bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patronage, Medicine, and Piety in Ayyubid Damascus
Authors: Sánchez Ignacio
Published: January 2024

The first part of this article, published in 2021, discussed the status of medicine within Islamic societies and changing attitudes towards this discipline until the Ayyubid period that led to the so-called Islamisation of medicine. This second part will survey the sources conveying information about a unique phenomenon that took place in seventh/thirteenth-century Damascus: the endowment of madrasas for the study of medicine.
The pteridophytes of São Tomé and Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea: who collected them and where?
Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , SMITH GIDEON F. , F. DE LIMA RICARDO
Published: January 2024

São Tomé and Príncipe, two islands in the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean off the central west coast of Africa, are well-known for their tropical, albeit substantially transformed, floras. Given the tropical climate prevalent in São Tomé and Príncipe, a large component of their floras is comprised of ferns and lycophytes—here collectively referred to as pteridophytes. We provide information on the collectors of pteridophytes in São Tomé and Príncipe during the colonial period (from the earliest times up to 1975). New information on these collectors and their collections are provided, and some of the doubts that existed about localities where pteridophytes were collected are solved.
Evaluation and Analysis of Elastic Properties for Banana and Graphite Fiber Blended with Graphene Nano-Platelets Based Hybrid Green Composite Using Micromechanical and Semi-Empirical Models
Authors: Saxena Tanvi , Chawla V. K.
Published: January 2024

This paper evaluates the isotropic elastic properties of a hybrid composite made of banana fiber and unidirectional graphite fiber reinforced with graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) embedded in polyimide resin. Three different micromechanical models, namely Mori-Tanaka (M-T), Paul’s
model (PM), and Maxwell’s model (MM), and one semi-empirical model, namely Modified Halpin-Tsai (Mod. H-T), are used for evaluating and analyzing the elastic properties for the proposed novel hybrid composite. The impact of the size of GNPs on the proposed composite material in the fully
dispersed and agglomerated state, impact of different volume fractions of banana and graphite fiber on the axial Young’s modulus (AYm), transverse Young’s modulus (TYm), axial Poisson’s ratio (APr) and axial shear moduli (ASm) of the proposed composite material are analytically
evaluated and analyzed. The analysis shows that with the addition of graphite fiber in the GNP-reinforced banana fiber, the elastic features of the proposed composites are improved. It is also observed that the agglomeration of GNPs substantially reduces the hardening effect of GNPs in the
proposed composite material. A low volume fraction of graphene (till 1.5 volume%) is observed to strengthen the mechanical features of the proposed composite material. Additionally, the hybridization effect for the composite is evaluated to examine the tensile failure strain features of banana
and graphite fiber in the proposed hybrid composite material.
Influence of Mustard Oil Biodiesel Blends in Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel Engine on Its Performance and Emission Characteristics
Authors: Mishra Pavan C. , Deshpande Harshad N. , Bhosale Sameer Y.
Published: January 2024

Almost majority of petroleum produce is utilized for transportation, generation of heat and electricity, and balance used as a raw material in chemical industry. With increasing energy demand, limited fossil fuel sources, study is directed towards alternate renewable fuels. Biodiesel
extracted from Vegetable Oil, is becoming a popular alternative propulsion fuel. Experiments were conducted using different blends from Mustard Oil biodiesel mixed with diesel in concentration of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, to determine the properties of these biodiesel blends and evaluate the
performance as well as emission characteristics of a CRDI Engine. The trials were conducted for various load conditions viz. 0 kg, 3 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg and 12 kg, for two different compression ratios 16 and 18. The performance assessments indicators like brake power, brake specific fuel consumption,
brake thermal efficiency, mechanical efficiency, air-fuel ratio were examined. The highest magnitude of mechanical efficiency observed is 59.14% for Mustard Oil Biodiesel 10% Blend (MuB10) for 12 kg, engine load and compression ratio 16. The emission indicating parameters oxides of nitrogen,
hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and smoke were scrutinized throughout trials. The result of this investigation exposed that blend B10 has given favorable outcomes as compared to pure diesel for CRDI engine performance indicating parameters and has fewer emissions as compared
to that of pure diesel.
Building Three-Dimensional Network Structures of Silicon–Graphite/Carbon Nanotube Composite Anode for High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Jin-Young , Jang Jin-Kyu , Kim Dami , Kim Yu-Sung , Lee In-Sik , Cha Byung-Chul , Kim Hye-Min , Kim Dae-Wook
Published: January 2024

As the increasing demand for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), silicon-based anodes have become an excellent alternative to conventional graphite anodes owing to their high theoretical capacities. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) electric network structure was
developed using an aqueous carbon nanotube (CNT) suspension to improve the specific capacity and cyclability of Si–graphite electrodes. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that longer single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) effectively covered and interconnected the entire surface
of the Si and graphite particles, thereby providing electric conduction networks and facile access to Li ions in the electrode and structural strength with flexibility. As a result, 3D networks structure of Si–graphite/SWCNTs (Si-G-SW) exhibited the highest specific capacity (829.7 mAh
g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), rate capability, and cycle stability (>79% after 100 cycles). We expect this robust 3D network electrode system to provide a new route for high-energy-density LIB anodes.
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation in Children: Short- and Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Gürtler Nicolas , Honegger Flurin
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation (ETBD) represents an innovative therapeutic approach for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (CETD), a common disease in children. Some evidence of a benefit of ETBD in the adults exist in contrast to sparse reports in children. The objective was to analyze short- and long-term outcome of ETBD in children with CETD.

