bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Care Pathways in Low‐ and Lower‐Middle‐Income Countries: Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Patel Jignesh , Tolppa Timo , Biccard Bruce M. , Fazzini Brigitta , Haniffa Rashan , Marletta Debora , Moonesinghe Ramani , Pearse Rupert , Vengadasalam Sutharshan , Stephens Timothy J. , Vindrola‐Padros Cecilia
Published: June 2022

Background

Safe and effective care for surgical patients requires high‐quality perioperative care. In high‐income countries (HICs), care pathways have been shown to be effective in standardizing clinical practice to optimize patient outcomes. Little is known about their use in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where perioperative mortality is substantially higher.

Methods

Systematic review and narrative synthesis to identify and describe studies in peer‐reviewed journals on the implementation or evaluation of perioperative care pathways in LMICs. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, WHO Global Index, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health and SciELO alongside citation searching. Descriptive statistics, taxonomy classifications and framework analyses were used to summarize the setting, outcome measures, implementation strategies, and facilitators and barriers to implementation.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies were included. The majority of pathways were set in tertiary hospitals in lower‐middle‐income countries and were focused on elective surgery. Only six studies were assessed as high quality. Most pathways were adapted from international guidance and had been implemented in a single hospital. The most commonly reported barriers to implementation were cost of interventions and lack of available resources.

Conclusions

Studies from a geographically diverse set of low and lower‐middle‐income countries demonstrate increasing use of perioperative pathways adapted to resource‐poor settings, though there is sparsity of literature from low‐income countries, first‐level hospitals and emergency surgery. As in HICs, addressing patient and clinician beliefs is a major challenge in improving care. Context‐relevant and patient‐centered research, including qualitative and implementation studies, would make a valuable contribution to existing knowledge.
Intimate Partner Homicide Against Women Typology: Risk Factor Interaction in Spain
Authors: Santos-Hermoso Jorge , González-Álvarez José Luis , Alcázar-Córcoles Miguel Ángel , Carbonell-Vayá Enrique José
Published: June 2022

This investigation studied the interaction between seven risk factors included in the police risk assessment of the VioGén System and found that these factors formed groups based on the dimensions of violence and psychopathology. The 171 femicides analysed were categorised into four groups: normalised (23.4%), violent (25.7%), pathological (18.7%), and pathological/violent (32.2%). These groups exhibited significant differences concerning their psychosocial profile and relationship dynamics. One of the main findings is the identification of the pathological type that had not been detected in previous typologies, thus highlighting the importance of the psychological factor when classifying the perpetrators of femicide. These results have important practical implications, as the classification of the aggressor could be a preliminary step taken before the risk assessment, which would make it possible to individualise predictions and improve the protection of the victims as well as the therapies and intervention programmes.
A Systems-Based Approach to Green Criminology
Authors: Tourangeau Wesley
Published: June 2022

Green criminology is grounded in debates regarding the ethics, legality, and reality of harms vis-à-vis the lives of non-human animals and the environment. The complex, uncertain, and ambiguous nature of these harms reveals the need for a more holistic approach: one that more firmly ties together social and ecological systems. In this paper, key aspects of systems thinking (e.g., leverage points) are outlined to illustrate the value of a systems-based approach. While not completely absent from green criminology literature, systems thinking offers a well-spring of underutilized ideas, concepts, theories, and frameworks that warrant further attention. A systems-based approach to green criminology is presented as a means to (re)imagine, (re)define, (re)examine, and respond to environmental harms.
‘A Real Gap’: Consequences of Removing Reintegration Support in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Herrlander Birgerson Ebba , Dwyer Angela
Published: June 2022

As Australian imprisonment and recidivism rates continue to rise, it is increasingly important to better understand how to support “returning citizens” to adequately prepare them for post-release life. Using a case study approach focused on service provider perspectives, this article examines the consequences of removing a transitional accommodation support service on service providers and returning citizens. Participants highlighted significant consequences, such as: gaps in services; lack of support and housing; persons remaining in the system unnecessarily; persons being released without transitional support or accommodation; health implications; loss of relationships and trust; and suicide of returned citizens. Drawing on critical criminological theory, we argue that the most significant consequence was the loss of “floating support”—which involves a case worker who brokers support between agencies working with a single client—that was integrated into the program. Study findings suggest serious consequences of government decisions to defund programs in this sector.
Analysis of perioperative problems related to intraocular Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gong Rui , Zhang Xiaolan , Deng Yingping
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To introduce a modified procedure of ICL implantation, to summarize the perioperative problems and their corresponding treatment after myopia correction with Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), and to compare the difference of complications between the no-hole ICL and hole ICL.

Methods

We searched all articles on ICL-related perioperative problems and their corresponding treatment in Scopus, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases for the last 22 years.

