bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CD4+ T Lymphocyte Counts to Predict Survival of ICU Patients with Sepsis Using Sepsis‐3 Criteria: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Guoge , Li Xusheng , Zhang Chunmei , Li Haizhong , Jian Mengling , Huang Chunyang , Zhang Yingqin , Xian Luhua , Zeng Hongke , Xia Yuanyuan , Jiang Wenqiang
Published: August 2024

Background. Sepsis remains a major health condition with a high mortality rate that may be related to immunosuppression. T lymphocyte subsets may reflect the immune function of sepsis patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts of ICU patients for their short‐term prognosis. Methods. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study in a general ICU and enrolled patients with sepsis using the Sepsis‐3 criteria. Peripheral blood samples were collected within 24 hours of enrollment or measurement of blood cell analysis and biomarkers of CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Severity was classified by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. The primary outcome was 28‐day mortality. Results. A total of 100 patients with sepsis were enrolled and analyzed. CD4+ T lymphocyte counts gradually decreased based on 28‐day mortality (p < 0.001). Similarly, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only CD4+ T lymphocyte counts were an independent predictor of 28‐day mortality in sepsis patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combination of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and the SOFA score was 0.78. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that CD4+ T lymphocyte counts are associated with 28‐day mortality. A combination of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts with the SOFA score increased the predictive accuracy for 28‐day mortality.
Diversity of Bee Floral Resources and Honey Production Calendar in Ethiopia’s Southwest Shoa Zone
Authors: Bareke Tura , Roba Kasim , Addi Admassu
Published: August 2024

Bee flora resources are essential for the development of beekeeping. This study aimed to identify the diversity of key bee forage plants, establish honey harvesting calendars, and assess different types of monofloral honey in the area. Data collection methods included a bee plant inventory, pollen collection, and honey pollen analysis. A total of 122 plant species were identified as bee plants, with 44.26% being shrubs and 27.87% being trees. These bee plants were distributed across three districts, accounting for 37.40% of the plant species, indicating a broader ecological distribution than local species. Wonchi district exhibited the highest diversity of bee plants (H′ = 4.7), followed by Waliso (H′ = 4.55). Three honey harvesting periods were identified: November, January, and June. Additionally, three distinct types of monofloral honey were produced: Erica arborea honey in January, Eucalyptus camaldulensis honey in June, and Guizotia scabra honey in November. A shortage of bee forages was noted in February, March, July, and August across all districts. The southwest Shoa zone (comprising Wonchi, Waliso, and Amaya districts) shows potential for sustainable and commercial beekeeping based on the available bee flora resources. To ensure sustainability, it is crucial to maintain the existing bee flora and increase the propagation of multipurpose plant species. Additionally, on‐farm demonstrations highlighting the importance of floral and honey calendars for effective colony management are recommended.
A Double‐Layer Optimization Method for Cascading Failure Prevention Considering Transient Stability
Authors: Deng Huiqiong , Liang Zhiwei , Wu Hui , Shen Junfu
Published: August 2024

In recent years, in order to reduce the damage from the blackout accident, the demand of the power system for its basic resistance ability has gradually increased. Therefore, this paper proposes a double‐layer optimization method for the prevention of cascading failure of the power system that takes into account the transient stability constraint for cascading trips that directly lead to the accident. In terms of models, the paper reconstructs an outer model for optimizing the safety margin based on the inner model that solves the safety margin of cascading failure prevention. In terms of algorithms, the paper uses the Extended Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) algorithm with higher precision and accuracy to solve the inner model and innovatively introduced the Practical Dynamic Security Region (PDSR), which uses PSASP software for offline calculation and online application, as a dynamic analysis method to quickly realize transient stability constraint to solve the outer model. Three evaluation indexes of the preventive optimization effect can be obtained by this method; dispatchers can plan more flexible and reliable optimal dispatching schemes through these indexes, to comprehensively improve the safety margin of cascading failure prevention in the current operating state and enhance the risk resistance ability of the power grid. This paper has used MATLAB and PSASP to perform simulation analysis using the IEEE39 node system as a test example to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model and algorithm.
Conquering Phagophobia: A Journey to Overcoming the Fear of Choking
Authors: Rijal R. , Pokhrel P.
Published: August 2024

