bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refusing “Endangered Languages”
Narratives
Authors: Leonard Wesley Y.
Published: August 2023

Indigenous language endangerment is a global crisis, and in response, a normative “endangered languages” narrative about the crisis has developed. Though seemingly beneficent and accurate in many of its points, this narrative can also cause harm to language communities by furthering colonial logics that repurpose Indigenous languages as objects for wider society's consumption, while deemphasizing or even outright omitting the extreme injustices that beget language endangerment. The objective of this essay is to promote social justice praxis first by detailing how language shift results from major injustices, and then by offering possible interventions that are accountable to the communities whose languages are endangered. Drawing from my experiences as a member of a Native American community whose language was wrongly labeled “extinct” within this narrative, I begin with an overview of how language endangerment is described to general audiences in the United States and critique the way it is framed and shared. From there, I shift to an alternative that draws from Indigenous ways of knowing to promote social justice through language reclamation.
A new species of Jacaena Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Liocranidae) from Guiyang, southwestern China
Authors: YANG WEICHENG , DENG LANGJU , YU HAO , ZHONG YANG
Published: August 2023

A new species belonging to the liocranid genus Jacaena Thorell, 1897, J. guiyang sp. nov., is described from southwestern China. A detailed description, diagnosis, photographs, and distribution map of the new species are given. DNA barcodes of the species were obtained and confirmed matching of the sexes, and are available for future use.
New and poorly known species of Palpimanus Dufour, 1820 (Araneae, Palpimanidae) from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
Authors: FOMICHEV ALEXANDER A. , MARUSIK YURI M. , ZONSTEIN SERGEI
Published: August 2023

Two new species, Palpimanus logunovi sp. n. (♂♀) and P. rakhimovi sp. n. (♂♀), are described from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan respectively. Lectotype has been designated for the poorly known species, P. sogdianus Charitonov, 1946 from Uzbekistan and is redescribed based on type and newly collected material. (Re)descriptions, figures, diagnoses, distribution map and photograps of habitats of all the studied species are provided.
Review of the genus Lecithocera Herrich-Schäffer (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) in DR Congo, with description of four new species
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , KOO JUN-MO , JEONG SU-YEON , PRINS JURATE DE , PRINS WILLY DE
Published: August 2023

The genus Lecithocera Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is reviewed, with descriptions of four new species: Lecithocera katangaica Park, sp. nov., L. seydeliella Park, sp. nov., L. cornutispina Park, sp. nov., and L. lusingensis Park, sp. nov. Five species are already recorded from this country: 1) L. chloroscia Meyrick described from DR Congo; 2) L. lucernata Meyrick previously reported from DR Congo by Ghesquière in 1940; 3) L. trifera Meyrick and 4) L. xanthochalca Meyrick, their generic assignments still remain doubtable; and 5) L. ideologa Meyrick. Lecithocera dicentropa Meyrick, 1938 is synonymized as a junior synonym of L. ideologa Meyrick. Adults and the genitalia of the new species and L. ideologa Meyrick are illustrated, and a lectotype for L. trifera Meyrick is designated herein.
Evaluation of Ocean Currents Observed from Autonomous Surface Vehicles
Authors: Hodges Benjamin A. , Grare Laurent , Greenwood Benjamin , Matsuyoshi Kayli , Pizzo Nick , Statom Nicholas M. , Farrar J. Thomas , Lenain Luc
Published: August 2023

The development of autonomous surface vehicles, such as the Boeing Liquid Robotics Wave Glider, has revolutionized our ability to collect surface ocean–lower atmosphere observations, a crucial step toward developing better physical understanding of upper-ocean and air–sea interaction processes. However, due to the wave-following nature of these vehicles, they experience rapid shifting, rolling, and pitching under the action of surface waves, making motion compensation of observations of ocean currents particularly challenging. We present an evaluation of the accuracy of Wave Glider–based ADCP measurements by comparing them with coincident and collocated observations collected from a bottom-mounted ADCP over the course of a week-long experiment. A novel motion compensation method, tailored to wave-following surface vehicles, is presented and compared with standard approaches. We show that the use of an additional position and attitude sensor (GPS/IMU) significantly improves the accuracy of the observed currents.
Comparative Sociology, Global History, and Contentious Politics: A Special Issue Celebrating the Work of Charles Tilly
Authors: Künkler Mirjam , Castañeda Ernesto
Published: August 2023

Charles Tilly is a towering figure in the social sciences. His work has influenced generations of scholars across disciplines but younger generations may be less familiar with his work; this is a lost opportunity given the usefulness of his work. Much of Tilly’s work on areas outside of state formation and social movements remains underutilized. Many research agendas can be strengthened by building on his work and testing his many fascinating theories and hypotheses. This paper discusses examples of the application of some of Tilly’s works to contexts in Asia and the Middle East and North Africa, theory building, and contemporary issues by some scholars who were part of Tilly’s last generation of students.
Reforms, International Crisis and Growth of Chinese and Indian Economies
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan , Banerjee Adrita
Published: August 2023

