bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The iron cage of the music teaching profession: A multi-case study on how primary music teachers in Spain understand bureaucracy
Authors: Mateos-Moreno Daniel , Bravo-Fuentes Paloma
Published: September 2023

Despite being an unavoidable part of the music teaching profession, bureaucracy remains an under-studied and ill-defined topic in the research literature. However, its investigation may benefit the music teaching profession by re-thinking policy, informing music teacher education programmes and fostering a mutual understanding among music teachers and policymakers. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the understandings of Spanish music teachers in relation to bureaucracy and to compare these with the views of the teachers of other subjects in primary education. The perspective of purposefully selected music teachers were thus explored in-depth and contrasted with the views of their counterparts in a multiple case-study design. Our findings contribute a taxonomy of bureaucracy in the music teaching profession. Additionally, we conclude that the views of our music teacher participants on bureaucracy are mainly negative and slightly more pessimistic than those of their counterparts. In discussing our results, we connect these views with the Weberian ‘iron cage’ of bureaucracy and Arendt’s ‘government of Nobody’ as a substitute for democracy in governing education. Finally, we hypothesise a dystopic future of deprofessionalisation as a result of these primary music teachers’ declared lack of control over their own organisational tasks.
How internationalization leads to more CSR: The case of Japanese firms
Authors: Roedder Felix , Schmid Stefan
Published: September 2023

While CSR has become an integral part of most firms’ agendas, questions remain as to why some firms embrace CSR more than others. By drawing on legitimacy theory, we suggest that firms that are exposed to elevated levels of internationalization are more prone to engage in CSR. We differentiate between the internationalization of activities, the internationalization of ownership, and the internationalization of boards and propose that each dimension has a distinct effect on CSR. Our empirical analysis focuses on Japan, a country where CSR has previously been considered a “foreign” concept. With our study, we emphasize the role of legitimacy as a source of firms’ increasing engagement in CSR and underline the necessity for a more differentiated view of the internationalization-CSR relationship. We also provide practical implications as we suggest firms to use CSR as a solution to respond to legitimacy threats resulting from internationalization.
The Effect of Combining Hyaluronic Acid and Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Tendon Healing
Authors: Rhee Sung-Min , Jeon Saewha , Han Jikhyon , Kim Yun Hee , Jeong Hyeon Jang , Park Joo Hyun , Oh Joo Han
Published: September 2023

Background:

The incidence of rotator cuff tears is rapidly increasing, and operative techniques for rotator cuff repair have been developed. However, the rates of postoperative retear remain high.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine the effects of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) with hyaluronic acid (HA) on tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit model of chronic rotator cuff tear injury. It was hypothesized that HA would enhance HDF proliferation and that a combination of HA and HDFs would produce a synergistic effect on the healing of repaired rotator cuff tendons of rabbits.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

For in vitro study, HDFs were plated on a 24-well plate. After 1 day, 2 wells were designated as the test group and treated with 0.75% HA in phenol red–free Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). An other 2 wells served as control groups and were treated with the same volume of phenol red–free DMEM without HA. Each group was duplicated, resulting in a total of 4 wells, with 2 wells in each group for replication purposes. The cells were incubated for 24 hours, followed by 72-hour cultivation. Absorbance ratios at 96 and 24 hours were compared to evaluate cell proliferation. For the in vivo study, a total of 24 rabbits were randomly allocated to groups A, B, and C (n = 8 each). Supraspinatus tendons were detached bilaterally and left for 6 weeks to establish a chronic rotator tear model. Torn tendons were subsequently repaired using the following injections: group A, 0.5 × 106 HDFs with HA; group B, HA only; and group C, saline only. At 12 weeks after repair, biomechanical tests and histological evaluation were performed.

Results:

In vitro study showed that HDF proliferation significantly increased with HA (HDFs with HA vs HDFs without HA; 3.96 ± 0.09 vs 2.53 ± 0.15; P < .01). In vivo, group A showed significantly higher load-to-failure values than the other groups (53.8 ± 6.9 N/kg for group A, 30.6 ± 6.4 N/kg for group B, and 24.3 ± 7.6 N/kg for group C; P < .001). Histological evaluation confirmed that group A showed higher collagen fiber density and better collagen fiber continuity, tendon-to-bone interface maturation, and nuclear shape than the other groups (all P < .05).

Conclusion:

This controlled laboratory study verified the potential of the combination of HDFs and HA in enhancing healing in a chronic rotator cuff tear rabbit model.