Results

ICL implantation is safe, effective, stable and predictable in the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, but can also cause a series of perioperative problems, including intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Conclusion

There are many kinds of complications related to ICL, but the common intraoperative and postoperative complications mainly include abnormality of arch height, abnormal position of ICL, loss of corneal endothelial cells and corneal decompensation, high intraocular pressure and secondary glaucoma, cataract and night vision symptoms. Compared with ICL without central pore, the incidence of complications such as loss of corneal endothelial cells and corneal decompensation, high intraocular pressure and secondary glaucoma and cataract was relatively lower in central hole ICL, while postoperative complications such as night vision symptoms were obvious.
Telehealth provider experience in reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Dilday Elizabeth A. , Douglas Christopher R. , Al-Safi Zain A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To assess telehealth services offered by reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists and to gauge provider experiences with incorporating telehealth into their practices.

Methods

A 16-question web-based survey on use of telehealth was distributed to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clinics and to Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI) members. Clinic demographic data, telehealth descriptive data, and provider satisfaction with use of telehealth were assessed. Results were collected via Survey Monkey.

Results

A total of 1160 individuals (330 SART clinic contacts and 830 SREI members) were reached via email with an 18.6% (216) survey response rate. All respondents indicated that they offer telehealth visits. Several telehealth platforms were used, with Zoom (62.7%) and telehealth through the clinic’s electronic medical record platform (34.8%) being the most common. The majority of participants (87.0%) anticipate they will offer telehealth visits after the COVID-19 pandemic. Roughly two-thirds (64.4%) of respondents anticipate fewer telehealth visits after the pandemic because of logistics, cost, and patient/provider preference. Nearly all providers are either “very satisfied” (66.2%) or “somewhat satisfied” (31.0%) with telehealth overall.

Conclusion

Telehealth enabled safe patient-provider interactions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While only one-third of survey respondents offered telehealth services before the pandemic, nearly all providers express satisfaction with telehealth and anticipate they will offer telehealth services henceforth.
“Everybody Wants to be Included”: Experiences with ‘Inclusive’ Strategies in Physical Education
Authors: Holland Katherine , Haegele Justin A. , Zhu Xihe , Bobzien Jonna
Published: June 2022

This study examined how students with orthopedic impairments experienced strategies identified in the literature to support ‘inclusion’. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and six students with orthopedic impairments (age 10–14 years) served as participants. Data sources were written prompts, semi-structured, audiotaped interviews, and reflective interview notes. Based on thematic data analysis, four themes were constructed: “It’s kind of embarrassing”: experiences with support; “I don’t want to be different”: equipment, activity, and rule modifications; “I like to be a part of the conversation”: autonomy and choice in PE; and “I would rather be like the other students”: discussing disability. The experiences portrayed through these themes highlighted the differential effects of these explicated strategies, where each strategy contributed to feelings of inclusion, as well as marginalization among participants. As such, the findings indicated that ‘inclusive’ strategies should not be considered as blanket recommendations; instead, attempts to promote ‘inclusion’ of students with disabilities should start with a reflexive look at the unique needs of each individual student.
Magnesium Fluoride Borate Glasses for Low Phonon Energy
Authors: Abdel-baki M. , Mostafa Ayman M. , Azooz M. A. , Fayad A. M.
Published: June 2022

An oxyflouroborate glass series of composition 75B2O3-5Al2O3–(20-x) Li2O–xMgF2(where x = 0, 5, 10, and 15 mol.%) was prepared using the normal melt-quenching technique. The physical properties (density, molar volume, and different optical behaviors) of the glass system were investigated via different techniques and discussed with the substitution of Li2O for MgF2. Also, the absorption coefficient, both direct and indirect optical energy gaps, and the optical exciton energy gap were studied. Furthermore, IR spectroscopy was used as a structural probe of the nearest-neighbor environment in the glass network. The results elucidate that the replacement of Li2O with MgF2leads to both a blueshift in absorption cutoff and a decrease in the direct energy gap. More liberation of Mg+2ions produces more localized states during transition, which decreases the values of band gap energy. The addition of MgF2has a clear impact on lowering the glass phonon energy, which makes this glass promising for fiber amplifiers that operate at certain telecommunications wavelength bands and for upconversion fiber lasers. These results show the capability of using oxyflouroborate glass series to be applicable in optical amplifier laser components.
Sustainable management of transboundary pests requires holistic and inclusive solutions
Authors: Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Carvajal-Yepes Monica , Kumar P. Lava , Kawarazuka Nozomi , Liu Yanyan , Mulema Annet Abenakyo , McCutcheon Steven , Ibabao Xenina
Published: June 2022

