bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the Intellect in the Quran: A Fresh Perspective
Authors: Raza Muhammad Waqar
Published: July 2022

Neurobiology depicts the human brain as the organ of intellect. It has located in the brain the stations for cognition (e.g., sight and hearing) and for feelings and experience (e.g., pain, anger and face recognition). It has even sited in the brain the places involved in moral functions (e.g., judgement and lies). However, the locale of the self itself has escaped from it; so has the one assigned with ontological questions. The Quran invites its reader to seek knowledge and apply reason; however, it never introduces a term for the instrument of knowing, the brain. Instead, the intellectual roles are attributed to the heart and chest, a position that allows for a literal interpretation of these artefacts in the Book. The foundational objective of this work is to appraise this interpretation in the light of the lessons drawn from scientific studies. More than simply acknowledging the pre-knowledge of the Quran of some new scientific findings, this research seeks to re-appraise the meanings of the relevant Quranic ayahs in view of those findings. It reveals the literal significance of the terms ‘heart’ and ‘chest’ used in the Scripture but in a different context and also shows that Quranic depictions of neurobiological concepts are prescient. It finds the Quran furnishing a fuller picture of the intellect. It shows that a physical depiction of human intellect in the Quran is not only possible but indispensable. Importantly, this example yet again identifies the scope of the Quranic ayahs for fulfilling current multidisciplinary needs.
The Ethics of Witnessing in Pandemic Times
Authors: Ibrisim Deniz Gundogan
Published: July 2022

Both individual and public witnessing have always been integral to the process of living through catastrophe. Writing, and particularly literature, is a powerful form of witnessing. Reading José Saramago’s Blindness (1995) in tandem with Orhan Pamuk’s The While Caste (1985), this essay engages with the concept of witnessing, extending and deepening the way we might think about witnessing in a novel way in times of epidemics and pandemics. By reading these texts as narratives of plagues and epidemics at large, this essay aims to expand and challenge the association between witnessing and speech, between witnessing and sight through a critical attention to the role of affect, vitality, human and nonhuman materiality, and other communicative modes in these novels. While representing pandemics and epidemics, both Saramago and Pamuk, I argue, represent life, death, and the relation between self and other “beyond the human,” with powerful implications for our contemporary understanding of history, community, and politics. Thereby, these texts create dynamic, and unorthodox narrative strategy for relating to, connecting with, and narrating other and more-than-human worlds, affected by heteronomy amid contagion.
Making and Reading World Literature in a Pandemic
Authors: Muenchrath Anna
Published: July 2022

This essay intervenes in a debate about world literature that pits commodity circulation against normativity and literature’s causal force. By taking into account the history of book production and circulation as intimately linked with the history of global capitalism, this essay reads Severance (2018) by Ling Ma as a critique of the logic of global logistics and its labor relations. Reading the novel during a pandemic ironically draws attention to the reader’s own position in this global labor hierarchy, highlighting that the novel itself necessarily participates in the material injustices of global print capitalism. The essay argues that paying attention to book production and circulation – in the form of global supply chains, the world market’s global reach, and particularly the human relations this produces – is in fact not antithetical to, but instead a highly leveraged way of understanding literature’s potential for transformative agency.
Samuel, Samuel
Authors: Pessoa da Silva Pinto Leonardo
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses the way the repetition of formulas and expressions are treated by the various witnesses to the text of 1 Samuel 3:4–10, the narrative of Samuel’s calling. The paper focuses on the differences between MT, LXX and the Lucianic Text. Repetitions in the text often induce the trained text-critic to check for haplographies, dittographies, homoioteleutons, and homoioarctons among the witnesses, but it will be shown that textual decisions require attention not only to phenomena common to textual copying and transmission, such as textual accidents, but also to literary and narrative elements, especially in a book such as Samuel where different Hebrew forms circulated in the past. It is possible, in case of repetitions, to find in some witnesses a narrative interest in seeing an order or prediction be enacted or fulfilled precisely as foretold.
Judaising in the Versions of Esther
Authors: Thambyrajah Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Esther is unique in the degree to which its early translations differ from one another. Although this poses difficulties for traditional text critical goals, it also provides unique opportunities for the study of the literature and society of the Second Temple Period. Because the versions differ so much, each ‘translation’ represents an essentially original retelling of the same story. These versions developed over the course of the Second Temple period, and so offer a series of perspectives on the same story, from different times and places. One example of this is how these versions treat Esth 8:17. In Masoretic Esth 8:17, the inhabitants of the empire ‘Judaise’ (‮מתיהדים‬‎). However, as the text was received in translation throughout the second temple period, multiple different views arose among the different versions as to what the nature of this event was. The different ways that the highly divergent versions of Esther handle this part of the narrative reflect transformations in Jewish–gentile relationships throughout this period.
The Power of Music
Authors: Hallam Susan , Himonides Evangelos
Published: July 2022

Building on her earlier work, 'The Power of Music: A Research Synthesis of the Impact of Actively Making Music on the Intellectual, Social and Personal Development of Children and Young People', this volume by Susan Hallam and Evangelos Himonides is an important new resource in the field of music education, practice, and psychology.

