bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing omics data by feature combinations based on kernel functions
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Tianxiang , Lin Xiaohui
Published: August 2023

Defining meaningful feature (molecule) combinations can enhance the study of disease diagnosis and prognosis. However, feature combinations are complex and various in biosystems, and the existing methods examine the feature cooperation in a single, fixed pattern for all feature pairs, such as linear combination. To identify the appropriate combination between two features and evaluate feature combination more comprehensively, this paper adopts kernel functions to study feature relationships and proposes a new omics data analysis method KF-[Formula: see text]-TSP. Besides linear combination, KF-[Formula: see text]-TSP also explores the nonlinear combination of features, and allows hybridizing multiple kernel functions to evaluate feature interaction from multiple views. KF-[Formula: see text]-TSP selects [Formula: see text] > 0 top-scoring pairs to build an ensemble classifier. Experimental results show that KF-[Formula: see text]-TSP with multiple kernel functions which evaluates feature combinations from multiple views is better than that with only one kernel function. Meanwhile, KF-[Formula: see text]-TSP performs better than TSP family algorithms and the previous methods based on conversion strategy in most cases. It performs similarly to the popular machine learning methods in omics data analysis, but involves fewer feature pairs. In the procedure of physiological and pathological changes, molecular interactions can be both linear and nonlinear. Hence, KF-[Formula: see text]-TSP, which can measure molecular combination from multiple perspectives, can help to mine information closely related to physiological and pathological changes and study disease mechanism.
A new approach to find the magnetic flux surfaces
Authors: Güler Fatma , Kasap Emin , Altınışık Nihat
Published: August 2023

Magnetic flux surfaces allow us to examine surfaces in a laboratory environment. In this paper, we obtain differential equations to find the magnetic flux surfaces. Differential equations are needed for defining, modeling and solving engineering problems. They are particularly widely used in systems and control theory. First, we thought of linear combinations of Killing vector fields in three-dimensional Euclidean space [Formula: see text]. We obtain partial differential equations by using these vectors. We find magnetic flux surface families with the solutions of these equations. Examples of the magnetic flux surface families members found by solving each equation are given.
Experimental Study on the Nonlinear Shear-Flow Behavior of Granite With a Single Fracture
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Qiang , Yin Qian , Gu Jiayu , Jiang Binsong
Published: August 2023

The nonlinear flow behavior of granite with a single fracture at different shear displacements is researched by using the high-precision non-pulse long-time permeability test system. The effects of fracture roughness and confining pressure are studied. Forchheimer’s law and the critical normalized transmissivity can describe fluids’ nonlinear flow behavior under shear displacement. During the shear process, the change process of fluid flow can be divided into two stages, namely the sensitive change stage and the stable change stage, and the hydraulic parameters also change accordingly. The shear displacement is in the sensitive stage of 0–1[Formula: see text]mm, at this point, the nonlinear flow characteristic parameters change significantly, accompanied by a decrease in linear and nonlinear coefficients. The critical Reynolds number decreases with the increasing shear displacement and decreasing confining pressure. The increasing shear displacement and confining pressure decrease the critical hydraulic gradient. The hydraulic aperture of the fractured granite initially increases with the increase of shear displacement. The shear displacement between 1[Formula: see text]mm and 4[Formula: see text]mm is a stable stage, the characteristic parameters of fluid, critical Reynolds number and critical hydraulic gradient tend to be relatively stable and fluctuate in a small range. This is induced by the changes in the hydraulic aperture under the effects of shear displacement and confining pressure, noteworthy the influence of displacement on the hydraulic aperture is greater than that of confining pressure.
A Generic Pre-Processing Technique of IHB Method for Continuum System to Improve Calculation Efficiency
Authors: Hui Yi , Ruan Qipan , Yang Zhi-Qiang , Chen Bo
Published: August 2023

Modal discretization is commonly applied for dynamic analysis of non-linear continuum system. Considering the possible coupling effect between modes is necessary to obtain accurate results. In this case, the system may become increasingly complex, as the number of adopted modes can be a lot. Such complexity will lead to the difficulty of solution finding. This paper proposes a generic technique to simplify the governing functions by making non-linear stiffness matrix symmetric. The symmetric non-linear stiffness matrix is constructed by utilizing the mode shape vectors. The proposed procedure can theoretically guarantee non-linear stiffness matrix symmetric. The incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method is served as the main tool for finding solutions of systems. Dynamic analysis of axially moving beam and generalized suspension bridge are presented in this study for illustration. Results proved that the neighboring modes are critical during the resonance of target mode, which suggests the necessity of including sufficient modes for non-linear dynamic analysis. By applying the proposed technique, it is found that calculating time of IHB method can greatly shortened, especially for the case included modes becomes large. Results show that the time consumption with using the proposed method can be half of that not using it, when more than 5 modes are considered in the calculation.
Time-Dependent Wave Motion in a Viscous Fluid Covered by a Poroelastic Plate
Authors: Suhail Saniya , Saha Sunanda
Published: August 2023

