bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT angiography of the lower limbs: combining small field of view with large matrix size and iterative reconstruction further improves image quality of below-the-knee arteries
Authors: Scheschenja Michael , König Alexander , Viniol Simon , Bastian Moritz B , Wessendorf Joel , Mahnken Andreas H
Published: June 2024

Background

Image quality and diagnostic accuracy in computed tomography angiography (CTA) reach their limits in imaging of below-the-knee vessels.

Purpose

To evaluate whether image quality in CTA of lower limbs is further improvable by combining side-separate reconstruction with a larger matrix size and whether resulting noise can be compromised with iterative reconstruction (IR).

Material and Methods

From CTA of the lower extremities of 26 patients (5 women, 21 men; mean age = 68.5 ± 10.3 years), the lower legs were reconstructed side-separately with different reconstruction algorithms and matrix sizes including filtered back projection (FBP) with a 512 × 512 matrix, FBP with a 1024 × 1024 matrix, IR (SAFIRE) with a 512 × 512 matrix, and IR (SAFIRE) with a 1024 × 1024 matrix. A total of 208 CT series were evaluated. Subjective image quality was assessed by two readers using a 5-point Likert scale. Image noise was assessed by measuring signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios.

Results

Subjective image quality was rated significantly higher when using a 1024 × 1024 matrix ( P < 0.001) and could further be increased with IR. Vessel sharpness was rated significantly better with a larger matrix ( P < 0.001). Visible and measured image noise was significantly higher with a 1024 × 1024 matrix but could be reduced by using IR ( P < 0.001), even to a level below FBP with a 512 × 512 matrix while reconstructing with a larger matrix ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Image quality, image noise, and vessel sharpness can be further improved in CTA of the lower extremities with side-separate reconstruction using a 1024 × 1024 matrix size and IR.
Granulocytic neoplasm suggestive of primary myeloid sarcoma in 3 dogs
Authors: Ubiali Alessandra , Martini Valeria , Comazzi Stefano , Iussich Selina , Miniscalco Barbara , Poggi Alessia , Morello Emanuela , Roccabianca Paola , Rütgen Barbara , Zamboni Clarissa , Riondato Fulvio
Published: June 2024

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a solid tumor of granulocytic origin with extramedullary localization. This tumor is rare in humans and animals. The diagnostic approach is heterogeneous, and the definitive diagnosis may be difficult to achieve. Primary MS has never been described as a spontaneous neoplasm in companion dogs. Two purebred and 1 mixed-breed dogs, 6- to 11-year-old, developed round cell tumors in the mediastinum, lymph nodes (LNs) and tonsils, and LNs, respectively. Granulocytic origin and exclusion of lymphoid lineage were confirmed by flow cytometry, supported by immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry. Pivotal to the diagnosis were positive labeling for myeloid (CD11b, CD14) and hematopoietic precursors (CD34) markers, along with negative labeling for lymphoid markers. Blood and bone marrow infiltration were not detected at initial diagnosis, excluding acute myeloid leukemia. The behavior of these tumors was aggressive, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, even when chemotherapy was attempted.
Troponin I as a Predictor of Transcranial Doppler Sonography Defined Vasospasm in Intensive Care Unit Patients After Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Bender Michael , Stein M. , Tajmiri-Gondai S. , Haferkorn K. , Voigtmann Hans , Uhl E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Elevation of Troponin I (TnI) in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients is a well-known phenomenon and associated with cardiopulmonary complications and poor outcome. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of the TnI value on admission, and the occurrence of cerebral vasospam in SAH patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 142 patients with SAH, who were admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) between December 2014 and January 2021 were evaluated. Blood samples were drawn on admission to determine TnI value. Each patient's demographic, radiological and medical data on admission, the modified Ranking Scale score at discharge as well as continuous measurements of transcranial Doppler sonography were analyzed. A maximum mean flow velocity (MMFV) > 120 cm/sec was defined as any vasospasm. These were stratified into severe vasospasms, which were defined as at least two measurements of MMFVs > 200 cm/sec or an increase of MMFV > 50 cm/sec/24 h over two consecutive days or a new neurological deterioration and mild vasospasm defined as MMFVs > 120 cm/sec in absence of severe vasospasm criteria. The total study population was dichotomized into patients with an initially elevated TnI (>0.05 µg/L) and without elevated TnI (≤0.05 μg/L).

Results

A total of 52 patients (36.6%) had an elevated TnI level upon admission, which was significantly associated with lower GCS score (p < 0.001), higher WFNS score (p < 0.001) and higher Fisher grade (p = 0.01) on admission. In this context a higher rate of ischemic brain lesions (p = 0.02), a higher modified Rankin Scale score (p > 0.001) and increased mortality (p = 0.02) at discharge were observed in this group. In addition, TnI was identified as an independent predictor for the occurrence of any vasospasm and severe vasospasm.