A well-signposted text with helpful subheadings, 'The Power of Music: An Exploration of the Evidence' gathers and synthesises research in neuroscience, psychology, and education to develop our understanding of the effects of listening to and actively making music. Its chapters address music’s relationship with literacy and numeracy, transferable skills, its impact on social cohesion and personal wellbeing, as well as the roles that music plays in our everyday lives.

Considering evidence from large population samples to individual case studies and across age groups, the authors also pose important methodological questions to the research community. 'The Power of Music' defends qualitative research against a requirement for randomised control trials that can obscure the diverse and often fraught contexts in which people of all ages and backgrounds are exposed to, and engage with, music.

This magnificent and comprehensive volume allows the evidence about the power of music to speak for itself, thus providing an essential directory for those researching music education and its social, personal, and cognitive impact across human ages and experiences.
What Controls Local Entrainment and Detrainment Rates in Simulated Shallow Convection?
Authors: Savre Julien
Published: July 2022

The lack of consensus as to how entrainment and detrainment must be represented in convection parameterizations highlights the need for in-depth investigations of the processes driving lateral mixing in clouds. Direct estimates of entrainment and detrainment rates are here obtained from high-resolution simulations of shallow cumulus convection using a method that isolates the contributions from various competing processes. Moreover, cloud-averaged entrainment and detrainment rates are computed and correlated with bulk cloud and environmental properties. Detrainment is found to dominate in the middle of the cloud layer, and is locally driven by evaporation along cloud edges. Entrainment and detrainment events also occur due to changes in updraft velocity, but vertical acceleration and deceleration balance each other on average to yield no net entrainment/detrainment. In contrast, entrainment at cloud base is mostly related to condensation in dry updrafts surrounding the clouds, whereas detrainment at the top of the cloud layer is driven by buoyancy reversal. Cloud-averaged entrainment and detrainment rates both correlate preferentially with in-cloud vertical pressure gradients at all altitudes, but not with cloud-core buoyancy. No significant influence of environmental moisture on entrainment/detrainment was found, probably because of the very humid shell surrounding each cloud. Overall, these results suggest that entrainment and detrainment result from two concurring processes: a cloud-scale circulation driven by vertical pressure gradients, and small-scale, turbulent-like motions along the core edges generating mixing and, again, vertical pressure gradients.
Diabatic Upwelling in the Tropical Pacific: Seasonal and Subseasonal Variability
Authors: Deppenmeier Anna-Lena , Bryan Frank O. , Kessler William S. , Thompson LuAnne
Published: July 2022

The equatorial Pacific zonal circulation is composed of westward surface currents, the eastward equatorial undercurrent (EUC) along the thermocline, and upwelling in the eastern cold tongue. Part of this upwelling arises from water flowing along isotherms sloping up to the east, but it also includes water mass transformation and consequent diabatic (cross-isothermal) flow (wci) that is a key element of surface-to-thermocline communication. In this study we investigate the mean seasonal cycle and subseasonal variability of cross-isothermal flow in the cold tongue using heat budget output from a high-resolution forced ocean model. Diabatic upwelling is present throughout the year with surface-layer solar-penetration-driven diabatic upwelling strongest in boreal spring and vertical mixing in the thermocline dominating during the rest of the year. The former constitutes warming of the surface layer by solar radiation rather than exchange of thermal energy between water parcels. The mixing-driven regime allows heat to be transferred to the core of the EUC by warming parcels at depth. On subseasonal time scales the passage of tropical instability waves (TIWs) enhances diabatic upwelling on and north of the equator. On the equator the TIWs enhance vertical shear and induce vertical-mixing-driven diabatic upwelling, while off the equator TIWs enhance the sub-5-daily eddy heat flux which enhances diabatic upwelling. Comparing the magnitudes of TIW, seasonal, and interannual wci variability, we conclude that each time scale is associated with sizeable variance. Variability across all of these time scales needs to be taken into account when modeling or diagnosing the effects of mixing on equatorial upwelling.
Management of High Grade Splenic Injuries in Rural America
Authors: Burt Michael R. , Tobin Christian S. , Guido Jenny M. , Timmerman Gary L. , Weigelt John A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Rural surgeons face unique challenges when managing patients with high-grade (III-V) blunt splenic injury (BSI) given limited access to interventional radiology and blood products. Patients therefore may require transfer for splenic artery embolization (SAE) when resuscitation may still be ongoing. This study aims to evaluate current resource utilization in a rural trauma population with limited access to SAE and blood products.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of adult patients with high-grade BSI at one Level 1 trauma center and two Level 2 trauma centers was performed. Patients were evaluated for resources used after transfer to the regional trauma center. Primary outcomes measured were SAE, operative management (OM), and blood product utilization. Secondary outcomes measured included injury severity score (ISS) and mortality.

