bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome following Use of an Over-the-Counter Arthritis Supplement
Authors: Dunn Colin , Amaya Joshua , Green Patrick
Published: March 2023

Background. Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome is commonly seen as a complication of chronic steroid use. While most often associated with the use of prescription oral steroids, rare cases result from unintentional steroid exposure. In particular, numerous complementary and alternative medicines have been found to contain steroids not previously known to users. Case Presentation. Here, we present a case of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome caused by prolonged ingestion of dexamethasone found within an over-the-counter arthritis supplement called Artri King. Conclusion. A thorough history of medication use to include over-the-counter medications and supplements may be required to identify the source of exogenous glucocorticoids in iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome.
The Effect of Innovation on the Company’s Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses with the Mediating Role of Lean: Agile Project Management Office (LAPMO)
Authors: Zare Khafri Abozar , Sheikh Aboumasoudi Abbas , Khademolqorani Shakiba
Published: March 2023

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) require less formalized project management methods than large corporations. However, project management can play a significant role in implementing innovations. Even though lean-agile project management offices (LAPMO) are becoming increasingly important for SMEs, each company’s performance varies significantly due to varying innovative capabilities and the dynamism of internal and external contexts. Based on a literature study, innovative capabilities, and LAPMO, we have developed a theoretical model with 11 assumption models. As a follow-up, we conducted empirical research, including critical variable metrics, data collection and analyses, validity tests, reliability tests, regression analysis, and structural equation modeling. The model developed in this study considers the many roles that innovation capacity and project agility play in enhancing corporate performance. LAPMO mediates the relationship between innovation and performance in small and medium-sized businesses. Organizational innovation, open innovation, and innovation capabilities affect companies’ performance. In small and medium businesses, they also affect LAPMO. For small and medium-sized businesses, LAPMO mediates the relationship between organizational innovation, open innovation, and innovation capabilities.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Receiving Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain with a Nociplastic Pain Presentation: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: Wilson Abigail T. , Riley Joseph L. , Bishop Mark D. , Beneciuk Jason M. , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel , Bialosky Joel E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Individuals with low back pain (LBP) may be classified based on mechanistic descriptors, such as a nociplastic pain presentation (NPP). The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the frequency and characteristics of patients with a NPP referred to physical therapy with LBP. Additionally, we characterized patients with LBP meeting the criteria for NPP by demographic, clinical, psychological, and pain sensitivity variables. Finally, we examined short- and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with a NPP compared to those without a NPP. Materials and Methods. Patients referred to physical therapy for LBP completed the Patient Self-report Survey for the Assessment of Fibromyalgia. Participants were categorized as “LBP with NPP” or “LBP without NPP” based on the threshold established in this measure. A rank sum test examined for differences in pain-related psychological factors and pressure-pain threshold between groups. Next, a Friedman test examined if LBP intensity and disability trajectories differed by groups at one and six months after initiation of physical therapy. Results. 22.2% of patients referred to physical therapy for LBP met the criteria for a NPP. Patients with a NPP reported significantly greater disability, pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, and somatization compared to individuals without a NPP (

p
<
0.05

). Pressure-pain threshold did not differ between groups (

p
>
0.05

). Individuals with LBP with a NPP demonstrated nonsignificant, small to medium reductions in pain and disability at one and six months. Individuals experiencing LBP without a NPP demonstrated significant reductions in pain and disability in the short- and long term. Conclusion. Patients with LBP with a NPP displayed greater negative pain-related psychological factors but similar pain sensitivity compared to LBP without NPP.
Orographic Effect and the Opposite Trend of Rainfall in Central Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Van Thang , Nguyen Dang Mau , Doan Quang Van , Bui Minh Tuan , Mai Van Khiem , Duong Van Kham , Tran Thanh Thuy , Trinh Hoang Duong , Tran Thi Tam , Nguyen Huu Quyen , Luong Xuan Thai , Tran Duy Hien
Published: March 2023

