bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and Safety of Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for the Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects: A Real-World Data Analysis in Japan
Authors: Uchio Yuji , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niki Yasuo , Sugawara Katsura , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: October 2024

Background:

The effectiveness and safety of matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation with an autologous periosteal flap (pMACI) remain unclear. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare requires postmarketing surveillance of all patients undergoing pMACI using the tissue-engineered product JACC.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pMACI for large articular cartilage defects (≥4 cm2) in the knee joint using real-world data analysis.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Data were collected from patients who underwent pMACI between 2012 and 2019, with 2 years of follow-up. The primary outcomes were the Lysholm knee score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 6, 12, and 24 months. Adverse events were assessed by physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or arthroscopy.

Results:

Overall, 232 knees in 225 patients who presented with trauma (198 knees) or osteochondritis dissecans (34 knees) in the medial (132 knees) and lateral (44 knees) femoral condyle, patella (25 knees), trochlea (86 knees), and tibial plateau (4 knees) were included. The mean age of the patients was 40.9 ± 15.0 years, with mean cartilage defects of 5.6 ± 2.4 cm2 in size. Concomitant surgeries, such as osteotomy (50 knees), ligament reconstruction (27 knees), meniscal procedures (28 knees), osteochondral autograft transplantation (24 knees), and microfracture (14 knees), were performed in 113 (48.7%) knees. The minimal clinically important difference in the Lysholm knee score and KOOS Symptoms subscale was achieved in 79.7% and 63.5% of patients, respectively, and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State was achieved in 90.1% and 73.7%, respectively. Substantial clinical benefit was achieved in the KOOS Sports/Recreation and Quality of Life subscales at 39.6% and 37.8%, respectively. Knees that underwent concomitant microfracture had significantly worse KOOS values than the remainder of the cohort. Complications, including effusion (16.8%), graft delamination (14.7%), knee contracture (9.1%), graft hypertrophy (8.2%), and ossification (3.4%), were observed in 86 (37.1%) knees. Osteochondritis dissecans was significantly associated with graft hypertrophy and ossification, whereas concomitant surgery was significantly associated with delamination and contracture. Treatment failure required additional cartilage procedures in 11 (4.7%) knees.

Conclusion:

Treatment of large cartilage defects (≥4 cm2) with pMACI resulted in improved outcome scores in approximately 75% of patients. However, complications occurred in one-third of patients, and 4.7% required reoperation.
Assessment of age specific serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels for Indian population: A retrospective analysis at a tertiary healthcare facility
Authors: Jeena R Kudunthail , Gautam Ram Choudhary , Shiv Charan Navriya , Mahendra Singh , Arjun S Sandhu , Deepak Bhirud , Kartik Sharma , Kamla Kant Shukla , Srividhya Nandagopal
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key marker for prostate cancer screening, but its utility is debated, prompting exploration of PSA derivatives for improved accuracy. While racial variations in serum PSA levels are documented, limited data exists for the Indian population. Given increasing life expectancy and heightened awareness of prostate cancer, this study aims to establish age-specific PSA ranges in an Indian cohort, contributing vital insights for population-specific screening and diagnosis.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 4860 men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Data, collected from April 2016 to March 2023, included age, PSA levels, digital rectal examination (DRE), and biopsy results. Statistical analysis involved Spearman’s correlation, descriptive statistics, and confidence intervals.

Results:

Of the studied participants, 809 underwent prostatic biopsy, revealing malignancy in 500 cases. Age-specific PSA values were studied in 4170 subjects and showed positive correlation with increasing age and prostate size. Most cancers were metastatic (66%), emphasizing the need for early detection. Age-specific PSA ranges were lower in the Indian population compared to the West. This study’s Indian cohort exhibited higher PSA values than some previous Indian studies but lower than Western populations, aligning with global trends. The rising incidence of prostate cancer in India underscores the importance of understanding the disease burden.

Conclusion:

PSA levels exhibit race-specific variations, cautioning against direct extrapolation of Western data to the Indian population. This study contributes age-specific PSA ranges for an Indian cohort, facilitating nuanced prostate cancer screening strategies.
Take (part) or Toss? Applying a Job Demands-Resources Lens to Public Leaders’ Motivation to Engage in Leader Training
Authors: Backhaus Leonie
Published: October 2024

Although mechanisms taking place prior to a leader training (LT) itself seem crucial for its effectiveness, public leadership scholars have so far rarely studied this pre-training stage. Drawing on Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, this study aims to initiate this endeavor by identifying personal and job-related factors (i.e., resources and demands) that are linked to public leaders’ motivation to develop as a leader. Structural equation modeling reveals that predominantly public leaders’ self-efficacy, development needs perception and organizational support are crucial for their motivation to develop, which in turn is decisive for explaining public leaders’ willingness to participate in LT. This study theoretically contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying public LT and informs HR managers of potential levers to adequately support self-directed LT in public organizations.
Embodied Learning for Computational Thinking in a Mixed-Reality Context
Authors: Kwon Kyungbin , Brush Thomas A. , Kim Keunjae , Seo Minhwi
Published: October 2024

