bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trials of Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension: An Updated Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mufarrih Syed Hamza , Qureshi Nada Qaisar , Khan Mohammed Saud , Kazimuddin Mohammed , Secemsky Eric , Bloch Michael J. , Giri Jay , Cohen Debbie , Swaminathan Rajesh V. , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Alaswad Khaldoon , Kirtane Ajay , Kandzari David , Aronow Herbert D.
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite optimal medical therapy, a significant proportion of patients' blood pressure remains uncontrolled. Catheter‐based renal denervation (RDN) has been proposed as a potential intervention for uncontrolled hypertension. We conducted an updated meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of RDN in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, with emphasis on the differential effect of RDN in patients on and off antihypertensive medications.

Methods and Results

Online databases were searched to identify randomized clinical trials comparing efficacy and safety of RDN versus control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Subgroup analyses were conducted for sham‐controlled trials and studies that used RDN devices that have gained or are currently seeking US Food and Drug Administration approval. Fifteen trials with 2581 patients (RDN, 1723; sham, 858) were included. In patients off antihypertensive medications undergoing RDN, a significant reduction in 24‐hour ambulatory (−3.70 [95% CI, −5.41 to −2.00] mm Hg), office (−4.76 [95% CI, −7.57 to −1.94] mm Hg), and home (−3.28 [95% CI, −5.96 to −0.61] mm Hg) systolic blood pressures was noted. In patients on antihypertensive medications, a significant reduction was observed in 24‐hour ambulatory (−2.23 [95% CI, −3.56 to −0.90] mm Hg), office (−6.39 [95% CI, −11.49 to −1.30]), home (−6.08 [95% CI, −11.54 to −0.61] mm Hg), daytime (−2.62 [95% CI, −4.14 to −1.11]), and nighttime (−2.70 [95% CI, −5.13 to −0.27]) systolic blood pressures, as well as 24‐hour ambulatory (−1.16 [95% CI, −1.96 to −0.35]), office (−3.17 [95% CI, −5.54 to −0.80]), and daytime (−1.47 [95% CI, −2.50 to −0.27]) diastolic blood pressures.

Conclusions

RDN significantly lowers blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, in patients off and on antihypertensive medications, with a favorable safety profile. The efficacy of RDN was consistent in sham‐controlled trials and contemporary trials using US Food and Drug Administration–approved devices.
Introducing prediction intervals for sample means
Authors: Stanley David J. , Spence Jeffrey R. , Contini Molly E.
Published: August 2024

Researchers and practitioners are typically familiar with descriptive statistics and statistical inference. However, outside of regression techniques, little attention may be given to questions around prediction. In the current paper, we introduce prediction intervals using fundamental concepts that are learned in descriptive and inferential statistical training (i.e., sampling error, standard deviation). We walk through an example using simple hand calculations and reference a simple R package that can be used to calculate prediction intervals.
Laboratory medicine and sports
Authors: Cigrovski Berković Maja , Matanović Luka , Buljubašić Robert , Marijančević Domagoj , Žarak Marko , Perović Antonija , Šimac Brankica , Marević Sanja , Radišić Biljak Vanja , Đerek Lovorka
Published: August 2024

Laboratory medicine in sport and exercise has significantly developed during the last decades with the awareness that physical activity contributes to improved health status, and is present in monitoring both professional and recreational athletes. Training and competitions can modify concentrations of a variety of laboratory parameters, so the accurate laboratory data interpretation includes controlled and known preanalytical and analytical variables to prevent misleading interpretations. The paper represents a comprehensive summary of the lectures presented during the 35th Annual Symposium of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. It describes management of frequent sport injuries and sums up current knowledge of selected areas in laboratory medicine and sports including biological variation, changes in biochemical parameters and glycemic status. Additionally, the paper polemicizes sex hormone disorders in sports, encourages and comments research in recreational sports and laboratory medicine. In order to give the wider view, the connection of legal training protocols as well as monitoring prohibited substances in training is also considered through the eyes of laboratory medicine.
Serum concentration of ferroportin in women of reproductive age
Authors: Ljubić Kristina , Penava Nikolina , Tomić Vajdana , Cvetković Ivona , Pušić Ante , Mikulić Vinka , Mikulić Ivanka , Ćuk Ana , Rumora Lada
Published: August 2024

