bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Race to Retain Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review on Factors that Impact Retention of Nurses and Physicians in Hospitals
Authors: de Vries Neeltje , Boone Anke , Godderis Lode , Bouman José , Szemik Szymon , Matranga Domenica , de Winter Peter
Published: March 2023

The shortage of healthcare workers is a growing problem across the globe. Nurses and physicians, in particular, are vulnerable as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding why they might leave is imperative for improving retention. This systematic review explores both the prevalence of nurses and physicians who are intent on leaving their position at hospitals in European countries and the main determinants influencing job retention among nurses and physicians of their respective position in a hospital setting in both European and non-European countries. A comprehensive search was fulfilled within 3 electronic databases on June 3rd 2021. In total 345 articles met the inclusion criteria. The determinants were categorized into 6 themes: personal characteristics, job demands, employment services, working conditions, work relationships, and organizational culture. The main determinants for job retention were job satisfaction, career development and work-life balance. European and non-European countries showed similarities and differences in determinants influencing retention. Identifying these factors supports the development of multifactorial interventions, which can aid the formulation of medical strategies and help to maximize retention.
Improving Fairness in Criminal Justice Algorithmic Risk Assessments Using Optimal Transport and Conformal Prediction Sets
Authors: Berk Richard A. , Kuchibhotla Arun Kumar , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric
Published: March 2023

In the United States and elsewhere, risk assessment algorithms are being used to help inform criminal justice decision-makers. A common intent is to forecast an offender’s “future dangerousness.” Such algorithms have been correctly criticized for potential unfairness, and there is an active cottage industry trying to make repairs. In this paper, we use counterfactual reasoning to consider the prospects for improved fairness when members of a disadvantaged class are treated by a risk algorithm as if they are members of an advantaged class. We combine a machine learning classifier trained in a novel manner with an optimal transport adjustment for the relevant joint probability distributions, which together provide a constructive response to claims of bias-in-bias-out. A key distinction is made between fairness claims that are empirically testable and fairness claims that are not. We then use confusion tables and conformal prediction sets to evaluate achieved fairness for estimated risk. Our data are a random sample of 300,000 offenders at their arraignments for a large metropolitan area in the United States during which decisions to release or detain are made. We show that substantial improvement in fairness can be achieved consistently with a Pareto improvement for legally protected classes.
The Role of Leader and Subordinate Gender in the Leadership–Empowerment Relationship
Authors: Jong Jaehee
Published: March 2023

Building on prior research on leadership and gender, the current study explores whether leaders’ and subordinates’ genders influence the impact of leaders’ behaviors on subordinate attitudes. More specifically, this study identifies three moderator variables that might influence the relationship: gender congruence and gender combination between supervisor and subordinate and gender ratio (gender composite in a work unit). Using a sample of state government employees, the current study found that supervisors’ transformational leadership style was more likely to influence male subordinates’ feelings of psychological empowerment than female subordinates’ feelings of psychological empowerment, regardless of the supervisor’s gender and that the positive effect among male employees becomes weaker when they are in a work unit with more women. Ultimately, the findings from this study contribute to our knowledge base regarding leadership and gender, in general, and deepen our understanding of supervisor–subordinate gender dynamics and how these dynamics are associated with gender ratio in public sector organizations.
A Figure is Worth a Thousand Words: The role of visualization in paradox theorizing
Authors: Pradies Camille , Berti Marco , Pina e Cunha Miguel , Rego Arménio , Tunarosa Andrea , Clegg Stewart
Published: March 2023

Visualization (i.e., the use of figures and images to represent findings and conceptual models) is central to theorizing. Yet, by focusing solely on the textual content of papers, analysis has inadvertently marginalized the graphic representations of key ideas. We review the paradox literature not just in terms of what authors have written but also how they have visualized models concisely. An analysis of figures in paradox articles captures the essential role that visuals play in our understanding of competing tensions, leveraging the power of imagery. We explore paradox visually, searching for the figurative materialization of paradox; more particularly, we seek visual signs that render abstract ideas more saliently and concretely. We contribute to paradox theory in three ways. First, we show how visuals constitute the lynchpin between convergent and divergent forces, allowing scholars to simultaneously reinforce and challenge current understanding. Second, we offer a tool for scholars to theorize competing demands based on three key antinomies, or dualities, that define the terrain of research in our field. Third, we reveal the performative effect of figures by identifying the ongoing dominance of certain classes of paradox visuals, which allows us to point to uncharted territories for paradox research.
Stigma, Outsider Status and Mothers in Prison
Authors: Morgan Julia , Leeson Caroline
Published: March 2023

