bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of positive airway pressure on basilic vein diameter and venous flow velocity in healthy volunteers
Authors: Salinaro Gianluca , Pirrone Massimiliano , Cardone Chiara , Cova Marta , Abbruzzese Chiara , Galazzi Alessandro
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

The placement of vascular catheters of adequate size in accordance to catheter-to-vein ratio (CVR) recommendations represents one of the cornerstones of catheter-related upper vein thrombosis prevention. However there is scarcity of data on its effect on the venous dynamics of the basilic vein, a common site for long-term catheter placement. This study investigates the effects of the application of positive airway pressure on the diameter and blood flow velocity of basilic vein. We also measured the effects of under-armpit straps, a device commonly used to keep continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) helmets in place.

Methods:

We enrolled 28 healthy volunteers. Basilic vein diameter and minimum/maximum blood flow velocity, according to respiratory venous flow oscillation, were measured by ultrasound on the midpoint of their dominant arm during spontaneous breathing and during breathing in a CPAP helmet with 10 cm H2O of airway pressure applied, with the helmet kept in place either through armpit straps or by tying the helmet to the bed.

Results:

The application of 10 cm H2O of positive airway pressure significantly increased basilic vein diameter by 0.9 ± 0.2 mm, while reducing minimum blood flow velocity by 1.8 ± 0.4 cm/s. These effects were amplified by the application of under armpit straps.

Conclusions:

Breathing with positive airway pressure increases basilic vein diameter while reducing blood flow-velocity. This phenomenon might lead to an incorrect assessment of CVR, misleading the operator into choosing improperly large catheters.
Cerebrospinal fluid kappa free light chains for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: A consensus statement
Authors: Hegen Harald , Arrambide Georgina , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Kaplan Batia , Khalil Michael , Saadeh Ruba , Teunissen Charlotte , Tumani Hayrettin , Villar Luisa Maria , Willrich Maria Alice V , Zetterberg Henrik , Deisenhammer Florian
Published: December 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is of utmost importance for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of patients with suspected multiple sclerosis (MS). Evidence of intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG) synthesis proves the inflammatory nature of the disease, increases diagnostic certainty and substitutes for dissemination in time according to current diagnostic criteria. The gold standard to determine intrathecal IgG synthesis is the detection of CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands (OCBs). However, advances in laboratory methods brought up κ-free light chains (FLCs) as a new biomarker, which are produced in excess over intact immunoglobulins and accumulate in CSF in the case of central nervous system-derived inflammation. Overwhelming evidence showed a high diagnostic accuracy of intrathecal κ-FLC synthesis in MS with sensitivity and specificity of approximately 90% similar to OCB. κ-FLCs have advantages as its detection is fast, easy, cost-effective, reliable, rater-independent and returning quantitative results which might also improve the value of predicting MS disease activity. An international panel of experts in MS and CSF diagnostics developed a consensus of all participants. Six recommendations are given for establishing standard CSF evaluation in patients suspected of having MS. The panel recommended to include intrathecal κ-FLC synthesis in the next revision of MS diagnostic criteria as an additional tool to measure intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis.
From tool to tool-making: Reflections on authorship in social media research software
Authors: Rieder Bernhard , Peeters Stijn , Borra Erik
Published: December 2022

Social media research software has come to play increasingly important roles in processes of knowledge production. While epistemological, logistical, legal, and ethical concerns put the spotlight on the software tools researchers are relying on, little attention is paid to the role of the ‘toolmaker’ beyond a vague idea of the ‘power’ wielded by those who design, develop, and maintain these technical artifacts. This paper seeks to address this role, both conceptually and with attention to practical concerns, as a form of hybrid and relational authorship. We thereby shift the focus from tool to tool-making, from artifact to practice, in an attempt to produce a different kind of ‘unblackboxing’ of tools than the somewhat overused tropes of open source code or open data. Our contribution proceeds in three steps. We first address tools and tool-making from a theoretical perspective, suggesting that their epistemological orientation reaches more deeply into the networks of research practice than words like ‘bias’ admit and proposing to consider the specific kind of hybrid authorship that emerges in this context. Calling on our own experiences as toolmakers, we then reflect on a cluster of issues where this authorial function becomes particularly visible. Here, we examine how motivations and commitments orient what a piece of software does and how it does it and discuss tool-making from the perspectives of co-development, maintenance and care, and ethics by design. We conclude by arguing that the most pressing concerns for tool-making lie in institutional arrangements that are crucial for the life of research software.
Emotional scapes in Mediterranean port cities: Walking Barcelona, Marseille and Genova
Authors: Duruz Jean , Giovanangeli Angela , Loda Alice , Manganas Nicholas
Published: December 2022