Methods:

A retrospective chart-review was performed in a cohort of 19 children (mean age 13 years, 7-17) who underwent ETBD. The following parameters were analyzed: tubomanometry ( R-value), tympanogram, hearing (CPT-AMA, Air-bone gap [ABG]), Eustachian Tube Score (ETS and ETS-7), and Eustachian Tube Disease questionnaire (ETDQ).

Results:

Twenty-four ears were dilated (in 5 patients subsequently after successful first intervention) and grouped as A (17) without and B (7) with additional T-tube insertion. Most children suffered from either chronic otitis media with effusion or chronic perforation (12, 63%), the remainder comprising recurrent otitis media, adhesive otitis media and CETD with barotrauma. Mean duration of symptoms were 7/8.2 years and mean follow-up 13.7/11.1 months. Eighty percent of patients reported a subjective benefit. Accordingly, the R-value, ETS, and ETS-7 were significantly ( P < .05) improved. Tympanometry, CPT-AMA and ABG showed a positive trend, but the result was not significant. Tympanic retraction remained largely the same; a spontaneous closure of a chronic tympanic perforation was seen in 1 of 3 cases.

Conclusions:

The high subjective benefit and some significant objective improvement warrants further analysis of ETBD as part of the therapeutic management in pediatric CETD.
Estimation of Poverty Measures for Small Areas Under a Two-fold Nested Error Linear Regression Model: Comparison of Two Methods
Authors: Sohrabi Maryam , Rao J. N. K.
Published: January 2024

Demand for reliable statistics at a local area (small area) level has greatly increased in recent years. Traditional area-specific estimators based on probability samples are not adequate because of small sample size or even zero sample size in a local area. As a result, methods based on models linking the areas are widely used. World Bank focused on estimating poverty measures, in particular poverty incidence and poverty gap called FGT measures, using a simulated census method, called ELL, based on a one-fold nested error model for a suitable transformation of the welfare variable. Modified ELL methods leading to significant gain in efficiency over ELL also have been proposed under the one-fold model. An advantage of ELL and modified ELL methods is that distributional assumptions on the random effects in the model are not needed. In this article, we extend ELL and modified ELL to two-fold nested error models to estimate poverty indicators for areas (say a state) and subareas (say counties within a state). Our simulation results indicate that the modified ELL estimators lead to large efficiency gains over ELL at the area level and subarea level. Further, modified ELL method retaining both area and subarea estimated effects in the model (called MELL2) performs significantly better in terms of mean squared error (MSE) for sampled subareas than the modified ELL retaining only estimated area effect in the model (called MELLI).

AMS Subject Classification: 62D05, 62G09
Energy Consumption Displays in Electric Vehicles: Differential Effects on Estimating Consumption and Experienced Energy Dynamics Awareness
Authors: Gödker Markus , Moll Vivien E. , Franke Thomas
Published: January 2024

Objective

The effects of three prototypical designs of energy consumption displays on energy-specific situation awareness were examined.

Background

Energy efficiency is crucial for the sustainability of technical systems. However, without accurate situation awareness of energy dynamics (energy dynamics awareness, EDA) it can be challenging for humans to optimize the use of energy resources of electric vehicles (EVs) through their behavior.

Method

We examined three prototypical energy display designs that varied by their informational value to support EDA. Furthermore, we investigated the differential effects on EDA measured by (1) a newly constructed scale (experienced EDA), (2) estimating energy consumption, and (3) identifying efficient trips in an online experiment. Participants ( N = 82) watched standardized driving scenes (videos) of EV trips presenting the energy displays.

Results

We found a strong effect of display type on experienced EDA, with the trace display being the most supportive. The EDA scale showed excellent internal consistency. The consumption estimation and efficient trip identification indicators were not affected by the display type.

Conclusion

The study indicates that experienced EDA is immediately affected by displays with higher information value, but performance might need more time and training. More research is needed to investigate the cognitive processes related to EDA and to examine how distinct display elements enhance EDA.

Application

Results from this research can be used as guidance for the design of energy displays, especially in EVs. The EDA scale can be used as an evaluation measure in the human-centered design process of energy displays.
Manufacturing Productivity Measurement in India: An Evolutionary Trend
Authors: Joshi D. P. Priyadarshi , Gopinathan R.
Published: January 2024

We undertake an extensive literature survey and segregate the methods mainly into two approaches: parametric and non-parametric. Further, we categorise the non-parametric techniques into the Growth Accounting Approach and the Deterministic Frontier Approach. The evaluation and development of methods used in the study of productivity growth measurement is a continuous process over the years, even if we found a longstanding critical debate from the classical school, popularly known as the Cambridge controversy. This article presents a holistic review of methods for documenting the growth debates in independent India, which helps understand the concepts for the new researcher in the field and the policymakers in the developing and less developed countries.