Conclusion

An initially elevated TnI level is an independent predictor for the occurrence of any and severe vasospasm in patients with SAH.
Poloxamer 407 modified collagen/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold for localized delivery of alendronate
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Zhu Shengli , Liang Yanqin , Jiang Hui , Cui Zhenduo , Li Zhaoyang
Published: June 2024

Systemic administration of alendronate is associated with various adverse reactions in clinical settings. To mitigate these side effects, poloxamer 407 (P-407) modified with cellulose was chosen to encapsulate alendronate. This drug-loaded system was then incorporated into a collagen/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold to create a localized drug delivery system. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and rheological studies revealed hydrogen bonding between P-407 and cellulose as well as a competitive interaction with water that contributed to the delayed release of alendronate (ALN). Analysis of the degradation kinetics of P-407 and release kinetics of ALN indicated zero-order kinetics for the former and Fickian or quasi-Fickian diffusion for the latter. The addition of cellulose, particularly carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), inhibited the degradation of P-407 and prolonged the release of ALN. The scaffold’s structure increased the contact area of P-407 with the PBS buffer, thereby, influencing the release rate of ALN. Finally, biocompatibility testing demonstrated that the drug delivery system exhibited favorable cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Collectively, these findings suggest that the drug delivery system holds promise for implantation and bone healing applications.
Religion and representative bureaucracy: Does religion guide administrative discretion?
Authors: O’Connor Karl , Shahwan Usamah
Published: June 2024

In this paper we seek to understand how religion influences discretion in a developing fragile society: Palestine. Drawing on a recent review of the religion and public administration literature and the theory of representative bureaucracy, we ask: Does active representation on behalf of a religious identity exist? And if so, what does it look like? We explore four different possible manifestations, including none at all. In other words, this is a study of how religiosity influences civil servant behaviour in instances of discretion. Using original small-n in-person survey data, we find active representation by a majority of mid-level civil servants on behalf of a religious identity; we find evidence of religious service being underpinned by public service motivation and by pro-social motivation. Others are guided by traditional Weberian bureaucratic values while others are guided by what they perceive to be the religious foundation of the bureaucracy.
Marcel Réja and theatre therapy
Authors: Loubry Chloé , Hendrickx Marion , Drouin Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

We report on the play entitled Le Pain quotidien (The daily bread) by Marcel Réja (1873–1957), a French alienist and historian of art in asylums. He also wrote short plays, although he is less well known as a playwright. The plays were printed just in time for the performance, which often took place on the day of the asylum fair. Here, we discuss a one-act play consisting of four scenes in which the actors are his patients.
Evaluating prognostic biomarkers for survival outcomes subject to informative censoring
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Danping , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: June 2024

Prognostic biomarkers for survival outcomes are widely used in clinical research and practice. Such biomarkers are often evaluated using a C-index as well as quantities based on time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves. Existing methods for their evaluation generally assume that censoring is uninformative in the sense that the censoring time is independent of the failure time with or without conditioning on the biomarker under evaluation. With focus on the C-index and the area under a particular receiver operating characteristic curve, we describe and compare three estimation methods that account for informative censoring based on observed baseline covariates. Two of them are straightforward extensions of existing plug-in and inverse probability weighting methods for uninformative censoring. By appealing to semiparametric theory, we also develop a doubly robust, locally efficient method that is more robust than the plug-in and inverse probability weighting methods and typically more efficient than the inverse probability weighting method. The methods are evaluated and compared in a simulation study, and applied to real data from studies of breast cancer and heart failure.
Judith Butler’s theoretical perspectives within a nursing context—a scoping review
Authors: Hillestad Adelheid Hummelvoll , Petersen Eline Kaupang , Roos Maud C , Iversen Maria H , Jansen Trine Lise , Kvande Monica Evelyn
Published: June 2024

Philosopher Judith Butler has influenced how people talk about vulnerable bodies and sees vulnerability as universal, existential, and relational. Being vulnerable is part of the human condition. The main theoretical areas that run across Butler’s work; power, knowledge and subjectivity, performativity, and ethics—are of particular relevance to nursing practice. This review aims to explore how Butler’s theoretical work is reflected in research literature within a nursing context. We conducted a scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. A systematic literature search of CINAHL (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and Web of Science identified 15 papers. Butler’s theoretical work was applied at an individual and social level in research literature within a nursing context. Nurses need to reflect on their clinical practice and role as health professionals in relation to power and performativity in encounters with patients who are marginalized. Nurses’ working conditions, recognition, and understanding are strongly influenced by society, and calling nurses heroes undermines their capacity to challenge and resist the hero identity. The healthcare system’s impact on patient-nurse encounters challenges patients’ and nurses’ subjectivity, performativity, and power relations. The review allowed us to describe how Butler’s theoretical work can facilitate a reflection on nursing practice which is a prerequisite for caring, ethical relationships, and working conditions within a nursing context. Butler’s concepts can provide useful perspectives on how nurses understand, communicate with, and care for patients, as well as a nuanced understanding of the nursing role and power relations and structures.
Process Typologies of Identity Construction in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Kulshrestha Reeti , Sengupta Subhanjan , Sahay Arunaditya , Chandra Yanto
Published: June 2024