Clinical Relevance:

A potential synergistic effect on rotator cuff tendon healing may be expected from a combination of HDFs and HA.
Exploring linguistic variation in Pakistani English newspaper editorials through multidimensional analysis
Authors: Fatima Mahrukh , Siddique Ali Raza , Ahmad Muhammad , Mahmood Muhammad Asim
Published: September 2023

This research investigated linguistic variation in Pakistani English newspaper editorials employing multidimensional analysis to identify: distinguished language feature; and linguistic variation in the light of textual dimensions model. Corpus comprised 1,000 editorials from four newspapers. Results showed the distinguished use of nouns, public verbs and sentence relatives thereby the editorials were found focusing on narrative, explicit and informational discourse. These results led to conclude about the presence of linguistic variation in Pakistani English newspaper editorials.
Infection prevention and control for diverse vulnerable populations: From an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic to sustainable improvement
Authors: Bisaillon Susan , Stemp Sandy , Ostrowska Krystyna , Ramprashad Melissa , Herbert Samantha
Published: September 2023

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, organizations providing residential and respite care for individuals with developmental disabilities and complex care needs in the Greater Toronto Area were largely unprepared. As case numbers surged, they lacked the expertise and resources needed to prevent spread across populations that are highly vulnerable to infection and poor outcomes. This article describes how these organizations, led by Safehaven, responded to an unprecedented emergency, and how the response is leading to sustainable improvements in care and safety for diverse vulnerable groups in congregate care settings. As the pandemic advanced, the Safehaven Program evolved with the solidification of the role of Infection Prevention and Control Champion lead role in Ontario and partnership with Reena in York Region.
Antibiotic Use in Dental Care of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in Sweden
Authors: Ljungquist Ditte , Andersson Magnus , Areskog Marlene , Andersson Anna-Maria
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest threats to global health. In society as well as in healthcare facilities, antimicrobial resistance is rapidly increasing with the main reason being overuse and misuse of antibiotics combined with inadequate infection prevention. For humans, dental care accounts for about 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions, making it an important target for antibiotic stewardship interventions. Corresponding figures for veterinary care are currently lacking but dental disease is frequently diagnosed in small animals. An important first step in the work towards prudent use of antibiotics is to understand antibiotic prescription habits and through that estimate the adherence to veterinary antibiotic guidelines as well as the need for education, training, and improved policies. The aim of this article is to present the results of a multicentre point prevalence survey sent to Swedish IVC Evidensia practices during autumn 2021 to recognize the use of antibiotics associated with dental treatments in dogs, cats, and rabbits. During the study period, 4.4% of the dental patients in Swedish IVC Evidensia small animal veterinary practices received antibiotics. The most used antibiotics prescribed were ampicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin indicating an overall high level of compliance to veterinary dental guidelines. This article demonstrates that Swedish veterinarians use antibiotics prudently in small animal dentistry and the results may be used as a future global benchmark.
Geometric error calibration and analysis of rotary axes on a five-axis dispensing machine
Authors: Yin Song , Zhou Haibo
Published: September 2023

Geometric rotary axis errors are one of the main factors affecting the dispensing positioning accuracy of five-axis vision dispensing machines. Hence, the accurate detection and compensation of these error terms is an important and challenging problem. In this study, a decoupling identification method for both position-dependent geometric errors and position-independent geometric errors of a rotary dispensing table is proposed based on vision measurement technology. According to this strategy, the screw theory and exponential product formula are used to establish a kinematic model of the end-effector, followed by the definition of the mapping relationship between position-independent geometric errors and axis posture. Then, to separate the coupling error terms of the rotating axes, a step-by-step identification strategy is proposed based on the least squares method. Furthermore, a coordinate search-based error compensation algorithm is developed, which avoids the inverse singular value problem and is insensitive to the error model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed identification algorithm and compensation algorithm is experimentally validated.
A calibration method for predicting and compensating the flexible positioning errors of a 7-DOF series compliant robot caused by end-effector’s gravity
Authors: Gao Yue , Xu Jiqian , Zhao Qiankun , Fang Lijin , Cao Xinxing
Published: September 2023

Due to low stiffness of compliant series robot body, the influence of joint flexible deformation caused by the gravity load of the end-effector on the absolute positioning accuracy cannot be ignored. In order to improve the flexible positioning accuracy of the robot end-effector, a calibration method for predicting and compensating the flexible positioning error of the 7-DOF series compliant robot due to the gravity load of the end-effector is proposed. The method identifies and predicts the pose configuration with similar flexible positioning error through the semi-parametric error model based on joint stiffness identification and of BP neural network. The feedforward method is used to compensate the positioning error. In this study, a 7-DOF series compliant robot is selected as the research object. Based on the principle of error similarity, the measurement points and the corresponding pose configurations are selected as the training data for the parameter identification of the semi-parametric error model, and the flexible positioning errors on the continuous trajectory of the end-effector are compensated according to the predicted values of the model. When the mass of the end-effector is 5 kg, by this method, the maximum value, mean value and mean square error of flexible positioning error on multiple straight-line trajectories on the plane are increased from 8.4779, 5.6039, and 1.8496 mm to 0.9720, 0.3079, and 0.2303 mm, respectively. It means the positioning accuracy are increased by 88.53%, 94.50%, and 87.55%, respectively, by which could observe that the precision of this robot’s end-effector was significantly improved.
Wear study of CBN tools in laser ultrasonic composite cutting of cemented carbide
Authors: Zhang Changjuan , Hu Junchao , Wang Zhenyu , Cao Yongjing
Published: September 2023

