bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The β3‐Adrenergic Receptor: Structure, Physiopathology of Disease, and Emerging Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Dongdem Julius T. , Etornam Axandrah E. , Beletaa Solomon , Alidu Issah , Kotey Hassan , Wezena Cletus A.
Published: November 2024

The discovery and characterization of the signal cascades of the β‐adrenergic receptors have made it possible to effectively target the receptors for drug development. β‐Adrenergic receptors are a class A rhodopsin type of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are stimulated mainly by catecholamines and therefore mediate diverse effects of the parasympathetic nervous system in eliciting “fight or flight” type responses. They are detectable in several human tissues where they control a plethora of physiological processes and therefore contribute to the pathogenesis of several disease conditions. Given the relevance of the β‐adrenergic receptor as a molecular target for many pathological conditions, this comprehensive review aims at providing an in‐depth exploration of the recent advancements in β3‐adrenergic receptor research. More importantly, we delve into the prospects of the β3‐adrenergic receptor as a therapeutic target across a variety of clinical domains.
Use of Chemical–Physical and Natural Ingredients of Food Factors Modulation for Freshwater Aquaculture Systems Fish Wellness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pulvirenti Eloise , Favara Claudia , Rapisarda Paola , Castrogiovanni Maria , Sica Carmen , Aquilia Erica , Cristaldi Antonio , Conti Gea Oliveri , Ferrante Margherita
Published: November 2024

Freshwater aquaculture plays a crucial role in addressing the growing demand for seafood, providing a sustainable solution, and contributing to global food security. It offers notable advantages for saltwater aquaculture in terms of cost‐effectiveness, environmental management, and reduced ecological impact. As a system for farming aquatic organisms, aquaculture significantly contributes to human food production and addresses issues like protein shortages and diet‐related diseases. However, it also faces challenges such as fish epidemics and ecosystem impacts. This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA)‐based systematic review focuses on the needs of both the modulation of chemical–physical environmental factors and natural ingredients used in feed formula to improve the wellness of farmed fish in freshwater aquaculture. We analyzed published articles between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The results highlighted the good effects of ultraviolet light (UV‐C) treatment about bacterial infections and the use of oxolinic acid (OA) and alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) on fish welfare through diet. These factors highlighted the importance of dose‐dependent applications of both environmental physico‐chemical factors and natural feed ingredients. Tailoring diets with specific nutritional components is crucial to improve productive outcomes in freshwater aquaculture systems, ultimately supporting the health and welfare of farmed fish.
Genetic Diversity of Oreochromis shiranus (Boulenger 1905) After Six Consecutive Generations of Selective Breeding Compared With Corresponding Wild Populations
Authors: Sanudi Thomson , Rhode Clint , Roodt-Wilding Rouvay , Maluwa Alfred
Published: November 2024

Aquaculture in sub‐Saharan African accounts for less than 2% of world aquaculture production. The use of unimproved species limits the growth of aquaculture. In order to increase production, there is a need to develop aquaculture species that show vigor and adapt to different culture conditions. A genetic improvement program for Oreochromis shiranus was initiated at the National Aquaculture Center (NAC), in Zomba, Malawi. The program used pedigree records during mate allocation to avoid mating of siblings. After six consecutive generations of selection, a sample of 32 fish was taken for genetic analysis using a panel of 16 microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity and population differentiation indices of the sixth filial generation (F6) were compared with wild fish populations sampled from the corresponding locations from which the initial brood stock was collected. The study results show that the genetic diversity of the F6 generation and wild populations was not significantly different after the Kruskal–Wallis tests. However, the number of private alleles was lower in generation F6 (0.80) than in the overall average for wild populations (1.28). Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPCs) supported analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) by showing that there were no significant overlaps of inertia ellipses among F6 generation and wild populations. The experimental population differentiated into a separate group because of the random brood stock contribution from only a few fish from the wild population. The results suggest that the initial genetic diversity of the brood stock was sufficient as shown by the high number of alleles and polymorphic information content (PIC) values which contributed to the success of the selection program. The selection program successfully produced large fish at harvest and ensured genetic diversity of the F6 generation.
Gliomatosis Cerebri Manifested as Parkinsonism Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Garcia Debora González , Casas Miguel Ángel González , Martínez Martin Heisi Gómez
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is a diffuse neoplastic process, whose presentation is extremely rare and lacks a characteristic clinical pattern. The objective of this case is to describe the clinical aspects of a patient with GC, in whom symptoms of parkinsonism and neurocognitive issues predominate.

Case Report: A 78‐year‐old patient with no significant medical history was referred to the neurology consultation due to balance disturbances accompanied by head tremor. Symptoms of parkinsonism progressively worsened, adding cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse and generalized white matter hyperintensity. Under the suspicion of GC, a frontal lobe biopsy was performed, with a pathology report of diffuse astrocytoma, thus confirming the diagnosis of GC.