Mediterranean port cities share a number of trajectories that reveal their constitutive interconnectedness. Among the more recent is the process of urban regeneration that many of these cities have undergone over the last two decades. Several studies have analysed the implications of urban renewal from a socio-economic and urban planning perspective. However, the intersection between diverse urban restructuring processes and the emotions that crisscross these cities is still largely underexplored. This article aims to begin filling this gap by identifying possible emotional responses that mirror local concerns in three port cities located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean. More specifically, the article investigates Barcelona in light of the hope that emerges when a city is in crisis, Marseille and the nostalgia that is mobilised to reimagine the city’s national consciousness and Genova with regard to an uncanny feeling when more-than-human balances are altered. Drawing from different disciplines, including ethnography, media, archival and literary analysis, this article argues that emotional trajectories are significant aspects to consider in the urban renewal processes of distinctive spaces like port cities because they allow us to comprehend some of the local reactions to urban transformations and gentrification that go beyond understanding economic and branding strategies in a post-industrial space.
The tethered humanity hypothesis among victims of interpersonal harm: The role of apologies, forgiveness, and the relation between self-, other-, and meta-perceptions of humanity
Authors: Vaes Jeroen , Orabona Noemi , Muslu Özge , Piazza Margherita
Published: December 2022

When interpersonal harm is inflicted, victims stop seeing themselves as fully human. The tethered humanity hypothesis proposes that victims restore a full human status when perpetrators undertake attempts at reconciliation and victims manage to reestablish the humanness of their perpetrators. In two studies, we tested this hypothesis and manipulated the perpetrators attempts at apologizing for their misconduct. Participants were either included or socially excluded and received a full or self-exonerating apology or a hostile message when they were excluded. Results indicated that victims dehumanized themselves and their ostracizers when they were socially excluded and managed to regain a full human status and rehumanized their perpetrators when a full apology was uttered. Moreover, regression analyses indicated that different humanness judgments (self, other, and meta-humanness) become tethered only when perpetrators apologized, while forgiving the perpetrator always correlated with the rehumanization of the self regardless of the perpetrator’s apology.
Introduction to the Special Issue of Group Processes & Intergroup Relations Less than Human: What People who are Dehumanized Think, Feel, and Do
Authors: Baldissarri Cristina , Demoulin Stéphanie , Kteily Nour
Published: December 2022

Over recent years, social psychological research has investigated dehumanization (viewing and treating people as less than human) by primarily focusing on those who dehumanize—the perpetrators. Less is known about those who are dehumanized—the targets of dehumanization. This Special Issue aims to address this gap by assembling empirical works on metadehumanization (when targets perceive that they are being dehumanized by others) and self-dehumanization (when targets come to see themselves in dehumanized ways). In this introductory article, we summarize the state of the science and suggest a research agenda for further studying dehumanization from the target’s perspective, by considering: (a) the impact of dehumanizing portrayal used in media; (b) the role of cultural or societal features in shaping our humanness; (c) the individual or situational variables that trigger a dehumanizing versus rehumanizing reaction to dehumanization; (d) the influence of risk- or protective factors on the emerging of metadehumanizing or self-dehumanizing feelings; and (e) the phenomenon of ingroup dehumanization.
Stability or change? Social inequality at the transition from bachelor’s to master’s degree programmes in Germany. Empirical evidence from four graduate cohorts
Authors: Reimer David , Schwabe Ulrike
Published: December 2022

For German higher education, the introduction of a two-cycle study structure resulted in a new transition stage after the completion of the bachelor’s degree. In contrast to some other countries, this structural change was stretched over a relatively long period. At the same time, the number of students enrolled in higher education has increased substantially. Existing empirical evidence indicates that starting a master’s degree programme is socially selective – in favour of students with tertiary qualified parents. Against this backdrop, we analyse how the level of social inequality at the new transition from the bachelor’s to the master’s level has developed over the course of the past two decades. Drawing on data from large-scale DZHW graduate surveys (graduate cohorts from the years 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017), we are able to replicate previous findings showing considerable social inequality at the transition to the master’s level. However, this inequality could not be detected for the 2005 graduate cohort, the ‘early adopters’. It seems that after an initial period of turmoil and uncertainty in the early stages of the implementation process, established patterns of inequality had re-emerged by the 2009 graduate cohort. We discuss the implications of our results for further research and policy-making.
Bi-objective optimization for a plug-in PV/battery system of an unmanned patrol boat
Authors: Wang Wenyang , Chen Li , Liang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2022

Plug-in photovoltaics (PV)/battery power systems attract increasing interest due to their merits in zero fuel consumption and zero local emission. However, current optimization for the plug-in PV/battery power system only considers a single objective of minimizing lifecycle cost, which may result in increased lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission due to electricity generation from coal in some areas. The paper therefore proposes a bi-objective optimization methodology to find out an optimal trade-off between lifecycle cost and GHG emission. Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is developed to explore the Pareto solution sets. An unmanned patrol boat is considered as a study case. Simulation results show that the optimal design from the bi-objective optimization gains a 12.6% reduction in lifecycle cost and a 53.8% reduction in GHG emission when compared with the conventional power system consisting of diesel engines and generators. Moreover, the optimal design achieves a 46.3% reduction in GHG emission compared with the single-objective one aimed at minimum lifecycle cost, which at the same time increases the lifecycle cost by just 0.6%. Besides, two variables (the number of PV array and the number of battery modules) are found to be the most sensitive to the contradiction between lifecycle cost and GHG emission.
Ignition improvers for aqueous ammonia as marine fuel
Authors: Schönborn Alessandro , Lee Kang-Ki
Published: December 2022