Globalization and changing climates are aggravating the occurrence and impacts of transboundary pests, and driving the emergence of new threats. Most of the low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are not fully prepared in terms of surveillance, diagnostics, and deployment of plant health solutions due to several factors: adequate investment is lacking; knowledge is inadequate; and connections from the local to global, and global to local are insufficient. Effectively countering the current and emerging threats to plant health requires a holistic approach that includes: 1) globally coordinated diagnostic and surveillance systems; 2) epidemiological modelling, risk assessment, forecasting and preparedness for proactive management and containment; and 3) implementation of context-sensitive, eco-friendly, gender-responsive and socially inclusive integrated disease and pest management approaches to reduce the impacts of devastating transboundary pests and diseases. Despite several success stories where major pests and diseases have been brought to control through integrated approaches, further multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary efforts are necessary. Plant health management requires stronger interface between the biophysical and social sciences, and empowerment of local communities. These reflections derive from the proceedings of a webinar on “Transboundary Disease and Pest Management,” organized by CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) on March 3, 2021, in recognition of the United Nations designated International Year of Plant Health.
Circ_0000705 facilitates proline metabolism of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting miR-621/PYCR1 axis
Authors: Qian Cui-juan , Tong Yi-yang , Wu Lin-ken , Wang Yi-chao , Teng Xiao-sheng , Yao Jun
Published: June 2022

CircRNAs have been found to play crucial roles in the metabolism and progression of cancers, but their roles and mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been fully elucidated. This work is aimed to explore the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0000705 (circ_0000705) in ESCC. Circ_0000705 expression was up-regulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and high circ_0000705 expression was correlated with poor survival. Circ_0000705 facilitated cell proliferation, invasion, migration and proline metabolism of ESCC cells. The inhibitory effects of circ_0000705 knockdown on cell invasion, migration and proline metabolism were partly rescued by miR-621 inhibition or PYCR1 over-expression. Furthermore, circ_0000705 expression is negatively correlated with miR-621 expression, and positively correlated with PYCR1 in ESCC tissues. Mechanistically, circ_0000705 acted as a ceRNA by sponging miR-621, thereby facilitating PYCR1 expression in ESCC cells. In conclusion, circ_0000705 promoted proline metabolism and malignant progression of ESCC by regulating the miR‑621/PYCR1 axis.
Learning classical readout quantum PUFs based on single-qubit gates
Authors: Pirnay Niklas , Pappa Anna , Seifert Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2022

Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have been proposed as a way to identify and authenticate electronic devices. Recently, several ideas have been presented to that aim to achieve the same for quantum devices. Some of these constructions apply single-qubit gates in order to provide a secure fingerprint of the quantum device. In this work, we formalize the class of classical readout quantum PUFs (CR-QPUFs) using the statistical query (SQ) model and explicitly show insufficient security for CR-QPUFs based on single-qubit rotation gates, when the adversary has SQ access to the CR-QPUF. We demonstrate how a malicious party can learn the CR-QPUF characteristics and forge the signature of a quantum device through a modelling attack using a simple regression of low-degree polynomials. The proposed modelling attack was successfully implemented in a real-world scenario on real IBM Q quantum machines. We thoroughly discuss the prospects and problems of CR-QPUFs where quantum device imperfections are used as a secure fingerprint.
The evolutionary and functional divergence of the Atg8 autophagy protein superfamily
Authors: Varga Virginia B. , Keresztes Fanni , Sigmond Tímea , Vellai Tibor , Kovács Tibor
Published: June 2022

Autophagy is a highly conserved self-degradation process of eukaryotic cells which is required for the effective elimination of damaged and unnecessary cytosolic constituents. Defects in the process can cause the intracellular accumulation of such damages, thereby leading to the senescence and subsequent loss of the affected cell. Defective autophagy hence is implicated in the development of various degenerative processes, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, tissue atrophy and fibrosis, and immune deficiency, as well as in accelerated aging. The autophagic process is mediated by numerous autophagy-related (ATG) proteins, among which the ATG8/LC3/GABARAP (Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3/Gammaaminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein) superfamily has a pivotal role in the formation and maturation of autophagosome, a key (macro) autophagic structure (the autophagosome sequesters parts of the cytoplasm which are destined for breakdown). While in the unicellular yeast there is only a single ATG8 protein, metazoan systems usually contain more ATG8 paralogs. ATG8 paralogs generally display tissue-specific expression patterns and their functions are not strictly restricted to autophagy. For example, GABARAP proteins also play a role in intracellular vesicle transport, and, in addition to autophagosome formation, ATG8 also functions in selective autophagy. In this review, we summarize the functional diversity of ATG8/LC3/GABARAP proteins, using tractable genetic models applied in autophagy research.
Accessible and Inclusive Cyber Security: A Nuanced and Complex Challenge
Authors: Renaud Karen , Coles-Kemp Lizzie
Published: June 2022