Results

Final analysis included 134 transferred patients. 16% underwent SAE, 16% underwent OM, and 69% were treated successfully with nonoperative and non-procedural management (NOM). 52% of the SAE patients had sustained a grade III splenic injury, 38% grade IV, and 10% grade V. 84% of patients required <3 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and 57% of patients required none. 80% of transferred patients required <3 total units of all combined blood products.

Discussion

The majority of patients with BSI transferred to a tertiary trauma center from a rural facility were successfully managed without SAE and required minimal transfusion of blood products. In the absence of other injuries necessitating transfer to a tertiary trauma center, rural surgeons should consider management of high grade splenic injuries at their home institution.
A Survey of Antibiotic Use During Insertion of Cardiovascular Implantable Devices Among United States Implanters
Authors: Kranick Stephen , Mishra Nikita , Theertham Arjun , Vo Hung , Hiltner Emily , Coromilas James , Kassotis John
Published: July 2022

Antibiotic use for cardiovascular implantable devices (CIED) prophylaxis is well-accepted despite a paucity of data. Pre-procedural prophylaxis lowers the rate of CIED infections; however, data is lacking for intra- or post-procedural antibiotic use. Antibiotic-eluting envelopes (ENVELOPE) [TYRX®TM] have been shown to reduce post-procedural infections. Understanding implanter practices may provide insight as to the need for antibiotic stewardship. The purpose of this survey was to assess the practices of implanters nationally. A survey was completed by 150 implanters across the US. Participants were board certificated, implanters of CIEDs, with varying experience (1–25 years), in various hospital settings. Of the respondents, 97% reported routine use of systemic antibiotics pre-operatively. About two-thirds of implanters continue systemic antibiotics post-operatively, with half continuing antibiotics for >24 h; 83% of implanters add antibiotic to saline for the purpose of irrigating the wound; 55% routinely use ENVELOPE on approximately 38% of patients. Common reasons cited for ENVELOPE use were infection concerns, significant risk factors, prior device infection, and immunosuppressed status. Two-thirds of respondents use systemic antibiotics during generator changes, with >50% continuing antibiotics for >24 h. This study suggests wide variations in practice among implanters. Additional attention to existing guidelines and evidence regarding appropriate use of ENVELOPE is still needed.
Affordable Housing in India: A Beneficiary Perspective
Authors: Bhate Apoorva , Samuel Mercy
Published: July 2022

Affordable housing is the need of the hour to overcome the existing housing crisis in India. About 95% housing shortage is observed in the economically weaker sections of the society. Housing for All scheme—Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, ushered in ample opportunities by establishing a lucrative model for all stakeholders. But only 38% of the sanctioned houses are constructed in the span of 5 years. Success of the scheme lies in appropriate identification of beneficiaries and creating a system with linkages for them to avail the benefits stated under the scheme. However, constructed units are lying vacant and an upsurge of 25% in unsold stock inventory is observed. Moreover, the focus of research has always been on supply side to aid the builders and financers in service delivery. This prompts a need to scrutinise the situation and identify the prevailing gaps. Interactions with stakeholders show the impediments in accessing the government affordable housing. The study has generated relevant insights from the users’ point of view regarding the various policy aspects which are yielding deviations from the outcomes as previously desired by the policy. The study is case-based orienting around affordable housing schemes in the city of Vadodara in Gujarat.
An experimental study on the bearing strength of pin-loaded ceramic particles filled woven glass/epoxy composites
Authors: Sayer Metin
Published: July 2022