Phagophobia is a rare and debilitating mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of choking solid food or liquids. Usually there is no underlying anatomical or physiological abnormalities. Choking phobia can lead to the avoidance of solid foods and liquids. This can give rise to other psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. Only few case reports of choking phobia are available in the literature. Here we present the case of a middle‐aged man, with a 10‐year history of fear of choking, starting after an aspiration episode and later maintained by a similar episode. The patient felt that food would be stuck in the windpipe, and he could not breathe while swallowing solid food and liquids. This eventually led to reduced eating and drinking causing significant weight loss. He also isolated himself and became depressed. After several searches for help in somatic healthcare, including surgery for deviated nasal septum, the patient was finally investigated in a psychiatric clinic and treated with pharmacological measures and behavioral therapy with considerable improvement within a few months. Choking phobia can mimic different physical conditions and is often misdiagnosed. Early recognition and timely referral to mental health professionals are vital for effective management.
Data from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Antagonism of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is a critical therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced bladder cancer. IFNγ functions as a key regulator of PD-L1 in both immune as well as cancer cells. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is a transcription factor synonymous in T regulatory cell function but with increasingly described functions in cancer cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between FOXP3 and PD-L1 in bladder cancer. We showed that FOXP3 is critical in the ability for IFNγ to activate PD-L1 in bladder cancer cells. FOXP3 can bind to the PD-L1 promoter and induces a gene program that leads to regulation of multiple immune-related genes and genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using in vitro and in vivo human and murine models, we showed that FOXP3 can influence bladder cancer EMT as well as promote cancer metastases. Furthermore, FOXP3 may be a convergent factor for multiple activators of PD-L1, including the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin.
Significance:
Historically a key transcription factor driving T regulatory cell function, FOXP3 has an increasingly recognized role in cancer cells. In bladder cancer, we defined a novel mechanism whereby FOXP3 mediates the activation of the immune checkpoint PD-L1 by the cytokine IFNγ. We also showed that FOXP3 induces other immune checkpoints as well as genes involved in EMT, promoting immune resistance and cancer metastases.
Adoptive Cell Therapy from the Dish: Potentiating Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Lindenbergh Pieter L. , van der Stegen Sjoukje J.C.
Published: August 2024

Background: The clinical success of autologous adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is substantial but wide application is challenged by the quality and quantity of the patient’s immune cells and the need for personalized manufacturing processes. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into immune effectors and thus provide an alternative, allogeneic cell source for ACT. Here, we compare iPSC-derived immune effectors to their PBMC-derived counterparts and review iPSC-derived ACT products currently under preclinical and clinical development. Summary: iPSC-derived T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and neutrophils largely mimic their PBMC-derived counterparts in terms of cell-surface marker expression and cytotoxic effector functions. iPSC-derived immune effectors can be engineered with chimeric antigen receptors and other activating receptors to redirect their cytotoxic potential specifically to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). However, several differences between iPSC- and PBMC-derived immune effectors remain and have inspired additional engineering strategies to enhance the antitumor capacity of iPSC-derived immune effectors. Key Messages: iPSCs can be engineered to facilitate the generation of immune effectors with homogenous specificity for TAAs and enhanced effector functions. TAA-specific and functionally enhanced iPSC-derived T and NK cells are currently undergoing clinical evaluation in phase 1 trials. Engineered iPSC-derived macrophages and neutrophils are in preclinical development.
Explorando o potencial da gestão ágil na indústria da construção: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Enembreck Flávia Luisa Pires , Freitas Maria do Carmo Duarte , Bragança Luís
Published: August 2024

To carry out more efficient and effective projects, those involved in project management in the construction industry seek alternatives to preserve projects' profit and value, manage change, improve communication with the client, and anticipate risks in the face of unforeseen events. In the face of uncertain and ever-changing scenarios, the Agile methodology has emerged to help the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector face management challenges. This paper investigates the applicability of Agile methodology in construction project management. Insights from a state-of-the-art were mapped based on a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of 26 articles selected using criteria listed in the research protocol. A quantitative analysis of the distribution by year and country of publication and a qualitative analysis of the content were conducted, using codes managed by Atlas.ti software. The characterization of Agile management and the Scrum framework, the problems in construction projects, the application in the AEC industry and the conceptualization of the hybrid approach were analyzed. The authors discussed the main points surrounding the research and validated the benefits Agile adds to construction project management based on the literature.
Editorial V19 N2 - 2024
Authors: Fabricio Márcio Minto , Ornstein Sheila Walbe
Published: August 2024

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Diversity of butterfly habitats in and around Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Tandan H N , Sahu Gulshan Kumar , Das Kavita , Gulab Chand  , Naidu Ravi , Agrawal Ramanand
Published: August 2024

A survey of Lepidoptera was conducted in habitats including forest trails, nullah, forest gap, and small water bodies, in and around the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) and agroforest habitats at Nagri block in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh State between January 2020 and August 2022. The study recorded 95 species belonging to 69 genera. Erionota torus and Rathinda amor although common in the Indian mainland, were not documented by previous researchers. This indicates the necessity for a more thorough survey of Lepidoptera in the region.
First report of five monogonont rotifers from Jammu, J&K UT, India, with remarks on their distribution
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Kour Sarbjeet , Dogra Aayushi
Published: August 2024