Central Vietnam is characterized by severe flooding associated with heavy rainfall events caused by interactions between multiscale atmospheric circulations and the complex local terrain. Previous studies believed rainfall in central Vietnam is closely related to the cold surge; however, it fails to explain the cause of the early rainfall occurrence in August in the subregion. For the first time, this study investigates the detailed atmospheric mechanisms associated with rainfall variations in central Vietnam using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) applied to the recently developed high-resolution Vietnam gridded precipitation (VnGP) dataset. Reanalysis data NCEP/NCAR is used to associate the rainfall changes with respective atmospheric mechanisms. EOF analysis detected two dominant rainfall modes. The primary mode explains the rainfall variation from October to November over the central and is directly related to the interaction of cold surges and tropical disturbances. The second mode accounts for rainfall occurring in north central from September to mid-October, which is attributed to the westerly summer monsoon activities. Also, we revealed that, while the first mode exhibits a significant correlation with El Niño-southern oscillation, the second depends highly on the contrast of sea surface temperature in the northern and southern Hemispheres. This different oceanic forcing and the local topological effect of Truong Son mountain range reasonably explain the opposite rainfall pattern in central Vietnam in early fall.
Properties of Weak Solutions for a Pseudoparabolic Equation with Logarithmic Nonlinearity of Variable Exponents
Authors: Pan Rongting , Gao Yunzhu , Meng Qiu
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new pseudoparabolic equation with logarithmic nonlinearity of variable exponents is investigated. By using the energy functional and the classical potential well, we obtain the global existence and blow-up results of weak solutions with variable exponents. These results extend and improve some recent results in which the blow-up results were showed involving the logarithmic nonlinearity with variable exponents.
Morphology, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of Pasteurella multocida Causing Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Indonesia
Authors: Desem Muhammad Ibrahim , Handharyani Ekowati , Setiyono Agus , Safika Safika , Subekti Didik Tulus , Ekawasti Fitrine
Published: March 2023

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram‐negative bacterium that causes hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) in buffaloes and cattle. The disease causes serious problems in Indonesian livestock and is classified as a serious transmissible animal disease. Previous research has determined the diversity of P. multocida using a serotyping method based on the antigenic properties of capsule polysaccharides. An alternative method for analysis utilizes sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). This study aimed to characterize and determine P. multocida diversity in several regions of Indonesia based on phenotypic character, protein profile, and the band pattern of RAPD results. Bacterial identification was performed using traditional biochemical techniques and API® 20NE systems and then confirmed molecularly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The freeze‐thawing technique was performed to obtain the bacterial protein extract, and DNA extraction was executed using DNAzol. The extracted protein and RAPD product were then electrophoresed on 12% polyacrylamide gel and 1.5% agarose gel, respectively. The results indicate that the molecular weight range of the protein bands is 12–209 kDa, and the band pattern of the RAPD results ranged from 307–3,100 bp. Based on phenotypical analysis, P. multocida from South Sulawesi Province exhibited a variety of growth characteristics in MacConkey agar media. Using the hierarchical clustering analysis of the band patterns of RAPD and the whole‐cell protein profiles, four and five clusters were formed, respectively. These results indicate molecular diversity among P. multocida from several regions of Indonesia.
Comparison Study of Four Typical ORC Configurations for Different Waste Heat Characteristics of Engine
Authors: Tian Hua , He Zhaoxian , Zhang Xuanang , Li Ligeng , Cai Jinwen , Wang Xuan , Liang Xingyu , Shu Gequn
Published: March 2023

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC), as the most promising technology for engine waste heat recovery, has many configurations available to match the complicated engine waste heat conditions. This paper is aimed at revealing the characteristics of the engine waste heat condition for which different ORC configurations are matched so as to give selection guidance. The engine waste heat sources are characterized by the exhaust gas temperature (300°C-650°C) and the heat ratio of the high temperature waste heat to low temperature waste heat (0.5-1.5). Four mostly investigated configurations including the single-loop ORC, the cascade dual-loop ORC, the dual-pressure ORC, and the CO2 transcritical Rankine cycle (CTRC) are selected and modified to enable efficient utilization of all waste heat sources. Their thermodynamic performance is optimized for different waste heat characteristics. The results show improvements in net power for all configurations when exhaust gas temperature and heat ratio rise from 300°C, 0.5, to 650°C, 1.5, respectively, of which the high-temperature split CTRC (HTS-CTRC) recorded the largest increase of 183.58%, while the split regenerative ORC (SR-ORC), dual-pressure ORC (D-ORC), and split cascade ORC (SC-ORC) increased by 17.41%, 23.71%, and 35.45%, respectively. Two selection maps are established to provide general references for quickly selecting the configuration according to different waste heat characteristics whatever the engine type and operating conditions.
Acceptable Level of Acceptance and the Affecting Factors: What Is the Acceptable Public Acceptance of Building a Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Kartono Drajat Tri , Hastjarjo Sri , Sajidan  , Effendi Bob Soelaiman , Ashari Dhita Karunia , Wijayanto Purbayakti Kusuma , Saraswati Zahra Nadhila , Christy Alexander Yonathan
Published: March 2023