JEL Codes: D24, E24, O47
The failure behavior of coal-rock combined body under compression-shear loading
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Li Xiangshang , Yuan Honghui , Li Haitao , Yang Guanyu , Wang Shuwen , Ding Guoli , Su Shijie
Published: January 2024

As shallow coal reserves continue to deplete rapidly, deep mining has become an unavoidable course of action. In the process of deep coal mining, affected by blasting, mining, and excavation, the coal-rock interface often encounters the action of compression-shear composite load. The interface crack directly affects the stability of the coal-rock structure. Uniaxial compression experiments have been conducted on rock and coal-like material with pre-existing interfacial oblique cracks to study the crack propagation criterion of the rock and coal-like material interface. An image acquisition system is used to record the surface speckle field of the whole process of specimen failure. The strain fields and stress intensity factor of the sample at different times are obtained by digital image correlation. At the same time, the stress field near the crack tip is calculated. The results show that with the increase of loading, two strains of localization bands are formed on the surface of the specimen. One of the strain-localized bands starts at the lower tip of the prefabricated crack and propagates along the vertical interface. The other starts at the upper tip of the prefabricated damage and propagates along the interface direction. It can be seen that the lower tip of the prefabricated crack enters into the crack fracture process zone earlier than the upper tip. The strain localization band narrows gradually with the load increase, and then macro cracks appear. The initiation of two tips is suitable for different fracture criteria. The lower tip is dominated by the maximum circumferential tensile stress, and the upper tip is dominated by shear stress. The specimens eventually fracture along the interface. The evolution of the strain field during the failure process of rock and coal-like material can reflect the generation and propagation of the crack.
Advocating for athletes or appropriating their voices? A frame and field analysis of power struggles in sport
Authors: Ohl Fabien , Schoch Lucie , Bozzini Filippo , Viret Marjolaine
Published: January 2024

Although advocacy is central to cultural transformations, claims makers are social actors who struggle for meaning and power. This article focuses on Global Athlete (GA) to analyse the stakes behind advocacy. This sports advocate has engaged a frame keying, even fabrication, to gain recognition in the global sport landscape. GA’s activity is examined on two levels. First, the article analyses how, to become a credible actor, GA framed itself by claiming to be ‘the voice of the athletes’ and appropriating the athletes’ symbolic capital. Second, this appropriation’s economic, political and social resources are identified. This case study highlights the interest of combining Goffman and Bourdieu to understand how GA’s framing captures individuals’ symbolic capital and how keying a frame, as an advocate committed to protecting athletes’ rights, served power struggles within the sports field. The results further show the need for sociologists to question what can be at stake beneath advocacy for ‘noble causes’.
Could breast multiparametric MRI discriminate between pure ductal carcinoma in situ and microinvasive carcinoma?
Authors: Rizzo Veronica , Cicciarelli Federica , Galati Francesca , Moffa Giuliana , Maroncelli Roberto , Pasculli Marcella , Pediconi Federica
Published: January 2024

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is often reclassified as invasive cancer in the final pathology report of the surgical specimen. It is of significant clinical relevance to acknowledge the possibility of underestimating invasive disease when utilizing preoperative biopsies for a DCIS diagnosis. In cases where such histologic upgrades occur, it is imperative to consider them in the preoperative planning process, including the potential inclusion of sentinel lymph node biopsy due to the risk of axillary lymph node metastasis.

Purpose

To assess the capability of breast multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) in differentiating between pure DCIS and microinvasive carcinoma (MIC).

Material and Methods

Between January 2018 and November 2022, this retrospective study enrolled patients with biopsy-proven DCIS who had undergone preoperative breast MP-MRI. We assessed various MP-MRI features, including size, morphology, margins, internal enhancement pattern, extent of disease, presence of peritumoral edema, time-intensity curve value, diffusion restriction, and ADC value. Subsequently, a logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the association of these features with the pathological outcome.

Results

Of 129 patients with biopsy-proven DCIS, 36 had foci of micro-infiltration on surgical specimens and eight were diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The presence of micro-infiltration foci was significantly associated with several MP-MRI features, including tumor size ( P <0.001), clustered ring enhancement ( P <0.001), segmental distribution ( P <0.001), diffusion restriction ( P = 0.005), and ADC values <1.3 × 10−3 mm2/s ( P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Breast MP-MRI has the potential to predict the presence of micro-infiltration foci in biopsy-proven DCIS and may serve as a valuable tool for guiding therapeutic planning.
An exploration into the occupational identity of women following breast cancer and treatment: A qualitative study
Authors: Hopkins Courtney , Murphy Angela , Haythorne Rebecca , Cezar da Cruz Daniel
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

The number of women surviving after breast cancer is increasing, along with the length of time they are living with the after-effects of treatment. Although the treatment’s effects are known to impact occupational participation, little is known about how breast cancer could affect occupational identity. This study aims to illuminate the lived experience of women long-term after breast cancer treatment through an occupational perspective in order to explore how they perceive their occupational identity.