Time-dependent wave motion coupled with bottom disturbances and poroelastic plate in a viscous incompressible fluid of finite depth is studied here. The problem is framed as an initial value problem in terms of potential and stream functions by assuming linear water wave theory. Three objectives are met in this work: first, the behaviour of the root of the dispersion relation is analyzed for plane progressive waves; second, the effect of viscosity on the asymptotic form of the plate deflection is studied. Third, the effect of plate porosity and other crucial parameters on fluid velocity are examined through various contour plots. Using Laplace and Fourier transform techniques, the expression for plate deflection is derived in terms of a highly oscillatory infinite integral and then evaluated asymptotically by using the steepest descent method. Different numerical analyses are performed by varying physical parameters such as viscosity, porosity, flexural rigidity and frequency of the wave motion. It is observed that, with an increase in the value of viscosity, the values of the real and imaginary parts of the complex root of the dispersion relation increase for frequency above a cut-off value; the maximum amplitude of the plate deflection decreases, and the vertical velocity decreases.
Study on Nonfluorinated Preparation and Properties of Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Kuang Mingxin , Yang Xiaohong , Huang Yuhua , Xu Kaijie , Ye Xia
Published: August 2023

The preparation of a superhydrophobic surface on metal can improve the self-cleaning, anti-fouling, and anti-bacterial properties of the surface. At present, the superhydrophobicity of the sample surface is mostly obtained by modifying the rough surface with fluorine-containing modifiers, which is unfavorable to the environment. Therefore, developing superhydrophobic surfaces without environmental pollution has become a research hotspot. Based on laser etching technology, the rough surface with a micro-nano dual-scale structure was prepared on aluminum alloy, and then a green and natural saturated fatty acid — myristic acid was used to modify the rough surface. Contact angle measuring instrument, depth of field microscope, scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer were used to characterize the wettability, surface morphology, and chemical composition of the modified rough surface (S1). Self-cleaning, anti-contamination, antibacterial, mechanical durability, and thermal stability of the S1 surface were tested experimentally. The wetting of droplets on hydrophobic surface was simulated by using COMSOL Multiphysics software, and a computational model was established to compare different functional structures, so as to understand the influence of parameters on the enhancement of hydrophobic properties of material surface. The results showed that the static contact angle (WCA) of the surface modified by myristic acid reached 152.3°, and the hydrophobic index was -0.808, and the WCA value first increased and then decreased with the change of modification time and concentration. With the increase of myristic acid concentration, the peak value of the contact angle WCA of S1 was negatively correlated with modification time. The self-cleaning rate, anti-stain rate, and antibacterial rate of S1 were 91.4%, 83.6% and 88.4%, respectively, showing excellent self-cleaning, anti-stain, and antibacterial ability. In the mechanical durability test, the S1 surface can resist at least 50 times tape peeling, 30 times steel wool friction and wear, the and 180[Formula: see text]g sand falling impact test still keeps superhydrophobic. In the thermal stability test, the S1 surface remains superhydrophobic after heat treatment at 100–200°C for 30[Formula: see text]h. In this study, the multifunctional superhydrophobic surface was obtained on aluminum alloy by laser etching technology combined with a green fluorine-free modifier, which provided some meaningful ideas and references for the green preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces and the application and development of superhydrophobic surfaces in biomedical metals.
High electrochemical performance of cobalt ions-doped Ni3Se4 boosted by its highly conductive hierarchical framework
Authors: Ji Jiawei , Cui Hongtao
Published: August 2023

Battery-type materials have the intrinsic feature of poor electrical conductivity, significantly affecting their electrochemical performance. At the same time, the low cycling stability of these materials is a key factor weakening the feasibility of their application in supercapacitors (SCs). Although various strategies based on nanoengineering are adopted to address these two issues, it seems that the progress so far does not prove the significant effectiveness of these strategies. In this work, a battery-type material, cobalt ions-doped Ni3Se4, is synthesized using a hydrothermal selenization procedure to address the two issues mentioned above. We preliminarily demonstrate that the electrochemical activity and cycling stability of battery-type materials depend on their intrinsically high conductivity, given that these materials have the proper structure and composition. Based on high electrical conductivity, the cobalt ions-doped Ni3Se4 exhibits high capacitive performance and remarkable cycling stability due to the synergistic effect between Ni and Co and the porous nanosheets self-supported structure. The result of this work proves that the cobalt ions-doped Ni3Se4 with the highly conductive hierarchical framework is a promising electrode material for SCs.
Insights into Molecular Mechanism of Nicotine Addiction Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Strategy
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zhao Yuhang , Chang Zewen , Chen Huan , Hou Hongwei
Published: August 2023