This study examined the effects of embodied learning experiences on students’ understanding of computational thinking (CT) concepts and their ability to solve CT problems. In a mixed-reality learning environment, students mapped CT concepts, such as sequencing and loops, onto their bodily movements. These movements were later applied to robot programming tasks, where students used the same CT concepts in a different modality. By explicitly connecting embodied actions with programming tasks, the intervention aimed to enhance students’ comprehension and transfer of CT skills. Forty-four first- and second-grade students participated in the study. The results showed significant improvements in students’ CT competency and positive attitudes toward CT. Additionally, an analysis of robot programming performance identified common errors and revealed how students employed embodied strategies to overcome challenges. The effects of embodied learning and the impact of embodied learning strategies were discussed.
Racialized Decoupling and Race-Neutral School Integration Policies From the Implementers’ Perspective
Authors: Fast Idit
Published: October 2024

Today’s school integration policies in the United States are often “race neutral.” Scholarship on these race-neutral school integration policies finds they do not change the racial and ethnic composition of schools or do so under very specific conditions. Yet, we know relatively little about the mechanisms explaining these outcomes. Building on 2 years of qualitative data collection in two public elementary schools in a New York City implementing a voluntary, race-neutral integration policy, I find school leaders experience a racialized decoupling of their commitment to racial equity from the policy’s race-neutral design, its choice-based design, and the implementation context. I show how school leaders navigated this decoupling and how it led to racialized outcomes. I contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms shaping the outcomes of race-neutral policies, a point of growing importance given recent Supreme Court decisions on higher education.
Influence of couple stress, radiation, and activation energy on MHD flow and entropy generation in Maxwell hybrid nanofluid flow over a flat plate
Authors: Kathyayani Gandrakota , Nagendra Rao Satuluri Satya
Published: October 2024

Countless engineering applications rely on heat and mass transportation technologies. Limitations in thermal conductivity and mass diffusivity are common in conventional fluids. Nanofluids, which are essentially base fluids with nanoparticles suspended in them, have superior thermal characteristics than base fluids without the nanoparticles. Maxwell hybrid nanofluids have the potential to improve mass and heat transport even further by combining the characteristics of two different types of nanoparticles. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow and heat transmission properties of a Maxwell hybrid nanofluid through a flat plate are investigated in this work. The novelty of this research lies in its exploration of the combined impressions of couple stress and activation energy on the flow behaviour. The equations governing the problem undergo transformation and are handled by means of the bvp4c solver. The vital discoveries disclose that the nanoparticle concentration and magnetic field strength act as opposing forces to fluid velocity. And also, it is detected that the friction coefficient rises by 2.68% as the value of volume fraction of copper nanoparticles ranges from 0 to 0.105. It is found that there is a decrement of 29.7% in the heat transmission rate when the values of Eckert number lie between 0 and 0.6. It is observed that the reaction rate and activation energy parameters play opposite roles against fluid concentration. It is discovered that the entropy generation increases with factors that enhance friction and heat dissipation (Maxwell and Brinkman parameters). The results show that the Sherwood number drops 4.4% when the activation energy parameter is set to values between 0 and 3.
Prediction of bone ingrowth into a porous novel hip-stem: A finite element analysis integrated with mechanoregulatory algorithm
Authors: Loha Tanmoy , Mukherjee Kaushik , Pal Bidyut
Published: October 2024

Bone ingrowth into a porous implant is necessary for its long-term fixation. Although attempts have been made to quantify the peri-implant bone growth using finite element (FE) analysis integrated with mechanoregulatory algorithms, bone ingrowth into a porous cellular hip stem has scarcely been investigated. Using a three-dimensional (3D) FE model and mechanobiology-based numerical framework, the objective of this study was to predict the spatial distribution of evolutionary bone ingrowth into an uncemented novel porous hip stem proposed earlier by the authors. A CT-based FE macromodel of the implant-bone structure was developed. The bone material properties were assigned based on CT grey value. Peak musculoskeletal loading conditions, corresponding to level walking and stair climbing, were applied. The geometry of the implant-bone macromodel was divided into multiple submodels. A suitable mapping framework was used to transfer maximum nodal displacements from the FE macromodel to the cut boundaries of the FE submodels. CT grey value-based bone materials properties were assigned to the submodels. Thereafter, the submodels were solved and simulations of bone ingrowth were carried out using mechanoregulatory principle. A gradual increase in the average Young’s modulus, from 1200 to 1500 MPa, of the bone tissue layer was observed considering all the submodels. The distal submodel exhibited 82% of bone ingrowth, whereas the proximal submodel experienced 65% bone ingrowth. Equilibrium in the bone ingrowth process was achieved in 7 weeks postoperatively, with a notable amount of bone ingrowth that should lead to biological fixation of the novel hip stem.
Ishāq bin Ali al-Ruhawi, a pioneer in medical professionalism in the 9th century AD
Authors: Ghezloo Sobhan , Bayatiani Mohamad Reza , Karimi Mehrdad
Published: October 2024

