bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Interpersonal Trauma, Distress Intolerance, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms With Recent Problem Opioid Use in a Non-Clinical Sample of Women
Authors: Cole Jennifer , Logan TK
Published: May 2024

Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTE), higher rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and higher distress intolerance have been associated separately with opioid misuse in clinical samples. Adult women who reported past year misuse of a prescription drug were recruited on Prolific Academic (ProA) to participate in an online survey ( n = 154). Measures included the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ) for lifetime trauma histories, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Distress Intolerance (DI), NIDA-Modified ASSIST, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10). In a multinomial logistic regression model, experiencing a potentially traumatic event involving interpersonal victimization, having higher distress intolerance, and having greater PTSD symptoms, were significantly associated with drug use class. In particular, higher distress intolerance was associated with problem opioid use relative to problem use of other drugs. Distress intolerance is a potentially salient and modifiable target for mental health and substance use interventions.
Profiling Teachers’ Motivation for Professional Development: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Richter Eric , Fütterer Tim , Eisenkraft Arthur , Fischer Christian
Published: May 2024

Situated in the context of advanced placement (AP) reform in the United States, we investigated profiles of teachers’ motivation for participating in professional development (PD) courses in a two-cohort sample of nt1 = 2,369 and nt2 = 2,170 chemistry teachers via multilevel latent class analysis. In addition, the study investigated to what extent profile membership was related to factors at the teacher, school, and PD levels. Participation in PD courses was associated with one of three profiles, labeled “reform-motivated,” “convenience-motivated,” and “interaction-motivated.” Participation in PD courses was more likely to be reform-motivated if a teacher had a major in chemistry, more experience teaching AP, more positive attitudes toward PD, or higher enactment of AP redesign in the classroom, or if the PD course was formal and face-to-face. The results show that teachers have different motivations for participating in PD courses and provide insight into how to engage teachers in professional learning.
Pandemic Stress and Cyberbullying Among Adolescents During China’s Outbreak of Omicron: Examining the Roles of Perceived Safety and Family Cohesion
Authors: Jiang Shan , Du Ruoyu , Chen Yinglin , Jiang Chaoxin
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic posed risks to the psychosocial development of children and adolescents in the digital age. Under such a background, this study aims to examine the effects of pandemic stress on cyberbullying perpetration and victimization among Chinese adolescents, and to explore the mediator of perceived safety and the moderator of family cohesion underlying this association, during China’s outbreak of Omicron. A sample of 822 adolescents was obtained from Taizhou in Zhejiang Province, China, based on a multistage cluster random sampling method. The results showed that pandemic stress was positively associated with cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Moreover, pandemic stress negatively predicted perceived safety, which in turn, increased the probability of cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Furthermore, family cohesion moderated the effects of pandemic stress on cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. This study contributes to practical implications for policy making and social work practices regarding how to protect adolescents from cyberbullying during the pandemic.
High-coverage, low-hairiness, self-reinforcing structural composite yarns based on a novel spreading apparatus in the ring machine
Authors: Cao Jiqiang , Liu Xiang , Du Zhaoqun , Liu Hongling , Yu Weidong
Published: May 2024

Composite ring spinning, an advanced physical method, is extensively used for preparing required yarns because of its structural architecture. However, the existing staple fiber/filament composite ring-spun yarns involve more hairiness, lower coverage, and weaker tensile strength, limiting further development. Herein, we proposed a novel specialized multifilament-spreading apparatus to fabricate high-coverage, low-hairiness, and self-reinforcing structural composite yarns. The key idea is to realize the cylindrical-shaped multifilament into a quasi-single layer (q-SL) form by using a herringbone-groove spreading roller (HGSR). After that, the q-SL is twisted with the traditional staple fibers, and finally the multifilament spread composite-structural yarn (FS-CSY) can be controllably prepared. To verify the practicality and feasibility of the proposed spinning method, the FS-CSY and the common bi-component composite yarn (b-CY) were systematically compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the FS-CSY shows a uniform q-SL wrapping structure on cotton fibers with the coverage rate of 61.98% compared with that of b-CY. Furthermore, the q-SL wrapping structure results in a lower hairiness (20.9 units) and higher cover probability (32.98%) than that of b-CY, representing excellent surface and evenness of the as-prepared FS-CSY. In addition, comparing FS-CSY and b-CY, the FS-CSY had a better self-reinforcement, with an enhanced braking tenacity (21.27% higher) and initial modulus (45.05% higher). This fundamental work represents an important step towards the large-scale production of FS-CSY and an attempt to improve the comprehensive quality of ring-spun yarns.
Infrastructural politics: A conceptual mapping and critical review
Authors: Téllez Contreras León Felipe
Published: May 2024