Methods:

A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted with six women, who had all received a diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment for longer than a year. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings:

Three intertwined themes describe the participants’ experience. (1) ‘Disruptions in daily life and Environmental support’, (2) ‘Be able to do’ and identity, and (3) ‘Doing what matters and is possible’. Findings revealed that the occupational identities of the participants were maintained. Cancer treatment effects appear to impact occupational competence that corresponded to participants’ occupational identities, suggesting difficulties in the order of occupational adaptation.

Conclusion:

Our findings contribute to understanding the challenges to occupational participation related to the occupational identity of women following breast cancer and treatment.
In Vivo Analysis of Acromioclavicular Kinematics and Distance During Multiplanar Humeral Elevation
Authors: Zhu Siyuan , Chen Yuzhou , Wang Peng , Shi Lewis L. , Li Guoan , Li Xinning , Koh Jason L. , Wang Shaobai , Yuan Tsai Tsung , Cui Guoqing , Wang Shaojie , Shao Xiexiang , Wang Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Background:

Knowledge of acromioclavicular (AC) joint kinematics and distance may provide insight into the biomechanical function and development of new treatment methods. However, accurate data on in vivo AC kinematics and distance between the clavicle and acromion remain unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to investigate 3-dimensional AC kinematics and distance during arm elevation in abduction, scaption, and forward flexion in a healthy population. It was hypothesized that AC kinematics and distance would vary with the elevation angle and plane of the arm.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 19 shoulders of healthy participants were enrolled. AC kinematics and distance were investigated with a combined dual fluoroscopic imaging system and computed tomography. Rotation and translation of the AC joint were calculated. The AC distance was measured as the minimum distance between the medial border of the acromion and the articular surface of the distal clavicle (ASDC). The minimum distance point (MDP) ratio was defined as the length between the MDP and the posterior edge of the ASDC divided by the anterior-posterior length of the ASDC. AC kinematics and distance between different elevation planes and angles were compared.

Results:

Progressive internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilt of the AC joint were observed in all elevation planes. The scapula rotated more upward relative to the clavicle in abduction than in scaption ( P = .002) and flexion ( P = .005). The arm elevation angle significantly affected translation of the AC joint. The acromion translated more laterally and more posteriorly in scaption than in abduction ( P < .001). The AC distance decreased from the initial position to 75° in all planes and was significantly greater in flexion ( P < .001). The MDP ratio significantly increased with the elevation angle ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Progressive rotation and significant translation of the AC joint were observed in different elevation planes. The AC distance decreased with the elevation angle from the initial position to 75°. The minimum distance between the ASDC and the medial border of the acromion moved anteriorly as the shoulder elevation angle increased.

Clinical Relevance:

These results could serve as benchmark data for future studies aiming to improve the surgical treatment of AC joint abnormalities to restore optimal function.
Effects of Robot-Assisted Language Learning on English-as-a-Foreign-Language Skill Development
Authors: Wu Xueqing , Li Rui
Published: January 2024

While numerous studies of robot-assisted language learning (RALL) for English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners’ language skill development have been done, a comprehensive and theoretically-driven meta-analysis on its effects is still in paucity. To fill the gap, drawing on Activity Theory (AT), this study reported a meta-analysis from 47 independent studies out of 29 literature samples involving 1791 EFL learners on RALL for language skill development published during 2004–2023. The results indicated that the overall effect size was g = .69, 95% CI [.49, .90], suggesting that RALL outperforms non-RALL conditions. In addition, educational levels and intervention durations were found to be significant moderators. Based on the results, implications for practice were discussed.
Bible Overclaiming and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Lechuga Jacqueline , Jones Daniel N.
Published: January 2024