Professionalism and medical ethics, while similar, are often viewed in different contexts. An historical and social science analysis reveals that professionalism is a complex skill that can be developed over time. The key components of professionalism, as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, include accountability, altruism, compassion, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility. Throughout history, physicians have been concerned with medical ethics and professionalism. In the Golden Age of Islam, principles such as excellence, honour, integrity, accountability, and duty were important in shaping the professional behavior of physicians. Adab al-Tabib, an ancient work, by Ishāq bin Ali al-Ruhawi focuses on ethical guidelines and teachings related to medical ethics in the Islamic civilization. Many of the ethical issues in this book are of foremost importance as components of professionalism. However while the examples of medical ethics guidelines that pre-existed Adab al-Tabib such as the Hippocratic Oath, are not mentioned. As one of the first statutes of medical ethics in Islamic civilization, Ruhawi is a model for many doctors in the Golden Age of Islam, and over the years his principles have greatly influenced the professional view of physicians.
Book review: HBR’s 10 Must Reads: The Definitive Management Ideas of the Year from Harvard Business Review
Authors: Nair Sindhu Shantha , Smritika S. P.
Published: October 2024

HBR’s 10 Must Reads: The Definitive Management Ideas of the Year from Harvard Business Review. Harvard Business Review Press, Boston, Massachusetts, 2023, pp. 187, US$24.95, ISBN: 9781647824556.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Mannose Sensitive Hemagglutinin-based Treatment Strategy for Liver Cancer
Authors: Li Lan , Yin Lina , Shi Jia , Zheng Li , Min Liu , Wu Xiaoling
Published: October 2024

Background

Although it does not represent a threat to healthy humans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of aerobic, gram-negative bacteria that can cause catastrophic infections in patients with immune system abnormalities and cystic fibrosis.

Objectives

The current study investigated the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mannose sensitive hemagglutinin (PA-MSHA) on liver cancer cell viability, colony formation, and invasion potential, and explored the underlying mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Proliferation potential and clonogenic survival of the cells were studied using MTT and colony formation assays, respectively. Transwell and Western blotting assays were used for the assessment of invasive potential and protein expression, respectively.

Results

The results revealed that exposure to PA-MSHA led to a time-dependent suppression in HepG2 and HEP3B cell proliferation. Incubation with PA-MSHA decreased HepG2 cell proliferation to 92%, 75%, 50%, 35%, and 20%, respectively, after 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours. Similarly, incubation for 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours reduced the proliferation of HEP3B cells to 94%, 79%, 55%, 41%, and 26%, respectively. The rate of clonogenic survival was significantly lower in HepG2 and HEP3B cells on incubation with PA-MSHA. The cell invasion potential was also significantly reduced on incubation with PA-MSHA. In HepG2 cells, incubation with PA-MSHA significantly reduced the expression of Bcl-2 (26 kDa) protein and promoted Bax (21 kDa) level. Following incubation with PA-MSHA, HepG2 cells showed higher cleaved caspase-3 level compared to the control cells. Compared to control cells, the PA-MSHA incubation of HepG2 cells resulted in a prominent reduction in Notch3 protein expression.

Conclusion

In summary, PA-MSHA treatment prevents liver cancer cell proliferation and targets the survival of clonogenic cells. It reduces invasiveness, targets Notch3 protein expression in liver cancer cells, and increases the level of proapoptotic and suppresses antiapoptotic protein expression. Therefore, PA-MSHA shows encouraging anticancer effects on HepG2 and HEP3B cancer cells, suggesting that it could be developed as a viable treatment option for liver cancer.
The Court of Justice in Staatsanwaltschaft Berlin v. M.N. (EncroChat): From cross-border, data-driven police investigations to evidence admissibility
Authors: Sachoulidou Athina
Published: October 2024