Entrepreneurship researchers are becoming increasingly interested in identity in entrepreneurship, often reflecting on the construction of identity in entrepreneurship as an ongoing process. This literature review identifies four groups of process typologies on identity construction in entrepreneurship: cause and effect, active and passive, salience and centrality, and sameness and otherness. This grouping of past typologies makes two contributions to directing future research on identity construction in entrepreneurship. First, it outlines the key past findings on how entrepreneurs construct their identities and highlights the different ways in which identity construction is processual in entrepreneurship. Implications for future research on identity construction and understanding entrepreneurship as a processual phenomenon are discussed.
The Story of De- dollarization and Internationalization of the Chinese Renminbi
Authors: Banik Nilanjan , Das Khanindra Ch.
Published: June 2024

In recent times, numerous commentaries have written about de- dollarization. We analyse the factors which are contributing to de- dollarization. On the economic front, there is reduced fiscal and financial capacity of the US economy that can strain economic trust in the dollar. The internationalization of the Chinese currency is another factor. Additionally, a lower forecast for the world economic growth outlook, a higher debt financing in the United States, and a war in Europe are also leading to central banks around the world buying more gold and reducing investment in the US treasury bonds. While these factors may lead to reduced demand for dollars and increase the use of alternate international currencies, including digital currencies, we argue that dislodging the dollar as a global anchor currency is at best going to be restricted by economic and geopolitical reasons.

JEL Codes: E42, F33, F34
A Qualitative Exploration of Sibling Relationship Quality Among Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Bender Anna E. , Holmes Megan R. , Cheng Jessica , Perzynski Adam T. , Voith Laura A. , Prince Dana M. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Berg Kristen A.
Published: June 2024

Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) places children at risk for negative developmental outcomes. However, many IPV-exposed (eIPV) children exhibit resilience, which is promoted by protective factors including positive, caring relationships. Sibling relationships can buffer eIPV children from poor adjustment outcomes but have scarcely been studied. This study explored how eIPV children in middle childhood understood and made meaning of their sibling relationships. Six eIPV sibling dyads were recruited for individual interviews and participation in a video-recorded play session. A descriptive phenomenological analysis was conducted using both forms of data. Five main themes of eIPV sibling relationships emerged and were presented through textual and structural descriptions. Implications for practice and policy and areas for future research are discussed.
An Earth-Centered Experiential Psycho-Educational Counseling Group for Native American College Students
Authors: Fernando Delini M. , Brown Cian L. , Robbins Rockey
Published: June 2024

Background: Experiential group facilitators must make conscious decisions to nurture Native American (NA) knowledge, dignity, identity, and integrity by shifting their theoretical perspectives and intervention practices. Purpose: This study examined group members’ experiences unique to their NA culture and identity using the Earth-centered experiential psycho-educational group counseling model. Approach: Participants included 20 NA university student members. Data were collected from two semistructured one-day group sessions followed by focus groups aimed at helping students to elicit and work through emotions and opinions about NA cultural awareness, interconnectedness, and identity through experiential exercises and group processing. Qualitative inquiry, interpretive techniques, and inductive thematic analysis of the transcripts were utilized to describe, decode, categorize, and reach consensus on themes. Conclusions: Data analyses identified three themes identical in both groups: cultural awareness and interconnectedness, belonging and being a part of nature, and NA identity and tribal self. Implications: Results provided a qualitative description of three themes that coincide with the beliefs and teachings of the Earth-Centered Group Approach. The findings suggest that the use of an immersive group counseling experience, the centering of NA traditions and collectivism, as well as attention to historical and ecological context, were key components in the success of the group experience.
Inpatient versus Outpatient Alveolar Bone Grafting: A Nationwide Cost Analysis
Authors: Roohani Idean , Choi Dylan G. , Stanton Eloise W. , Trotter Collean , Turk Marvee , Naidu Priyanka , Urata Mark M. , Magee William P. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To compare postoperative outcomes and costs between inpatient and outpatient ABG in the United States.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Multi-institutional/national.

Patients and Participants

Patients who underwent ABG (n = 6649) were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database from 2012–2021. Inpatient and outpatient cohorts were matched using coarsened exact matching.