The notion of infrastructural politics has been increasingly used in urban studies as it helps to explore urbanisation processes, the urban condition and urban life. Given its relevance, this article maps out and critically reviews the main analytical strands that inform its meanings, namely, conventional and popular infrastructural politics. These strands reveal the current tendency to demarcate infrastructural politics as two separate, antagonistic domains that associate the notion with particular hegemonic and subaltern actors, practices and processes. The article problematises this tendency and proposes a broader understanding of infrastructural politics as an ordinary and contentious political arena where diverse actors develop politico-infrastructural repertoires that co-exist in multifaceted, conflictive ways rather than as separate domains. Drawing on political ethnographic understandings of politics, infrastructural politics is conceived as a point of convergence where conventional and popular infrastructural politics meet and mesh. This suggests the possibility of cross-fertilising conversations between infrastructure studies and political ethnography that can refine our understanding of infrastructural politics, first, by promoting a more nuanced examination of the overlaps and interdependencies between hegemonic and subaltern politico-infrastructural actors and practices, and second, by addressing the critical role of infrastructures in enabling and materialising such overlaps and interdependencies.
Reactance to Persuasive Messages Depends on Felt Obligation
Authors: Yang Seungjoo , Kruschke John K.
Published: May 2024

Psychological reactance theory suggests that the higher the threat-level of persuasive messages, the higher the reactance. Previous research has revealed ways to manipulate messages to either arouse or reduce psychological reactance. By contrast, the current work compares people’s reactance across different target actions while keeping the threat-level of the message consistent. We propose that reactance to a message depends on the target action’s pre-existing felt obligation. We demonstrate that low-obligation actions are more sensitive than high-obligation actions to the threat-level of a persuasive message. The current work provides one explanation for inconsistencies in the literature regarding message effects. This work also suggests that pre-existing obligation of a target action should be accounted for in order to successfully implement a message intervention.
Laryngeal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Analysis of 11 Cases in a Single-Center Study
Authors: Yue Jianlin , Zhao Qianqian , Sun Suyuan , Pan Xinliang , Liu Dayu
Published: May 2024

Objective: Laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms (LNEN) are rare, and there have been previous uncertainties regarding their classification and treatment modalities. This article aims to share our treatment experience, elucidate changes in LNEN classification, and discuss the treatment implications of different types and stages. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 cases of LNEN treated through surgical intervention at the Department of Otolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao, from January 2014 to November 2023. Among the 11 cases, there were 9 males and 2 females, with ages ranging from 61 to 77 years. Pathological classifications included neuroendocrine tumors (NET) G1 (1 case), G2 (2 cases), G3 (5 cases), small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (2 cases), and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (1 case). The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 115 months. Results: Treatment modalities varied among the cases: 5 patients underwent transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) without neck dissection, 1 patient underwent TLM with unilateral neck lymph node dissection, 1 patient underwent open partial supraglottic laryngectomy (OPSL) with ipsilateral neck lymph node dissection, and 4 patients underwent OPSL with bilateral neck lymph node dissection. Among the 11 patients, 4 died, with 2 succumbing to distant metastasis, 1 to local recurrence, and 1 to other diseases. Conclusion: The prognosis of LNEN is closely associated with the latest pathological classification and TNM staging. For a more detailed and specific clinical staging, further research involving multicenter large-scale data is needed.
Fans speak for whom? Imagined ‘official’, internalised hegemony and self-censorship
Authors: Shimauchi Sae
Published: May 2024

This study elucidates the concept of ‘official’, frequently used as a counterpart to fans in pop culture fandom using the case of Thai Boys Love drama fandom in Japan. It is necessary to examine the relationship between fandom and hegemony without assuming the potential of participatory culture and fandom as a counterculture. Therefore, this study focuses on how fans construct norms based on the concept of ‘official’ and internalise this power. Furthermore, it explores the meanings and respective boundaries of ‘unofficial’ and ‘official’ as constructed by fans. The results of the participation observations and interviews as an acafan revealed that the unofficial fan club, mass media and other entities were ‘officialised’ and the boundary between ‘official’ and unofficial was challenged by both fandom and the ‘official’ side. The mass media plays the role of the owner of cultural content and provider of norms, and fans expect each other to follow them through the constructed and ambiguous concept of ‘official’. The hegemony of ‘official’ is constructed by the voluntary consent of fans, and internalising these hegemonies leads to self-censorship and self-regulation. Blind overconfidence in fan-created ‘official’ may reinforce these structures and undermine the freedom and independence of fans.
Concomitant large atrial septal defect closure, biatrial cryoablation and tricuspid valve replacement with mitral homograft
Authors: Nuzhdin Mikhail D , Nadtochiy Nikita B
Published: May 2024

