bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geroscience: Aging and Oral Health Research
Authors: Weintraub J.A. , Kaeberlein M. , Perissinotto C. , Atchison K.A. , Chen X. , D’Souza R.N. , Feine J.S. , Ghezzi E.M. , Kirkwood K.L. , Ryder M. , Slashcheva L.D. , Touger-Decker R. , Wu B. , Kapila Y.
Published: November 2023

Research in aging has significantly advanced; scientists are now able to identify interventions that slow the biologic aging processes (i.e., the “hallmarks of aging”), thus delaying the onset and progression of multiple diseases, including oral conditions. Presentations given during the 3-part session “Geroscience: Aging and Oral Health Research,” held during the 2023 American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research meeting, are summarized in this publication. Speakers’ topics spanned the translational research spectrum. Session 1 provided an overview of the geroscience and health span (disease-free and functional health throughout life) concepts. The common molecular mechanisms between oral cancer and aging were discussed, and research was presented that showed periodontal microflora as a potential factor in Alzheimer’s disease progression. Session 2 focused on behavioral and social science aspects of aging and their oral health significance. The keynote provided evidence that loneliness and isolation can have major health effects. These social conditions, along with poor oral health, tooth loss, and cognitive decline, could potentially affect healthy eating ability and systemic health in older adults. Research could help elucidate the directions and pathways connecting these seemingly disparate conditions. Session 3 focused on the delivery of oral care in different settings and the many barriers to access care faced by older adults. Research is needed to identify and implement effective technology and strategies to improve access to dental care, including new delivery and financing mechanisms, workforce models, interprofessional provider education and practice, and use of big data from medical–dental integration of electronic health records. Research to improve the “oral health span,” reduce oral health disparities, and increase health equity must be tackled at all levels from biologic pathways to social determinants of health and health policies.
A Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) Program Assessing Cannabidiol (CBD) Knowledge and Confidence Among Practicing Pharmacists
Authors: Farmer Sarah E. , Arnold John A. , Hughes Peter J. , Pan Kevin , Gorman Greg S.
Published: November 2023

Background: Increased patient utilization of cannabidiol (CBD) leads to potential drug interactions with various medications and questions posed to pharmacists. Objective: To quantify the knowledge gap of pharmacists on CBD and CBD-containing products and assess the degree a continuing pharmacy education (CPE) program alters pharmacist confidence and competency on CBD knowledge. Methods: A 1-h CPE activity was offered as a home study from May 9, 2022, through September 30, 2022. Subjects were practicing pharmacy preceptors in Alabama who completed the pre-survey and post-survey for inclusion in matched-pair analyses. The primary outcome measure was participant score improvement between the pre-post surveys. Secondary measures involved pre-post comparisons on self-rated Likert questions concerning participant confidence in counseling, answering drug information questions, and ensuring patient safety regarding CBD. Results: A total of 124 participants completed the course. After matched pairing, 64 and 56 individuals were included in the knowledge-based and confidence ranking analyses, respectively. Participant scoring improved on the knowledge-based questions between the pre-post surveys (50.0% vs 87.8%, P < .001). There was a significant confidence improvement of participants from baseline on counseling patients about prescription or over-the-counter CBD products, answering questions from other healthcare professionals about these products, and ensuring patient safety while using these products (Average 5-level Likert scale increases of 1.75, 1.73, 1.70, respectively; all P < .001). Conclusion: Implementation of a CPE program improved practicing pharmacists’ knowledge on information about CBD, which lead to increased competency on counseling patients, answering drug information questions, and promoting patient safety.
Human–machine fusion–based operational complexity measurement approach to assembly lines for smart manufacturing
Authors: Fan Guoliang , Jiang Zuhua , Zheng Hao , Gao Yicong , Lou Shanhe
Published: November 2023

Complexity is an important quantification of uncertain operation in assembly lines and the key source of invisible uncertainty problems in smart manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to propose a complexity measurement approach to assess the complexity of assembly lines integrating humans, machines and configurations. First, the complexity models of the three states of the operation related to humans and machines are built based on information entropy and the operation time model. Then, an operational complexity model is built at the station level; it is constructed with a single station, parallel stations and sublines based on Kolmogorov entropy. The model quantitatively describes the cumulative complexity along with the material flow. Furthermore, the complexity model of the overall system is given, and the Lempel–Ziv algorithm is applied to measure the complexity flow along with the stations. The complexity equilibrium index is derived to quantify the balancing degree among the stations. The model incorporates uncertain operation into system modeling to quantify the influence of uncertainties on the state of the assembly line. An engine assembly line is used to validate that the approach can measure the complexity from operation to station to system.
Performance analysis of a hyper-compressor for vinyl acetate and ethylene mixture using real-fluid properties
Authors: Yang Lanlan , Zhou Tianxu , Wang Zixin , Shi Long , Jia Xiaohan , Yu Xiaoling , Peng Xueyuan
Published: November 2023