It has been argued that human-centred security design needs to accommodate the considerations of three dimensions: (1) security, (2) usability and (3) accessibility. The latter has not yet received much attention. Now that governments and health services are increasingly requiring their citizens/patients to use online services, the need for accessible security and privacy has become far more pressing. The reality is that, for many, security measures are often exasperatingly inaccessible. Regardless of the outcome of the debate about the social acceptability of compelling people to access public services online, we still need to design accessibility into these systems, or risk excluding and marginalising swathes of the population who cannot use these systems in the same way as abled users. These users are particularly vulnerable to attack and online deception not only because security and privacy controls are inaccessible but also because they often struggle with depleted resources and capabilities together with less social, economic and political resilience. This conceptual paper contemplates the accessible dimension of human-centred security and its impact on the inclusivity of security technologies. We scope the range of vulnerabilities that can result from a lack of accessibility in security solutions and contemplate the nuances and complex challenges inherent in making security accessible. We conclude by suggesting a number of avenues for future work in this space.
Ethical and methodological challenges in building morally informed AI systems
Authors: Hagendorff Thilo , Danks David
Published: June 2022

Recent progress in large language models has led to applications that can (at least) simulate possession of full moral agency due to their capacity to report context-sensitive moral assessments in open-domain conversations. However, automating moral decision-making faces several methodological as well as ethical challenges. They arise in the fields of bias mitigation, missing ground truth for moral “correctness”, effects of bounded ethicality in machines, changes in moral norms over time, risks of using morally informed AI systems as actual advice, as well as societal implications an increasing importance of algorithmic moral decision-making would have. This paper comments on all these challenges and provides critical considerations for future research on full artificial moral agency. Importantly, some of the adduced challenges can be met by more careful technology design, but others necessarily require engagement with core problems of meta-ethics.
Linguistic barriers in communication between oncologists and cancer patients with migration background in Germany: an explorative analysis based on the perspective of the oncologists from the mixed-methods study POM
Authors: Riccetti Nicola , Hempler Isabelle , Hermes-Moll Kerstin , Heidt Vitali , Bayer Oliver , Walawgo Thomas , Merbach Martin , Singer Susanne
Published: June 2022

Objective

We aimed at investigating the predictors of linguistic barriers among office-based haemato-oncologists during consultation with migrant cancer patients in Germany.

Methods

Physicians from haemato-oncological practices were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study.

Linguistic barriers and family factors were ascertained using a newly developed online-questionnaire with the scales “Overall linguistic barriers”, “Self-perceived linguistic barriers” and “Family factors – antagonistic behaviour”.

Predictors of linguistic barriers were identified using multivariate ANOVA via step-wise backwards selection.

Results

Fifty-five physicians participated in the study.

Treating patients from Sub-Saharan Africa predicted higher overall and self-perceived linguistic barriers (F [2,46] = 4.51, p = .04; and F [3,45] = 5.44, p = .02, respectively). Working in an single practice (F [3,45] = 4.19; p = .05) predicted higher self-perceived linguistic barriers. Employees who could act as translators predicted lower barriers in form of antagonistic behaviour from relatives (F [2,48] = 6.12; p = .02).

Conclusions

The results indicate that linguistic barriers are affected by the level of linguistic concordance between patients and medical personnel. A temporary solution might be the presence of linguistically competent personnel in the practice. However, the results of this study highlight the need for greater availability of linguistic competent translators for consultations in haemato-oncological practices.
The association between social development and population health: a cross-sectional study across countries of different economic growth
Authors: Kontodimopoulos Nikolaos
Published: June 2022

Background

Social Determinants of Health (SDH) are important in explaining why some countries enjoy better health than others. This empirical study highlights controversies in the literature on the relationship between socioeconomic development and health, and investigates how the relationship might vary in countries with different economic growth.

Methods

The sample consists of 172 countries, and recent cross-sectional data was collected from the World Bank’s “Data Bank”. Population health was proxied with life expectancy, infant mortality and under-five mortality, and sociooeconomic conditions were expressed with GNI/capita, unemployment rate, poverty, Gini index, educational attainment, public spending on health and physician density. Countries were categorized into three groups as low / lower middle-, upper middle- and high-income according to World Bank thresholds. Ordinary least squares regression was used to model the relationships.

Results

The association between socioeconomic conditions and health differed between countries of different economic development. Poverty, educational attainment, income inequality, and physician density were the strongest contributors to health. Higher economic development had a stronger relationship with health in richer countries, and government commitment to health care in poorer ones.

