bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious Differences and Imperial Pragmatism in a Polemical Arena: A Privileged Law for Muslims, Hindus, and Jains in Diu (1557)
Authors: Paiva José Pedro
Published: February 2024

In 1557 Francisco Barreto, the Portuguese governor of the State of India, issued a decree forbidding the destruction of temples and books belonging to the Gujarati Muslims, Hindus, and Jains of Diu and allowed them to practice their religion freely. This and other reforms introduced by the crown and the Goan archbishop created a special situation for Muslims and Hindus living in Diu, in contrast to the policies designed to establish monolithic confessionalism that the Portuguese authorities had been attempting to impose in most part of Asia since around 1540.

This article aims to reconstruct and explain the specific nature of the religious policies pursued in Diu, adopting a holistic approach that compares them with developments in other areas of Portuguese Asia. It will be argued that the policies adopted made Diu a multiconfessional city, one that accommodated interreligious encounters though it was less supportive of mobility between different religions. This was the outcome of pragmatism, an essential feature of the actions of the different Portuguese agents who intervened at different levels, creating dynamics in which the role of the native population was also decisive in shaping imperial societies.
Locating the Littoral: Michael N. Pearson in the Study of the Northern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Bhattacharyya Shatarupa
Published: February 2024

This article takes up Michael Pearson’s concept of littoral societies and discusses how it provides us with a lens to study a specific estuarine place, a mangrove forest called Sundarbans that is found along the coastlines of India and Bangladesh and opens onto the Bay of Bengal. Inhabitants cope with constant risks and hazards, maintaining distinctive folk traditions practiced by both the region’s Hindus and Muslims. This article discusses the outsider and insider perceptions of this place and its distinctive material culture, which may provide a window for studying other littoral cultures across the Indian Ocean basin.
The Alcmene Ehoie: Functional Developments of an Epic Text
Authors: Sbardella Livio
Published: February 2024

The genre of ehoiai, rooted in the local epic tradition of Boeotia, underwent a process of development that led to the assignment of a variety of functions to this type of composition. This genre of epic poetry was originally designed to serve an aretalogical rather than genealogical function, but the earliest ehoiai formed the basis for the later unification of this type of narrative material in the Catalogue of Women, acquiring a predominantly genealogical function. Some of them, however, continued to circulate in the local Boeotian tradition as autonomous compositions; among these, the Alcmene Ehoie, in its rhapsodic union with the Aspis, lent itself to new uses in a new performance context.
Some Remarks on the Hesiodic Wedding of Ceyx
Authors: Cozzoli Adele Teresa
Published: February 2024

Apart from its title, little is known about the Wedding of Ceyx, and scarcely anything is preserved in the fragments. Outlining the plot is extremely difficult. The epic style is enigmatic, and the sources may have been misinterpreted, leading to hypotheses about riddles likely mentioned in the text. The solutions are far from clear, giving rise to several issues concerning the style and epic diction, the effective relevance of the αἰνίγματα to the plot, their contextualization and plausible solution, the cultural background and the historical localization of the Wedding of Ceyx, and the links (if any) between the poem and other Hesiodic poems. Confronting these fundamental questions helps one address this epic’s context, origin, and distinctive features.
Neoplatonic Nature of Love
Authors: Chordá Frederic
Published: February 2024

This essay has two sections. The first explores the origin of the universe, the four elements, the knot of love, the third essence, and ‘Primordial Vessel’ by the Florentine Neoplatonic philosopher Marsilio Ficino. The second part interprets Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus of 1485–1486, now at the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, drawing upon Ficino’s Neoplatonic texts. Particularly some of Ficino’s Commentaries on Plato’s Dialogues (published in 1484), Symposium (completed in 1469), Philebus (completed in 1469), and Compendium on Timaeus (1480–1491). To this is added Ficino’s Theologia Platonica (published in 1482), his Letters (published in 1495), his Commentary on Proclus’s Alcibiades I (completed in 1488), and his translation of the Neoplatonic text Corpus Hermeticum, entitled Liber Mercurii Trismegisti de potestate et sapientia Dei (published in 1471). Botticelli’s beautiful painting captures the depiction of the goddess Venus’s birth as described in Hesiod’s Theogony, which Ficino recounted in his Philebus Commentary
In vitro and In vivo Characterization of Laurus nobilis Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Potential Treatment for Gastric Cancer Using SEM Images, PCR and Histopathology
Authors: Gao Qunguang , Liu Xuegang , Wang Zhiguang
Published: February 2024