The ethylene and vinyl acetate (VA) mixture must be compressed to a high pressure of over 100 MPa in a hyper-compressor system to initiate the polymerization. This paper presents a numerical and experimental investigation into the effects of VA concentration on the performance of a hyper-compressor. To this end, an equation of state in the form of Helmholtz free energy was developed to calculate the real thermodynamic properties of VA–ethylene mixture. The average absolute deviations of density and compressibility factor for VA-ethylene compared with experimental values were 1.82% and 1.46%, respectively. Additionally, a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was constructed considering real-fluid thermodynamics, incorporating the motion of the central valve and upstream and downstream pressure pulsations. The predicted [Formula: see text] diagram and pressure pulsation were compared with experimental data to validate the accuracy of the 3D-CFD model. The results demonstrated that a higher VA weight fraction results in a shorter expansion and compression phase; higher indicated power, suction, and discharge losses; and greater pressure fluctuation. The increment of power loss during the discharge process accounted for 73.27% of the indicated power growth 35.96 kW as the VA weight fraction increased from 0% to 40%. The increment of pressure pulsation in the suction and discharge pipe were mainly attributed to high-frequency pulsations above 10 orders and low-frequency pulsations below 10 orders, respectively.
Investigation on the dynamic behavior of the ring-stiffened double-shell structure due to subsea collisions
Authors: Wang Chengyan , Wang Tong , Zhang Yankang , Li Lin , Yin Yaxing , Tan Dapeng
Published: November 2023

The ring-stiffened double-shell structure is currently widely utilized in the equipment for ocean engineering, of which the response analysis under subsea impact is important to accomplish the safety and highly difficult Marine missions. However, due to the complex characteristics of the research object including fluid-solid coupling contact, large deformation, short response time, and multiplet structure, the dynamic behavior of the impacted ring-stiffened double-shell structure is hard to analyze accurately by traditional numerical methods. To overcome challenges, a fresh modeling and solving approach for the impacting mechanism of the structure body is put forward by this paper. The method is based on the Arbitrary Lagrange-Euler and Fluid-Structure-Interaction (ALE-FSI) theory. A stiffness matrix of a penalty function and steady outer pressure setting is presented to build the underwater interaction model. Then, the ALE-based description method is proposed to simulate the collision process. The results indicate that the adopted modeling and solving methods for the subsea structural collision have better revealed the dynamic response process of subsea structure to impact. There isn’t any evident damage spreading to the surrounding region, and the structural damage is primarily contained in the collision area. When an underwater impact is applied to the double shell structure, the non-pressure shell provides better protection. The core academic achievement of this work is providing an effective approach for subsea impacting mechanism and nonlinear dynamic response of ring-stiffened double-shell structure which can be used in different scenarios. It can offer universal references to optimize the construction of underwater equipment and determine the level of impact damage to submarines.
Intelligent classification framework for gear surface damage and gear type using CNN transfer learning
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Hua Hongpeng , Peng Kun , Wu Biqiong , Xu Xiang , Du Kanghua
Published: November 2023

In the mechanical transmission system gear has a very important role, and Gear surface damage is an important factor affecting gear transmission. Regular inspection of each gear and its surface damage is of great significance for ensuring the stable operation of a whole mechanical system. To improve the identification efficiency and accuracy for gears and their surface damage, In this paper, we propose a gear and its surface damage recognition method based on PyTorch deep learning library, expand the dataset using data augmentation and data extension techniques, compare the performance of gear and its surface damage recognition under three typical models, namely AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet-101, and optimize each training model through migration learning and hyperparameter comparison. The results show that the speed and accuracy of model training can be improved by applying transfer learning. By extending the dataset using data augmentation techniques, the robustness of the network is improved considerably. When the batch size is 6 and the initial learning rate is set to 0.01, the model training effect is the best, and ResNet has higher recognition accuracy and stability than AlexNet and VGG16, which is more suitable for the classification of gears and their surface damage. In order to find the optimal ResNet model, four ResNet models with different number of layers, ResNet-34, ResNet-50, ResNet-101 and ResNet-152, were compared, among which the ResNet-101 model showed the optimal performance in gear surface damage recognition.
Fabrication of Al matrix composite reinforced with Fe-Cu particles using friction stir processing
Authors: Farhat Pooneh , Movahedi Mojtaba , Marouf Bahereh T
Published: November 2023