Rotifers are microscopic metazoans which are generally predominant in freshwater ecosystems both in terms of species richness and species abundance. Despite their small size, they are crucial in maintaining ecological balance. In the present investigation, plankton samples collected during February 2019–January 2021 from two lentic water sources of Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir revealed 58 species of rotifers belonging to 16 families, among which five species of monogonont rotifers from three genera were recorded to be the first reports from this region. These include three species from family Lecanidae: Lecane arcula, L. inermis, L. (Monostyla) unguitata; one species from family Brachionidae: Anuraeopsis coelata; and species Pompholyx sulcata of family Testudinellidae. Among these five monogonont species, Anuraeopsis coelata shows pantropical distribution, Lecane unguitata is a palaeotropical species, while other three are cosmopolitan in occurrence. Furthermore, comments are made on the diagnosis, seasonality, biogeographical, and ecological distribution of these species.
Recovery of Visuospatial Neglect With Standard Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Overman Margot Juliëtte , Binns Elena , Milosevich Elise T. , Demeyere Nele
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Visuospatial neglect is a common consequence of stroke and is characterized by impaired attention to contralesional space. Currently, the extent and time course of recovery from neglect are not clearly established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the recovery trajectory of poststroke neglect with standard treatment.

METHODS:

PsycInfo, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched for articles reporting recovery rates of neglect after stroke. Time since stroke was categorized into early (0–3 months), mid (3–6 months), and late (>6 months) recovery phases. Random-effects models for pooled prevalence were generated for each phase, and potential sources of heterogeneity were explored with metaregressions. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, with low-quality studies excluded in sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS:

The search captured 4130 articles including duplicates, and 111 full-text reviews were undertaken. A total of 27 studies reporting data from 839 stroke survivors with neglect were included for review. Meta-analyses indicated a recovery rate of 42% in the early phase, which increased to 53% in the mid-recovery phase. Additional recovery in the late phase was minimal, with an estimated 56% recovery rate. Heterogeneity of studies was high (I
2
>75%) in all 3 phases of recovery. Estimates were robust to sensitivity analyses. Metaregressions showed significantly greater recovery in studies that included patients with left-hemisphere lesions (β=0.275,
P
<0.05, I
2
=84%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Most recovery from neglect occurs in the first 3 months, although additional gains can be expected up to 6 months poststroke. While a large proportion of patients recover from neglect, over 40% show persistent symptoms. Further research is needed on effective rehabilitation interventions, particularly focusing on patients most at risk of chronic visuospatial neglect.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
; Unique identifier: CRD42023388763.
Decreased Quantitative Cerebral Blood Volume Is Associated With Poor Outcomes in Large Core Patients
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek , Salim Hamza Adel , Mei Janet , Lakhani Dhairya A. , Balar Aneri , Musmar Basel , Adeeb Nimer , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Luna Licia , Deng Francis , Hyson Nathan Z. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Guenego Adrien , Faizy Tobias D. , Heit Jeremy J. , Albers Gregory W. , Lu Hanzhang , Urrutia Victor C. , Nael Kambiz , Marsh Elisabeth B. , Hillis Argye E. , Llinas Raf
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Recent large core trials have highlighted the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. Variable perfusion-imaging thresholds and poor Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score reliability underline the need for more standardized, quantitative ischemia measures for MT patient selection. We aimed to identify the computed tomography perfusion parameter most strongly associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke-large vessel occlusion with significant ischemic cores.

METHODS:

In this study from 2 comprehensive stroke centers from 2 comprehensive stroke centers within the Johns Hopkins Medical Enterprise (Johns Hopkins Hospita—East Baltimore and Bayview Medical Campus) from July 29, 2019 to January 29, 2023 in a continuously maintained database, we included patients with acute ischemic stroke-large vessel occlusion with ischemic core volumes defined as relative cerebral blood flow <30% and ≥50 mL on computed tomography perfusion or Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score <6. We used receiver operating characteristics to find the optimal cutoff for parameters like cerebral blood volume (CBV) <34%, 38%, 42%, and relative cerebral blood flow >20%, 30%, 34%, 38%, and time-to-maximum >4, 6, 8, and 10 seconds. The primary outcome was unfavorable outcomes (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 4–6). Multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, intravenous thrombolysis, and MT.