The present study experimentally investigates the effect of various ceramic particles and different particle weight fractions on the bearing strength and failure modes of pinned joints in woven glass/epoxy composite plates. The composite plates are filled with Silicon Carbide (SiC), Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and Boron Carbide (B4C) ceramic particles at 5%, 10% and 15% weight fractions. Tensile tests were carried out on single pinned joints in woven glass/epoxy composite specimens. Accordingly, the effects of ceramic particles, particle weight fractions and pin joint geometry were evaluated on the bearing strength and the failure modes. The damaged specimens were examined with load–pin displacement curves, visual and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the bearing strength and failure mode were considerably affected by the ceramic particles, the particle weight fractions and the geometric dimensions. It was found that the addition of the ceramic particles into composites improved the bearing strengths of pinned joints in the composites for all weight fractions compared to the unfilled composite. The highest bearing strengths were obtained for composites filled with 10 wt.% particles. As a result, the increase in the bearing strength is almost 43% for composites filled with SiC, 53% filled with Al2O3 and 47% filled with B4C compared to the unfilled composite, for ratio e/d = 3.
Interface wear effects in ceramic composite crack opening
Authors: Li Longbiao
Published: July 2022

For fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs), crack opening behavior controls oxidation atmosphere ingress into the internal composite, which affects the operation reliability and durability of engineering CMC components. Under cyclic fatigue loading, interface wear affects the crack opening behavior in CMCs. In this paper, the stress/cyclic-dependent crack opening behavior in CMCs is analyzed considering interface wear effect. The analytical crack opening displacement (COD) and related damage parameters (e.g., interface debonding ratio (IDR)) are determined based on the microstress analysis in the fiber and the matrix. Experimental CODs of different matrix cracks in SiC/SiC minicomposite are predicted under tensile loading. Considering cyclic-dependent interface wear effect, CODs and related damage parameters are analyzed for different cycles. Theoretical relationships between the COD, peak stress level, cycle number, and composite constitutive properties are established. Effects of constitutive properties, peak stress level, and damage state on cyclic-dependent COD and related damage parameters are discussed. Under tensile loading, with increasing tensile stress, COD first increases nonlinearly and then linearly with applied stress corresponding to change of the interface debonding from partial to complete debonding. The increasing rate of COD curve is relatively low upon initial loading due to short interface debonding range. However, the increasing rate of COD curve decrease again at high stress level at the condition of complete interface debonding. Under cyclic fatigue loading, the change of interface debonding condition with increasing applied cycles affects the COD and IDR curves.
Who Gets Smart? Explaining How Precision Bombs Proliferate
Authors: Kahn Lauren , Horowitz Michael C.
Published: July 2022

Smart weapons represent a key element of military power for countries around the world, and nothing symbolizes them more than smart bombs—the guided aerial bombs that the United States debuted in the Vietnam War. Yet, international relations scholars know little about these weapons and what explains their proliferation. In this paper, we theorize about the key drivers of smart bomb proliferation, including an interaction between the security environment, regime type, and the interest of states in precision to help them follow the law of war. We then introduce a new dataset on smart bombs from 1960-2017. The results show that internal and external security threats make countries more likely to acquire smart bombs. These effects interact with regime type and whether countries are more likely to ratify treaties related to the law of war. GDP per capita and economic capacity also appears fundamental to explaining smart bomb adoption.
Relations Between Writing Motivation and Achievement of Elementary-Aged Students
Authors: Martin Melissa S. , Bell Sherry Mee
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between writing self-efficacy and writing achievement of elementary students (aged 9-11). Participants ( N = 61) completed measures of writing motivation and achievement. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between narrative writing self-efficacy and writing achievement ( p < .01), as well as a significant positive relation between writing skills self-efficacy and writing achievement ( p < .01).
A 22-Year Cross-Sectional Cohort Study of the Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics of Students With Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Epstein Michael H. , Cullinan Douglas , Lambert Matthew C. , Kauffman James M. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Mason W. Alex
Published: July 2022

The present study was conducted to determine whether the problem characteristics of U.S. students school-identified with emotional disturbance (ED) have changed over two decades. We used data from a teacher rating instrument designed to measure the five problem characteristics of ED, as stated in its Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition. These data were collected in the process of norming the instrument for 1998 and again for 2020. Comparison of the 1998 and 2020 students school-identified with ED showed that the 1998 group had significantly more problematic functioning on two characteristics, namely, Relationship Problems and Inappropriate Behavior, but no more problematic differences on Inability to Learn, Unhappiness or Depression, and Physical Symptoms or Fears. In addition, analyses of selected items gave more context to the main results. Study limitations, future research, and implications are discussed.
Adult first-year students’ reports of depressive symptoms at a rural South African university
Authors: Thwala Jabulani D , Pillay Indira
Published: July 2022