Friction stir processing (FSP), as an advanced technique, was employed to fabricate in situ aluminum composites with the aim to elucidate the correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties of the obtained composites. The novelty of the work is to utilize simultaneous incorporation of Fe and Cu powders into the friction stir zone in order to fabricate in situ aluminum composites. To achieve the goal, the loading content of Cu and Fe powders and the process pass number (1 pass to 5 passes) were altered. While the total loading content of Fe and Cu powders was kept constant, the weight percentages of these reinforcements were varied (25%, 50%, and 75%). Microstructural characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. Five passes FSP resulted in smaller grain sizes of the Al matrix, smaller and less agglomeration of the reinforcements as well as homogeneous dispersion of the reinforcement features and thus, enhancement of the mechanical properties of the composites. X-ray analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed in situ formation of Fe-Al and Al-Cu intermetallic compounds in the composites. The tensile testing outcomes proposed the 50wt% Fe-50wt% Cu/Al composite fabricated in 5 passes as the optimum formulation achieved in this research. This can be attributed to the smaller grain size of the matrix in the friction stirred zone and more homogeneous dispersion of the reinforcements in the matrix. Furthermore, this strengthening was affected from the presence of more amounts of well dispersed intermetallic compounds in situ formed during 5 passes. The average tensile strength (207 MPa) and hardness (73 Vickers) of the composite were approximately 175% and 160% greater than that of the unreinforced aluminum (75 MPa, 28 Vickers), respectively. Increasing the process pass number from 3 to 5 passes not only had strengthening and hardening effects but also improved the composite elongation at break.
Application of Collins’ upper bound theorem to upsetting processes
Authors: Tsai Shang-Nan , Alexandrov Sergei , Strashnov Stanislav
Published: November 2023

The standard formulation of the upper bound theorem is incompatible with the Coulomb friction law. However, this law is widely used in metal forming processes analysis. An alternative formulation based on non-kinematically admissible velocity fields can evaluate the load required to deform the material. The present paper adopts this formulation for evaluating the compression force in solid and hollow cylinder compression processes. The trial velocity fields are continuous. The field for the solid cylinder involves no parameter for minimization, and the field for the hollow cylinder involves one parameter. Parametric analyses of the solutions are provided. The compression forces found are compared to available results at small friction coefficients. The solution is also in agreement with physical expectations. In particular, the solution for the hollow cylinder compression predicts that the radial velocity is everywhere positive in the friction coefficient is small enough. For larger friction coefficients, the radius where the radial velocity vanishes propagates from the inner radius as the friction coefficient increases. The final result can be used in conjunction with standard procedures for evaluating the friction coefficient.
Study on small modulus modified gear damage fault and electromechanical coupling vibration characteristics under multiple working conditions
Authors: Mo Shuai , Zhou Changpeng , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhipeng , Hu Xiaosong , Bao Heyun , Cen Guojian
Published: November 2023

The fault of transmission system seriously affects the life of robot joints, so it is urgent to study the crack of the displacement wheel set. Firstly, the tooth profile equation of the modified gear is established, and the time-varying mesh stiffness (TVMS) is obtained. Secondly, the multi-degree-of-freedom electromechanical coupling dynamic equation is established. Finally, the vibration displacement under steady state, start-up and shock conditions is analyzed. The results show that: (a)The positive displacement can increase TVMS, while negative displacement is the opposite. (b) The appearance of cracks accelerates the damage to two adjacent teeth. (c) The decrease of TVMS increases with the increase of crack depth. (d) The crack causes the gear pair to generate vibration shock, and the vibration displacement increases significantly in the case of broken teeth. (e) Statistical analysis of the vibration displacement reveals that the root means square value can detect early cracks, and the kurtosis index can predict life. (f) Cracks have a large effect on the transient process at start-up and shock, but the effect of cracks is weakened during no-load steady-state operation.
Wind tunnel testing of a Formula Student vehicle for checking CFD simulation trends
Authors: Pacheco Jaime , Marta André C , Eça Luis
Published: November 2023