In the current study, Laurus nobilis extract (ethanolic) was loaded into chitosan nanoparticles and studied for their potential anticancer activity against GC1436 cells using SEM images of LNECHNPs and CHNPs. In vitro studies showed that gastric cancer cells cultured with
the nanoparticle system suppressed the proliferation and migration activity of cancer cells through suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The SEM images display that both LNECHNPs and CHNPs are round and possess a smooth surface. The smooth surface is a probable outcome of the manufacturing
process used to create the nanoparticles, which can employ procedures like sol–gel or chemical reduction methods. Gene expression studies showed that the expression levels of PI3K and Akt genes were significantly reduced in GC1436 cells cultured with LNECHNPs Nephrotoxicity of the nanoparticles
was studied in a rat model. In vivo study showed that the intravenous administration of the nanoparticle system did not impart significant nephrotoxicity in the animals 7 days post-injection. These results provide important insights into the safety of these nanocarrier systems, which
could be beneficial in their potential application in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.
Biomedical Application of CT Assisted CBCT 3D Imaging Technology in Oral Implantation
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhu Lanlan
Published: February 2024

In the field of oral implantology, our goals were to investigate the diagnostic utility of traditional CT imaging technology and 3D CBCT imaging technology based on the Internet of Things (IoT) dental Computed Tomography assisted CBCT, as well as to compare and contrast their respective
advantages. 72 patients were split evenly between two groups: a control group with 35 participants and a study group with 37 participants. (1) Surgical indexes: The operation time of the control group was (27.96+4.64) minutes and (14.08+3.14) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was
(16.36+2.95) ml and (5.85+0.64) ml, respectively. The time it took to do the procedure in the experimental group was (14.08+3.14) minutes. In the group that was under examination, both the total amount of time spent operating and the amount of blood lost during the procedure were significantly
lower (P <0.05). (2) Dental function: There were no statistically significant variations in dental beauty, comfort, chewing, or retention between the two groups before surgery (P >0.05). This was determined by comparing the results of the dental examinations. After surgery,
the dental function of the research group was significantly greater than that of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). (3) Theraputic effect: the effective rate of the treatment in the control group was 85.71 percent,
while the effective rate in the study group was 94.59%. (4) Quality of life: when compared with the control group, the comprehensive quality of life of physiological, social, emotional, and cognitive functions in the research group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant
(P < 0.05); (5) Satisfaction: the control group’s level of satisfaction was 80.00%, while the study group’s level of satisfaction was 94.59%. (6) Cost: the cost of the treatment in the research group was significantly lower than the cost of the treatment in the control
group. As a result, the dental computed tomography assisted cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) 3D imaging technology based on the internet of things should be considered for implementation.
Synthesis of Injectable Thermosensitive Cinnamaldehyde-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel for Antibacterial and Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Che Xun , Wu Yu-Ling , He Qing-Ling , Wu Zhen , Wang Shi-Bo , Zhang Han , Zubair Iqbal M. , Liu Fei , Lu Jia-Ju , Kong Xiang-Dong
Published: February 2024

The wound healing in the presence of bacterial infections is a complex process and prolonged challenge with severe implications for human health. To address this issue, injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogels as wound dressings have garnered considerable attention as a potential solution.
In this study, we have developed an injectable and antibacterial thermosensitive hydrogel for wound healing, based on chitosan (CS) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) and modified with a range of cinnamaldehyde (CA). The CS/β-GP/CA gels demonstrate a phase transition
at body temperatures, and exhibit good biocompatibility. Compared with the unmodified CS/β-GP hydrogels, incorporating CA can promote endothelial cell growth and the antibacterial property of the hydrogel system, which may lead to faster wound healing and tissue regeneration. Our
findings suggest that the CS/β-GP/CA thermosensitive hydrogel emerges as a promising candidate for an injectable wound dressing in wound treatments.
Shikonin Inhibits Vascular Extravasation and Inflammation in Burn Wounds by Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Jiaxin , Zhao Wene , Huguet-Casquero Amaia , Pino Castresana Ander , Pedraz José Luis , Ramalingam Murugan , Li Shuwei
Published: February 2024

Objective: To explore whether shikonin can alleviate vascular leakage in burn wounds, inhibit skin inflammation, and exert protective effects on skin. Methods: A mouse skin burn wound model was routinely established, and fluorescent microspheres were injected through the
tail vein 2 h before sampling to characterize the degree of vascular leakage. Dorsal skin was obtained by surgical dissection and embedded in OCT, and frozen sections were prepared. CD31 immunofluorescence was used to determine the distribution of blood vessels in burnt skin, and Ly6G immunofluorescence
staining was used to determine the level of neutrophil recruitment in the skin. Results: Skin microvessels were mainly distributed in the dermis. We found that severe vascular leakage occurred in the blood vessels of the burned dermis, and shikonin significantly alleviated vascular
leakage in the burned area. Furthermore, shikonin significantly inhibited neutrophil recruitment to burn sites. Most importantly, we also found that shikonin can alleviate vascular leakage and inhibit skin inflammation at burn sites through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Conclusion: Shikonin can alleviate vascular leakage, and inhibit skin inflammation in burn wounds through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This experimental study provides a proof-of-concept and a new avenue for the repair and treatment of burn skin vascular injuries.
miR-421-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Suppress the Malignant Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Yunxiao , Zhou Bin , Zhang Jiayu , Yang Yuenan , Cui Qianqian
Published: February 2024