Depression is a significant mental health issue affecting university students, especially those in their first year of study. Unfortunately, much of the research has focused on students in the adolescent stage of development. This study, which is part of a larger project, sought to explore depressive symptoms in older students. We administered the University Student Depression Inventory (USDI) to a sample of 318 undergraduate first-year students between 22 and 54 years at a rural-based university in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The sample comprised mainly women (64.2%). We examined depressive symptom prevalence, gender, rural/urban background, and age effects. The results showed that men and rural students reported significantly more depressive symptoms, with 7.9% of the sample reporting thoughts of suicide and 16.7% questioning whether life is worth living, most or all of the time. Almost one-quarter (24.5%) of the participants stated that they spend more time alone than they did previously, and 17.9% reported loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Although the participants reported fewer depressive symptoms overall, compared to an earlier study of adolescent university students, the present findings raise concern. Considering that almost one-quarter of the participants reported a loss of interest (which is a critical symptom of depressive illness) and one in six questioning whether life is worth living, the need for active interventions, support and prevention programmes for students at universities is an urgent matter.
Psychometric evaluation of three-factor eating questionnaire -R18 in aging Finnish men with increased risk for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Malkki-Keinänen Katriina , Lankinen Maria , Karhunen Leila , Schwab Ursula
Published: July 2022

Background

Deeper comprehension of eating-related behaviour (how and why people eat) can reveal new aspects to support health and prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, such research is largely missing in aging men.

Aim

The aim was to investigate suitability of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-R18) in Finnish aging men which is widely used to examine factors: cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE).

Methods

Study population consisted of 420 men aged 50–75, who completed the TFEQ-R18 at the baseline of the T2D-GENE lifestyle intervention study. Inclusion criteria were impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to study psychometrics (reliability, validity, and model fit) and factor structure of TFEQ-R18.

Results

The items loaded to the three factors (CR, UE, EE) as in previous studies, except two items at CR factor and one at UE factor, which were therefore omitted. UE was also discovered split into two sub factors (named as ‘craving’ and ‘loss-of-control’), UE being a higher-order (h) factor. The resultant revised version was named as Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised to 15-items with higher-order factor (TFEQ-R15h).

Conclusion

The original 18-item version of the TFEQ was not optimal in the population consisting of Finnish aging men with elevated T2D risk. A modified 15-item version of the TFEQ could be used to describe EB in this population instead.
Evaluation of the wound healing effect of neomycin-silver nano-composite gel in rats
Authors: El-Banna Ahmed Hossni , Youssef Fady Sayed , Youssef Elzorba Hisham , Soliman Ahmed M. , Mohamed Gehad Genidy , Ismail Sameh Hamed , Mousa Mohamed Refaat , Elbanna Hossny Awad , Osman Afaf Sayed
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Both nano silver and neomycin have wound healing properties. Silver nanoparticles have been used as main compounds for therapeutic drug delivery systems against various ailments. The present study aimed to prepare a neomycin silver nano-composite gel easily, rapidly, and cheaply method to improve wound healing. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats (150–200 g) divided into nine groups: wound untreated, wound fusidic acid treated, wound neomycin treated, three groups with wound and neomycin silver nano-composite gel at 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 concentrations, respectively, and three groups wound treated silver nano gel at the previous concentrations, respectively. Percentages of wound healing and histopathological examination of the wound area were assessed in all groups. Results: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated the spherical shape of neomycin silver nano-composite gel without aggregation but homogenous dispersion in a gel matrix. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed a 4 nm size of nano silver, which agrees with AFM image data analysis but not with TEM image due to the good coating of the gel matrix to silver nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering Zeta potential was −21 mV, illustrating the high bioactivity of the neomycin silver nano-composite. The groups receiving neomycin silver nano-composite gel showed a significantly higher and dose dependent wound healing compared to other treatment groups. Conclusion: The present work confirmed the potential wound healing activity of neomycin silver nano-composite gel compared to either alone.
Combined Sub-Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty to Minimize the Supratarsal Fold Thickness and Lateral Hooding: A Concept and Review of Cases
Authors: Tae Ahn Joon , Sang-Hui Kim Peter
Published: July 2022

Despite upper blepharoplasty being the most popular periorbital rejuvenation surgical procedure, in Asians with moderate to severe blepharochalasis, the occurrence of postoperative puffy supratarsal fold (double eyelid) and residual lateral hooding is not uncommon. A qualitative retrospective analysis of before and after photos of 268 cases of combined sub-brow lift and upper blepharoplasty was done. A substantial number of cases had satisfying supratarsal fold thickness and improvement in lateral hooding. A combined sub-brow lift and upper blepharoplasty is an effective method to reduce the supratarsal fold thickness and lateral hooding in Asians with moderate to severe blepharochalasis.
Pediatric Functional Neurological Disorder: Demographic and Clinical Factors Impacting Care
Authors: Pal Ria , Romero Emira , He Zihuai , Stevenson Terrell , Campen Cynthia Jane
Published: July 2022