The aerodynamic performance analysis of Formula Student racecars has been mostly done by teams with CFD tools, for time and cost savings, that often lack proper validation. To address this, the FST Lisboa team performed a detailed wind tunnel (WT) test campaign, using a one-third scale model, under different configurations, including variable ride heights, bullhorn appendix, and rear wing flap settings, also replicated in CFD. The simulations used RANS with the SST k-omega turbulence model, with a 13.7 million polyhedral mesh for the test chamber region domain. Both experimental and numerical errors were estimated from the instrumentation and mesh convergence analysis, respectively. Comparisons were made between WT and CFD both in terms of local flow, using tufts for flow visualization, and global flow, using lift, drag, and pitching moment coefficients. Overall, the numerical streamlines agreed very well with the orientations of the tufts in experiments, but some discrepancies were found in regions of cross-flow and high-frequency unsteadiness, mainly caused by limitations of the visualization technique. The gamma transition model in CFD was abandoned as it could not replicate the WT observations. In terms of aerodynamic coefficients, a strong correlation was found between WT and CFD. The parametric studies revealed that the simulations captured the experimental sensitivity to each car setting parameter studied but the uncertainties did not enable a full quantitative evaluation of the aerodynamic performance. The drag reduction system significantly impacted the aerodynamic balance of the racecar, while the current bullhorn design proved to be ineffective. The ride height increase led to higher downforce, mostly due to the higher pitch angle of the vehicle, with negligible variation of the aerodynamic balance. This work validated the team CFD studies, building confidence in that trends estimated in numerical parametric studies are likely to be translated to the real prototype performance.
Substance use, economic vulnerability, and HIV/STI risk among female sex workers in Mexico
Authors: Salazar Marissa , Silverman Jay G , Rangel Gómez María Gudelia , Urada Lianne A , Brouwer Kimberly C , Reed Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Background

Economic hardship (e.g., difficulty to pay for basic needs) has been associated with increased HIV/STI risk among female sex workers (FSW), and may be exacerbated by high levels of substance use. Few studies have assessed the intersection of economic hardship, substance use, and HIV/STI risk among FSW.

Methods

Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires among 469 FSW residing in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Using logistic regression, we assessed the role of economic hardship on the association between substance use (past 30-days alcohol use, drug use, or injection drugs use with clients, and past 6-months drug use) and testing positive for an STI (also an indicator of HIV risk).

Results

Drug use in the preceding six months was significantly associated with testing positive for an STI (AOR = 1.8, CI: 1.1 = 2.9, p = .02); no difference in this association was found by whether women reported economic hardship. Past 30-day drug use with clients was associated with STI infection, but only among those who did not report economic hardship (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–1.9, p < .01).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that economic hardship influences the association between substance use and increased risk for HIV/STI among FSW; however, these associations may be more complex than previously hypothesized.
Numerical simulation and prediction of aerodynamic noise of high-speed trains
Authors: Liu Yanong , Zhang Jun , Yi Sitong
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the efficiency of high-speed train aerodynamic noise analysis and provide a feasible method for aerodynamic noise prediction, the aerodynamic noise and its influencing factors are analyzed from the perspective of the total energy (sound power) radiated to the far field per unit time by the aerodynamic fundamental noise sources (monopole, dipole and quadrupole sources). A full-scale and a 1:8 scale-down computational fluid dynamics model of a high-speed train are established. The far-field sound pressure level at several receivers and velocities is calculated by using the transient large eddy simulation and the FW-H equation. The numerical simulation results are used to predict the aerodynamic noise under specified working conditions. The research work can achieve the prediction of aerodynamic noise at other velocities using noise data at known velocities on the same noise source case, as well as the prediction of aerodynamic noise of full-scale model using data of scale-down model, and is applicable to either bogies as local noise sources or the complete vehicle as a noise source. The maximum error between the prediction and simulation result is 0.33 dBA under various working conditions, which meets the engineering calculation requirements.
Adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control for the tracking control of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Bharti Rahul Ranjan , Dwivedy Santosha K
Published: November 2023

This article proposes an adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control scheme with piecewise fast multi-power reaching law for tracking control of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles under model uncertainties, ocean disturbances, and measurement noise. This control approach enhances the robustness and guarantees faster convergence of state error to zero in finite time while reducing the chattering effect. Utilizing the benefit of adaption law prevents overestimating control parameters, and it eliminates the need for the upper bound value of disturbances. The overall stability of the system is analyzed using the Lyapunov criterion. The results of the proposed approach are compared with adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode control and adaptive sliding mode control. The performance of the proposed control approach is evaluated by using the performance indices root mean square error and chattering indicator. The simulation results confirm the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Punicalagin is cytotoxic to human colon cancer cells by modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion
Authors: Sun Ding-Ping , Huang Hsuan-Yi , Chou Chia-Lin , Cheng Li-Chin , Wang Wen-Ching , Tian Yu-Feng , Fang Chia-Lang , Lin Kai-Yuan
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the anticancer effect of punicalagin, an abundant bioactive tannin compound isolated from Punica granatum L., on three colon cancer cell lines, namely, HCT 116, HT-29, and LoVo.