The concomitant large atrial septal defect closure, endocardial biatrial cryoablation and tricuspid valve replacement with mitral homograft in a patient with adult congenital heart disease is presented. Because of the severely dilated right ventricle and leaflet tenting, tricuspid valve replacement was considered. The patient refused both mechanical and stented biological prosthesis due to personal beliefs, therefore, the alternative valve substitute was proposed. Relevant decision-making process, preoperative diagnostic work-up and surgical technique are highlighted with satisfactory outcomes.
Music teachers’ labeling accuracy and quality ratings of lesson plans by artificial intelligence (AI) and humans
Authors: Cooper Patrick K
Published: May 2024

This study explored the potential of artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) to generate lesson plans for music classes that were indistinguishable from music lesson plans created by humans, with current music teachers as assessors. Fifty-six assessors made a total of 410 ratings across eight lesson plans, assigning a quality score to each lesson plan and labeling if they believed each lesson plan was created by a human or generated by AI. Despite the human-made lesson plans being rated higher in quality as a group ( p < .01, d = 0.44), assessors were unable to accurately label if a lesson plan was created by a human or generated by AI (55% accurate overall). Labeling accuracy was positively predicted by quality scores on human-made lesson plans and previous personal use of AI, while accuracy was negatively predicted by quality scores on AI-generated lesson plans and perception of how useful AI will be in the future. Open-ended responses from 42 teachers suggested assessors used three factors when making evaluations: specific details, evidence of classroom knowledge, and wording. Implications provide suggestions for how music teachers can use prompt engineering with a GPT model to create a virtual assistant or Intelligent Tutor System (ITS) for their classroom.
Element transfer, microhardness and metallurgical analysis of weld-bead using CaF2−CaO−Al2O3−BaO fluxes
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Chhibber R
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the influence of shielded metal arc welding electrode coating flux on microhardness, microstructure and element transfer. A series of multi-pass bead-on-plate studies were conducted using laboratory-developed electrodes. The flux composition has shown a significant effect on all the responses. An increase in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has shown a positive influence on nickel transfer, whereas an increase in [Formula: see text] reduces nickel transfer. The slag detachability was found good for ratio [Formula: see text]:: 1.76:0.73:0.51. Energy dispersive spectroscopy has shown inclusions rich in aluminum and oxygen with trace amounts of Ca, Mn, Ti and Si. Artificial neural network models have been developed and then compared to conventional regression predictions.
Cerebrospinal venous obstruction and breast cancer: A pilot study
Authors: Thibault Paul K
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer has important co-morbidities including vascular disease but there has been little research undertaken on a possible link between venous disease and breast cancer. This pilot study aims to explore a possible relationship.

Methods

The venous drainage of the breasts is described and the cerebrospinal venous systems (CSVS) of six patients with treated breast cancer were assessed using duplex ultrasound to measure venous blood volume flows in the neck veins.

Results

All six patients with breast cancer showed evidence of cerebrospinal venous obstruction (CSVO). Further, all six demonstrated collateral flow in the erect position in the internal jugular vein on the same side as the diagnosed breast cancer.

Conclusion

There is an indication for a well-designed case-control study using the duplex ultrasound neck vein examination, comparing patients treated for breast cancer with healthy women.
Mitigating Neighborhood Stigma: Examining Strategies of Relating and Reframing
Authors: Kroll Alexander , Mehta-Kroll Aarti , Vogel Dominik
Published: May 2024

In line with social construction scholarship, the stigmatization of neighborhoods has been used to justify or advocate for gentrification and development efforts that often displace marginalized populations. Challenging stigma in public discourse can help level the playing field in support of community interests. This study examines two strategies to mitigate neighborhood stigma: create opportunities for people to personally relate to a place and engage them in the positive reframing of extant narratives. It is based on a preregistered between-groups survey experiment in which 498 local college students rated the appeal of two Black, historically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Miami: Overtown and Liberty City. It finds that ratings of Overtown are significantly lower when its name is disclosed, indicating the presence of stigma. “Relating” improves ratings of Liberty City, however, only among Black students, not white or Hispanic students. “Reframing” improves ratings but only if students buy into the more positive frame.
Dose-dependent multi-organ injury following lipopolysaccharide gas inhalation
Authors: Duan Yang , Chen Hengyi , Liu Dan
Published: May 2024

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is widely used to establish various animal models, including models of acute lung injury, cardiomyocyte damage, and acute kidney injury. Currently, there is no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of LPS-induced disease. We herein present a case series of four patients who developed dose-dependent multi-organ injury, including acute lung injury and acute kidney injury, after inhaling LPS gas in a sealed room. These patients exhibited varying degrees of multi-organ injury characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. One patient showed progressive symptoms even with active treatment, leading to mild pulmonary fibrosis. This study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of significant LPS exposure and suggests personalized treatment approaches for managing LPS poisoning.
Concurrent musical pitch height biases judgment of visual brightness
Authors: Hong You Jeong , Choi Ahyeon , Lee Chae-Eun , Cho WooJae , Yoon Sumin , Lee Kyogu
Published: May 2024