This is a multicenter retrospective EMR-based chart review of 88 patients aged 3–21 years admitted for evaluation of functional neurologic disorder (FND). We sought to establish characteristics associated with FND, calculate incidence of abnormal neurodiagnostic findings, and determine features associated with variability in workup and treatment. FND patients were 65% female, 40% White, 33% Hispanic, and 88% primarily English speaking with median 13.9 years. We detected variability in management by age, ethnicity, psychiatric comorbidity, and hospital site. Our findings suggest limited utility to CTs in this setting (100% normal) and that workup can be safely informed by physical exam, which predicted abnormal MRI and LP results. We favor screening for adverse childhood experiences in FND patients. Hospitalization may be a rare opportunity for psychiatry contact.
A Controlled Study in CPR—Survival in Propensity Score Matched Full-Code and Do-Not-Resuscitate ICU Patients
Authors: Baldor Daniel J. , Smyrnios Nicholas A. , Faris Khaldoun , Guilarte-Walker Yurima , Celik Ugur , Torres Ulises
Published: July 2022

Background

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) causes significant injuries and increased cost among transiently resuscitated patients that do not survive their hospitalizations. Descriptive studies show zero and near-zero percent survival for CPR recipients with high Apache II scores. Despite these factors, no controlled studies exist in CPR to guide patient selection for CPR candidacy. Our objective was therefore to perform a controlled study in CPR to inform recommendations for CPR candidacy. We hypothesize that the protective effects of CPR decrease as illness severity increases, and that Full-Code status provides no survival benefit over Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) status for patients with the highest predicted mortality by Apache IV score.

Methods

We performed propensity-score matched survival analyses between Full-Code and DNR patients after stratifying by predicted mortality quartiles using Apache IV scores. Primary outcomes were mortality hazard ratios. Secondary outcomes were Median Survival Differences, ICU LOS, and tracheostomy rates.

Results

Among 17,710 propensity-score matched ICU encounters, DNR status was associated with greater mortality in the first through third predicted mortality quartiles. There was no difference in survival outcomes in the fourth quartile (HR 0.99, p = .96). There was a stepwise decrease in the mortality hazard ratio for DNR patients as quartiles increased.

Conclusion

Full-Code status provides no survival benefit over DNR status in individuals with greater than 75% predicted mortality by Apache IV score. There is a stepwise decrease in survival benefit for Full-Code patients as predicted mortality increases. We propose that it is reasonable to consider a very high predicted mortality by Apache IV score a contraindication to CPR given the lack of survival benefit seen in these patients. Larger studies with similar methods should be performed to reinforce or refute these findings.
The degree of implementing total quality management (TQM) standards in Arab minority higher education institutions in Israel
Authors: Dallasheh Waleed , Zubeidat Ihab
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this article is to identify the degree of implementing TQM standards in the Arab Minority Higher education institutions in Israel as perceived by lecturers and administrators. The article also aimed at identifying the impact of gender, education, job title, job position, years of experience, and in which faculty members and administrators applying TQM standards. Results revealed that Arab higher education need more involvement and decentralization in decision making. The Arab higher institutions need to rely on scientific mechanisms to check efficiency of the lecturer's staff on both scientific and professional levels. Also, there were significant differences that were attributed to the effect of the variables of gender, job position, and specialization, while there were not any significant differences that can be attributed to the effect of education, job title, and years of experience.
Defect detection by laser shear interferometry based on the thermal response of materials with vibratory loading
Authors: Saberi Nasrabad Navid , Akbari Davood , Karfi Mohammadreza , Ghobadi Shobeir
Published: July 2022

Laser shear interferometry or shearography is one of the optical and non-contact methods for measuring surface displacements. Shearography can be used in non-destructive testing by applying a kind of excitation such as partial vacuum, mechanical and thermal loadings. Parameters of the excitation techniques significantly affect the test results. In many cases, these loading methods deform the whole surface reducing the detection capability of the technique. This paper considers the vibratory loading method as an alternative to the previously mentioned standard methods. In this method, local heat is generated at the defected area due to the internal and external damping of the piece. A simulation has been conducted using COMSOL software to estimate the generated local heat due to the vibratory loading. The local temperature at the defect area is measured, and the simulation results are validated with an experimental infrared thermography test. The experimental shearography setup is adjusted, and the defects are detected. By comparing the results with those of typical thermal loadings, it has been shown that the fringe patterns obtained by the presented method have higher quality.
Application of non-associated flow rule for prediction of nonuniform material flow during deep drawing of tailor welded blanks
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Kaushik , Basak Shamik , Panda Sushanta Kumar , Saha Partha , Zhou Norman
Published: July 2022