Research Design: Normal and colon cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of punicalagin for different periods.

Data Collection and Analysis: Cell viability was measured with a CCK-8 assay. Programmed cell death and invasion were analyzed using an annexin V and cell death kit and a cell invasion analysis kit. The expression of active caspase-3, MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Slug were measured by Western blot.

Results: The results of the cell viability analysis showed that punicalagin was cytotoxic to colon cancer cells, but it was not to normal cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, punicalagin induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells (shown by the cumulative percentage of colorectal cancer cells in early and late apoptosis). It was found that caspase-3 activity increased following punicalagin treatment. Western blot results also showed that punicalagin increased the expression of activated caspase-3. In contrast, punicalagin inhibited the invasion of colon cancer cells. Further, treatment of colon cancer cells with punicalagin suppressed the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Slug.

Conclusions: These results showed that the activation of caspase-3 and the inhibition of MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail and Slug were involved in the effects of punicalagin on colon cancer cells.
Continuing professional development strategies for digital transformation among academic librarians in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Nakaziba Sarah , Ngulube Patrick
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to review evidence on the continuing professional development (CPD) strategies that have been implemented for academic librarians and the CPD strategies that have enabled the implementation of digital transformation within academic libraries in Africa. A literature search in six databases was performed, which included Academic Search Premier (searched through EbscoHost), Emerald, Eric (searched through EbscoHost), Proquest Thesis, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 3716 studies were retrieved from the six databases and exported into EndNote Referencing Manager. After removing duplicates and screening, 60 records were retained. Subsequently, full-text reading was done, and 15 records did not meet the criteria thereby leaving 45 records that were included in the review. The findings showed that the CPD strategies implemented in academic libraries included mentorship, availing librarians with protected time to engage in learning, and collaborating with external environments among others. However, academic libraries in Africa are yet to embrace the need to recruit a staff specifically designed for CPD activities, many do not have allocations within their budgets for Librarians’ training, and have no library staff training policies, The review established that few studies had reported on the CPD strategies that had led to the implementation of digital transformation in Africa. This included collaboration, attending short courses, and mentorship. Libraries need to designate staff in charge of librarians’ CPD activities, develop librarians’ training policies, and allocate funds for librarians’ training within their budgets.
Modulations by L-Carvone and Thymoquinone to Exert Protection on Bone Marrow Cells Against Benzene-induced Toxicities Through Anti-inflammatory Pathways in SD Rats
Authors: Kong Enjun , Xu Yan , Jin Hong , Alahmadi Tahani Awad , Al Ali Samer Hasan Hussein
Published: November 2023

Background

Adverse effects of benzene (BZ) exposure toxicities were documented by many researchers worldwide. BZ exposure causes many hematological abnormalities that might be treated with naturally occurring phytocompounds.

Aim

In this experimental study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of L-carvone and thymoquinone together (LCTQ) against BZ-induced inflammatory toxicities in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Introduction

BZ exposure could cause an excess formation of immature blood cells to enter the peripheral bloodstream. Phytocompounds namely L-carvone (LC) and thymoquinone (TQ) have confirmed anti-inflammatory effects against various diseases.

Materials and Methods

Rats were divided into four different groups such as control, LCTQ group, BZ pathologic group, and treatment group (LCTQ+BZ). After 10 weeks of the experimental period, body weight changes, hematological parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, RBC antioxidants, bone marrow cellular abnormalities, and bone marrow DNA fragmentation were evaluated.

Results

BZ toxicity showed abnormal loss of body weight, altered hematological parameters, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, abnormal cellular oxidative status, and DNA damage. LCTQ treatment showed significant ( p < 0.05) increase in body weight, normalized hematological parameters such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells (lymphocytes and eosinophils), platelets (PLT), and hematocrit with RBC parameters, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), controlled oxidative stress, normalized enzymatic antioxidants in the RBC cells, normalized nucleated cells, megakaryocyte cells, and controlled DNA fragmentation were observed.

Conclusion

The current study showed an anti-inflammatory effect of LCTQ through the control of inflammation against benzene-induced toxicities in rats.
Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pretreated Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes Attenuate Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Modulating miR-182-5p and miR-199a-3p-mediated Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Li Ling-Yan , Zhou Ling-Fang , Shi Jia , Liu Zong-Jun , Gao Jun-Qing
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous research has highlighted the regulatory role of miR-182-5p in targeting TLR4 during the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. In a different context, TLR4 has been identified as a crucial factor in the development of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury, where its upregulation is believed to initiate the injury process. Additionally, miR-199a-3p has been shown to possess cardioprotective properties in simulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury models.