Drawing on Elias’s work on established-outsider figurations, stigmatisation and the civilising process, this study explores the narratives of women, who are mothers of children under the age of 18 years old, in one female prison in England, United Kingdom. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews as well as three focus groups with 26 different women, exploring their experiences of being an imprisoned mother as well as staying in contact with their children from prison. Moreover, we interviewed 15 members of staff. Our findings highlight the stigmatised ‘outsider’ nature that is ascribed to mothers in prison which is reinforced by the prison environment and figurations between mothers and prison staff. By highlighting the stigmatised and outsider positioning of mothers in prison, this research has significance for practice and policy. Improving support for imprisoned mothers and the development of non-stigmatising, more inclusive, compassionate institutions and compassionate responses are thus required.
Social relationships in later life: Does marital status matter?
Authors: Zhang Zhenmei , Hsieh Ning , Lai Wen-Hua
Published: March 2023

Previous research has suggested that unmarried persons may be disadvantaged in personal networks and social support. However, little is known about whether the quantity and quality of social relationships differ by marital status among older Americans. Using data from the 2006 and 2008 psychosocial questionnaires of the Health and Retirement Study, we examined the quantity and frequency of contact of three types of social relationships (i.e., friends, children, and family members) as well as the quality of these ties across six marital status groups (i.e., first married, remarried, cohabiting, divorced/separated, widowed, and never married). Our analytic sample included 13,087 respondents aged 51 and above. Multiple linear regression was used for the analysis. Our results show significant differences in social relationships by marital status. In terms of relationships with friends, compared to first-married persons, all the unmarried groups (except the cohabitors) had more frequent contact with their friends and reported greater support as well as greater strain from their friends, controlling for demographic covariates. Remarried persons and cohabitors were largely similar to their first-married counterparts except that both had fewer friends they felt close to, and the cohabitors also reported greater strain with their friends. In terms of relationships with children, all the unmarried groups except for widowed persons had fewer children they felt close to. All the unmarried groups were also disadvantaged in contact frequency and perceived social support from their children. Remarried persons were significantly disadvantaged compared to first-married persons in contact frequency and relationship quality with their children. These associations were largely robust when health and socioeconomic conditions were controlled for. In terms of relationships with family members, there were only a few significant differences across marital status groups. Our findings show the crucial role of marital status in shaping social relationships in later life.
Assessment of fluency in the Test of English for Educational Purposes
Authors: Tavakoli Parvaneh , Kendon Gill , Mazhurnaya Svetlana , Ziomek Anna
Published: March 2023

The main aim of this study was to investigate how oral fluency is assessed across different levels of proficiency in the Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). Working with data from 56 test-takers performing a monologic task at a range of proficiency levels (equivalent to approximately levels 5.0, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 in the IELTS scoring system), we used PRAAT analysis to measure speed, breakdown, and repair fluency. A multivariate analysis of variance and a series of analyses of variance were used to examine the differences between fluency measures at these different levels of proficiency. The results largely replicate previous research in this area suggesting that (a) speed measures distinguish between lower levels (5.0 and 5.5) and higher levels of proficiency (6.5 and 7.5), (b) breakdown measures of silent pauses distinguish between 5.0 and higher levels of 6.5 or 7.5, and (c) repair measures and filled pauses do not distinguish between any of the proficiency levels. Using the results, we have proposed changes that can help refine the fluency rating descriptors and rater training materials in the TEEP.
Assessing the effectiveness of academic library services: A review on the formulation of a feasible conceptual framework
Authors: Ajith J.A. , Ramanayaka K.H. , Weerasooriya W.A.
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of internet technology and the gradually accelerating rate of information technology, library systems are progressively transforming into hybrid library systems that provide services from traditional and electronic means. For insightful planning toward a strong service to the community, there is a need to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of library services. Based on this requirement, the purpose of this study is to determine the criteria and their measuring indicators that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of modern academic library services by reviewing related studies found in the literature, and then build a conceptual framework. A comprehensive literature review related to library service effectiveness was conducted to identify, determine and suggest scientific evaluation criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of academic library services. The study revealed that User Satisfaction, Collection Development, Management and Staff Contributions, Service Efficiency, and Accessibility, were the top key evaluation criteria used or cited in the related works. Three or more indicator categories for each criterion have been identified, and the measurable indicators consisted of Likert-type questions on a five-point rating scale that can be used to measure indicator categories. Finally, the conceptual framework for assessing academic library service effectiveness has been developed based on these criteria and their measurement indicators. The study has presented a framework of service effectiveness, including assessment criteria and measurement indicators that can be used to evaluate modern hybrid academic libraries.
Free vibration analysis of bio-inspired helicoid laminated composite plates
Authors: Garg Aman , Belarbi Mohamed-Ouejdi , Li Li , Sharma Neha , Gupta Ayushi , Chalak Hanuman Devidas
Published: March 2023