The integration of music sounds with concurrent visual scenes or objects is a occurrence in our daily lives, attracting the attention of researchers investigating how music influences our perceptions of simultaneous visuals. This study specifically investigates the role of musical pitch height in shaping our judgments of visual brightness during concurrent music–visual events. Participants were presented with pitch-modified versions of a wide range of emotional music pieces alongside various visual stimuli. The results demonstrate that lower-pitched music tends to elicit darker judgments of visual objects than higher-pitched music, when the actual visual brightness level remains constant. These findings suggest the influence of musical pitch height on introducing biases in our evaluations of visual brightness within the context of concurrent music-visual experiences, contributing to the advancement of our theoretical understanding of the complex audiovisual integration involving music in our everyday lives.
‘You feel it in your bones’: Mobility, animacy, and the everyday violence of incarceration in the American southwest
Authors: Garcia Macario
Published: May 2024

In this article, I explore how mobility, animacy, and ontology intertwine to shape everyday violence in the carceral American Southwest. I draw on ethnographic research that I conducted between 2016 and 2017 at the Desert Echo Facility, a state prison that holds individuals from minimum to high-security levels. Some incarcerated people feel supposedly inanimate objects, such as walls, rocks, paper, and floors moving, while others feel vibrations moving across the compound. For some of the incarcerated, physical movement signifies aliveness – meaning that incarceration forces them to question if they are less alive than the “inanimate” materials that confine them. Others understand these movements as the direct violence of the state that purposefully disrupts how they construct relations. In this context, incarcerated peoples’ alive status is no longer a given and their relations no longer assumed to be inherent and ongoing, but rather, processes to be negotiated within criminal punishment systems. I focus on what these movements mean to incarcerated people, and how they situate these movements within differing ontologies to make visible the often-hidden violence of incarceration in the United States.
Investigation of the effect of anisotropy on Generalized Forming Limit Diagram
Authors: Ghane Shalmani Mohammad Mehdi , Basti Ali , Taherkhani Abolfazl
Published: May 2024

In contemporary industrial practices, various methods are employed to subject raw metal sheets to deformation in order to fabricate requisite components. These sheets exhibit a defined capacity for deformation during the forming process. Over recent decades, a plethora of experimental and numerical methodologies have emerged to ascertain these forming limits. Initially, a forming limit diagram (FLD) was devised, predicated on the phenomenon of necking, under the assumption that forming takes place under plane-stress conditions. However, in certain complex processes like hydroforming and incremental forming, necking can manifest at sites where normal and through-thickness shear stresses act upon the sheet in addition to the in-plane stresses, rendering the plane-stress assumption inadequate for predicting forming limits in such scenarios. Thus, it becomes imperative to derive a diagram that can accurately forecast forming limits in these processes. This study aims to establish a Generalized Forming Limit Diagram (GFLD) through numerical means. GFLDs were constructed utilizing two distinct yield functions, namely Von-Mises and Hill48, for isotropic and anisotropic states, respectively. The findings reveal that normal compressive stress and through-thickness shear strain augment the formability of sheet metals. Furthermore, the outcomes illustrate that accounting for anisotropy introduces variances between diagrams in some regions of the FLD curve while the discrepancies are minor within the central regions.
Segment Cracking and Damage Mechanism of Curved Shield Tunnels During Construction by Field Investigation and Modeling
Authors: Feng Haolan , Ye Fei , Wang Jian , Chen Ziming , Liu Chang , Han Xin
Published: May 2024

This study was based on the field statistical results of segment cracking and damage of a curved shield tunnel engineering. Combined with the collected data of 11 related tunneling parameters of 120 segments in the curve section, the one-way analysis of the variance method was used to reveal the main tunneling parameters that affect the cracking and damage state of the segment. Then, the finite element analysis model was established to analyze the mechanism of jack thrust and yawing angle affecting segment cracking and damage. The main results are as follows: (1) The phenomenon of segment cracking and damage gradually becomes serious from the crown to the invert. (2) The jack thrust and shield machine yawing angle are the main factors affecting the cracking and damage state of the segment. For larger values of yawing angle and jack thrust difference, the cracking and damage state of the segment is more serious. (3) The first three segments near the jack are significantly affected by the jack offset angle and uneven jack thrust. During the construction of a curved shield tunnel, under the action of the jack offset angle and uneven jack thrust, the segment spring line is more likely to incur tensile cracking. (4) To ensure the normal stress state of the segment during construction, it is suggested to control the jack offset angle at not more than 0.5° and the jack thrust non-uniform coefficient [Formula: see text] of the left- and right-hand sides within 0.75.
Ecumenical critical theory, pluralism and developmental trends
Authors: Domingues José Maurício
Published: May 2024