Main outcomes measure(s)

Thirty-day readmission, reoperation, and complications. A modified Markov model was developed to estimate the cost difference between cohorts. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

After matching, 3718 patients were included, of which 1859 patients were in each hospital-setting cohort. The inpatient cohort had significantly higher rates of reoperations (0.6% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.032) and surgical site infections (0.8% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.018). The total cost of outpatient ABG was estimated to be $10,824 vs. $20,955 for inpatient ABG, resulting in $10,131 cost savings per patient. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that all 10,000 simulations resulted in consistent cost savings for the outpatient cohort that ranged from $8000 to $24,000.

Conclusions

Outpatient ABG has become increasingly more popular over the past ten years, with a majority of cases being performed in the ambulatory setting. If deemed safe for the individual patient, outpatient ABG may confer a lower risk of nosocomial complications and offer significant cost savings to the healthcare economy.
Tympanostomy Tube Otorrhea: Microbiological Differences Between Children with and Without Cleft Palate
Authors: Solis Roberto N. , Young Kurtis , Velazquez-Castro Oscar S. , Farber Nicole I. , Tollefson Travis T. , Senders Craig W. , Funamura Jamie L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To characterize and compare microbiological profiles in tympanostomy tube otorrhea for children with and without cleft palate.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Pediatric otolaryngology and multidisciplinary cleft/craniofacial clinic at a single tertiary care center.

Patients

Children with and without cleft palate <18 years of age who underwent tympanostomy tube placement between 2017–2021.

Main outcome measures

Otopathogen profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns in ear culture specimens obtained in children presenting for treatment of recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea.

Results

Of the 886 children with tympanostomy tubes placed between 2017–2021, 345 (38.9%) had clinically significant otorrhea defined as requiring at least one otolaryngology visit for treatment. Children with cleft palate had higher rates of otorrhea (50.0% versus 35.7%; P < .01). In the 128 cultures obtained, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism in both groups present in 39.8% of cultures; 49% were methicillin-resistant ( MRSA). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also frequently isolated (20.0% versus 23.4%, P = .69) in children with and without cleft palate. Collectively, fluoroquinolone resistance was observed in 68.6% and 27.6% of the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively, however, no differences in fluoroquinolone resistance were observed between cleft and non-cleft cohorts. Corynebacterium species were isolated more frequently in children with cleft palate (26.7% versus 6.1%, P < .01), a finding of unclear significance.

Conclusions

Recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea is more common in children with cleft palate. MRSA was the most common isolate, which was commonly resistant to first-line fluoroquinolone therapy.
Numerical modeling of flax-woven reinforced composites submitted to quasi-static indentation and low velocity impact
Authors: Leroy Adélaïde , Scida Daniel , Roux Émile , Toussaint Franck , Ayad Rezak
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to provide a numerical modeling tool for flax-woven reinforced laminates submitted to Low Velocity Impact (LVI) and Quasi-Static Indentation (QSI). The selected approach is based on a constitutive material model specifically developed for woven reinforced plies. Experimental tests were carried out at different energy levels and boundary conditions for a comparative study to assess the viability of the model. Numerical results provide a good estimation of experimental force-displacement curves, with good to excellent superposition for LVI at 10 and 15 J and for QSI until a displacement of 2 to 3.5 mm. In terms of visible damage, a parallel is drawn between some damage variables and visible cracks on the one hand, and element deletions and fiber bundle failures on the other hand. Results show that the proposed numerical model is promising and potentially useful for designing and optimizing flax-woven reinforced composites submitted to both LVI and QSI.
Decreased Hepatic Functional Reserve Increases the Risk of Piperacillin/Tazobactam-Induced Abnormal Liver Enzyme Levels: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Ooi Hayahide , Asai Yuki , Koriyama Yoshiki , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: June 2024

Background:

Piperacillin/tazobactam (PIPC/TAZ), which is a combination of a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor, often causes liver enzyme abnormalities. The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a simple index that uses the serum albumin and total bilirubin levels for estimating hepatic functional reserve. Although patients with low hepatic reserve may be at high risk for drug-induced liver enzyme abnormalities, the relationship between PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzymes levels and the ALBI score remains unknown.

Objective:

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels and the ALBI score.

Methods:

This single-center retrospective case-control study included 335 patients. The primary outcome was PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels. We performed COX regression analysis with male gender, age (≥75 years), alanine aminotransferase level (≥20 IU/L), and ALBI score (≥−2.00) as explanatory factors. To investigate the influence of the ALBI score on the development of abnormal liver enzyme levels, 1:1 propensity score matching between the ≤−2.00 and ≥−2.00 ALBI score groups was performed using the risk factors for drug-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels.

Results:

The incidence of abnormal liver enzyme levels was 14.0% (47/335). COX regression analysis revealed that an ALBI score ≥−2.00 was an independent risk factor for PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.08, 95% coefficient interval: 1.207-7.835, P = 0.019). After 1:1 propensity score matching, the Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the cumulative risk for PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels was significantly higher in the ALBI score ≥−2.00 group (n = 76) than in the <−2.00 group (n = 76) ( P = 0.033).