For exploring the molecular mechanism of nicotine addiction, nicotine addiction-related targets and signaling pathways were analyzed using network pharmacology and molecular docking. The target proteins of nicotine and addiction were obtained from SEA and Gene Cards database, respectively. Then, the overlapped targets of nicotine and addiction were considered as the targets of nicotine addiction. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed based on STRING and Cytoscape software, and the hub targets of nicotine addiction were screened based on CytoHubba and MCODE plug-ins. In addition, GO function analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for nicotine addiction targets. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the key targets of nicotine addiction. The results showed that 87 target proteins were at least involved in nicotine addiction, and the hub targets included DRD2, CHRM1, MAOA, MAOB, CHRNA7 and SLC6A4. GO function analysis referred to 591 GO entries and 31 signaling pathways were obtained through the analysis of KEGG. Molecular docking showed that nicotine could bind to the surface-active pockets of protein MAOA, MAOB, CHRNA7, DRD2 and SLC6A4 using less minimum binding free energy (< −5 Kcal/moL), which was mainly from hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. Summarily, molecular mechanism of nicotine addiction is very complex and involves in various target proteins and pathways based on network pharmacology analysis, in which target proteins MAOA, MAOB, CHRNA7, DRD2, SLC6A4 can directly interact with nicotine and cooperatively regulate different pathways such as neural ligand receptor interaction and nicotine addiction pathways to induce addiction.
Assessment of Gait Balance Control Using Inertial Measurement Units — A Narrative Review
Authors: Liang Yu-Pin , Chou Li-Shan
Published: August 2023

This narrative review examines the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) for assessing gait balance control. Impaired gait balance control is associated with an increased risk of falls and reduced mobility, particularly in older adults. Traditional methods of assessing gait balance control, such as clinical balance assessments and camera-based motion analysis, have limitations in terms of reliability, cost, and practicality. Wearable sensor technology, including IMUs, offers a more accessible and cost-effective alternative for assessing gait and balance performance in real-world settings. IMUs, equipped with tri-axial accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, can directly measure body movement and provide quantifiable data. This review explores the advantages and limitations of using IMUs for assessing gait balance control, including the measurement of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) for gait initiation, spatiotemporal gait parameters, center of mass (COM) motion during walking, and data-driven machine learning models. IMUs have shown promise in quantifying APAs, estimating gait spatiotemporal parameters, assessing COM motion, and using machine learning algorithms to classify and predict balance-related outcomes. However, further research is needed to establish standardized protocols, validate IMU-based measurements, and determine the specific IMU parameters that correlate with balance control ability. Overall, IMUs have the potential to be a valuable tool for assessing gait balance control, monitoring changes over time, and tracking interventions to improve balance control in both clinical and research settings.
Production of Pure Hydrogen through Thermocatalytic Methane Decomposition Using NiO-MgO Catalysts Promoted by Chromium and Copper Prepared via Mechanochemical Method
Authors: Pourdelan Hamid , Alavi Seyed Mehdi , Rezaei Mehran , Akbari Ehsan
Published: August 2023

The burning of fossil fuels enhanced the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and caused serious environmental problems; so, it is necessary to find a replacement energy source. Hydrogen is considered one of the clean and viable energy carriers. Thermocatalytic methane decomposition (TMD) allows the production of COx-free H2 and solid carbon with excellent attributes and high potential. In this study, 50NiO-MgO (50 wt.% NiO and 50 wt.% MgO) and Cu- and Cr-doped samples were synthesized via the mechanochemical route. Structural characteristics of the fresh and spent catalysts were analyzed by different analysis methods. The results demonstrated that the specific surface area improved by introducing chromium to the catalyst formulation. Between all of the samples, the 50NiO-MgO-15Cr2O3 (50 wt.% NiO, 35 wt.% MgO, and 15 wt.% Cr2O3) showed the higher BET surface area with an amount of 38.3 m2/g. The performance of 50NiO-MgO and Cr- and Cu-doped catalysts was tested in the thermocatalytic methane decomposition. The obtained result showed that the Cr-doped sample possessed higher methane conversion with the amount of 65% at 575°C and much better lifetime due to its positive impact on the reducibility of the catalyst. Also, the influence of GHSV (gas hourly space velocity) was investigated on the catalytic performance of this sample which was chosen as the optimum catalyst.
Antibiotic‐Potentiating Effect of Some Bioactive Natural Products against Planktonic Cells, Biofilms, and Virulence Factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Chimi Larissa Yetendje , Bisso Borel Ndezo , Njateng Guy Sedar Singor , Dzoyem Jean Paul
Published: August 2023