The considerable similarity in the growth paths of the Chinese and Indian economies since their respective reforms has changed after the 2008 crisis. This article tries to understand the trajectories of different parameters of economic growth in the two countries, and how these changed after the crisis. Growth has declined in both the economies, more consistently in China, compared to India. The share of exports in GDP has also declined in both economies. The dependence of the Chinese economy on exports has decreased; however, its dependence on investment has increased. Investment’s share in GDP in China has increased, whereas it has decreased in India. The structure of the manufacturing sector in China has undergone changes, which is not the case for India. The increase in the share of services and decline in the share of manufacturing in China implies that the production structure is becoming less unbalanced.

JEL classification: E58, E62, F32, F41
Listen to the Voices of Gifted Chinese Students in New Zealand: A Culturally Responsive Framework
Authors: Yao Zhu , Rawlinson Catherine , Hamilton Richard
Published: August 2023

New Zealand is known as a nation of immigrants with increasing cultural diversity. Currently, in Auckland, almost a quarter of residents identify with an Asian ethnicity, the largest subgroup of which is Chinese. In the field of gifted and talented education, providing access to a culturally diverse environment is an important aspect of meeting gifted students’ special needs. Although the New Zealand educational context has placed added emphasis on culturally differentiated instruction for Māori and Pasifika gifted students, New Zealand primary schools’ implementation of approaches to address the learning needs of Chinese students has been largely unexplored. In this article, we present a summary of research which explored the beliefs and perceptions of Chinese gifted and talented students, their parents, and teachers of gifted and talented students within New Zealand using interviews and Q methodology. Our Q methodology consisted of 48 statements which were sorted by 10 Chinese students, their parents, and 10 New Zealand teachers. The data were analyzed using factor analysis. By drawing on the voice of the participants and on the results of the Q methodology, a culturally responsive theoretical framework was developed. This framework aims to contribute to our understanding of the learning needs of gifted Chinese students in New Zealand and to promote an ongoing partnership between Chinese families and the school. We also explain how these elements can be translated into partnership practices within the school context. The importance of listening to voices of minority groups and immigrant families is emphasized.
Long-Term Declines in Physical Fitness and Physical Activity for Individuals With Post-Liver Transplantation Compared to Healthy Controls
Authors: Taskin Gurel Bilge , Vardar Yagli Naciye , Calik Kutukcu Ebru , Saglam Melda , Inal Ince Deniz , Arikan Hulya , Dogrul Ahmet Bulent , Abbasoglu Osman
Published: August 2023

Functional changes are essential determinants of mortality and morbidity in individuals with chronic liver disease. However, there is limited information about whether these changes persist long-term after liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to compare physical fitness, physical activity, balance, kinesiophobia, and fatigue between patients with LT and healthy controls. All participants underwent evaluation with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) for exercise capacity and physical fitness, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity, the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) for kinesiophobia, and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) for fatigue. We studied 16 persons with LT ( M age = 40.56, SD = 15.73 years; M time since LT = 66.81, SD = 72.05 months) and 16 control participants ( M age = 39.87, SD = 13.98 years). Compared to controls, participants with LT showed significantly poorer performance on the SFT components assessing upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, agility, and dynamic balance ( p < .001 for all), significantly lower IPAQ physical activity scores ( p = .002) and BBS score ( p = .017), and significantly higher TUG time ( p < .001) and TSK, FSS, and FIS scores ( p = .001, p = .001, and p = .004, respectively). Individuals with post-LT had lower exercise capacity, physical fitness, balance, and physical activity, and higher kinesiophobia and fatigue levels in the long-term compared to their peers. Future studies should focus on frailty in individuals in the long term after LT.
Isocyante Emissions: A Review of Work on Environmental Aspects of Handlin, Toluene Diisocyanate
Authors: Grieveson B. M. , Reeve B.
Published: August 2023

Experimental work has been carried out on three aspects of handling toluene diisocyanate (TDI):

(i) The quantities of TDI emitted from polyurethane foam plants are low: of the order of 0·005% of the TDI fed to the process is subsequently discharged to the atmosphere. The destruction of this TDI by chemical reactions in the atmosphere it still under examination. All results so far indicate that no toluene diamines are formed.

(ii) Trials with an activated carbon scrubber installed on the vent line of a foam plant indicate that substantial amounts of TDI can be removed from the discharged air. More work is needed before an economic assessment of the process can be made.