The laser ultrasonic composite cutting (LUCC) process was proposed by combining laser heating-assisted cutting (LHAC) and elliptical ultrasonic vibration cutting (UVC). In the process of cutting experiment, cubic boron nitride (CBN) is selected as the tool’s material. The wear morphology and wear appearance of the tools were observed by super depth-of-field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to research the wear characteristics and wear mechanism of CBN tools during LUCC of cemented carbide. Compared with conventional cutting (CC), UVC and LHAC, during LUCC of cemented carbide with CBN tools the tool wear are significantly reduced by 45.11%, 28.92%, and 17.39% respectively, the cutting force are decreased by 61%, 44%, and 46% respectively, and the surface roughness are lowered by 77%, 55%, and 62% respectively, therefore the tool life is obviously lengthened. Moreover, the tool flank wears model of during LUCC of cemented carbide was established and verified by the tool flank face wear test. The results show that when the CBN tool is used for LUCC of cemented carbide, the wear band on the tool’s rake face is basically parallel to the cutting edge and is in the shape of a long strip, and the wear band on the tool’s flank face shows a triangular-shaped wear band accompanied by shallow pits and grooves; In the process of the LUCC of cemented carbide, the main causes of CBN tool wear include adhesive wear, oxidation wear and abrasive wear are the main causes of CBN tool wear during LUCC of cemented carbide; The faster the cutting speed, the bigger the error among the experimental value with the calculated value, and the wear of tool’s flank face during LUCC of cemented carbide gradually increased.
Fault diagnosis of train traction motor bearing based on improved deep residual network
Authors: Sun Haimeng , He Deqiang , Lao Zhenpeng , Jin Zhenzhen , Liu Chang , Shan Sheng
Published: September 2023

As one of the important components of train traction motor, the bearing plays a key role in ensuring the safety of train operation. At present, the existing fault diagnosis methods for train traction motor bearings have the disadvantages of poor feature extraction ability, slow diagnosis speed, and low diagnosis accuracy. To solve the above problems, an improved deep residual network (IDRN) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a new residual convolution block (RCB) is proposed to improve the extraction ability of hidden features. Secondly, the squeeze and excitation block (SE) is embedded in the residual block to increase the sensitivity of the model to features. Lastly, Adan is selected as the optimizer to increase the convergence speed of IDRN. The train traction motor bearing bench built by our research team is selected for the experiment. The results show that the test accuracy of IDRN on the bearing dataset of train traction motor is 98.72%, which is at least 2.27% higher than other comparative models. The IDRN model converges with fewer iterations in the training process, shortening the entire experiment time. At the same time, the CWRU bearing dataset and the bearing dataset with natural defects are selected for comparative verification. The experimental results show that the IDRN model exhibits strong robustness and practicability on different datasets.
Sociodemographic factors associated with acceptance of index case testing among newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus-positive clients in southern borno, Nigeria
Authors: Shallangwa Muktar Musa , Bello Hassan Muhammad , Musa Shuaibu Saidu , Iwenya Honesty Chukwudi , Hamid Raihanatu Mohammed , Hussaini Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Background

The study aimed to explore the sociodemographic factors associated with the acceptance of index case testing (ICT) among newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Southern Borno, Nigeria.

Methods

The study involved four healthcare facilities providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in Southern Borno, Nigeria. Secondary data from the index case testing register were collected between April 2022 and April 2023. Categorical variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses was used to determine the factors associated with ICT acceptance, using a 95% confidence interval and significance level of p ≤ .05.

Results

Among the 302 index cases offered ICT, the acceptance rate was 69.5%. Individuals aged 25–49 years (AOR: 0.294, 95% CI: 0.098–0.775) and 50 years and above (AOR: 0.210, 95% CI: 0.046–0.862) were less likely to accept ICT compared to those aged 18–24 years. Married individuals were 38.86 times more likely to accept ICT than those who were single and never married (AOR: 38.856, 95% CI: 12.620–171.674).

Conclusion

The study shows high ICT acceptance among newly diagnosed PLHIV in Southern Borno, with age and marital status as significant factors. These findings can guide targeted interventions to enhance ICT acceptance and enhance HIV care and prevention strategies in the region.
Viral load and sexually transmitted infection testing among youth with HIV in a southern United States clinic
Authors: Budhwani Henna , Hao Jiaying , Maragh-Bass Allysha C. , Hill Samantha , Long Dustin M. , Simpson Tina
Published: September 2023

Background: As compared to their older peers, youth with HIV (YWH) are less likely to attain viral suppression and have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI). In this exploratory study, we examine the relationship between HIV viral suppression, STI testing, and STI diagnosis among YWH receiving care at a clinic in the southern United States.

