bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of high SiC ratio on the physical, mechanical, tribological and corrosion behavior of Al2024 alloy matrix composites fabricated by powder metallurgy
Authors: Beder Murat , Varol Temel , Akçay Serhatcan Berk , Çuvalcı Hamdullah , Erdemir Fatih , Khan M Adam , Yıldız Uğur Temel
Published: January 2025

Reinforcing materials used in the production of metal matrix composites are used to improve the properties of the final composite. However, the compatibility between matrix and reinforcement and the reinforcement ratio directly affects the properties of the composite material. For this reason, low reinforcement ratios are preferred in many studies on ceramic particle reinforced composites. Unlike conventional studies, in this study, the effects of 10 wt%, 20 wt% and 40 wt% SiC content on the microstructure, dry wear properties and corrosion properties of Al2024 matrix composites were investigated. θ phase content became higher as the SiC content was increased. Hardness values increased with increasing SiC reinforcement. The highest value (307.68 HB) was obtained for the composite with 40 wt% SiC reinforcement, an increase of more than 100%. A decrease in volume loss with increasing SiC reinforcement was observed in the friction and wear tests. For 5 N of load and 1200 m of sliding distance, it was found that an addition of 40 wt% of SiC particles in Al2024 matrix results decrease in volume loss by almost 722%.
Imaging Brain Networks: Insights into Mechanisms of Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Zhao R. , Ye Z. , Lv X. , Li Z. , Xiong X.
Published: January 2025

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of craniomaxillofacial disorders mainly characterized by pain and motor dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and surrounding masticatory muscles. Clinically, patients with temporomandibular disorders often display central nervous system dysfunction, such as negative mood disorders, but the underlying cause remains unclear. Recent developments in neuroimaging techniques have facilitated new understanding. Notably, the triple network model consisting of the default mode network, the central executive network, and the salience network is of particular interest in this regard and may provide new insights into brain network alterations. Specifically, we observed that patients with temporomandibular disorders have abnormal activation of attention-related brain regions in the default mode network, which may be related to pain rumination. In addition, cortical atrophy and altered functional connectivity were found in regions related to the regulation of emotion and pain. In the central executive network, decreased activity and metabolism were seen in pain regulation regions, while abnormal activation occurred in regions associated with negative emotions. The salience network showed aberrant activation and metabolic changes in pain perception regions, and negative emotions were associated with an abnormal activation pattern. Potentially treatment-induced changes included a return to normal activity in attention and emotion regulation regions, suggesting that assessing activity in these networks may be used to evaluate treatment efficacy. Finally, this review highlights current dilemmas and future opportunities for the field in terms of research cohorts, methods, scope, and analytical techniques. Further exploration is necessary to realize a better understanding of the neuropathophysiology of temporomandibular disorders and ultimately more effective treatments.
Dropout and Retention Among School Children in the Context of the Mid-Day Meal Programme in India
Authors: Gharge Shivani , Unisa Sayeed
Published: January 2025

This study examines the effect of the world’s largest school-feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, on dropout and retention among schoolchildren in India. Data from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) Rounds 1 (2004–05) and 2 (2011–12) were used. The sample included individual-level information on schoolchildren aged 5–10 years in IHDS-1 who turned 12–17 years in IHDS-2. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis was used to examine school dropout and retention rates by MDM consumption patterns and factors associated with them among schoolchildren. The findings suggest that schoolchildren having MDM support in their younger years had a lower dropout rate. Participants who received early and persistent MDM support were more likely to be retained in school. Participants residing in urban areas or living farther from school were more likely to drop out, while those receiving scholarships were associated with higher retention in school.

JEL Codes: H52, I21, I22, I28, Q18
Presidential Speeches in Chile (1832–2021): A Methodological Approach
Authors: Arellano Juan Carlos , Izumi Mauricio , Martínez N. Christopher
Published: January 2025

In many countries, presidents offer annual addresses to their respective legislatures or citizens. These speeches serve as a platform for leaders to communicate their vision, achievements, and priorities. Presidential speeches are key instruments of political power, serving as tools for agenda-setting and public engagement. However, studies on presidential rhetoric are often limited by traditional methodologies that focus on specific leaders or short periods. This article addresses these limitations by applying Latent Dirichlet Allocation to analyze Chilean presidential speeches from 1832 to 2021, uncovering thematic patterns and their evolution over nearly two centuries. Chile’s case, with its stable democratic tradition and rich history of presidential messages, demonstrates Latent Dirichlet Allocation’s utility for comprehensive, long-term discourse analysis. Our findings highlight Latent Dirichlet Allocation’s effectiveness in capturing thematic shifts that reflect broader socio-political changes, showcasing its potential for studying executive speeches across various political systems. This methodology bridges computational analysis and qualitative inquiry, offering a replicable framework for comparative research. We conclude by discussing its broader implications for future studies on political communication and cross-national analysis.
Discomforting consolations: Death and dying in the Psalter
Authors: DeLoach C. Gregory
Published: January 2025