In order to enhance FE prediction capability, researchers are presently showing interest in applications of non-associated flow rule (NAFR) coupled with Hill48 quadratic function in different sheet metal forming operations. In this work, the concept of NAFR based model was implemented for the first time in FE simulation of deep drawing of DP980-IFHS tailor welded blanks (TWBs) of coated and uncoated sheets. The NAFR model was formulated using two approaches: namely, stress-value based Hill48 as yield function and R-value based Hill48 as the plastic potential function in the first approach, and the vice-versa in the second approach. Also, the classical associated flow rule (AFR) based approach coupled with the anisotropic Hill48 yield model was implemented in the FE simulation for comparison purpose. For improving the prediction accuracy, a mixed hardening equation by combining Voce and Swift hardening law was incorporated as the constitutive equation. It was found that FE simulation implementing the NAFR approach predicted the deep drawing behaviour of the parent materials and TWBs more accurately compared to that of the AFR approach.
Multi-response and multi-criteria decision-making optimization of transesterification reaction for biodiesel production based on critic weight determination method
Authors: Balamurugan S. , Seenivasan D. , Kalos Pritam S. , Gupta S.
Published: July 2022

Population, industrialization, and urbanization made to exploit high volume of fossil fuels such as diesel to meet energy demands. Excess application of fossil fuels created environmental and health threats, hike in oil prices, and depletion of resources. Biodiesel was termed as a predominant alternative renewable fuel for diesel engines. In this research, a novel fuel is produced from the mixed feedstocks such as castor oil, mahua oil, and processed dairy waste by mixing in equal volumes (each 33.33% v/v). An esterification reaction was performed initially, since the acid value of raw oil is found to be 4.11 mg KOH/g oil. Three different acid catalyst concentrations (1, 2, and 3% v/v) were used to ascertain the effect of acid catalyst concentration on the acid value of oil. The acid value of esterified oil from the esterification reaction tends to decrease with an increase in acid concentration. Transesterification reaction parameters such as catalyst utilization (wt%), reaction temperature (°C), and oil to methanol ratio (molar) were varied in three levels (27 transesterification experiments) based on the Taguchi method to find the optimal reaction parameters for maximum biodiesel yield, high fuel flash point, and low fuel viscosity. At the end of each transesterification reaction, biodiesel yield percentage, and its properties such as fuel flash point and viscosity were measured as per the ASTM standard (D6751). Based on the multi-criteria decision-making-GRA method, the optimal value for maximum biodiesel yield and fuel properties such as flash point and viscosity was determined as catalyst utilization (3 wt%), reaction temperature (55 °C), and a molar oil to methanol ratio of 12. In addition, an earthen lamp test was conducted and measured properties of fuel were delineated to reveal that the produced biodiesel from the mixed non-edible oil is an effective feedstock for biodiesel production.
Microstructure and work hardening behavior of Al–Cu–Li alloy (AA2198) in different temper conditions
Authors: Nayan Niraj , Mishra Sumeet , Murty SVSN , Bajargan Govind
Published: July 2022

In this paper, Al–Cu–Li alloy (AA2198) sheets have been imparted under different temper conditions to obtain different precipitate morphologies. The tensile testing of the samples in the solution treated, peak-aged, and over-aged conditions at ambient and cryogenic temperatures has been carried out to compare the hardening behavior. The strain hardening in the alloy is a strong function of the nature of obstacles present in individual temper conditions and extrinsic factors such as temperature. The decreased strain hardening capacity of peak-aged and over-aged samples is manifested in terms of a considerable decrease in uniform elongation. The effect of temperature is mainly manifested in terms of a decrease in dynamic recovery parameter and increase in dislocation storage capacity, irrespective of temper condition.
An evolving threat to life and livelihoods: comparing the health, economic and political implications of the first two waves of COVID-19 in Bengaluru and Patna slums
Authors: Rains Emily
Published: July 2022

How has COVID-19 affected the urban poor across cities and over time? This research note serves as a follow-up to an earlier study on the impacts of the first wave of the pandemic on informal settlements in two Indian cities. This note draws on additional interviews with key informants from 20 settlements to compare the economic and health impacts of the first two major waves of the pandemic in Bengaluru and Patna, as well as respondents’ attitudes towards the government’s response. Informants in both cities reported higher levels of food insecurity during the second wave resulting from a substantial reduction in government aid, cumulative economic impacts from the first and second waves and, in the case of Bengaluru only, a surge in COVID-19 infections and associated healthcare costs. While slum residents in Bengaluru universally describe the health and economic effects of the second wave as more severe than the first, residents in Patna report the opposite. I argue these disparate characterisations reflect different expectations and approval of local government’s response to the crisis across cities and waves.
HIV prevalence, engagement in care, and risk behavior among trans women, San Francisco: Evidence of recent successes and remaining challenges
Authors: Chiu Izzy , Leathers Matisse , Cano Damiana , Turner Caitlin M , Trujillo Dillon , Sicro Sofia , Arayasirikul Sean , Taylor Kelly D , Wilson Erin C , McFarland Willi
Published: July 2022