IntroductionFerroportin (Fpn) is the only known iron exporter and plays an essential role in iron homeostasis. Serum concentrations of Fpn in health and/or diseased states are still mostly unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Fpn in the serum of women of reproductive age (WRA) for the first time, and to establish whether there is a difference in the concentration of Fpn according to ferritin status.
Materials and methodsThis research included 100 WRA (18-45 years, C-reactive protein (CRP) < 5 mg/L, hemoglobin > 120 g/L). Serum Fpn was measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method on the analyzer EZ Read 800 Plus (Biochrom, Cambridge, UK). Reference interval was calculated using the robust method.
ResultsThe median concentration of Fpn in the whole study group was 9.74 (5.84-15.69) µg/L. The subgroup with ferritin concentration > 15 µg/L had a median Fpn concentration 15.21 (10.34-21.93) µg/L, which significantly differed from Fpn concentration in the subgroup with ferritin concentration ≤ 15 µg/L (5.93 (4.84-8.36) µg/L, P < 0.001). The reference limits for the Fpn were 2.26-29.81 µg/L with 90% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.78 to 2.83 and 25.37 to 34.33, respectively.
ConclusionsThe proposed reference interval could help in the future research on iron homeostasis both in physiological conditions and in various disorders, because this is the first study that measured Fpn concentration in a certain gender and age group of a healthy population.
Comparative analysis of the color change in blue-green inclusions within neutrophils between two patients with different clinical outcomes
Authors: Zhang Chi , Chen Junkun , Huang Ming , Li Guo
Published: August 2024

Blue-green neutrophilic inclusions (BGNI), also known as “death bodies,” are bright green structures observed in the cytoplasm of neutrophils or monocytes and are closely associated with acute liver failure, lactic acidosis, and other serious diseases. Some studies suggested a potential association with phagocytic lipofuscin released by damaged liver cells. The presence of BGNI typically indicated a poor prognosis. We presented two cases. Case 1 was diagnosed with novel bunyavirus infection and exhibited severe hepatic impairment and coagulation dysfunction along with the presence of BGNI in neutrophils. Despite receiving comprehensive symptomatic treatment, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated leading to eventual demise. Case 2 had severe liver injury caused by wasp stings, and BGNI was observed. Following active treatment measures, the patient eventually achieved recovery. Throughout the disease course of case 1, there was a progressive deepening in color and increase in quantity of BGNI. Conversely, case 2 demonstrated an opposite trend. Based on the comparison of clinical outcomes and variations in color and quantity of BGNI between these two patients, it was found that an increase in the number and deepening of BGNI color corresponded to worsening condition. Conversely, a decrease in quantity and lightening of color indicated improvement. Hence, these findings suggest a possible association between changes in BGNI characteristics and prognosis.
Landscape Analysis for Surrogate Models in the Evolutionary Black-Box Context
Authors: Pitra Zbyněk , Koza Jan , Tumpach Jiří , Holeňa Martin
Published: August 2024

Surrogate modeling has become a valuable technique for black-box optimization tasks with expensive evaluation of the objective function. In this paper, we investigate the relationships between the predictive accuracy of surrogate models, their settings, and features of the black-box function landscape during evolutionary optimization by the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) state-of-the-art optimizer for expensive continuous black-box tasks. This study aims to establish the foundation for specific rules and automated methods for selecting and tuning surrogate models by exploring relationships between landscape features and model errors, focusing on the behavior of a specific model within each generation in contrast to selecting a specific algorithm at the outset. We perform a feature analysis process, identifying a significant number of non-robust features and clustering similar landscape features, resulting in the selection of 14 features out of 384, varying with input data selection methods. Our analysis explores the error dependencies of four models across 39 settings, utilizing three methods for input data selection, drawn from surrogate-assisted CMA-ES runs on noiseless benchmarks within the comparing continuous optimizers (COCO) framework.
Introduction
Authors: Castagna Giuliano
Published: August 2024

This chapter sets out the field of inquiry and provides the reader with the theoretical framework and cultural elements necessary to understand and appreciate the data presented in the second chapter. After presenting the limitation of the study, this chapter offers an overview of the Jibbali/Śḥərɛ̄́t language within its Modern South Arabian and Semitic context. Subsequently, the chapter delineates some elements of glottonymy, dialectology and paremiology. This is followed by a brief grammatical sketch and a description of the methodologies employed.
The Existence and Uniqueness Results of Solutions for a Fractional Hybrid Integro-differential System
Authors: Taier Ala Eddine , Wu Ranchao , Iqbal Naveed , Ali Sijjad
Published: August 2024

This paper discuss two important results for a fractional hybrid boundary value problem of Riemann-Liouville integro-differential systems, the researches and the advance in this field and also the importance of this subject in the modeling of nonlinear real phenomena corresponding to a great variety of events gives the motivation to study this boundary value problem. The results are as follow, the first result consider the existence and uniqueness results of solutions for a fractional hybrid boundary value problem of Riemann-Liouville integro-differential system this result based on Krasnoslskii fixed point theorem for a sum of two operators, the second result is the uniqueness of solution for fractional hybrid boundary value problem of Riemann-Liouville integro-differential systems, the main result is based on Banach fixed point theorem, both results comes after transforming the system into Volterra integral system then transform again into operator system, then using fixed point theory to prove the results, this articule was ended buy an example to well illustrat the results and ideas of proof.
Simulation of Ship Berthing Operation at Luojing Container Terminal Under Extreme Sea Conditions
Authors: Zhan Haidong , Zhu Feng , Wu Jianwen , Wang Jie
Published: August 2024