The potential of three molecules NH4NO2, H2O2 and O3 to ignite aqueous solutions of ammonia (25% by mass) as fuel, was investigated using chemical kinetic simulations at conditions representative of a two-stroke marine diesel engine. The purpose was to address two of the most prominent issues with making ammonia a practical fuel for marine applications: the difficulty of igniting ammonia, and the safety concerns regarding its volatility and toxicity. The ignition simulations carried out to this end used a two-zone reactor model of the engine, representing the ignition zone into which fuel was injected, and the bulk cylinder gases, respectively. The results suggested that all three ignition improving molecules were able to ignite aqueous ammonia reliably and at high combustion efficiency with acceptable levels of NO, N2O and NH3 emissions. Among the three fuel formulations investigated, H2O2 as 12% aqueous solution by mass, promised the lowest emissions of NO and N2O in the exhaust gases. This ignition improver in aqueous solution added in a mole fraction of 0.15 to a mole fraction of 0.85 aqueous ammonia having an ammonia fraction of 25% by mass promised to be the most practical solution, since it is stable and can be stored safely in a separate tank until injected into the engine.
Conceptualising innovative lighting interventions for suicide, trespass and risky behaviour on the railway
Authors: Hallewell MJ , Ryan B , Hughes N , Coad N
Published: December 2022

Three behaviour types – suicide, trespass and risky behaviours, which can result in entry to railway tracks – present an ongoing challenge to the rail industry for fatality prevention. Many preventative interventions exist, operating at different stages in the timeline of a person’s decision to access the tracks to the point that they have entered and remain in the track area. However, there is little understanding of the impacts of interventions on the behaviours in question. This paper outlines the generation of the functional requirements for the use of lighting as safety interventions, which can contribute towards the development and evaluation of such interventions. The study includes the analysis of literature on how lighting has been used to date in the prevention of suicide, trespass and other risky behaviour on railway property. Interviews were carried out with 13 key stakeholders who have expertise in the behaviours in question and awareness of the range of safety interventions used in practice in railway settings. The analysis explores how lighting can be used to influence these different behaviour types. Functionalities that are both theoretically and empirically promising are identified. These functionalities include the need for reactive environmental changes, novelty, ability to influence decision-making and ability to support a human response, for example, through highlighting to staff when someone has entered the tracks. These functionalities offer developers a framework for developing (and subsequently evaluating) a range of novel intervention technologies, which could highlight specific lighting properties that could influence behaviour.
Reduction of filler-filler interaction and hysteresis loss of carbon black filled rubber compound by using modified carbon Black
Authors: Kunti Nitya Narayan , Sengupta Ranjan
Published: December 2022

The carbon black, used in rubber compound as reinforcing filler, improves the strength, durability, and wear resistance of the rubber compound. However, it causes filler-filler interaction and results in extensive hysteresis energy losses on deformation. This research aims to reduce hysteresis energy loss of rubber compound by reducing filler-filler interaction and by improving the filler dispersion in rubber matrix. In this study, the effect of carbon black treated with benzyl tri-ethyl ammonium chloride (BTEAC) on solution styrene butadiene rubber and butadiene rubber (SSBR-BR) system was studied. Microscopic study of dispersion and distribution of carbon black in rubber matrix was performed and a significant improvement in dispersion of BTEAC treated carbon black in SSBR-BR rubber matrix was observed. As a result of increased interaction of BTEAC treated carbon black with rubber, the filler - filler interaction was significantly reduced, resulting lower hysteresis energy loss of the compound as expressed by loss tangent (tanδ) value and it has been observed that an extent of around 15% reduction in tanδ value was achieved in rubber compound consisting of BTEAC treated carbon black. In this research, the carbon black was treated with different concentration of BTEAC, such as 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% and the best balance of rubber properties was observed for 1% and 1.5% BTEAC treated carbon black.
Factors Affecting Residual Stump Length Following Endovenous Laser Ablation
Authors: Pasenidou Ketino , Tang Tjun Y. , Juszczak Maciej , Tiwari Alok
Published: December 2022

Background

Current instruction for endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) recommends that the laser fibre tip should be at least 2 cm caudal to the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction. This is to reduce risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) whilst ensuring that the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV)/Short saphenous vein (SSV) occlusion (residual stump) is close to the SFJ/SPJ to reduce recurrence rates. Our aim was to primarily assess the effects of pre-operative junction distance of the laser fibre on stump length but also look at other factors affecting this.

Patient and Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of an electronic collected database performing EVLA of the GSV and SSV under local anaesthesia. Patients with previous venous thromboembolic events and incomplete data were excluded. Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks with venous Duplex scan to assess for the residual stump distance and DVT. Multivariable logistic regression was used to account for confounders.