Rectal cancer (RC) is a destructive cancer and long-term chemotherapy often leads to decreased drug sensitivity. This study investigates the role of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) carrying miR-421 in RC and the mechanism underlying its inhibitory effect on malignant characteristics of
RC cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. miR-421-loaded chitosan NPs were prepared, and then HR8348 cells were divided into model group, control group, chitosan NPs group (nano-group), miR-421 group and chitosan NPs carrying miR-421 group (nano+miR-421 group), Wnt1 overexpression
group (pc-Wnt1 group), Wnt1 inhibition group (si-Wnt1 group), and nano+miR-421+si-Wnt1 group, in which the cells received corresponding treatment. After treatment,Wnt1/β-catenin and c-Myc expression in RC cells was detected and the target gene of miR-421 was identified. Various
experiments were conducted to assess the malignant biological behavior of RC cells. Chitosan NPs carrying miR-421 significantly suppressed migration and proliferation of RC cells and promoted apoptosis. The advent of miR-421 inhibited the increase of Wnt1/β-catenin expression,
while Wnt1 inhibitor, as such, controlled characteristics of RC cells, and the inhibitory role of chitosan NPs carrying miR-421 was the most prominent. The bioinformatics software RegRNA 2.0 predicted Wnt1/β-catenin as the specific target gene regulated by miR-421. Chitosan NPs
loaded with miR-421 effectively inhibit RC cell growth through blocking the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway and down-regulating the expression of c-Myc.
Detection of Hepatoma Serum Marker CD105 with Hemin/Graphene/Aptamer Nanoprobes
Authors: Xia Desong , Liu Xiyu , Liao Yuhan , Wang Huiling , Li Yanmei , He Jian , Zhang Jing , Zhong Liping , Wang Yuhuan
Published: February 2024

CD105 is a serum marker of hepatoma. In this study, we established a stable detection platform constructed using a hemin-graphene-aptamer complex (HGN-apt) by optimizing the ratio of graphene, hemin, and aptamer. We also optimized CD105 detection conditions. The detection limit of this
platform is 5.5 ng/mL, enabling sensitive detection of CD105. These experiments facilitate an innovative approach for the construction of a detection platform with high sensitivity and an expanded detection range using an HGN-apt probe, enabling specific detection of the serum hepatoma marker
CD105. Our findings provide an important foundation for early diagnosis of hepatomas, and would therefore help to alleviate patient suffering, including mental and economic burdens. Our platform also offers a quantitative indicator for the prognosis of hepatomas.
Analyzing the Impact of Family Structure Changes on Children’s Stress Levels Using a Stress Biomarker
Authors: Kleinschlömer Pauline , Kühn Mine , Bister Lara , Vogt Tobias C. , Krapf Sandra
Published: February 2024

Changes in family structure (e.g., parental separation or stepfamily formation) are associated with a deterioration in children’s well-being. Most researchers have focused on the impact of such changes on children’s educational and psychosocial outcomes, whereas the effects on children’s biological processes have been studied less often. We analyze the effects of changes in family structure on children’s stress levels using data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents study (2003–2006 and 2014–2017). Our outcome variable is the biomarker c-reactive protein (CRP), which correlates with psychological distress and is collected from blood samples. Calculating first-difference estimators, we analyze whether children have higher CRP levels after changing to (1) single-parent families (n = 117) or (2) stepfamilies (n = 80). Our findings suggest that changing to a single-parent family significantly increases children’s stress, whereas changing to a stepfamily does not. These observations are important because increased stress in childhood can negatively affect well-being later in life.
Contesting the intermediary power: How Chinese MCNs interact with platforms, creators, and advertisers
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Tong Tong
Published: February 2024

China currently has the largest Multi-Channel Networks (MCN) market in the world and developed a multi-layered ecosystem, which presents unique insights into our understanding of platforms as infrastructures. Through 18 semi-structured interviews and the walkthrough method, we found that Chinese MCNs can be divided into the following categories: (1) Live-streaming guilds, (2) E-commerce MCNs, (3) Agency MCNs, and (4) Old media MCNs. We also found that Chinese content platforms have not fully monopolized the intermediary power because they rely on Chinese MCNs to take on the risks of professional content production. In response, the intermediary risks of MCNs are also transferred to creators who work for MCNs. MCNs can help creators to game the algorithm and monetize their content, but can also exploit creators and leave them unprotected. The ambiguous roles played by Chinese MCNs point to an uncertain future for content platforms’ infrastructuralization at large.
Design of field shaper suitable for plate and experimental research on welding of dissimilar materials
Authors: Li Zhi , Chen Yingzi , Peng Wenxiong , Zhang Huaiqing
Published: February 2024