(iii) Field trials on fire fighting techniques for TDI spillages show that proteinic type fire fighting foams give the best suppression of TDI vapours.
Effect of Glycols as Chain Extenders on the Cross-Linking Density of Microcellular Urethane Elastomers
Authors: Lisowska Regina , Balas Adolf
Published: August 2023

Results are presented from an investigation of the effect of the quantity of ethanediol, 1,6-hexanediol and 1,10-decanediol, applied as microcellular chain extenders, as well as the effect of the NCO-to-OH molar ratio, on changes in the cross-linking state caused by primary and secondary bonds in microcellular elastomers. The urethane elastomers tested were prepared by the two-stage method from the Mipolur-type quasiprepolymer and polyol mixtures having varying quantities of exchangeable glycols. Also demonstrated was the differential effect of the glycols tested on changes in cross-linking by primary and secondary bonds, and changes in cross-linking density as a function of their quantity were found for ethanediol and 1,6-hexanediol. A continuous increase in the quantity of primary and secondary bonds as a function of the quantity of 1,10-decanediol was found. A change of the NCO-to-OH molar ratio within 1,10 to 1,6 gave an extreme case of the change of the cross-linking state by primary and secondary bonds, and whatever the glycol tested, the maxima appear at an NCO-to-OH molar ratio of 12 to 13.
Recent Advances in the Development of Rigid Polyurethane Foams of Improved Thermal Insulation Efficiency
Authors: Cunningham A , Jeffs G.M.F. , Rosbotham I.D. , Sparrow D.J.
Published: August 2023

The fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer through rigid polyurethane (PUR) foam are reviewed in terms of three distinct elements, λg, λs and λr, which represent heat transfer by thermal conductivity through the gas phase, solid phase and by radiation respectively. It is demonstrated that values for λg and λs can be estimated, and from the measured λ-value of the foam, an approximation of λr obtained by difference.

This shows that there is considerable scope for improving the thermal insulation efficiency of these materials. Small reductions in λ-value can be obtained by optimisation of λg and λs elements, but the main scope for improvement is by reduction of λr This can be partially achieved by the production of foam with very fine cells. However there are strong indications that the cell windows are transparent to radiative heat transfer and several other factors need to be taken into account in reducing λr to its minimum practical value. Combining all these factors, laboratory foams can be produced consistently with λ-values 20–30% lower than typical commercial material.

Ageing of the λ-value, which results from air ingress into the cells of the foam, can be substantially eliminated by covering the foam with air-impermeable barriers. However recent developments have shown that by optimisation of foam formulations, the rate of ageing and the aged λ-value can also be significantly reduced in uncovered foams.

The excellent insulation properties of PUR foams compared with competitive materials is a consequence of the low value of λg, which results from the encapsulation of the Refrigerant 11 blowing agent inside the foam cells. Supplies of Refrigerant 11 may become limited in the future, with potential adverse effects on the insulation efficiency of PUR foam. In such a situation the indications are that any losses in insulation efficiency can be minimised and be more than compensated for by further optimisation of the approaches discussed in this paper.
Smoke Suppressants for Latex Foam Rubber –Part 2 – Large Scale Test
Authors: Bletchley F.E.J. , Hume J.
Published: August 2023

Three additives: Alumina Hydrate, Strontium Carbonate, and Aluminium Silicate, were found to slightly reduce smoke emission from burning latex foam rubber. They had a purely physical effect on burning. Reductions in temperatures, gas generation and smoke emission were insufficient to produce practical improvements in safety. The most promising suppressants are likely to be char-formers and/or intumescents.
Loss of Blowing Agents from Expandable and Expanded Polystyrene
Authors: Horak Z. , Zach J. , Schneider P.
Published: August 2023

A set of expandable polystyrene (PS) beads of different sizes containing mixed blowing agents (n-pentane and i-pentane) with different compositions was prepared and processed in the standard way. Non-expanded PS beads, pre-expanded PS beads and the final PS foams were exposed to air at room temperature for more than 4000 hours and the weight losses due to volatilisation of the blowing agent (LOBA) were followed. Effective diffusion coefficients of n-pentane and i-pentane in PS's were determined from initial parts of LOBA kinetic isotherms. Experimental data were compared with predictions based on the diffusion model.
Flammability of Upholstered Furniture with Flaming Sources
Authors: Babrauskas Vytenis
Published: August 2023

A number of countries and localities have either recently adopted furniture flammability regulations, or are actively considering them. In addition, a number of furniture flammability test methods have been developed in recent years in the course of research. Some of the methods share certain similarities; but, even so, many different testing philosophies exist. It is the purpose of this paper to compare the more widely used of the methods and to examine their advantages and limitations. The impact of some recent research results on test method design is also considered. The methods are discussed only on their technical features and not on their regulatory aspects. The scope is limited to methods for testing the behaviour under flaming fire conditions, and excludes tests for determing the cigarette ignition resistance. Some unresolved areas where further research is desirable are also cited.
Simulation of Chemical Foaming of Polymers
Authors: Simonik J. , Svoboda J.
Published: August 2023

