bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Window length insensitive real-time EMG hand gesture classification using entropy calculated from globally parsed histograms
Authors: Algüner Ayber Eray , Ergezer Halit
Published: February 2023

Electromyography (EMG) signal classification is vital to diagnose musculoskeletal abnormalities and control devices by motion intention detection. Machine learning assists both areas by classifying conditions or motion intentions. This paper proposes a novel window length insensitive EMG classification method utilizing the Entropy feature. The main goal of this study is to show that entropy can be used as the only feature for fast real-time classification of EMG signals of hand gestures. The main goal of this study is to show that entropy can be used as the only feature for fast real-time classification of EMG signals of hand gestures. Additionally, the entropy feature can classify feature vectors of different sliding window lengths without including them in the training data. Many kinds of entropy feature succeeded in electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) classification research. However, to the best of our knowledge, the Entropy Feature proposed by Shannon stays untested for EMG classification to this day. All the machine learning models are tested on datasets NinaPro DB5 and the newly collected SingleMyo. As an initial analysis to test the entropy feature, classic Machine Learning (ML) models are trained on the NinaPro DB5 dataset. This stage showed that except for the K Nearest Neighbor (kNN) with high inference time, Support Vector Machines (SVM) gave the best validation accuracy. Later, SVM models trained with feature vectors created by 1 s (200 samples) sliding windows are tested on feature vectors created by 250 ms (50 samples) to 1500 ms (300 samples) sliding windows. This experiment resulted in slight accuracy differences through changing window length, indicating that the Entropy feature is insensitive to this parameter. Lastly, Locally Parsed Histogram (LPH), typical in standard entropy functions, makes learning hard for ML methods. Globally Parsed Histogram (GPH) was proposed, and classification accuracy increased from 60.35% to 89.06% while window length insensitivity is preserved. This study shows that Shannon’s entropy is a compelling feature with low window length sensitivity for EMG hand gesture classification. The effect of the GPH approach against an easy-to-make mistake LPH is shown. A real-time classification algorithm for the entropy features is tested on the newly created SingleMyo dataset.
Conceptualizing the Carrying Function of Community Advisory Boards
Authors: Kaminstein Dana S. , Brown Kimberly M.
Published: February 2023

Community Advisory Boards (CABs) often, “carry” important ideas and concepts for the larger organization of which they are a part. The word “carry” in this context, means that a person or group expresses verbal and nonverbal messages that inform others of what the institution acknowledges, and also what it cannot bear to feel or talk about. These expressions may include attitudes and expectations, values, risks, or disowned features and qualities. A group can contain, “carry,” and express formal, informal, and unconscious issues for a department or system. In this article, we situate our theoretical underpinning of this carrying function by relying on a number of literatures: identified patient, splitting and projection, parallel process, and container and contained. Specifying and examining the dynamics of what CABs carry for an institution can prevent common pitfalls for these groups, such as mistrust, feelings of disrespect, lack of productivity, and thwarted expectations.
Preparing low-Density microcellular polystyrene foam by in-Situ fibrillated PTFE and supramolecular nucleator TMC-300 in the presence of sc-CO2
Authors: Li Zhuolun , Wang Xiangdong , Wang Yaqiao , Chen Shihong
Published: February 2023

A method using in-situ fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and octamethylenedicarboxylicdibenzoylhydrazide (TMC-300) supramolecular nucleator was presented to prepare low density polystyrene foams. This study used a torque rheometer in the molten compound preparation of PS/fibrillated-PTFE/TMC-300 composites. Scanning electron microscopy showed in-situ fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene in Polystyrene melt and a nanofiber network with high aspect ratio. The formation of nanometer-sized fiber networks improved the melt viscoelasticity of matrices which promoted cell nucleation. As the results demonstrated, low-density foams with 11 μm average cell size were obtained using Polystyrene. The self-assembly nucleating agent TMC-300 was then introduced to the composite materials. TMC-300 and polytetrafluoroethylene as a composite cell nucleating agent were used in Polystyrene foams. Meanwhile, their nucleating efficiency was investigated. TMC-300 completed self-assembly in Polystyrene and served as composite nucleating agent in combination with polytetrafluoroethylene. Compared with the sample PS/PTFE-0.5, the average cell size of the sample PS/PTFE-0.5/TMC-2 had a reduction rate of 28.16% from 12.18 μm to 8.75 μm. The cell density increased by an order of magnitude. The composite nucleating agent was successful in controlling Polystyrene foam cell morphology, thus leading to the preparation of low-density Polystyrene microporous foams.
Revisiting the Hidden Developmental State
Authors: Block Fred , Keller Matthew R. , Negoita Marian
Published: February 2023