Methods: Data from 933 clinical visits (2017–2020) were aggregated into singular patient records for YWH aged 10–24 years in Alabama ( N = 139). Analyses included univariate generalized linear mixed models performed with the PROC GLIMMIX procedure approximating the marginal likelihood by using Laplace’s method.

Results: Sample median age was 22 years at the index visit. Most YWH were 20–24 years old (69.1%), male (67.6%), and identified as Black (77%); 58.3% were virally unsuppressed at index visit. YWH who identified as White or of other races had 4.79 times higher odds of being virally suppressed as compared to Black YWH ( p < .01); STI testing behavior and STI positive diagnosis were associated with lower odds of being virally suppression.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that among YWH, receiving STI testing and having an STI diagnosis is associated with a lack of viral suppression, suggesting that extra efforts may be necessary to support YWH who have an STI to attain suppression. Research is needed to examine individual behaviors, structural forces, and clinic features that could impact STI care engagement, specifically among unsuppressed YWH.
Estimating the Influence of Product Attributes on Consumers Preference for Santiniketan Leather Craft Products
Authors: Das Sanjib Kumar , Dave Dushyant
Published: September 2023

Santiniketan leather craft products are popular handicrafts with attributes that inspire consumers to get them as souvenirs. The attributes such as price, design and store location, meet competition among leather-based handicraft retailers that influence the consumer purchase decision. The study identifies the product attributes that affect the purchase decision of Santiniketan leather craft products among consumers. The research is a quantitative study involving consumers with the experience of buying Santiniketan leather craft products that are either leather batik or printed batik products. Descriptive and multiple regression approaches were used for data analysis. The result revealed that consumer purchase decisions are influenced by price attributes, followed by design and store location.
Construction of a New Index of Financial Inclusion
Authors: Yadav Ashutosh , Hazarika Ishan Kashyap , Yadav Deepshikha
Published: September 2023

While we recognise that there exists no perfect method to construct indices in general, the problems with the widely used methods of constructing indices for financial inclusion (FI) stand out due to the peculiar nature of the variables of concern. First, FI is not unidimensional. It includes aspects of access, knowledge and usage of financial services at the least. Second, these different dimensions may not be perfect substitutes. Increasing financial literacy, for example, does not necessarily compensate for a lack of access due to the unavailability of bank branches nearby. Any index of FI thus must make sure that exceedingly good performance in one dimension should not be able to fully compensate for poor performance in another dimension in the index values. A discussion of how various researchers have tried to solve these problems in the past can be found in Sarma (2015) . We begin with a discussion of the Index of Financial Inclusion methodology proposed by Sarma (2015) and provide a new interpretation of what such indices may measure, based on a consideration of the distribution of the performances of various countries and the resulting entropy. Highlighting the unrealistic assumption of this methodology, we propose a new method to create sub-indices and the New Index of Financial Inclusion.

JEL: C18, C40, G50, G59, O10
Does Regulation Matter? Assessing the Long-run Impact of Regulation on the Cost Efficiency of the Microfinance Institutions in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Taiabur , Khaleque Md. Abdul , Arifuzzaman Md.
Published: September 2023

Bangladesh started regulating microfinance in 2006 by establishing the Microcredit Regulatory Authority, which granted licenses to 746 microfinance institutions (MFIs) and supervised them through prudential and non-prudential regulations. Economic regulation is relatively inexpensive. It affects performance which is mostly reflected in the costs and revenues of the MFIs. This paper investigates the relationship between cost efficiency and regulation using data from 534 MFIs. Cost efficiency was measured using the stochastic frontier model and the ordinary least-squares method to find the inefficiency determinants. It was observed that microcredit regulation reduced the cost-inefficiency of the MFIs significantly in Bangladesh.
Marine Fishing Community in South India and Impacts of Technological Transformation
Authors: Pukkalla Dalibandhu , Mohan K. R. Rama
Published: September 2023

Over the past two decades, India’s marine fisheries sector has experienced significant changes. Adopting various technological interventions has brought substantial changes to the everyday social life of fishing communities, affecting their economic and social well-being. This article provides an ethnographic analysis of how modernized fishing practices have impacted the industry and people’s lives. It is also observed how, partly as a result changing marine ecological conditions introduced further coping mechanisms and adaptive livelihood practices in this fishing community, including gender-based changes. This article articulated recent technological innovations which have led to economic and livelihood distress in small-scale fisheries. There should be a balanced and smooth way of shifting towards these modern technologies, not at the cost of their invaluable knowledge systems and practices, which must be included.
Occupational Strategies in Coastal Villages of the Lower Bengal Delta: Questions for Sustainability
Authors: Datta Dilip Kumar , Rabeya Israth , Mallick Bishawjit
Published: September 2023