This research determines the Acceptable Level of Acceptance (ALA) based on the countries with active Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The ALA is a particular value of public acceptance of NPP, indicating public support and participation in the program. If the public acceptance level is lower than the ALA, then the probability of public resistance against the program is relatively high and would harm the NPP. There is no correlation between the number of populations. This research uses four categories to classify public acceptance: (1) low, (2) moderate, (3) high, and (4) very high. Based on these categories, this research suggests that the moderate ALA is 27.5% of the acceptance level.
Novel and Facile Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots from Chicken Feathers and Their Application as a Photocatalyst to Degrade Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Imran Din Muhammad , Ahmed Mahmood , Ahmad Muhammad , Saqib Shahab , Mubarak Warda , Hussain Zaib , Khalid Rida , Raza Hussain , Hussain Tajamal
Published: March 2023

Methylene blue (MB) is a most commonly used synthetic dye in the textile industry. It is an extremely carcinogenic phenothiazine derivative and therefore needs to be removed from the water bodies. In the present study, a single-step hydrothermal novel synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) extracted from biomass of chicken feathers has been performed, and the synthesized CQDs were applied to remove MB present in the aqueous samples. A number of techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the samples for the conformity purposes. SEM and XRD analysis showed that CQDs are highly crystalline and have spherical structures with an average particle diameter of 35 nm. In the presence of 0.2 g of synthesized CQDs, MB dye degraded drastically under the sunlight. The rate of degradation was studied by determining the absorbance of the degraded sample with time relevant to untreated sample. The % degradation achieved during first 60 min of time was approximately 92% which increased minimally to a value of only 95% after 100 min of time. The ease of synthesis of carbon dots at low cost contributes hugely to their utilizations as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of aqueous pollutants. The opted approach to synthesize CQDs is cost-effective and eco-friendly and demonstrates excellent potential to remove MB from the aqueous samples.
Modeling and Control of a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator for Wind Turbine-Generator Systems
Authors: Lamnadi Mouna , Trihi Mourad , Bossoufi Badre , Boulezhar Abdelkader
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a vector control direct (FOC) of double fed induction generator intended to control the generated stator powers. This device is intended to be implemented in a variable-speed wind-energy conversion system connected to the grid. In order to control the active and reactive power exchanged between the machine stator and the grid, the rotor is fed by a bi-directional converter. The DFIG is controlled by standard relay controllers. Details of the control strategy and system simulation were performed using Simulink and the results are presented in this here to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Rejoinder to The Role of Empathy in Teaching Culturally Diverse Students: A Qualitative Study of Teachers’ Beliefs
Authors: McAllister Gretchen
Published: March 2023

After 20 years, the research on empathy in teacher education has grown tremendously. This concept originally explored in our article 20 years ago, raised questions regarding the type of empathy and its potential implications for preparing culturally responsive teachers. Though research on empathy has increased 3-fold, teacher educators still struggle in our preparation of effective teachers for all children. One positive step forward in this recent line of research has been the centering of empathy in a more critical frame cautioning us against the concept of inauthentic or false empathy, as well as questioning whether empathy is enough.
The New York State COVID-19 Healthcare Personnel Study: One-Year Follow-up of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants, 2020-2021
Authors: DiMaggio Charles , Susser Ezra , Frangos Spiros , Abramson David , Andrews Howard , Hoven Christina , Ryan Megan , Li Guohua
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

The COVID-19 Healthcare Personnel Study is a longitudinal survey to assess the changing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New York State health care workforce. We analyzed results from a follow-up survey of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants on the availability of equipment and personnel, work conditions, physical and mental health of participants, and impact of the pandemic on commitment to their profession.

Methods:

We conducted an online survey of all licensed New York State physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in April 2020 (N = 2105) and a follow-up survey in February 2021 (N = 978). We analyzed changes in item responses from baseline to follow-up. We calculated survey-adjusted paired t tests and odds ratios (ORs) using survey-adjusted generalized linear models controlling for age, sex, region of practice, and hospital versus non–hospital-based practice.

Results:

Twenty percent of respondents expressed continuing concern about personnel shortages at both baseline and follow-up. Respondents reported working approximately 5 more hours on average during a 2-week period at follow-up compared with baseline (78.1 vs 72.6 hours; P = .008). For 20.4% (95% CI, 17.2%-23.5%) of respondents, mental health issues had become persistent. More than one-third (35.6%; 95% CI, 31.9%-39.4%) of respondents reported that they thought about leaving their profession more often than once per month. The association between persistent mental and behavioral health issues and contemplating leaving one’s profession was significant (OR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.8-4.1; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Interventions such as decreasing the number of hours worked, ensuring health care professionals do not work directly with patients while ill, and addressing shortages of personal protective equipment can help address concerns of the health care workforce.
Cause-Specific Mortality Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years in the United States, 1999 Through 2020
Authors: Kakara Ramakrishna S. , Lee Robin , Eckstrom Elizabeth N.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Reports on recent mortality trends among adults aged ≥65 years are lacking. We examined trends in the leading causes of death from 1999 through 2020 among US adults aged ≥65 years.