This article explores what the Psalms say about death and dying, as it relates to the themes of impermanence, nothingness, and darkness. These Psalms are a blunt rejection of death-denying contemporary mores and customs. As a pastor, I found the Psalms of death and dying, though at times discomforting, faithful companions alongside those who needed validation for their own entanglements with mortality and life’s fragility.
I am finite, faulty, and frail, just as you made me: Scrupulosity and an unhealthy image of God
Authors: Biddle Mark E.
Published: January 2025

Against the background of the majority voice in the Hebrew Bible, especially the Psalter, regarding the comforting significance of God’s attention to even the minutiae of an individual’s life and its implications regarding God’s expectation of devotion in every aspect of life, Ps 39:13 [14 Heb] and a handful of texts in Job stand out. They contemplate the specter of an overwhelmingly demanding, perfectionist deity, a God whose tender attention transmogrifies into a probing gaze, even a condemning glare. In so doing, these texts raise the question, not so much of God’s character as God reveals God’s self, but of the destructive power of a distorted image of God.
Textile laundering and body odor: a comprehensive review
Authors: Waqar Sania , Shaid Abu , Michielsen Stephen , Wen Cuie , Wang Lijing
Published: January 2025

Textile laundering is an energy-consuming and environmentally challenging process. This paper reviews the reasons for the necessity of textile laundering and its relation to odor, and alternative strategies to reduce garment washing frequency. The paper also discusses at length the various sources of odors and types of odor management techniques. It explores the current odor evaluation standards and processes, and further debates the challenges in odor management technologies in textiles.
Subverting speculative urbanism: Cityscape in New York 2140
Authors: Taskale Ali Riza
Published: January 2025

This article is divided into two parts. The first part foregrounds the logic of contemporary financial capitalism, emphasising the increasing role of ‘speculative urbanism’ in urban transformation. While the literature on the ‘financialisation of the city’ often highlights the commodity as the paradigmatic social form in urban settings, I argue that this perspective no longer fully captures the dynamics of contemporary capitalism. The second part contends that urban studies can significantly benefit from engaging with speculative fiction. Through its imaginative and projective capacities, speculative fiction mirrors empirical social and technological trends, while also illuminating the logical and structural relationship between speculative financialisation and urbanisation. Analysing Kim Stanley Robinson’s New York 2140, the article demonstrates how the novel helps us understand the devastation caused by financial capital, while also presenting a city where people engage in horizontal forms of resistance against speculative urbanism. Ultimately, the article proposes that for urban studies to develop a pertinent theory of futures in the 21st century, it must engage deeply with the mechanisms of speculative financial capitalism and incorporate the critical potential of speculative fiction to analyse and understand speculation as a key aspect of financial capitalism, while uncovering suppressed contradictions and potentialities.
Association of Hospital Consolidation with Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Graff Justin , Ayub Mahnoor , Prabakaran Prashanth , Keelan Brendan , Cramer John D.
Published: January 2025

Hospital mergers have increased significantly since 2010, driven by factors such as healthcare policy changes, reimbursement, economies of scale, and quality improvement goals. However, limited evidence exists about how these mergers affect the quality of care and cancer outcomes. We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis to assess the impact of hospital consolidation on cancer outcomes. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we identified cancer patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2016, then used the Health Cost Institute’s Healthy Marketplace Index to assess hospital consolidation as measured by the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI). The HHI is a measure of market concentration and competition between firms in a given industry. We found that increases in hospital consolidation were associated with a higher likelihood of early-stage cancer diagnosis compared to control areas (−1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.3 to 0.0%), and improved overall survival (hazard ratio 0.94, CI 0.90-0.98). These improvements were restricted to cancers with screening recommendations. Our study suggests that hospital consolidation may have some benefits for cancer patients. However, these benefits may not be evenly distributed across all cancer types. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms by which hospital consolidation affects cancer outcomes.
Beyond Visual Appeal: The Impact of Multisensory Experience of Hotel Marketing and Review Images on Sales
Authors: Sun Haoqiang , Xu Haozhe , Sun Shaolong , Li Hengyun , Wang Shouyang
Published: January 2025