Conclusion and relevance:

An ALBI score ≥−2.00 may predict the development of PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels. Therefore, frequent monitoring of liver enzymes should be conducted to minimize the risk of severe PIPC/TAZ-induced abnormal liver enzyme levels in patients with low hepatic functional reserve.
Minimally Invasive Method for Treatment of Syndromic Congenital Vertical Talus Deformity in Children
Authors: Cummings Jason L. , Torres-Izquierdo Beltran , Schaibley Claire , Hosseinzadeh Pooya
Published: June 2024

Background:

Congenital Vertical Talus (CVT) is a rare form of rigid flatfoot commonly seen in patients with underlying neurologic syndromes. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the minimally invasive method for correcting CVT deformity in a large cohort of syndromic patients.

Methods:

A single author recorded preoperative, 2-week postoperative, 1-year postoperative, and most recent radiographic measurements and complications for 25 patients treated with the minimally invasive method from 2006 to 2021. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires were administered for 12 patients after January 1, 2015, when the institution began collecting PROMIS in all orthopaedic patients. Average follow-up was 55 months (13-111); 18 patients had minimum 24-month follow-up.

Results:

Forty feet in 25 patients were analyzed. The average preoperative lateral talar axis–first metatarsal base angle (TAMBA) was 68.7 ± 21.3 vs 12.1 ± 8.9 after initial surgical intervention ( P < .0001). There was a statistically significant increase in the lateral TAMBA between the initial postoperative and final follow-up visits (13.0 vs 21.6, P = .02). Radiographic recurrence of talonavicular deformity was noted in 12 feet (30.9%); 7 (15.55%) required corrective surgery. Larger preoperative lateral TAMBA was predictive of recurrence. Notably, patients with arthrogryposis experienced higher radiographic recurrence than other syndromic patients (45.0% vs 14.3%, P = .0384). PROMIS scores were within population norms.

Conclusion:

The study suggests that less than one-third of syndromic CVT patients experienced a radiographic recurrence of talonavicular deformity, with 15% requiring further surgical intervention at an average of 55 months following the initial procedure. A higher incidence of radiographic recurrence occurred in patients with distal arthrogryposis. These findings, along with the satisfactory patient-reported outcomes, suggest that the minimally invasive technique is an effective treatment method for syndromic CVT, underscoring the necessity for clinicians to provide detailed prognoses and consider more intensive follow-up for those at higher risk.
Model-free adaptive full-order sliding mode control with time delay estimation of high-pressure common rail system
Authors: Long Yun , Liu Xiaoyang , Yao Chong , Song Enzhe
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a new model-free adaptive full-order sliding mode control (MAFOSMC) approach for addressing the challenge of precise control for the high-pressure common rail system (HPCRS) in marine engines. First, the mathematical model of HPCRS is modeled based on the hydrodynamics and the problem statement is presented. The model-free control structure is designed by adopting time delay control (TDC) technology, which can estimate uncertain and unknown dynamics without exact priori information about the system. Furthermore, the continuous sliding mode controller is developed to exhibit features of high accuracy, strong robustness, fast response based on full-order sliding mode control (FOSMC), and improved power reaching law. Then, a bidirectional adaptive strategy was designed to handle the unmodelled dynamics and unknown disturbances. The stability analysis of the closed-loop system is conducted using Lyapunov theory. Overall, the experimental comparisons were conducted with traditional FOSMC under three different testing scenarios, validating the efficacy and benefits of the proposed MAFOSMC approach for marine engines.
Factors that Facilitate and Hinder Implementation of a Problem Oriented Policing Intervention in Crime Hot Spots: Suggestions to Improve Implementation Based on a Field Experiment
Authors: Ward Kristin J. , Yoo Jane , Liu Weiwei , Sheridan-Johnson Jackie , Taylor Bruce G.
Published: June 2024

The problem-oriented policing (POP) and hot spots literatures have more recently noted the need for implementation studies to understand what and how implementation could be improved to ensure the greatest impact of these policing approaches. However, there are limited empirical studies on implementation of POP and/or hot spots policing, and there appears to be limited empirical evidence of factors that facilitate or hinder implementation of such policing approaches. Therefore, this study is timely for contributing to the understanding of implementation drivers that help ensure proper installment of policing approaches for desired impact, sustainability, and spread. Our analysis of qualitative data resulted in an empirically derived model that identifies multiple factors within five levels: society, system, community, organization and individual. Each level contains a set of factors that either facilitated or hindered implementation of the interventions that we tested. These factors include but are not limited to society’s perceptions of police officers (police legitimacy), justice systems’ diversion policies, community support of police agencies, leadership/supervisor support of POP and hot spots policing, organizational resources, and individual characteristics of police officers. Our model describes that these factors interact to ultimately influence patrol officers’ motivation to implement POP in crime hot spots, and that their motivation leads to varying degrees of implementation. As a result of this study, we offer implementation science-informed practical actions for police agencies to achieve stronger implementation of nontraditional policing practices. These actions can be tested to understand if they have significant and positive impact on crime and other outcomes.
Gender inclusivity of ophthalmology journal submission guidelines and associated research metrics
Authors: Tao Brendan K. , Xie Jim S. , Leong Rachel , Xia Matton , Nguyen Anne Xuan-Lan , Ling Jennifer , Nathoo Nawaaz , Ing Edsel B. , Kohly Radha P. , Khosa Faisal
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of inclusive author submission guidelines across ophthalmology journals.