Conclusion

Based on evidence from studies such as this one, researchers and policymakers globally could commit to acting together on SDH, and to aligning resources from different sectors to formulate interventions aiming to improve population health.
Hom-Lie Algebras and a Coupled Toda Equation with Indefinite Matrices
Authors: Bi Xiao , Li Chuanzhong
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study one parameter deformation of a coupled Toda equation with indefinite matrices basing on the theory of Hom-Lie algebras. We construct a Miura transformation between the coupled Toda equation with indefinite matrices and the deformed coupled Toda equation with indefinite matrices. The Miura transformation can help us in deriving the solutions of the deformed coupled Toda equation with indefinite matrices.
Clinical, Diagnostic and Prognostic Characteristics of Primary Cutaneous Gamma Delta T-cell Lymphomas
Authors: Muhsen Ibrahim N. , El Fakih Riad , Hamadani Mehdi , Lazarus Hillard M. , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Aljurf Mahmoud
Published: June 2022

Primary cutaneousγδT-cell lymphoma (PCGDTL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from T-cells withγδT-cell receptors. The exact incidence of PCGDTL is unknown, as it is usually lumped with other cutaneous lymphomas, which are also uncommon. It is one of the peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) subtypes which is known to have a dismal prognosis due to poor response and the paucity of available therapies. Despite the rarity and uncertainties of PCGDTL, a number of studies over the past decade were published about the pathologic, diagnostic, cytogenetic and clinical features of this disease. These diagnostic advances will open the doors to explore new therapeutics for this rare entity, specifically targeted and immune therapies. In this review, we highlight these advances, summarize the contemporary treatment approaches, and shed the light on future potential therapeutic targets.
A particularly unstable film
Authors: Morris Jeffrey F.
Published: June 2022

Analysis of the classic problem of shallow film flow on an inclined plane is revisited for a Brownian suspension. The particle phase, considered in a two-fluid model, is predicted to cause pronounced changes to the instability characteristics of the flow. These are due to an indirect effect of the non-Newtonian rheology, with the normal stresses causing migration and a viscosity stratification which strongly alters the base state from its Newtonian counterpart. Both the short- and long-wavelength inertial stability boundaries are altered, and, more strikingly, an instability at zero Reynolds number is found.
How small-scale flow structures affect the heat transport in sheared thermal convection
Authors: Yerragolam Guru Sreevanshu , Verzicco Roberto , Lohse Detlef , Stevens Richard J.A.M.
Published: June 2022

We investigate the counter-intuitive initial decrease and subsequent increase in the Nusselt number

$Nu$

with increasing wall Reynolds number

$Re_w$

in the sheared Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) system by studying the energy spectra of convective flux and turbulent kinetic energy for Rayleigh number

$Ra = 10^{7}$

, Prandtl number

$Pr=1.0$

and inverse Richardson numbers

$0 \leq 1/Ri \leq 10$

. These energy spectra show two distinct high-energy regions corresponding to the large-scale superstructures in the bulk and small-scale structures in the boundary layer (BL) regions. A greater separation between these scales at the thermal BL height correlates to a higher

$Nu$

and indicates that the BLs are more turbulent. The minimum

$Nu$

, which occurs at

$1/Ri=1.0$

, is accompanied by the smallest separation between the large- and small-scale structures at the thermal BL height. At

$1/Ri=1.0$

, we also observe the lowest value of turbulent kinetic energy normalized with the square of friction velocity within the thermal BL. Additionally, we find that the domain size has a limited effect on the heat and momentum transfer in the sheared RB system as long as the domain can accommodate the small-scale convective structures at the thermal BL height, signifying that capturing the large-scale superstructures is not essential to obtain converged values of

$Nu$

and shear Reynolds number

$Re_{\tau }$

. When the domain is smaller than these small-scale convective structures, the overall heat and momentum transfer reduces drastically.
Dropping plates
Authors: Hopkins David
Published: June 2022

A friend of mine [1] mentioned a problem to me, which he was told had an interesting solution involving an unexpected square root. I have not seen this problem described elsewhere, so I have carried out my own analysis, which I will present here. In fact the solution involves not only square roots, but also higher roots … and a logarithm.
Locus problems concerning centroids of a cyclic quadrilateral and two classic cubic curves
Authors: Fried Michael N.
Published: June 2022

On his website dedicated to questions and investigations arising out of dynamic geometry technology, Michael de Villiers has a series called Geometry Loci Doodling [1]. These are locus problems connected to the centroids of cyclic quadrilaterals – ‘centroids’ in the plural, for there are three different kinds of centroid depending whether one understands the quadrilateral in terms of its vertices, perimeter or area. The corresponding centroids are the point-mass centroid, the perimeter-centroid, and the lamina-centroid. In each case, de Villiers keeps three vertices of the quadrilateral fixed on the circumcircle, and then traces the locus of the different centroids as the fourth point moves round the circle. In this paper, I shall take a brief look at the point-mass centroid and then a lingering view of the lamina-centroid.
New dualities in convex quadrilaterals
Authors: Dalcín Mario
Published: June 2022