Occupations in the Lower Bengal Delta have been disrupted for various reasons, such as natural disasters, social degradation, economic crisis, and political revenge. It results in changing their traditional occupations. This study discusses how traditional occupations can be made sustainable in the future. An empirical study has been conducted in two villages in the Shyamnagor subdistrict of Satkhira district in southwestern coastal Bangladesh. The empirical methods included 310 household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Results show that 15 professions have been recorded and grouped into four categories: zero-capital instant wage occupations, minimum capital-end rewarding occupations, intellectual occupations, and capital-based occupations, depending on the type of capital. These categories accommodate mainly hand-based occupations—a trend most experienced in stressed environmental conditions. The intellectual occupations desire more institutional support for their sustainability. However, the sustainability of current occupational strides can be achieved by healthy external subsidies for applying knowledge and tangible inputs with information, communication, and technology support, as suggested by households (HH) involved in capital-based occupations. These HH suggested an integrated approach for occupational stride; however, such occupations are primarily land-based. The current climate-induced hazards to land and water’s physicochemical attributes suggest an uncertain return from such capital-based, land-oriented occupations. Thus, this study suggests that hand-based occupations have a better chance for sustainability than subsidised capital-based land-oriented occupations.
The Current Challenges of Sustainable Aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific Region and the Measures Recommended
Authors: Virapat Cherdsak
Published: September 2023

A key output from the GCA +20 has highlighted the principles and strategic pathways to maximise the contribution of sustainable aquaculture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and meeting the pledge of ‘Leaving no one behind’. Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, their country members and partners collaborate and cooperate with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other UN specialised agencies for building climate resilience in aquaculture and agriculture systems for supporting small-scale and subsistence farmers in Asia and the Pacific Region. Aquaculture growth can be sustained through mitigating the impacts of aquatic animal diseases, addressing the antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, adapting and mitigating climate change, addressing food safety in the entire market chain from hatchery to consumer, identifying the capacity-building needs, and organising training courses and technology transfer for small scale fish farmers. The growing transboundary movement of aquatic animals calls for regional cooperation and collaboration among members to improve the conditions for sustainable aquaculture. NACA assists members in assuring the safety and quality of aquaculture products in member countries, which will likely assist small-scale farmers to adapt to the changing trade and safety environment. Cluster-based management approaches and forming farmer societies are promoted as practical mechanisms for implementing better management practices.
Application and Extension of the Alcohol Recovery Narratives Conceptual Framework
Authors: Subhani Mohsan , Talat Usman , Knight Holly , Morling Joanne R. , Jones Katy A. , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Ryder Stephen D. , Rennick-Egglestone Stefan
Published: September 2023

Recovery narratives are personal stories of health problems and recovery. A systematic review proposed a conceptual framework characterising alcohol misuse recovery narratives, consisting of eight principal dimensions, each with types and subtypes. The current study aims to apply and extend this preliminary conceptual framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect alcohol misuse recovery narratives from adult participants. A two-stage inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach was used to assess the relevance of the dimensions and types included in the preliminary conceptual framework and identify new components. The sample consisted of 11 participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who had previously displayed varying degrees of alcohol misuse. All conceptual framework dimensions (genre, identity, recovery setting, drinking trajectories, drinking behaviours and traits, stages, spirituality and religion, and recovery experience) were present in the collected narratives. Three dimensions were extended by adding types and subtypes. Whilst the existing conceptual framework fitted the collected narratives, a new dimension describing the alcohol environment was required to fully characterise narratives. Types included in the alcohol environment dimension were policy and practice and social dynamics. The extended framework could guide the production of resources enabling clinicians to engage with narratives shared by their clients.
Regional Governance and Multiplex Networks in Environmental Sustainability: An Exponential Random Graph Model Analysis in the Chinese Local Government Context
Authors: Shen Ruowen
Published: September 2023