Methods:

We used data from the National Vital Statistics System mortality files to identify the 10 leading causes of death among adults aged ≥65 years. We calculated overall and cause-specific age-adjusted death rates and then calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) in death rates from 1999 through 2020.

Results:

The overall age-adjusted death rate decreased on average by 0.5% (95% CI, −1.0% to −0.1%) per year from 1999 through 2020. Although rates for 7 of the top 10 causes of death decreased significantly, the rates of death from Alzheimer disease (AAPC = 3.0%; 95% CI, 1.5% to 4.5%) and from unintentional injuries (AAPC = 1.2%; 95% CI, 1.0% to 1.4%), notably falls (AAPC = 4.1%; 95% CI, 3.9% to 4.3%) and poisoning (AAPC = 6.6%; 95% CI, 6.0% to 7.2%), increased significantly.

Conclusion:

Public health prevention strategies and improved chronic disease management may have contributed to decreased rates in the leading causes of death. However, longer survival with comorbidities may have contributed to increased rates of death from Alzheimer disease and unintentional falls.
Long-distance donor heart procurement using an innovative cold static storage system
Authors: Schmiady Martin O , Bec Leszek P , Shallah Mohammed , Flammer Andreas J , Vogt Paul R , Wilhelm Markus J
Published: March 2023

The global lack of donor shortage poses a major limitation for heart transplantation. New concepts with expanded donor inclusion criteria comprise extended transport distances and prolonged ischemic times with the aim of reaching a larger number of potential donors. Recent developments in cold storage solutions may allow more donor hearts with prolonged ischemic times to be use for transplantation in the future. We present our experience during a long-distance donor heart procurement with the longest reported transport distance and transport time in the current literature. This was made possible through the use of SherpaPak™, an innovative cold storage system which allows for controlled temperatures during transportation.
A framework to support Robotic process automation
Authors: Farinha Diogo , Pereira Rúben , Almeida Rafael
Published: March 2023

With the increasing demand for digitalization, organizations look to emerging technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to increase their business performance. This makes it essential to identify and select the most suitable processes to maximize the benefits for organizations. However, despite the increasing interest of academics and professionals in RPA, the literature lacks a study on the main criteria organizations should consider to decide which processes to automate. Therefore, this research lists the main criteria for process automation based on scientific and professional know-how. A systematic literature review was performed, followed by a Delphi study with RPA professionals, to tune the former insights collected from the scientific literature. Our findings point to 32 criteria that organizations and decision-makers should consider before choosing which processes to automate. Feasibility, process description, and input and output data are the most voted. The criteria are evaluated with 18 processes in six organizations with positive results. While professionals may find valuable information in this document to help them decide which processes must be automated first, academics are now aware of which areas deserve further investigation.
Bending performance of carbon fiber–reinforced polymers/aluminum sandwich structure with different forming process and analysis of failure mode
Authors: Ni Can , Li Junli , Liu Gang , An Qinglong
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to study the failure response of carbon fiber–reinforced polymers (CFRP)/aluminum honeycomb sandwich structures facing three-point bending test by combining the experiments and numerical models. The theoretical model of three-point bending is established by the finite element software ABAQUS to predict the damage, and then verified by experiments. In order to study the bending performance of sandwich structures made by different forming processes, the test was carried out on sandwich panels with two different molding processes, which are secondary bonding and co-curing. The failure mode and failure mechanism of sandwich structures were also studied by testing specimens with different panel thicknesses and core heights. The results shows that the specimens of the secondary bonding molding process are more prone to damage, most of the samples were observed to be debonded after the test, and the peak load is lower than that of the co-curing. Three different failure modes, closely related to the damage length of the core, which are greatly influenced by different parameters, were observed for the co-cured specimens during the test and parametric studies were carried out for the co-cured specimens. The results showed that small damage length makes it easier to form type I failure mode, while the type II failure mode is more likely to form in situations when the damage length is larger.
Development and Validation of Algorithms to Predict Activity, Mobility, and Memory Limitations Using Medicare Claims and Post-Acute Care Assessments
Authors: Heins Sara E. , Agniel Denis , Mann Jacob , Sorbero Melony E.
Published: March 2023