Magnetic pulse welding realizes solid-state connection through a high-speed collision of materials, which can effectively overcome the welding difficulties of light metal materials. In the magnetic pulse welding system, in order to improve the welding efficiency, a field shaper is usually applied between the multi-turn coil and the workpiece to concentrate the magnetic field in the welding area, thereby improving the electromagnetic force. However, a large number of researchers are currently on the tube-welded field shaper, and very few researchers have studied the structure of the plate-welded field shaper. Therefore, this paper proposed a new field shaper for plate welding. The effect of the structure parameter of the field shaper on the magnetic field and electromagnetic force on the aluminum plate was analyzed in the COMSOL multiphysics software. The optimal structure parameters of the field shaper were selected. The plastic deformation and the generation of jets under different voltages and the welding of the same/dissimilar metal materials at different standoff distances were studied experimentally, which verifies the feasibility of the new field shaper.
Performance evaluation of a novel ball screw raceway profile based on geometric close contact theory
Authors: Jiang Hongkui , Shang Xiaocheng , Zhao Jiajia , Song Xianchun , Lin Mingxing
Published: February 2024

The raceway profile greatly influences the performance of a ball screw. Although the traditional circular raceway profile is simple in structure, it can be a limitation to the load carrying capacity of ball screws. In this paper, a novel type of ball screw raceway profile is proposed based on geometrical close contact theory. Firstly, the second-order approximation curve of the ball is derived using the McLaughlin formula in the normal plane of the raceway helix, which serves as the basis for constructing the close raceway profile. The mathematical expression of the contact stress distribution of the close raceway is then obtained using Chebyshev polynomials. A comparison and analysis of the contact stress distribution between the close raceway and the conventional raceway is carried out. Furthermore, simulation models of ball screws with the close raceway profile are established and the contact behavior of the ball with both types of raceways is statically simulated using ANSYS software. The dynamic performance of both ball screws is compared and analyzed using ADAMS software. The analysis results show that compared with the conventional raceway ball screw, the close raceway ball screw has lower stress, strain, and friction torque under the same load conditions. These research results have significant implications for the structural optimization of ball screws.
Who Funds Published Disability Research in Australia?
Authors: Smith-Merry Jennifer , Darcy Simon , Dew Angela , Hemsley Bronwyn , Imms Christine , O’Donovan Mary-Ann , Gallego Gisselle , McVilly Keith , Gilroy John , Carey Gemma , Ellem Kathy
Published: February 2024

In this article, we describe the sources of funding cited, and topics of research associated with that funding, in Australian disability research. We conducted a systematic search for publicly available peer-reviewed papers reporting the findings of Australian disability research studies focused on Australia in the 2018–2020 period. Papers identified were analyzed according to research topic, participant group, study methodology, and funding sources acknowledged. In total, 1,241 relevant papers were identified. Of these, 582 papers (47%) reported at least one funding source. Government sources accounted for most funding identified ( n = 487), followed by university sector ( n = 112), nongovernment organizations ( n = 99) and for-profit organization funding ( n = 17). The most funding went to intellectual disability (22%), autism (15%), and psychosocial disability (12%). Only 16 (1.3%) papers citing funding sources reported their research was conducted in partnership with people with disability. Research funding influences the priorities of disability research, how it is conducted, and its outputs. Funding therefore shapes the information available to build evidence-based systems of service and support for and with people with disability. It is essential that research funding policies are considered in relation to broader disability policy goals and the research priorities of the disability community.
“We’re Not Miracle Workers”: An Examination of the Relationship Between Community Violence Intervention Workers and Their Participants
Authors: Bocanegra Kathryn , Aguilar Nathan
Published: February 2024

Community violence intervention (CVI) programs are civilian-led, locally oriented efforts that center around street intervention work, which involves proactive community engagement of individuals at high risk of violent victimization or perpetration. CVI professionals are peer support workers who use their experiential wisdom to mediate violent conflict and prevent victimization through engaging high-risk individuals in social services. The study comprehensively examines the relationship between CVI workers, their clients, and challenges associated with their outreach and engagement via qualitative interviews conducted among 35 CVI workers and their supervisors in Chicago. Thematic analyses identified the challenges experienced by the workforce as “work as mission,” “tethered healing,” “tethered harm,” and “falling back.” The results also lend support to firearm violence reduction potential of this professional field.
Family Member Experiences in Intensive Care Units Care: Insights From a Family Involvement Tool Implementation Trial
Authors: Alexanian Janet , Fraser Ian , Smith Orla , Kitto Simon
Published: February 2024