As a part of a complex study of foamed structure formation by gaseous expansion, the validity of the engineering model proposed – blowing agent decomposition and growth of nucleated gas phase cells in the polymeric melt, composed of plasticised PVC and rubber – has been verified. It can be said that the validity of the proposed engineering model is extended by the presence of the elastomeric phase in the polymeric structure, as is the case with real systems.
Computer Simulation of Structure and Calculation of Physico-Mechanical Characteristics of Foamed Plastics – Part 3: Study of Rigid Foams
Authors: Valuyskikh V.P.
Published: August 2023

Results are given from the laboratory and calculation studies of the structure and mechanical properties of PU foams. Geometric and mechanical adequacy of simulation models is substantiated. The dependence of physico-mechanical characteristics upon foam microstructural parameters is analysed together with possibilities of their improvement due to upgraded production processes.
MRI Analysis of Knee Bony Morphology Variations in Children and Adolescents With Lateral Discoid Meniscus Compared With Asymptomatic Healthy Controls
Authors: Kaushal Shankar G. , Menghini Danilo , Sanborn Ryan M. , Kramer Dennis E. , Heyworth Benton E. , Kocher Mininder S. , Kiapour Ata M.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Lateral discoid meniscus accounts for most meniscal tears in children 10 years of age and younger. The role of bony morphology in discoid meniscus has been previously studied in a limited capacity using radiographs.

Purpose:

To use magnetic resonance imaging to measure features of the femoral condyles and tibial plateaus in patients with discoid meniscus to assess potential determinants of symptoms and subsequent surgery and to compare with matched controls to investigate age-related changes in bony features.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, detailed morphology of the femoral condyles and tibial plateau was measured in 177 patients (3-18 years of age; 56% female) with confirmed lateral discoid meniscus. Measurements from 269 participants (3-18 years of age; 55% female) with asymptomatic knees were used as controls. Two-way analysis of variance with Holm-Šídák post hoc was used to compare measurements between discoid menisci and matched controls. Independent t tests were used to compare aspects of bony morphology within the discoid meniscus cohort.

Results:

Compared with controls, patients with a lateral discoid meniscus had a larger bicondylar width and notch width (7- to 10-year-old and 15- to 18-year-old age groups; P < .05), larger tibial plateau width (11- to 14-year-old and 15- to 18-year-old age groups; P < .001), and smaller lateral ( P < .02) and coronal ( P < .02) tibial slopes across all age groups. Among patients with a discoid meniscus, larger bicondylar width, larger tibial plateau width, larger notch width, and a flatter lateral femoral condyle were associated with pain ( P < .005) and lateral meniscal tears ( P < .02). Larger notch width and notch width index were also associated with subsequent surgery ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

There are clinically significant abnormalities in bony morphology in patients with a discoid meniscus, including larger femoral condyles and tibial plateaus and a flatter tibial plateau. Additionally, femoral size, femoral curvature, and tibial plateau size may influence the likelihood of knee pain, meniscal tear, and need for surgery. These findings highlight the importance of bony morphology in discoid meniscus pathophysiology in children and adolescents. Such measurements may also aid radiographic detection of discoid meniscus and guide decisions regarding the timing of potential surgical intervention.
Ischemia reperfusion myocardium injuries in type 2 diabetic rats: Effects of ketamine and insulin on LC3-II and mTOR expression
Authors: Tao Zhiguo , Lin Rongmu , Zhang Rui , He Peng , Lei Chengwen , Li Yuanhai
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Myocardiopathy occurs in ischemia-induced injury caused by dysregulation of autophagy of cardiac tissues. The present report evaluates the protective effect of ketamine and insulin against myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic rats (T2DM).

Methods: The effects of ketamine and its combination with insulin on biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines in the serum of I/R-induced myocardial injury in T2DM rats were evaluated. The parameters of reactive oxygen species and the expression of autophagosome signaling pathway proteins were also determined. Using transmission electron microscopy, we investigated autophagosomes. Western blots were used to detect autophagy-associated signaling pathways. Myocardial function was determined by echocardiography and histopathological changes in myocardial tissues were also determined in I/R-induced myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic rats.

Results: There was a significant reduction in glucose, AST, LDH, and CK-MB levels and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in serum of the ketamine ( p < .05) and ketamine + insulin ( p < .01) groups than in the diabetic + I/R. MDA and ROS levels were reduced with a substantial ( p < .05) increase in GSH levels through improved cardiac function in the ketamine ( p < .05) and ketamine + insulin ( p < .01) groups than the diabetic + I/R group. There was an increase in mature autophagosomes in diabetic+I/R+Kt+In compared to diabetic+I/R+Kt alone in infarction and marginal zones. It should be noted that the significant increase ( p < .01) in protein levels of the autophagy-associated intracellular signaling pathways AMPK and mTOR, as well as an increase in LC3-II and BECLIN-1, suggests that ketamine combined with insulin-activated autophagy-associated intracellular signaling AMPK and mTOR.

Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that ketamine combined with insulin administration remarkably protects I/R-induced myocardial injury in rats with T2DM by reducing the dysregulation of autophagy.
The interaction of lecturers and their professional fields - a social capital approach
Authors: Frederik Hans , van der Sijde Peter
Published: August 2023

One of the core elements of universities applied sciences (UAS) is its connection with professional fields. Lecturers establish relationships with private organizations and guide students in internships, projects, assignments and towards graduation. In this role, lecturers are confronted with developments in their field of expertise, thereby deploying their networks of relationships through their social capital. From these relationships, a certain reciprocity is created, resulting in possibilities for mutual support. We interviewed UAS lecturers via email about these relationships and the importance they attach to them. The theory of social capital is used to analyse the interactions between lecturers and companies or organizations in the professional field. Above all, these lecturers expressed interest in students’ learning processes and used social capital to achieve this aim, while indirectly recognizing its added value for the development of knowledge.
Subjective well-being in university students: Two psychosocial skills complementing entrepreneurial attitudes
Authors: Enrique Sara , Martínez-Gregorio Sara , Oliver Amparo
Published: August 2023

Wide entrepreneurship education (EE), based on constructivist pedagogies and effectual logic, emphasizes the inclusion of entrepreneurial attitudes and personal development as central EE components. Hence, the main aim of this study is examining how entrepreneurial attitudes and subjective well-being (SWB) are related with two additional personal resources necessary to thrive in an unpredictable and demanding labour market. Following constructivist educational recommendations, a full structural equation model was proposed and tested relating entrepreneurial attitudes, psychological capital, and self-care with SWB in a sample of 324 undergraduates. The findings revealed that self-care is a significant mediator, explaining 75.3% of SWB, and fully mediates the impact of psychological capital on SWB. However, self-care did not mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial attitudes and SWB. Intriguingly, a negative effect of entrepreneurial attitudes on SWB was observed. The study suggests mitigating this adverse impact by encouraging activities that foster self-care and psychological capital in university students.
Cultural-biology: Our human living in conversations and reflection
Authors: Dávila Yáñez Ximena , Maturana Romesín Humberto
Published: August 2023

More than 20 years ago, Humberto Maturana and Ximena Dávila initiated a research program on the nature of human coexistence within the framework of molecular-autopoietic systems and the understanding of the organism-niche ecological dynamic unit (UDEON). In this article, we focus on the potential of conversation and reflection of living beings as transformative and liberating practices in the configuration of intimate feelings that define at every moment their emotional-relational operation as a totality in the understanding of the worlds they generate. We refer to the main contributions of cultural-biology which invite us to a journey through the nature of knowing, of human pain and suffering, of languaging, conversation, and reflection as cultural-biology beings.
Niraparib-induced pure red cell aplasia
Authors: Bir Yücel Kadriye , Yıldız Seyma , Sütcüoglu Osman , Güvercin Fatma Sena , Uyar Göçün Pınar , Özdemir Nuriye , Yazıcı Ozan , Özet Ahmet
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Niraparib, a strong poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, contributed significantly to progression-free survival as a maintenance therapy in the platinum-sensitive period in both first-line and recurrent ovarian cancer, regardless of the BRCA mutation. Grade 3–4 anemia, which has a manageable side effect profile, especially hematological, is seen in almost 1 out of every 4 patients. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no reported case of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) induced by niraparib treatment.

Case Report

A 65-year-old woman diagnosed with stage 3 serous carcinoma of the tuba received niraparib front-line maintenance treatment had grade 4 anemia after 3 months of niraparib treatment. She underwent bone marrow aspiration and biopsy because of refractory anemia, which needs red blood cell (RBC) transfusions despite interruption of treatment.

Management and Outcome

The patient was treated with 1 mg/kg methyl prednisolone, after histopathological assessment was consistent with PRCA. The hemoglobin count returned to the normal range with steroid treatment.