Materials and Methods

HE and TUNEL were performed to evaluate the cardiac injury and cellular apoptosis of I/R mice under distinct conditions. Real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs under differential conditions.

Results

Pretreatment by Shexiang Tongxin Dropping (SXTXD) has been shown to significantly augment the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-EXOs) in attenuating cardiac injury in I/R mice. MSC-EXOs effectively restored the repressed miR-182/miR-199a-3p expressions and activated TLR4/CD44 expressions in I/R mice, while SXTXD pretreatment remarkably strengthened the efficiency of MSC-EXOs. Moreover, SXTXD pretreatment notably reinforced the capability of MSC-EXOs to maintain cardiac parameters, including iNOS and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Furthermore, the luciferase assay indicated that miR-182-5p and miR-199a-3p effectively suppressed the luciferase activities of TLR4 and CD44, respectively, through binding to the 3´ UTR. The overexpression of miR-182-5p and miR-199a-3p significantly suppressed the expression of TLR4 and CD44 in H2C6 and RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our investigation indicates that MSC-derived exosomes, pretreated with SXTXD, hold promise in mitigating cardiac I/R injury by modulating inflammatory responses through the miR-182-5p/TLR4 axis and miR-199a-3p/CD44 axis. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for addressing I/R-related cardiac complications.
Urban Households’ Investment Behaviour Towards Home Appliances in India: Do Gender and Neighbourhood Effect Matter?
Authors: Singh Monalisa , Bahinipati Chandra Sekhar
Published: November 2023

This study assesses the influence of women’s bargaining power and the peer or neighbourhood effect on urban households’ investment behaviour towards home appliances, specifically refrigerators and air conditioners. The impact of women’s bargaining power has been demonstrated in different domains, including household expenditure/investment decisions, technology and clean fuel adoption, children’s education, and so on. Since women primarily operate household appliances, for example, refrigerators, we argue that the former could impact investment decisions related to appliances. Additionally, we study the neighbourhood effect as the acquisition and choice of appliances, vehicles, and new technologies and the reduction of household energy consumption heavily rely on information from the neighbours. This communication dynamic reduces perceived social and technological uncertainties related to the product. Therefore, we hypothesise that household appliance ownership accelerates when there is increased use in the neighbourhood. Analysis based on data from the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS, 2005 & 2012) shows that women’s education and property ownership are positively related to refrigerator and air conditioner ownership. The neighbourhood effects on the same have also been found to be positive and significant. This study, in sum, provides new insights into the factors that influence urban households’ investment behaviour towards appliances, and in terms of policy implications, these findings could be useful in the promotion of energy-efficient home appliances as we are aiming for net zero emission in the decades to come.
Prerequisites and Factors for Effective and Efficient Implementation of Land Pooling/Reconstitution: Learnings from Asian Countries
Authors: Dash Jyoti , Rao P. S. N.
Published: November 2023

The land pooling/readjustment (LP/R) technique has been extensively used for centuries for fostering planned urban development in various developing and developed countries. In the recent past LP/R models have emerged in several Indian states and cities as an alternate to compulsory land acquisition. These include land pooling in Raipur, Chhattisgarh through the Town Development Scheme - 2015, the land pooling policy for Delhi - 2013, land readjustment and land pooling in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra - 2014, and land pooling for Amravati, Andhra Pradesh - 2015. There are several factors that could adversely affect the implementation of LP/R projects and different situations would require different kinds of contextually relevant approaches for effective implementation of LP/R projects. Given the emerging LP/R models in several Indian states as an alternative to compulsory land acquisition, this article analyses the opportunities and constraints as recorded in literature around the world, with a focus on Asian countries, to identify the prerequisites and factors for effective and efficient implementation of the LP/R mechanism.
Reimagining Urban Infrastructure for G20: India’s Mission LiFE for Sustainable Cities
Authors: Bhowmick Soumya , Chatterjee Dishari
Published: November 2023

The rapid increase in urbanization has been accompanied by an increasing population and threats posed by climate change to economic and social well-being. Hence, there is a need to reimagine urban infrastructure; it will need to withstand the effects of climate change and the burgeoning inequality in society. Such cultural and economic factors must be addressed through education and policy interventions that align with Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), which calls for a mass movement towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle. This article shall explore possibilities for India towards creating and transitioning towards resilient cities that complement the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda 2030 through LiFE-oriented behavioural changes, consumption and production patterns. Additionally, India’s G20 presidency has come at a crucial time when the task falls on the most populous state in the world to underline the need to reimagine city planning and urban expansion in the Global South. The G20 can use the platform offered by Urban20, a city diplomacy initiative instituted in 2017 to provide meaningful support to SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities with the aim of making cities and human settlements more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
Granulomatous dermatitis caused by Exserohilum mcginnisii infection in a cow
Authors: Ilha Marcia R. S. , Weaver Dustin , Graham Erin A.
Published: November 2023