Results

Between 2012 and 2018, 2341 patients underwent EVLA and complete data were available on 825 (35.2%) patients. All patients were scanned 6 weeks after procedure. Sixty-nine patients (8.4%) had flush occlusion, 3 patients (.4%) had extension into femoral or popliteal vein but not considered to be a DVT and 1 patient had a DVT. High BMI and increasing length of the pre-operative junction was associated with lower incidence of flush occlusion; higher rates of flush occlusions were noted in patients undergoing short saphenous vein (SSV) EVLT (OR 4.11, 95% CI 2.34-7.20; P < .001).

Conclusions

Consideration should be given to increase the intra-procedure laser tip junction to more than 2 cm particularly in patients undergoing SSV treatment to ensure that residual stump is sufficiently distal to SPJ and SFJ reducing risks of thrombus into the femoral or popliteal veins. Lower BMI may be associated with higher risk of this though the reasons for this are unclear.
Imported policy ideals and distributed leadership in Jordanian schools
Authors: Hashem Reem , Starr Karen
Published: December 2022

In 2003, the ‘education reform for knowledge economy’ policy introduced the notion of distributed leadership into Jordanian public schools. Policy development, delivery and professional learning were funded and undertaken with assistance from international partners alongside the Jordanian Ministry of Education. The policy is now substantive. Distributed leadership's implicit western values of greater democracy, trust, empowerment and shared leadership responsibilities were delivered into a schooling system where traditional leadership roles and expectations derived from sheikhocratic customs are the norms. This article interrogates the paradox of distributed leadership in the context of time-honoured sheikhocratic practices from the perceptions and experiences of public school principals. Since perceptions about policy and implicit policy values are culturally mediated, it examines how the principles underpinning distributed leadership are interpreted through the lens of the Jordanian local culture as it is experienced in schools. The findings of this grounded theory study highlight incompatibilities between principals’ understandings of distributed leadership and those implicit in western cultures. This imported policy reform program filtered through host culture judgments produced different policy outcomes than those anticipated by policymakers.
Characterizing the induced flow through the cavity of a wall solar chimney under the effects of the opening heights
Authors: Nguyen Y Q , Nguyen Viet T
Published: December 2022

Using solar chimneys in buildings can enhance the thermal insulation of the building envelope and provide sufficient ventilation and cooling. The performance of a solar chimney is strongly affected by its configurational factors. This work examines the effects of the opening heights on the flow field in the cavity of a wall solar chimney with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. Both cases of equal and unequal opening areas were considered. The results show that the induced flow rate increases with the opening height and gradually becomes constant as the opening height is about 2.0–3.0 and 5.0–6.0 times the air gap for heating the left wall (HLW) and the right wall (HRW) of the air cavity, respectively. Particularly, using equal inlet and outlet heights that are equal to the air gap reduces the flow rate of 27% for HLW and 85% for HRW compared to the maximum ones. The optimal design of a wall solar chimney to achieve maximum flow rate is proposed for two cases of heating, that is, (a) for HLW, equal opening heights which are twice the air gap, and (b) for RHW, the inlet height equal to the air gap, and the outlet height equal to five times the air gap.
Synthesis of stable flowerlike MgAl-LDH@MIL-88A and its adsorption performance for fluoride
Authors: Ma Wenqing , Chen Yuantao , Qin Jianxian , Hu Guangzhuang , Xu Cheng
Published: December 2022

MgAl-LDH@MIL-88A as an effective adsorbent was successfully prepared by a simple stirring method in water bath through loading MIL-88A onto the surface of flowerlike MgAl-LDH, which was synthesized via solvothermal method. Interestingly, the results of characterizations showed that the MIL-88A could still grow, but extrude the brucite-like layers of MgAl-LDH. The influences of initial solution pH, contact time, temperature, and co-existing ions on the adsorption performance of MgAl-LDH@MIL-88A were studied systematically by batch static adsorption experiments. It was found that MgAl-LDH@MIL-88A represented the highest adsorption loading of fluoride (14.00 mg g−1) at initial pH 7.0 in 420 min. The uptake process was described appropriately by the pseudo-second-order, the Temkin and the Freundlich isotherm models. The thermodynamic parameters confirmed the endothermic and spontaneous nature of adsorption. MgAl-LDH@MIL-88A was the green adsorbent as the residual mental contents ([Mg2+] = 1.095 mg L−1, [Fe3+] = 0.007 mg L−1, [Al3+] = 0.076 mg L−1) after adsorption met the Chinese sanitary standard for drinking water (GB 5749-2006). The mechanism of fluoride removal by MgAl-LDH@MIL-88A involved the electrostatic interactions between Fe3+ of MIL-88A and fluoride, and ligand exchange among hydroxyl groups of MgAl-LDH, carboxylate groups of the C4H4O4 and fluoride.
Prediction of soccer clubs’ league rankings by machine learning methods: The case of Turkish Super League
Authors: Tümer Abdullah Erdal , Akyıldız Zeki , Güler Aytek Hikmet , Saka Esat Kaan , Ievoli Riccardo , Palazzo Lucio , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: December 2022