Methods

Journals were identified from the 2021 Journal Citations Report (Clarivate Analytics). Independent reviewers rated each author submission guideline as “inclusive” for satisfying at-least one of six criteria: i) included examples of gender inclusive language; ii) recommended the use of gender-inclusive language; iii) distinguished between sex and gender; iv) provided educational resources on gender-inclusive language; v) provided a policy permitting name changes (e.g., in case of gender and name transition); and/or vi) provided a statement of commitment to inclusivity. The primary objective was to investigate the proportion of journals with “gender-inclusive” author submission guidelines and the elements of the gender-inclusive content within these guidelines. A secondary objective was to review the association between “gender-inclusivity” in author submission guidelines with publisher, origin country, and journal/source/influence metrics (Clarivate Analytics).

Results

Across 94 journals, 29.8% journals were rated as inclusive. Inclusive journals had significantly higher relative impact factor, citations, and article influence scores compared to non-inclusive journals. Of the 29.8% of inclusive journals, the three most common domains were inclusion of an inclusivity statement (71.4% of inclusive journals), distinguishing between sex and gender (67.9%), and provision of additional educational resources on gender reporting for authors (60.7%).

Conclusion

A minority of ophthalmology journals have gender-inclusive author submission guidelines. Ophthalmology journals should update their submission guidelines to advance gender equity of both authors and study participants and promote the inclusion of gender-diverse communities.
Classification of Long Non-Coding RNAs s Between Early and Late Stage of Liver Cancers From Non-coding RNA Profiles Using Machine-Learning Approach
Authors: Anuntakarun Songtham , Khamjerm Jakkrit , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Chuaypen Natthaya
Published: June 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA sequences greater than 200 nucleotides in length, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and biological processes associated with cancer development and progression. Liver cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, notably in Thailand. Although machine learning has been extensively used in analyzing RNA-sequencing data for advanced knowledge, the identification of potential lncRNA biomarkers for cancer, particularly focusing on lncRNAs as molecular biomarkers in liver cancer, remains comparatively limited. In this study, our objective was to identify candidate lncRNAs in liver cancer. We employed an expression data set of lncRNAs from patients with liver cancer, which comprised 40 699 lncRNAs sourced from The CancerLivER database. Various feature selection methods and machine-learning approaches were used to identify these candidate lncRNAs. The results showed that the random forest algorithm could predict lncRNAs using features extracted from the database, which achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.840 for classifying lncRNAs between early (stage 1) and late stages (stages 2, 3, and 4) of liver cancer. Five of 23 significant lncRNAs (WAC-AS1, MAPKAPK5-AS1, ARRDC1-AS1, AC133528.2, and RP11-1094M14.11) were differentially expressed between early and late stage of liver cancer. Based on the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, higher expression of WAC-AS1, MAPKAPK5-AS1, and ARRDC1-AS1 was associated with shorter overall survival. In conclusion, the classification model could predict the early and late stages of liver cancer using the signature expression of lncRNA genes. The identified lncRNAs might be used as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for patients with liver cancer.
Buckling critical load prediction of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer columns and feature analysis by machine learning
Authors: Zhang Hengming , Li Da , Li Feng
Published: June 2024

For slender FRP columns, predicting the global buckling critical loads is crucial in structural design. However, there is a lack of a consensus prediction method based on specialized domain knowledge. To address this issue, this study created a comprehensive database by collecting 365 experimental data related to global buckling of axially loaded pultruded FRP columns to predict buckling critical loads using such machine learning methods as extreme gradient boosting, artificial neural network, and support vector regression. The prediction accuracy and stability of the machine learning prediction methods were evaluated, and the interpretability of the features was analyzed in depth. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the traditional theoretical methods is low, while that of the machine learning methods is high. The contribution of geometric parameters to the buckling critical load is more than 80%. The contribution of material parameters to the buckling critical load is small, less than 20%. The cross-sectional moment of inertia has the most significant effect on the buckling critical load, while the shear modulus and compressive strength have a smaller effect.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among professional orchestra musicians in Norway
Authors: Eliassen Irem , Trouli Hara , Steder Frank Brundtland
Published: June 2024

Background:

Orchestra musicians have a high risk of experiencing musculoskeletal problems. These problems may lead to sleep and psychological disturbance.