Family involvement is widely considered an important part of patient care in the intensive care unit. From professional health care organizations, government, and hospital associations, there has been a cultural shift toward family presence as part of a wider commitment to patient-centered care. At the same time, the meaning and impact of family involvement in the intensive care unit setting remain opaque and under-studied. This study employed an ethnographic approach to better understand family involvement in practice and from the perspective of health care professionals and family members by studying an implementation trial of a family involvement tool in two intensive care units over 2 years. The findings revealed that an expanded and self-defined role for family members as carers in the intensive care unit challenged the current configuration of the nurse patient/family relationship and that family members were aware of these dynamics. While the intensive care unit implementation teams were both motivated to implement a novel way of facilitating family involvement, the processual, organizational, and contextual factors in the intensive care units largely determined the possibilities of its application. This suggests that interventions should address the specific context in which they are employed.
The Relationships Between Multidimensional Symptom Burden, Adaptation, and Depression During Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wu Wan-Ru , Lee Li-Chun , Tsai Chin-Hsing , Hou Pen-Hsin
Published: February 2024

Prenatal depression is highly prevalent, but its relationship with the multidimensional burden of physical symptoms during pregnancy remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related physical symptom burden, including frequency, severity, and impact on life and pregnancy adaptation to prenatal depression, and to identify predictors of depression during pregnancy. The study was cross-sectional in design. A hospital-based setting providing comprehensive maternity care services from outpatient to inpatient. The sample consisted of two hundred forty-three pregnant individuals aged 20 and above with no major obstetrical complications. Structured questionnaires including demographic and obstetrical characteristics, depression, symptom burden, and pregnancy adaptation were used for data collection. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of depression. The study revealed that approximately 32% of the variance in depression scores could be explained by the combined effects of pregnancy-related physical symptom burden and pregnancy adaptation. Specifically, low-level pregnancy adaptation, high-level symptom impact on life, unmarried status, and mid-level symptom severity were identified as the main predictors of prenatal depression among low-risk pregnant individuals. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge base, emphasizing the significance of addressing and managing pregnancy-related physical symptom burden while promoting effective adaptation to pregnancy as a means to mitigate the risk of prenatal depression.
The difficult PICC insertion is associated with the significant increase of complications in 1 month follow-up
Authors: Lisova Katerina , Pavelkova Katerina , Matejckova Tereza , Simkova Petra , Hloch Ondrej , Charvat Jiri
Published: February 2024

Background:

PICC is routinely inserted with assistance of ultrasonography and/or ECG navigation (RI- routine insertion). Only in a minority of patients the insertion of a PICC is difficult and fluoroscopic visualization with introduction of special guidewire is necessary for the success of the procedure (DI-difficult insertion). The aim of the study was to evaluate whether DI can be predicted and associated with a risk of complications during follow-up.

Methods:

The study included patients who had a PICC insertion in 2022. The number of patients with RI and DI was recorded and the significance of selected parameters during insertion and the frequency of complications during 1 month follow-up was compared.

Results:

About 1404 patients had successful PICC insertion in 2022, RI in 1360 (96.8%) and DI in 44 patients (3.2%). There was no significant effect of age, gender, selected vein, its size, insertion site, and tunneling on the course of PICC insertion. However the number of punctures for needle insertion was higher in DI. The complication rate during 1 month follow-up in DI was 9 (20.4%) versus 101 patients (7.4%) in RI ( p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

PICC insertion was successful in both RI and DI patients. Of the analyzed parameters, the number of needle punctures was associated with DI, and complications during the 1-month follow-up were more frequently noted in the DI group.
‘Who, When, How to Share’: Pilot study of a new disclosure decision-making programme for autistic adults
Authors: Han Emeline , Scior Katrina , Grace Kana , Heath Eric , Dufresne Simone , Crane Laura
Published: February 2024

In this pilot study, we report on the feasibility, acceptability and potential impact of ‘Who, When, How to Share’, a new disclosure decision-making programme for autistic adults. We evaluated this programme using pre-post mixed-methods surveys that included questions about participants’ experiences of the programme and four psychosocial outcome measures. While 32 autistic adults completed the pre-programme survey and enrolled into the programme, there was high attrition, with only 19 autistic adults completing the programme and post-programme survey. We found that it was feasible to deliver the programme in a guided self-help format, although a minority of participants (who completed the programme or provided reasons for withdrawing from the programme) found it challenging to work through the programme independently and within the study time frame. High levels of satisfaction and positive qualitative feedback also suggested that the programme was acceptable to autistic adults. Participants provided useful recommendations for improvement, such as more interactive elements to enhance engagement. The programme showed potential to improve decisional conflict, disclosure-related distress, stigma-related stress and internalised stigma among autistic adults, though further evaluation of the impact of the programme is needed.