Conclusion: GC is a disease that presents with nonspecific clinical manifestations, making a clinical diagnosis challenging. It should be suspected in cases of parkinsonism accompanied by other focal neurological disorders. This leads to delayed diagnosis and consequently low incidence. The importance of MRI as a diagnostic aid is highlighted, with biopsy being necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Enhancing Breast Cancer Detection in Ultrasound Images: An Innovative Approach Using Progressive Fine‐Tuning of Vision Transformer Models
Authors: Alruily Meshrif , Mahmoud Alshimaa Abdelraof , Allahem Hisham , Mostafa Ayman Mohamed , Shabana Hosameldeen , Ezz Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is ranked as the second most common cancer among women globally, highlighting the critical need for precise and early detection methods. Our research introduces a novel approach for classifying benign and malignant breast ultrasound images. We leverage advanced deep learning methodologies, mainly focusing on the vision transformer (ViT) model. Our method distinctively features progressive fine‐tuning, a tailored process that incrementally adapts the model to the nuances of breast tissue classification. Ultrasound imaging was chosen for its distinct benefits in medical diagnostics. This modality is noninvasive and cost‐effective and demonstrates enhanced specificity, especially in dense breast tissues where traditional methods may struggle. Such characteristics make it an ideal choice for the sensitive task of breast cancer detection. Our extensive experiments utilized the breast ultrasound images dataset, comprising 780 images of both benign and malignant breast tissues. The dataset underwent a comprehensive analysis using several pretrained deep learning models, including VGG16, VGG19, DenseNet121, Inception, ResNet152V2, DenseNet169, DenseNet201, and the ViT. The results presented were achieved without employing data augmentation techniques. The ViT model demonstrated robust accuracy and generalization capabilities with the original dataset size, which consisted of 637 images. Each model’s performance was meticulously evaluated through a robust 10‐fold cross‐validation technique, ensuring a thorough and unbiased comparison. Our findings are significant, demonstrating that the progressive fine‐tuning substantially enhances the ViT model’s capability. This resulted in a remarkable accuracy of 94.49% and an AUC score of 0.921, significantly higher than models without fine‐tuning. These results affirm the efficacy of the ViT model and highlight the transformative potential of integrating progressive fine‐tuning with transformer models in medical image classification tasks. The study solidifies the role of such advanced methodologies in improving early breast cancer detection and diagnosis, especially when coupled with the unique advantages of ultrasound imaging.
Disruption Driving Innovation: Optimising Efficiency in Functional Neurosurgery
Authors: Zrinzo Ludvic , Akram Harith , Hyam Jonathan , Candelario-Mckeown Joseph , Rangnekar Ranjit , Nwanze Ashley , Xu San San , Foltynie Thomas , Limousin Patricia , Krüger Marie T.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Rising NHS waiting lists are a major problem following the COVID-19 pandemic. In our institution, surgical waiting time for elective functional neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), reached >1.5 years by the end of 2022. During 2023, reduced operating room availability, intraoperative MRI (iMRI) suite closure for refurbishment, and ongoing strikes threatened to increase waiting times further. Methods: Our previous surgical workflow for DBS and RFA procedures was examined. Several aspects were identified, and changes implemented to increase efficiency. Procedure numbers, waiting times, lead placement accuracy, and complication rates before and after these changes were compared. Results: Prior to 2023, an average of 0.8 new procedures were performed per surgical list. Introduction of a new workflow in 2023 allowed an average of 1.6 new procedures per surgical list (100% increase in productivity). In 2023, 95 DBS and 31 RFA procedures were performed on 79 surgical lists. This represents a 52% increase over “pre-pandemic” activity in 2019 (74 DBS, 9 RFA) on 102 available surgical lists. Mean (SD) targeting accuracy (0.8 [0.4] mm) was comparable to previous years (0.9[0.3] mm). In 2023, there were no infections requiring hardware removal and only one asymptomatic haemorrhage following an RFA procedure. The surgical waiting time was reduced from >1.5 years to <4 months by the end of 2023. Conclusion: Changes in surgical workflow, with neurosurgeons working in parallel, maximise surgical efficiency and productivity, significantly increasing the number of DBS and RFA procedures without compromising accuracy and safety.
Prognosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Cohort Study of 216 Patients in an Inpatient Dermatology Department
Authors: Luong Nguyen Dac Thuy , Duc Hoang Vuong Ngoc , Vu Thi Thuy Trang , Tran Khiem Hung , Pham Van Bac
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions. However, only a few studies have investigated the clinicodemographic and laboratory parameters predicting SJS and TEN outcomes other than mortality, such as severe complications or increased length of hospital stays. Our objectives are to identify admission risk factors predictive of severe complications and the accompanying clinical or biochemical markers associated with prolonged hospitalization. Methods: A retrospective cohort study over a 9-year period (2013–2022). Results: The study included 216 patients with SJS (n = 122), SJS/TEN overlap (n = 71), and TEN (n = 23). On multivariate analysis, the clinical factor on admission that was predictive of severe complications was blood urea nitrogen (BUN) >8.3 mmol/L (p = 0.007). Furthermore, BSA epidermal detachment >10% (p < 0.001), Severity-of-illness score for TEN (SCORTEN–1) ≥2 (p = 0.04), and positive skin culture (p = 0.04), from which the Prolonged Hospitalization Risk Score was created, were predictive of length of hospital stays >10 days. Using systemic methylprednisolone at a mean dose ≥1 mg/kg/day for a median duration of 10.5 days was not shown to increase or reduce complication rates of SJS/TEN and shorten hospital stays. Conclusion: BUN >8.3 mmol/L present at admission is a risk factor for severe complications of SJS/TEN. BSA involvement >10%, SCORTEN–1 ≥2, and positive skin culture on admission are useful markers to predict extended hospitalization.
Cardiovascular Outcomes Associated With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Versus Other Types of Single Right Ventricle: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Dib Nabil , Poirier Nancy , Samuel Michelle , Hermann Honfo Sewanou , Zaidi Ali , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Mongeon François‐Pierre , Mondésert Blandine , Kay Joseph , Ibrahim Reda , Hamilton Robert M. , Fournier Anne , Jameson Susan M. , Dore Annie , Cook Stephen , Cohen Scott , Chaix Marie‐A. , Broberg Craig S. , Aboulhosn Jamil , Khairy Paul
Published: November 2024