Objectives:

This study investigated the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among orchestra musicians and the coherence between pain and predictors such as gender, age and instrument. Further, the impact of pain on sleep and mental health was analysed to assess pain as a predictor threatening musicians’ wellbeing.

Methods:

Some 358 musicians in eight different professional orchestras in Norway completed a questionnaire. Questions about pain experienced within the last 30 days were based on a national survey. Standardised screening tools like the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS) were used to assess psychological distress and sleeping problems. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to analyse the differences in the pain-related variables: experienced pain severity (EPS), number of pain areas, and work being perceived as the source of pain based on age. Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted to evaluate the statistical significance between gender and the pain-related variables. Spearman’s rank correlations were used to examine the relationship between EPS and BIS, HSCL-25 and pain area. Additionally, simple linear regression models were employed to determine whether EPS can predict higher scores on the HSCL-25 and BIS scales.

Results:

The prevalence of MSP experienced in the last 30 days among orchestra musicians in Norway was 85%. Musicians experienced frequent pain regardless of their gender, age or instrument group. Neck, shoulders and upper back represented the most reported pain areas. Further, it was observed that increased EPS was correlated with an increase in the number of pain areas and in work being perceived as the source of pain. EPS significantly predicted sleep- and psychological distress.

Conclusions:

Orchestra musicians have a high risk of encountering MSP. Furthermore, their psychological distress and sleeping problems seem to be related to experienced MSP. To deliver optimal health, these problems should be handled simultaneously.
Towards a theory of reproductive debt
Authors: Lee Robyn
Published: June 2024

This article builds on existing feminist critiques of transnational debt regimes and austerity politics in order to theorise a new conception of reproductive debt. This involves critiquing debt burdens imposed upon people who reproduce, as a consequence of global restructuring programmes, cuts to social services and the increasing financialisation of reproduction. In place of individualised obligations to financial lenders, I argue that we all owe an infinite debt to those who reproduce, in order to ensure that reproduction is possible when desired and that its necessary conditions – social, cultural and environmental – are supported. This theory of reproductive debt draws on the 1970s Wages for Housework movement, feminist literature on reproductive labour and Kathi Weeks’ post-work politics. It also explores Patty Chang's video exhibition Milk Debt, which was inspired by David Graeber's discussion of the Chinese Buddhist tenet of ‘milk debt’: the infinite kindness of mothers, exemplified by the practice of breastfeeding, which can never be repaid. Recognising the negative impacts of environmental damage and histories of slavery and colonialism on reproduction, reproductive debt is understood as an infinite, non-quantifiable obligation that is the basis for our shared existence on this planet.
Equal and ashamed? Egalitarianism, anti-discrimination, and redistribution
Authors: Steuwer Bastian
Published: June 2024

One prominent criticism of luck egalitarianism is that it requires either shameful revelations or otherwise problematic declarations by the state toward those who have had bad brute luck. Relational egalitarianism, by contrast, is portrayed as an alternative that requires no such revelations or declarations. I argue that this is false. Relational equality requires the state to draft anti-discrimination laws for both state and private action. The ideal of relational egalitarianism requires these laws to be asymmetric, that is to allow affirmative action for disadvantaged groups while prohibiting affirmative action for advantaged groups. Hence, the state needs to make a public declaration on which groups are privileged and which are underprivileged; and individuals need to reveal whether they belong to groups officially declared underprivileged. These declarations are no more problematic in this case than in the case of luck egalitarianism.
A behavioral theory of Leviathan Inc: State firms’ responses to performance shortfalls
Authors: Wu Zhiyan , Klingebiel Ronald
Published: June 2024

We examine the role of ownership in organizational responses to performance shortfalls. State owners prize performance stability over being competitive, and their firms thus frame performance shortfalls differently than private firms do. In particular, state firms’ performance-stability orientation makes them respond to small performance shortfalls more readily than private firms do. They largely disregard performance comparisons with industry competitors, which more readily trigger divestitures at private firms. Comparisons among state firms matter relatively more. We find empirical support for these propositions in the population of Chinese state and private firms publicly traded in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2003 to 2019. The frame-contingent responsiveness we document extends theory of organizational behavior and adds important nuance to our understanding of state-firm inertia.
More Electoral Competition Without More Voter Participation: Quasi-Experimental Test of a Term Limit Reform in Ecuador
Authors: Kouba Karel
Published: June 2024

Term limits are theoretically expected to boost voter participation which has been confirmed by multiple empirical examinations. This study uses a robust causal assessment within the difference-in-differences framework to evaluate this hypothesis. It leverages an exogenous 2018 term limit reform in Ecuador which prohibited some, but not all, incumbent mayors from running in elections. Contrary to expectations, the results indicate null findings: the adoption of term limits has neither increased turnout, nor depressed the casting of blank and spoiled ballots (alternative indicators of voter engagement under compulsory voting). This is puzzling given that the reform impacted the electoral competition by significantly increasing the number of mayoral candidates in the newly open-seat contests. Two possible solutions to the puzzle of the null findings are presented with implications for understanding the scope conditions for the effect of term limits on voter participation.
The correlations between angiopoietin like 8 and cardiometabolic risk factors in Saudi women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot study
Authors: Mohammedsaeed Walaa , Binjawhar Dalal
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines whether Angiopoietin Like 8 (ANGPTL8) is linked to cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in Saudi women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

Case-control investigation compared 150 women aged 30–60 with T2DM to 140 healthy women of the same age and gender.