Helicoidal schemes possessed by biological creatures possess high strength and stiffness. The adoption of the layup configurations possessed by these biological creatures is not fully explored. The present article aims to carry out the free vibration analysis of biological-inspired laminated composite (B-ILC) plates having helicoidal layup. The analysis is carried out using higher-order zigzag theory (HOZT) as due to the presence of several layers, the HOZT can predict the behavior accurately compared to the shear deformation theory. Based on Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations are worked out and analyzed using the finite element method. The influence of boundary conditions, geometric properties, number of layers, the skew angle of the plate, and material properties on the free vibration behavior are studied in detail.
Geometry Optimization of Speed Humps Based on Ride Comfort and Driving-Safety-Based Assessment
Authors: Sheykhfard Abbas , Haghighi Farshidreza , Zadkhori Mahla , Shaaban Khaled , Yoosefi Hamed
Published: March 2023

The present study investigates the speed behaviors of drivers encountering speed humps on urban and suburban roads. The purpose is to optimize the geometric dimensions of different types of speed hump by considering ride comfort and driving safety criteria. Field observations of drivers’ behavior were conducted near 90 speed humps in eight cities in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Vehicles speed modeling was carried out using multi-layer perception and normalized radial basis functions artificial networks. The sensitivity analysis results of artificial neural network (ANN) models showed different factors associated with speed humps’ performance. While the length of entrance and exit ramps and passage width were the most influential factors in urban roads, speed before the humps’ position plays a crucial factor in suburban roads. Finally, the optimum geometry of speed humps was presented by ANN models for different types of roads.
Mourning becomes us
Authors: Castellani Margherita
Published: March 2023

This paper posits that mourning is fundamentally a social process. The inability to mourn has dangerous consequences for the individual and for society. Social support and community networks are necessary in order to tolerate the pain of loss and overcome the resistance through sharing in the group. Based on clinical material from a two-year analytic training group run in an NHS psychotherapy department, the author argues that the developmental and therapeutic process of the group corresponded to the unfolding of the mourning process. The development of the capacity to mourn brought transformation in the group, leading to a more coherent sense of identity, both of individual members and of the group as a whole.
Turning Points in U.S. Labor History, Political Culture, and the Current Upsurge in Labor Militancy
Authors: Isaac Larry W.
Published: March 2023

I consider the current labor upsurge in context of prior pro-labor transformative turning points in U.S. labor history, all of which involved major changes in political culture. My assessment of key conditions in the current moment centers on three important conditions for changing political culture: (a) anti-racist civil rights-based social movement unionism; (b) changing discourse about the role of unions in political economy; (c) the weak position of labor law. Taken in combination, labor in the current conjuncture faces a steep, but not impossible, uphill climb.
Fracture toughness and progressive damage mechanisms of 2.5D woven SiCf/SiC composites
Authors: Han Niudong , Duan Yadi , Zhang Zhuhui , Yang Yingxue , Zhang Diantang
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the effects of matrix and interface on the fracture toughness and progressive damage mechanisms of 2.5D woven SiCf/SiC composites. Third-generation SiC fibers were selected. 2.5D woven SiCf/SiC composites with four interfacial layers PyC, PyC/SiC, BN, BN/SiC and two matrix polycarbosilane (PCS) and liquid hyperbranched polycarbosilane with vinyl groups (VHPCS) were prepared by a combination of chemical vapour deposition (CVD), chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), and precursor infiltration pyrolysis (PIP) processes, respectively. Single edge notch bending (SENB) tests were carried out to investigate the fracture toughness. Moreover, acoustic emission (AE) and X-ray micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) techniques were employed to analyze the progressive mechanical properties and failure mechanism. Results showed that the matrix and interface have significant effects on the fracture toughness. Moreover, 2.5D woven composites with PyC/SiC interfacial layers and VHPCS matrix have the highest fracture toughness (16.93 ± 1.20 Mpa • m1/2). Furthermore, during progressive damage, the pores can influence the crack expansion path, and effectively regulate the stress concentration and increase the toughness of the composites.
Ageism against Older Adults: How do Intersecting Identities Influence Perceptions of Ageist Behaviors?
Authors: Gans Hannah M. , Horhota Michelle , Chasteen Alison L.
Published: March 2023