Religion has had a mixed impact on society, with some followers engaging in violent behavior. It remains unclear why some followers perpetrate violence and others are peaceful. We argue that religious overclaiming is one facet of religion to be considered when trying to understand the relationship between religion and violence. Across two studies ( N = 551), we tested the hypothesis that a higher tendency to overclaim knowledge of the Christian Bible would be associated with higher perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). We also tested the hypotheses that men who overclaim would be most likely to engage in the perpetration of IPV, and that higher religiosity would attenuate the effects of religious overclaiming. In both studies, participants completed a measure of religious overclaiming, reported on their perpetration of IPV, and reported their religiosity. Our findings across both studies indicated that Bible overclaiming was associated with greater perpetration of IPV. Further, Study 1 found that those high in Bible overclaiming (especially men) engaged in the most perpetration of IPV. However, this gender-based finding did not replicate in Study 2. Both studies found that religiosity was unassociated with the perpetration of IPV. Our results provide evidence that Bible overclaiming is related to the perpetration of IPV. Specifically, individuals who claim to know religious concepts that do not exist are associated with a higher risk for IPV.
In/secure childhoods: Children and conflict in Kashmir
Authors: Brännlund Emma , Buser Michael , Holt Nicola , Mytton Julie , Fazli Afeefa , Leeson Loraine , Roy Anurupa , Sinha Vikramjeet
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on art productions by children participating in an art-based wellbeing intervention project in Kashmir. Drawing on feminist security studies, we conducted narrative analysis to explore how children represent in/security. The locations of in/security were the environment, the body, and the socio-political realm. Children articulated nuanced and complex representations of the natural and social world, influenced by local and global forces, and created their own meanings and practices of in/security.
Modern pollen rain in humid tropical mountain forests from eastern Mexico: A patch-dynamics approach
Authors: Jiménez-Zamora Tonatiuh , Espinosa David , Galicia Leopoldo , Rivera-González Irán , Luna-Vega Isolda
Published: January 2024

Modern pollen rains have demonstrated that human legacies represent crucial information on the performance of strategies for biological conservation. However, the potential use of pollen rains in aspects related to human disturbance and other cultural processes remains scarcely explored in forest patches of tropical mountain environments. Our study offers an ecological model for stratifying management intensities using moss polster contents in three patches of humid tropical mountain forests from eastern Mexico. Moss polsters were collected at 48 sites between ca. 1600 and 2000 m asl in three Mexican tropical montane cloud forests. Beta diversity, Shannon, and Jaccard indices were calculated for each location. Deciphering palynological data, historical documents, and diversity indicators, we found that the most disturbed patches had the lowest values in the Shannon index (abundance data) and beta diversity (incidence and abundance data) due to intensive agriculture over the last 20 years at least. On the other hand, we found that lower-elevation gradients with a high degree of management intensity and geographical affinity expressed greater similarity according to the Jaccard index for unseen shared species. In contrast, shade-tolerant plants and some hygrophilous trees within the old-growth forest determined the species turnover among higher-elevation gradients in conserved areas. For these reasons, our findings suggest that moss polster contents capture reliable sources of pollen rains around 20 years, as it was once mentioned in the palynological literature. We conclude that pollen rains and management intensity are comparable between ecosystems in long-term approaches and historical legacies.
Analysis of 5-year hospitalization data of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Damage is a risk factor for frequent and longer stays
Authors: Çetin Çiğdem , Can Melodi Gizem , Öztaşkın Sinem , Yalçınkaya Yasemin , Gül Ahmet , İnanç Murat , Artım Esen Bahar
Published: January 2024

Objective

The annual hospitalization rate of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is approximately 10%, and hospitalizations are responsible for most of the healthcare expenses. Herein, we analyzed 5-year hospitalization data of SLE patients and determined factors leading to hospitalization.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory, and hospitalization data of SLE patients admitted to our rheumatology clinic in 2015–2020 were retrieved from our SLE database and analyzed. SLICC SLE damage index (SDI) and disease activity at admission (SLEDAI-2K) were determined.

Results

Among 161 hospitalized patients, 86% were females. Total rheumatologic hospitalization number was 298, and 38% of the patients were hospitalized more than once (1.85 ± 1.56). The mean hospitalization duration covering all stays for each patient was 25 ± 26.5 days. Active disease, infection, and damage-related complications were first three causes of hospitalization. Compared to patients hospitalized for active disease or damage, patients hospitalized for infection had a significantly higher number of readmissions ( p < .05) and their total hospital stay was longer ( p < .01). The frequency of patients with damage and the mean SDI score was significantly lower in the active disease group (68%, 1.93 ± 2.05) than hospitalizations for infection (90%, 2.68 ± 1.63) and damage-related causes (96%, 3.04 ± 1.65) ( p < .05). The mean SDI score and duration (r = 0.551, p < .001) and the number of hospitalizations (r = 0.393, p < .001) were positively correlated. The mean disease activity scores of patients hospitalized for active disease, infection, and damage-related reasons were 11.03 ± 6.08, 3.21 ± 2.80, and 2.96 ± 3.32, respectively ( p < .001). Renal active disease was the most common (44%), followed by hematological (34.8%), articular (21.7%), and mucocutaneous (21%) activity. Ten percent of the patients all of whom had damage were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Total hospitalization duration, mean SDI, antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus anticoagulant, thrombocytopenia, serositis, pulmonary hypertension, history of alveolar hemorrhage, and cardiac valve involvement were associated with ICU admission ( p < .05 for all).