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes infections that are mediated by both virulence factor production and biofilm formation. In addition, many antibiotics are increasingly losing their efficacy due to the development of resistance. The screening of potentially bioactive natural compounds that have both antivirulence and antibiofilm activities to enhance antibiotic efficacy and reverse antibiotic resistance is a good strategy to overcome these issues. In this study, the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence factor activities of some bioactive natural products in combination with conventional antibiotics were evaluated against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Methods. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The checkerboard method was used to evaluate the combination interactions. Spectrophotometric and agar plate techniques were used to assess the effect of the combination on the pyocyanin production and the motility in P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strain. Results. Out of the eighteen combinations tested, ten exhibited synergistic effects against planktonic cells, seven against biofilm inhibition, and five against the eradication of mature biofilm of P. aeruginosa biofilm. The best synergistic effect was the association of amikacin and sinapic acid against planktonic cells (FICI = 0.08) with a 70‐fold reduction in the MIC value of amikacin. The same combination showed significant synergistic inhibition of biofilm formation (FICI = 0.1) and biofilm eradication (FICI = 0.15) reducing the MBIC and MBEC of amikacin by 32‐fold. Some selected synergistic combinations showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) in the inhibition of virulence factors compared to the antimicrobials alone. Conclusion. In summary, this study revealed sinapic acid as an antibiotic adjuvant and antivirulence compound to overcome P. aeruginosa infections. This finding indicates that the combinations of amikacin plus sinapic acid, ceftazidime plus thymol, and norfloxacin plus curcumin could be considered promising candidates for the development of combination therapies targeting virulence factors against P. aeruginosa infections.
Victim–perpetrator relationship, age and method of homicide in intimate and non-intimate cases of femicide from the republic of Ireland
Authors: Manifold Bernadette M
Published: August 2023

This study presents a review of femicides over 31 years (1991–2021) from the Republic of Ireland. A total of 253 cases were located and reviewed, of those 125 were intimate partner homicides (IPH) and 128 non-intimate homicides (NIH). One hundred and ninety-nine (78%) girls and women were killed by a male known to them – intimate partner (husband, partner, boyfriend, ex-partner, ex-boyfriend) (n = 125; 48%), family members (son, grandson, brother, cousin) ( n = 25; 10%) and/or acquaintances ( n = 49; 19%) from adolescence to old age. Thirty-one (12%) were killed by a stranger and 23 cases remain unsolved at this time. The method of killing depended on the relationship and age of the victim and perpetrator. The majority of IPH victims were less than 45 years of age ( n = 101). Twenty-four were over 45 years of which six were over 60 years of age. The leading method of killing in IPHs was stabbing and strangulation and this was more prevalent in those aged between 26 and 45 years. As age increases, IPH decreases with the exception of cases of IP homicide-suicide. Adolescents (13–19 years) and young women (20–25 years) were more often killed by strangulation. Strangulation was also the leading cause of death in stranger killings particularly with sexual violence. There were 20 cases of matricide, with 17 perpetrators suffering from a mental illness at the time of the killing. The leading method of homicide in non-intimate homicides was blunt force trauma.
Book review: Samir Kumar Das and Bishnupriya Basak (Eds.), The Making of Goddess Durga in Bengal: Art, Heritage and the Public
Authors: Gooptu Sarvani
Published: August 2023

Samir Kumar Das and Bishnupriya Basak (Eds.), The Making of Goddess Durga in Bengal: Art, Heritage and the Public Springer, Singapore, 2021, pp. 240. ISBN 978-981-16-0262-7.
Effect of Awake Prone Positioning on ROX Index in Critically-ill Patients With Respiratory Failure due to COVID-19
Authors: Ortac Ersoy Ebru , Erdemir Begüm , Halacli Burcin , Guven Goksel , Yildirim Mehmet , Geldigitti Ismail Tuna , Yazdali Koylu Nur , Topeli Arzu
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 pneumonia causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Prone positioning (PP) is beneficial to pulmonary physiology and improves oxygenation in patients with ARDS. We aimed to investigate the effect of the PP on oxygenation, respiratory rate (RR) and ROX index in non-intubated patients with COVID-19 associated respiratory failure and to determine whether ROX index predicts intubation. Awake critically-ill patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who underwent PP were enrolled in the retrospective, single-center study. Oxygenation parameters were recorded 1 h before PP, during PP and 1 h after return to supine position (after PP). Intubation was defined as the endpoint. Seventy-one patients with a median age of 64 [55-73] years were enrolled in the study. PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 improved during PP, this improvement did not persist after PP. RR improved during and after PP in both intubated and non-intubated patients (for all P < .001). ROX index improved only in non-intubated patients ( P < .001) but not in intubated patients ( P = .07). Area under the curve (AUC) of ROX index for intubation before PP, during PP and after PP were 0.74 [0.61-0.88] ( P = .002), 0.76 [0.62-0.91] ( P = .001), and 0.76 [0.64-0.89] ( P = .001), respectively. ROX index >6.83 before PP had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.85; ROX index >8.28 during PP had a NPV of 0.88 and ROX index >7.48 after PP had a NPV of 0.85. In logistic regression adjusted for APACHE II score, ROX index ≤6.83 before PP had an odds ratio (OR) 4.47 [1.39-14.38], ROX index ≤8.28 during PP had an OR 7.96 [2.29-27.64] and ROX index ≤7.48 had an OR 3.98 [1.25-12.61] for prediction of intubation. In conclusion, awake PP improves oxygenation and decreases RR. ROX index improved only in non- intubated patients and a higher ROX index predicts lower risk of progressing to mechanical ventilation with intubation.
‘When the Daily Commute Stops’: A Long-Distance Commuter’s Reflections on Commuting and Telecommuting across the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Trusson Clive , Chen Gwen K-W , Bridger John
Published: August 2023