Images, with their direct content experience, have become essential in tourists’ narratives of accommodation sharing. Although visual content plays an important role in influencing user decisions, research on hotel images often neglects the significance of sensory elements. Sensory elements in visual content help shape tourists’ perceptions and evaluations of their accommodation experiences. This study explores how sensory elements in marketing and review images affect hotel sales from a sensory perspective. The research employs a combination of hybrid machine vision and econometric methods to examine how visual, tactile, auditory, and smell elements influence hotel sales. These results reveal the relationship among sensory elements in marketing and review images, their discrepancies, and hotel sales. The primary theoretical significance of this study is in analyzing how sensory elements in image content influence hotel sales, providing a unique sensory perspective for tourist decision-making and hotel marketing strategies.
Human Trafficking Tier Rankings: The Effects of Women in Government
Authors: DiRienzo Cassandra E. , Das Jayoti
Published: January 2025

Human trafficking is the fastest growing international criminal industry, which disproportionately affects women and children. To monitor the crime, the U.S. Department of State places each country into one of four tiers based on governmental anti-trafficking efforts. This study explores how women in government can influence these efforts. It is hypothesised that women serving in government have two effects—a direct and indirect effect—on a country’s tier ranking. The direct effect is defined as female politicians advocating for anti-trafficking policy. Female politicians are also linked to lower corruption, which indirectly serves to enhance anti-trafficking efforts. The analysis results indicate that the direct effect is identified when women in government are measured as female political power representation but is not found when women in government are measured as simply female political representation. The indirect effect is found in both cases.
The persona of the physician in the early German Enlightenment: An analysis of the mediation of epistemic strategies in medical textbooks and advice literature
Authors: Rydberg Andreas
Published: January 2025

This article uses medical textbooks and advice literature to analyze the persona of the physician in the early German Enlightenment. The article pursues three lines of argument. First, it uses medical textbooks to situate the physician in the context of early modern observational life, focusing in particular on epistemic virtues, techniques, and technologies for conducting and documenting observations. Second, it introduces the concept of epistemic advantage to analyze the ways in which medical advice literature – ranging from ideal accounts of the political physician to satirical portrayals of the Machiavellian physician – mediated strategies for using medical knowledge to shape people’s conceptions of disease as well as of the physician as a medical authority. Third, it launches the concept epistemic contestation to capture situations of distrust and dispute, in which the physician’s authority was challenged both by patients and by other medical practitioners. Such mediation of epistemic virtues, techniques, technologies, and strategies in medical textbooks and advice literature must be understood in relation to an emerging media landscape that fundamentally affected the conditions for cultivating and performing a medical persona. By adopting this comprehensive approach to medical personhood, the article appeals to readers interested in early modern and Enlightenment medicine as well as those concerned with the broader intersections of medical persona, authority, power, and knowledge.
Parental Style, Grandchild Problematic Behaviors, and Parental Role Demands Among Grandparent Caregivers
Authors: Hayslip Bert , Rodriguez Julian Montoro , Fassi Janelle
Published: January 2025

The present study evaluates the impact of grandchild distress on parental competence as mediated by Baumrind's parental styles in a sample of 238 custodial grandparents ( M age = 58.06). AMOS structural equation findings yielded a model which indicated that both the Laissez-Faire and Authoritarian styles each predicted role stress and/or parental efficacy. Laissez-Faire's mediating role was defined by its link to the grandparent age—internalizing/externalizing behaviors relationship in predicting parental efficacy ( beta = −.54, p < .05) and parental role stress ( beta = .36, p < .05). The Authoritarian style's mediating role was driven by child externalizing behaviors ( beta = .22, p < .05), where Authoritarian styles in turn predicted ( beta = .21, p < .05) parental efficacy. The Authoritative style did not emerge as mediational in nature. These findings illuminate the role of parental styles as explanatory factors in understanding the parental challenges that grandparents face in raising their grandchildren.
Portable Video Otoscope for Intra-Tympanic Dexamethasone in ISSNHL Treatment: A Promising Method
Authors: Tian Ruru , Ding Jinv , Jiang Jianhua
Published: January 2025

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of portable ear endoscopic tympanic injection versus conventional ear endoscopic tympanic injection in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Methods: Clinical data of 128 patients with ISSNHL who did not respond to conventional treatment were collected from January 2019 to June 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 60) received portable ear endoscopic tympanic injection, while Group 2 (n = 68) received conventional ear endoscopic tympanic injection. The hearing improvement and total effective rate were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Both groups showed significant hearing improvement after treatment ( P < .001). The total effective rate of the portable ear endoscopy group was higher than that of the conventional endoscopy group (71.67% vs 50.00%, P = .012). However, there was no significant difference in treatment effect between the 2 groups for patients with different degrees of hearing impairment. Conclusion: Both methods demonstrated efficacy in treating ISSNHL with dexamethasone tympanic injection. Portable ear endoscopy offers advantages such as convenience, high patient compliance, and potentially higher efficacy. It is beneficial for teaching and suitable for beginners, and its clinical application can be promoted.
NUT Carcinoma of the Ethmoid Sinus: A Rare Case Report Highlighting Aggressive Behavior and Management Challenges
Authors: Chen Tzu-Pai , Hsu Heng-Jui
Published: January 2025

NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive malignancy characterized by chromosomal rearrangements involving the NUTM1 gene. We present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of hypertension, diagnosed with NUT carcinoma originating in the ethmoid sinus and accompanied by extensive neck metastases. The patient underwent a left modified radical neck dissection and endoscopic nasal tumor excision, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Pathological examination confirmed NUT carcinoma with metastatic cancer cells in 41 out of 72 lymph nodes of left neck, along with extranodal extension. The patient remained alive at the 4-month follow-up. This case highlights the importance of early identification and including NUT carcinoma in the differential diagnosis to optimize treatment outcomes.
A Case of Kimura Disease in the Left Postauricular and Neck Region
Authors: Gao Yinghui , Yan Hao , Zhong Yuan
Published: January 2025

This case involved a 21-year-old male patient who was admitted due to having a lump behind the left ear that had been present for 2 years and had gradually increased in size for over a year. This was accompanied by palpable hard masses on the same side of the neck. Laboratory tests indicated an elevated eosinophil count, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the “string-of-beads” sign in the left cervical lymph nodes. Fine-needle aspiration cytology prior to surgery revealed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophils. Ultimately, surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of Kimura’s disease. Following glucocorticoid treatment, the patient was monitored, and no new masses were detected during 7-months follow-up period.
Under the Hood: Detroit Three Bargaining and Intra-Union Tensions in Canada
Authors: Savage Larry , Gray Paul Christopher
Published: January 2025

Despite achieving substantial contract gains, including significant wage increases, the 2023 pattern agreement reached between Unifor—Canada’s largest private sector union—and Detroit Three automakers was met with mixed reactions from union members, with particularly low support from skilled trades and more senior members. This study reveals how intra-union dynamics were shaped by shifting socioeconomic conditions, comparisons with the United Auto Workers, differences between production and skilled trades members, generational tensions, and leadership conflicts intertwined with strike dynamics. These factors influenced bargaining expectations and union strategy. The findings suggest that intra-union tensions weakened member solidarity and support for the historically strong pattern agreement, highlighting the complex interplay between external pressures and internal union dynamics in collective bargaining.
Liberating Silence: Sociological Explorations
Authors: Čapek Stella M. , Ruiz-Junco Natalia
Published: January 2025

Past sociological scholarship has narrowly considered silence, with a few exceptions. This paper considers neglected aspects of silence in sociology, focusing on its positive, liberating dimensions. After a review of multidisciplinary research on the subject, we theorize silence sociologically, linking “spaciousness” with George Herbert Mead’s concept of a meaningful pause between stimulus and response. We provide a critique of social conditions that stand in the way of a freely chosen and accessible capacity to be silent. We draw in part on our experiential and research knowledge of forms of meditation to illustrate our argument. We discuss increasing silence commodification in global capitalism and introduce the notion of sensory exploitation. Next, we offer a few suggestions for the social design of silence. In the spirit of public sociology, this partial blueprint contributes to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive society. The conclusion contemplates several potential critiques of our perspective and articulates a response.
Sorella’s Story: Holocaust awareness among generations, through technology and empathy
Authors: Borges Jelinic Ana , Hegedus Peter , Marchetti Elena , Dionysius Bobbi-Lea
Published: January 2025

In 2022, Sorella’s Story was launched at the Venice International Film Festival using 360 immersive technologies with the intention to enable empathic responses from viewers as they witnessed the story of a group of Latvian women and a 10-year-old child, Sorella, in their last moments before being killed by Nazi troops and their Latvian collaborators during World War II. This article presents findings of an empathy survey that was completed by viewers of the film at the Venice International Film Festival, the Brisbane International Film Festival and during orientation week at Australia’s largest film schools: the Griffith Film School. The survey was administered to determine whether using 360 immersive storytelling for a film about the Holocaust triggered empathic responses, and if there were different empathic responses in viewers of different ages. Findings indicate that all age groups responded empathically to the experience confirming 360 immersive technologies’ empathy eliciting capacities. Older people scored significantly higher than younger people on empathic responses, indicating the need for more research on generational differences.
Critical Incident Stress in Healthcare Education: An Integrative Review
Authors: Kunkle Rachel , Poppert Cordts Katrina M. , Walters Lisa , Hanish Alyson E.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Healthcare professionals’ repeated exposure to critical incidents can cause various physical and psychological symptoms with potentially severe personal and professional consequences. Healthcare students’ exposure to critical incidents begins during their clinical education. Despite known consequences, healthcare education has yet to implement a standardized approach for preparing students for critical incidents. Critical incident stress management, one identified program, has been utilized in healthcare organizations. However, formal critical incident stress management programs may not be appropriate for healthcare education with requirements to educate students on the clinical knowledge, skills, and judgment needed during critical incidents.