Discussion

In daily practice, it should be kept in mind that in the case of refractory anemia induced by niraparib, the underlying cause might be PRCA and can be improved with steroid administration.
Access to Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hand Hygiene Facilities in the Peri-Urban and Informal Settlements of Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Aydamo Abiot Abera , Gari Sirak Robele , Mereta Seid Tiku
Published: August 2023

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and practices have been extensively studied in urban and rural areas. However, there is a paucity of information on the coverage of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in the peri-urban and informal settlement areas, which could potentially exacerbate the spread of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases. Therefore, this study was designed to examine access to drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene facilities and their determinant factors in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 292 households was conducted in 3 kebeles of Hosanna town. The primary data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. All the households (100%) had access to piped water on and off-premises, but the reliability of the water sources was a big challenge. Findings revealed that only 35.1% and 16.8% of the households had basic sanitation and basic handwashing facilities, respectively. Households with a middle income were identified as a determinant factor for the presence of piped water on premises (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.24-4.00), improved sanitation (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.17-4.03) and handwashing facilities (AOR = 4.36; 95% CI = 1.98-9.62). Piped water on premises was also another strong predictor of the availability of improved sanitation (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.99-5.62) and handwashing facilities (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 4.08-16.42). The majority of the studied households living in the selected peri-urban and informal settlements had access to unreliable drinking water sources. The study also revealed that households had poor access to basic sanitation and basic handwashing facilities. Hence, the findings call for solid government interventions to improve the reliability of the drinking water sources, basic sanitation coverage, and availability of basic handwashing facilities.
Time-course evolution of functional performance during a 3-month supervised exercise training program in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease
Authors: Lanzi Stefano , Pousaz Anina , Calanca Luca , Mazzolai Lucia
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Functional performance is impaired in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The effects of a supervised exercise training (SET) program on functional performance have yet to be clearly determined. The aim was to investigate the time-course evolution of functional performance during a 3-month SET program.

Methods:

Patients with chronic symptomatic PAD participating in a 3-month SET program were investigated. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), the stair climbing test (SCT), and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed before SET, after the first and second months of SET, and following the SET program. The ankle– and toe–brachial indices were measured before and after the SET program.

Results:

Ninety patients with PAD (age 65.4 ± 10.2 years) were analyzed. The 6MWD significantly improved after the first (+7%, p ⩽ 0.001) and second months (+13%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (+14%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to before the SET program. The 6MWD significantly improved after the 2nd month (+6%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (+7%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to after the first month of the SET program. The SPPB score and SCT performance significantly improved after the first (SPPB score: +9%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +17%, p ⩽ 0.001) and second months (SPPB score: +11%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +24%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (SPPB score: +12%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +25%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to before the SET program. No significant differences were observed following SET compared to the second month of the SET program. Vascular parameters did not change significantly.

Conclusions:

A 3-month SET program improves several components of functional performance, and adaptations mainly occur during the 1st and 2nd months of the SET program.
Symplectic analytical solution for forced vibration of a multilayer plate system
Authors: Ma Yongbin , Cheng Qingfeng , Wang Boping
Published: August 2023

The classical laminate and lattice sandwich plate structure can be simplified into a multilayer plate system, wherein the plate components of the system are continuously joined along the transverse direction by elastic layers and can have different combinations of boundary conditions. A symplectic analytical wave propagation approach is developed for the forced vibration of a system of multiple elastically connected thin plates considering the Kirchhoff thin plate theory. The proposed method overcomes the limitation of the traditional analytical method, wherein the exact vibration field function only exists for a system with all edges of the plate components simply supported. First, the coupled partial differential equations governing the vibration of the multi-plate system are decoupled using a technique based on matrix theory; for decoupled equations, a general “vibration” state is innovatively introduced into the symplectic dual system. Next, the general “vibration” state can be analytically described in symplectic space by solving the symplectic eigenproblem and utilizing wave propagation theory. Finally, by using these analytical wave shapes and satisfying the physical boundary conditions of the system, the forced responses can be analytically calculated. In the numerical examples, the forced transverse vibrations of the double- and three-plate systems are investigated, and the cases with various combinations of boundary conditions are considered. The effectiveness of the present method is validated by comparing the present results with the results from the literature and those calculated using the finite element method. The influence of the elastic layer stiffness and number of plate components on the vibration is also investigated.
Black representation in social media well-being research: A scoping review of social media experience and psychological well-being among Black users in the United States
Authors: Park Jennifer , Hallman Jada , Liu Xun Sunny , Hancock Jeff
Published: August 2023

There has been a wide array of scholarship that has investigated the effects of social media use on psychological well-being since 2006, with most focusing on general populations, specific populations of non-Black individuals, or specific use patterns such as passive use, active use, and addictive use. Comparatively, the extant literature focusing on Black populations is sparse. In this scoping review, we collected 38 articles that studied social media experience and psychological well-being by Black social media users in America. We found recurring research themes that focused on the Performance of Signifyin,’ cyberbullying victimization, racial stereotyping and discrimination, along with more common well-being measures, including self-esteem, social support, depression, stress, anxiety, and negative affect. The findings of this research suggest nuanced dynamics of Black social media experience, potentially due to the unique overlapping influences of social practices and exposure to traumatizing content that Black users encounter on social media. Because our examination of articles was limited to populations of Black users in the United States, we note that our findings may not be extendable to Black social media users who reside in other parts of the world.
The responsive public: How European Union decisions shape public opinion on salient policies
Authors: Mikulaschek Christoph
Published: August 2023