Background

The univentricular heart with a predominant right ventricle morphology (uRV) has been associated with a higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events. It remains to be determined whether the specific type of uRV influences outcomes.

Methods and Results

A North American multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted by the Alliance for Adult Research in Congenital Cardiology on individuals with a uRV and total cavopulmonary connection Fontan. The incidence of a composite outcome consisting of all‐cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, atrial arrhythmias, or thromboembolic events was compared among patients with Fontan palliation who had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) versus other forms of uRV (non‐HLHS). All components of the composite outcome were classified by a blinded adjudicating committee. Competing risks were taken into account in time‐to‐event analyses. A total of 171 patients with uRV of whom 76 (44.4%) had HLHS were followed for 10.2±5.7 years. The composite outcome occurred in 7.1 versus 2.1 cases per 100 person‐years in patients with HLHS versus non‐HLHS (
P
<0.0001). In multivariable analyses, HLHS was associated with a significantly higher risk of the composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 6.13 [95% CI, 2.92–12.69],
P
<0.001). Moreover, HLHS was associated with significantly higher rates of all components of the primary outcome.

Conclusions

Among patients with a uRV and Fontan palliation, HLHS is associated with a significantly higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events.
Risk Factors, Treatments, and Outcomes of Adults Aged <55 Years With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Undetermined Versus Determined Pathogenesis: A Nationwide Swiss Cohort Study
Authors: Dittrich Tolga D. , Schneider Thomas , Katan Mira , Luft Andreas R. , Mono Marie‐Luise , Bolognese Manuel , Nedeltchev Krassen , Kahles Timo , Arnold Marcel , Heldner Mirjam , Michel Patrik , Carrera Emmanuel , Rodic Biljana , Cereda Carlo W. , Peters Nils , Bonati Leo H. , Renaud Susanne , Humm Andrea M. , Medlin Friedrich , Albert Sylvan , Sturzenegger Rolf , Tarnutzer Alexander A. , Siebel Philip , Baumgärtner Markus , Berger Christian , Mordasini Pasquale , Vehoff Jochen , De Marchis Gian Marco ,   the Swiss Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: November 2024

Background

The rising prevalence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in young adults, particularly with undetermined pathogenesis, is a growing concern. This study assessed risk factors, treatments, and outcomes between young AIS patients with undetermined and determined pathogeneses.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective cohort study including AIS patients aged 18 to 55 years in Switzerland, treated between 2014 and 2022. Stroke pathogeneses were classified using a modified TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) classification, with undetermined pathogenesis defined as no identified cause (including patent foramen ovale and cervical artery dissection). We examined vascular risk factors, acute treatments, 3‐month functional outcomes, and AIS recurrence within 3 months using logistic regression and Fine–Gray proportional hazards models. Of 3995 patients, 863 (22%) had undetermined pathogenesis. Compared with patients with determined pathogenesis, those with undetermined pathogenesis had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (54% versus 59%,
P
=0.007) and smoking (37% versus 43%,
P
=0.001), and were more likely to receive intravenous thrombolysis (27% versus 31%,
P
=0.046). Despite higher 3‐month AIS recurrence risk for the undetermined group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.01–2.94]), favorable functional outcomes at 3 months were more frequent (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2: 90% versus 87%,
P
=0.033). Patients aged 46 to 55 years with undetermined pathogenesis had better outcomes than those with determined pathogenesis (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–1: 70% versus 64%,
P
=0.013; modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2: 89% versus 85%,
P
=0.023), while those aged 18 to 45 years showed higher recurrence rates (4.5% versus 1.8%,
P
<0.05) but similar functional outcomes.