Chinese city governments have collaborated increasingly to address regional environmental issues by participating in informal and formal collaborative networks. However, collaboration among cities involves collaboration risks. This study investigates how cities strategically select collaborative partners in informal and formal networks in the context of the Yangtze River Delta in China. This study addresses this question by assessing the nature of collaborative problems in the informal and formal networks, the extent of homophily in actors’ preferences, and their relationship multiplexity. Findings from Exponential Random Graph Analysis demonstrate: (1) city governments tend to connect to the popular actor and create relationship closure in the informal network, while only forging relationship closure in the formal network; (2) homophily (in water pollution) and heterogeneity (in air pollution) jointly affect city governments’ choices of collaborative partners in the formal network; and (3) the presence of relationship multiplexity wherein the formation of formal ties is built between city governments with pre-existing informal interactions. The findings advance our knowledge of collaborative partner selection and local collaborative governance in China.
The Effect of Breast Milk Odor on Feeding Cues, Transition Time to Oral Feeding, and Abdominal Perfusion in Premature Newborns: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Yücel Adalet , Küçükoğlu Sibel , Soylu Hanifi
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of odor stimulation with breast milk (BM) applied to premature newborns before and during enteral feeding on feeding cues, transition time to oral feeding and abdominal perfusion. Design: This study was a parallel group pretest-post test randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods: The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Türkiye. Study data were collected from 32 premature newborns between October 2020 and December 2021. Newborns were randomly assigned to either intervention ( n = 16) or control ( n = 16) groups. Odor stimulation with BM was applied to newborns in the intervention group (IG) before and during enteral feeding for 3 days. Data were collected with the Newborn Information Form, Abdominal Perfusion Follow-up Form, and Feeding Cues Follow-up Form. Yates corrected and Fisher chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen Kappa statistics, Permanova analysis, and Wilcoxon test were used in the analysis. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04843293). Results: The frequency of feeding cues in newborns who were exposed to the odor of BM, was higher than in the control group (CG) ( p < .05). The transition times to oral feeding were similar in newborns in the IG and CG ( p > .05). Abdominal perfusion level of newborns in the IG was higher than the CG ( p < .05), and the level of abdominal perfusion showed a significant difference in terms of group*time interaction ( p < .05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that odor stimulation with BM will be beneficial in improving the digestive functions of premature newborns.
Neurodevelopment of patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab or aflibercept for type 1 and aggressive retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Baysal Senay Guven , Ekinci Dilbade Yildiz , Okur Nilufer
Published: September 2023

Purpose

We aimed to compare the neurodevelopment of patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and aggressive ROP (A-ROP) using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) test.

Methods

Patients who underwent IVB (group 1), IVA (group 2), and patients who did not receive treatment (group 3) were included in the prospective-controlled study. The patients were grouped as low-intermediate-high risk according to the high-risk infant follow-up guide. With the ASQ-3 test, fine and gross motor movements, communication, problem solving, and personal-social developments of the patients were compared.

Results

The gender distribution, birth weight (BW), and neonatal risk category of the groups were similar. Gestational age (GA) of group 1 was found to be lower compared to group 3. There was no difference between the groups in the development of gross and fine motor movements, communication and problem solving. The personal and social development of group 1 and group 2 was found to be retarded compared to the control group.

Discussion

As a result, the detection of retardation in the personal and social areas in the treated patients, and the detection of retardation in other areas, although not significant, reveals the necessity of following the development of these patient groups and providing the necessary support in the areas where retardation is detected.
Clinacanthus nutans L Extracts Reduce the Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Malondialdehyde, and Interleukin-6 Levels and Improve the Langerhans Islet Area in Diabetic Rat Models
Authors: Mustika Arifa , Fatimah Nurmawati , Safitri Indri , Susanti Nurlaili , Noor Nurul Shahfiza
Published: September 2023

Background:

Diabetes mellitus-induced hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production, which play a significant role in the damage and apoptosis of pancreatic β cells. Therefore, the administration of medications that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation plays an important role in diabetes treatment.

Objective:

To probe the Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and the Langerhans islet area in diabetic rat models.

Design:

An experimental laboratory in the animal model.

Methods:

Twenty-five diabetic rat models were randomly assigned into 5 clusters. Clusters 1, 2, and 3 were administered with C. nutans leaf extract in aqueous suspension with vehicle 1% Na-CMC at 75 mg/kg body weight (BW), 150 mg/kg BW, and 300 mg/kg BW, respectively. Cluster 4 was diabetic control rats administered with metformin at a 21 mg/rat dose. Cluster 5 was a control diabetic rat only administered with 1% Na-CMC suspension. Treatment was administered orally for 14 days. On the 15th day, the rats were sacrificed to obtain blood samples and pancreatic tissues. Serum interleukin (IL)-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Histopathological examination was performed by counting the Langerhans islet areas.