A 5-y-old, Piedmontese cow had a 4-mo history of ongoing development of skin masses. This was the only cow affected in a herd of 20 cows. Up to 12, hairless, red-to-black, raised nodules-to-plaques were distributed along the dorsum and tail head. Biopsies were taken for histopathology and ancillary testing. An ulcerated skin section contained dermal infiltrates of eosinophils, plasma cells, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and multinucleate giant cells, and pyogranulomas. Fungal hyphae were seen within the dermis, multinucleate giant cells, and pyogranulomas. In pyogranulomas, fungi were surrounded by a Splendore–Hoeppli reaction. Dematiaceous (pigmented) hyphae were rarely observed with H&E-stained and unstained (cleared and mounted) sections, but stained well with a Fontana–Masson stain. Exserohilum mcginnisii was identified by fungal culture, followed by PCR assay and sequencing. Exserohilum is a dematiaceous fungus that causes disease in humans and rarely in animals. The use of unstained sections and Fontana–Masson stain are important to demonstrate pigment because dematiaceous fungi have little melanin and appear as hyaline hyphae histologically. PCR assay and sequencing aid in the differentiation and classification of fungal species. To our knowledge, E. mcginnisii dermal granulomas have not been reported previously in cattle.
Impact of COIL: Learning From Student Nurses in Norway Who Collaborated With U.S. Students
Authors: Jenssen Unni , Bochenek Jeanie M. , King Tara Spalla , Steindal Simen A. , Hestvold Ida Voss , Morrison-Beedy Dianne
Published: November 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to describe the experience of Norwegian nursing students with internationalization through participation in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course.

Background:

Educators in Norway and the United States collaborated to incorporate internationalization and population health concepts into virtual courses during the pandemic. Literature gaps exist in post-implementation assessment data that ascertain internationalization through the COIL experience.

Design:

This was a qualitative study with a descriptive design. Data were collected from focus group interviews and analyzed conventional content-analysis approaches.

Methods:

Fifteen Norwegian undergraduate nursing students who participated in the COIL opportunity completed focus group interviews.

Findings:

The themes identified included, “virtual conversation builds collaborations and enhances learning,” and “this opened my eyes.”

Conclusions:

Norwegian students acknowledged they had learned transferable lessons from their global partners that could be applied to patient care of the marginalized population in Norway.
Do I Belong Here? Experiences of Transgender Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Domestic Violence Shelters
Authors: Leat Sarah R. , Ravi Kristen , Rai Abha , Obenauf Caterina , Bryant Sean
Published: November 2023

Transgender survivors experience high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared with cisgender survivors. In addition, transgender survivors face barriers to seeking help from domestic violence shelters due to concerns surrounding discrimination because of their gender identity. Understanding the experiences of transgender survivors in shelters is critical to ensuring inclusive, gender-affirming services are available. This study used a multi-case study to present the findings of interviews with three trans women staying in a domestic violence shelter that housed women. Findings reveal experiences of micro- and macro-aggressions from cisgender residents within the shelter, the juxtaposition of feeling both safe and unsafe, and discussions around toxic masculinity and male-perpetrated violence. Results demonstrate the importance of culturally responsive training for shelter staff and educating shelter residents to increase inclusiveness for transgender survivors in domestic violence shelters.
Influence of Kinship Caregiver and Family Characteristics on Kinship Care Experiences
Authors: Foluso Ayomide A. , Routh Brianna , Schure Mark B. , Koltz Daniel J.
Published: November 2023

Kinship care is the increasingly preferred child placement with a relative when the biological parents are unable to provide care. Program and resource supports must understand how to best meet these caregivers’ needs. Through thematic analysis of existing literature, this study aims to understand how kin caregiver characteristics affect kinship care outcomes. A total of 28 peer-reviewed articles were included in this analysis. Findings indicate that caregiver characteristics, including racial differences, family roles, economic burden, structural supports, and caregiver health, have potentially differential impacts on kinship care and outcomes. Identifying influential caregiver characteristics highlights the importance of adapting policy, programming, and research to support diverse kinship families, rather than viewing them as homogeneous. Incorporation of these characteristic considerations may lead to more effective and impactful supports and improved well-being for all kinship families.
Why a Workplace Barrier Face Covering is a Bad Idea
Authors: Nicas Mark
Published: November 2023