Conclusions

Young adults with AIS exhibit a considerable vascular risk burden. Those with undetermined pathogenesis displayed age‐related outcome disparities, with better short‐term outcomes in older and higher recurrence rates in younger patients.
An Exploration of Texas Latinos’ Perceptions of Law Enforcement and Undocumented Immigration in the United States
Authors: Dawkins-Cavazos Marika , Gibson Camille
Published: November 2024

Given increased trepidation about undocumented immigration in the United States, this study offers an examination of the extent to which Latinos who represent different generations of immigrants perceive United States law enforcement and the current state of undocumented immigration. It gives voice to Latinos, the most significant demographic crossing the border. The topic is relevant given policymakers’ interest in addressing the moral panic over increasing immigration to the country and an interest in law enforcement legitimacy as an essential ingredient in their effectiveness in combating crimes. This qualitative study using semi-structured interviews describes the perceptions of 40 Texas Latinos regarding their willingness to engage with law enforcement in calls for service that may or may not include victimizations and thoughts on undocumented immigration. This study offers the input of Texas Latinos on these matters. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic text analysis to identify patterns and themes. Six themes were identified. Overall, the perceptions of U.S. law enforcement were positive. The participants essentially indicated a desire for more organized and safe U.S. immigration processes at the border that facilitate opportunities to work in the U.S. The study has implications for policymakers interested in effective policing where police and citizens partner in preventing and clearing crime.
Bail Out Procedures in Acute Cholecystitis: Risk Factors and Optimal Approach
Authors: Ugarte Chaiss , Ugarte Ramsey , Gallagher Shea , Park Stephen , Kagan Odeya , Murphy Ryan , Matsushima Kazuhide , Inaba Kenji , Martin Matthew J. , Schellenberg Morgan
Published: November 2024

Background

For difficult cholecystectomies, bail out procedures (BOP) are performed to mitigate risk of patient harm.

Objective

This study sought to identify risk factors for BOP for acute cholecystitis and to compare outcomes by type of BOP performed. Methods: Patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy were included (2020-2022). Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were collected. Primary outcome was <30-day complication rate. Groups were defined by surgery performed: BOP vs Laparoscopic Complete Cholecystectomy (LCC). BOPs were defined as any deviation from laparoscopic complete cholecystectomy. Univariate analyses compared outcomes between groups. Multivariable analysis identified independent factors associated with BOP. Subgroup analysis compared outcomes of laparoscopic BOP vs open BOP.

Results

Of 728 patients, 659 (91%) underwent LCC and 69 (9%) underwent BOP: 34 (49%) laparoscopic BOP and 35 (51%) open BOP. Independent predictors of BOP included admission total bilirubin >0.2 mg/dL (OR 5.80, P = .017), >7 days of symptoms at time of cholecystectomy (OR 1.96, P = .019), and arrival heart rate >100 bpm (OR 1.82, P = .032). On subgroup analysis, laparoscopic vs open BOP demonstrated no difference in operative time ( P = .536) and overall ( P = .733) or gallbladder-related complications ( P = .364), including bile leaks ( P = .090). Laparoscopic BOP was associated with shorter postoperative lengths of stay ( P = .005).

Conclusion

The risk factors for BOP identified in this study may help inform patient consent and operative planning. Laparoscopic BOP incurred equivalent complications to open BOP but with shorter hospital stays, challenging conventional dogma that conversion to open is the optimal approach for complicated acute cholecystitis.
The Association Between Body Mass Index and 28-day Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yuan Weiwei , Li Tingting , Sha Haiwang , Hui Zhiyan
Published: November 2024

Background

Sepsis is a severe clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Body Mass Index (BMI) shows a rising trend of obese patients being admitted to ICUs. The relationship between BMI and the clinical outcome of sepsis remains highly debated.

Methods

The data used in this study were sourced from the Intensive Care Information Center IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Baseline information extracted within 24 hours of ICU admission was categorized according to World Health Organization (WHO)’s BMI classifications. A multivariate Cox regression model and curve fitting assessed the independent correlation between BMI and the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 7836 patients were included in the study and categorized into five groups based on BMI. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 21.94% (1719/7836). Class I obesity (17.14%) and class II/III obesity (13.49%) individuals tended to be younger and male. Compared to patients with normal BMI (32.55%), those with low BMI (5.79%) had a 47% increased risk of 28-day mortality (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16-1.85, P = 0.0013), while class II/III obesity patients had a 17% lower 28-day mortality rate (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.97, P = 0.0218). Curve fitting revealed a nonlinear relationship between BMI and 28-day mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis highlighted variations in survival rates across the five groups ( P = 0.0123), with underweight patients exhibiting poorer survival outcomes.