Most ageism research has focused on prejudice against older people without considering their multiple intersecting identities. We investigated perceptions of ageist acts that targeted older individuals with intersecting racial (Black/White) and gender identities (men/women). Both young (18–29) and older (65+) adult Americans evaluated the acceptability of a variety of instances of hostile and benevolent ageism. Replicating prior work, benevolent ageism was seen as more acceptable compared to hostile ageism, and young adults rated ageist acts as more acceptable than older adults. Small intersectional identity effects were observed such that young adult participants perceived older White men to be the most acceptable targets of hostile ageism. Our research suggests that ageism is viewed differently depending on the age of the perceiver and the type of behavior exhibited. These findings also suggest intersectional memberships should be considered, but further research is needed given the relatively small effect sizes.
Optimization of waste collection through the sequencing of micro-routes and transfer station convenience analysis: An Argentinian case study
Authors: Molfese Greco Sofía A , Rossit Diego G , Frutos Mariano , Cavallin Antonella
Published: March 2023

Municipal solid waste management is a paramount activity in modern cities due to environmental, social and economic problems that can arise when mishandled. In this work, the sequencing of micro-routes in the Argentine city of Bahía Blanca is addressed, which is modelled as a vehicle routing problem with travel time limit and the vehicle’s capacity. Particularly, we propose two mathematical formulations based on mixed integer programming and we solve a set of instances of the city of Bahía Blanca based on real data. Moreover, with this model, we estimate the total distance and travel time of the waste collection and use this data to analyse the possibility of installing a transfer station. The results demonstrate the competitiveness of the approach to resolve realistic instances of the target problem and suggest the convenience of installing a transfer station in the city considering the reduction of the travelled distance.
Isolation and characterization of quorum quenching bacteria from municipal solid waste and bottom ash co-disposal landfills
Authors: Wang Qian , Bai Xinyue , Miao Qianming , Wang Tong , Wang Xue , Xu Qiyong
Published: March 2023

Co-landfilling of bottom ash (BA) accelerates the clogging of leachate collection systems (LCSs) and increases the risk of landfill failure. The clogging was mainly associated with bio-clogging, which may be reduced by quorum quenching (QQ) strategies. This communication reports on a study of how isolated facultative QQ bacterial strains from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and BA co-disposal landfills. In MSW landfills, two novel QQ strains ( Brevibacillus agri and Lysinibacillus sp. YS11) can degrade the signal molecule hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6–HSL) and octanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C8–HSL), respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa could degrade C6–HSL and C8–HSL in BA co-disposal landfills. Moreover, P. aeruginosa (0.98) was observed with a higher growth rate (OD600) compared to that of B. agri (0.27) and Lysinibacillus sp. YS11 (0.53). These results indicated that the QQ bacterial strains were associated with leachate characteristics and signal molecules and could be used for controlling bio-clogging in landfills.
Modelling of demolition waste generation: Application to Greek residential buildings
Authors: Soultanidis Vangelis , Voudrias Evangelos A.
Published: March 2023

The construction sector in Europe is among the biggest waste generators, producing 370 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste (CDW) every year, which contain important secondary materials. Quantification of CDW is important from their circular management and environmental impact point of view. Thus, the overall objective of this study was to develop a modelling methodology for estimating demolition waste (DW) generation. The volumes (m3) of individual construction materials contained in 45 residential buildings in Greece were accurately estimated using computer-aided design (CAD) software and the materials were classified according to European List of Waste. These materials will become waste upon demolition, with a total estimated generation rate of 1590 kg m−2 of top view area and with concrete and bricks representing 74.5% of total. Linear regression models were developed to predict the total and individual amounts of 12 different building materials based on structural building characteristics. To test the accuracy of the models, the materials of two residential buildings were quantified and classified and the results were compared with the model predictions. Depending on the model used, the % differences between models’ predictions and CAD estimates for total DW averaged 11.1% ± 7.4% for the first case study and 2.5% ± 1.5% for the second. The models can be used for accurate quantification of total and individual DW and their management within the framework of circular economy.
Politics of Transnational Feminism to Decolonize Feminist Organizational Communication: A Call to Action
Authors: Pal Mahuya , Nieto-Fernandez Beatriz
Published: March 2023

We draw upon transnational feminism as a theoretical resource to outline decolonial thinking for feminist organizational communication in this essay. Decolonial perspectives in transnational feminism reinforce antiracist, anticapitalist, and anti-imperial interventions in theory, practice and activism. We argue that the assumptions of neoliberal hegemony and imperial legacy remain largely unchallenged in feminist organizational communication research and call for rigorous examination of global capitalism and its close links with colonization of knowledge to make the project of the empire visible. Our recommendations urge shifting dominant sites of knowledge-making to epistemologies of disenfranchised women and generating insurgent knowledges by carefully forging non-exploitative collaborative relationships with activists and communities of struggle. We hope these agendas offer new imaginings to decolonize imperial legacies, address historical absences and silences, and invigorate social justice orientation in the field.
Dry-sliding wear analysis and prediction using response surface method and fuzzy logic for Kota stone dust–fly ash–epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Agrawal Alok , Gupta Gaurav , Pati Pravat Ranjan , Nayak Sandip Kumar
Published: March 2023