Functional impairment predicts mortality and health care utilization. However, validated measures of functional impairment are not routinely collected during clinical encounters and are impractical to use for large-scale risk-adjustment or targeting interventions. This study’s purpose was to develop and validate claims-based algorithms to predict functional impairment using Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) 2014–2017 claims data linked with post-acute care (PAC) assessment data and weighted to better represent the overall Medicare FFS population. Using supervised machine learning, predictors were identified that best predicted two functional impairment outcomes measured in PAC data—any memory limitation and a count of 0–6 activity/mobility limitations. The memory limitation algorithm had moderately high sensitivity and specificity. The activity/mobility limitations algorithm performed well in identifying beneficiaries with five or more limitations, but overall accuracy was poor. This dataset shows promise for use in PAC populations, though generalizability to broader older adult populations remains a challenge.
The Role of Ageism in the Acceptance and Use of Digital Technology
Authors: Mannheim Ittay , Varlamova Maria , van Zaalen Yvonne , Wouters Eveline J. M.
Published: March 2023

Technology acceptance models associate older age with lower intention to use digital technology although this assumption is often stereotypically-based and not sufficiently tested with older persons. This study investigated the association of ageism (rather than chronological age) with behavioral intention and actual use of technology within the theoretical framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT-2) model. 374 Dutch-speaking participants aged 50–97 completed the UTAUT-2 questionnaire, Expectations Regarding Aging, Attitudes Toward Older Adults Using Technology (ATOAUT-11) and experienced ageism scales. A path analysis found that expectations regarding aging partially mediated the association of age with negative attitudes. Mixed results were found regarding the fit of the new UTAUT-2-Ageism model. Negative ATOAUT moderated the associations of Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, and Habit with Behavioral Intention to use technology, and the explained variance increased. Further research is warranted to fully identify the potential role of ageism in technology acceptance.
Interaction between thermoplastic starch and cellulose in poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) composites with cellulosic fillers
Authors: Keskes Mariam , Desse Melinda , Carrot Christian , Jaziri Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Starch and cellulose being both carbohydrate polymers, thermoplastic starch (TPS) is expected to be a suitable compatibilizer for materials made of cellulosic fillers and polyesters. This paper investigates the interactions between TPS and cellulose in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), melt-blended composites. For this, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were dispersed in a commercially available polymer (Mater-Bi, MB), containing TPS already dispersed in PBAT. Microscopic observations were performed on composites based on either MB or neat PBAT reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis in solid and in the molten state revealed a percolating network of fillers. Results indicated interaction between TPS and cellulose as the origin of the adhesion of the components but also of biphasic agglomerates.
Critical Theory and Universal Basic Income
Authors: Harris Neal
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified interest in alternatives to neoliberalism. One proposal that has been increasingly discussed by both academics and activists is the implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI). This would typically see all citizens awarded a regular cash payment, without conditionality attached. While UBI thus deserves considerable attention from sociologists, as yet critical theorists have not offered an extended engagement with the proposal. In this paper, I provide exactly such a critical theoretical perspective on UBI, subjecting the approach to an extended critique. When viewed through the perspective of critical theory, UBI emerges as a more problematic approach to social change, failing to offer what its most enthusiastic progressive proponents promise: ‘a capitalist road to communism’. Rather, in this article, I argue that, when viewed through the lens of critical theory, UBI appears likely to further entrench, rather than disturb, the neoliberal social formation.
Optimal design of continuously inflated airbag for 12-year-old child occupants with various sitting postures
Authors: Hong Liang , Liu Peng , Ge Ruhai
Published: March 2023

Owing to the lively nature, children often use a variety of non-standard sitting postures when riding school buses. Current restraint systems in school buses and traditional airbags cannot effectively protect the child occupants with the non-standard sitting postures in frontal collisions. A prototype design of a new continuously inflated airbag is proposed to increase the safety of child occupants. The aim of this study is to determine the injury thresholds of 12-year-old children using the dimensional analysis method, and under the eight mixed conditions, to propose an optimal design of a continuously inflated airbag. First, a simulation model of the restraint system is developed and validated by the experimental test conducted according to ECE R80/GB24406. Then, a coupling model of the restraint system and continuously inflated airbag is built. Second, a standard and three non-standard sitting postures of 12-year-old child occupants and the two crash pulses of school buses are combined to form the eight mixed conditions. Finally, the main design parameters of the continuously inflated airbag are optimized using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III and entropy weight method. A continuously inflated airbag with the optimal configuration can significantly reduce the injuries to the 12-year-old child occupants. Under the original crash pulse, the optimized airbag can provide the best protections for the occupant head under the forward-leaning sitting posture and the occupant femurs under the slouched sitting posture, respectively. Under the higher-speed crash pulse, the protective effect on the occupant head under the standard sitting posture is better than that under the right-leaning sitting posture.
Study the combined effect of electric field and variable viscosity on the stability of dielectric nanofluid (CuO + water) within a Hele–Shaw cell
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Bhadauria Beer Singh
Published: March 2023