Conclusion

In sepsis patients, a low BMI is related to higher 28-day mortality compared to those with a normal BMI. Conversely, patients with a BMI≥35 kg/m2 have significantly reduced mortality risks.
Superselective Versus Selective Neck Dissection in the Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Liang Shi , Bellamkonda Nikhil , Tullis Benton , Hunt Jason P.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Superselective lateral neck dissection (SSND), defined as dissection of 2 or less contiguous lateral cervical nodal levels, has emerged as a treatment option for metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), in place of a selective neck dissection (SND). There are few studies exploring outcomes of SSND compared to SND in this context.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single institution retrospective study. All patients who were diagnosed with PTC and had a lateral neck dissection from 2019 to 2022 were reviewed. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared.

Results:

A total of 136 patients met inclusion criteria. About 106 (78%) had a SND and 30 (22%) had a SSND. There was no significant difference between patients who underwent SND versus SSND regarding frequency of post-operative complications, length of stay (2.49 vs 2.31 days), post-operative thyroglobulin >10 ng/mL (21 vs 3 patients), regional recurrence (14% vs 17%), reoperation rates (16.7% vs 17.4%), or adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy (75% vs 63%; P > .05).

Conclusions:

SSND for PTC had similar short-term clinical outcomes when compared to SND.
Health Care Provider Perspectives on Shared Decision Making With Parents and Adolescents
Authors: Lipstein Ellen A. , Pallotto Isabella K. , Anderson Chelsey B. , Ammon Mary Anne , Carle Adam C.
Published: November 2024

Little is known about health care provider perspectives on sharing decisions in a parent-adolescent-provider triad. This perspective is needed to develop tools for supporting shared decision-making (SDM) in a triad that involves an adolescent. To assess this perspective, we conducted individual interviews with pediatric health care providers. Trained study staff interviewed health care providers who work with adolescents with chronic conditions about their medical decision-making experience and key components of SDM. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Our analysis elicited 3 major themes: (1) roles of each triad member; (2) key aspects of triadic SDM components; and (3) essentials for triadic SDM with an adolescent. Providers discussed the importance of alignment between parents and adolescents and facilitating such alignment through preference discussions. We found that providers want to engage adolescents with chronic conditions and their parents and achieve alignment between these 2 parties, during shared medical decisions.
Between the Mughals and the Ahoms: The hill chieftains of Kamrup in the Brahmaputra Valley
Authors: Shin Jae-Eun
Published: November 2024

Focusing on the hilly area of Kamrup located in the southern part of the Brahmaputra valley, this article traces the history of certain local powers who inhabited the common frontier of the Mughal empire and the Ahom kingdom, and examines their identity construction during the Mughal–Ahom conflict and its aftermath. By reading historical records from the perspective of the locality and not from those of the Mughal and Ahom courts, it shifts the focus from the state grid to the local arena, and from a static structure of politics to a dynamic political process that comprises three phases: (a) the hill polities’ military participation in the Mughal–Ahom wars in the 1610s–80s; (b) their negotiation with the regional supreme power, the Ahom state, in the 1690s–750s; and (c) the transition of some of them from the status of a chieftaincy to a principality with a large landed estate in the 1760s–850s. Throughout these periods, none of the frontier local powers had kept either solid fidelity or constant antagonism to both the trans-regional and the regional state. Neither were they a monolithic entity. This continued fluidity stands as an example of the historical reality of pre-modern South Asia that should not be subsumed into modern communal categories.
Executing the unrepresented: Legal aid, trial procedure and capital punishment in colonial India
Authors: McClure Alastair
Published: November 2024

The history of the adversarial criminal trial and legal aid has received significant attention in the context of North America and Europe. This article shifts focus to South Asia, to examine the early debates that developed around access to legal representation under colonial rule, with particular attention paid to capital trials. As the article demonstrates, demands for greater state assistance for poor defendants were made in response to a range of connected factors. These included the very large number of colonial subjects being sentenced to death in India, the passing of the Poor Prisoners’ Defence Act of 1903 in England, and the growing attention paid to wrong verdicts and criminal injustice by Indian newspapers, legal commentators and nationalist politicians. In tracking this history across the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, I suggest that the reluctance of the colonial state to invest in legal aid schemes, alongside the wider culture of under-investment in the bureaucracy of colonial justice, were important contributing factors that help explain both the scale and application of state violence under colonial rule.
Do Global Food Commodity Prices Determine Inflation in India?
Authors: Dash Pradyumna , Lugauer Steven
Published: November 2024

This article investigates whether global food commodity prices and the exchange rate affect domestic food prices and overall inflation in India. We employ the Johansen (1991) cointegration method in conjunction with a single equation error correction model. We find that inflation in India is highly dependent on international food commodity prices and exchange rates. High international food prices contributed about 2 percentage points of the 3.7 percentage point increase in inflation observed during the global food crisis (2007–2008).