This paper reports on the utilization of waste Kota stone dust and fly ash as filler materials in polymeric resin for the development of a new class of hybrid composite. Epoxy is taken as polymeric resin for the fabrication of different sets of hybrid composites. The fabricated samples are tested for their physical, mechanical, and dry-sliding wear properties. An experimental investigation shows the density, void contents, and water absorption rate increase as a linear function of fillers content. Mechanical testing is performed to evaluate the tensile, compressive, flexural, and hardness properties. From the experimentation, it is observed that the mechanical properties under investigation improve with the addition of either of the fillers. The maximum tensile strength obtained is 33.6 MPa, whereas flexural strength increases to 63.96 MPa resulting in an appreciable improvement. The compressive strength improves to 102.39 MPa and hardness reaches a Shore D number of 84. Sliding wear tests are performed as per the L16 array based on the response surface method (RSM) using pin-on-disk apparatus. It has been observed that filler content, sliding velocity, sliding distance, and normal load in the declining sequence are significant in affecting the wear rate. Furthermore, the wear rate of composites is predicted with the help of response surface method and fuzzy logic within the experimental domain, and the results are compared with the outcomes reported in some of the existing literature. The study of worn composite surfaces using a scanning electron microscope resulted that the formation of wear tracks, grooves, craters, cavities, wear debris, etc. are some of the dominant mechanisms causing wear loss. As a result of our research, gainful utilization of wastes like Kota stone dust and fly ash for preparing polymer composites has opened up.
Prediction of tool wear in milling process based on BP neural network optimized by firefly algorithm
Authors: Cheng Yao-Nan , Jin Ying-Bo , Gai Xiao-Yu , Guan Rui , Lu Meng-Da
Published: March 2023

Long-time discontinuous contact is easy to cause tool wear during milling. To decrease the impact of severe wear on workpiece quality and processing efficiency, cutting tools should be replaced timely. Therefore, tool wear prediction is an important aspect in improving process efficiency, ensuring machining precision and realizing intelligent manufacturing. To boost the precision of online prediction of tool wear, this paper suggests a novel approach to monitor tool wear by optimizing backpropagation (BP) neural network via firefly algorithm (FA). Specifically, the progressive semi-soft threshold function is applied to the process of cutting force signal noise reduction, which reduces redundant signals and noise interference in the signal. Time-domain analysis, frequency-domain analysis, and wavelet packet decomposition are utilized, cutting force features are extracted, and Pearson correlation coefficient is used to sift out signal features that are highly connected to tool wear. The FA is used to improve the BP neural network's weights and thresholds. Through learning nonlinear mapping, relationship between tool flank wear and signal features is realized. A prediction model of tool wear of FA-BP is constructed. Milling experiments validate the prediction model in the milling process. The experimental outcomes confirm the precision and reliability of the method. In comparison to BP neural network, genetic algorithm optimized BP neural network and particle swarm optimization algorithm optimized BP neural network prediction method, it has a greater prediction accuracy and a stronger training impact, and has superior performance. The research results can give a theoretical foundation and technological assistance for predicting tool wear, which is crucial for improving workpiece quality, processing efficiency, and promoting intelligent development.
Heat and mass transfer on unsteady MHD convective flow through porous medium between two vertical plates with chemical reaction
Authors: Anand Kumar S. Abhilash , Sreedhar S , Veera Krishna M
Published: March 2023

The present investigation explores the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convective oscillating flow of an optically thin incompressible viscous fluid embedded in two parallel porous walls under the influence of an externally applied transverse magnetic field with a chemical reaction. The radiative heat flux and heat absorption effects are taken into account. The governing equations are solved for the velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions making by making use of the Laplace transformation methodology. The impacts of a combined of relevant flow parameters on concentration, temperature, and velocity distribution are discussed with pertinent non-dimensional parameters. Also, the friction factor coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are found and explored in tabular format. The magnitude of the velocity field is climbing with an increase in permeability parameters, and thermal and solutal buoyancy forces. Heat absorptions coefficient and Prandtl number are increasing, which reduces the temperature. Also, the skin friction coefficient strengthens with mounting in the Hartmann number.
Effect of alkali treatment on cotton/bamboo fibres for application as a reinforcement material
Authors: Karthik A , Daniel James D Jafrey , Sampath PS , Thirumurugan V
Published: March 2023

The current study focuses on the creation of epoxy composites with cotton/bamboo woven fabric reinforcement. The effect of alkali treatment with varying (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) of NaOH on mechanical characteristics such as tensile, impact, flexural, compression, and interlaminar shear stress is explored and compared to those of the untreated cotton/bamboo fabric. The composites were made using a compression moulding process with four different fibre loadings (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 wt.%). The mechanical characteristics of the composites were studied and their structure was evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cotton/bamboo/epoxy composite with 2 wt.% NaOH at 45 wt.% fibre loading was found to have better mechanical properties when compared to the others.
Integrated analysis and clinical correlation analysis of hub genes, immune infiltration, and potential therapeutic agents related to lupus nephritis
Authors: Lin Weiyi , Lin Zien , Lin Xiaobing , Peng Zhishen , Liang Xiaofeng , Wei Shanshan
Published: March 2023

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to explore biomarkers, mechanisms, and potential novel agents regarding LN through bioinformatic analysis.