The ruling of the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) in Case C-670/22 Staatsanwaltschaft Berlin v. M.N. addresses the realities of data-driven police investigations in the light of the Directive 2014/41/EU on the European Investigation Order (EIO Directive). In particular, it examines the cross-border, digital investigation of the encrypted communication network EncroChat and the use and sharing of intercepted telecommunication data in criminal proceedings. In doing so, the CJEU offers clarifications as to the interpretation of the term ‘issuing authority’ under the EIO Directive and the proportionality requirements for issuing an EIO, taking into account its prior jurisprudence on the implications of access to traffic and location data for the private life of the persons concerned. More importantly, this CJEU ruling takes a stand on admissibility of intercepted data as evidence in criminal proceedings, considering the technical complexity of contemporary investigation measures and the secrecy of said police methods. Overall, although this judgment seems to hold no great surprises regarding the interpretation of the EIO Directive's provisions, it underscores the important role of the national legislator and national courts in striking the right balance between rearing the rewards of data-driven policing and safeguarding defence rights.
Using surveys in realist evaluation
Authors: Westhorp Gill , Feeny Simon
Published: October 2024

Realist evaluation is a theory-based approach to evaluation which examines what works in what respects and to what extent, for whom, in what contexts and how. It focuses on identifying underlying mechanisms which cause outcomes and the contextual factors necessary for their operation. Despite realist evaluation being ‘agnostic’ about methods, qualitative approaches have been heavily favoured in practice. This paper argues that the use of surveys can considerably strengthen standard approaches to realist analysis while still being consistent with the philosophical underpinnings of realist evaluation. It provides examples drawn from various research and evaluation projects. The paper demonstrates that when program theory is well-developed, quantitative data collected through surveys can be used to examine all three elements of realist hypothesis testing: contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. The paper concludes with five principles for the design and analysis of survey data in realist evaluations.
Performance of 5 commercial ELISA kits for the detection of antibody to bovine leukemia virus
Authors: Milićević Vesna , Glišić Dimitrije , Veljović Ljubiša , Zurovac Sapundžić Zorana , Šolaja Sofija , Jezdimirović Nemanja
Published: October 2024

To prevent significant economic losses, some countries have successfully eradicated enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), which is caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection. In Serbia, efforts to eliminate EBL commenced in the late 1990s. Recognizing the disparities in test selection among laboratories and variations in quality, we evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of commercial ELISAs using field samples in Serbia. Using 5 commercial ELISA kits, we tested 138 cattle serum samples, submitted for confirmatory testing between 2020 and 2023, along with 100 serum samples from BLV-negative herds. We found 100% agreement of the ID Screen BLV Competition (IDvet), Svanovir BLV gp51-Ab (Svanova), and INgezim BLV Compac 2.0 (Ingenasa) ELISAs. We observed 93% agreement comparing these 3 kits to the Bovine Leukemia Virus Antibody test kit (VMRD). Agreements of 92% and 88.4% were determined between Idexx and IDvet, Svanova, and Ingenasa kits, and between Idexx and VMRD kits, respectively.
Inter-laboratory comparison of real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) for the detection of chronic wasting disease prions in white-tailed deer retropharyngeal lymph nodes
Authors: Darish Joseph R. , Kaganer Alyssa W. , Hanley Brenda J. , Schuler Krysten L. , Schwabenlander Marc D. , Wolf Tiffany M. , Ahmed Md Sohel , Rowden Gage R. , Larsen Peter A. , Kobashigawa Estela , Tewari Deepanker , Lichtenberg Stuart , Pedersen Joel A. , Zhang Shuping , Sreevatsan Srinand
Published: October 2024

The rapid geographic spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) increases the need for the development and validation of new detection tests. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) has emerged as a sensitive tool for CWD prion detection, but federal approval in the United States has been challenged by practical constraints on validation and uncertainty surrounding RT-QuIC robustness between laboratories. To evaluate the effect of inter-laboratory variation on CWD prion detection using RT-QuIC, we conducted a multi-institution comparison on a shared anonymized sample set. We hypothesized that RT-QuIC can accurately and reliably detect the prions that cause CWD in postmortem samples from medial retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) tissue despite variation in laboratory protocols. Laboratories from 6 U.S. states (Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin) were enlisted to compare the use of RT-QuIC in determining CWD prion status (positive or negative) among 50 anonymized RPLNs of known prion status. Our sample set included animals of 3 codon 96 WTD genotypes known to affect CWD progression and detection (G96G, G96S, S96S). All 6 laboratories successfully identified the true disease status consistently for all 3 tested codon 96 genotypes. Our results indicate that RT-QuIC is a suitable test for the detection of CWD prions in RPLN tissues in several genotypes of WTD.
Neoplasia in pet guinea pigs: a retrospective analysis of 2,474 autopsy examinations
Authors: Bertram Christof A. , Donovan Taryn A. , Bertram Beate , Sabara Julia , Klopfleisch Robert
Published: October 2024