The aim of this research is to predict league rankings through various machine learning models using technical and physical parameters. This study followed a longitudinal observational analytical design. The SENTIO Sports optical tracking system was used to measure the physical demands and technical practices of the players in all matches. Then, the data regarding the last three seasons of the Turkish Super League (2015–2016, 2016−2017, and 2017−2018), was collected. In this research, league rankings were estimated using three machine learning methods: Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Radial Basis Function (RBFN), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with technical and physical parameters of all seasons. Performances were evaluated through R2, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Prediction results of the models are the following: ANN Model; R2 = 0.60, RMSE = 3.7855 and MAE = 2.9139, RBFN Model; R2 = 0.26, MAE = 3.6292 and RMSE = 4.5168, MLR Model; R2 = 0.46, MAE = 3.4859 and RMSE = 4.2064. These results showed that ANN can be used as a successful tool to predict league rankings. In the light of this research, coaches and athletic trainers can organize their training in a way that affects the technical and physical parameters to change the results of the competition. Thus, it will be possible for teams to have a better place in the league-end success ranking.
Wire Osteosynthesis in the Treatment of Mandible Fractures in Low Resource Settings: A Force Study
Authors: Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Derakhshan Adeeb , Nyabenda Victor , Ncogoza Isaie , Tuyishimire Gratien , Shaye David A.
Published: December 2022

Study Design

Cadaveric investigation.

Objective

Rigid internal fixation (RIF) using plates and screws is often not feasible in low and middle-income countries due to limited resources. Interosseous wiring to achieve semi-rigid fixation is often used, but lacks biomechanical force data. Herein we aim to quantitatively compare interosseous wiring to RIF.

Methods

Cadaveric mandibles were fractured at the parasymphysis and angle. Fixation was achieved using interosseous wiring in both single wire loop and figure-of-eight formations, as well as plate and screw fixation (n = 5 for each fixation type at each fracture site). A force gauge was used to measure the number of Newtons (N) required to achieve diastasis and complete failure at the fixation site.

Results

For angle fractures, the mean force required for initial diastasis was 4.1, 5.9, and 10.9 N for single wire, figure-of-eight wiring, and plating respectively ( P < .001). Complete failure was achieved with 152.9, 168.9, and 237.6 N of force for the three methods, respectively ( P < .001). Complete failure was achieved for parasymphyseal fractures with 197.7, 263.0, and 262.8 N of force for single wire, figure-of-eight wiring, and plating respectively ( P = .002). Forces to achieve initial diastasis for parasymphyseal fractures were not statistically significant among the three fixation methods ( P = .29).

Conclusions

Figure-of-eight interosseous wiring resists comparable forces across mandibular fractures compared to the gold standard of plating. In resource-limited settings when plates and screws are not available, this technique can be considered to achieve semi-rigid fixation of mandibular fractures.
W(h)ither the device divide? Changing relationships between personal computer or mobile device with online activities
Authors: Rice Ronald E. , Pearce Katy E. , Calderwood Kevin J.
Published: December 2022

The “device divide” occurs when uses of the Internet vary substantially by device. While the mobile phone was welcomed as a way to reduce the general digital divide, much early research presumed that mobile Internet was essentially inferior to personal-computer-based Internet in terms of possible online activities and related benefits. Given ongoing developments in devices, online activities, and socio-demographic differences, we reassess the device divide. After reviewing the concept, and considering mobile phone capabilities that could influence activities, followed by summarizing changes in device usage and online activities in the United States, we analyze the device divide from 2011 to 2019 in Armenia. Over time, use of mobile Internet separately and combined with personal computer Internet grew, and differences in online activity use withered, raising issues of whither device divide research. Nonetheless, in all years, there are continuing demographic-based digital divides after controlling for device divides.
Rare fatal poisoning through dermal exposure to paraquat
Authors: Eizadi-Mood Nastaran , Haddad Shadi , Mirmoghtadaei Parisa , Mahvari Razieh , Meamar Rokhsareh
Published: December 2022

Paraquat skin contact occurs less frequently and is rarely fatal. This article reports a case of a 45-year-old man who presented with dysphagia, respiratory distress and grade two, and third skin burns focusing on the upper body after accidental exposure to paraquat. He was admitted to the hospital 6 days after the first contact. The urine sodium dithionate test was strongly positive. The O2 saturation at admission was 52%, which reached 91% with a bag valve mask. Rising blood liver enzymes, urea, creatinine, and respiratory acidosis in the venous blood gas analysis were observed in the lab data. In the course of hospitalization, the patient was intubated due to oxygen level dropping. Evidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and decreased level of consciousness was also observed. However, despite treatment with corticosteroids, antioxidants, and hemodialysis, he died on the fourth day of hospitalization. It is concluded that dermal exposure with paraquat could be life-threatening if the patient presented late with organ involvement.
What Social Media Could Be: Normative Frameworks for Evaluating Digital Public Spaces
Authors: Masullo Gina M. , Wilner Tamar , Stroud Natalie Jomini
Published: December 2022