Critical social theory is a late product of the Enlightenment, though pushed beyond its original intentions. It then developed mainly with Marxism, but since the beginning other strands have been important, such as anarchism, feminism, anti-colonialism, anti-racism and environmentalism. The immanent critique of modernity must be seen indeed as ecumenical. In its plurality, it must have however at its core the realisation of equal freedom and full solidarity that remains an unfulfilled promise and offers a criterion of demarcation for critical theory. The diagnosis of the times for critical approaches also depended on identifying long-term developments, especially within Marxism, but this seems to have been almost entirely forgotten. I will argue that it is both possible and necessary to resume this strategy. Finally, I ask how we connect these conceptual issues to praxis. The article concludes with a more substantive discussion of political modernity.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/woven glass/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites: Effect of fabrication methods and types of epoxy matrices
Authors: Nik Amrul Faaizol Nik Amira Natasha , Mustapha Mariatti , Rejab Nik Akmar , Vahabi Henri
Published: May 2024

The hybridization of nanofillers into glass fibre reinforcement is a promising strategy to improve the properties of the composite materials. The study aims to investigate the properties of hybrid nanocomposites consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/woven glass/epoxy composites. The effect of different fabrication methods and different types of epoxy matrices was also investigated. For method 1, MWCNT was mixed with epoxy and impregnated into 3-ply woven glass fabrics using the hand lay-up method, followed by a vacuum bagging process. Meanwhile, for method 2, the woven glass fabrics were spray coated with MWCNT aqueous suspension and 3-ply woven glass fabrics were stacked together and impregnated with epoxy using the hand lay-up method followed by vacuum bagging. Results showed that composite laminates prepared by method 2 with 0.5 wt% MWCNT exhibit higher impact and flexural strength with 32.9% and 29% increments compared to method 1, respectively. Based on the flammability test, it was observed that hybrid laminate composites fabricated by both methods could self-extinguish. It was found that hybrid laminated composites using bisphenol A as an epoxy matrix show higher impact strength and flexural strength with 20.7% and 12% increments compared to epoxy bio-resins, respectively.
3D nonlinear finite element investigation of laminated bamboo plate strengthened prestressed concrete slab
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wan Baolin , Xu Qingfeng
Published: May 2024

Due to environment and recycling concerns, interest in applying natural fiber reinforced polymer (NFRP) as an alternative for glass/carbon FRP to strengthen concrete structures has been increasing. This study developed a 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model for laminated bamboo (LB) plate strengthened prestressed concrete slab. By involving temperature load on defined temperature sensitive material, the proposed model provided good simulation of prestressing process. The accuracy of the developed model was confirmed through comparisons with experimental data, representing peak load discrepancies of only 6.5% and 8.2% for un-strengthened and strengthened slabs, respectively. The parametric study examined the impact of LB plate dimensions and tensile strength, alongside the use of FRP wraps, on concrete slab performance. The results show that the 15 mm thick LB plate can enhance the slab’s peak load by 83.2%. Variations in LB plate tensile strength by up to 10% do not significantly affect the performance of the strengthened prestressed concrete. The increases of the peak load for strengthened cases with LB plate width of 150 mm, 300 mm and 460 mm were 29.4%, 41.9% and 50.2%, respectively. It also shows that FRP end wraps can increase the performance of thick LB plate strengthened prestressed concrete slab.
Home Care Workers Providing Person-Centered Care to People With Dementia
Authors: Xu Emily L. , Watman Deborah , Franzosa Emily , Perez Sasha , Reckrey Jennifer M.
Published: May 2024

Person-centered care for people living with dementia has been associated with improved functional ability and quality of life, yet little is known about person-centered care in the home settings. Our objective was to explore home care worker perspectives on providing person-centered care for their clients living with dementia. Using secondary qualitative analysis of 22 semi-structured interviews with home care workers, we identified themes related to the Dementia Initiative’s person-centered dementia care framework (Initiative, 2013). We found that home care workers acknowledged their client’s personhood while also advocating for their needs. However, home care workers encountered barriers to providing person-centered care, including role limitations and challenging dynamics with other home care workers and family caregivers. This analysis can inform further approaches to better integrate home care workers in person-centered healthcare teams and improve how the needs of people living with dementia are identified and met in the home.
The Effect of University Students’ Academic Self-Efficacy on Academic Burnout: The Chain Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivation and Learning Engagement
Authors: Wang Xiao-Chun , Zhang Meng , Wang Jia-Xin
Published: May 2024