RESULTS:

We identified 59 patients with large ischemic cores. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CBV<42% ≥68 mL is associated with unfavorable outcomes (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 4–6) with an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82–0.99) in the total and MT-only cohorts. Dichotomizing at this CBV threshold, patients in the ≥68 mL group exhibited significantly higher relative cerebral blood flow, time-to-maximum >8 and 10 seconds volumes, higher CBV volumes, higher HIR, and lower CBV index. The multivariable model incorporating CBV<42% ≥68 mL predicted poor outcomes robustly in both cohorts (area under the curve for MT-only subgroup was 0.87 [95% CI, 0.75–1.00]).

CONCLUSIONS:

CBV<42% ≥68 mL most effectively forecasts poor outcomes in patients with large-core stroke, confirming its value alongside other parameters like time-to-maximum in managing acute ischemic stroke-large vessel occlusion.
Damned If They Do, Damned If They Don't: The Assurance Dilemma in International Coercion
Authors: Pauly Reid B. C.
Published: August 2024

Why do some coercive demands succeed but others fail? A dominant paradigm explains coercive outcomes by pointing to the credibility and severity of threats. The concept of coercive assurance is an understudied type of commitment problem in the coercion literature. It suggests that a coercer must assure its target that its threats are conditional on the target's behavior. Many scholars overlook coercive assurance, in part because they assume it is automatic. But assurance is a crucial component of any coercive process. Even highly credible and severe threats can fail when the coercer's assurance is not credible. A novel theory, the assurance dilemma, helps to answer the following questions: Why do targets of coercion fear unconditional pain? Why do coercers punish after receiving compliance? What is the relationship between threats and assurances in coercion? The actions that a coercer can take to bolster the credibility of a threat undermine the credibility of its assurance that it will not punish the target. Targets fear that punishment may be unavoidable and thus look for assuring signals before ceding to the coercer's demands. The case of coercive bargaining over the Iranian nuclear program demonstrates the logic and effectiveness of the use of assurance.
The Emergence of the Socioeconomic Gradient in Women's Marriage Outcomes
Authors: Olivetti Claudia , Paserman M. Daniele , Salisbury Laura , Weber E. Anna
Published: August 2024

We present new findings about the relationship between marriage and socioeconomic background in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Imputing socioeconomic status of family of origin from first names, we document a socioeconomic gradient for women in the probability of marriage and the socioeconomic status of husbands, which widens over this period. Regional divergence in occupational structure explains half of the divergence in the probability of marriage, and most of the increase in marital sorting. Urbanization and the associated improvement in women's labor market opportunities drive most of these differences.
Mobilization and Backlash: Asymmetric Updating in Response to Campaign Ads
Authors: Shelton Cameron A.
Published: August 2024

Applying a media market boundary approach to individual survey data, I show that political advertising on television increases the probability that viewers who identify with a party will espouse its positions, prefer its candidates, and turn out to vote. This is true no matter which party sponsored the ad, suggesting that an ad consolidates and motivates the sponsor's partisans while simultaneously engendering a countervailing consolidation and mobilization among supporters of the other party. My results are consistent with agents who judge a source's quality by their priors and highlight the importance of targeting supporters.
Development of a Precipitation Climate Record from Spaceborne Precipitation Radar Data. Part II: Temporal Adjustment of the Calibration Change Using the Ocean Normalized Radar Cross Section
Authors: Kanemaru Kaya , Iguchi Toshio , Masaki Takeshi , Yoshida Naofumi , Kubota Takuji
Published: August 2024

We analyze the calibration stability of the 17-yr precipitation radar (PR) data on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite to develop a precipitation climate record from the spaceborne precipitation radar data of the TRMM and following satellite missions. Since the PR measures the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) over the ocean surface, the temporal change in the NRCS whose variability is insensitive to the sea surface wind is regarded as the temporal change of the PR calibration. The temporal change of the PR calibration in TRMM, version 7, is found to be 0.19 dB decade−1 from 1998 to 2013. The calibration change is simply adjusted to evaluate the NRCS time series and the near-surface precipitation trend analysis within the latitudinal band between 35°S and 35°N. The NRCS time series at nadir and off-nadir are uncorrelated before the calibration adjustment, but they are correlated after the adjustment. The 0.19 dB decade−1 change of the PR calibration causes an overestimation of 0.08 mm day−1 decade−1 or 2.9% decade−1 for the linear trend of the near-surface precipitation. Even after the adjustment, agreement of the results among the satellite products depends on the analysis period. The temporal stability of the data quality is also important to evaluate the plausible trend analysis. The reprocessing of the PR data in TRMM, version 8 (or later), takes into account the temporal adjustment of the calibration change based upon the results of this study, which can provide more credible data for a long-term precipitation analysis.