Conclusion

Disease activity, infections, and damage are the leading causes of hospitalization in SLE patients. Damage prolongs hospital stay and increases hospitalization rate and ICU need. Tight control of disease activity with rational use of immunosuppressive treatment is important to reduce damage and hospitalizations.
Peritoneal Dialysis in Micro-preemie With NEC Using Pigtail Catheter: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ramya Gurujala Mahadeva , Balakrishnan Umamaheswari , Shaik Shafi Jan Mohammad , Amboiram Prakash , Tangirala Susmitha
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a commonly encountered condition in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), especially among micro-preemies. Management of AKI is challenging in these micro-preemies and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred modality when medical treatment fails.

Case

A 27-week-old female baby with a birth weight of 940 grams was delivered via emergency cesarean section for grade 2 abruption. She developed AKI secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. PD was initiated on day 19 with a neonatal pigtail catheter and discontinued 24 hours after normalization of kidney function tests with adequate urine output on day 20. However, the patient died due to complications of short bowel syndrome.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of a micro-premie on whom PD was performed sucessfully using a pigtail catheter. PD is a safe, effective, feasible, and life-saving therapy in micro-preemies with AKI and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Improving Early Initiation of Skin-to-Skin Contact Among Newborns Delivered Vaginally at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Sinha Anish , Pujara Reshma , Patel Shradha , Patel Dipen , Nimbalkar Somashekhar
Published: January 2024

Introduction

WHO and UNICEF recommend initiating early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) of newborns as an important intervention to reduce neonatal mortality. In India, it has been reported that only 15% of babies receive early SSC, and at our institution, only 22% of stable babies delivered vaginally were receiving SSC at birth.

Aim

To increase the early initiation of SSC practice in neonates born through vaginal delivery ≥36 weeks from the observed baseline of 22% to ≥85% over 3 months.

Methods

The study was conducted in the labor room of a tertiary care hospital over 3 months (December 2022 to February 2023) and a sustenance phase from April 2023 to June 2023. A root cause analysis was done using the fishbone framework, focusing on barriers related to mothers, hospital staff, policy, place, and practices. Based on this, a comprehensive early initiation of SSC intervention was planned utilizing Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.

Results

At the end of the three months, we achieved 100% compliance in the early initiation of SSC from a baseline of 22%, and the same compliance was maintained during the sustenance phase. The line chart used for interpretation showed an increase in compliance and increased duration of SSC till early initiation of breastfeeding was established.
‘Human Milk Bank (HMB): The Journey till Now and the Road Ahead’: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre of Western India
Authors: Sayan Kumar Das , Prajapati Nisha , Khaitan Geet Gunjana
Published: January 2024

Background

In the era of the 21st Century, Human Milk Bank (HMB) is making its tortoise steps towards revolution. The goals and objectives of this study is to compare five years of data between the Pre Human Milk Bank phase (2018–2021) and Post Human Milk Bank phase (2021–2023) in order to evaluate the morbidity and mortality profile of neonates fed with PDHM (pasteurized donor human milk) or MOM (Mother’s Own Milk).

Methods

A retrospective observational study was done in HMB, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Gmers Medical College, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Data obtained retrospectively comparing pre-HMB Phase (4th August, 2018–3rd August, 2021) and post-HMB Phase (4th August, 2021–3rd August, 2023).

Results

Around 1822 newborns benefited from the establishment of the HMB and 2.89 lakh ml of milk from 188 donor mothers were gathered during the study. Bacterial contamination of PDHM was reduced. There was a reduction in mortality and morbidity profiles like sepsis rate, NEC/Feed intolerance and ROP. Duration of NICU stay was improved in all preterm babies.

Conclusions

In this study, mortality and morbidity outcomes improved and sepsis decreased after the establishment of the HMB with reduced time to reach full feeds and shorter hospital stay. It helps significantly in NEC cases. We concluded that the creation of an HMB will be more advantageous and useful for all preterm babies in order to achieve better results.
COVID-19 Outbreak in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During Third Pandemic Wave: A Case Series
Authors: Kumar Sonu , Pallapothu Bhrajishna , Priyadarshi Mayank , Chaurasia Suman , Singh Poonam , Basu Sriparna
Published: January 2024

The case series aims to provide insights into the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of neonates infected with COVID-19 during the third wave. We highlight the unusual clinical features, especially incessant cough even in extremely premature neonates, and the mode of horizontal transmission that led to this outbreak. A high index of suspicion and timely diagnosis of COVID-19 in neonates can help avoid the overdiagnosis of clinical sepsis and limit the inadvertent use of antibiotics. The report adds valuable information to the literature for clinicians caring for neonates during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Have we sold our souls to the drum machine? A historical analysis of tempo stability in Western music recordings
Authors: Condit-Schultz Nathaniel , Clark Beach
Published: January 2024