Academic burnout seriously affects the academic performance and mental health of college students. This study developed a multi-mediation model to investigate the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic burnout. A total of 1431 undergraduate students (51.85% female) were recruited to participate in this study. And we used SPSS PROCESS developed by Hayes to examine the mediating role of academic self-efficacy and academic burnout. The results indicated that academic self-efficacy can negatively predict academic burnout. Moreover, intrinsic motivation and learning engagement have a significant mediating effect between academic self-efficacy and academic burnout. Finally, we constructed a model comprising four variables and found that it explained 47.62% of the variance in academic burnout. These findings can be conducive to a suitable intervention path to reduce academic burnout of Chinese college students, so as to develop effective instructional strategies to improve their learning performance.
Liver Observation Segmentation on Contrast-Enhanced MRI: SAM and MedSAM Performance in Patients With Probable or Definite Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Saha Ashirbani , van der Pol Christian B.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To evaluate factors impacting the Segment Anything Model (SAM) and variant MedSAM performance for segmenting liver observations on contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in high-risk patients with probable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (LR-4) and definite HCC (LR-5). Methods: A retrospective cohort of liver observations (LR-4/LR-5) on CE-MRI from 97 patients at high-risk for HCC was derived (2013-2018). Using bounding-boxes as prompts under 5-fold cross-validation, segmentation performance was evaluated at the model and liver observation-levels for: (1) model types: SAM versus MedSAM, (2) image sizes: 256 × 256 versus 512 × 512, (3) image channel composition: CE sequences at 3 phases of enhancement independently and combined, (4) liver observation size: >10 mm versus >20 mm, (5) certainty of diagnosis: LR-4 versus LR-5, and (6) contrast-agent type: hepatobiliary versus extracellular. Segmentation performance, quantified using Dice coefficient, were compared using univariate (Wilcoxon signed-rank and t-test) and multivariable analyses (multiple correspondence analysis and subsequent linear modelling). Results: MedSAM trained on 512 × 512 combined CE sequences performed best with mean Dice coefficient 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.66, 0.69). Overall, all factors except contrast-agent type affected performance, with larger image size resulting in the highest performance improvement (512 × 512: 0.57, 256 × 256: 0.26, P < .001) at the model-level. Contrast-agents affected performance for patients with LR-4 observations using MedSAM-based models ( P < .03). Larger observation size, image size, and higher certainty of diagnosis were associated with better segmentation on multivariable analysis. Conclusion: A variety of factors were found to impact SAM/MedSAM performance for segmenting liver observations in patients with probable and definite HCC on CE-MRI. Future models may be optimized by accounting for these factors.
Comparison of discriminant analysis coupled with principal component analysis (PCA-DA) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) as classification model for decision support system in porous ceramic matrix (PCM) based burner
Authors: Srikanth Jujjuvarapu , Mishra Vijay K , Chaudhuri Sumanta , Sahu Debjyoti , Ghose Prakash , Vaferi Behzad
Published: May 2024

Two classification models discriminant analysis coupled with principal component analysis (PCA-DA) and back propagation neural network (BPNN), are for the first time applied for decision support system in porous ceramic matrix (PCM) based burner. The PCM based burner is simulated numerically, and 121 pairs of gas and solid temperature profiles are generated as input data. The operation of PCM based burner is classified into four, on the basis of important properties of PCM like extinction coefficient and convective coupling. With the help of the data, the classification models are developed. The classification models are monitored and analyzed through different plots and classification parameters like specificity, sensitivity and precision. Further, new samples are correctly allocated to their corresponding class by the classification models. The classification models are also explored and compared under noisy data (2% and 5%). The performances of both the classification models are found to be good for no noise case with all the parameters like sensitivity, specificity, and precision values greater than 0.69, for both the models. However, with 2% noise case, BPNN performs better than PCA-DA. The minimum value of parameters (sn, sp, & pr) is 0.67 with BPNN and 0.50 with PCA-DA, respectively. Under 5% noise, the minimum values of the parameters dropped to 0.47 for PCA-DA and 0.50 for BPNN, respectively. With the help of plots though, the new samples are easily identified to their correct class 3.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Household Chaos Predict Their Adult Mental Health: A Twin-Difference Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: von Stumm Sophie
Published: May 2024