The Luojing Port Area of the Port of Shanghai, specifically the coal terminal and ore terminal, used to be the main port area for coal and ore bulk cargo transportation services in the Port of Shanghai.To enhance the container handling capacity at Shanghai port, this study conducted a series of simulation tests at Luojing Container Terminal. The tests were designed according to the terminal's specifications, taking into account the limit berthing wind direction and wind speed (levels 6 and 7). This study selected an appropriate representative ship type for the comprehensive simulation tests, and it thoroughly tested the berthing limits under various extreme conditions using an advanced navigation simulator. The experiment obtained the motion parameters and trajectory of the simulated ship. Based on these results, this study analyzed and evaluated the safety of the rotary waters and berthing operations, ensuring they met the safety assessment requirements for wharf engineering. The study examined the berthing time window, berthing mode, boundary conditions, and safety guarantee measures under extreme sea conditions at Luojing Container Terminal. Finally, By analyzing the berthing simulation trajectory diagrams, tugboat usage, and vessel maneuvering data under the eight extreme berthing conditions, this study formulated a safe berthing plan for ships.
Pāňcālī — A Local Administrative Unit of Ancient Nepal (4th to 8th Century A.D.): An Inscriptional Overview
Authors: Tripathy Arpita
Published: August 2024

Licchavi kingdom was an ancient kingdom in Nepal, which existed in the Kathmandu Valley from approximately from ca. A.D. 300 to ca. 879. Centuries earlier at the start of the Buddhist era, a powerful republic known as Licchavi existed in what is today Bihar. It is to be mentioned here, some legendary sources from the Kathmandu Valley also describe the Kirātas as early rulers there, taken over from earlier Gopāls or Ᾱbhiras, both of whom may have been cow herding tribes. In the pre Lichhavi period a village administration existed in the valley of Nepal. In that village administration there were some local chief officials named Brahmum, Shulham, Tepulam who maintained law and orders of the villages. In the Ᾱdī- Nārāyaṇa temple Inscription of Nepal there are 18 functionaries in which Brahmum, Shulham, Tepulam are mentioned. These non sanskritic terms disappeared after sometime and replaced by sanskritic terms such as svatalasvāmī and later dauvārika, a post which endured permanently in Nepal village administration. In the period of Aṁśuvarmā we see a significant change occurred in the use of land and its administration by the ushering in of the pāňcālīs. Pāňcālī has been used in the sense of modern Pāňcāyet. In ancient Nepal Pāňcālī was a village administration and Pāňcālīkā is the member of the administrative body Pāňcālī. In this paper an attempt has been made to discuss about the meaning of the term pāňcālī, its characteristics, responsibilities and roles in Nepal administration.
Study of the Microbiological Quality of Water for Hemodialysis After Implementation of a New Treatment System at the University Hospital of Yaoundé
Authors: Gueguim Cédric , Tchantchou Allan , Mekoulou Chimene , Tamnga Olivia , Ragon Alain , Fezeu Marius , Banga Corneille , Sone Lucien , Tanwi Richard , Halle Marie , Folefack François , Nga Nnanga
Published: August 2024

Controlling the microbiological quality of water in hemodialysis centers is essential to avoid complications in hemodialysis patients that may be caused by microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological quality of water after the installation of a new water treatment system in the hemodialysis department of the Yaoundé University Hospital Center. A total of sixteen (16) samples were taken every two weeks at sites A (network inlet), B (filter outlet/osmosis inlet), C (osmosis outlet) and D (loop return) between May and July 2023. Microorganisms were isolated after filtration of 100 ml of water through a nitrocellulose membrane, microporosity 0.22 µm, then deposited on Tryptone Glucose Extract Agar (TGEA) medium and incubated at room temperature between 17 and 22°C for 7 days. After subculturing on different media, the pure microorganisms were identified by their cultural characteristics and marketed biochemical galleries. The compliance threshold was below 100CFU/ml. Of the samples analyzed, 56% (9/16) were declared non-compliant (>100UFC/ml) versus 43% (7/16) compliant (<100CFU/ml). Only samples from the fourth series were all compliant at points A, B, C and D. Of the microorganisms identified, five (5) species were Gram-negative bacilli, including Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas luteola, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Gram-positive cocci were all coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and yeasts were Candida spp. The most frequently isolated bacterial genera were Pseudomonas (29.17%), Staphylococcus (25%), Acinetobacter (16.67%), Stenotrophomonas (12.50%), Candida (12.50%) and Burkholderia (4.17%). In this study, although the samples from the fourth series of sampling were all compliant at the various sampling points, the high rate of non-compliance and the detection of a variety of microorganisms demonstrate the need to reinforce the disinfection system in the hemodialysis water treatment circuit.
Sharp Coefficient Related Results for Nephroid Shaped Domain
Authors: Jain Dolly
Published: August 2024