This essay revisits an earlier article, published in 2008, that argued that the United States had created a “hidden developmental state” that helped move technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. In the intervening fifteen years, this apparatus has become more elaborate with ever more government initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. Moreover, the major pieces of legislation passed in the first two years of the Biden administration have added considerable new funding. Nevertheless, this set of programs has not yet become a part of political debates outside of the federal government. It remains hidden to most of the electorate.
‘London is avocado on toast’: The urban imaginaries of the #LondonIsOpen campaign
Authors: Yazici Edanur , Murji Karim , Keith Michael , Pile Steve , Solomos John , Wang Ying
Published: February 2023

This article examines the production, representations and reactions to the #LondonIsOpen campaign to ask how urban imaginaries are produced and what they entail for understanding the city. The analysis considers how the idea of a cosmopolitan, diverse and multicultural city is framed, what it includes and excludes and the distinct geographies of the city it produces. It draws on three data sources: documentary analysis of videos used in the campaign; social media analysis of tweets using #LondonIsOpen; and semi-structured interviews with key figures in the campaign team. The main arguments are that the appeal to openness contributes to the versatility of the campaign and the range of responses to it, making it highly adaptable and flexible to respond to current affairs; and that open London is geographically selective and imagined as business focused, trendy and cosmopolitan. In turn, the reactions to the idea of open London range from seeking a borderless world to anti-migrant rhetoric. Although the campaign represents London as welcoming and inclusive, such welcoming is partial and subject to contestation. The article concludes that over time, the openness of #LondonIsOpen has come to serve multiple political functions and act as a brand for the city.
The Quotation of Jer. 31.15 in Mt. 2.18 within Christological Patterning of Matthew’s Nativity According to the Joseph Story
Authors: Akagi Kai
Published: February 2023

The quotation of Jer. 31:15 in Mt. 2:18 has proven to be an interpretive puzzle through its otherwise unattested form of Jer. 31:15 and the seemingly unclear relationship of the quotation to its context in Matthew. Marten J. J. Menken has argued that Matthew quotes a text of Jer. 31:15 that is combined with Gen. 37:35 but that this composite citation does not have interpretive significance for Matthew. When viewed in the context of a series of lexical and thematic parallels between Matthew’s nativity and the Joseph story, it may be understood, however, as a composite citation occurring in the composition of Matthew for christological purposes. These may include presenting Jesus as participating in his people’s history, implicit response to expectations of a Josephite messiah, and portraying Jesus as saving his people by giving them life. Such use in Matthew of the Joseph story through Jeremiah suggests further need for the study of multilayered use of texts in the New Testament and related literature.
Influence Area at Signalized and Stop-Control Intersections: Operational Analysis
Authors: Raza Sajid , Al-Kaisy Ahmed , Washburn Scott , Barrios Jorge , Moreno Ana Tsui , Schroeder Bastian
Published: February 2023

Understanding the influence of intersections on operating conditions along connecting roadway segments is important for the analysis of highway facilities and corridors. This study aims at assessing the influence area at signalized and stop-control intersections along rural corridors. The study used speed as a performance measure in examining the spatial extent of operational effects at intersections. High-fidelity connected vehicle (CV) trajectory data, collected at 11 different sites in Florida, was used in this study. The CV trajectory data consists of individual waypoints that included timestamps and location coordinates along with other attributes. Drivers’ speed profiles while driving through the intersection were established and analyzed to determine the length of upstream and downstream influence areas. Quantile regression models were developed to estimate the 50th, 70th, and 85th percentiles of upstream and downstream influence areas separately for signalized and stop-control intersections. Study results indicate that the upstream influence area is longer for a signalized intersection than for a stop-control intersection for comparable segment running speeds. Further, the downstream influence area is significantly longer than the upstream influence area at signalized intersections, and this was consistent at all study sites. Traffic flow level did not have a significant effect on the upstream or downstream influence area; however, midblock running speed, percent heavy vehicles, and facility type (multilane versus two-lane) were found to significantly affect the upstream and downstream influence areas at signalized intersections.
Safety Performance Evaluation of Flashing Yellow Arrow: Time-of-Day Versus 24-Hour Operation
Authors: Zhang Xi , Li Xiaofeng , Wu Yao-Jan
Published: February 2023