Neoplasia is a common disease in guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus); however, few studies have evaluated the prevalence of neoplasia in all organ systems. We retrospectively analyzed the tumor prevalence in pet guinea pigs and the frequency of metastasis in a multi-institutional study population of 2,474 autopsy cases. Tumors were found in 508 guinea pigs (prevalence: 20.5%), of which 95 cases had >1 tumor, resulting in a total of 627 tumors. The tumor prevalence increased from 1.4% in animals <0.5-y-old to 53.6% for guinea pigs >5-y-old. The most common tumor type was lymphoma or leukemia, affecting 174 guinea pigs (tumor prevalence: 7.0%). Lymphomas or leukemias were disseminated to various organs and/or lymph nodes in 146 (83.9%) cases and localized to 1 organ or 1 lymph node in 28 (16.1%) cases. Primary non-lymphoid tumors were most frequent in the female genital tract (62 of 1,235 cases, mostly uterus), respiratory system (116 of 2,474), skin including mammary gland (81 of 2,474), endocrine system (66 of 2,474, mostly thyroid gland), and alimentary tract (35 of 2,474). Tumors of the alimentary tract were dominated by gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Metastasis was detected in 42 of 453 non-lymphoid tumors (9.3%), with a surprisingly low frequency for pulmonary carcinoma and splenic hemangiosarcoma compared to other species. Our postmortem study demonstrates a high prevalence of disseminated lymphoma or leukemia in pet guinea pigs at the time of death or euthanasia. Additional studies are needed to further characterize these tumors.
Updating a Code for Teaching Ethical Visualizations
Authors: McHenry William
Published: October 2024

The prevalent paradigm for understanding what constitutes a ‘good’ data visualization, and what we are likely teaching business students, relates to a conventional wisdom of efficiency, clarity, transparency, and faithful representation of truth. Teaching about the ethics of visualizations seems to be largely absent from business school curricula. This paper suggests that business students who make and use visualizations should be taught to use a code of ethics for visualizations based not only on conventional wisdom, but also on ideas from the Machine Learning/AI and ‘ethical visualizations’ communities. Elaborating on Sheppard’s code, the code suggested here incorporates ideas about bias, transparency, user agency, and privacy. Ethical awareness and practice become even more important as more data collection, processing, and visualization is shifted to Machine Learning and Generative AI. A threshold model is adapted to understand when visualization decisions require more scrutiny. Ideas from the code and the threshold model are used to analyze choices made by the CDC’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Team for an early pandemic visualization that circulated widely beyond the initial report in which it appeared. This and other examples underscore the need for business professionals to consider their visualizations from the perspective of the code.
A Review of Climate-Driven Threats to Recreational Water Users in Hawaii
Authors: Kiefer Elizabeth M. , Felton Diana
Published: October 2024

In Hawaii, impacts from climate change, such as sea-level rise and flooding, increased hurricanes and wildfires, and warmer temperatures, intersect with aging infrastructure, toxicities from the built environment, and pathogens to threaten the health of recreational ocean users via reduced water quality, severe weather and flooding, environmental degradation, and food systems impacts. An examination of climate-driven threats to water safety is a pertinent review of threats to coastal residents globally.
Advancements in biomedical coatings: A comprehensive review of DC magnetron sputtering on Ti–6Al–4V alloy
Authors: Mukhtar Zahid , Dey Abhijit , Kundan Nitika , Mir Fayaz Ahmad
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the application of DC magnetron sputtering (MS) technology for producing TiN and ion-substituted Ca-P coatings on dental implant materials, demonstrating ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 887 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 11.3 × 106 MPa. The influence of various physical vapor deposition (PVD-MS) parameters—such as substrate temperature, post-heat treatment, deposition duration, discharge power, and bias voltage—on the characteristics of these coatings is examined. The research evaluates the advantages and limitations of PVD-MS in fabricating TiN and Ca-P coatings, with an emphasis on their impact on surface topography and chemical composition, which are critical factors influencing cellular behavior. The study reveals that while ion-substituted HA coatings can enhance cell adhesion, they may also exhibit cytotoxic effects, potentially limiting cell growth. It compares osteogenic cell proliferation rates between low-crystalline HA coatings and highly crystalline variants on Ti-based substrates, highlighting significant performance disparities. Additionally, PVD-MS demonstrates robust adhesion capabilities and facilitates the incorporation of therapeutic ions, effectively replicating bioapatite properties. The addition of coating on the substrate promotes additional strengthening mechanisms of the layers, leading to improved wear resistance compared to an alloyed substrate. Estimated values for hardness range between 7.2 and 8.4 GPa, and for Young's modulus, they range from 126 to 162 GPa. The study highlights the potential of PVD-MS in creating nanostructured Ca-P coatings on biodegradable metals, alloys, and polymeric biomaterials. This technology improves corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, chemical stability, wear resistance, and overall performance in various biomedical applications.
Tribological performances of polymeric plain bearings made of epoxy matrix with UHMWPE, MoS2, Kevlar and base oil as the fillers
Authors: Singh Neha , Sinha Sujeet K.
Published: October 2024