In this study, the focus is on two main objectives related to starlike functions associated with a nephroid-shaped domain. Firstly, the aim is to determine sharp bounds for the coefficients of these functions up to the fifth order. These bounds are crucial as they provide a detailed understanding of the behavior of the coefficients, which is important for further analysis and various applications of these functions. The sharp determination of these coefficients can aid in refining mathematical models and theoretical frameworks involving starlike functions. Secondly, the sharp bound for the third order Hankel determinant for functions in this class is also derived. The Hankel determinant is a significant tool in complex analysis, as it provides insights into the growth, distortion, and other important properties of functions. By deriving these sharp bounds, this study improves upon the existing results in the literature, thereby contributing to a more sharp characterization of starlike functions associated with nephroid-shaped domains. This advancement has the potential to lead to enhanced applications, such as in geometric function theory and fluid dynamics, and offers a deeper understanding of these mathematical functions. By addressing these objectives, the study not only fills gaps in the current research but also opens new avenues for future exploration in the field of complex analysis.
Evaluation of Equatorial Westerly Wind Events in the Pacific Ocean in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Riley Dellaripa Emily M. , DeMott Charlotte , Cui Jingxuan , Maloney Eric D.
Published: August 2024

Westerly wind events (WWEs) are anomalously strong, long-lasting westerlies over the Indian or Pacific Oceans that are capable of forcing oceanic wave modes, which in turn can impact the evolution of coupled ocean–atmosphere phenomena such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This work examines the fidelity of equatorial WWEs over the Pacific Ocean in 30 CMIP6 historical simulations against observations. WWEs are identified using equatorially averaged zonal wind stress anomaly duration, zonal extent, and intensity criteria. Most simulations correctly place the majority of WWEs over the west Pacific although they are skewed westward and generally occur less frequently compared to observations. Simulated WWEs tend to be weaker than observations for a given duration and zonal extent with several models having shorter durations and zonal extents than observations. Biases in simulated WWEs are associated with biases in Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and convectively coupled Rossby wave (CRW) variability. Models that underpredict WWE forcing in the west Pacific also severely underpredict MJO and CRW variance. Further, the multimodel mean shows a smaller fraction of WWEs associated with both the MJO and CRW than observations.
Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Structure and Its Long-Term Trend over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Chen Xu , Guo Yi-Peng , Tan Zhe-Min
Published: August 2024

The tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall structure over the western North Pacific is categorized into four typical types. Clusters I and IV are featured by the southward-shifted and northward-shifted rainfall centers, respectively. Meanwhile, clusters II and III are characterized by the weak and strong maximum rainfall rates near the TC center, respectively. Apart from rainfall, clusters I–IV show diverse features in locations, intensities, and lifetime stages. Both clusters I and III appear over the low-latitude regions. However, TCs in cluster III have the strongest intensity and are in the mature stage of their lifetime, while TCs in cluster I are relatively weaker and in earlier stages. On the contrary, cluster IV has the highest mean latitude positions and strong intensity, mainly in their later lifetime period. Cluster II shows the weakest TC intensity and mainly locates in the subtropics. Diverse TC locations lead to different effects of large-scale circulation on TC rainfall patterns in clusters I–IV. For clusters I and III, abundant moisture provided by the southwest monsoon causes heavy rainfall. In contrast, cluster IV is mainly affected by midlatitude westerly troughs, which is responsible for the northward-shifted rainfall center. Cluster II shows the weakest TC intensity, resulting in a small rainfall rate. Further analysis shows that the changes in the relative frequency contributed 36% of the decreasing trend of basin-mean inner-core rainfall during 1998–2019, and the shift of rainfall pattern from cluster III to cluster I due to the enhanced monsoon plays a central role.
Historical Subsurface Cooling in the Tropical Pacific and Its Dynamics
Authors: Jiang Feng , Seager Richard , Cane Mark A.
Published: August 2024