Significance Statement

The stability of long-term data is very important for climate research so that an account of temporal calibration changes in the sensor must be made. In this study, we investigate the calibration stability of the TRMM PR data and evaluate its impact on the precipitation trend analysis. The temporal change of the PR calibration is estimated to be 0.19 dB decade−1. Compensating for this change improves the consistency of precipitation trend analysis between the PR and other precipitation datasets. The reprocessed PR data provide more probable data for long-term precipitation analysis.
Recurrence Risk Perception, Fear of Progression, and Health Behaviors Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Xiangmin , Dong Xiaohang , Tan Xiyi , Lin Qinger , Zhou Hongzhen
Published: August 2024

Background:

The relationship between recurrence risk perception, fear of progression, and health behaviors in patients with ischemic stroke is unclear.

Objective:

To explore the effect of accuracy and level of recurrence risk perception on health behaviors and the mediating role of fear of progression.

Methods:

We conducted a 2-wave survey. Patients with ischemic stroke (N = 261) were recruited from 2 hospitals in Guangzhou, China. Before discharge, demographic information, objective recurrence risk, perceived recurrence risk, fear of progression, and health behaviors were investigated. After 1 month, the patient’s health behaviors were followed up.

Results:

The median (quartiles 1-3) scores for recurrence risk perception and fear of progression were 43.0 (39.0-46.0) and 22.0 (18.0-28.0), respectively. Only 22.2% of the patients correctly perceived the risk of recurrence, 23.0% underestimated the risk, and 30.7% overestimated the risk. Patients who overestimated the risk of recurrence (β = 0.421, P = .002) or had a higher perceived level of recurrence risk (β = 0.446, P < .001) had a higher fear of progression, which contributed to better health behaviors at 1 month (β = 0.197, P = .001). Fear of progression played a partial and full mediating role, respectively. Patients who underestimated the recurrence risk had worse health behaviors than those who accurately perceived it (β = −0.296, P = .033).

Conclusion:

Both accuracy and level of recurrence risk perception were independent predictors of future health behaviors, and fear of progression was mediating. Health care professionals should develop individualized risk education programs to help stroke patients properly understand and cope with the risk of recurrence.
Urban Farming, Planning and Environmental Jurisprudence in Delhi
Authors: Pradhan Anubhav
Published: August 2024

This article analyses the manner in which bourgeois environmentalism and aspirational urban planning have brought about a recalibration of justice for agrarian communities along the Yamuna in Delhi. Bela Estate, the research site, is one such agrarian community in the urban segment of the Yamuna. Following a ban on the farming of edible crops in this region, pronounced by India’s apex environmental court in 2015, the Delhi Development Authority has conducted multiple demolition drives for nearly a decade now to evict farmers and clear their land for redevelopment. Utilising archival sources and based on a close reading of planning documents and court judgements, this article contributes to discourses of public interest in the wider context of development and law. More specifically, it decodes the ongoing contentions involving farmers, planning agencies and the judiciary in this region as symptomatic of the larger erosion of social justice in an urbanising, aspirational India that undervalues the role of nature-based livelihoods in Indian cities.
Moving Forward With Pride: LGBTQ+ Health and Contemporary Rights Movements in Asia
Authors: Alibudbud Rowalt
Published: August 2024

As Pride marches are celebrated globally in June, stigma and discriminatory laws against LGBTQ+ individuals remain prevalent in over a third of countries, potentially worsening health disparities among this population. Despite these challenges, notable progress has been made in Asia. Several countries have seen court rulings favoring LGBTQ+ rights, while the National Medical Commission of India has committed to ending conversion therapy, a harmful healthcare practice. As Asian nations advance and draw inspiration from their neighbors’ successes, health practitioners, researchers, organizations, and institutions in the region can advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, offer targeted health services, and promote inclusive healthcare practices.
Influence of laser texturing on the properties of fusion joints between aluminum alloys and carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Wang Fuji , Yu Yongkang , Fu Rao , Si Likun , Wang Qi , Luo Chaoyang , Wang Ziming
Published: August 2024

Laser texturing is an effective method to enhance the fusion joining of aluminum alloy (Al) to carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics composite (CFRTP). The enhancement effect is related to the morphology and spacing of the microstructures on Al surface. However, because of the correlation between the morphology and the spacing of the microstructures, excessive dense microstructures change the morphology, leading to a reduction in the enhancement effect, while sparse microstructures are also difficult to significantly enhance the joint. To this end, this paper proposes an improved laser texturing process to enhance fusion joints, through the investigation of the recast layer formation process during laser texturing on the Al surface, which comprehensively reveals the synergistic effects of microstructural morphology and spacing on joint properties. The results indicated that the increase of the number of laser processes and the microstructure spacing increased the height of the recast layer, with the difference that the microstructure spacing had less effect after increasing to a certain value. With the increase of microstructure spacing, the morphology of the microstructure on the Al surface transformed from the serrated microstructure to the double-scale microstructure, and finally to the independent microstructure, affected by the recast layer on sides of the microstructure. Once the dual-scale microstructures were formed on the Al surface, the shear strength of the Al/CFRTP fusion joint was the highest with a value of 25.05 MPa. The findings could provide a basis for laser texturing pretreatment for fusion joining.
The Privilege of Well-Being in an Increasingly Unequal Society
Authors: Ryff Carol D.
Published: August 2024