Method

Four expression profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using the R software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was developed using the STRING database. Additionally, five algorithms were used to screen out the hub genes. Expression of the hub genes were validated using Nephroseq v5. CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells. Finally, The Drug-Gene Interaction Database was used to predict potential targeted drugs.

Result

FOS and IGF1 were identified as hub genes, with excellent specificity and sensitivity diagnosis of LN. FOS was also related to renal injury. LN patients had lower activated and resting dendritic cells (DCs) and higher M1 macrophages and activated NK cells than healthy control (HC). FOS had a positive correlation with activated mast cells and a negative correlation with resting mast cells. IGF1 had a positive correlation with activated DCs and a negative correlation with monocytes. The targeted drugs were dusigitumab and xentuzumab target for IGF1.

Conclusion

We analyzed the transcriptomic signature of LN along with the landscape of the immune cell. FOS and IGF1 are promising biomarkers for diagnosing and evaluating the progression of LN. The drug-gene interaction analyses provide a list of candidate drugs for the precise treatment of LN.
A 5–year follow-up of pulmonary function tests in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Altchek AJ , Moorthy LN , Ramagopal M , Salvant C , Uppaluri LP
Published: March 2023

Significance

Pulmonary involvement in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Manifestations include chronic interstitial pneumonitis, pneumonia, pleuritis, alveolar hemorrhage, and shrinking lung syndrome. However, many patients can be asymptomatic from a respiratory standpoint and still have pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities. Our aim is to describe PFT abnormalities in patients with cSLE.

Methods

We completed a retrospective review of 42 patients with cSLE followed at our center. These patients were at least 6 years old (so they could complete PFTs). We collected data from July 2015 to July 2020.

Results

Out of the 42 patients, 10 (23.8%) had abnormal PFTs. These 10 patients had a mean age at diagnosis of 13 ± 2.9 years. Nine were female. One-fifth (20%) self-identified as Hispanic, 20% as Asian, 10% as Black or African American, and the remaining 50% as “Other.” Of the 10, 3 had restrictive disease only, 3 with diffusion impairment only, and 4 with both restrictive lung disease and diffusion impairment. Patients with restrictive patterns had a mean total lung capacity (TLC) of 72.5 ± 5.8 throughout the study period. The average diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide corrected for hemoglobin (DsbHb) among patients with diffusion limitation during the study period was 64.8 ± 8.3.

Conclusions

The most common PFT abnormalities seen in patients with cSLE are alterations in diffusing capacity as well as restrictive lung disease.
Historical Psychology
Authors: Atari Mohammad , Henrich Joseph
Published: March 2023

A growing body of evidence suggests that many aspects of psychology have evolved culturally over historical time. A combination of approaches, including experimental data collected over the past 75 years, cross-cultural comparisons, and studies of immigrants, points to systematic changes in psychological domains as diverse as conformity, attention, emotion, morality, and olfaction. However, these approaches can go back in time only for a few decades and typically fail to provide continuous measures of cultural change, posing a challenge for testing deeper historical psychological processes. To tackle this challenge most directly, computational methods emerging from natural language processing can be adapted to extract psychological information from large-scale historical corpora. Here, we first review the benefits of psychology as a historical science and then present three useful classes of text-analytic techniques for historical psychological inquiry: dictionary-based methods, distributed-representational methods, and human-annotation-based methods. These represent an excellent suite of methodologies that can be used to examine the record of “dead minds.” Finally, we discuss the importance of going beyond English-centric text analysis in historical psychology to foster a more generalizable and inclusive science of human behavior. We propose that historical psychology should incorporate and further develop a variety of text-analytic approaches to reliably quantify the historical processes that gave rise to contemporary social, political, and psychological phenomena.
Utilisation and Management of an Emergency Department in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jimenez Ma. Lourdes D. , Manzanera Rafael , Carascal Mark B. , Figueras Marlouie D. L. , Wong John Q. , Moya Diego , Mira Jose J.
Published: March 2023