Results:

The average IL-6, MDA, and TNF-α levels declined in the cluster receiving C. nutans extract and were significantly different from the untreated cluster ( P < .05). Histopathological examination revealed a significant upsurge in the Langerhans islets area in diabetic rats receiving C. nutans extract at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

C. nutans leaf extract reduced the serum MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and increased the Langerhans islets area in a diabetic rat model.
Investigation on the stability of the Rijke-type thermoacoustic system with an axially distributed heat source
Authors: Pang Kai , Wang Yuanhao , Li Xinyan , Sun Hongquan , Ji Chenzhen
Published: September 2023

Due to the incurred damages to the combustors, large-amplitude self-sustained thermoacoustic oscillations are unwanted in many propulsion systems, such as liquid/solid rocket motors and aero-engines. To suppress these thermoacoustic oscillations efficiently, the mechanism of thermoacoustic instability needs to be clarified. Following the previous experimental work, the transitions to instability in a Rijke-type thermoacoustic system with an axially distributed heat source are studied numerically in this paper. The URANS numerical method is utilized and verified by means of a mesh sensitivity analysis. The influences of the axially distributed heater length, the heater location, and the mean flow velocity on the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of thermoacoustic oscillations are evaluated. To explore the corresponding mechanism behind these influences, the principle of acoustic energy conservation has been applied. The acoustic energy gains from the thermal-acoustic coupling are quantified via Rayleigh’s integral, and their phase differences are calculated by the cross-correlation function. The acoustic damping induced by the vortex dissipation is qualitatively analyzed by the characteristics of the flow fields in the Rijke tube. Finally, as the heater length, the heater location, or the mean flow velocity is varied, three mechanisms of the transitions to instability in a Rijke-type thermoacoustic system are identified.
Exploring the post-COVID lipstick effect: A short report
Authors: Bardey Aurore , Almaguer Buentello Daniel , Rogaten Jekaterina , Mala Anastasiia , Khadaroo Ameerah
Published: September 2023

The ‘lipstick effect’ has been referred to as increased sales of beauty products post-crisis. The phenomenon happened after the Great Recession of 2007–2009 and even after the Great Depression of the 1930s. To date, no research focused on studying the post-Covid lipstick effect. Our study aimed to explore and quantify the post-Covid lipstick effect, with three studies exploring the long impact of the pandemic on clothing and beauty practices. Using qualitative analysis, Study 1 showed an impact of the first two lockdowns on fashion and beauty practices in women but not in men. Female students spent considerable time exploring their relationship with fashion and beauty products with a link to self-identity, while male students did not change their fashion and beauty practices. Our Study 2 showed that female participants chose a more vivid and wider range of colours since the Covid pandemic. Our Study 3 highlighted that female participants used a lower quantity with less frequent makeup since Covid. Our report highlighted, for the first time, a specific lipstick effect post-Covid, namely the ‘self-centred lipstick effect’.
“I’m New to This”: Navigating Digitally Mediated Photovoice Methods to Enhance Research With Older Adults
Authors: Ottoni Callista A. , Winters Meghan , Sims-Gould Joanie
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in long established participatory visual qualitative methods. Some researchers adapted photovoice— which traditionally happens in-person—and used technology to connect with participants referred to as “digitally mediated photovoice”. Collective knowledge about best practices for digitally mediated photovoice to support and enhance research with older adults is in its infancy. Thus, to advance the field, we describe our approach to digitally mediated photovoice with older adults for a study in Vancouver, Canada. We explore participant and researcher reflections with data generated during three sessions over two-and-a-half years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first two virtual interview sessions used photo elicitation, and the third session was an in-person interactive photography exhibition. We identified three central benefits to using digitally mediated photovoice. This approach 1. built rapport through the shared experience of navigating technology; 2. allowed a rich exchange of information despite physical distancing; and 3. facilitated opportunity for participants to exercise their agency. As we consider constraints for in-person data collection, digitally mediated photovoice may offer an avenue to establish mutually beneficial researcher-participant relationships with older adults. We add to the growing body of literature that addresses how qualitative researchers incorporate technology into the research process to reshape how we understand intimacy and access.
Diagnosing Dignity’s De-Realization: Lessons From The ‘Laws Of Captivity’ Thesis
Authors: Arrigo Bruce
Published: September 2023

What does it mean to speak of dignity’s de-realization much less to diagnose the experience of it? This article draws inspiration from law, culture and the humanities to address these underexamined questions. I outline the relational problem of dignity’s de-realization and rely on a clinical case to illuminate the problem’s interpersonal dynamics. I describe the theoretical assumptions that inform my assessment of dignity’s co-constitutive de-realization. These assumptions form a metaphysical anthropology sufficient to make socio-cultural diagnosis possible. I revisit the society-of-captives thesis to explain how the interpersonal dynamics of dignity’s de-realization in the clinical case are more disturbingly constitutive of society’s own calcifying captivity. Given these de-stabilizing conditions of collective and interdependent captivity, I conclude by suggesting how to confront dignity’s de-realization. These transgressive speculations emphasize the cultivation of a trans-desistance philosophy. I initiate the article’s diagnostic intention with an introduction to the general thesis on the laws of captivity.
Factors associated with depressive mood at the onset of multiple sclerosis - an analysis of 781 patients of the German NationMS cohort
Authors: Salmen Anke , Hoepner Robert , Fleischer Vinzenz , Heldt Milena , Gisevius Barbara , Motte Jeremias , Ruprecht Klemens , Schneider Ruth , Fisse Anna Lena , Grüter Thomas , Lukas Carsten , Berthele Achim , Giglhuber Katrin , Flaskamp Martina , Mühlau Mark , Kirschke Jan , Bittner Stefan , Groppa Sergiu , Lüssi Felix , Bayas Antonios , Meuth Sven , Heesen Cristoph , Trebst Corinna , Wildemann Brigitte , Then Bergh Florian , Antony Gisela , Kümpfel Tania , Paul Friedemann , Nischwitz Sandra , Tumani Hayrettin , Zettl Uwe , Hemmer Bernhard , Wiendl Heinz , Zipp Frauke , Gold Ralf
Published: September 2023