The flashing yellow arrow (FYA), as the permissive left-turn indication, has been widely implemented to mitigate driving confusion caused by the permissive steady green indication. The selection of an appropriate FYA operation type, however, remains an open-ended question as few studies have evaluated the safety effectiveness of FYA under different operation types, that is, 24-hour, time-of-day (TOD), and switching from 24-hour to TOD. Moreover, since FYA has been typically used at intersections with a single left-turn lane, its safety effectiveness at intersections with dual left-turn lanes has not been well investigated. To bridge these gaps, this paper focuses on evaluating the safety effectiveness of FYA at intersections with varying numbers of left-turn lanes under different operation types and examining whether the FYA operation type switch affects safety performance. Empirical Bayes before/after studies are conducted for 24-hour, TOD, and switching from 24-hour to TOD FYA operation types using multivariate adaptive regression splines models in comparison with traditional negative binomial models. Safety performance functions are developed for different combinations of crash types and a different number of left-turn lanes. Results show that for intersections with either a single left-turn lane or dual left-turn lanes, 24-hour and TOD FYA operation types reduce crashes by 8.76% to 50%. However, intersections with dual left-turn lanes experience a 31.2% increase in total crashes when switching from 24-hour to TOD FYA operation type, while intersections with a single left-turn lane see a 60% decrease in rear-end crashes.
The Differential Relation of Emotional, Physical, and Sexual Abuse Histories to Antidepressant Treatment Remission and Persistence of Anhedonia in Major Depression: A CAN-BIND-1 Report
Authors: Harkness Kate L. , Chakrabarty Trisha , Rizvi Sakina J. , Mazurka Raegan , Quilty Lena , Uher Rudolf , Milev Roumen V. , Frey Benicio N. , Parikh Sagar V. , Foster Jane A. , Rotzinger Susan , Kennedy Sidney H. , Lam Raymond W.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Childhood maltreatment is a potent enviromarker of risk for poor response to antidepressant medication (ADM). However, childhood maltreatment is a heterogeneous construct that includes distinct exposures that have distinct neurobiological and psychological correlates. The purpose of the current study is to examine the differential associations of emotional, physical, and sexual maltreatment to ADM outcome and to examine the unique role of anhedonia in driving poor response in patients with specific maltreatment histories.

Methods

In a multicentre clinical trial of major depression, 164 individuals were assessed for childhood emotional, physical, and sexual maltreatment with a contextual interview with independent, standardized ratings. All individuals received 8 weeks of escitalopram, with nonresponders subsequently also receiving augmentation with aripiprazole, with outcomes measured with depression rating scales and an anhedonia scale.

Results

Greater severity of emotional maltreatment perpetrated by the mother was a significant and direct predictor of lower odds of week 16 remission (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, P = 0.02). In contrast, the relations of paternal-perpetrated emotional maltreatment and physical maltreatment to week 16 remission were indirect, mediated through greater severity of anhedonia at week 8.

Conclusions

We identify emotional maltreatment as a specific early exposure that places patients at the greatest risk for nonremission following pharmacological treatment. Further, we suggest that anhedonia is a key symptom domain driving nonremission in patients with particular maltreatment histories.
A fast analytical local path planning method with applications in parking scenarios
Authors: Ghajar Mostafa , Alirezaei Mohsen , Besselink Igo , Nijmeijer Henk
Published: February 2023

In this paper an analytical and geometry-based path planning method is proposed that provides non-holonomic and collision free paths for parking maneuvers. The proposed method is straightforward in the sense that it does not require any sampling or exploring of the configuration space, or relies on any optimization process. Furthermore, the calculation is fast enough to be used in real-time applications for guiding the vehicle in parking scenarios. For any pair of start-goal configurations, the planner presents an infinite set of solutions. These paths have minimum number of driving direction changes as this can be more important for a driver than the path length. They may have any curvature lower than or equal to the maximum specified curvature. Simulations show the superiority of the method in local path planning over conventional methods such as hybrid A* and optimization based approaches in terms of computation time and path quality attributes such as the number of motion primitives and the number of direction changes. To compose a complete motion planning system, the proposed local planner is applied along with hybrid A* as global planner and a path tracking controller. The performance of the motion planning system is evaluated by simulating a valet parking scenario. MATLAB/Simulink is used to simulate the system, and a comprehensive vehicle model in CARSIM is used to represent the vehicle. Simulation results shows the capability of the proposed motion planner to implement automated valet parking tasks while respecting the physical limitations of the vehicle subsystems and driving comfort requirements.
Silencing lncRNA HCG18 regulates GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis by adsorbing miR-450b-5p to avert sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Li Yunhui , Lian Peilong , lv Qigang , Liu Fangfeng
Published: February 2023