JEL Codes: C22, E31, E41
The overlooked war in Northern Ethiopia: Examining psychological capital, mental distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder among internally displaced people in Amhara region
Authors: Mamed Gezahegn Eshetu , Tefera Gashaye M , Bitew Mastewal , Yu Mansoo
Published: November 2024

Background:

Conflict-induced displacement is a greater risk factor for mental health challenges, especially in countries where people have limited access to mental health services. This study examined the prevalence of mental distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and their relationship with key demographic variables and psychological capital among conflict-induced Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the Wag-Hemra Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Methods:

The study used a cross-sectional quantitative design, and simple random sampling was used to recruit 367 IDPs from the Weleh IDP camp in Sekota town. The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ 12), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K 10), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder–Civilian Version (PCL-C) scales were used to collect data. STATA version 2021 was used to analyze data.

Results:

The prevalence of mental distress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 63% and 48 %, respectively. Mental distress and PTSD were higher among female participants ( M = 27.4, 45.7), those who experienced rape ( M = 32.6, 55.5), witnessed murder ( M = 25.2, 46.1), widowed ( M = 30.9, 44.9), illiterate ( M = 28.1%, 47.2), and adolescents ( M = 27.6, 45.5). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that psychological capital is a significant negative predictor of mental distress and PTSD ( p = .000), with 26% mental distress and 20.9% variance in PTSD accounting for psychological capital, with self-efficacy being the strongest predicting component of psychological capital.

Conclusion:

The study underlined that mental health efforts should target enhancing psychological capital as the critical element in mitigating the psychological impacts of war and displacement. Training on improving self-efficacy, utilizing the solid spiritual and religious base of the IDP community to raise hope and optimism, and leveraging the communal culture to foster resilience could help reduce mental distress and the effects of PTSD among IDPs in the study area.
Psychological problems and work ability in unemployed people diagnosed with a mental illness
Authors: Hussenoeder Felix S , Koschig Maria , Pabst Alexander , Gatzsche Katharina , Bieler Luise , Alberti Mathias , Riedel-Heller Steffi G , Stengler Katarina , Conrad Ines
Published: November 2024

Background:

Research shows that unemployed individuals are more often affected by mental illness, and that mental illness can impede an individual’s work ability, creating a significant obstacle to (re)entering the workforce.

Aims:

The objective of this study is to examine the relationships between psychological symptoms and work ability in unemployed individuals with mental illnesses (UMIs). This will enable us to identify the symptoms that are most relevant for future research and application.

Method:

Our study is based on a sample from the project LIPSY, which aims to maintain and/or restore the employability of UMIs. We conducted regression analyses with the outcome variable work ability in a sample of unemployed individuals with a mental illness (ICD-10: F-diagnosis). In the initial analysis, age, gender, education, and cohabitation status were used as predictors; in the final model, all nine symptom dimensions (SCL-90) were added, that is, (1) Somatization, (2) Obsessive-Compulsive, (3) Interpersonal Sensitivity, (4) Depression, (5) Anxiety, (6) Anger-Hostility, (7) Phobic Anxiety, (8) Paranoid Ideation, and (9) Psychoticism.

Results:

Our sample comprised 402 participants, with a mean age of 35.7 years, 52.5% were female. In the final analysis, we found significant positive associations between education, Paranoid Ideation, and work ability, and a significant negative one between Depression and work ability, but no other significant associations.

Conclusions:

The elevated scores on all SCL-90 dimensions, along with the associations between two dimensions and work ability, underscore the need for psychological screening, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy (Depression) as well as additional public health attention and research (Paranoid Ideation) in this high-risk population.
Cyber-Financial (Cy-Fi) Fraud in India: A Case Study of COVID-19 Induced Cybercrime in Mewat Region
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Verma Naresh Kumar
Published: November 2024

Over the past decade, India’s Internet and social media usage surged due to initiatives like “Digital India,” affordable smartphones and reduced Internet costs. While digitalization has brought numerous benefits, it has also changed the cybercrime landscape. Mewat, now dubbed the “epicentre of cybercrime” in India, poses a significant challenge to law enforcement and financial security. This paper examines Mewat’s rise as a cybercrime hub, attributing it to pre-existing developmental gaps worsened by the COVID-19 lockdown. Effective solutions require comprehensive development and robust policy implementation in Mewat to prevent ongoing exploitation by cyber-criminals.
Impact response of thermoplastic composites – Experiments and modeling
Authors: Voleti Sreenivasa R. , Rao Prabhakar M. , Pereira J. Michael
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact response of thermoplastic composite materials. The material system under consideration is a carbon fiber reinforced low melt semi-crystalline resin TC1225 LMPAEK reinforced with T700 G (T700/LMPAEK). Several High Energy Dynamic Impact (HEDI) tests were performed wherein an aluminum projectile impacted T700/LMPAEK panels at different velocities. In the impact experiment studied herein, the projectile impacted the T700/LMPAEK panel at 73.8 m/s and rebounded. The ensuing damage to the T700/LMPAEK panel was characterized via ultrasonic C-scans, which enabled visualizing delamination extent and through-thickness matrix cracks as the boundaries between delaminations at individual interfaces. Since the projectile rebounded after impact in the current test, the fiber damage mode, while present, was not as significant as in the case of tests wherein the projectile perforated the panel. The impact event was modeled using a combined continuum damage mechanics and cohesive zone analysis approach with the commercially available hydrocode LS-DYNA®. The dynamic deformation and damage of the continuum, that is, the plies in the T700/LMPAEK laminate, were modeled using a Deformation Gradient Decomposition (DGD) material model, that is, MAT299 available within LS-DYNA. The interlaminar regions were treated as zero-thickness cohesive zones, wherein the dynamic delamination mechanics were modeled using a traction-separation formulation. Mixed-mode delamination growth was captured using the Benzegaggh-Kenane (B-K) traction-separation interpolation law. Strain-rate sensitivity of interlaminar fracture toughness was included using approximations based on published literature. The outcomes of the modeling effort demonstrate good correlations with test data regarding panel deflection, panel-projectile interactions, damage modes and damage extent.
Modeling thermophysiological comfort properties of ladies’ scarves using least squares approximation
Authors: Nazar Rabia , Iftikhar Fatima , Sheikh Umber , Naeem Muhammad Salman , Nawaz Hafiza Hifza , Khan Muhammad Qamar , Umar Muhammad
Published: November 2024