In this research article, the combined effect of electric field and variable viscosity on the stability of dielectric nanofluid (CuO + water) within a Hele–Shaw cell is studied. The normal mode technique has been implemented for linear stability analysis and the truncated Fourier series method for nonlinear stability analysis. The effect of the Hele–Shaw number, thermorheological parameter, and alternating current electric Rayleigh number on the onset of convection and heat/mass transfer has been investigated analytically, graphically, and using tables. It is observed that the effect of the thermorheological parameter has a destabilizing effect, and the value of the parameter is always less than [Formula: see text] for this study. We also found that the Hele–Shaw number has stabilizing effect, and it is always greater or equal to [Formula: see text] for this study. The effect of alternating current electric Rayleigh number is destabilized. We observed that in the whole analysis, numerical results are better than analytical results.
Glutathione S-transferase zeta 1 alters the HMGB1/GPX4 axis to drive ferroptosis in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Chen Qitian , Zhang Yang , Zhao Lingling
Published: March 2023

Objective

The ability of glutathione S-transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1) to modulate homeostasis of cellular redox and induce ferroptosis was explored in bladder cancer cells, and the involvement of the high mobility group protein 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (HMGB1/GPX4) in these effects was studied.

Methods

BIU-87 cells stably overexpressing GSTZ1 were transfected with appropriate plasmids to deplete HMGB1 or overexpress GPX4, then treated with deferoxamine and ferrostatin-1. Antiproliferative effects were assessed by quantifying levels of ferroptosis markers, such as iron, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), GPX4, transferrin, and ferritin.

Results

GSTZ1 was significantly downregulated in bladder cancer cells. GSTZ1 overexpression downregulated GPX4 and GSH, while greatly increasing levels of iron, MDA, ROS, and transferrin. GSTZ1 overexpression also decreased proliferation of BIU-87 cells and activated HMGB1/GPX4 signaling. The effects of GSTZ1 on ferroptosis and proliferation were antagonized by HMGB1 knockdown or GPX4 overexpression.

Conclusion

GSTZ1 induces ferroptotic cell death and alters cellular redox homeostasis in bladder cancer cells, and these effects involve activation of the HMGB1/GPX4 axis.
School Resource Officers and Students With Disabilities: Wilson v. City of Southlake (2019)
Authors: Tuttle Prince Angela , Behnken Monic P.
Published: March 2023

Given the disproportionate rates of youth with disabilities who experience exclusionary discipline in schools, it is important to consider the involvement of law enforcement officers in the discipline of these students and the students’ right to an equitable education. One recent case of concern was Wilson v. City of Southlake, which clarified that police can be sued for disability discrimination based on their response to a student with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 where life-threatening circumstances are not present. This finding has implications for schools that involve school resource officers in responding to children who are protected under either of these provisions.
Parental Decision-Making Around Introducing Complementary Foods: An Integrative Review
Authors: Thompson Kelsey L. , Conklin Jamie L. , Thoyre Suzanne
Published: March 2023

A primary role in infant parenting is feeding, and this role undergoes a significant transition when introducing complementary foods (CF), with important long-term health implications. Understanding the influences on parental decision-making around timing the introduction to CF can help health care providers provide parents with effective support for feeding; however, the factors that influence parental decision-making have not been recently reviewed in the United States. To determine influences and information sources, this integrative review examined the literature from 2012 to 2022. Results indicated that parents are confused and distrustful of inconsistent and changing guidelines around CF introduction. Instead, developmental readiness signs may be a more appropriate way for practitioners and researchers to support parents in appropriate CF introduction. Future work is needed to evaluate interpersonal and societal influences on parental decision-making, as well as to develop culturally sensitive practices to support healthful parental decisions.
Robust control of vehicle suspension systems with friction non-linearity for ride comfort enhancement
Authors: Ozbek Cengiz , Burkan Recep , Yagiz Nurkan
Published: March 2023