Ferroptosis is potential to relieve drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a critical modulator of ferroptosis. This study discussed the mechanism of GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis in sorafenib resistance in HCC. HCG18 in HCC cells was detected. Sorafenib resistant (SR) cell line Huh7-SR cells were treated with sorafenib (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 μM). After silencing HCG18 in Huh7-SR cells, cell activity, proliferation and apoptosis were detected. The levels of iron, the concentration of MDA, GSH and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured to evaluate the ferroptosis. The downstream mechanism of HCG18 was predicted and verified. Huh7-SR cells were infected with lentivirus sh-HCG18 to establish xenograft tumor model. HCG18 was elevated in HCC cells and associated with sorafenib resistance. Silencing HCG18 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and impaired sorafenib resistance. Ferroptosis was inhibited in Huh7-SR cells, while silencing HCG18 inhibited sorafenib resistance by promoting ferroptosis. GPX4 overexpression averted the promotion of sh-HCG18 on ferroptosis, thereby reducing sorafenib resistance. HCG18 sponged miR-450b-5p to regulate GPX4. Collectively, Silencing HCG18 inhibits GPX4 by binding to miR-450b-5p, promotes GPX4-inhibited ferroptosis, and averts sorafenib resistance in HCC.
Library based walking groups in Scotland: Exploring benefits, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Allan Inga , Innocenti Perla
Published: February 2023

Public libraries support a range of health and wellbeing activities, however little research has been done into the provision of library adult walking groups. This paper reports on a unique study exploring how widely adult walking groups are provided through Scottish public libraries, as well as library staff perceptions of the benefits, challenges and opportunities of these services. A rich qualitative research approach was used, involving Freedom of Information requests to the 32 Scottish local authority regions, an online questionnaire with 106 complete responses, and 8 follow-up interviews with Scottish public library staff, with and without walking group experience. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from collected data. Results show that adult walking groups are not widely provided through Scottish public libraries. However, respondents identified benefits for user groups, including but not limited to: improvements to participants’ health and social wellbeing; and increased engagement with library services. A range of opportunities for public libraries were highlighted, including staff interest, partnership working and a current focus on health and wellbeing. Challenges encompass resource restrictions, variations in partnership working and lack of effective networking. This original study provides valuable insights into the provision of public library walking groups in Scotland. It suggests that many factors can potentially influence the success of this library health and wellbeing service, with a range of different possible approaches. Results indicate that successful provision of a public library walking group may require close partnership working; adequate networking and information-sharing between public library staff; as well as sufficient resources; and staff interest. This exploratory study provides transferable insights and a basis for future research.
Development of a direct duplex real-time PCR assay for rapid detection of domestic cat hepadnavirus
Authors: Shofa Maya , Ohkawa Akiho , Okabayashi Tamaki , Kaneko Yasuyuki , Saito Akatsuki
Published: February 2023

Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is a novel hepadnavirus, first identified in 2018. DCH is generally detected using conventional PCR assays, which include time-consuming agarose gel electrophoresis. We developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay for the detection of the DCH genome. To streamline the procedure, our rtPCR assay was carried out using blood samples, without DNA extraction. A consensus primers/probe set was designed based on the nucleotide sequences of the surface/polymerase gene of all DCH strains available in GenBank. To exclude the possibility that the PCR reaction was blocked by anticoagulants, we also used a primers/probe set for amplifying the cat beta-actin gene as a reference gene. Our direct duplex rtPCR assay had high sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 10 copies/μL of blood for DCH. Our direct duplex rtPCR assay should be a useful tool for DCH detection and surveillance.
Colonic T-cell–rich, large B-cell lymphoma associated with equid herpesvirus 5 infection and secondary trans-colonic fistula in a horse
Authors: Acevedo Hernando D. , Hassebroek Anna M. , Leventhal Hannah R. , Duhamel Gerald E. , Carvallo Francisco R.
Published: February 2023

A 17-y-old Rocky Mountain gelding was presented to the Virginia-Maryland Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of a 4-wk history of anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, and fever of unknown origin. Abdominal ultrasound revealed lymphadenomegaly of the abdominal and colonic lymph nodes, thickening of the wall of the large colon, and a mass associated with the large colon. The horse was euthanized given a poor prognosis. On autopsy, an ~20-cm diameter mass was found within the mesocolon between the right ventral and right dorsal colon. The mass had invaded through the colonic walls and formed a fistula between the 2 involved lumina. On histologic evaluation, the mass consisted of small numbers of large neoplastic lymphocytes, numerous small lymphocytes, and many foamy macrophages. A diagnosis of T-cell–rich, large B-cell lymphoma was made based on immunohistochemical staining for CD79a, CD3, and Iba1; concurrent infection with equid herpesvirus 5 was confirmed with in-situ hybridization (ISH). To our knowledge, neither a trans-colonic fistula resulting from alimentary lymphoma in a horse nor detection of intralesional equid herpesvirus 5 in equine alimentary lymphoma by ISH has been reported previously.
Widespread vitiligo and poliosis following ipilimumab–nivolumab combination therapy
Authors: Nemovi Khashayar , Jamali Arsia , Matinpour Keyan , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Combined immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of several malignancies. Adverse effects with the combination therapy may be more severe than the ones seen with single immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Case presentation

We report a unique case of a 59-year-old man of dark skin complexion who underwent treatment with intravenous ipilimumab–nivolumab every 3 weeks for metastatic malignant melanoma. After three cycles of this therapy, he developed extensive skin depigmentation that within 6 weeks, affected nearly the entire skin surface, along with progressive poliosis.