This article provides an overview of a model of psychological well-being put forth over 30 years ago. The intent was to advance new dimensions of positive functioning based on integration of clinical, developmental, existential, and humanistic thinking along with Aristotle’s writings about eudaimonia. The operationalization and validation of the model are briefly described, followed by an overview of scientific findings organized around (a) demographic and experiential predictors of well-being, (b) well-being as predictors of health and biomedical outcomes, (c) pathway studies that examine intervening processes (moderators, mediators), and (d) underlying mechanistic processes (neuroscience, genomics). Much prior work underscores the benefits of well-being, including for longevity. Widening socioeconomic inequality is, however, increasingly compromising the well-being of disadvantaged segments of the population. These problems have been exacerbated by recent historical stressors (Great Recession, COVID-19 pandemic). Cumulative hardships from these events and their implications for health are critical targets for future science and practice.
Emerging Partnerships of SDGs and HRM Practices During the Pandemic: A Study of the Indian IT Industry
Authors: Dwivedi Priyanka , Bhattacharjee Sunrita Dhar
Published: August 2024

Post-pandemic, the world of work has changed, and the pandemic has accelerated the responsible business agenda, representing a huge opportunity for the human-centric approach to HRM to transform the world of work. The drive towards responsible and sustainable business demands a new way of thinking, and the old conventional thinking approach addressing piece-meal solutions is an approach of the past. The human resource management (HRM) practices of multinational corporation (MNC) subsidiaries in India in the IT sector are studied within an institutional theory framework to look at how MNCs operating in India are incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applying the tenets of DiMaggio and Powell’s (1983) work, we understand that an MNC subsidiary located in India will be influenced by both potentially contradictory pulls from institutional factors in the local environment and international isomorphic processes. With a qualitative approach and primary data collected via in-depth interviews with 52 HR professionals (including host and subsidiaries) from 8 MNCs, our findings indicate that the subsidiaries based in India are mostly adopting the pattern exhibited by larger organizations in their environment that are viewed as successful (mimetic isomorphism) in implementing the SDGs. There is still a huge scope for improvement in these subsidiaries in terms of investing in people’s capabilities for future sustainable work. The research contributes to the bourgeoning literature on HRM practices and how MNC subsidiaries operate in different contexts and cultural settings in the IT sector.
Histopathological Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Enneking Stage II Conventional Osteosarcoma of Extremities: A Retrospective-Single Institution Study in Vietnam
Authors: Do Kien Hung , Nguyen Tai Van , Hoang Trang Thu , Do Thanh Cam , Phan Phuong Dac , Nguyen Chu Van , Le Van Quang
Published: August 2024

Background

The standard treatment for localized osteosarcoma is neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Our aim was to report the rate of histopathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of extremity osteosarcoma in Vietnam.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of stage II conventional osteosarcoma patients under 40 years-old who received MAP regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital between June 2019 and June 2022. Histopathological response was evaluated using the Huvos grading system, in which a good histopathological response was defined as a necrotic rate of 90% or more.

Results

Thirty-five eligible patients were included in the study. Male patients accounted for 65.7%, with a median age of 16 years (range, 8-38 years). Of the 35 cases, 31 were reported as stage IIB (88.6%). The femur and tibia were the most common sites in our study, accounting for 51.4% and 34.3%, respectively. The most common pathologic subtype was osteoblastic osteosarcoma (68.6%), followed by chondroblastic subtype (20%). After two cycles of MAP-regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 28 of 35 patients (80%) underwent limb-sparing surgery. A good histopathological response was observed in 18 of 35 patients (51.4%). There were significant correlations between the duration of symptoms ( P = 0.016), LDH ( P = 0.001) serum levels at initial presentation, and ALP ( P = 0.043) serum levels at initial presentation with histopathological response.