Understanding how the tropical Pacific responds to rising greenhouse gases in recent decades is of paramount importance given its central role in global climate systems. Extensive research has explored the long-term trends of tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and the overlying atmosphere, yet the historical change in the upper ocean has received far less attention. Here, we present compelling evidence of a prominent subsurface cooling pattern along the thermocline in the central-to-eastern tropical Pacific since 1958. This subsurface cooling has been argued to be contributing to the observed cooling or lack of warming of the equatorial cold tongue SST. We further demonstrate that different mechanisms are responsible for different parts of the subsurface cooling. In the central-to-eastern equatorial Pacific and the southeastern off-equatorial Pacific, where zonal wind stress strengthens, a pronounced subsurface cooling trend emerges just above the thermocline that is closely tied to increased Ekman pumping. In the eastern equatorial Pacific where zonal wind stress weakens, the westward surface current and eastward Equatorial Undercurrent weaken as well, resulting in reduced vertical current shear and increased ocean stability, which suppresses vertical mixing and leads to local cooling. We conclude that the historical subsurface cooling is primarily linked to dynamical adjustments of ocean currents to tropical surface wind stress changes.
Unraveling Subseasonal Drought Dynamics in India: Insights from NCMRWF Extended Range Prediction System
Authors: Kumar Kondapalli Niranjan , Gupta Ankur , Mohan T. S. , Mishra Akhilesh Kumar , Ashrit Raghavendra , Momin Imranali M. , Mahapatra Debasis K. , Nagarjuna Rao D. , Mitra Ashis K. , Prasad V. S. , Rajeevan M.
Published: August 2024

Drought, a prolonged natural event, profoundly impacts water resources and societies, particularly in agriculturally dependent nations like India. This study focuses on subseasonal droughts during the Indian summer monsoon season using standardized precipitation index (SPI). Analyzing hindcasts from the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) Extended Range Prediction (NERP) system spanning 1993–2015, we assess NERP’s strengths and limitations. NERP replicates climatic patterns well but overestimates rainfall in the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic Plain while underestimating it in the core monsoon zone and western coastline. Nonetheless, the NERP system demonstrates its ability to predict subseasonal drought conditions across India. Our research explores the model’s dynamics, emphasizing tropical and extratropical influences. We evaluate the impact of monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MSIO) and Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on drought onset and persistence, noting model performance and discrepancies. While the model consistently identifies MSIO locations, variations in phase propagation affect drought severity in India. Remarkably, NERP excels in predicting MJO phases during droughts. The study underscores the robust response in the near-equatorial Indian Ocean, a crucial factor in subseasonal drought development. Furthermore, we explored upper-level dynamic interactions, demonstrating NERP’s ability to capture subseasonal drought dynamics. For example, unusual westerly winds weaken the tropical easterly jet, and a cyclonic anomaly transports cold air at midlevels and upper levels. These interactions reduce thermal contrast, weakening monsoon flow and favoring drought conditions. Hence, the NERP system demonstrates its skill in assessing prevailing drought conditions and associated teleconnection patterns, enhancing our understanding of subseasonal droughts and their complex triggers.
Interannual Variability and Trend of the Bering Strait Throughflow Gleaned from Satellite Altimeters
Authors: Sangmanee Chalermrat , Clarke Allan J.
Published: August 2024

Beginning with the TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry mission in 1992, along-track satellite sea surface height (SSH) estimates have been taken every 6–7 km at 10-day intervals at a cluster of satellite tracks across the Bering Strait near 66°N where the satellite tracks turn. Year-to-year geostrophic SSH estimates of the Bering Strait flow show that the flow in the warmer months is almost entirely confined to a 50-m-depth channel rather than the whole cross-sectional area and that the peak-to-peak transport change is comparable to the approximate 0.8 Sverdrup mean (Sv; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). Energy flux calculations using the high-resolution SSH across the Bering Strait, as well as an analysis of historical coastal Russian sea levels and wind stress along the Russian Arctic and Bering Sea shelves, suggest that the interannual Bering Strait transport in the warmer water months can be described using wind-forced arrested topographic waves (ATWs) driven by along-shelf wind stress on both the Russian Arctic and Bering Sea shelves. Most of the Bering Strait transport is barotropic and in the 50-m-depth channel, but analysis of SSH and in situ Alaskan coastal sea level shows that interannual transport variations in the narrow baroclinic Alaskan Coastal Current are not negligible. In disagreement with previous transport estimates, the satellite SSH analysis and almost all of the in situ current measurements do not indicate a significant long-term trend in the barotropic Bering Strait northward transport in the warmer water late summer/fall months.

Significance Statement

The shallow, narrow Bering Strait between eastern Siberia and Alaska is a key climate pathway linking the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea to the Arctic Ocean. By utilizing nearly three decades of satellite sea surface height, we found that warmer water month volume transport through the Bering Strait in this remote, harsh environment can be monitored by satellite. Analysis suggests that the average warmer month interannual flows are remotely driven by interannual along-shelf winds on the Russian Arctic and Bering Sea shelves and that the warmer month flow has not increased over the last three decades. As the Arctic continues to warm, more ice-free data will only enhance the utility of this remote Bering Strait transport monitoring.
Distinct Impacts of Topographic versus Planetary PV Gradients on Baroclinic Turbulence
Authors: Deng Peng , Wang Yan
Published: August 2024