The Emergency Department (ED) plays the role of providing efficient and quality healthcare services to patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were observed changes in the ED’s utilisation and management reflecting the underlying challenges faced by most tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. This study aims to describe the changes in the utilisation and management of ED in a major COVID-19 hospital in the Philippines, its implications for inpatient admissions, and effect on ED staff. Patient data from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic) were compared. In addition, this study administered a COVID-19-specific psychometric tool to assess the pandemic’s effect on ED staff. Comparing the pre-pandemic and pandemic census, this study found a 59.0% and 67.6% decrease in ED consultations and hospital admissions, respectively. ED consultations significantly shifted to older patients, with longer length of stay, increased out-of-pocket payment, and mostly presenting with respiratory-related chief complaints. There is a decrease in general hospital unit utilisation, and the addition of a COVID-19 ward and an ICU. Despite the changes, 63.6% of the ED staff exhibited good emotional adjustment to the stress brought by the pandemic. This study reported the situation of Philippine ED amid the pandemic and indicated the important management changes in ED.
Health System Financing: A Comparative Analysis of India and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sodani P. R. , Nair Kesavan Sreekantan , Agarwal Kirti
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study is to provide a comparative analysis of the health financing systems in India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) across three major domains: resource mobilisation, pooling of resources and purchase of health services. This is an observational study using secondary data collected from international organisations, ministries of health and other government and non-government agencies in India and KSA. The study revealed that India has a very low expenditure on healthcare and markedly lower health outcomes compared to KSA. Although India’s health financing system has undergone notable changes in the last two decades, it is lagging behind in many health financing system parameters. However, the share of government expenditure on current health expenditure has been increasing steadily with higher allocations to primary and secondary care. By expanding health insurance coverage and sustainable public health funding, it is likely that India will make significant progress towards achieving UHC.
Issues and Challenges Pertaining to Financing in Providing Pricing Transparency in the American Health Care Industry
Authors: Willis William , Chandra Ashish , Sodani P. R.
Published: March 2023

In January 2021, hospitals and payer-specific entities in the United States were mandated to comply with the new pricing transparency rules. These rules applied to all standard charges a hospital applied to services provided to and for a consumer. From a financial perspective, the issue of price transparency in health care has for several decades surfaced as a legitimate concern of consumers, health care providers and payers. The aim of this article is to historically examine where and how pricing in health care began and to illustrate financial issues leading up to the current transparency in pricing required by health care payers and providers. A comparative analysis of issues and challenges pertaining to the transparency in pharmaceutical product pricing between the United States and India is also provided in brief.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Histological Chorioamnionitis and Funisitis in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Singh Brijdeep , Jain Suksham , Kundu Reetu , Punia Rajpal Singh
Published: March 2023

Background

Histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) is present not only in women with clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA) but also in a large subset with silent chorioamnionitis which has a risk of developing complications of preterm labor, fetal, and maternal infection.

Objectives

To assess HCA and funisitis, and their correlation with the early neonatal outcome.

Methods

Of 778 preterm babies born over a period of 1 year at ≤34 weeks gestation, 100 placentae were analyzed as per the inclusion criteria in this prospective study. Sections from the placenta, membranes, and umbilical cord were examined for histopathology. Clinical parameters in mother and neonate were recorded and correlation with HCA was estimated.

Results

The incidence of HCA, funisitis, CCA was 35%, 7%, and 24%, respectively. Sixteen of 24 (66.7%) CCA had HCA and 19/35 (54%) of HCA had no CCA. History of preterm premature rupture of membranes was there in 73/100 cases, of which 41 had HCA. HCA cases having duration of rupture of membranes (DROM) <24 h were 22/41 (53.6%), 77.2% of which developed early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). Odds of EONS with DROM <12 and 24 h was 1.3 and 2.9, respectively. EONS was suspected in 28/35 (80%) of HCA versus 13/24 (54%) of CCA. Culture positive sepsis was seen in (9/28) 32% cases with HCA and funisitis. In the absence of HCA, EONS was suspected in 30.7% cases.

Conclusion

HCA has a better diagnostic ability to detect EONS. Sepsis screen on the basis of CCA alone can miss about 50% of cases.
Development of a sensitive, high-throughput extraction protocol for qPCR detection of African swine fever virus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues
Authors: Urbaniak Kinga , Meekins David A. , Davis A. Sally , Richt Juergen A. , Trujillo Jessie D.
Published: March 2023