Purpose:

The purpose of this review was to determine the state of the science related to critical incident stress in the context of healthcare education.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted, and peer-reviewed articles were included.

Results:

Four articles were identified for inclusion, signaling a need for more research on critical incident stress in healthcare education.

Conclusions:

The available literature suggests that students are impacted by critical incident stress. The studies in this review did not incorporate critical incident stress or components of critical incident stress management programs into their overall curricula or educational programs. The studies did demonstrate that students may be positively or negatively influenced by critical incident stress. Critical incident stress programs are not widely incorporated into healthcare education; however, it has been demonstrated that a standardized approach to preparing and supporting students is needed. Future studies need to determine if critical incident stress should be integrated into healthcare education and the outcomes.
Flowing With the Syntax: The Influence of Taoism on Syntactic Priming Effects
Authors: Li Heng
Published: January 2025

Syntactic priming is a linguistic phenomenon where the exposure to a specific grammatical structure increases the likelihood that the same structure will be used in subsequent language production. Previous research has shown that these syntactic processes are influenced by a broad range of linguistic, cognitive, and social factors. In the present research, we focused on the role of religious systems in shaping syntactic priming in dialog. Based on the observation that the Taoist concept of “moving with flow” encourages individuals to adapt to the natural flow of life and circumstances, we hypothesized that Taoists might modify their syntactic choices to foster better connections with their interlocutors. We conducted two studies to test our theoretical perspective. As predicted, Study 1 found that Taoists were more likely to mirror the syntax used by their interlocutors in dialog than their atheist counterparts. In Study 2, we compared the magnitude of syntactic priming effects between Taoists and Buddhists. The results showed that Taoists demonstrated a stronger preference for using the same syntactic structure as their conversational partners than Buddhists. In sum, our findings provide the first empirical evidence that beliefs and values associated with religious systems exert a significant influence on syntactic priming effects.
Test score validity periods for high-stakes language tests: Applications in higher education and medical sectors
Authors: Bruce Emma , Dunn Karen , Clark Tony
Published: January 2025

Several high-stakes English proficiency tests including but not limited to IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT recommend a 2-year time limit on validity for score usage. Although this timeframe provides a useful rule-of-thumb for the recency of testing, it can have far-reaching consequences. In response to stakeholder queries around IELTS validity period recommendations, researchers from the British Council and Cambridge University Press & Assessment reviewed current practice and collated evidence around how this recommendation is applied and understood by test score users. Accordingly, this report systematically compares policies in five countries and two sectors (higher education and medical regulators). An analysis of policy documentation was conducted for 90 universities and 18 regulators, alongside in-depth interviews ( n = 9) with UK stakeholders. Findings indicate the 2-year recommendation is overwhelmingly the norm. Interviewees saw value in the current approach, although they were often not aware that this period is recommended rather than a rule. The intention of this paper is neither to support nor to refute the 2-year recommendation but to inform decision-making and communication from test providers. A call is made for further research focusing on two key areas: the relevance and application of validity periods among practitioners, plus increased empirical insights upon which such recommended timeframes can be more robustly grounded.
The impact of AI-driven music production software on the economics of the music industry
Authors: Li Sinan
Published: January 2025

The present study aims to determine the impact of AI technology on music composition production and the economic aspect of the music industry, specifically profitability. Two Chinese labels were investigated. Profitability was measured before and after intervention (the experimental group operated with varying degrees of AI involvement). The involvement of AI in creating musical compositions positively affected profitability. The control group received an average income of 2710 yuan. The experimental group utilizing AI received an average income of 7654 yuan. Among the compositions of the experimental group, 9 out of 12 were selected by the client, of which 4 received high ratings. The results were statistically significant at the level of p = 0.000. Compositions with a moderate level of AI involvement yielded the highest profitability, emphasizing the importance of harmonious collaboration between humans and technology. The study demonstrated the prospects and advantages of integrating generative AI tools into the music industry.
Influence of pulsed magneto oscillation treatment on eutectic nucleation kinetics of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys
Authors: Dang B , Liu HN , Jian ZY , Xu JF
Published: January 2025

The eutectic nucleation kinetics of Al-25%Si alloys was investigated under pulsed magneto oscillation treatment using differential scanning calorimeter. In the eutectic melting of untreated and treated Al-25%Si alloys, the onset temperature remains roughly constant, and both the peak and end temperatures increase with increased heating rate. In the eutectic solidification, the onset temperature of two alloys remains roughly constant, and both the peak and end temperatures decrease with increased cooling rate. The activation energy and nucleation energy of the treated Al-25%Si alloy decrease, but the eutectic nucleation rate increases. Based on PMO treatment refinement mechanism and eutectic structure analysis, the eutectic structure of Al-25%Si alloys is refined with the decreased size and increased area fraction of primary silicon.
Perioperative infarction during coronary bypass surgery: an attempt to refine the diagnostic criteria using data from a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Niclauss Lars , Roulet Liam-Kani , Tozzi Piergiorgio , Dulguerov Filip , Gunga Ziyad , Nowacka Anna , Kirsch Matthias
Published: January 2025

Objective

The definition of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)-associated myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial because the postoperative increases in cardiac enzyme activities are multifactorial in origin.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case–control study of patients who experienced perioperative MI (cardiac enzyme release, electrocardiographic changes, dysfunction on echocardiography) and those without ischemia to identify risk factors and enzyme activity thresholds.