Lay abstract

‘Who, When, How to Share’ is a new programme that aims to support autistic adults in making decisions around sharing their autistic identity with others. The programme involves working through a self-help guide independently over 3 weeks with optional peer support. We wanted to find out if autistic adults would join the programme and find it useful. Thirty-two autistic adults took part in the programme and 19 of them completed it. Most participants who completed the programme liked the programme and found it helpful, but some felt that they needed more time and support to complete it. They suggested that the programme would be more accessible if it was more interactive, such as including videos and other ways to gain feedback on their progress. Surveys filled in by participants before and after the programme suggested that they became more confident and less stressed about sharing their autistic identity with others, but some felt they still needed to build more confidence in order to handle negative attitudes from others. More work is needed to improve and test the programme further.
Efficient calculation of higher order time history response derivatives by substructuring method
Authors: Li Jiajing , Wu Qiaoyun , Weng Shun
Published: February 2024

Time history response derivatives with respect to the design variables are frequently used in optimization design, damage detection, structural control, etc. This paper proposes a substructuring method for efficient calculation of higher order time history response derivatives of large-scale structures. First, the global structure is disassembled into several small substructures and the substructural displacement is projected onto the range space of a few substructural master eigenvectors. Afterwards, the derivative of substructural master eigenvectors of a few substructures containing the design variables are assembled to form the reduced first, second, and higher order sensitivity equations with a size of the number of master eigenvectors. The equivalent eigenvector which relates the slave and master eigenvectors is derived to compensate for the inertial effect of discarded slave eigenvectors. Finally, the first, second, and higher order time history response derivatives of global large-scale structure are efficiently solved from the reduced sensitivity equations by using Newmark- β method. A numerical one-bay plane frame and a numerical highway bridge are applied to verify the accuracy and efficiency of proposed substructuring method.
Experimental study on axial compression properties of concrete filled steel tubular stub columns in varying ambient temperature
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Biao , Li Zi-Qi , Zhang Yu-Xing , Yu Lu-Song
Published: February 2024

To better understand the mechanical property issues of in-service concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) bridges susceptible to natural environmental temperatures, 13 CFST stub columns were assessed under axial compression with different ambient temperatures and steel ratios, with the strength of the core concrete as the main parameters. The influence of ambient temperature on the peak strain and joint elastic modulus of the CFST stubs was investigated. The influence mechanism of steel content and core concrete strength on the residual toughness of the CFST at different ambient temperatures was revealed. In this study, we proposed a modified constitutive equation for CFST, taking into account the ambient temperature. We demonstrated that the peak strain, residual toughness ratio, and elastic modulus of the CFST stubs significantly decreased when the temperature decreased. The calculated values of the modified constitutive equation for CFST, taking into account the ambient temperature, were in good agreement with the test results and could be used to predict the trends in stress properties of the CFST stubs at different temperatures. The results could serve as a critical reference for the design and calculation of CFST structures in very cold regions.
Prevalence of Arm Weakness, Pre-Stroke Outcomes and Other Post-Stroke Impairments Using Routinely Collected Clinical Data on an Acute Stroke Unit
Authors: Dalton Emily J. , Jamwal Rebecca , Augoustakis Lia , Hill Emma , Johns Hannah , Thijs Vincent , Hayward Kathryn S.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of upper limb motor weakness early post-stroke may be changing, which can have clinical and research implications. Our primary aim was to describe the prevalence of upper limb motor weakness early post-stroke, with a secondary aim to contextualize this prevalence by describing pre-stroke outcomes, other post-stroke impairments, functional activities, and discharge destination.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study extracted clinical data from confirmed stroke patients admitted to a metropolitan stroke unit over 15-months. The primary upper limb weakness measure was Shoulder Abduction and Finger Extension (SAFE) score. Demographics (eg, age), clinical characteristics (eg, stroke severity), pre-stroke outcomes (eg, clinical frailty), other post-stroke impairments (eg, command following), functional activities (eg, ambulation), and discharge destination were also extracted.

Results

A total of 463 participants had a confirmed stroke and SAFE score. One-third of patients received ≥1 acute medical intervention(s). Nearly one-quarter of patients were classified as frail pre-stroke. Upper limb weakness (SAFE≤8) was present in 35% [95% CI: 30%-39%] at a median of 1-day post-stroke, with 22% presenting with mild-moderate weakness (SAFE5-8). The most common other impairments were upper limb coordination (46%), delayed recall (41%), and upper limb sensation (26%). After a median 3-day acute stroke stay, 52% of the sample were discharged home.