Robust controllers are attracting considerable interest in control of dynamic systems due to their capability of eliminating parameterized or unparameterized uncertainties. Therefore, model based robust control law is proposed in this study for ride comfort enhancement and applied on a 7 degree-of-freedom full-car suspension system with friction non-linearity. Inertia, spring and damping forces of the system are modelled with parameterized uncertainties while friction forces and external disturbances are considered as unmodelled dynamics, namely, unparameterized uncertainties. To better understand the effectiveness of proposed controller, a dry friction model that has non-linear characteristics is used for analysis. Closed-loop stability of the system is achieved by using well-known Lyapunov Stability Theorem. To better evaluate the effect of proposed robust controller on ride comfort enhancement with successful road holding, extensive numerical analysis is performed and the results are compared with those of previous similar controller and passive suspension system. The effectiveness of proposed control method has been confirmed. Consequently, satisfactory results have been obtained proving that the ride comfort of a vehicle that has both parameterized and unparameterized uncertainties has been further improved with reasonable power consumption values for a vehicle in terms of economic viability.
New therapies in non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations
Authors: David Gil-Sierra Manuel , Maria del Pilar Briceño-Casado , Cristina Moreno-Ramos
Published: March 2023

Objective

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations have a poor prognosis and few therapeutic alternatives. We conducted a review of scientific evidence about therapies in NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.

Data Sources

A systematic review in PubMed® database was performed up to November 19, 2022. Clinical trials (CTs) about treatments of patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic NSCLC harbouring EGFR exon 20 insertions who had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy were selected. CTs with a sample size of less than 10 patients were discarded. Efficacy results were used to determine the most interesting drugs. Subsequently, a more exhaustive analysis of the design of the CTs and safety of the most interesting schemes was conducted. Comparisons were attempted to develop.

Data Summary

A total of 40 records were found in the systematic search. Twelve selected CTs included the following therapies: poziotinib, osimertinib, pertuzumab–trastuzumab–docetaxel scheme, mobocertinib, amivantamab, erlotinib–onalespib regimen, luminespib, ado-trastuzumab emtansine and dacomitinib. Mobocertinib, amivantamab and poziotinib were determined as the most interesting treatments according to efficacy data. Gastrointestinal and dermatological adverse reactions were relevant in these regimens. All CTs presented a non-randomised design. No reliable comparisons could be developed.

Conclusions

The efficacy of mobocertinib, amivantamab and poziotinib in NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations is promising. However, therapies were assessed in single-arm CTs with low-quality evidence. Comparative studies with more extensive patient follow-up, larger sample size and better design are needed to reliably quantify the effect of these drugs.
Helicobacter pylori-Related Immunoglobulins in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Herndon Betty L. , Vlach Victoria , Dew Michelle , Willsie Sandra K.
Published: March 2023

Background/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine serum antibody titers against a common bacterial antigen, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), in subjects with sarcoidosis, comparing those titers to those present in a healthy population.

Subjects and Methods

With the approval of the Institutional Review Board of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, patients with sarcoidosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) who visited the Truman Medical Center-Hospital Hill pulmonary clinic were recruited to enter the study. A serum sample was frozen at -70°C for later testing ( n = 20). Specific information collected on subjects included corticosteroid use, use of histamine2 blockers and antacids, date of first diagnosis, and stage of sarcoidosis. Normal controls and demographically matched individuals who lacked pulmonary diseases, including sarcoidosis, were also recruited. Serum samples were processed as above. Antibody capture enzyme immunoassay was completed for H. pylori and urease antigens by serum dilution assay for each subject, from which titers for antigen-specific immunoglobulin (lg)G and IgA were calculated. Nonspecific serum IgE was also measured.

Results

An increased incidence of high-titer IgG antibody directed against H. pylori antigens was found in subjects with sarcoidosis compared with controls. The sarcoidosis and control groups were significantly different with respect to IgG and IgA against H. pylori, both at p = .001. IgG directed against urease was also significantly different between sarcoidosis and control patients ( p = .001), but IgA directed against urease was very low in all subjects and did not yield significant differences between groups.

Conclusions

Specific H. pylori and urease IgG antibodies exceeded those expected in the population studied. The data suggest that in pulmonary sarcoidosis, the relationship of H. pylori and its products to sarcoid granuloma formation warrants further investigation.
Recruitment into randomised trials of arteriovenous grafts: A systematic review
Authors: Kingsmore David , White Richard D , Mestres Gaspar , Stephens Mike , Calder Francis , Papadakis Georgios , Aitken Emma , Jackson Andrew , Inston Nick , Jones Rob G , Geddes Colin , Stevenson Karen , Szabo Laszlo , Thomson Peter , Stove Callum , Kasthuri Ram , Edgar Ben , Tozzi Matteo , Franchin Marco , Sivaprakasam Rajesh , Karydis Nikolaos
Published: March 2023