Increasing attention has been placed to the societal downsides of social media, and appropriately so. Less attention has been paid to the qualities to which social media should aspire. We contend that this is critically important. Not only must social media, and social media scholars, identify and reduce negative outcomes, but we must also critically engage with what is desirable. The purpose of this theoretical essay is to propose a normative framework for digital public spaces. We lay out four categories, and 14 sub-categories, of normative ideals to which social media could aspire. It is our hope that chronicling these qualities will allow scholars to more critically reflect on their normative assumptions when they research social media and will encourage practitioners to think about how social media could be built with these ideals in mind.
The Influence of Integrating Moral Disengagement Minimization Strategies into Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility on Student Positive and Misbehaviors in Physical Education
Authors: Hsu Wei-Ting , Pan Min , Shang I-Wei , Hsiao Chia-Huei
Published: December 2022

To make teaching personal and social responsibility (TPSR) more effective, this study aimed to determine whether integrating moral disengagement (MD) minimization strategies into TPSR can enhance students’ positive behaviors and reduce their misbehaviors in PE. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was conducted with an experimental group and two control groups. One hundred forty-five students from nine classes in three middle schools were assigned to experimental group (TPSR + MD minimization strategies; N = 50), control group A (TPSR; N = 46), and control group B (general PE instruction; N = 49) respectively. A pretest was performed in the first week, and a posttest was performed in the 18th week. The results showed that integrating MD minimization strategies into TPSR could significantly reduce students’ misbehaviors in PE classes. However, the effects of the strategy on students’ positive behaviors (e.g., following rules, helping others, and cooperation) showed no improvement. This study made a breakthrough by finding that integrating MD minimization strategies could make TPSR more effective at reducing students’ misbehaviors. By understanding the psychosocial mechanisms behind student behavior in PE, we suggest that MD minimization strategies could be applied in the TPSR model.
Spatio-temporal Integration of Speech Reflections in Hearing-Impaired Listeners
Authors: Rennies Jan , Warzybok Anna , Kollmeier Birger , Brand Thomas
Published: December 2022

Speech recognition in rooms requires the temporal integration of reflections which arrive with a certain delay after the direct sound. It is commonly assumed that there is a certain temporal window of about 50–100 ms, during which reflections can be integrated with the direct sound, while later reflections are detrimental to speech intelligibility. This concept was challenged in a recent study by employing binaural room impulse responses (RIRs) with systematically varied interaural phase differences (IPDs) and amplitude of the direct sound and a variable number of reflections delayed by up to 200 ms. When amplitude or IPD favored late RIR components, normal-hearing (NH) listeners appeared to be capable of focusing on these components rather than on the precedent direct sound, which contrasted with the common concept of considering early RIR components as useful and late components as detrimental. The present study investigated speech intelligibility in the same conditions in hearing-impaired (HI) listeners. The data indicate that HI listeners were generally less able to “ignore” the direct sound than NH listeners, when the most useful information was confined to late RIR components. Some HI listeners showed a remarkable inability to integrate across multiple reflections and to optimally “shift” their temporal integration window, which was quite dissimilar to NH listeners. This effect was most pronounced in conditions requiring spatial and temporal integration and could provide new challenges for individual prediction models of binaural speech intelligibility.
Gender differences in juvenile systemic sclerosis patients: Results from the international juvenile scleroderma inception cohort
Authors: Foeldvari Ivan , Klotsche Jens , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Adrovic Amra , Terreri Maria Teresa , Sakamoto Ana Paula , Stanevicha Valda , Anton Jordi , Feldman Brian M , Sztajnbok Flavio , Khubchandani Raju , Alexeeva Ekaterina , Katsicas Maria , Sawhney Sujata , Smith Vanessa , Appenzeller Simone , Avcin Tadej , Kostik Mikhail , Lehman Thomas , Marrani Edoardo , Schonenberg-Meinema Dieneke , Sifuentes-Giraldo Walter-Alberto , Vasquez-Canizares Natalia , Janarthanan Mahesh , Moll Monika , Nemcova Dana , Patwardhan Anjali , Santos Maria Jose , Battagliotti Cristina , Berntson Lillemor , Bica Blanca , Brunner Jürgen , Cimaz Rolando , Costa-Reis Patricia , Eleftheriou Despina , Harel Liora , Horneff Gerd , Johnson Sindhu R , Kaiser Daniela , Kallinich Tilmann , Lazarevic Dragana , Minden Kirsten , Nielsen Susan , Nuruzzaman Farzana , Opsahl Hetlevik Siri , Uziel Yosef , Helmus Nicola , Torok Kathryn S
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To compare organ involvement and disease severity between male and female patients with juvenile onset systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

Demographics, organ involvement, laboratory evaluation, patient-reported outcomes and physician assessment variables were compared between male and female juvenile onset systemic sclerosis patients enrolled in the prospective international juvenile systemic sclerosis cohort at their baseline visit and after 12 months.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-five juvenile onset systemic sclerosis patients were evaluated, 142 females and 33 males. Race, age of onset, disease duration, and disease subtypes (70% diffuse cutaneous) were similar between males and females. Active digital ulceration, very low body mass index, and tendon friction rubs were significantly more frequent in males. Physician global assessment of disease severity and digital ulcer activity was significantly higher in males. Composite pulmonary involvement was also more frequent in males, though not statistically significantly. After 12 months, they are the pattern of differences changed female patients had significantly more frequent pulmonary involvement.