Management and outcome

Ipilimumab–nivolumab therapy was subsequently discontinued due to grade 3 enterocolitis requiring high-dose steroids and intravenous infliximab. About six months later, imaging studies showed a relapse of malignant melanoma. At that juncture, vitiligo affected the total body surface area, resembling albinism, along with near-total poliosis and significant photosensitivity. Pembrolizumab was tried but had to be stopped after three cycles due to the reoccurrence of grade 3 enterocolitis. Progression of malignant melanoma with new brain, lung, liver, subcutaneous, and colonic metastases led to the patient's demise.

Conclusion

We report a unique case of severe vitiligo and poliosis that involved total body surface area in a Caucasian man with dark complexion, resembling albinism. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the severity of dermatologic side effects with combination immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Cultural Competence: 10-Year Comparison of Program Evaluators’ Perceptions
Authors: Dunaway Krystall , Gardner Kristine , Grieve Karly
Published: February 2023

As part of its Guiding Principles for Evaluators, the American Evaluation Association (AEA) requires that evaluators develop cultural competencies. Using a successive-independent-samples design, the researchers sought to compare perceptions of cultural competence across a duration of 10 years. Qualitative data were collected via online surveying, which included 168 program evaluators in 2009 and 110 program evaluators in 2019. Content analysis was utilized, and content categories were identified and quantified for both data collections. The data reflect that, from 2009 to 2019, there has been an increased recognition of what cultural competence entails and a closer alignment between what the Guiding Principles for Evaluators promotes and what evaluators demonstrate. However, the data also indicate that perhaps preferences have evolved past the current cultural competence paradigm as well as the term “cultural competence” itself. These findings and implications are discussed in further detail.
The Biological Processes of Ferroptosis Involved in Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Core Ferroptoic Genes Related With the Occurrence and Severity of This Disease
Authors: Zhang Zhengzhong , Pang Tingting , Qi Min , Sun Gengyun
Published: February 2023

Background:

A worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of deaths. Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent cell death which is characterized by accumulation of lipid peroxides on cellular membranes, and is related with many physiological and pathophysiological processes of diseases such as cancer, inflammation and infection. However, the role of ferroptosis in COVID-19 has few been studied.

Material and Method:

Based on the RNA-seq data of 100 COVID-19 cases and 26 Non-COVID-19 cases from GSE157103, we identified ferroptosis related differentially expressed genes (FRDEGs, adj. P-value < .05) using the “Deseq2” R package. By using the “clusterProfiler” R package, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of FRDEGs was constructed and top 30 hub genes were selected by cytoHubba in Cytoscape. Subsequently, we established a prediction model for COVID-19 by utilizing univariate logistic regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Based on core FRDEGs, COVID-19 patients were identified as two clusters using the “ConsenesusClusterPlus” R package. Finally, the miRNA-mRNA network was built by Targetscan online database and visualized by Cytoscape software.

Results:

A total of 119 FRDEGs were identified and the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed the most important biologic processes are oxidative stress response, MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The top 30 hub genes were selected, and finally, 7 core FRDEGs (JUN, MAPK8, VEGFA, CAV1, XBP1, HMOX1, and HSPB1) were found to be associated with the occurrence of COVID-19. Next, the two patterns of COVID-19 patients had constructed and the cluster A patients were likely to be more severe.

Conclusion:

Our study suggested that ferroptosis was involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease and the functions of core FRDEGs may become a new research aspect of this disease.
Use of Electronic Messages in the Follow-Up of Patients With Heart Failure: Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Schonhofen Igor Santos , Fernandes André Maurício Souza , Júnior Roque Aras , Macêdo Taís Sousa , Silveira Bruno Bonfim Da , Costa Guilherme de Andrade , Feitosa Marina Domingues , Durães André Rodrigues
Published: February 2023