Results

The estimated incidence of CABG-associated MI was 2.8%. The risk factors were a family history of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio (OR) 2.8), tobacco abuse (OR 3.8), recent MI (OR 3.6), and triple-vessel disease (OR 2.8). The MI group showed higher mortality (OR 2.3), prolonged intubation (OR 3.1), and a prolonged stay in intensive care (OR 4.3). The type 5 MI threshold (10 times the upper limit of the reference range (URL)) was exceeded in 88.4% (troponin I) and 96% (high-sensitivity troponin T; hs-cTnT) of patients without ischemia.

Conclusions

The frequent exceeding of conventional MI-indicating thresholds in patients without ischemia indicates their low specificity. An enzyme activity increase alone is of limited diagnostic value for perioperative MI, which is associated with greater mortality. Finally, the use of a higher threshold for hs-cTnT (>45 × URL) may increase its specificity for graft failure.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes Toward Precision Orthodontics Among Orthodontists in India
Authors: Mishra Gyanda , Verma Shubhnita , G Pradeep Raj , Sowmya Jangam , Chitra Prasad
Published: January 2025

Background

Precision Orthodontics (PO) is a revolutionary concept that incorporates genetics into orthodontic practice. While many medical fields have adopted new genomic technologies, dentistry, particularly orthodontics, has been slower to adapt. PO involves the utilization of customized equipment and precise force delivery, coupled with the integration of genetic and proteomic data, to enhance the individualization of orthodontic therapies. With the emergence of precision medicine in healthcare, understanding the adoption and perception of PO is crucial in shaping the future of orthodontic practice.

Objective

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the current state of knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward PO among orthodontists in India.

Methods

A questionnaire-based survey was developed which was distributed online to orthodontists across India. The survey comprised three sections focusing on knowledge, awareness, and attitudes related to PO. The survey received 391 responses, representing 41.2% of the orthodontists surveyed.

Results

While 72.3% of surveyed orthodontists demonstrated awareness of PO, only 32% correctly defined it, revealing a notable knowledge gap. Furthermore, 66% of the respondents admitted a lack of knowledge regarding genomic concepts. Despite these gaps, a remarkably positive attitude was observed among orthodontists, with 98% expressing openness to adopting precision approaches.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for targeted education in genomics for orthodontists to bridge knowledge gaps. To facilitate the integration of PO into routine practice, specific education and training may be required. The positive attitudes and willingness to embrace PO indicate a promising trajectory for its adoption, potentially enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
Forced convection between parallel plates with third kind boundary condition: An asymptotic solution
Authors: Rosales-Vera Marco , Muñoz Christian , Shen Han
Published: January 2025

An asymptotic analysis to the Cartesian Graetz problem with third-kind boundary conditions is carried out, the temperature profile is calculated for small values of the Biot number. The analysis is performed using asymptotic matching and shows that there are two scales for the axial coordinate, which allows us to find an analytical expression for the temperature field along the channel. This expression can be easily applied in thermal engineering applications.
Effects of polymyxin B haemoperfusion on septic shock caused by Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Tanaka Soichi , Haruna Junpei , Kazuma Satoshi , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Masuda Yoshiki
Published: January 2025

Polymyxin B haemoperfusion is commonly used to adsorb endotoxins in septic shock caused by Gram-negative bacterial infections. Polymyxin B haemoperfusion has been reported to improve hypotension in Gram-positive bacterial infections; however, its efficacy and mechanism in treating such cases are unclear. We hypothesised that polymyxin B haemoperfusion would be equally effective in improving haemodynamics during Gram-positive bacterial infections as in Gram-negative bacterial infections. We conducted a retrospective study that included patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit. The patients were divided into two groups according to bacterial culture results: Gram-negative rod (GNR) and Gram-positive coccus (GPC). We calculated the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) before (0 h) and 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after polymyxin B haemoperfusion therapy. Data were analysed using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests for the associations between infection type and treatment time. Overall, 157 patients with septic shock were enrolled in the study: 81 and 76 patients were treated or not treated with extracorporeal haemoperfusion therapy, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in the VIS in polymyxin B haemoperfusion between patients with GNR and GPC infections, there was a significant decrease in the VIS over time, even when GPC was the causative organism. In addition, the degree of reduction in the VIS was significantly different in both the GNR and GPC groups compared with that in the non-extracorporeally treated group. Thus, polymyxin B haemoperfusion for septic shock caused by GNR reduced the VIS and could be effective even in cases of GPC infection.
The Bruck inhaler: An ether inhaler misattributed to Ludwig Bruck, an Australian medical publisher and supplier of medical equipment
Authors: Haridas Rajesh P , Cooper Michael G , Kennedy Andrew J
Published: January 2025