Editor's Note: This is a commentary on “ Barrier Face Coverings for Workers ” by Lisa Brosseau and Jeffrey Stull, which appeared in NEW SOLUTIONS 32(3).
Criticism of Workplace Protection Barrier Face Covering Article Mischaracterizes ASTM Standard and its Potential Utility
Authors: Brosseau Lisa M , Stull Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Editor's Note: This is a response to “Why a Workplace Barrier Face Covering is a Bad Idea” by Mark Nicas. DOI: 10.1177/10482911231193771
Exploring and Supporting Parents’ Stories of Loss in the NICU: A Narrative Study
Authors: Lakhani Jenna , Mack Cheryl , Kunyk Diane , van Manen Michael
Published: November 2023

Death is no stranger to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Extreme prematurity, congenital abnormalities, and other complexities can turn what was hoped to be a very exciting moment in a family’s life into one of despair and grief. There are many infants that not only do not survive but also have a medicalized death necessitating complex decision-making, weighing quality versus duration of life. We can learn from the stories of parents who chose palliative care for their children. In this narrative inquiry study, we elicited bereaved parents’ stories and reflections on the lives of their children and the care they received in the NICU. From a narrative ethics perspective, their stories speak to normative aspects of parenting, decision-making, and receiving medical care that affect their moral sense-making of their NICU experiences as well as their longer-term living with the loss of their children. Their stories express the importance of having had meaningful time with their children, maintaining direct and frequent communication, acknowledging uncertainty, and emphasizing compassion as methods of providing support to parents as they navigate their bereavement.
Using Online Photovoice to Explore Food Decisions of Families on Low Income: Lessons Learnt During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Spyreli Eleni , Vaughan Elena , McKinley Michelle C. , Woodside Jayne V. , Hennessy Marita , Kelly Colette
Published: November 2023

The method of photovoice has been previously used to effectively engage with socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and explore their eating behaviours. In this methodological article, we draw on our experiences from using photovoice through online interviews with families on low income about their food decisions. A purposive recruitment approach targeted parents of children 2–17 years old who lived on a tight budget across the island of Ireland. Participants provided demographic information and were invited to take photographs of food-related decisions and activities for 1 week during the COVID-19 lockdown. The photographs were then discussed through an online communication platform to generate qualitative data. A total of 28 parents participated in the photo-elicited interviews and shared a total of 642 photographs of factors that influenced their food decisions. Following the interviews, the researchers documented their reflections which focused on (1) participants’ engagement with the online photo-elicitation and (2) practical aspects around participant consent and data safety. The participants in our study engaged well with the online photovoice method and shared a variety of photos which provided ample material to facilitate the conversations around their food environment and its impact on their food decisions. Our experiences can provide novel insights into using photovoice in a virtual environment and useful considerations around ethics and data collection for researchers who work with socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Photo-elicited interviews offer an engaging and flexible data collection technique that can highlight issues informing future priorities of healthcare policy.
How Person-Centred Is Cardiac Rehabilitation in England? Using Bourdieu to Explore Socio-Cultural Influences and Personalisation
Authors: Blackwell Joanna , Allen-Collinson Jacquelyn , Evans Adam , Henderson Hannah
Published: November 2023

The National Health Service (NHS) cardiac rehabilitation patient care pathway has remained largely unchanged for many years despite, on average, half of all eligible patients declining to engage. To investigate reasons for non-engagement, we explored the experiences of ten cardiac patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation, dropped out, or declined, as well as experiences of seven people deemed significant others by participants. Our ethnographic study involved participant observations, repeat in-depth semi-structured interviews, and reflexive journaling. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, focusing on participants’ lived experiences. Utilising Bourdieusian concepts of habitus, capital, and field, this article highlights how personal biography, material conditions, and dispositional inclinations combine to make cardiac health care decision-making individual and complex. Despite this, health professionals were not always attuned to specific circumstances arising from differences in patients’ experiences and lifeworlds. By considering service improvement recommendations that acknowledge socio-cultural influences, cardiac rehabilitation can work towards providing patients and their significant others with more appropriate, personalised, and person-centred support.
Prereferral Intervention for English Learners: Important Considerations
Authors: Marrs Heath , Garcia Nicholas J. , Berndt Mason D. , Ramirez Carlos
Published: November 2023

Providing appropriate academic evaluation and intervention services for English learners remains a challenging goal for school support teams. Understanding English language proficiency assessment and universal screening processes can help teams make better decisions when considering possible continued intervention or referral for a comprehensive special education evaluation. This article will help school teams understand what information they should consider when determining whether to begin or continue an academic intervention or refer a student for a special education evaluation.