In [1] de Villiers points out the duality between sides and angles of quadrilaterals. The first objective of this article is make explicit two new dualities in the quadrilaterals. For this we will consider the diagonal segments: if diagonals AC and BD of a quadrilateral ABCD intersect at O, we call the diagonal segments OA, OB, OC, OD. According to [2, pp. 179-188], hierarchical classifications of the convex quadrilaterals are made taking as classification criteria the quantity and position of sides, angles and diagonal segments. In hierarchical classifications the more particular concepts form subsets of the more general concepts. Through classification according to the number and position of equal sides it is possible to define six families: four sides equal, at least three equal, two opposite pairs equal, two consecutive pairs equal, at least one opposite pair equal, at least one consecutive pair equal. In the families two opposite pairs equal and two consecutive pairs equal, the pairs may be equal to each other and then the four sides are equal. So in these two families the possibility DA = AB and AB = BC is excluded. Families analogous to the previous ones can be defined taking as a criterion of hierarchical classification the quantity and position of equal angles or the quantity and position of equal diagonal segments.
The intriguing mechanics of a tractrix of cards
Authors: De Subhranil
Published: June 2022

Figure 1 shows the photograph of a tractrix made of cards. This is a simple yet captivating way to make a tractrix — an arrangement that has recently appeared in some engaging pedagogical resources and literature [1, 2]. When closely spaced cards lean like this, one after another, over a horizontal plane, the contour created is a tractrix — a curve of significance in mathematics, since its revolution around its asymptote produces a pseudosphere: a curved surface with constant negative Gaussian curvature [3, 4].
Monotonic series for fractions near π and their convergents
Authors: Lucas Stephen K. , Nimbran Amrik Singh
Published: June 2022

We describe various methods to derive monotonic infinite series for fractions near π and obtain a variety of series for the special case of its convergents. These series immediately show that π is clearly different from these fractions, replicating with series the results in Dalzell [1, 2] and Lucas that used integrals with non-negative integrands to represent the gaps between π and fractions.
CATEGORIES IN JEOPARDY: ARGINUSAE IN ARISTOPHANES’FROGS
Authors: Bosak-Schroeder Clara
Published: June 2022

In October of 2016, less than two weeks before the election of Donald J. Trump to the White House,Saturday Night Live(SNL) aired a stunning installment of ‘Black Jeopardy!’, a recurring sketch hosted by Kenan Thompson as Darnell Hayes. In this episode, Keeley (Sasheer Zamata) and Shanice (Leslie Jones), two Black women, were joined by Tom Hanks as Doug, a white man and MAGA-hat wearing Trump supporter. Though Darnell is initially skeptical that Doug is prepared to play ‘BlackJeopardy!’ the four bond over their shared appreciation for ‘big girls’, lottery tickets, and Tyler Perry movies, and their aversion to dogs, corporations, and the government. At one point, Darnell approaches Doug for a handshake; at first taken aback (and literally stepping back), Doug then gratefully clasps the other man's hand. The sketch ends when a new category is announced, ‘Lives That Matter’, and the fragile bonds between Doug, Darnell, and the other contestants begin to fray. Doug announces that he ‘has a lot to say’ about the category. ‘Well, it was good while it lasted’, Darnell replies.
Nutrient intake in low-carbohydrate diets in comparison to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas , Ronco Alvaro Luis
Published: June 2022

The percentage of US adults following low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) doubled in the last decade. Some researchers observed this trend with concern and highlighted the potential for nutritional deficiencies and impaired overall diet quality with LCD. The present study investigated nutrient intake in a nationally representative sample of 307 US adults following an LCD. Using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we compared nutrient intake profiles in said individuals with the daily nutritional goals specified in the current 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Results were then compared with the general population consuming a standard American diet. Almost 57 % of low-carbohydrate dieters were female, and the mean age was 48·67 (1·35) years. Individuals consuming LCD exceeded the recommendations for saturated fat, total lipid and sodium intake (both sexes). An insufficient intake was observed for fibre, Mg, potassium and several other vitamins (vitamins A, E, D in both sexes as well as vitamin C in men and folate in women). Neither men nor women met the recommendations for fibre intake. A comparable picture was found for the general population. The potentially insufficient intake of several essential nutrients in LCD warrants consideration and a careful assessment with regard to the current DGA.
Personalization of Power and Mass Uprisings in Dictatorships
Authors: Chin John , Song Wonjun , Wright Joseph
Published: June 2022

Most major nonviolent civil resistance campaigns target autocratic regimes. Yet, most dictators are toppled by their close supporters, not civilian protesters. Building on theories of strategic interactions between leaders, security agents, and protesters, we make three core claims: first, protesters are relatively less likely to mount a major nonviolent uprising against dictatorships with personalized security forces; secondly, personalized security forces are more likely to repress realized protest; and, thirdly, security force personalization shapes the prospects for success of mass uprisings in promoting democratic transitions. We leverage new data on security force personalization—a proxy for loyal security agents—and major nonviolent protest campaigns to test these expectations. Our theory explains why many dictatorships rarely face mass protest mobilization and why uprisings that are met with violent force often fail in bringing about new democracies.
Ecology, occurrence and distribution of wild felids in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Mohd-Azlan Jayasilan , Kaicheen Sally Soo , Hong Lisa Lok Choy , Yi Melynda Cheok Ka , Maiwald Marius Joscha , Helmy Olga E. , Giordano Anthony J. , Brodie Jedediah F.
Published: June 2022