The impacts of topographic versus planetary potential vorticity (PV) gradients on fully developed geostrophic turbulence are often treated as dynamically equivalent in theoretical understanding and parameterizations of ocean mesoscale turbulence. Using a suite of homogeneous, two-layer quasigeostrophic (QG) turbulence simulations, we identify similarities and distinctions of topographic versus planetary PV gradients in modulating turbulent eddy energy and fluxes. We show that, while an elevated background PV gradient can suppress geostrophic turbulence, a positive (negative) bottom slope with respect to the orientation of isopycnal slope barotropizes (debarotropizes) the turbulent energy at large scales, which contrasts with a dynamically inert planetary PV gradient in the modewise energy transfer. Then, in the presence of weak bottom drag, a positive slope energizes large-scale along-slope jets and limits small-scale barotropic eddies, both of which yield stronger eddy suppression effects than from a planetary PV gradient; by contrast, a negative slope hinders along-slope jet formation by enhancing the dual-energy cascade cycling, which alleviates the topographic suppression on eddies. In the presence of strong bottom drag, a positive slope elevates barotropic eddy energy, which further enhances the eddy-driven fluxes; by contrast, a negative slope confines turbulent energy to the baroclinic mode, which is strongly damped, causing further weakened turbulent energy and eddy fluxes. A flow regime captured by linear QG theories also emerges as the turbulent energy cascade is jointly suppressed by negative slopes and strong bottom drag. This study provides insights into parameterizing mesoscale eddy effects across sloping bathymetry in predictive ocean models.
Teachers navigating the sociocultural challenges of teaching sexuality education to South African learners
Authors: Naidoo Jaqueline , Muza Elasmus
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Globally, South Africa has the highest rate of HIV infection, nevertheless, society and communities seem hesitant to entrust teachers with the responsibility to teach their children about sexuality issues. This study examined how Further Education and Training Life Orientation teachers navigate the sociocultural complexities of teaching sexuality education.

Design:

A qualitative, narrative study was conducted. Data were generated using narrative frames, collages, and lesson observations.

Setting:

Six Life Orientation teachers from six schools in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa participated.

Results:

Life Orientation teachers faced a range of sociocultural challenges when teaching sexuality education. The following strategies were used to mitigate these challenges: avoiding teaching about contradicting cultural and religious beliefs; using social media platforms; involving specialists, peer educators and role models; and adopting pastoral and parental roles.

Conclusion:

Collaborative opportunities between Life Orientation teachers, specialists, role models and community members or organisations could offer a supportive role and influence the teaching of sexuality education positively. Social media platforms and innovative teaching strategies could enhance the quality and teaching of sexuality education.
The making of a ‘narco-state’: Opium consumption, trade and regulations on the northeastern frontier of British India
Authors: Sharma Nabanita
Published: August 2024

Opium was one of the highly valued-commodities traded in the northeastern frontier of British India. This article argues that the introduction of opium in the region was in line with the British policy of introducing high-value commodities trade in the colonies. This policy helped extract raw materials and expand exchanges in new territories. Second, this policy of introducing cash crops was subtle. Opium was introduced as a cash crop decades before tea was ‘discovered’ in the region. The acreage remained low as compared to tea plantations. Opium’s value in terms of its revenue-generating capacity was the highest in comparison with tea and salt. Lastly, opium was disposed of through the state-run, monopolistic trade networks. Opium cultivation was discontinued in the British territories in Assam in 1860. All demands for poppy were subsequently met by importing opium from the rest of South Asia. The state-run and state-promoted tea and opium trades sustained the empire’s control over resources and lubricated the state machinery. Monopoly over the opium trade was crucial to control labour/resources and finance the Empire. The colonial regime built the ‘narco-state’ in the northeastern frontier to expand and sustain its trading interests. The exploration of the colonial policies and measures in this regard also interrogates the nature of political economy in the region in the period under study.
Effect of pre-curing on thermoplastic-thermoset interphases
Authors: Fisher Adam , Radhakrishnan Arjun , Levy Arthur , Teuwen Julie , Kratz James
Published: August 2024

This study considered adhesion between thermoplastic and thermoset laminates through interdiffusion at the interface. The influence of the degree of cure of the thermoset at the start of the process was investigated through mechanical testing and microscopy. Increasing the initial degree of cure decreased both interlaminar fracture toughness and interphase thickness. Fracture toughness decreased disproportionately to interphase thickness, attributed to changes in interphase morphology and decreasing surface contact at the interface. A simplified model was developed using gel layer thickness measurement data to predict the level of interdiffusion with increasing initial degree of cure. Compared to thermoset-thermoset co-curing, there was superior bond strength at low initial degrees of cure and a predicted increased sensitivity to the initial degree of cure, suggesting a greater influence of process variability. Hence, for specific property critical applications, the trade-off between the potential manufacturing efficiency gains from semi-curing and the reduced performance would be an important consideration.
In the Army We Trust: Public Confidence in Global South Militaries
Authors: Lotito Nicholas J. , Joyce Renanah Miles
Published: August 2024