Conclusion

This retrospective study suggests a possible association between symptom duration, pre-treatment LDH levels, and pre-treatment ALP levels with histopathological response rates. Additional clinical investigations with long-term follow-up are needed to investigate survival outcomes in the Asian population.
Association Between Self-Direction and Personal Care Aide Wages
Authors: Tyler Denise A. , Fujita Miku , Chapman Susan A.
Published: August 2024

The supply of personal care aides (PCAs), who assist people receiving home care, is a growing concern. PCA shortages result, in part, from the low wages earned by these workers. State policies have had some effect on wages. Self-direction (SD) may be associated with wages because SD allows home care recipients to hire and manage workers, including setting wages in most states. We used wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to examine the association between SD and the wages of PCAs. We found implementation of SD did not have a consistent association with PCA wages, with wages improving in some states and worsening in others. We also found little difference in PCA wages between states that allow participants to set worker wages and those that do not. SD does not seem to improve PCA wages in states, so other policy strategies will be needed.
Towards precarity? The occupational situation of physical education teachers in Poland
Authors: Organista Natalia , Mazur Zuzanna , Fletcher Tim
Published: August 2024

Many studies indicate that the teaching profession is influenced by social, cultural, economic, and political forces. In this article, we used Standing's theory of precarity to explore economic, social, and political challenges experienced by Polish physical education (PE) teachers. The purpose of this research was to explore the working conditions and perceptions of the profession among Polish upper-secondary school PE teachers. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 37 participants and analyzed using a blended approach (i.e. inductive–deductive). The findings showed that PE teachers experienced difficulties associated with the marginalization of their work and manifestations of precarity typical for all teachers in Poland, namely poor working arrangements. PE teachers declared feelings of anomie and alienation as a result of uncertainty and, at times, anger, mainly due to the political factors affecting their work. Thus, this research also presented the direct entanglement of PE teachers in national-level politics. Participants expressed feeling powerless, out of control, and not prepared for the ongoing changes resulting from the political context in which they found themselves. The utilization of Standing's theory highlighted how neoliberal practices concerning the labour market reinforced the challenges faced by PE teachers, diminished the prestige of the teaching profession as a whole, and impacted the attitudes of PE teachers towards their work. Further, this research confirmed that the experience of precarity can be highly heterogeneous, underscoring the importance of examining local contexts to understand the complexity of the precarization process in education.
Diet Quality of Stroke Survivors Versus Neurologically Intact US Adults
Authors: Wilson Hannah K. , Williams Ewan R. , Gregory Chris M.
Published: August 2024

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the US, often altering one’s ability to access and consume food. The aim of the present study was to characterize and evaluate predictors of stroke survivors’ diet quality (DQ). A cross-sectional evaluation of 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data is presented. Stroke survivors (n = 632) were matched for age, gender, and race with neurologically intact controls (n = 913). Food group intake, key nutrient intake, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores were calculated from two 24-hour recalls and evaluated in relation to history of stroke, education, presence of a partner in the home, and income. Group differences in and predictors of DQ were evaluated with weighted independent samples t-tests and linear regression. Stroke survivors had lower intakes of vegetables, dairy, seafood and plant proteins, and unsaturated fats, and lower total HEI-2015 scores ( P < 0.05). Having more education, a partner in the home, and higher income were overall positive predictors of DQ. DQ factors emphasized in heart-healthy diets were low in stroke survivors. Interventions may better address barriers to healthy eating post-stroke by incorporating educational, financial, and social support components.
Predictors for Development of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Candelo Estephania , Bohorquez-Caballero Anyull D. , Avila-Castano Karol , Mercado Lydia A. , Donaldson Angela
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Studies suggest that transplant patients are at a higher risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, there is a dearth of studies describing the factors that may be linked to the development of CRS in this population. Our objective is to identify the risk factors associated with the development of CRS in transplant recipients.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

This cohort included 3347 transplant recipients seen between 2017 and 2022. Of these, 2128 patients met the inclusion criteria and were grouped according to whether they were diagnosed with CRS during the post-transplant period. The analysis included both univariate and multivariate analysis to ascertain the odds ratio (OR) and predictive factors.

Results

Of the 2128 patients, 649/2128 (30.4%) had CRS. CRS patients had an increased prevalence of previous endoscopic sinus surgery, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis in the pre-transplant period compared to the non-CRS group. According to the multivariate analysis, patients with primary immunodeficiency and additional transplant were 1.9 and 3.1 times more likely to develop CRS during the posttransplant period (95% CI: 1.3–2.6, p < .0001), (95% CI: 1.3 −7.3, p = .01), respectively. Sirolimus use was also associated with the development of CRS (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.9, p = .01).

Conclusion

This study is the largest cohort aimed at determining the predictive factors associated with the development of CRS. Patients with pretransplant rhinologic conditions, hematologic deficiencies, and the utilization of specific immunosuppressants were found to have a higher likelihood of developing CRS following transplantation.
Evaluation of the automated dispensing cabinets users’ level of satisfaction and the influencing factors in Al-Ahsa hospitals
Authors: Alomair Manar K. , Alabduladheem Lama S. , Almajed Marwah A. , Alobaid Amjad A. , Mohamed Maged E. , Alsultan Abdulaziz O. , Younis Nancy S.
Published: August 2024

Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are decentralized, computer-controlled systems used to store, distribute, and track medications at the point of care in the wards.