The acquisition of an early ether inhaler stimulated research into several inhalers classified as Bruck inhalers. Ludwig Hermann Bruck was a German migrant who arrived in Australia in 1873. He became a medical publisher, importer of medical instruments, and made unique contributions to early Australian medical publishing, most significantly as the first publisher of The Australasian Medical Gazette. He also published The Australian Medical Directory and Handbook which contained lists of unregistered medical practitioners and alternative therapists. In 1914, Bruck joined in business with Richard Thomson who had a company selling medical equipment to doctors and hospitals. During the First World War, both Bruck and Thomson were charged with trading with the enemy. Bruck committed suicide in August 1915 before the case was heard in court. We did not find any evidence that Bruck designed the inhaler later attributed to him. The Bruck inhaler is functionally similar to the Probyn-Williams inhaler and should therefore be regarded as a glass-domed version of this inhaler.
Tough Acts to Follow
Authors: Lowe Roslyn
Published: January 2025

Four Designers draw on Their Theater and Architectural Backgrounds To Light The Nation's Landmarks and Historical Treasures
In Defense of Ips
Authors: Rea Mark S. , Bullough John D.
Published: January 2025

GRANTED, LOW PRESSURE SODIUM IS A MONOCHROMATIC SOURCE AND IS OFTEN REJECTED FOR ITS DEFICIENCY IN SUPPORTING color. But DESIGNERS SHOULD TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT WHAT ELSE IT HAS TO OFFER
Leds for General Illumination: A Call for Standards
Authors: Newbold Ron
Published: January 2025

While it's not quite the ‘Wild West,’ the LED landscape has been characterized by a lack of standards regarding product performance. If LEDs are to gain widespread acceptance, that must change
Where the Steaks are High
Authors: Falzano Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Layers of light help define the architecture and lure in patrons at Atlantic City's Bobby Flay Steak
Streetwise Hbo
Authors: Barr Vilma
Published: January 2025

Part theater, part television, part retail, the compact HBO store in Manhattan integrates lighting with synchronized audio and visuals
Second Takes the Lead
Authors: Hall Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

A forerunner in implementing wirelessly controlled LED technology, Los Angeles's street lighting program is second in size only
Justice in the Balance
Authors: Hall Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

At the Durham Consolidated Courthouse, designers took a measured approach to lighting-saving watts in some areas and splurging in others
Auto Zone
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

A subtle symbol conveys a city's heritage at the Microsoft Technology Center
Lost in Space
Authors: Hall Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

On the walls, floor and ceiling, LEDs create an intergalactic adventure at the Adler Planetarium's new theater
Twists and Turns toward LEDs
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

An about-face by the client paved the way for LED site lighting at a new Volkswagen manufacturing plant
Fade to Black
Authors: Oty Craig
Published: January 2025

As the years go by, LED streetlights may conjure up memories of a summer sky gently transitioning to night. But is that a good thing?
Three Stories Up
Authors: Ventimiglia Diana
Published: January 2025

Luxury cars and fine dining mingle at Vintana
Research: Relamping Retail
Authors: Siminovitch Michael , Crelly Amy , Sills Kyle
Published: January 2025

Directional LED replacement lamps could be on the verge of making big gains in retail environments, but the challenge is getting buy-in from store owners
Lightened Up
Authors: Falzano Rebecca
Published: January 2025

A fresh new office design for a Denver law firm dispenses with precedent
Model Office
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

P2S Engineering's revamped office space has something to show off to any type of client. And guess what? The staff likes it, too
Eyes on the Road
Authors: Graeber Nicole , Papamichael Konstantinos , Siminovitch Michael
Published: January 2025

Networked luminaires using occupancy sensors can ratchet up the energy savings for roadway lighting
Albert Bridge Stands Tall
Authors: Simpson Michael
Published: January 2025

Relighted bridge outshines its famous cousin
Insurance-Service-Oriented Maintenance Strategy of Rural Highway Slopes under Typhoon Disasters
Authors: Wang Yinfeng , Chen Dijiang , Ding Yong , Cao Zhibin , Liu Xiaoling
Published: January 2025