This study argues that the adoption of a policy by the European Union increases popular support for that policy. Elite cue theory implies that this effect only materializes among those members of the public who trust European Union institutions. Moreover, European Union member states’ unanimous policy support conveys a stronger cue than the Union’s policy endorsement despite vocal dissent. The argument is tested through original survey experiments and the quasi-experimental analysis of a survey that was fielded while the European Council endorsed a salient policy proposal. Support of the policy surged immediately after this decision—but only among Europeans who trust the Union. Experiments in original national surveys confirm that citizens who trust the European Union respond to signals from Brussels. Unanimity in the Council of the European Union augments the impact of these cues.
Selective autophagy associated with iron overload aggravates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via ferroptosis
Authors: Honma Koki , Kirihara Sora , Nakayama Hinako , Fukuoka Taketo , Ohara Toshiaki , Kitamori Kazuya , Sato Ikumi , Hirohata Satoshi , Fujii Moe , Yamamoto Shusei , Ran Shang , Watanabe Shogo
Published: August 2023

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Iron is an essential trace element in the body; however, excess iron can cause tissue damage and dysfunction. Iron overload is often observed in patients with NASH, and the amount of iron accumulated in the liver positively correlates with the histological severity of NASH. Ferroptosis, a novel form of iron-dependent cell death, is caused by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and is related to NASH. In addition, ferroptosis is closely related to autophagy, an intracellular self-degradation process. Although autophagy has many beneficial effects, it may also be harmful to the organism, for example, inducing ferroptosis. It is unclear whether iron overload aggravates NASH via autophagy. The aim of this research is to determine the mechanism by which iron overload induces ferroptosis via autophagy and aggravates NASH. Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP5/Dmcr) were divided into two groups and fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diet for eight weeks. Iron dextran was administered to the Fe group in addition to the HFC diet. Blood analysis, histological staining, calcineurin activity assay, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscopy were performed. The results showed that iron overload promoted autophagy via nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) and induced ferritinophagy, which is the autophagic degradation of ferritin. In addition, the HFC diet induced lipophagy, the autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. The Fe group also exhibited promoted ferroptosis and aggravated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, iron overload accelerates ferritinophagy and lipophagy, aggravating NASH pathology via ferroptosis. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting autophagy and ferroptosis for treating NASH.
Mechanical thrombectomy beyond 24 hours from last known well in tandem lesions: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Hassan Ameer E , Siegler James E , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Farooqui Mudassir , Jumaa Mouhammad A , Janjua Nazli , Divani Afshin A , Ribo Marc , Abraham Michael , Petersen Nils H , Fifi Johanna , Guerrero Waldo R , Malik Amer M , Nguyen Thanh N , Sheth Sunil , Yoo Albert J , Linares Guillermo , Lu Yujing , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: August 2023

Background

While recent studies suggest a benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of patients with isolated large vessel occlusions presenting after 24 hours from the last known well (LKW), the effect of MT for acute cervical tandem lesions (TLs) beyond 24 hours remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of MT beyond 24 hours of LKW in patients with TLs.

Methods

We conducted a subanalysis study of patients with anterior circulation TL enrolled in a large, multicenter registry between January 2015 and December 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: MT beyond 24 hours versus MT 0–24-hour window. Outcomes of interest were functional independence (90-day modified Rankin scale 0-2), complete reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3), delta NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), parenchymal hematoma 2 (PH2), in-hospital mortality, and 90-day mortality. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the groups.

Results

Overall, 589 participants were included, with 33 treated beyond 24 hours and 556 treated in the 0–24-hour window. After IPTW, we found no significant difference in the rates of achieving functional independence (odds ratio (OR)  = 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–1.16; p = 0.108), complete reperfusion (OR  = 1.35; 95% CI 0.60–3.05; p = 0.464), sICH (OR  = 1.96; 95% CI 0.37–10.5; p = 0.429), delta NIHSS (β  =  −3.61; 95% CI −8.11 to 0.87; p = 0.114), PH2 (OR  = 1.46; 95% CI 0.29–7.27; p = 0.642), in-hospital mortality (OR  = 1.74; 95% CI 0.52–5.86; p = 0.370), or 90-day mortality (OR  = 1.37; 95% CI 0.49–3.83; p = 0.544) across both time windows.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that MT appears to benefit patients with TLs beyond 24 hours from LKW. Future prospective studies are warranted.
Model-free sliding mode prescribed performance control of robotic manipulator based on new reaching law
Authors: Deng Fuwei , Wen Quanwei , Yang Li
Published: August 2023