A scarf is a social requirement in feminine clothing, and contributes to a sober appearance. It offers many thermophysiological comfort features. The aim in this work is to develop a mathematical model to predict air and water vapor permeability, thermal resistance, moisture management permeability, and pilling resistance in scarves, as a function of warp count, weft count ends per inch, picks per inch, and fabric weight in grams per square meter. Linear and quadratic mathematical models were fitted using the least squares approximation technique. Error analysis of both models showed that quadratic models behave better for air and water vapor permeability, thermal resistance, and moisture management. However, for pilling resistance, the linear model is found to be better.
Inferring human vision in a human-like way: Key factors influencing the cognitive processing of level-1 visual perspective-taking
Authors: Zhou Song , Yang Huaqi , Ye Ming , Ding Ning , Liu Tao
Published: November 2024

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded the potential for human-machine communication and collaboration in complex contexts, necessitating AI to exhibit human-like behavior in order to align with its human counterpart. Consequently, understanding human behavioral traits becomes advantageous for developing AI agents that resemble humans. This study investigated how individuals process visual information from others to inform the future design of intelligent vision systems. Through four experiments, participants were tasked with assessing whether a given number corresponds to the number of balls while manipulating the gaze direction of an avatar by averting its eyes or altering its head orientation. The results indicate that participant response times were influenced regardless of the avatar’s gaze direction. Specifically, when the avatar was positioned with its back facing the balls, any disparity in participant performance across different conditions is eliminated. These findings suggest that implicit level-1 visual perspective-taking may not primarily rely on gaze direction but rather on perceiving affordances within the environment. Such insights contribute to a deeper understanding of cognitive mechanisms underlying level-1 visual perspective-taking and can serve as a theoretical foundation for advancing AI vision algorithms in human-machine communication and collaboration.
Decreased Bi-Partisan Support for Pretrial Detention in Less Serious Cases: Evidence From an Experimental Survey
Authors: Petersen Nick , St. Louis Stacie
Published: November 2024

Despite recent reforms limiting or eliminating cash bail for less serious crimes, we know little about public support for pretrial detention. To help fill this gap, we embedded offense severity experimental manipulations within a national survey administered to 1,368 Americans. While liberals are significantly less likely than conservatives to support pretrial detention in the abstract, these ideological differences largely disappear once offense severity is considered. Support for pretrial detention is significantly lower for misdemeanors versus felonies, non-violent versus violent crimes, and less versus more serious crimes (shoplifting/drug possession vs. robbery/homicide). These offense severity effects hold for respondents across the political spectrum, revealing broad bifurcated support for pretrial detention across more serious versus less serious crimes that align with recent bail reforms targeting less serious crimes. The convergence of decreased support for pretrial detention in less serious cases among conservatives and liberals offers a unique opportunity for bi-partisan bail reform.
“Meshing into One”: An Assessment of Law Enforcement and Clinician Perspectives on Professional Roles and the Embedded Co-Responder Model
Authors: Crichlow Vaughn J. , Atkin-Plunk Cassandra A.
Published: November 2024

In situations where mental health and social services are needed, aggressive law enforcement responses can be harmful. Increasing knowledge in this area has led to the creation of programs involving collaborations between police and mental health professionals. Embedded co-responder programs, also known as police-social work programs, in which clinicians are physically located at police departments, have emerged as an alternative model for responding to the mental health needs of community members in crisis and the threat of violence. This qualitative study examines the perspectives of detectives and clinicians who serve on an embedded co-responder team at a large police agency in Florida. The study explores perspectives on the professional roles of police and clinicians and the perceived impact of the co-responder program, also known as the Targeted Violence Unit, in connecting individuals to services and preventing crime. Broader implications for justice and mental health partnerships are discussed.
Fighting to Become One of the Boys: Inattentive (Re)gendering of Military Professionalism Among Danish Soldiers
Authors: Pristed Nielsen Helene
Published: November 2024