Conclusion:

In this cohort, juvenile onset systemic sclerosis had a more severe course in males at baseline and but the pattern changed after 12 months. Some differences from adult findings persisted, there is no increased signal of pulmonary arterial hypertension or heart failure in male pediatric patients. While monitoring protocols of organ involvement in juvenile onset systemic sclerosis need to be identical for males and females.
E-commerce: A platform for local economic development? Evidence from Taobao Villages in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Phelps Nicholas , Wang Cassandra , Miao Julie T , Zhang Jia
Published: December 2022

In contrast to the one village one product (OVOP) and joint action (JA) models, e-commerce disintermediation is the focus of the Taobao village (TV) model pioneered in China. Drawing on original questionnaire survey data of village heads’ perceptions of the adoption of the TV model in 300 Taobao villages in Zhejiang province, we investigate: (1) the significance of the TV phenomenon; (2) the perceived benefits and disbenefits of the adoption of the Taobao business model on villages; (3) and the institutionalisation of the TV model. While the TV model remains weakly institutionalised, its effects appear to exceed those of the OVOP and JA models when raising rural employment and incomes but also appearing to promote selected dynamic economic gains and elements of diversification of livelihoods.
Effect of tourniquet technique on postoperative delirium in elderly patients with total knee arthroplasty: a randomized single-blind controlled trial
Authors: Ran Wei , Li Shuzhen , Yuan Ruixue , Luo Huan , Li Ping , Gao Jin
Published: December 2022

Background

The tourniquet technique is often used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, its effect on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing TKA is unknown. 

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial assessed the eligibility of 245 elderly patients. A total of 197 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a tourniquet group (n = 98) and a non-tourniquet group (n = 99). The primary outcome was the incidence of POD within 72 h after surgery. The secondary outcome was the quality of rehabilitation, including inflammatory reaction, postoperative pain, hypoproteinemia and anemia.

Results

Of 245 patients, 184 patients completed this clinical trial, with 92 cases in each group. There were 14 patients (15.22%) with POD in the tourniquet group and 5 patients (5.43%) in the non-tourniquet group (95% CI 1.076 to 9.067, P = 0.029). The changes in white blood cell count (WBC), the proportion of neutrophils (NEUT%), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and middle patellar circumference in the tourniquet group were higher than those in the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and activity in the tourniquet group were higher than those in the non-tourniquet group (F = 170.102, P < 0.001 F = 75.391, P < 0.001). There were 41 (44.57%) patients with hypoproteinemia in the tourniquet group and 26 (28.26%) in the non-tourniquet group (95% CI 1.106 to 3.765, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

The application of the tourniquet technique in elderly patients with TKA procedures increased the incidence of POD. This may be attributed to the increased inflammatory reaction, severe postoperative pain and hypoproteinemia caused by the tourniquet technique.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2100045711.

Full date of the first registration: 23/04/2021.
Comparison of early and late postoperative outcomes between chordal reconstruction and quadrangular resection in patients with posterior mitral valve prolapse: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Song Xiangwei , Wu Qingsong , Zhang Guican , Dai Xiaofu , Lin Feng , Chen Liangwan , Wang Qimin
Published: December 2022

Background

To compare the early and late postoperative outcomes of chordal reconstruction (CR) and quadrangular resection (QR) in patients with posterior mitral valve prolapse (PMPL).

Methods

Between January 2008 and December 2018, 305 patients with PMPL who underwent mitral valve plasty (MVP) were included in this retrospective analysis. The CR and QR procedures were performed in 169 patients (CR group) and 136 patients (QR group), respectively. Early and late postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

Follow-up was complete in 96.4% (294/305) of patients, with a mean follow-up of 81.2 ± 30.4 months. No 30-day mortality was observed in any of the patients. The success rate of the mitral valve repair was similar in both groups (99.4% vs. 98.5%, P = 0.850). The incidence of early postoperative hemolysis was lower in the CR group than in the QR group (0.00% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.024). Postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) decreased more significantly in the CR group than in the QR group at 3 months (8.15 [1.30,12.65] vs. 3.25 [− 0.05, 8.75] mm, P < 0.001). During follow-up, the overall survival rates were 95.1% and 94.6% in the CR and QR groups, respectively. The incidence of reoperation for moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) was similar in both groups (4.3% vs.5.4%, P = 0.653), but the time interval between the initial operation and reoperation was shorter in the QR group than in the CR group (84.3 ± 36.1 vs. 120.9 ± 27.6 months, P = 0.026). The LVEDD enlargement was more significant in the QR group than in the CR group (4.5 [3.6, 4.5] vs. 2.4 [1.3, 2.8] mm, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CR and QR are effective techniques for patients with PMPL. Both techniques resulted in a low incidence of recurrent MR. However, CR can reduce early postoperative hemolysis and LVEDD more significantly. During the long-term follow-up, reoperations due to recurrent MR were performed at a longer interval after the initial operation. LVEDD expansion was better avoided in the CR group.
Association between physical activity and risk of renal function decline and mortality in community-dwelling older adults: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyunsuk , Ko Mun Jung , Lim Chi-Yeon , Bae Eunjin , Hyun Young Youl , Chung Sungjin , Kwon Soon Hyo , Cho Jang-Hee , Yoo Kyung Don , Park Woo Yeong , Sun In O , Yu Byung Chul , Ko Gang-Jee , Yang Jae Won , Hwang Won Min , Song Sang Heon , Shin Sung Joon , Hong Yu Ah
Published: December 2022