Musicians have long sought technology to facilitate and develop their abilities to maintain stable tempos. The rise of inherently tempo-stable instruments and performance technologies in the late 20th century—for example, turntables, sequencers, drum machines, click tracks, and post-production quantization—has fed an increasing trend toward tempo stability in Western popular music. However, the exact progression of this historical change has not been systematically documented. In this article, we report a historical analysis of tempo stability in recordings of Western Classical and Anglo-American popular music released between 1920 and 2020, in particular testing the hypothesis that tempo in certain popular genres became significantly more stable in the period 1980–2000. We distinguish between gradual changes of tempo that are not perceived as discontinuities ( tempo drift) and abrupt changes of tempo ( tempo shifts), and seek to quantify both types of tempo instability. Using the Spotify web API, we sampled measure-by-measure tempo estimates from over 45,000 tracks in seven genres: Blues, Classical, Country, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), Hip hop, Jazz, and Rock. Our analyses reveal significant changes in tempo stability in Rock, Country, and Blues music, consistent with our hypothesis. We next propose, compare, and evaluate several approaches to identifying artificially tempo-stable tracks from their tempo estimates, using the opposition between Classical and Hip hop as a faux ground truth. Data, analyses, and interactive visualizations are available for inspection on our website https://ccml.music.gatech.edu/TempoStability .
The Role of the School Nurse in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Veronese Veronica , Rossetto Gianluca
Published: January 2024

The school nurse has a crucial role in the United States and the United Kingdom and has their own expertise dedicated to school assistance for children, families, school staff, and the community. This study aims to identify the role and skills of the school nurse and understand the effects of COVID-19 on nursing skills in the following countries: The United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy. A Scoping Review was conducted following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Three databases were consulted: PubMed, Cinahl, and Scopus. In all, 58 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. 93.1% of the studies were carried out in the United States, 5.2% in the United Kingdom, and 1.7% in Italy. 34.5% of the articles were published in 2020, 15.5% in 2021, 31% in 2022, and 19% in 2023. 22.4% of the studies included in the review concerned health promotion and education. Regarding the methodology of the studies, 41.5% of the studies were commentary papers, 15.5% were observational studies, and 12% were cross-sectional studies. Considering the effects of the school nurse in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is possible to reflect on how the systematic presence of a nurse could also have benefits in Italy.
Developmental Risk for Infants with Cleft Lip with or Without Cleft Palate Based on Caregiver-Proxy Reports
Authors: Kapp-Simon Kathleen A. , Albert Meredith , Edwards Todd C. , Jones Salene M. , Crilly Bellucci Claudia , Rosenberg Janine , Patrick Donald L. , Heike Carrie L.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

(1) Assess caregiver-reported development in infants born with cleft lip ± alveolus (CL ± A) and cleft lip and palate (CLP); (2) determine factors associated with increased developmental risk; and (3) determine consistency of developmental risk before and after surgery for cleft lip.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal assessment of development. Time (T) 1, prior to lip closure; T2, 2 months post lip closure.

Setting

Three US craniofacial teams and online parent support groups.

Participants

123 total caregivers (96% mothers); 100 at T1, 92 at T2, and 69 at both T1 and T2.

Measure

Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3): Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, Personal Social Domains.

Results

At T1 47%; at T2 42% passed all 5 Domains; 36% of infants pass all 5 Domains at both T1 and T2. Infants with CLP were at greatest risk on Communication [ B = 1.449 (CI = .149-20.079), p = .038; Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.3 (CI = .923-19.650)] and Gross Motor Domains [ B = 1.753 (CI = .316-20.605), p = .034; OR = 5.8 (CI = 1.162-28.671)]. Male infants were at greatest risk on Fine Motor [ B = 1.542 (CI = .495-20.005), p = .009; OR = 4.7 (CI = 1.278-17.101)] and Problem Solving Domains [ B = 1.200 (CI = .118-19.708), p = .044; OR = 3.3 (CI = .896-12.285)].

Conclusions

Based on caregiver report, infants with CL ± A and CLP meet referral criteria at a high rate. Infants with CLP and male infants were at greatest risk. Regular developmental screening is recommended.
Navigating the New Normal: An in-Depth Study of Adaptation and Change in Filipino Family Structures Postpandemic
Authors: Ballaret Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unparalleled challenge to Filipino family structures, necessitating swift adaptations and transformations to navigate the “new normal.” Through semistructured interviews and focus group discussions, this study engaged with diverse Filipino families across different socioeconomic backgrounds and cultural contexts. The findings revealed key insights into the ways in which Filipino family structures have adapted and evolved in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic: (a) reshaping familial roles and responsibilities; (b) enhanced communication patterns; and (c) resilience and solidarity. These findings illuminated the resilience, adaptability, and strength of Filipino family structures in the face of adversity. They underscored the importance of understanding the intricate changes taking place within these families and offer insights for policymakers, educators, and support systems aiming to address the evolving needs of Filipino households in the postpandemic world.
Navigating Parenthood: A Study of Family Formation and Parenting Experiences Among Same-sex Couples in the Philippines
Authors: Ballaret Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2024

