. New diagnoses of neuro-autoimmune disorders and type 1 diabetes were identified in 111 and 670 subjects, respectively. Incidence of neuro-autoimmune disorders, but not type 1 diabetes, decreased during the intrarestrictions period when compared to the prerestrictions period (incidence rate ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.95, P < .05).
High-dose Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Propensity-Score Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Fong Ka Man , Ng George Wing Yiu , Leung Anne Kit Hung , Lai Kang Yiu
Published: November 2024

Background

Current therapies for severe COVID-19, such as steroids and immunomodulators are associated with various side effects. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy with minimal side effects for patients with cytokine storm due to COVID-19. However, evidence supporting high-dose intravenous NAC in severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation is limited.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients aged ≥ 18 who were admitted for acute respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 ratio <300) with SARS-CoV-2 infection to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Queen Elizabeth Hospital from fifth July 2020 to 31st October 2022. Inclusion was limited to patients who required mechanical ventilation. High-dose NAC refers to a dosage of 10 g per day. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 28 days. Propensity-score matched analysis using logistic regression was performed.

Results

Among the 136 patients analyzed, 42 (40.3%) patients received NAC. The unmatched NAC patients displayed a higher day-28 mortality (12 (28.6%) versus 4 (6.5%), p = 0.005) and fewer ventilator-free days (18.5 (0-23.0) versus 22.0 (18.3-24.0), p = 0.015). No significant differences were observed in ICU and hospital length of stays among survivors. In patients who were not treated with tocilizumab, those receiving NAC exhibited a trend toward a quicker reduction in C-reactive protein compared to those who did not receive NAC. After propensity score matching which included 64 patients with 33 (51.6%) receiving NAC, no significant differences were found in 28-day mortality, ventilator-free days, or ICU and hospital length of stay. After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression of the propensity score-matched population did not demonstrate that the use of NAC independently affected 28-day mortality.

Conclusions

In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and receiving standard COVID-19 treatment, the addition of high-dose NAC did not lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Methylene Blue for Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized and Prospective Observational Studies
Authors: Alkazemi Afrah , Almoosawy Sayed Abdulmotaleb , Murad Anwar , Alfares Abdulrahman
Published: November 2024

Background

The impact of methylene blue (MB) on critical patient outcomes, including overall mortality, hemodynamic stability, and organ function has been inconsistently described across studies. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of MB therapy in adult patients with septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

The systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases up to February 2024 included randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies involving adult septic shock patients who received intravenous MB therapy. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, with secondary outcomes on hemodynamics and ICU length of stay.

Results

Fifteen studies (5 randomized, 10 non-randomized) involving a total of 441 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant reduction in mortality rates among septic shock patients treated with MB (mortality rate 0.52; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.66; P < .001). In a sub-analysis of only randomized trials, the results remained statistically significant (risk ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.94; P = .023). A significant increase in mean arterial pressure post-infusion was observed in three studies. Two studies showed no substantial difference in heart rate and two studies showed no difference in cardiac index following MB administration. Only one study showed a reduction in the length of ICU stay with MB use, while another observed a decrease in overall hospital length of stay.

Conclusions

The review and meta-analysis suggest that MB may be associated with a significant reduction in mortality in septic shock patients though findings are limited by sample size and heterogeneity. Further robust studies are needed to validate these results.
Monoclonal antibodies against jellyfish collagen
Authors: Momma Keiko , Shimizu Takeyuki , Hayashi Takahiro , Hirakawa Yuki , Kuroda Masataka , Oda Masayuki
Published: November 2024

Collagens are abundant structural proteins found in both mammalian and marine species, and attractive biomaterials used in various fields. Jellyfish collagen-based products have become increasingly popular because of their clinically proven health benefits such as the effects of skin wound healing and immune stimulation. To develop detection tools for jellyfish collagen, we generated four monoclonal antibodies, MCOL1, 2, 3, and 4, by immunizing mice with moon jellyfish collagen. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibodies were determined. The antibody-binding kinetics toward collagens from moon jellyfish were evaluated using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, and the binding specificity was evaluated in comparison with binding to collagens from edible jellyfish, fish scales, and pig and cow skins. MCOL1, 3, and 4 specifically bound to moon jellyfish collagen, whereas MCOL2 bound to both moon and edible jellyfish collagens. Considering the results showing that the SPR responses of MCOL2 binding were greater than those seen with the other antibodies, MCOL2 could recognize the common and repetitive sequences of the two jellyfish collagens. Therefore, this monoclonal antibody will be most applicable for detecting jellyfish collagen.
Spiritual Self-Care Practices, Diabetes Knowledge, and Diabetes Self-Care Practices for African Americans
Authors: Moody Jacqueline G.
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine holistic spiritual self-care practices, diabetes knowledge, and its association with self-care practices among African Americans diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The objective was to determine if spiritual self-care practices correlated with diabetes self-care practices among African Americans. Design: A descriptive research design was used for African Americans living in a Midwestern urban area. Participants were at least 18 years of age and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were excluded if they had a diagnosis of type 1 or gestational diabetes, and/or a history of dementia or psychiatric illness. Method: Ninety African American participants between 28 and 88 years of age completed four instruments to measure diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-care practices, and spiritual self-care practices. Findings: Statistically significant correlations were found between general diet and diabetic self-care practices, spiritual self-care practices, physical spiritual self-care practices, and interpersonal spiritual self-care practices. Conclusion: This research project provided evidence that nursing staff caring for African Americans diagnosed with type 2 DM may consider incorporating spiritual self-care practices with other holistic self-care practices when helping African Americans manage their DM. This study found that spiritual self-care practices were important for African Americans who participated with this study.