Background

Physical activity (PA) is an important risk factor associated with health outcomes. However, the relationship between PA and kidney function decline in older adults remains unclear. We examined the influence of PA on kidney function decline and mortality in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Adults aged ≥ 65 years with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 who had available health checkup data from 2009 to 2010 were included. The cohort was followed annually through December 2015 for anthropometric, sociodemographic, and medical information including outcomes and biennially for laboratory information from the health checkup. We divided these patients into three groups according to self-reported PA (Inactive group: no leisure-time PA, Active group: vigorous activity for at least 80 min/week or a sum of moderate-intensity activity and walking for at least 300 min/week, Low-active group: level of PA between the definitions of the other two groups). Associations between the intensity of PA and death, cardiovascular death, and ≥ 50% eGFR decline were investigated.

Results

Among 102,353 subjects, 32,984 (32.23%), 54,267 (53.02%), and 15,102 (14.75%) were classified into the inactive, low-active, and active groups, respectively. The active group was younger, contained a higher proportion of men, and had higher frequencies of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, drinking, and smoking than the other groups. The active group had significantly lower incidence rates of mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and kidney function decline than the other groups (all p < 0.001). The active group also showed lower all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.82) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53–0.78) and protection against ≥ 50% eGFR decline (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68–0.97) compared with the inactive group in the fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Conclusions

High PA was an independent modifiable lifestyle factor for reducing mortality and protecting against declines in kidney function in older adults.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of Covid-19 illness and predictors of in-hospital mortality in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abolfotouh Mostafa A. , Musattat Abrar , Alanazi Maha , Alghnam Suliman , Bosaeed Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background

Patients’ race and ethnicity may play a role in mortality from Covid-19. Studies in China, the US, and Europe have been conducted on the predictors of Covid-19 mortality, yet in the EMR countries, such studies are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to describe the hospitalization rate, ICU-admission, and in-hospital mortality of Covid-19 and predictors of in-hospital mortality in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

E-medical records were examined for all Covid-19 patients diagnosed in five tertiary hospitals affiliated with the Saudi-National Guard-Health Affairs during March 21, 2020, and September 12, 2021, based on a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test, (n = 35,284). Data were collected on patients’ characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, hospitalization, ICU admission, and in-hospital and overall mortality. Logestic regressions were used to identify the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The best laboratory parameters cut-off values to predict in-hospital mortality were identified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

Of all 35,284 Covid-19 patients, 81.8% were adults and 21.7% were hospitalized. Compared to non-hospitalized patients, hospitalized patients were more of female gender (52.1% versus 47.3%, p < 0.001) and had higher mean age (p < 0.001), higher mean BMI (p < 0.001), and higher rates of: diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (p < 0.001), cancer (p < 0.001), COPD (p < 0.001) and asthma (p = 0.011). The study showed 3.1% overall case-fatality, 20.3% ICU admission rate, and 9.7% in-hospital mortality. Predictors of in-hospital mortality among adult patients were; patients’ age ≥ 70 years (OR = 6.93, 95% CI 1.94–24.79), ischemic heart disease (OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.05–3.09), ICU admission (OR = 24.38, 95% CI 15.64–38.01), abnormal C-reactive protein “CRP” (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.08–3.16), abnormal D-dimer (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.15–3.36), lymphopenia (OR = 2.76, 95% CI 2.03–3.3.76), high neutrophil count (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.54–2.87), and abnormal procalcitonin (OR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.88–5.90). The best laboratory parameters cut-off values to predict in-hospital mortality were CRP > 72.25 mg/L (AUC = 0.64), d-dimer > 1125 µg/L (AUC = 0.75), neutrophils count > 5,745 × 10^9/L (AUC = 0.70), lymphocytic count < 1.10 × 10^9/L (AUC = 0.72), and procalcitonin > 0.18 ng/mL (AUC = 0.76).

Conclusions

Rates of hospitalization, ICU-admission, in-hospital mortality and overall case fatality were nearly comparable to the rates in western countries. Early interventions are necessary for high-risk Covid-19 patients, especially elderly patients and those with cardiac diseases.