This qualitative research study explored the family formation processes and parenting experiences of same-sex couples in the unique socio-cultural context of the Philippines. While same-sex relationships and LGBTQ + rights have gained increasing recognition globally, the Philippines remains a conservative society with deeply rooted traditional norms and religious influences. It delved into the complexities of family formation, including relationship initiation, and decision-making processes regarding parenting. Findings suggest that same-sex couples in the Philippines employ diverse strategies to create families, such as adoption, and raising children of a family relative. These strategies are often influenced by factors such as familial support, and socio-cultural norms. The parenting experiences of same-sex couples revealed both shared challenges, such as discrimination and exclusion, as well as unique opportunities for reshaping traditional gender roles within the household. By highlighting the lived experiences of these couples, this study advocates for a more inclusive understanding of family structures and challenges the prevailing heteronormative discourse. The findings underscored the need for policy initiatives that safeguard the rights of LGBTQ + individuals and families, while fostering social acceptance and understanding within the Philippines’ cultural framework.
Predictors of Rape Myth Acceptance Among South Asian Students in Canada
Authors: Randeniya Dayanga , Senn Charlene Y.
Published: January 2024

Transmission of rape myths is expected in every culture, yet limited research exists on rape myth acceptance (RMA) within global South Asian (SA) diasporas. We examined whether gender, attitudes toward gender roles, and patriarchal beliefs contributed to RMA among young SA adults in Canada. An ethnically diverse sample of 116 (ages 17–25) students, comprising equal numbers of men and women and domestic and international students, completed an online survey. SA students were generally egalitarian with low RMA similar to the majority of North American samples. As predicted, male gender, traditional attitudes towards SA women, and patriarchal beliefs were strong predictors of RMA.
“I Worry About My Kids’ Safety When They Visit”: Mothers’ Perceptions of Father/Child Post-Separation Contact in the Context of IPV
Authors: Tutty Leslie M. , Nixon Kendra L. , Lorraine Radtke H.
Published: January 2024

After separation because of intimate partner violence, fathers’ contact with children can be problematic. This mixed methods secondary analysis focused on 280 Canadian separated/divorced mothers who were 48.4% White, 45.1% Indigenous, and 6.5% Visible Minority. Of 176 fathers, 105 (59.7%) had regular visits and, 71 (40.3%) visited sporadically; 104 had no contact. Comments from half the mothers (54.3%) with regular father–child visits indicated worry, and 41.9% of all mothers perceived their children as sad/upset and another 14.5% as angry/acting out in response to visitation. Recommendations to address mothers’ and children's issues with respect to problematic father–child contact are provided.
Clinical significance of coadministration of moderate to strong CYP enzyme inhibitors with doxorubicin in breast cancer patients receiving AC chemotherapy
Authors: Dawson Amy Priest , Frick Chrissy D , Burd Megan , Conliffe Brette
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme inhibitors may increase the toxicity of many chemotherapies. Medication databases classify doxorubicin coadministration with CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors as either a major interaction or contraindication. This study assessed the incidence of toxicity secondary to doxorubicin given with or without CYP enzyme inhibitors in breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Methods

This retrospective study included female breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC). Patients were divided into three arms: no moderate or strong CYP inhibitor interactions, moderate or strong CYP2D6 inhibitor interactions, or moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor interactions. Primary outcomes included incidence of doxorubicin-associated toxicity, unplanned medical visits, chemotherapy treatment delays, and doxorubicin dose reductions. The secondary endpoint was time to toxicity.

Results

There were 171 patients included ( n = 20 patients in the CYP2D6 inhibitor group and n = 15 in the CYP3A4 inhibitor group). Neither CYP inhibitor group showed a difference in incidence of hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, myelotoxicity, moderate/severe nausea, or treatment delays. Compared to the no CYP inhibitor group, the CYP2D6 inhibitor group experienced a higher incidence of unplanned medical visits (45% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.023) and more frequent doxorubicin dose reductions (30% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.006). The CYP3A4 inhibitor group did not differ from the no CYP inhibitor group for these outcomes.

Conclusions

CYP inhibitors, particularly CYP2D6 inhibitors, may affect doxorubicin tolerability, as seen in this study by an increased incidence of unplanned medical visits and doxorubicin dose reductions.
Regenerating Place: Highlighting the Role of Ecological Knowledge
Authors: Rahman Saeed , Nguyen Nhan Thanh , Slawinski Natalie
Published: January 2024

As many local places globally suffer from ecological and social decline, sustainability research increasingly recognizes the critical importance of studying organizational efforts toward regenerating local communities and ecosystems. This emerging research, however, overlooks the role of ecological knowledge, that is, place-based understanding of the processes and functions of the ecosystems in which organizations operate. As such, we ask “How do organizations harness ecological knowledge to advance the regeneration of local places?” Through an inductive study of nine certified organic farming organizations on Vancouver Island, Canada, we find that organizations engage in three cyclical and closely interlinked practices of identifying, acquiring, and applying ecological knowledge which together enhance their organizational performance while contributing to regenerating the local social-ecological systems. Our empirically grounded model of leveraging ecological knowledge contributes to research on sustainability and place, and to studies of regeneration, by uncovering the specific practices that enable firms to develop place-based regenerative solutions.