Sarawak is the largest state in the megadiverse country of Malaysia. Its rich biodiversity is threatened by land-use change and hunting, with mammalian carnivores particularly affected. Data on the ecology, occurrence and distribution of small carnivores are crucial to inform their effective conservation, but no large-scale assessments have previously been conducted in Sarawak. Here we examine the status of the five species of felids in Sarawak based on data from camera-trap studies over 17 years (May 2003–February 2021) across 31 study areas, including protected areas of various sizes, production forests and forest matrix within oil palm plantations. Felids were detected at 39% of 845 camera stations. The marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata and Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi had higher probabilities of occurrence in protected than unprotected areas, and vice versa for the leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and bay cat Catopuma badia. The marbled and bay cats were mostly diurnal, and the leopard cat was predominantly nocturnal; activity patterns did not substantively differ between protected and unprotected sites. The probabilities of occurrence of marbled and bay cats increased with greater distance from roads. The leopard cat and flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps were more likely, and the clouded leopard less likely, to occur near rivers. Flat-headed cats preferred peat swamp forest, bay cats lowland forest, and marbled cats and clouded leopards occurred in both lowland and montane forest. Felids may tolerate higher elevations to avoid anthropogenic disturbance; therefore, it is critical to preserve lowland and mid-elevation habitats that provide refugia from climate change and the destruction of lowland habitat.
Extracellular vesicles from seminal plasma improved development of in vitro-fertilized mouse embryos
Authors: Ma Yefei , Wang Jingyi , Qiao Fang , Wang Yongsheng
Published: June 2022

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has wide application in human infertility and animal breeding. It is also used for research on reproduction, fertility and development. However, IVF embryos are still inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Some substances in seminal plasma appear to have important roles in embryo development, and during the traditional IVF procedure, the seminal plasma is washed away. In this study, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were concentrated from seminal plasma by ultracentrifugation, visualized using transmission electron microscopy, and particle size distributions and concentrations were determined with a NanoSight particle analyzer. We found particles of various sizes in the seminal plasma, the majority having diameters ranging from 100 to 200 nm and concentrations of 6.07 × 1010 ± 2.91 × 109 particles/ml. Addition of seminal plasma EVs (SP-EVs) to the IVF medium with mouse oocytes and sperm significantly increased the rate of blastocyst formation and the inner cell mass (ICM)/trophectoderm (TE) cell ratio, and reduced the apoptosis of blastocysts. Our findings provide new insights into the role of seminal plasma EVs in mediating embryo development and it suggests that SP-EVs may be used to improve the developmental competence of IVF embryos, which has important significance for assisted reproduction in animals and humans.
Aneurysms of the fetal arterial duct are usually benign
Authors: Dalldorf Katherine , Stern Kenan W. D. , Ezon David
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Fetal arterial duct aneurysm, saccular, or fusiform enlargement of the arterial duct affect > 8% of pregnancies. It is uncommonly associated with serious sequelae postnatally, including thromboembolic events such as stroke and left pulmonary artery obstruction, rupture with demise, and vocal cord compression. Risk factors include maternal diabetes, late maternal age, maternal blood type A, large size for gestational age, and connective tissue disorders. The clinical importance remains unknown, making it difficult to determine how to monitor this finding postnatally.

Methods:

This is a retrospective echocardiogram study assessing the outcomes of fetally diagnosed arterial duct aneurysm. Images and records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and assess risk factors and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results:

Fifty-three affected fetuses were identified. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 34.9 weeks (IQR 32.6, 36.6). The median maternal age was 31 years (IQR 27.3–34.1). Eight (15%) had maternal diabetes. The most common blood type was type O. The median maximal dimension of the aneurysm was 7.6 mm (IQR 6.1, 8.7). The aortic end was the maximal dimension in 67.9%. Median postnatal follow-up period was 76 days (IQR 7.5, 368). No patients sustained postnatal demise related to the duct, rupture of the ductal aneurysm, cerebral infarction, or other sequelae. No newborn had associated connective tissue disorders. No patients underwent ductal intervention.