Heart Failure (HF) has been identified as an important public health problem, with high morbidity and mortality, despite advances in current therapy. New strategies are demanded to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths. Telemedicine approaches could improve the management of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Sixty patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were randomized to this pilot study. Weekly electronic messages were sent for 1 year. The use of telemedicine was effective instrument for the evolutionary follow-up of patients with HFrEF during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not demonstrate an impact on the reduction of cardiovascular outcomes or hospitalization for HF. REBEC - Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier RBR-5q6x56k. Monitoring heart disease patients via WhatsApp during the COVID-19 pandemic. Available from http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5q6x56k/
Decídetexto México: Recruitment and baseline characteristics of Mexican individuals who smoke in a cessation study
Authors: Rodríguez-Bolaños Rosibel , Ramírez-Palacios Paula , Bolaños Alejandra , Lara Daimarelys , Millan Gabriel , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Flores Yvonne N , Mejia Raúl M , Cupertino Ana Paula , Cartujano-Barrera Francisco
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of digital and traditional methods and strategies in the recruitment of Mexican individuals who smoke into a cessation study. Recruitment method refers in general to either digital or traditional recruitment. Recruitment strategies refer to the particular recruitment type utilized within each recruitment method. Traditional recruitment strategies included radio interviews, word of mouth, newspaper advertisement, posters/banners placed in primary healthcare clinics, and medical referrals. Digital recruitment strategies involved emails and study advertisements through social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and website. In a 4-month period, 100 Mexican individuals who smoke were successfully enrolled into a smoking cessation study. The majority of participants were enrolled via traditional recruitment strategies (86%) compared to the digital recruitment strategies (14%). Individuals screened in the digital method were more likely to be eligible to participate in the study, compared to the traditional method. Similarly, in comparison to the traditional method, individuals in the digital method were more likely to enroll in the study. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Both traditional and digital strategies made important contributions to the overall recruitment effort.
(Un)usual suspects: Relational capacities and subjective transformations in polygynous and polyamorous practices in the Netherlands
Authors: Roodsaz Rahil
Published: February 2023

Choice and autonomy are at the heart of classic feminist debates about structure and agency. This article revisits those debates with two contemporary cases of polygyny and polyamory. While scholars of non-monogamies often portray polyamory as potentially liberating, an alternative to the dominant patriarchal model of dyadic marriage, polygyny is generally considered oppressive to women due to its communal and heteropatriarchal structures. Based on in-depth interviews, this article complicates such binary understandings of progressive/oppressive non-monogamies by bringing them into dialogue with one another. Focusing on two narrated experiences of polyamory and polygyny in the Netherlands, I trace and investigate relational capacities and subjective transformations. This relational approach serves a political feminist project that seeks to safeguard both scepticism towards patriarchal systems and to remain sympathetic to everyday life’s messiness, moving beyond both cultural essentialism and cultural relativism.
Cognition in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A prospective multicentre study of 217 patients (CogniNMO-Study)
Authors: Hümmert Martin W , Stern Carlotta , Paul Friedemann , Duchow Ankelien , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Ayzenberg Ilya , Schwake Carolin , Kleiter Ingo , Hellwig Kerstin , Jarius Sven , Wildemann Brigitte , Senel Makbule , Berthele Achim , Giglhuber Katrin , Luessi Felix , Grothe Matthias , Klotz Luisa , Schülke Rasmus , Gingele Stefan , Faiss Jürgen H , Walter Annette , Warnke Clemens , Then Bergh Florian , Aktas Orhan , Ringelstein Marius , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Häußler Vivien , Havla Joachim , Pellkofer Hannah , Kümpfel Tania , Kopp Bruno , Trebst Corinna
Published: February 2023

Background:

There is limited and inconsistent information on the prevalence of cognitive impairment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Objective:

To assess cognitive performance and changes over time in NMOSD.

Methods:

This study included data from 217 aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive (80%) and double-seronegative NMOSD patients. Cognitive functions measured by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Paced Auditory Serial-Addition Task (PASAT), and/or Multiple Sclerosis Inventory Cognition (MuSIC) were standardized against normative data ( N = 157). Intraindividual cognitive performance at 1- and 2-year follow-up was analyzed. Cognitive test scores were correlated with demographic and clinical variables and assessed with a multiple linear regression model.

Results:

NMOSD patients were impaired in SDMT ( p = 0.007), MuSIC semantic fluency ( p < 0.001), and MuSIC congruent speed ( p < 0.001). No significant cognitive deterioration was found at follow-up. SDMT scores were related to motor and visual disability ( pBon < 0.05). No differences were found between aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive and double-seronegative NMOSD.

Conclusions:

A subset of NMOSD patients shows impairment in visual processing speed and in semantic fluency regardless of serostatus, without noticeable changes during a 2-year observation period. Neuropsychological measurements should be adapted to physical and visual disabilities.
Hijra, trans, and the grids of “passing”
Authors: Hussain Salman
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the contestation about khwajasara corporeality—legal, medical and activist claims about the khwajasara body—and how it has been subjected to state projects of welfare and citizenship in South Asia. The khwajasara/hijra body was a suspicious and a transgressive body for the colonial state, but it has become a target of legal and medical forms of knowledge with the transformation of the “transgender” as a new subject of citizenship in South Asia. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in the khwajasara community in Pakistan, this paper examines how new “grid[s] of intelligibility” (Butler, 2001: 629) informed by legal and medical forms of expertise mediate rights claims as well as fuel social imaginary about khwajasaras—making the body of khwajasara legible as a Gender X citizen while also providing a new political context to which khwajasaras diversely respond. My analysis suggests that the new “citational apparatus” (Mitra, 2020: 111) concerning khwajasara corporeality makes khwajasaras “deserving” subjects of state welfare and protection, but only through introducing new forms of welfare surveillance, mediated by legal and medical experts. The paper suggests that as an object of state intervention as well as a means to elude legibility and demand equality and rights, the body remains central to governmental projects of welfare, governance and citizenship.
Parental income gradients in child and adolescent mortality: Norwegian trends over half a century
Authors: Evensen Miriam , Klitkou Søren Toksvig , Tollånes Mette Christophersen , Júlíusson Pétur Benedikt , Kravdal Øystein
Published: February 2023

Background:

Child mortality has declined rapidly over the last century in many high-income countries. However, little is known about the socio-economic differences in this decline and whether these vary across causes of death.

Methods:

We used register data that included all Norwegian births between 1968 and 2010 (2.1 million), and we analysed how all-cause and cause-specific child (0–4 years) and adolescent (5–20 years) mortality rates vary with relative parental income the year before the birth.

Results:

Child and adolescent all-cause mortality decreased with increasing parental relative income within all birth cohorts. Among children aged 0–4 years, the socio-economic gradient in all-cause mortality and in mortality due to external causes, sudden infant deaths and perinatal factors declined over the period, while there was no systematic decline in mortality from congenital malformations. Among children aged 5–20 years, the gradient did not weaken similarly, although there were indications of declines in the socio-economic gradient related to all-cause deaths and deaths because of suicides and other external causes. While the absolute differences in mortality declined over time, the relative differences remained stable.

Conclusions:

Although children of low-income parents still have elevated mortality, there has been a large reduction in child mortality in all socio-economic groups across 50 years for all causes combined and most of the groups of specific causes of death.
Nonlinear dynamics analysis of gear transmission system considering tooth surface friction and thermal deformation
Authors: Sheng Lianchao , Xu Mincui , Sun Qi , Li Wei , Ye Guo
Published: February 2023

To make the gear better adapt to the high temperature environment, the effects of tooth surface friction and thermal deformation on the dynamic characteristics of the gear were studied. First, based on the basic theory of gear nonlinear dynamics, the backlash model is established considering the effects of thermal deformation. Then, an improved multi-degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of gears is established taking into account the effects of thermal deformation and friction. The effect of tooth surface friction and thermal deformation on the system motion state is analyzed. Finally, to better analyze the relationship between impact vibration and transmission efficiency, the percussion vibration index is introduced. Compared with the existing research, a gear multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic model is established by considering the influence of tooth surface friction and thermal deformation. The percussion vibration index is introduced as an indicator of gear running health. The research result can provide reference for the optimization and cooling of the gear transmission system.
Encountering pandas and their valleys in precarious times: A tourism assemblage perspective
Authors: Ong Chin Ee , Xu Simin , Yang Xueke (Stephanie)
Published: February 2023

This paper analyses the precarity of tourism in viral pandemic times through an analysis of animal-human relations in China’s panda and valley tourism at Dajiuzhai. Drawing on a tour to Dajiuzhai to see giant pandas and the valleys of Jiuzhai, which was disrupted midway by increased viral infections, we trace ethnographically how disruptions in tourism emerge in the micro-setting of a single viral-hit tour and highlight the roles of natural agents, pandas, valleys and virus play, alongside humans in tourism’s fluid assemblages. Desire/wish to encounter pandas motivated the formation of a fluid constellation of tourism objects, species and humans, which was aligned towards the goal of a stable tourism experience but persistently disturbed. Animal-human relation-based tourism assemblage at Dajiuzhai was found to be a fluid spatiality that coped with Covid-19 disruptions through responses at attractions involving health checks and declarations but remained precarious despite its transformational potentialities.
Two instruments, one melody: The parallel evolvement of European and German alliances for apprenticeships
Authors: Rohde-Liebenau Judith , Graf Lukas
Published: February 2023