Background:

Depression has a major impact on the disease burden of multiple sclerosis (MS). Analyses of overlapping MS and depression risk factors [smoking, vitamin D (25-OH-VD) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection] and sex, age, disease characteristics and neuroimaging features associated with depressive symptoms in early MS are scarce.

Objectives:

To assess an association of MS risk factors with depressive symptoms within the German NationMS cohort.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis within a multicenter observational study.

Methods:

Baseline data of n = 781 adults with newly diagnosed clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing-remitting MS qualified for analysis. Global and region-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-volumetry parameters were available for n = 327 patients. Association of demographic factors, MS characteristics and risk factors [sex, age, smoking, disease course, presence of current relapse, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score, fatigue (fatigue scale motor cognition), 25-OH-VD serum concentration, EBV nuclear antigen-1 IgG (EBNA1-IgG) serum levels] and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II) was tested as a primary outcome by multivariable linear regression. Non-parametric correlation and group comparison were performed for associations of MRI parameters and depressive symptoms.

Results:

Mean age was 34.3 years (95% confidence interval: 33.6–35.0). The female-to-male ratio was 2.3:1. At least minimal depressive symptoms (BDI-II > 8) were present in n = 256 (32.8%), 25-OH-VD deficiency (<20 ng/ml) in n = 398 (51.0%), n = 246 (31.5%) participants were smokers. Presence of current relapse [coefficient ( c) = 1.48, p = 0.016], more severe fatigue ( c = 0.26, p < 0.0001), lower 25-OH-VD ( c = −0.03, p = 0.034) and smoking ( c = 0.35, p = 0.008) were associated with higher BDI-II scores. Sex, age, disease course, EDSS, month of visit, EBNA1-IgG levels and brain volumes at baseline were not.

Conclusion:

Depressive symptoms need to be assessed in early MS. Patients during relapse seem especially vulnerable to depressive symptoms. Contributing factors such as fatigue, vitamin D deficiency and smoking, could specifically be targeted in future interventions and should be investigated in prospective studies.
The role of ‘artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, and radiomics’ in PCNL: a review of publication trends over the last 30 years
Authors: Nedbal Carlotta , Cerrato Clara , Jahrreiss Victoria , Castellani Daniele , Pietropaolo Amelia , Galosi Andrea Benedetto , Somani Bhaskar Kumar
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

We wanted to analyze the trend of publications in a period of 30 years from 1994 to 2023, on the application of ‘artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), virtual reality (VR), and radiomics in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)’. We conducted this study by looking at published papers associated with AI and PCNL procedures, including simulation training, with preoperative and intraoperative applications.

Materials and Methods:

Although MeSH terms research on the PubMed database, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature from 1994 to 2023 for all published papers on ‘AI, ML, VR, and radiomics’ in ‘PCNL’, with papers in all languages included. Papers were divided into three 10-year periods: Period 1 (1994–2003), Period 2 (2004–2013), and Period 3 (2014–2023).

Results:

Over a 30-year timeframe, 143 papers have been published on the subject with 116 (81%) published in the last decade, with a relative increase from Period 2 to Period 3 of +427% ( p = 0.0027). There was a gradual increase in areas such as automated diagnosis of larger stones, automated intraoperative needle targeting, and VR simulators in surgical planning and training. This increase was most marked in Period 3 with automated targeting with 52 papers (45%), followed by the application of AI, ML, and radiomics in predicting operative outcomes (22%, n = 26) and VR for simulation (18%, n = 21). Papers on technological innovations in PCNL ( n = 9), intelligent construction of personalized protocols ( n = 6), and automated diagnosis ( n = 2) accounted for 15% of publications. A rise in automated targeting for PCNL and PCNL training between Period 2 and Period 3 was +247% ( p = 0.0055) and +200% ( p = 0.0161), respectively.

Conclusion:

An interest in the application of AI in PCNL procedures has increased in the last 30 years, and a steep rise has been witnessed in the last 10 years. As new technologies are developed, their application in devices for training and automated systems for precise renal puncture and outcome prediction seems to play a leading role in modern-day AI-based publication trends on PCNL.