Thermal, mechanical and tribological performances of epoxy-based composites, filled with UHMWPE, MoS2 and KevlarTM or base oil in different proportions, were investigated. Friction coefficient and specific wear rate were examined by a block-on-cylinder tribotester in a dry sliding condition under variable contact pressure and sliding velocities. It was found that the composite with in-situ base oil possesses the lowest coefficient of friction (0.056) and highest wear resistance (5.77 × 10−6 mm3/Nm) at relatively high PV factor (product of contact pressure and sliding velocity) of 37 MPa-m/s when compared to other composites. Kevlar-filled composite provided low wear rate at very high PV factor of 52.5 MPa-m/s.
Smart whole-body vibration attenuation, cushion for heavy equipment seating: Model and simulation
Authors: Barrie Alexander , Govers Megan , Habegger Janik , Hassan Marwan , Oliver Michele
Published: October 2024

Off-road mobile machine operators are exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV) which can result in adverse health effects. Seat suspensions are used to reduce WBV exposure, but typical passive seats cannot attenuate frequencies below 1.13 Hz. The proposed device is designed to minimize transmissibility from 0 to 20 Hz because this bandwidth contains the dominant frequency for most off-road vehicles. The semi-active smart device uses bang-bang control and is designed to be installed in place of the seat-pan cushion in OEM passive seats. Modelled as a two degree of freedom system, simulations were performed using a lumped mass model (ωn = 3 Hz; sinusoidal base excitation 0-20 Hz). Using a hexapod robot, a prototype reduced transmissibility compared to a passive OEM seat. The device was up to 5 times more effective than a passive seat in reducing vibration transmissibility. Simulations revealed that operator mass and seat stiffness variations have little effect on device WBV attenuation performance.
(Re)conceptualising consumer interdependency of care: Persistent struggles with dependency and responsibility
Authors: Yang Ye (Nicole) , Makkar Marian
Published: October 2024

This conceptual paper explores how consumers become entangled in persistent struggles of care in consumption. While extant marketing theory focuses on the neoliberal responsibility of care as an autonomous and independent act, we problematise and extend the current theorisation of consumers’ struggles of care by examining the interrelated struggles of consumer responsibility of care and market relations of care. Building on marketing and interdisciplinary insights, we develop a novel lens of consumer interdependency of care to capture how a consumer responsibility is negotiated within varied relations of care. We contribute to a holistic and critical understanding of care in consumption as a problematic interplay between a responsibility of care and a dependency of care. By examining three types of consumer interdependency across consumption contexts, we discuss challenges and future research direction in the provision, mediation, and positioning of care, and bring critical attention to the power imbalances of care and consumer vulnerability.
Stumbling Towards a Shared Apprehension of Automation Failure
Authors: Jamieson Greg A. , Skraaning Gyrd
Published: October 2024

Fifteen commentaries have either responded to, or been inspired by, our article about the automation failure construct, which introduced a taxonomy of failure mechanisms for consideration in the design of cognitive engineering experiments. Our rejoinder organizes these responses into those aligned with the objectives of the target article, those inspired by it, a couple that rehash our earlier articles, and one that seeks to put us all in our place. We conclude with an assessment of points of consensus and divergence in our shared apprehension of the automation failure construct.
Horny for Ghost: The Sexualized Remediation of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II on TikTok
Authors: Ask Kristine , Sihvonen Tanja
Published: October 2024

After the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II in November 2022, a new, and rather unexpected, following of women and queer fans on TikTok emerged. Centering on the character Simon “Ghost” Riley, they latched onto the tall, muscular, and masked soldier with soulful eyes. Through fannish creations on TikTok, the game's characters and world was de- and re-constructed as a playful space for romantic and sexual imaginings that challenge the cis-het military masculinity of the series. Based on a 6-month netnography, the article explores the fan remediation of Call of Duty in negotiation with TikTok's affordances. We analyze how new fans positioned themselves against traditional fans through weaponization of fangirl practices, how game mechanics were used in unusual ways to generate audiovisual material, and how some of the complex fan-industry relationships manifested as a response to this unexpected fandom.
The use of balloon guide catheters during venous sinus stenting: A case series
Authors: Turpin Justin , White Timothy G. , Toscano Daniel , Dalal Siddharth , Shao Miriam M. , Mehta Shyle H. , Bassett Jared B. , Shah Kevin A. , Patsalides Athos
Published: October 2024

Background

Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is a safe and effective treatment strategy for pulsatile tinnitus (PT) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Although complications are rare, the morbidity associated with the complications is high. Navigating through the venous sinuses poses unique challenges to the interventionalist. There is limited literature regarding device selection to maximize safety and efficiency. We report on the safety and advantages of using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) for venous access in VSS.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing VSS using a BGC over a three-month period.