Objective

The objective of the current study is to evaluate how healthcare practitioners are satisfied with ADCs and scrutinize some influencing factors that could affect this satisfaction.

Material

A cross-sectional survey study was designed and distributed online to healthcare providers in Al-hasa hospitals.

Results

A total of 166 participants. Regarding the frequency and pattern of ADC use, around 79.5% used ADC and 85.4% were informed about using ADC on a daily basis. As for the level of satisfaction with ADC, an exact 81.9% gave a high rate for overall satisfaction, 81.3% were highly satisfied with the system's accuracy, and 74.7% were highly satisfied with the time it takes to complete the task. Regarding usability of the system, 69.8% thought it was easy whereas 36.8% agreed that the time required for reloading medication is longer than before ADC. Furthermore, 79.5% agreed that ADC allowed them to accomplish their job safely, and 67.4% agreed that it improved their productivity. Regarding challenges, 74.7% agreed that all drawer types assure safe access and removal of medications, and 18.7% agreed that there is a significant potential for loss of data.

Conclusion

This study investigated healthcare staff's perceptions and satisfaction with ADCs in Al-hasa hospitals. The healthcare participants were mostly highly satisfied with the use of the ADCs which translated into better patient care and improved patient safety as well as higher productivity.
Investigation of nurses’ general attitudes toward artificial intelligence and their perceptions of ChatGPT usage and influencing factors
Authors: Tuncer Gülsüm Zekiye , Tuncer Metin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate professional nurses’ general attitudes toward artificial intelligence, their knowledge and perceptions of ChatGPT usage, and the influencing factors.

Methods

The population of the research consists of nurses who follow a social media platform account in Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 288 nurses who participated in the study between December 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected through an account on a social media platform via Google Forms using the Information Identification Questionnaire for ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence Programs and the General Attitudes to Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS).

Results

The mean scores obtained from the overall GAAIS and its Positive Attitudes subscale from the participants in this study were 67.54 ± 13.14 and 41.89 ± 11.24, respectively. Of the participants, 48.3% knew about ChatGPT and artificial intelligence programs. Of the participants, 27.8% used ChatGPT and artificial intelligence programs. Their scores for the Positive Attitude subscale were higher than were the scores of those who did not use such programs. Of the participants, 84.4% thought that nurses should be made aware of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence programs, 67% thought that the use of these programs would contribute to nurses’ professional development, 42.4% thought that the use of these programs would not reduce nurses’ workload, and 58.3% thought that the use of these programs would positively affect patient care.

Conclusion

In this study, it can be said that nurses in Turkey have positive attitudes toward integrating ChatGPT and AI programs to improve patient outcomes and add them to nursing practices.

Implications for nursing practice

The present study in which nurses’ attitudes toward the implementation of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence programs were investigated is expected to provide information for healthcare institutions, policy makers and artificial intelligence developers on the integration of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence into nursing practice. It is necessary to create environments that use AI technologies that reduce the nursing workload of nurses in the clinical area and positively affect the quality of patient care.
The impact of surge capacity enhancement training for nursing managers on hospital disaster preparedness and response: an action research study
Authors: Shafiei Alireza , Arsalani Narges , Beyrami Jam Mehdi , Khankeh Hamid Reza
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hospitals as the main providers of healthcare services play an essential role in the management of disasters and emergencies. Nurses are one of the important and influential elements in increasing the surge capacity of hospitals. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the effect of surge capacity enhancement training for nursing managers on hospital disaster preparedness and response.

Methods

All nursing managers employed at Motahari Hospital in Tehran took part in this interventional pre- and post-test action research study. Ultimately, a total of 20 nursing managers were chosen through a census method and underwent training in hospital capacity fluctuations. The Iranian version of the “Hospital Emergency Response Checklist” was used to measure hospital disaster preparedness and response before and after the intervention.

Results

The overall hospital disaster preparedness and response score was 184 (medium level) before the intervention and 216 (high level) after the intervention. The intervention was effective in improving the dimensions of hospital disaster preparedness, including “command and control”, “triage”, “human resources”, “communication”, “surge capacity”, “logistics and supply”, “safety and security”, and “recovery”, but had not much impact on the “continuity of essential services” component.

Conclusion

The research demonstrated that enhancing the disaster preparedness of hospitals can be achieved by training nursing managers using an action research approach. Encouraging their active participation in identifying deficiencies, problems, and weaknesses related to surge capacity, and promoting the adoption and implementation of suitable strategies, can enhance overall hospital disaster preparedness.