This study tested whether adolescents who perceived less household chaos in their family’s home than their same-aged, same-sex sibling achieved more favorable developmental outcomes in young adulthood, independent of parent-reported household chaos and family-level confounding. Data came from 4,732 families from the Twins Early Development Study, a longitudinal, U.K.-population representative cohort study of families with twins born in 1994 through 1996 in England and Wales. Adolescents who reported experiencing greater household chaos than their sibling at the age of 16 years suffered significantly poorer mental-health outcomes at the age of 23 years, independent of family-level confounding. Mental-health predictions from perceived household chaos at earlier ages were not significant, and neither were predictions for other developmental outcomes in young adulthood, including socioeconomic status indicators, sexual risk taking, cannabis use, and conflict with the law. The findings suggest that altering children’s subjective perceptions of their rearing environments may help improve their adult mental health.
Environmental impact of ISO 14001 certification in promoting sustainable development: The moderating role of innovation and structural change in BRICS, MINT, and G7 economies
Authors: Ofori Elvis K , Asongu Simplice A , Ali Ernest B , Gyamfi Bright A , Ahakwa Isaac
Published: May 2024

Since the industrial era, the selection of energy sources to facilitate economic advancement has been criticized because of the resulting ecological calamity. This has prompted the introduction of radical approaches such as ISO 14001, which tackles the drivers of pollution. Therefore, this study analyses the ISO 14001—environment nexus from three distinct points of view: BRICS, MINT, and G7 countries from 1999–2020. Also, our work fills an extant gap in assessing structural change and innovation’s role in augmenting the relationship. The Driscoll and Kraay estimator is employed as an analytical tool for cross-sectional dependence and slope homogeneity, while the fixed effects approach provides sufficient robustness checks on the findings. While some outcomes vary per bloc, others are relatively similar across the three blocs. That is: (1) ISO 14001 shows an abatement portfolio for only the G7 bloc, and the Full sample. (2) Structural change showed potential for abating carbon emissions in all blocs. (3) Technology led to an increase in pollution in all blocs except for the MINT economy. (4) ICT in the form of mobile phones also help reduce carbon emissions in all three blocs except for their composite. (5) Renewable energy helps reduce carbon emission in all blocs except for G7. ISO 14001 shows the potential to encourage green growth. As a result, policymakers should work to enhance ISO 14001 certification, which might serve as a management tool to promote sustainable development.
Potential Application of Modified mRNA in Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Wang Aline Yen Ling , Chang Yun-Ching , Chen Kuan-Hung , Loh Charles Yuen Yung
Published: May 2024

Heart failure remains the leading cause of human death worldwide. After a heart attack, the formation of scar tissue due to the massive death of cardiomyocytes leads to heart failure and sudden death in most cases. In addition, the regenerative ability of the adult heart is limited after injury, partly due to cell-cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes. In the current post-COVID-19 era, urgently authorized modified mRNA (modRNA) vaccines have been widely used to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, modRNA-based protein replacement may act as an alternative strategy for improving heart disease. It is a safe, effective, transient, low-immunogenic, and integration-free strategy for in vivo protein expression, in addition to recombinant protein and stem-cell regenerative therapies. In this review, we provide a summary of various cardiac factors that have been utilized with the modRNA method to enhance cardiovascular regeneration, cardiomyocyte proliferation, fibrosis inhibition, and apoptosis inhibition. We further discuss other cardiac factors, modRNA delivery methods, and injection methods using the modRNA approach to explore their application potential in heart disease. Factors for promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation such as a cocktail of three genes comprising FoxM1, Id1, and Jnk3-shRNA (FIJs), gp130, and melatonin have potential to be applied in the modRNA approach. We also discuss the current challenges with respect to modRNA-based cardiac regenerative medicine that need to be overcome to apply this approach to heart disease. This review provides a short description for investigators interested in the development of alternative cardiac regenerative medicines using the modRNA platform.
Technology Adoption in Material Procurement: An Empirical Study Applying the UTAUT Model  Among Construction Companies  in India
Authors: HM Amal Jishnu , KB Anjitha , VR Hareendrakumar
Published: May 2024

The Indian construction industry faces many challenges, such as low productivity, project delays and a lack of professionalism. To remain competitive, construction companies must adopt innovative technologies to make their operations more efficient. In this context, the management of companies needs to understand employee attitudes and perceptions of technology adoption to make investment decisions for adopting new technologies. This study aims to assess the employees’ perceptions of e-procurement as part of technology adoption in the construction sector. The popular Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework was adapted to develop a study model with employee attitude added as a mediating variable. Data collected from 305 employees working in the materials departments of different private construction companies are analyzed using SPSS Amos, a covariance-based structural equation modelling (CBSEM) tool. The study results revealed the strength of the predictor variables in determining the predicted variable and the significant role of the mediating variable in shaping employee perceptions. The results can provide valuable information to the management of the construction companies about which factors promote the adoption and acceptance of digital technologies. This awareness is greatly helpful in changing or adjusting the situation to improve employee perceptions of accepting new technologies.
Cultural Branding in the Arab Region
Authors: Mellor Noha
Published: May 2024