European education and training policies have gained momentum with the debt crisis and soaring youth unemployment. In 2013, the ‘European Alliance for Apprenticeships’ was launched. In Germany, a role model for apprenticeship training in Europe, a national ‘Alliance for Initial and Further Training’ was signed just one year later. Both Alliances represent a new, experimentalist governance mode, in which a novel steering entity orchestrates stakeholder cooperation. What explains the parallel evolvement of alliances for apprenticeships in Germany and at the EU level? Studying developments around the Alliances in the last two decades, we trace and critically discuss four theorised drivers: (1) German-driven VET governance reforms with a strong influence of German best practices, (2) EU-driven cooperation that influences German VET policies, (3) cross-fertilising reforms and (4) externally driven, parallel reforms in response to governance mega-challenges. Our analysis supports a prevalence of the fourth driver: increasingly complex policy problems push both the EU and Germany to implement policy innovations such as the Alliances for apprenticeship training. In an experimentalist setting that often entails a governance by (seemingly neutral) numbers, benchmarking and learning, this also gives leeway to Germany to present itself as a pioneer of the EU’s focus on dual training.
Sex-specific frailty and chronological age normative carotid artery intima-media thickness values using the Canadian longitudinal study of aging
Authors: O’Brien Myles W , Kimmerly Derek S , Theou Olga
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Carotid intima-media-thickness (cIMT) is predictive of future cardiovascular events, increases with chronological age, and greater in males. The accumulation of health deficits (or frailty) is a marker of biological age. However, normative cIMT values are lacking and would be an important comparative tool for healthcare providers and researchers. This study aimed to establish sex-specific normative cIMT values across chronological age and frailty levels (i.e. biological age).

Methods

Frailty and right common cIMT data were extracted from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging baseline comprehensive cohort of middle-aged and older adults ( n = 10,209; 5000 females). cIMT was assessed via high-resolution ultrasound. Frailty was determined using a 52-item frailty index. Ordinary least squares and quantile regressions were conducted between age (years or frailty index) with cIMT (average or maximum), separately for males and females.

Results

In both sexes, average and maximum cIMT increased with higher chronological age and frailty. Both cIMT metrics increased non-linearly (quadratic-cIMT term) with advancing age (β-coefficients for quadratic and linear terms: all, p < 0.001), except for the linear relationship between average and maximum cIMT with chronological age among males ( p < 0.001). Sex-specific normative average and maximum cIMT values were established (1st–99th percentiles, 5% increments), separately for chronological and biological ages.

Conclusions

This is the largest sample of adults to establish normative cIMT outcomes that includes older adults. The chronological age and frailty-related normative cIMT outcomes will serve as a useful resource for healthcare professionals and researchers to establish “normal” age- and sex-specific cIMT values.
Principals’ systems thinking and school effectiveness: The mediating role of collective teacher efficacy
Authors: Nadav Nechama , Benoliel Pascale , Schechter Chen
Published: February 2023

Relying on the social cognitive theory, which postulates that human behaviour is due to social experiences and cognitive interpretation, the current study seeks to investigate the mediating role of collective teacher efficacy (CTE) in the relationship between principals’ systems thinking (PST) and school effectiveness in terms of academic emphasis and student academic achievement after accounting for students’ socioeconomic backgrounds. A three-source survey design with self-report and non-self-report data was used, from a sample of 423 participants from 71 elementary schools in Israel. The sample included school management team (SMT) members and teachers who were not SMT members. Data were aggregated at the school level of analysis. The results from structural equation modelling and bootstrapping analysis indicated that CTE partially mediates the relationship between PST and academic emphasis, irrespective of the students’ socioeconomic backgrounds. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Institutional objection to abortion: A mixed-methods narrative review
Authors: Merner Bronwen , Haining Casey M , Willmott Lindy , Savulescu Julian , Keogh Louise A
Published: February 2023

Institutional objection (IO) occurs when institutions providing health care claim objector status and refuse to provide legally permissible health services such as abortion. IO may be regulated by sources including law, ethical codes and policies (including State and local/institutional policies). We conducted a mixed-methods narrative review of the empirical evidence exploring IO to abortion provision globally, to inform areas for further research. MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (CAB Abstracts), ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched in August 2021 using keywords including ‘conscientious objection’, ‘faith-based organizations’, ‘religious hospitals’ and ‘abortion’. Eligible research focused on clinicians’ attitudes and experiences of IO to abortion. The 28 studies included in the review were from nine countries: United States (19), Chile (2), Turkey (1), Argentina (1), Australia (1), Colombia (1), Ghana (1), Poland (1) and South Africa (1). The analysis demonstrated that IO was claimed in a range of countries, despite different legislative and policy frameworks. There was strong evidence from the United States that clinicians in religious healthcare institutions were less likely to provide abortions and abortion referrals, and that training of future abortion providers was negatively affected by IO. Qualitative evidence from other countries showed that IO was claimed by secular as well as religious institutions, and individual conscientious objection could be used as a mechanism for imposing IO. Further research is needed to explore whether IO is morally justified, how decisions are made to claim IO, and on what grounds. Finally, appropriate models for regulating IO are needed to ensure the protection of women’s access to abortion. Such models could be informed by those used to regulate IO in other contexts, such as voluntary assisted dying.