This article explores the phenomenon of high levels of public trust in the military across the Global South. We extend arguments from the US civil-military relations literature to a broader context and generate testable hypotheses to explain trust in the armed forces driven by the military’s performance and professionalism, and the public’s patriotism and partisanship. Using public opinion survey data from 73 countries between 1995 and 2017, we find broad but nuanced support for the hypotheses. Many determinants of public trust in the military, theorized in the US context, generalize globally: battlefield performance, resources, national pride, and right-wing partisanship all increase trust in the military, while coups and civil wars decrease it. By contrast, the effect of conscription is opposite to that in the United States, with national service providing a trust boost. The study highlights the implications of public trust for civil-military relations, political stability, and governance.
A Mixed-Methods Investigation into the Interplay Between Supportive Work Environment, Achievement Emotions, and Teaching for Creativity as Perceived by Chinese EFL Teachers
Authors: Wu Hanwei , Zeng Yonghong
Published: August 2024

Teaching for creativity (TfC) has recently received increased attention in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) contexts. Previous studies confirmed that TfC links with achievement emotions (AEs) in this context. Additionally, a supportive work environment (SWE) has been shown to be associated with AEs. However, relationships among all three variables - SWE, AEs, and TfC - have not been adequately explored in EFL contexts, nor have the underlying bases for these links been elucidated. In this study, we adopted a mixed-methods approach to investigate the complex associations between SWE, AEs (anxiety, pride, enjoyment, and anger), and TfC as perceived by 441 Chinese EFL teachers. Quantitative results revealed that SWE, four AEs, and TfC were significantly correlated, with small to large effect sizes. Furthermore, the four AEs collectively mediated the relationship between SWE and TfC in our structural equation model. Qualitative interviews with 15 EFL teachers provided nuanced insights into possible reasons for these statistical patterns. We discuss the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings and suggest directions for future research.
Better and Healthier Together? The Mediation Effect of Positive Psychological Capital on the Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Adults
Authors: Leonti Raluca Maria , Turliuc Maria Nicoleta
Published: August 2024

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the mediating effects of positive psychological capital (both as compound PsyCap and separate resources) in the relationship between social support and the two components of HRQoL: physical and mental health. Method: We conducted the current cross-sectional study on a sample of 319 participants (114 male; 205 female) aged 65 to 90. Results: The results indicated significant positive associations between social support, PsyCap, physical health and mental health. Compound PsyCap fully mediated the relationship between perceived social support and physical/mental health. Hope and optimism positively predicted physical health, while the same PsyCap resources, along with self-efficacy positively predicted mental health. Discussion: The retirees that perceived increased social support presented higher levels of PsyCap, which in turn increased their physical and mental health. Our results highlighted some new explanatory mechanisms regarding the relationships between variables that affect health-related quality of life among older adults.
A novel control approach for discrete-time 2D Roesser systems under input saturation and intrinsic nonlinearity: A region of stability investigation
Authors: Malik Saddam Hussain , Tufail Muhammad , Rehan Muhammad , Ahmed Shakeel , Tabassum Gul Sufi
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the control system design for the nonlinear discrete-time Roesser systems under saturated control input. A deficiency in the existing literature has been addressed in this study for the control of two-dimensional (2D) systems. A generalized boundary condition analysis is presented in the form of tractable invariant sets for the derivation of region of stability to design a suitable state feedback control. A mechanism for the evaluation of controller parameters is presented by considering the generalized structure of 2D Lyapunov function. The work has been extended when external disturbances are present in the 2D systems, and a robust design condition by accounting the perturbations as well as the input saturation has been established. In comparison to the existing works, a control system design for 2D Roesser systems under input saturation and intrinsic nonlinearity by application of a generalized Lyapunov function has been revealed. Furthermore, a tractable 2D region of stability for the local control of the 2D systems is achieved, rather than the conventional global controllers. Furthermore, a method has also been studied for obtainment of the controller gain matrix through convex optimization regarding the complete structure of the 2D Lyapunov function. Simulation results are provided for the stabilization of an unstable nonlinear 2D system under input saturation.
Classification of Alzheimer’s dementia EEG signals using deep learning
Authors: Sen Sena Yagmur , Cura Ozlem Karabiber , Yilmaz Gulce Cosku , Akan Aydin
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) is a predominant neurological disorder arising from corruptions in brain functions and is characterized by a chronic or progressive nature. While the precise etiology of dementia remains incompletely elucidated, its manifestation is frequently associated with discernible structural and chemical alterations in the brain. Living with dementia significantly impacts individuals’ daily lives due to the resultant loss of cognitive functions. This study presents a novel method to monitor and detect AD using advanced signal processing applied to electroencephalography (EEG) signals. The intrinsic time-scale decomposition (ITD) algorithm is employed to extract proper rotation components (PRCs) from EEG signals, utilizing a 5-second EEG segment duration. The proposed method is compared with the detection of 5-second raw EEG segments using a custom one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN). Additionally, four different quartiles (Quartile 1 (Q1), Q2, Q3, and Q4) of EEG signals are considered to identify the most significant contributor to AD. Experimental results demonstrate that the ITD-based approach yields better detection performance compared to using raw EEG signals. The most promising result is achieved by the EEG-PRCs method in Q1, with an accuracy of 94.00%, sensitivity of 93.50%, and specificity of 93.90%. In contrast, the highest-performing result of the raw EEG segments method is in Q2, with an accuracy of 88.40%, sensitivity of 89.10%, and specificity of 87.60% in terms of detecting AD.
“I’d Probably Just Ride it Out”: Hurricane Plans and Decision Making Among Men Experiencing Homelessness in Central Florida
Authors: Settembrino Marc R. , Allen Samantha
Published: August 2024