Although randomised controlled trials (RCT) are considered the optimal form of evidence, there are relatively few in surgery. Surgical RCT are particularly likely to be discontinued with poor recruitment cited as a leading reason. Surgical RCT present challenges over and above those seen in drug trials as the treatment under study may vary between procedures, between surgeons in one unit, and between units in multi-centred RCT. The most contentious and debated area of vascular access remains the role of arteriovenous grafts, and thus the quality of the data that is used to support opinions, guidelines and recommendations is critical. The aim of this review was to determine the extent of variation in the planning and recruitment in all RCT involving AVG. The findings of this are stark: there have been only 31 RCT performed in 31 years, the vast majority of which exhibited major limitations severe enough to undermine the results. This underlines the need for better quality RCT and data, and further inform the design of future studies. Perhaps most fundamental is the planning for a RCT that accounts for the intended population, the uptake of a RCT and the attrition for the significant co-morbidity in this population.
A Systematic Approach to Standardizing Drinking Outcomes From Timeline Followback Data
Authors: Marini Christina , Northover Nicole S , Gold Noah D , Rogers Ursula K , O’Donnell Kelley C , Tofighi Babak , Ross Stephen , Bogenschutz Michael P
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The timeline followback (TLFB) interview is the gold standard for the quantitative assessment of alcohol use. However, self-reported “drinks” can vary in alcohol content. If this variability is not accounted for, it can compromise the reliability and validity of TLFB data. To improve the precision of the TLFB data, we developed a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) to calculate standard drinks more accurately from participant reports.

Method:

For the new SOP, the volume and alcohol content by volume (ABV) of distinct types of alcoholic beverages were determined based on product websites and other reliable sources. Recipes for specific cocktails were constructed based on recipes from bartending education websites. One standard drink was defined as 0.6 oz (14 g) of absolute alcohol. Standard drink totals were contrasted for the new SOP approach and the standard procedure, which generally assumed that one self-reported drink was equivalent to one standard drink.

Results:

Relative to the standard TLFB procedure, higher numbers of standard drinks were reported after implementing the TLFB SOP.

Conclusions:

Variability in procedures for conversion of self-reported alcohol consumption to standard drinks can confound the interpretation of TLFB data. The use and reporting of a detailed SOP can significantly reduce the potential for such inconsistencies. Detailed and consistent procedures for calculation of standard drinks can enhance the quality of TLFB drinking data.
Able to study? Reasonable accommodation at flemish universities
Authors: Lammens Lotte , Spinoy Marie , Willems Kurt
Published: March 2023

Across Flemish universities, students with disabilities continue to make up a minority of the student population. Yet Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (‘CRPD’) enshrines the right to inclusive education and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of disability in the implementation of this right. These rights indubitably also apply in a setting of postsecondary education, as is made unequivocally clear by the Article’s requirement of an inclusive education system ‘at all levels’ and its paragraph 5. Equal access to higher education for persons with disabilities is crucial given its role as a portal to the enjoyment of other human rights. In our contribution we consider how one crucial aspect of this right is implemented, i.e. the right to reasonable accommodations. Based on university regulations and interviews with a number of people involved in the practical implementation of reasonable accommodations, we assess whether the law and practice at Flemish universities are in conformity with the CRPD standards. While we found that considerable attention is paid to the role of the environment and the context of individual students, we also identified a number of ‘disability pitfalls’ in the current Flemish practice that might also be present in other jurisdictions.
Implementation of an integrated intercultural literary pedagogy intervention in Spanish-as-a-foreign-language classrooms in the Netherlands: An effect study at the secondary level
Authors: Schat Esther , van der Knaap Ewout , Graaff Rick de
Published: March 2023

In today’s globalized world, teaching intercultural competence in educational contexts is of great importance. The potential of foreign language literary texts has been emphasized repeatedly. The present study investigates the value of a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) approach to the teaching of literature in foreign language classrooms for the simultaneous development of intercultural competence and foreign language reading proficiency. An intervention based on integrated intercultural literary pedagogy (IILP) was developed. This longitudinal quasi-experimental study examined the effects of the IILP treatment in a sample of 274 Dutch secondary school students (from seven schools) who were learning Spanish as a foreign language using a switch replication design with two conditions. Three Spanish novels were read in both conditions in two consecutive school years. For the experimental condition, students performed dialogical tasks based on IILP pedagogical principles; for the control condition, the tasks consisted of comprehensive reading questions. Multilevel analysis of the data revealed that the students in the experimental condition significantly improved their intercultural competence when compared with the students in the control condition. For reading proficiency, main effects were found in both conditions. The results demonstrate that a CLIL approach adds considerably to intercultural development; a broad inclusion of literary texts in foreign language teaching environments is therefore recommended.