Results

A total of 22 patients were included in the analysis (median age 35; 21 female). The indication for treatment was PT in 10 patients and IIH in 12 patients. The BGC was navigated into the sigmoid and transverse sinuses, enabling successful delivery of the stent in all cases. The BGC balloon was inflated 23 times for navigating past tortuosity or obstructions, and for anchoring. There were no intraprocedural complications.

Conclusions

The use of BGC in VSS is safe and feasible. BGCs have features that can be utilized to overcome the unique challenges encountered during VSS.
Impact of D-dimer on the outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Reda Abdullah , Ghozy Sherief , Elfil Mohamed , Spirollari Eris , Gajjar Aryan , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: October 2024

Background

There has been growing data about the association between D-dimer levels and thrombectomy outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) with no cumulative evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to discuss and analyze the findings of the current studies to provide more robust evidence in this regard.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus to retrieve all relevant investigations. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented in odds ratio (ORs) for binary variables and ratio of means (ROM) for continuous variables, each accompanied by its respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

After searching and screening, 14 studies were included. The analysis showed that the low D-dimer group had significantly higher rates of favorable functional outcome (OR: 4.40; 95%CI: 2.65–7.30; p < 0.001, n = 3) and recanalization (OR: 4.13; 95%CI: 1.57–10.84; p = 0.004, n = 3) than the high one. The association between D-dimer levels and first-pass effect and re-occlusion risk was also demonstrated. Eventually, two studies also demonstrated a significant association between high D-dimer levels and deep venous thrombosis and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage as post-thrombectomy complications.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates a significant association between D-dimer levels and post-thrombectomy outcomes in AIS patients. However, current data are remarkably heterogeneous, and additional comparative investigations are needed.
Experimental study on impact coupling characteristics of high-pressure accumulator for unconstant-pressurized chamber rock drills
Authors: Tian Xiang , Xi Weihang , Ma Fei , Zhang Zihang , Wang Songyuan , Geng Xiaoguang
Published: October 2024

In order to improve the efficiency of unconstant-pressurized chamber rock drills in large-hole and hard-rock conditions, the coupling characteristics of high-pressure accumulator and the impact system were analyzed. The multi-parameter mechanism experiment was designed. Piston displacement, oil return flow, main input-oil, and internal chamber pressure were obtained. Combining the structural characteristics and working principles of rock drills, the experiment-based accumulator volume calculation methods was proposed. According to the phase plane analysis of the accumulator diaphragm and the time series analysis of impact performance parameters, which indicate that the high-pressure accumulator and impact system have typical non-contact nonlinear structures. The dynamic performances also present complex nonlinear characteristics. With the increase of gas pre-charge pressure, the bifurcation points were developed from period-one motions to period-two motions, the coupling degree of flow coupling between the accumulator and the impact piston was gradually enhanced, and the impact performance was gradually improved. With the formation of the period-one motions and the increase of bifurcation strength, the diaphragm became more susceptible to fatigue damage. The optimum choice of high-pressure accumulator gas pre-charge pressure is 80–90 bar, which provides a reference for the application and parameter setting of high-pressure accumulators in unconstant-pressurized chamber rock drills.
Assessing teachers' beliefs and practices regarding vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Gharaibeh Mahmoud , Ellala Ziyad Kamel
Published: October 2024

This study investigates UAE teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The study used a descriptive survey methodology with a 30-item Likert scale questionnaire. The sample size consisted of 121 VR teachers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The data was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and the Chi-square test. Male teachers (P<0.0063) and diploma in special education holders (P<0.0272) were significantly good at career counseling, while female teachers and bachelor’s in education degree holders were good at vocational training (P<0.0039 and P<0.0001, respectively) and placement (P<0.0006 and P<0.001). Educators with 1–5 and 6–10 years of experience had more positive beliefs and practices than their more experienced counterparts in terms of VR services. VR instructors have an important role in improving the results and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, and their empowerment and professional development should be endorsed.
Look at this! Radical right-wing populist information sharing practices on Twitter in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil
Authors: Biscaia Afonso
Published: October 2024

Politicians communicate on social media not only by direct utterances, but also by where they choose to direct followers’ attention using strategic interaction, audiovisual content and outlinks, i.e. their information sharing practices. Political communication research has focused on the former, but the latter is a relevant way to foster advantageous informational environments and interact with media systems. This is especially important for radical right-wing populists, due to their reliance on social media and adjacency to disinformation. Portugal, Spain, and Brazil provide important research cases due to media system characteristics and the different positions within the political system of the relevant leaders, which generates different opportunity structures. This article approaches relevant radical right-wing populist leaders’ information sharing practices by analysing the non-textual content of tweets ( n = 6087), emphasizing how they reflect relations with local media systems.
Empagliflozin and other SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamid Abdulrahman Khaldoon , Tayem AbdulJaber A’Ed , Al-Aish Sandra Thair , Al Sakini Ahmed Sermed , Hadi Dalia Dhia , Al-Aish Rami Thair
Published: October 2024

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is a highly prevalent disease, among the primary factors contributing to morbidity and death. One of its types is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) comprising 40%–50% of newly diagnosed HF cases. Despite the high prevalence of HFpEF, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the best drugs and treatment approaches to be used. However, the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors could be a promising treatment.