Drawing on field interviews, this study examines hurricane plans among men experiencing homelessness in Central Florida. Specifically, we demonstrate how shelter policies contribute to homeless shelter aversion leading some participants’ to assert that they are better off riding out hurricanes alone in tents or makeshift shelters. Secondly, we examine how past experiences contribute to a sense of self-efficacy among participants, which may lead them to perceive tents and improvised shelters as providing adequate shelter. This article builds on Kusenbach’s research on hurricane plans among mobile home residents, arguing that socially marginalized populations assess risk and vulnerability based on experience and socio-cultural context.
Domesticating WhatsApp: Female fertility society performers and health promotion in the Gambia
Authors: McConnell Bonnie B , Huma Hajara B , Minteh Mustapha , Darboe Buba
Published: August 2024

In the Gambia, female fertility societies known as kanyeleng are made up of women who have experienced infertility or the death of a young child. They employ musical performance and fertility ritual practices to support members and promote the health of women and babies. This paper examines the changing forms of creativity and connection practiced by kanyeleng performers through engagement with social media in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation conducted in person and online (2021–2022), we show that while WhatsApp provided an opportunity for kanyeleng to build new social connections and experiment with new forms of musical creativity, it also presented challenges, including inequities in access, and increased misinformation and mistrust of health workers. Going beyond formulations of domestication of technology within private home spaces, we theorise kanyeleng domestication as a process of incorporating social media into their existing ritual practice of claiming public space and power. Finally, we argue that understanding changing forms of communication and connectedness in the Global South demands new methodological approaches to engage participants whose voices are often marginalised in research on social media.
“It's Such a Taboo Subject, Everybody's Scared to Talk About It”: Fijian Sportswomen's Experiences of Menstruation
Authors: Gibbons Agatha Elizabeth , Thorpe Holly , Hemi Keakaokawai Varner , Pedlar Charles , Bruinvels Georgie , Hamilton Bruce
Published: August 2024

Despite a growing body of research focused on women's experiences of menstruation in sports, most of this has been done by white women on white women and then applied to sportswomen from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Very rarely are the menstruation-related experiences of Black, Indigenous, and women of color considered, let alone the focus of such studies. To date, no research has explored Pacific sports women's experiences of menstruation. In this research, we adopt a contextually relevant Masi methodology approach to understand how Pacific sports women navigate different knowledge (i.e., scientific, family, cultural, religious, and social media sources) about menstruation in their everyday lives. Drawing upon Talanoa sessions (informal interviews and focus groups) with 21 Fijian sportswomen from a range of sports, we highlight the many ways sportswomen's knowledge has been overlooked, and their health needs ignored. We reveal how cultural and family knowledge shapes Fijian sportswomen's menstrual practices in and out of sports, and the lingering silences and stigma shaping coaching and medical support. Thus, this research seeks to improve the support structures for Pacific sportswomen by expanding sports and health providers’ understandings of culturally specific menstrual health needs and knowledge.
The influence of environmental cleanliness on food perceptions
Authors: Martins Chrissy M. , Apadula Lauren Trabold , Hamerman Eric J.
Published: August 2024

Background: Getting consumers to adopt healthier eating habits continues to be a puzzle for marketers and policymakers all over the globe. Nevertheless, research continues to identify factors that can influence consumers’ food consumption. Aim: The purpose of this research is to explore how one relatively unexplored factor, namely the cleanliness of the surrounding environment, can affect perceptions and consumption. Methods: An online survey experiment presenting participants with either a clean or dirty environment scenario and asking subsequent questions about their dining experience was utilized. Results: Participants in a clean (vs. dirty) environment perceived their food to be healthier, fresher, and of higher quality, relative to a dirty environment. This effect, in turn, mediated the relationship between condition and perceptions of meal quality. Conclusion: Clean environmental conditions, though not directly related to the food products provided at food venues, can nevertheless have a strong influence on consumers’ dining experience.