Results

ANGPTL8 levels differed significantly between T2DM and non-diabetics. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin resistance (IR), triglycerides (TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), body mass index (BMI), and atherogenic index (AIP) of plasma all correlated positively with ANGPTL8 concentrations. Insulin levels correlated negatively with ANGPTL8. Multiple linear regression models showed that elevated ANGPTL8 independently predicted higher FBG, hs-CRP, IR, TG, and AIP in T2DM patients.

Conclusion

The study found a significant association between ANGPTL8 levels and IR, hs-CRP, TG, AIP, and BMI in women with T2DM. These components are classified as CMRFs and have the potential to contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Fostering LGBTQ+ Mental Health Promotion in Non-Health Academic Programs: A Filipino Perspective
Authors: Alibudbud Rowalt
Published: June 2024

This article emphasized the urgency of promoting LGBTQ+ mental health in the Philippines, a nation known for its friendly attitude toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite this, a significant portion of the population maintains negative attitudes, fostering persistent stigmatization and discrimination against gay men and lesbians. These adverse social conditions, coupled with the absence of comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights protection, exacerbate mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals. Recognizing the pivotal role of educational institutions, this article explores the integration of an elective course, “LGBT+ Mental Health,” within an applied behavioral science program. The curriculum was based on international reports and local studies, employing frameworks like Minority Stress and Intersectionality to scrutinize factors influencing LGBTQ+ mental health disparities. The course’s blended approach encourages student engagement through discussions, group work, and assessments. Insights from the course reveal students’ capacity to develop organizational programs and policies that promote mental health and inclusivity. Recommendations include expanding LGBTQ+ mental health integration beyond health-related degrees, providing support and resources, fostering a cultural shift toward acceptance within educational institutions, and tailoring the course to better respond to local LGBTQ+ needs. Moreover, the paper emphasizes the critical role of educational institutions in addressing LGBTQ+ mental health disparities, serving as a model for future progress and inclusivity. Overall, this integration of LGBTQ+ mental health promotion in a non-health academic degree program can serve as a model for institutions to advance the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and dismantle systemic barriers.
What, Suicide Runs in Families? Writing-As-Inquiry to Examine Our “Not Knowing” About Intergenerational Suicide
Authors: Stewart Kelly Rowena
Published: June 2024

This article brings the lens of psychoanalytically informed intergenerational trauma theory to examine the problem of intergenerational suicide and, specifically, our collective “not knowing” about it. What, suicide runs in families? Located within the field of critical suicidology, this article asks, what are the sociocultural complexities around intergenerational suicide that make it so difficult for us to “know” it? I examine what’s happening in our “not knowing” and the intergenerational cost of this. I do this through writing-as-inquiry and by writing with Gabriele Schwab’s theorizing of intergenerational trauma as a language for thinking with the unconscious happenings in the story of one of my collaborators. Born out of my PhD research, I argue that intergenerational trauma theory, informed by psychoanalytic ideas about the cultural unconscious, offers a useful lens through which to consider intergenerational suicide in families.
Decolonial Archeology of Migration Spaces
Authors: Magno Cathryn , Becker Anna , Lötscher Samira
Published: June 2024

In this article, we consider artifacts relating to the Ukrainian refugee population located in reception contexts, namely, the cities of Bern, Switzerland; Warsaw, Poland; Dresden, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Within these contexts, we use archeological methods of examining material artifacts (e.g., objects, landscapes) in the present time to glean meaning about lifestyle, social organization, and community relations. We suggest that by centering artifacts, we, as non-refugee, non-Ukrainian researchers living in reception contexts, might rupture the colonial relationships inherent in researcher/researched configurations and move toward decolonial inquiry. We attempt to uncover our own understandings of the artifacts as arrival infrastructure, questioning the intentions for their use, how they might be “read” and what their impact might be. We hope that by turning the lens from the migrants themselves to our own self-reflection, we might better understand the beliefs, concerns, and desires among reception community members. We find in the artifacts a matrix of government messages and tension-inducing provocations by individuals and institutions, and we find in ourselves contradictions and recognition that we actively co-construct migration space—and potentially, but not necessarily, coalitions—in part through our interaction with our contemporary archeology.