Objectives:

To examine SGLT2 inhibitors’ effect on hospitalization, cardiovascular death, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in HFpEF patients.

Search methods:

We conducted searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2024.

Selection criteria:

We chose RCTs that examined the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and placebo in individuals with higher than 40% ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Data collection and analysis:

The methodology for the systematic review and meta-analysis was in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

Main results:

We included 8 studies with 16,509 participants. Drugs examined in our paper included empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, sotogliflozin, and ertugliflozin. Various outcomes were analyzed in different papers. However, different SGLT2 inhibitors lead to a decreased risk of cardiovascular hospitalization and kidney injury. Our meta-analysis showed a decreased risk of cardiovascular hospitalization but not death due to cardiovascular causes or other causes. These results were regardless of baseline status of eGFR, systolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation or flutter, diabetes mellitus, sex, body mass index, and nt-proBNP. The included studies were of moderate to high quality.

Conclusion:

For individuals with HFpEF, SGLT2 inhibitors have been proven to be a safe and effective medication. However, more studies are needed for longer durations, reporting adverse events, effects on exercise tolerance, and other secondary outcomes.
Expansion of Medicaid Coverage of Continuous Glucose Monitor Reduces Health Disparity in Children and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Miyazaki Brian , Zeier Troy , Barber Rebecca Ortiz La Banca , Espinoza Juan Carlos , Chao Lily Chih-Chen
Published: October 2024

Background:

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) usage improves glycemia in people with type 1 diabetes (PWD) and is accepted as the standard of care. The CGM utilization is lower in patients with public insurance and minorized ethnicities. In 2022, California Medicaid reduced its barriers to obtaining CGM coverage for PWD. It is unknown whether this policy change is sufficient to increase CGM usage. We hypothesize that the change in Medicaid coverage improved CGM uptake in children and young adults with T1D.

Methods:

Data were extracted from electronic medical record of a large urban children’s hospital in 2021 and 2022. The CGM usage was determined based on clinician documentation or the presence of CGM downloads. Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wald tests, and χ2 tests were used to test hypothesis ( P < .05). Mixed effects logistical regression analyses were performed.

Results:

We included 878 and 892 PWD (age ≤ 21 years) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2022, Medicaid insured 59.3% of patients. Between 2021 and 2022, CGM usage did not change for privately insured patients (84%) but increased from 41% to 58% for patients receiving Medicaid. In our mixed effects logistic regression model, CGM usage was higher in 2022 and in English speakers. Public insurance, black race, and patients’ age were negatively associated with CGM usage.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that Medicaid expansion of CGM coverage increases its utilization for pediatric PWD but did not eliminate the disparity. Future studies are needed to identify barriers that preclude equity in technology uptake.
Phytochemical Analysis, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Anti-coccidian Activities of Vitis vinifera Leaves Grown in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Murshed Mutee , Al-Tamimi Jameel , Al-Quraishy Saleh
Published: October 2024

Background: Natural products are essential for medicinal purposes in developing countries. Traditional and contemporary medicine utilized plant products as alternative treatments for parasitic diseases. Objectives: The purpose of the investigation is to analyze and assess the bioactive compounds in Vitis vinifera leaf extracts, as well as their effect on coccidiosis. Materials and methods: Several analytical techniques were utilized, such as infrared spectroscopy (IR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, we assessed the total phenol, tannin, flavonoid examination, and cytotoxicity of the plant extracts using an MTT assay and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). Moreover, the samples’ levels of antioxidant activity (measured with DPPH and ABTS) were analyzed. Results: The leaf extract's GC-MS study identified many bioactive elements linked to plant secondary metabolites. Further, the total phenol, tannin, and flavonoid were 160.217 ± 0.652, 65.872 ± 0.263, and 34.0463 ± 0.545 (mg TAE/g DW), respectively. It also contains these extracts with a high antioxidant and DPPH radical scavenging activity. This reflects the number of bioactive chemicals that are present in these extracts. Conclusions: The findings of this research discuss techniques in phytochemical analysis of Vitis vinifera leaf extracts and the identification of biologically active components that support and justify the utilization of grape leaves in folk medicine in developing countries.