Conclusion

Upper limb weakness was present in just over a third (35%) of the sample early post-stroke. Data on pre-stroke outcomes and the prevalence of other post-stroke impairments highlights the complexity and heterogeneity of stroke recovery. Further research is required to tease out meaningful recovery phenotypes and their implications.
Prophylactic Intra-abdominal Drainage is Associated With Lower Postoperative Complications in Patients With Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Duan Ming , Cao Lei , Lu Mengjie , Zhang Tenghui , Ji Qing , Guo Xian , Guo Zhen , Wu Qiong , Liu Yuxiu , Gong Jianfeng , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Prophylactic intraoperative drains have been shown not superior for patients underwent intestinal surgery. However, for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), this needs further exploration.

Methods

In this pilot study, CD patients were randomly assigned to drain (n = 50) and no-drain (n = 50) groups. The primary endpoint was the rate of postoperative prolonged ileus (PPOI). The secondary endpoints were postoperative abdominal ascites, postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Results

The incidences of PPOI and postoperative abdominal ascites were significantly lower in the drain group (12% vs 44%; 0% vs 24%, both P < .05). Postoperative SIRS incidence and CRP levels were significantly increased in the no-drain group [36% vs 10%; 54.9 vs 34.3 mg/L, both P < .05]. In multivariate analysis, prophylactic drainage was the independent protective factor for PPOI and postoperative LOS.

Conclusions

Prophylactic drainage may be associated with improved clinical outcomes in CD patients.
Narrative Smoothing in the Wild: A Pack Based Approach to Co-Constructing Narratives for Analysis
Authors: Coley Brooke , Kellam Nadia , Maitra Debalina , Boklage Audrey
Published: February 2024

This methodology paper introduces a collective, team-based approach to constructing narratives in narrative research. The goal of the larger study was to explore the pedagogical belief and practices of engineering faculty members. The newly formed team of researchers ranged from novices to experts in the field of qualitative research, and this space created a unique opportunity to reflect on and explore the co-construction of Cody’s narrative, the first narrative that the team constructed. The narrative was smoothed and constructed in a way that reduces some of the limitations inherent in narrative smoothing, through a deliberate and intentional negotiation process. We hope that this deeper exploration of our methods is helpful for other narrative researchers who are interested in team-based approaches to co-construction of narratives.
Investigation of e-learning adoption in higher education based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model
Authors: Shah Sweety , Mehta Neha , Sunil Anitha
Published: February 2024

The use of information technologies has increased significantly in developing countries like India. Many educational institutes have adopted information and communication technology for academic and administration purposes. While technological devices on college campuses are ubiquitous, students’ readiness for E-learning in India has yet to be thoroughly explored. The study intends to investigate students' intention to adopt E-learning using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. This research was exploratory, and data was collected online from 410 students (of a single university). The findings suggest that ‘performance expectancy,' ‘effort expectancy,' and ‘social influence’ support ‘behavioral intention,' while ‘facilitating conditions’ are not favorable to support usage. Behavioral intention shows positive support for the usage of E-learning platforms. The moderating factors gender, graduation background, and region do not have an impact on behavioral intention or usage of E-learning. The study has positive implications for increasing the adoption of E-learning by the students in educational institutes, universities, and the Government.
The Well-Being of Women in Healthcare Professions: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Karakcheyeva Viktoriya , Willis-Johnson Haneefa , Corr Patrick G. , Frame Leigh A.
Published: February 2024

Background

A multidisciplinary team of health scientists and educators at an academic medical center came together to consider the various factors that impact well-being among self-identified women working in healthcare and conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify the existing body of knowledge.

Objectives

To examine how well-being is defined, what instruments are used to measure it, and correlation between professional and personal gender-specific factors that impact the well-being of women in healthcare occupations.

Methods

A total of 71 studies published in 26 countries between 1979-2022 were extracted from PubMed. Studies enrolled adult women (18-74 y.o.) healthcare professionals including nurses, physicians, clinical social workers, and mental health providers. Well-being related phenomena such as quality of life (QOL), stress, burnout, resiliency, and wellness were investigated. In this review, women are broadly defined to include any individual who primarily identifies as a woman regardless of their sex assigned at birth.

Results

The results of our analysis were consistent across the scope of the literature and indicated that women in healthcare occupations endure a significantly higher level of stress and burnout compared to their male counterparts. The following gender-specific factors were identified as having direct correlation to well-being: job satisfaction, psychological health, and work-life integration.