African swine fever (ASF) causes fatal disease in pigs and is an escalating threat to the global swine industry. ASF has re-emerged from Africa as a transcontinental epidemic spreading through the Caucasus into Europe, Russia, China, numerous Asian countries, and the Caribbean. ASF virus (ASFV) is a U.S. select agent requiring handling in high-containment biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories for pathogen work. Formalin-fixation eliminates infectivity and preserves the genome, providing noninfectious specimens for BSL-2 work. Recovery of DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) is challenging and cumbersome. A reliable and easy-to-perform method for DNA recovery from FFPET would facilitate surveillance. To meet this objective, we developed a high-throughput protocol for the recovery of ASFV DNA from FFPET. Deparaffinization, tissue lysis, and reversal of cross-linking were performed in a single tube, followed by DNA purification via automated magnetic bead extraction. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) detection was used to determine the copy number of the B646L gene that encodes for the ASFV p72 protein in tissues (5 pigs, 4 tissues) from pigs with lesions consistent with acute ASF. Copy numbers obtained from FFPET were within one log of copy numbers obtained from fresh tissue, thus enabling ASF qPCR surveillance from formalin-inactivated and preserved tissues at BSL-2 at diagnostic sensitivity similar to fresh tissues tested at BSL-3.
Occupational Social Work: A Field of Practice in Need of Revival
Authors: Forgey Mary Ann , He Kundong , Cai Yafei
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic focused attention on the high levels of occupational stress experienced by frontline and essential workers. Occupational stress is also not unique to these workers as demonstrated by the consistently high rates of suicide within certain occupational groups. Occupational social work is the specialized field most suited to address the needs of workers under stress, yet it has been in decline in the United States since the 1990s. The factors contributing to this decline are put forward, including managed care, the dominance of the advanced clinical social work license, and the lack of a social work presence in occupational stress effectiveness research. The implications for practice regarding the actions that can be taken by the profession to revive this field and be more responsive to vulnerable workers are discussed.
Desmoid Fibromatosis With TP53 Mutation and Striking Nuclear Pleomorphism
Authors: Foster Charlotte R. , Strauss Magreet , Hornick Jason L. , Habeeb Omar
Published: March 2023

Desmoid fibromatosis is a myofibroblastic neoplasm of intermediate biologic potential, which has a strong predilection for local recurrence but does not metastasize. Arranged in long, sweeping fascicles with infiltrative borders, desmoid fibromatosis typically consists of uniform, bland myofibroblastic spindle cells that harbor mutation of CTNNB1 (or less often APC) . In this report, we present a remarkable case of desmoid fibromatosis associated with striking nuclear pleomorphism. We hypothesize that this striking pleomorphism is due to a germline TP53 mutation, a finding first suspected due to strong and diffuse p53 staining by immunohistochemistry and subsequently confirmed by molecular testing. The combination of the pleomorphism and TP53 mutation in desmoid fibromatosis represents a novel finding unreported in the literature.
Functional Implications of Flat-Topped Talus Following Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot Deformity
Authors: Siebert Matthew J. , Zide Jacob R. , Shivers Claire , Tulchin-Francis Kirsten , Stevens Wilshaw , Borchard Justine , Riccio Anthony I.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Though flatness of the talar dome (TD) is a potential consequence of operative and nonoperative clubfoot management, the functional impact of this deformity is not well understood. This study analyzes the relationship between TD morphology and ankle function at skeletal maturity in patients treated for idiopathic clubfoot during infancy.

Methods:

33 skeletally mature patients (average age 17.9 years) with 48 idiopathic clubfeet were identified. Weightbearing radiographs, gait analysis, and patient-reported outcomes using the Pediatric Orthopaedic Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were obtained. Radius of curvature (ROC) of the TD and tibial plafond were measured along with other parameters of talar and calcaneal morphology. All measurements were correlated to PODCI scores and gait analysis data.

Results:

Patients demonstrated marked variability in ROC of the TD (mean 30.8 mm, SD 13.6 mm), TD radius to talar length (R/L) ratio (mean 0.56, SD 0.28), opening angle of the TD (alpha angle) (mean 89.6°, SD 28.4°), and tibiotalar incongruity index (mean 0.18, SD 0.16). Increased tibiotalar incongruity index correlated with decreased maximum plantar flexion ( r = ‒0.325, P = .02). A less acute alpha angle of the talar dome correlated with increased maximum ankle power generation ( r = 0.321, P = .03) as did increased length of the talar neck ( r = 0.358, P = .013). Increased tibiotalar incongruity index correlated negatively with PODCI global function domain scores ( r = ‒0.490, P = .04; r = ‒0.381, P = .03, respectively), whereas length of the talar body correlated with higher global function scores ( r = 0.376, P = .03) and lower pain scores ( r = 0.350, P = .046).

Conclusion:

At skeletal maturity, flattening of the talar dome and tibiotalar incongruity on plain radiographs correlate modestly with gait changes, whereas tibiotalar incongruity and length of the talar body, not flatness of the talar dome, correlate with decreased patient-reported outcome scores.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, prognostic.