This article foregrounds the working experience of a knowledge worker in the United Kingdom across three years (2019–2022) that included periods of ‘lockdown’ and other social restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Across seven separate interview extracts, it offers a longitudinal narrative on the lived experience of substituting a workday comprising a long-distance commute by car to work ‘standard’ hours for an extended workday telecommuting from home. Over time the worker paradoxically recognises that telecommuting entails added pressures of work intensification, extensification and greater domestic responsibility but this is preferable to returning to a long-distance dissatisfying commute. The reflexive narrative reveals how he embraces the pressures of telecommuting through job crafting to re-identify as an autonomous professional and more engaged care-giving parent. The article contributes to the literature on hybrid/flexible forms of work organisation emerging from the pandemic by indicating the importance of micro-level considerations and implications for gender equality.
Sexualised drug use and chemsex in Italy: A questionnaire study based on a cohort of clients attending a STI outpatient service in Milan
Authors: Giacalone Serena , Barberi Francesco , Ramoni Stefano , Casazza Giovanni , Cusini Marco , Marzano Angelo Valerio
Published: August 2023

Background

Chemsex is a heterogeneous phenomenon with differences in distribution, setting, motivations and type of substances consumed between countries. The lack of data at national level of the Italian situation creates a perception of reduced need for intervention.

Methods

Anonymous paper questionnaires were distributed to patients who had registered themselves at the STI Department IRCCS Ca’ Granda Policlinico in Milan.

Results

A significant association was demonstrated between use of sexualised drugs, chemsex and the following variables: (1). Number of partners: in the group of clients with more than five partners, sexualised drug users were more than twice compared with those in the group with less than five partners (35.2% vs 16.2%) p<0.0001. (2). Use of dating apps: more than one out of two persons who used drugs during sex affirmed looking for partners on internet, p = 0.0059. (3). Low condom uses with occasional partners: percentage of individuals who declared not to use condoms or devices during their sexual encounters with occasional partners is more than twice as high in the sexualised drug users group with respect to controls (44.6% vs 21.4%); p = 0.0006). (4). Use of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP): among the PEP users, more than half participants belonged to the sexualised drug users’ group; p = 0.0021.

Conclusions

Sexualised drug use and chemsex are frequently practiced in Milan. This survey identified a specific population with higher-risk sexual behaviours and increased incidence of acute bacterial STIs.
‘I Will Fight for People to Not Have the Experience I’ve Had’: A Thematic Analysis of the Experiences and Perspectives of Chronic Pain Lived Experience Advocates
Authors: Hartley Cameron , Penlington Chris
Published: August 2023

Navigating the healthcare system with chronic pain, alongside navigating the experience of the chronic pain itself, is recognised to be highly challenging. Frequently available interventions do not fully meet the needs of people with chronic pain. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of people who have been through these experiences and now support and campaign for improved approaches to chronic pain management. Semi-structured interviews of 10 participants who independently support others through some form of chronic pain advocacy or support were conducted online. Data were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, through a critical realist and constructivist lens. Data were interpreted to represent a journey into chronic pain advocacy, represented by three overarching themes. Advocacy as healing incorporates sub-themes of pain trauma, gaining knowledge, and using my experience for good. Unequal partnership includes respect and unmet needs from institutions. The final theme, evolution, relates to two sub-themes of pushing boundaries and personal growth. Participants talked about the dual benefit of their contribution to pain advocacy, both in terms of helping others and also their own personal benefit. Overall findings indicated that pain advocacy can take multiple and various forms. Commonly, our participants who took on the role of pain advocacy were motivated by their own early difficult experiences, both navigating their pain and healthcare systems, and by a wish for others to not have similar difficult experiences. Having taken on the role, despite its challenges, rewards can include recognition and personal growth.
“It’s Certainly Fair for Me”: Hybrid Masculinities and the Gendered Division of Labor during COVID-19
Authors: Carian Emily K. , Abromaviciute Jurgita
Published: August 2023