Rural highway slopes are characterized by poor resistance to natural disasters and low insurance coverage, which poses a significant challenge for insurance companies. This paper aims to construct an insurance-oriented rural highway slope maintenance decision-making framework to optimize the slope maintenance strategy and effectively reduce the insurance company’s claim costs. Based on the expectation theory, a set of flexible calculation methods for slope maintenance cost and post-disaster reconstruction cost is proposed. Combined with the probability of slope disaster occurrence, the corresponding maintenance decision-making scheme is formulated. Through the analysis of practical engineering cases in China, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified. The results show that, after calculating the maintenance strategy of 184 slopes, it is found that nine of the slopes are maintained before the typhoon disaster, and it is expected that claims costs can be saved of up to 44.5 million Chinese yuan. This study not only provides a new way to improve the income of insurance companies, but also provides theoretical support and practical guidance for disaster risk management of rural highway slopes.
Group treatment is favoured by Norwegian mental health leaders
Authors: Karterud Sigmund , Bjerke Synnøve Ness , Normann-Eide Tone , Ulland Audun
Published: January 2025

Group therapy is not always acclaimed by leaders of mental health services. Recently, a survey in Norway gave group treatment top ranking. The Institute of Group Analysis and Group Psychotherapy (IGA) is the main training institution for group psychotherapy and group analysis in Norway. In this article, a founding member of the Norwegian IGA (SK), an earlier (SNB) and the current head of education (AU) of IGA, and a clinical director of a current group therapy unit (TNE), reflect upon the historical and current reasons for the positive evaluation from mental health leaders. We point to five important factors: 1) the training policy of IGA; 2) an initial support from influential psychiatrists; 3) support from the Norwegian Day Hospital Network; 4) backing from productive research groups; and 5) the current organization of group therapy units in mental health centres. We regard these historical-structural-clinical processes as important to know about also for international colleagues who strive for public recognition of their training and practice.
“I Am Not Alone”: A Photovoice Exploration of Diabetes Self-Management for Older Persons in Rural Ontario, Canada
Authors: Duhn Lenora , Robertson Madison , Costa Idevania , Alvarado Beatriz , Paré Geneviève C. , Camargo-Plazas Pilar
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore diabetes self-management for older adults in rural Ontario.

Methods

Fourteen adults, 65 and older, with diabetes, participated in this study using a participatory, art-based approach involving photovoice and semi-structured interviews. Data underwent hermeneutic phenomenology analysis.

Findings

Four themes emerged, elucidating the lived experiences of participants managing diabetes in a rural context.

Discussion

This study underscores the challenges and strategies of diabetes self-management in rural older adults. A holistic approach, encompassing physical, emotional, and mental well-being, is pivotal, augmented by proactive lifestyle choices. Effective coordination in medication management and enhanced communication among health care providers emerged as essential. The unique role of pets illuminates their profound impact on participants’ activity levels and emotional fortitude, suggesting they can be vital assets in diabetes care. Collectively, these findings guide health professionals and policymakers in crafting nuanced, context-sensitive interventions to optimize diabetes management for older adults in rural contexts.
Development of a Nomogram and Risk Grouping System for Predicting 1-Year Overall Survival of Patients With Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors
Authors: Kang Xu , Zhou Yabing , Shen Fangjie , Feng Jiaqi , Wang Yunkun , Ma Jie , Qiang Qiang , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a kind of central nervous system malignant tumor in children. In this study, we aimed to develop a practically clinical nomogram and risk grouping system to predict 1-year overall survival for patients with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor.

Methods

The nomogram was constructed based on the pediatric tumor registry of Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Fifty-four information-integrated patients with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor were included from the database. Cox regression analyses were used to select independent prognostic factors. Based on the fitted multivariate Cox regression model, a nomogram of 1-year overall survival for atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor patients was generated. Moreover, the nomogram was validated by assessing its discrimination and calibration.

Results

In these patients, age at diagnosis, the extent of tumor resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were included in the multivariate Cox regression model. Based on this multivariate Cox regression model, a nomogram of 1-year overall survival for atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor patients was generated. The nomogram had good discrimination (the concordance index was 0.781) and calibration curves showed no deviation from reference lines. Decision curve analysis demonstrated this nomogram was useful for clinical practice. The risk grouping system was built based on nomogram-derived risk scores, which could classify patients into 3 risk groups. Compared with the low-risk group, the risk of 1-year death was significantly higher in the intermediate-risk group (hazard ratio = 1.42, 95%, confidence intervals = 0.49-4.11) and high-risk group (hazard ratio = 9.78, 95% confidence intervals = 3.53-27.1).

Conclusion

A nomogram and risk grouping system were built to predict for the 1-year overall survival of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor patients. The nomogram could facilitate a personalized prognostic evaluation for atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor patients and help medical practitioners make better treatment.