Conclusions

The findings from this review indicate a need for evidence-based integrative interventions across healthcare enterprises to combat stress and burnout and strengthen the resiliency and well-being of women in healthcare. Using information from this review, our team will launch a comprehensive well-being assessment and a series of interventions to support resiliency and well-being at our academic medical center.
Research on wind pressure characteristics of traditional timber buildings: a case study of the main hall of Shisi Temple
Authors: Gao Xiaoyue , Chun Qing , Han Yidan
Published: February 2024

Traditional timber buildings are sensitive to wind action. Studying the wind pressure characteristics is the premise for the preventive conservation of traditional timber buildings. To investigate the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation method for wind pressure on traditional timber buildings, a typical traditional timber building, the main hall of Shisi Temple, is chosen as a case to carry out the study. A comparative analysis is conducted to examine the effects of curve simplification of the roof slope, as well as the Dougong (bracket sets) and roof tile components, on the numerical simulation results of wind pressure on the building surface. Additionally, simplification schemes of geometric modeling are provided for the efficient and accurate simulation. The results indicate that moderate simplification of the roof curve has a relatively minor impact on the overall calculation of wind pressure, and the difference between the drag coefficients of the simplified model and the accurate model is no more than 3%. However, excessive simplification can lead to distorted simulation results, and a three-segment curve simplification method is recommended for roof cornices. The influence of Dougong on the wind pressure calculation results is negligible (within 5%), whereas roof tiles significantly reduce the drag coefficient, with an impact of over 30% at various wind directions. The impact of roof tiles on wind pressure distribution in traditional timber buildings lies in their alteration of the building aerodynamic shape rather than an increase in roof thickness. The findings can provide a basis for assessing the wind resistance of traditional timber buildings and helpful insights for improving the efficiency of wind pressure analyses of traditional timber structures.
Anti-Acinetobacter baumannii single-chain variable fragments provide therapeutic efficacy in an immunocompromised mouse pneumonia model
Authors: Basardeh Eilnaz , Piri-Gavgani Somayeh , Moradi Hamid Reza , Azizi Masoumeh , Mirzabeigi Parastoo , Nazari Farzaneh , Ghanei Mostafa , Mahboudi Fereidoun , Rahimi-Jamnani Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Background

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii as well as inadequate effective antibiotics calls for an urgent effort to find new antibacterial agents. The therapeutic efficacy of two human scFvs, EB211 and EB279, showing growth inhibitory activity against A. baumannii in vitro, was investigated in immunocompromised mice with A. baumannii pneumonia.

Results

The data revealed that infected mice treated with EB211, EB279, and a combination of the two scFvs showed better survival, reduced bacterial load in the lungs, and no marked pathological abnormalities in the kidneys, liver, and lungs when compared to the control groups receiving normal saline or an irrelevant scFv.

Conclusions

The results from this study suggest that the scFvs with direct growth inhibitory activity could offer promising results in the treatment of pneumonia caused by XDR A. baumannii.
Comparison of the effects of transversus thoracic muscle plane block and pecto-intercostal fascial block on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Mansour Mariana AbdElSayed , Mahmoud Hatem ElMoutaz , Fakhry Dina Mahmoud , Kassim Dina Yehia
Published: February 2024

Background

There is an association exists between cardiac surgery, performed through median sternotomy, and a considerable postoperative pain.

Objectives

The aim of the current study is to compare the effects of transversus thoracic muscle plane block (TTMPB) and pecto-intercostal fascial plane block (PIFB) upon postoperative opioid consumption among the patients who underwent open cardiac surgery.

Methods

The present prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted among 80 patients who underwent elective on-pump cardiac surgery with sternotomy. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups with each group containing 40 individuals. For the TTMPB group, bilateral ultrasound-guided TTMPB was adopted in which 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was used on each side. In case of PIFB group, bilateral ultrasound-guided PIFB was adopted with the application of 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side. The researchers recorded the first time for rescue analgesia, the overall dosage of rescue analgesia administered in the first 24 h after the operation and the postoperative complications.

Results

The PIFB group took significantly longer time to raise the first request for rescue analgesia (7.8 ± 1.7 h) than the TTMPB group (6.7 ± 1.4 h). Likewise, the PIFB group subjects had a remarkably lower ‘overall morphine usage’ in the first 24 h after the operation (4.8 ± 1.0 mg) than TTMPB group (7.8 ± 2.0 mg).

Conclusion

Bilateral ultrasound-guided PIFB provided a longer time for the first analgesic demand than bilateral ultrasound-guided TTMPB in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery. In addition to this, the PIFB reported less postoperative morphine usage than the TTMPB and increases satisfaction in these patients.

Trial registration

This study was registered at Clinical Trials.gov on 28/11/2022 (registration number: NCT05627869).