We draw on 31 in-depth interviews with fathers in different-sex couples to examine how their masculine performances contributed to the gender gap in household labor during the COVID-19 pandemic. The structural conditions of the pandemic created more and more intensive labor for families with young children, and we argue these conditions provided fathers with an opportunity to perform hybrid masculinities (i.e., masculinities that incorporate elements of non-hegemonic or subordinated masculinities or femininities) while simultaneously maintaining their families' unequal divisions of labor. The fathers in this study (1) exaggerated their childcare and housework contributions and commitment to egalitarianism, (2) decoupled inequality from unfairness, and (3) delayed changes in their household labor until their wives reached their breaking points. In the context of the pandemic, these hybrid masculinities exacerbated intra-couple inequality with potentially long-lasting consequences for marital satisfaction and women’s health and careers. Our study demonstrates how the very conditions that pigeonholed mothers into more traditional, restrictive routines allowed fathers to engage in new and more expansive gendered practices.
Transmission of vertical vibration through a seat cushion at the seat pan: Effect of foam physical properties during different excitation magnitudes
Authors: Luo Qiao , He Yansong , Zhang Zhifei , Gao Kaizhan
Published: August 2023

The vibration characteristics of car seats directly influence the ride comfort. Polyurethane foam is the key part of a seat, and its physical parameters have an important impact on the seat. In this study, the influence of the foam thickness and foam hardness on the vibration characteristics of seat cushion with different excitation magnitudes was investigated by using transmissibility and seat effective amplitude transmissibility (SEAT) value. First, vibration tests were carried out at a vertical vibration simulator with width-limited white noise vibration frequencies from 0.5 to 20 Hz with root-mean-square (r.m.s.) values of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 m/s2, the acceleration at the platform and the body-foam interfaces were measured to calculate the transmissibility, and the influence of the foam physical properties on the transmissibility was analyzed. Then, the SEAT value was introduced to assess the vibration isolation efficiency of the foam cushion, and the influence of the foam physical properties of the foam cushion on the vibration isolation efficiency was analyzed. With increasing thickness of the foam and decreasing hardness of the foam at the seat pan, the peak transmissibility increased and the resonance frequency decreased. The SEAT values show that increasing the foam thickness is beneficial to the improvement of the vibration isolation efficiency of the seat, but there is a diminishing return; the combination of physical parameters of low hardness and high thickness could make the vibration isolation performance of the seat better. In addition, the nonlinearity of human-seat system during different vibration magnitude was found.
Perpetrators’ Identity in Online Crimes Against Children: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sutton Samantha , Finkelhor David
Published: August 2023

Public and police concern about internet crimes against children has been primarily typified as a stranger danger problem. However, existing research suggests a variety of perpetrator ages and relationships to the victim. A more accurate estimate will help inform prevention efforts. This study provides a meta-analysis examining the identity of perpetrators in internet crimes against children. Databases were searched for published and unpublished studies using a detailed search strategy. In total, 32 studies met full inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria was the following: (1) the victim sample consisted of children under the age of 18 years or young adults (18–25) asked to respond retrospectively; (2) the study victims experienced abuse through the use of technology; (3) the study reported the identity of the perpetrator, either the relationship to the victim or the age of the perpetrator; (4) the study was available in English. The overall proportion of offenders under the age of 18 as a proportion of all identified offenders was 44% (95% CI: 0.28–0.60). The overall proportion of acquaintance and family offenders as a proportion of all identified offenders was 68% (95% CI: 0.62–0.75). Between study variability was explained by data source, with higher proportion of juvenile offenders in studies using survey data. This meta-analysis confirms that most perpetrators of online crimes against children are not strangers to their victims and a large portion of perpetrators are juveniles. Prevention education needs to focus more on inappropriate behavior from anyone in addition to the dangers about communicating with strangers.
A Modern Series of Secondary Aortoenteric Fistula – A 19-Year Experience
Authors: Sieber Sabine , Busch Albert , Sargut Mine , Knappich Christoph , Bohmann Bianca , Karlas Angelos , Friess Helmut , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Novotny Alexander
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Secondary aortoenteric fistula is a rare and life-threatening condition. Clear evidence on the ideal therapeutic approach is largely missing. This study aims to analyze symptoms, etiology, risk factors, and outcomes based on procedural details.

Patients and Methods

All patients with secondary aortoenteric fistula admitted between 2003 and 2021 were included. Patient characteristics, surgical procedure details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Outcomes were stratified and compared according to the urgency of operation and the procedure performed. Descriptive statistics were used. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of twentytwo patients (68% male, median age 70 years) were identified. Main symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding, pain, and fever. From the twentytwo patients ten patients required emergency surgery and ten urgent surgery. Emergency patients were older on average (74 vs 63 years, P = .015) and had a higher risk of postoperative respiratory complications (80% vs 10%, P = .005). Primary open surgery with direct replacement of the aorta or an extra-anatomic bypass with an additional direct suture or resection of the involved bowel was performed in sixteen patients. In four patients underwent endovascular bridging treatment with the definitive approach as a second step. Other two patients died without operation (1x refusal; 1x palliative cancer history). In-hospital mortality was 27%, respectively. Compared to patients undergoing urgent surgery, those treated emergently showed significantly higher in-hospital (50% vs 0%, P = .0033) mortalities.