The article proposes a model-free sliding mode prescribed performance control method for robotic manipulator. For accelerating the errors converging rate as well as bringing down the real-time control torque, an error-driven nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode is employed in this control method. Besides, a modified power reaching law is newly designed, which is able to offer better chattering elimination performance than traditional power reaching law. To solve the problem that the controller’s performance highly relies on the accuracy of robotic model, a model-free control idea is introduced where an ultra-local model is established and the estimation of time delay is used to approximate the unknown part of the ultra-local model. Considering the transient performance is a significant element that effects the using security and system stability, the technique of prescribed performance control is introduced to limit the state errors in a prescribed region. The closed-loop stability proof of the whole system is achieved according to Lyapunov’s stability theorem. The proposed controller’s superiority and feasibility compared with other controllers are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
String Teachers’ Perspectives of Nontraditional Music Courses and Ensembles in Public Schools
Authors: Savage Annie N. , Harry Adam G.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine school string teachers’ beliefs about and practices of teaching nontraditional music courses. We surveyed middle and high school string teachers ( N = 42) about what nontraditional music courses and ensembles (NMCEs) they currently offer and would like to offer to their students. In addition, we examined the educational rationales that string teachers have for offering NMCEs. Our findings indicated that the most frequently offered NMCEs were guitar class, pit orchestra, and music technology. Participants expressed strongest interest in adding fiddle club, popular music, and mariachi ensemble. The participants explained that NMCEs provide opportunities to teach content that closely may more reflect students’ cultures and possibly attract a wider range of students. The participants used NMCEs to cultivate musical skills that are often overlooked in large-group setting, including improvisation, playing by ear, and collaborative arranging and composition.
Understanding the Evolving Online Learning Landscape: The Case of Science and Religion
Authors: Marler Will , Hargittai Eszter
Published: August 2023

As the online learning landscape expands and social media continue to be an important information source for many, it is important to ask how people evaluate and experience online sources of learning differently and how this compares across domains. Drawing on interviews with 45 adults in the United States, we examine how people’s attitudes and experiences around online learning differ across science and religion. We find that the topic shapes how people evaluate different ways of seeking knowledge online, including through social media. Trust, knowledge, ease, and privacy further influence how people approach learning by domain. Our findings highlight incidental learning through online social networks, suggesting that personal (offline and online) networks as well as intentions shape how the internet helps people learn. We discuss the implications of the findings for future research on the online learning landscape considering the different experiences people have when learning about different topics.
Reproductive Health and Semantics: Representations of Abortion in Semantic Models and Search Applications
Authors: Dobreski Brian , Ridenour Laura , Resnick Melissa
Published: August 2023

Health care-related queries are a common source of information seeking online, and, in light of the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, information concerning reproductive health in the United States is now of particular interest. Increasingly, search applications turn to semantic models to assist in responding to user queries, with the knowledgebase Wikidata playing a prominent role. However, Wikidata’s representation of topics around reproductive health care, as well as the implications for user searches, are currently unclear. To further examine this, the present study analyzed Wikidata’s treatment of abortion, compared this to representations in three medical domain models, and tested web searches to gauge Wikidata’s influence on search results. Results show that, as a semantic model, Wikidata attempts to represent topics around abortion in a manner that is at once both multi-perspective and simplified, leading to logical inconsistencies when compared to domain models. Wikidata’s influence on semantically supported web search is more difficult to ascertain as search engines’ treatment of abortion appears purposely exceptional, though a strong influence from Wikipedia was noted. Findings from this study demonstrate the importance of how semantic models address the medical and health domain, and suggest the need for greater transparency in how health care information is treated within web search applications.
A Glimpse Into India’s Palaeoanthropological Past: Fossil Primates of the Pliocene and the Pleistocene
Authors: Chakraborty Sayak , Sachdeva Mohinder Pal
Published: August 2023

The Pliocene was a period of major faunal shift in India as older primate lineages slowly went extinct, leaving the niches vacant for cercopithecoids, specifically cercopithecids (Old World monkeys), to occupy. Among them, Presbytis sivalensis, Macaca palaeindica and Procynocephalus subhimalayanus are important, as they are potential kin to many of the South Asian and Southeast Asian monkeys living today. Further in the Pleistocene, as ecology shifted to a more grassland environment, primates such as Theropithecus delsoni and the first people of Homo sp. migrated into the subcontinent and occupied central India. All of these primate fossils are known only from a handful of fragmentary fossil remains. This article aims to discuss the discovery of fossils and the nature of these fossils from the Pliocene and the Pleistocene. Information regarding the phylogenetic affinities of these fossil primates is sporadic as well. There is a need to learn more about these primates by reanalysing existing discoveries and conducting further research into the lives of these primates of a bygone era. Such research, using modern tools and methods, will surely make significant contributions to palaeoanthropology.