The comparative study of cultural policies in the Arab region remains a relatively underexplored domain, particularly in how these policies influence nation branding and nation-building efforts. This exploratory study seeks to contribute to this nascent field by adopting a comparative lens to examine the cultural policies of three Arab nations: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Through a document analysis of key policies from these countries, this research unveils the intricate ways cultural strategies are employed to articulate and disseminate national, ethical and political ideologies. The article articulates how each country’s approach to cultural policy—commodification in the UAE, securitisation in Egypt and religionisation in Saudi Arabia—reflects and is shaped by unique local, regional and global power dynamics. By contextualising these policies within broader frameworks of market forces, security concerns and religious influences, the study offers insights into the complex interplay between cultural policymaking and nation branding in the Arab world.
Perioperative Cardiopulmonary Complications in Smokers and Non-smokers Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Reddy Venumula Vikram , Mallem Dinakar , Krishna Sonnaila Rama , Kotra Vijay , Chooi Wen Han , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau , Kanakal Mahibub Mahamadsa , Abbas Syed Atif , Husain Khairulanwar
Published: May 2024

Background

Studies indicated that smoking alters the response to anesthetics and alters the outcome of perioperative care. A full understanding of the impact of smoking cessation to enhance surgical outcomes is pertinent.

Purpose

This research aimed to compare perioperative cardiopulmonary complications in smokers and non-smokers during elective surgery under general anesthesia. We aimed to determine the incidence of complications in patients with a history of smoking, identify those at an increased risk, and assess the relationship between smoking duration and complications

Materials and Methods

A total of 100 patients, comprising 50 smokers and 50 non-smokers, were enrolled in the study. Various parameters, including heart rate increase during intubation, severe coughing, bronchospasm, oral secretions, oxygen desaturation, reintubation, opioid antagonist use, pulmonary edema, and other cardiopulmonary events, were assessed perioperatively. Statistical analysis involved both continuous and categorical variables. For continuous variables, the Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for normally and non-normally distributed data, respectively. For categorical variables, chi-squared tests were employed. Sub-group analysis assessed the influence of smoking duration on the measured parameters.

Results

Smokers exhibited significantly higher incidences of severe coughing, heart rate elevation during intubation, and bronchospasm compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smokers experienced more pronounced oxygen desaturation throughout the perioperative period. Furthermore, a longer history of smoking was associated with an increased risk of complications, with individuals smoking for 10 or more years displaying a higher incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

Smokers, particularly those with extended smoking histories, are at an increased risk of cardiopulmonary complications during elective surgery under general anesthesia. Emphasizing preoperative optimization, meticulous airway management, and smoking cessation support is essential to mitigate these risks. The study underscores the significance of these measures for enhancing perioperative safety and calls for further research to explore the long-term impacts and patient satisfaction associated with these interventions. These steps are essential not only for perioperative care but also for long-term health benefits among this patient population.
Systemic toxoplasmosis in 2 domestic rabbits in Georgia, United States
Authors: Teo Xuan Hui , Garrett Kayla B. , Akingbade Gbemisola , Stanton James B. , Yabsley Michael J. , Colby Stewart , Burrell Caitlin E.
Published: May 2024

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in a range of mammalian and avian species, but clinical disease has been reported only rarely in domestic rabbits. Two cases of toxoplasmosis in domestic rabbits from the same premises were submitted to a diagnostic pathology facility in Athens, GA, USA. Both rabbits died after exhibiting clinical signs of gastrointestinal stasis. The gross findings observed in both rabbits comprised miliary, random, white-to-tan, necrotic foci throughout the spleen, liver, and lungs. Histologically, tachyzoites were observed within necrotizing inflammatory foci in the spleens of both rabbits, and in various other organs (tracheobronchial lymph node, lung, heart, and cecal appendix) of one rabbit. In both cases, the tachyzoites were immunoreactive with anti– Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. In addition, T. gondii DNA was detected via PCR and sequencing from a fresh lung sample from one rabbit and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded spleen, liver, femoral bone marrow, and haired skin from the second rabbit. Given that T. gondii can cause disease in domestic rabbits and is also a concern for other potential intermediate hosts (e.g., humans, other domestic animals), this parasite warrants consideration in the diagnostic evaluation of lagomorph tissues with compatible lesions.
End-of-Life Care of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
Authors: Jan Darlon , Kim Kye Y.
Published: May 2024

End-of-life (EOL) care has been a common option for patients with terminal medical conditions such as cancers. However, the utilization of EOL care in Alzheimer disease and other dementing conditions have become available relatively recently. As the end-stage dementia approaches, the clinicians and caregivers become faced with numerous clinical challenges—delirium, neuropbehavioral symptoms, the patient’s inability to communicate pain and associated discomfort, food refusal, and so on. In addition to providing quality clinical care to the EOL patients, clinicians should pay special attention to their families, assuring that their loved ones will receive supportive measures to improve quality of life (QOL).