Conclusion

Despite rapid diagnosis and treatment, secondary aortoenteric fistula remains a life-threatening condition with 27% in-hospital mortality, significantly increased upon emergency presentation.
Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) Artifact in the EEG of a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Gettings Jennifer V. , Stowe Robert C.
Published: August 2023

We report the first case of deep brain stimulator (DBS) artifact in the EEG of a pediatric patient. Our case is a 7-year-old male with bilateral globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS for whom the EEG recorded a rhythmic 7.5 Hz theta activity on EEG related to DBS artifact. This artifact was also appreciated as a monochromatic invariable frequency band over 7.5 Hz on density spectral array (DSA). This rhythmic artifact may mimic an ictal pattern and should be recognized as artifact in order to avoid unnecessary treatment with anti-seizure medications (ASM).
Emotions as the Enforcers of Norms
Authors: Packard Cody D. , Schultz P. Wesley
Published: August 2023

Personal and social norms are well-established predictors of proenvironmental behavior, and past research often discusses the motivational properties of different norms. However, less research has examined how individuals feel after conforming to, or deviating from, a norm. We suggest that emotions may function as norm enforcement tools that reward conformity and punish deviance. As a starting point, we outline the emotions that individuals may experience when conforming to, or deviating from, different norms (i.e., personal norms, descriptive social norms, injunctive social norms), and how these emotions can influence proenvironmental behavior. More research is needed to clarify how emotions facilitate, and possibly mediate, the influence of norms on proenvironmental behavior.
Intramedullary Nail Fixation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Fibular Nonunion: A Case Series
Authors: Kavanagh Amber M. , Schumann Jaclyn , Burgess Brian J.
Published: August 2023

Ankle fractures are a relatively common injury in the lower extremity. They can be treated with conservative management if they are nondisplaced and only involve the fibula. Nonunions at the fracture site, however, are a potential complicating factor during treatment. There is growing literature supporting the use of intramedullary fixation for fracture care. Not only does it have the advantages of using smaller incisions to preserve periosteum while providing improved biomechanical outcomes, but intramedullary reaming can help stimulate cells to promote bone healing. Few articles discuss the use and success of intramedullary reaming in revision surgery of the distal fibula. We present 3 cases of computed tomography–confirmed fibular nonunion following conservative fracture care, which underwent revision surgery with fibular nail fixation technique. These cases illustrate clinical and image findings as well as highlight the surgical technique used for each patient. At follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic and radiographs confirmed healing of the previous nonunion site. These cases are examples of successful revision for fibular fracture nonunion using intramedullary nail fixation.

Level of Evidence: Level IV: Case series
Analytics-Informed Design: Exploring Visualization of Learning Management Systems Recorded Data for Learning Design
Authors: Liu Qian , Gladman Tehmina , Muir Julia , Wang Chen , Grainger Rebecca
Published: August 2023

One apparent challenge associated with learning analytics (LA) has been to promote adoption by university educators. Researchers suggest that a visualization dashboard could serve to help educators use LA to improve learning design (LD) practice. We therefore used an educational design approach to develop a pedagogically useful and easy-to-use LA visualization solution to support data-informed LD. We interviewed four staff in a medical degree program at a New Zealand university, designed and piloted a dashboard, and evaluated it through interviews. As a proof-of-concept project, our study showed that educational design research could be meaningfully used to develop a visualization dashboard that is easy-to-use and useful. In particular, the preliminary design principles identified provide implications for practitioners who are seeking to use LA to inform LD. Finally, we reflect on the purpose of visualization dashboards in relation to the literature and identify areas for future developments.
Cross-border Threats, Reputational Costs and the Evolution of an Authoritarian Club: The Case of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Authors: Chen Ian Tsung-Yen
Published: August 2023

This article adopted a repeated stag hunt game-theoretic model to explain the evolution of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It shows that the degree of state cooperation with the SCO relates positively to the expected benefits of legitimate suppression of domestic unrest, to the material and reputational costs of enforcing anti-human rights norms, to the continuation of the three evils and to the tolerance for other members’ occasional betrayal. The SCO thus faces a dilemma. On the one hand, to sustain cooperation, it supports authoritarian leaders’ suppression of political dissidents. On the other hand, the SCO’s norms hostile towards human rights violate established international standards, thereby increasing the potential costs of mutual support. China’s global hunt for Uyghurs, the extension of membership, and Russia’s aggression in the region raise potential costs and harm the mutual trust within the SCO. These factors may gradually undermine leaders’ willingness to support the SCO.
Book review: Sameer Patil, Securing India in the Cyber Era
Authors: Sharma Lokendra
Published: August 2023

Sameer Patil, Securing India in the Cyber Era. London and New York: Routledge, 2022, 81 pp. ISBN: 978-1-032-25019-9.
A Cluster Analysis of Oral and Cognitive Health Indicators in the CLSA: An Exploratory Study on Cholinergic Activity as the Link
Authors: Rohani K. , Nicolau B. , Madathil S. , Booij L. , Jafarpour D. , Haricharan P.B. , Feine J. , Alchini R. , Tamimi F. , de Souza R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Poor oral health has been suggested as a risk factor for cognitive decline. Yet, biologically plausible mechanisms explaining this relationship remain unknown.