Conclusion:

In our experience, no adverse outcomes related to the ductal aneurysm were identified. This should be considered when counselling families about the need for postnatal follow-up.
Whiplash, Buddy Rich, and Visual Virtuosity in Drum Kit Performance
Authors: GODSALL JONATHAN
Published: June 2022

The 2014 film Whiplash depicts successful jazz drumming as an athletic exhibition of speed and endurance, in a manner that reflects its protagonist's idolization of Buddy Rich (1917–87). The crowd-pleasing virtuosity of Rich and Whiplash has drawn critics’ ire, but this article interrogates the ideas of musical authenticity that underpin their complaints, and offers a more productive analysis of the film's drum kit performances and their inspiration, informed by a range of jazz, film, and performance scholarship. Specific attention is drawn to the performances’ visual attractions. Whiplash's fast editing style and shots of exertion – grimacing, sweat, blood – give non-expert viewers a sense of drumming's physical and mental demands, and much the same is true of Rich's exaggerated movements and expressions, whether seen live or (as is commonly the case) amplified by a screen's mediation.
Singing on Solid Ground: Music Education in Post-Earthquake Haiti
Authors: STEWART LAUREN ELDRIDGE
Published: June 2022

The sonic aftershocks of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti continue to reverberate throughout the cultural landscape, particularly within the relatively small but long-standing mizik klasik community. In this article, I analyse the sometimes divergent performances of a composition that commemorates that tragedy. Haitian-American composer Sydney Guillaume wrote ‘N'ap Debat’ (‘We're Hangin’ On’) from Los Angeles shortly after the earthquake. One performance of this work takes place far from the site of ruin, voiced by distant observers. The other performance happens in Haiti, sung by its survivors. Both performances transform rubble into ruin.
Listening to Radioactive Rubble: Vocal Decay, Gender, and Nuclear Ruination in the Marshall Islands
Authors: SCHWARTZ JESSICA A.
Published: June 2022

This article explores how Marshallese radiation songs, written during and after the nuclear testing period as nuclear survivors tried to make sense of their sufferings, yield insight into processes of imperial ruination, rupture, and fragmentation by resounding the powerful impress of radioactive decay in Marshallese lives. In assessing the parameters through which radiation becomes sensible, how, and to whom, it becomes all the clearer how the US nuclear project can be considered in terms of ‘imperial ruination’. US geopolitical accrual has depended on the structural dispossession of Marshallese from their Indigenous agency rooted in and routed through their matrilineal culture. Focusing on women's performances from the Rongelapese community, the presence of radiation – lyrically and affectively – can be traced through vocalized moments of decay that intimate how rubble is embodied and shared in the aftermath of nuclear destruction.
Dialogues between Past and Present in Intellectual Histories of Mid-Twentieth-Century Africa
Authors: Hunter Emma
Published: June 2022

This contribution reflects on the theme of intellectual history and the present from the perspective of recent intellectual histories of mid-twentieth-century Africa. I focus on two aspects of the intellectual historian's work which relate to the importance of putting the past into dialogue with the present. First, using new histories of the historical event of mid-twentieth-century decolonization as a case study, I consider the potential offered by investigating ideas which have been eclipsed or forgotten and trying to understand when and why possibilities closed down. Second, I consider the role of the intellectual historian in deessentializing concepts that underpin contemporary public discussion, focusing in particular on the concept of “democracy.”
Transdiagnostic internet-delivered therapy among post-secondary students: exploring student use and preferences for booster lessons post-treatment
Authors: Patterson T. , Peynenburg V. , Hadjistavropoulos H.D.
Published: June 2022

Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is effective for treating anxiety and depression among post-secondary students, although outcomes are modest. Booster lessons have been proposed for maintaining and improving outcomes but have not been investigated following ICBT for students. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine student (N = 146) use of a self-guided booster lesson offered 1 month after a 5-week ICBT course, whereby the booster lesson provided a review of ICBT skills and suggestions for maintaining motivation and problem solving. A survey about the booster was administered shortly after the booster to understand student preferences for the booster lessons, reasons for completing/not completing the booster, and satisfaction with the booster. Approximately one-third of students (n = 47) utilized the booster lesson. Completing a greater number of lessons during the main ICBT course was associated with uptake of the booster. The booster survey was completed by 20 of the 47 (∼43%) students who completed the booster lesson and 42 of the 99 who did not (∼42%). Students varied in perceptions of the ideal timing of the booster (1–2 weeks to 3–6 months) and approximately 60% expressed preference for completing the booster independently. Among non-completers of the booster, academic-related time constraints were the primary barrier to booster completion. Among those who completed the booster, the booster lesson was perceived as worthwhile, satisfaction was high, and the length was perceived as appropriate. Future research should examine if flexible delivery of booster lessons in terms of timelines and therapist support would increase booster uptake.

Key learning aims

As a result of reading this paper, readers should:

(1)

Understand the uptake of a self-guided booster lesson in internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) among post-secondary students.

(2)

Understand students’ preferences for the content, timing, and therapist support for booster lessons.

(3)

Understand the need for alternative delivery methods of booster lessons to reach students who might benefit the most from a booster.
Why Do Rivers Jump Off the Beaten Path?
Authors: Wilke Carolyn
Published: June 2022

Researchers sifted through 50 years of satellite imagery and came up with new clues to where and why rivers avulse, suddenly changing their course.