Denmark is a country that generally prides itself as being gender equal. This is expressed within the Danish Armed Forces through identical physical requirements for both male and female soldiers, gender-mixed accommodation, and all positions being open to all genders. However, when partaking in international missions, female Danish soldiers often experience being secluded from their unit through gender-segregated accommodation. This has severe social and operational consequences for their performance as soldiers on a supposedly equal footing with their male colleagues. Based on interviews with 25 female soldiers with recent deployment experiences, the article discusses how gender is remade as a professionally differentiating factor among Danish military personnel during deployment. For most of the interviewed women, their professional aspiration is to become “one of the boys” and be recognized as contributing equally to mission goals. However, their military professionalism is hampered through the gender segregation they experience during deployment.
Fault detection method based on modified local gravity and its application in multimodal process
Authors: Xie Ying , Lian Jinyu , Zhang Weiyue
Published: November 2024

The modern industrial process data with characteristics, such as multi-center and different structures, have challenged the traditional multivariate statistical process monitoring methods. To address this problem, a multimodal process fault detection method based on modified local gravity (MLG) is proposed in this paper. First, the method considers each data in the dataset as a particle, whose quality and gravitational constant are determined based on the distance information from the data to its nearest neighboring data, so as to obtain the partial force of the local variable. Second, the multimodal data are transformed into data that obey a single multivariate Gaussian distribution by calculating the sum of the partial forces on each local variable. Third, a principal component analysis (PCA) process monitoring model is established based on these local gravitational data. Finally, the effectiveness of the MLG-PCA method is verified with the numerical example and Tennessee Eastman process. The simulation results show that the fault detection rate of MLG-PCA is better than the rates of traditional methods.
Design of reduced multiple model predictive controller for glucose–insulin regulation in type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Rikhtehgar Pouya , Haeri Mohammad
Published: November 2024

To maintain stable glucose level, diabetic patients should monitor and control their glucose levels several times a day through insulin injections. However, it is important to acknowledge that errors can occur during such a process, which may affect the desired outcomes. The artificial pancreas is designed to overcome such undesirable situations using a closed-loop control approach. The vital impressing challenge to closed-loop control is dealing with the complexity of glucose–insulin model, including model order and nonlinearity. This paper presents a closed-loop reduced multiple model predictive control to address these complexities, aiming to ease the monitoring and controlling glucose level in type 1 diabetic patients. Considering the influence of meal patterns on glucose control, the reduced model predictive control system is capable of effectively maintaining a safe and stable glucose level. Additionally, cost function in model predictive control could be defined to optimize both the insulin dosage and the glucose level, ensuring a well-balanced approach between the two. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulations using the Hovorka nonlinear glucose–insulin system are conducted in this regard.
‘We’ve not breached our side of the contract’: Broken employment bargains and in-work poverty in the financialised hospitality sector
Authors: Walker Victoria , Cunningham Ian
Published: November 2024

Using the disconnected capitalism thesis, a study of the financialised hospitality sector investigates whether management mitigates the impact of in-work poverty (IWP) for workers. Rather than introduce efforts to alleviate the plight of workers, IWP is exacerbated through policies that encourage insecurity and low pay. Management justifies these actions through forms of misbehaviour, by adopting values reflecting market rationalism that display little regard for the responsibility organisations have to their employees. Adopting a ‘take it or leave it’ approach to work and placing blame on employees themselves for IWP, managers disassociate the organisation and themselves from the plight of employees and begin to identify them as ‘the other’. The study therefore identifies how deeper disconnects between capital and labour emerge within financialised environments, where management fail to offer the fundamental components of an employment bargain that can prevent IWP. Ending IWP, therefore, represents a challenge for policy, practice and attitudinal change.
Peers’ Disclosure of Investment Plans and Market Feedback to Managers
Authors: Aaron Aurelius , Jia Xiaoli , Ng Jeffrey
Published: November 2024

Capex guidance disclosed by a firm’s peers provides useful information about their peers’ investment plans. In this study, we find a positive association between peers’ capex guidance and managerial learning about investment opportunities from stock prices as captured by the sensitivity of investment to Tobin’s Q, which is consistent with peers’ disclosure of investment plans encouraging investors’ information processing and thereby providing stock price–based feedback to managers. In cross-sectional analyses, we find this relationship is more pronounced when peer guidance is more informative, when managers have a greater incentive to learn from stock prices, and when the market can aggregate more information. We also find that investment corresponding to peer-capex-guidance–affected Tobin’s Q correlates with higher future performance, suggesting that improvement in managerial learning leads to better performance. Overall, our results offer insights into how peers’ disclosure of their investment plans influences information feedback from the market to the focal firm.

JEL Classification: G31; M4; M41