Objectives:

We aimed (1) to identify oral and cognitive health clustering patterns among middle-aged to elderly Canadians and (2) to investigate the extent to which these patterns could be explained by bone mineral density (BMD), a proxy measure of the cholinergic neurons’ activity.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA). Oral health was assessed by a self-report questionnaire, and 7 task-based instruments measured cognitive health. We identified oral and cognitive health clusters, our outcome variables, using latent class analysis. Two sets of multivariate logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals were used to investigate whether BMD explains the odds of membership in a certain oral and cognitive health group. The final models were adjusted for socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle factors.

Results:

Our study sample (N = 25,444: 13,035 males, 12,409 females) was grouped into 5 and 4 clusters based on the oral health status and performance on the cognitive tasks, respectively. After adjusting for all potential covariates, increase in BMD was not associated with higher odds of membership in classes with better oral health (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.85–2.92]) and cognitive health (OR = 1.61 [95% CI: 1–2.6]) compared with the groups with the least favorable oral and cognitive health status, respectively.

Conclusion:

Middle-aged and elderly Canadians show different oral and cognitive health profiles, based on their denture-wearing status and performance on cognitive tests. No evidence could be found to support BMD in place of cholinergic neurons’ activity as the common explanatory factor behind the association between oral health and cognitive health.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study is probably the first of its kind to shed light on the cholinergic system as a potential pathway influencing oral and cognitive health. Our findings may support the notion that any potential association between poor oral health and cognitive health might be explained by common contributors, helping clinicians to find the common risk factors for both conditions.
Tribal Self-Governance in Jharkhand: Insights into the Implementation of Self-Rule through Pathalgadi Practices
Authors: Prasad Sachchidanand , Sole Nagendra Ambedkar
Published: August 2023

Gram Sabha is the lowest functionary of grassroots democracy in India. An empowered Gram Sabha is the base for establishing a sound democratic system. The article highlights the Pathalgadi movement as a critical way of empowering Gram Sabha. A recent argument from Jharkhand High Court about tribal self-governance has raised the relevancy of local governance in fifth scheduled areas. Jharkhand High Court also obliges about the power of Gram Sabha from Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) of Jharkhand. The study’s rationale is to raise the concern of inclusion of tribal self-governance and the provisions of PESA Jharkhand in Panchayati Raj. The article elaborates on the historical background of the Gram Sabha, the empowerment of Gram Sabha in scheduled areas and its present status, analyses how PESA Act, 1996 and Forest Rights Act, 2006 have enabled democratic decision-making in Gram Sabha and the validity of Pathalgadi movement as a critical way of empowering Gram Sabha. The article concludes that government must not intervene with the rights of the indigenous tribes.
Assessing Trustworthiness of Internet Pharmacies with an Internet Browser Extension
Authors: Patel Vraj , Lovett Mason , Rybarczyk Ryan , Hertig John
Published: August 2023

Background:

Many people are turning to online pharmacies for medication purchases leading to a growing number of legal and illegal online pharmacies (IOPs). With a growing number of IOPs, consumers are more likely to receive substandard or falsified medications when purchasing medications online.

Objectives:

This study aims to identify the number of verified, not recommended, and not verified pharmacy websites consumers see using different keywords and medications on an Internet browser based off the National Association Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) list of verified and not recommended websites. It also aims to compare which keywords result in more not recommended pharmacy websites compared with verified pharmacy websites for consumers over time.

Design and Methods:

We created an Internet browser extension compatible with different Internet browsers to quickly identify which search results are verified, not recommended, and not verified based on NABP lists. We then utilized an application programming interface to automatically search different key terms and classify the search results as verified, not recommended, and not verified over a 4-week data collection period for analysis.

Results:

A total of 131 key terms were used for the search. There was an average signal determining the number of verified and not recommended search results compared with not verified results of 4.3% over the 4-week data collection period. There was about a 3:1 ratio of not recommended to verified search results noted. Top signal and not recommended search result producing keywords contained words such as “shipped” and “cheap.”

Conclusion:

The Internet browser extension will aid in making it easier to identify which search results are safe and which are not safe when searching to purchase medications online. This study has set the premise on expanding how to use an Internet pharmacy extension to combat IOPs, improve patient safety, and increase safe access to medications.