Background

Trans women have high HIV prevalence and lag behind 90–90-90 targets for HIV care. In San Francisco in 2017, 96% of trans women were aware of their status, 75% were on antiretroviral therapy, 88% had viral suppression. Initiatives to address gaps include peer navigators, free gender-affirming surgery, and housing. Our study updates HIV prevalence and engagement in care among trans women.

Methods

Cross-sectional community-based survey of trans women living in San Francisco sampled by respondent-driven sampling, 7/2019–2/2020 ( N = 201). Eligibility was: self-identified trans women or other gender and assigned male at birth; living in San Francisco; English/Spanish-speaking; and 18 years or older.

Results

HIV prevalence was 42.3% (95%CI 35.4.-49.4) and associated with having a partner who injected drugs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.30, 95%CI 1.58–6.90), ever injected drugs (AOR 2.28, 95%CI 1.06–4.89), cost not a barrier to healthcare (AOR 2.63, 95%CI 1.02–6.67), emotional support from family (AOR 2.85, 95%CI 1.43–5.65), and Black/African-American (AOR 2.59, 95%CI 1.16–5.79). Of trans women with HIV, 92.9% were previously diagnosed, 89.9% were on ART, 91.5% reported viral suppression.

Conclusions

Trans women met 90–90–90 targets in 2020, at 93–90–92. Interventions need to reach Black/African-American trans women, trans women who inject drugs, and partners of trans women.
Metrics employed in the evaluation of research productivity: A systematic literature review
Authors: Mahapatra Namita , Sahoo Jyotshna
Published: July 2022

The present paper makes a systematic review of 131 articles on research productivity basing upon a model developed by Denyer and Tranfield. The current review paper analyzed the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the sample literature in the field of research productivity. The quantitative analysis incorporates the chronological distribution of articles, keyword wise distribution, form wise distribution, discipline wise distribution, publisher wise distribution, data sources used in the articles, most prolific journals of the publications and qualitative dimensions studied are top-cited articles and all the metrices used in these articles. The paper is based upon literature retrieved from Scopus bibliographic database and other online databases like Emerald, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCO for full-text articles. It was revealed that there is significant growth in the number of articles during the fourth decade (2011–2020) whereas the highest numbers of citations (1530) have been received during the third decade from 2001 to 2010. Journal articles appeared to be the predominant source of information. A wide range of metrices found to be used in the sample literature to analyze the research productivity namely basic metrics, metrics dealing with growth, collaboration and metrics at institute level and author level metrics. It will serve as a reference tool to the scholars and practitioners in the field who will be acquainted with the publications on research productivity as well as various metrices, laws of bibliometrics, statistical tools, used in the articles.
Two Weeks in Summer Soldiers and Others in Occupied Hesse-Kassel, 14–28 July 1625
Authors: Staiano-Daniels Lucian
Published: July 2022

The occupation of Hesse-Kassel during the Thirty Years War has been discussed by historians like John Thiebault. This paper revisits this topic with an analysis of letters exchanged between ordinary Hessian civilians and common cavalrymen in the Liga army in July 1625. While this occupation was indeed a crisis, the relationships between these soldiers and other people were also ambivalent and contingent, including kinship. Since these relationships were inextricably enmeshed in the interactions between early-modern armies and their surroundings, this article discusses war and the environment. These letters help reveal early-modern military operations on the smallest scale.
Does Managerial Behaviour Matter? Evidence from Emerging Economies
Authors: Aksar Muhammad , Ahmed Jaleel
Published: July 2022

The study aims to pinpoint the moderating role of an aspect of corporate governance, that is, Board Structure, in the relationship between managerial behaviour and firm performance. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA), firm efficiency is measured, and afterward, this firm efficiency is regressed on firm size, market share of the company, business segment and foreign currency translation. The residual values are the measurements of managerial behaviour. The data for 11 years (2009–2019) was collected from 492 non-financial firms listed on the stock exchanges of Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The results are obtained by applying the system dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) to address the problem of endogeneity. The study’s main findings prove that corporate governance, measured by the board structure index, positively modifies the relationship of managerial behaviour with firm performance in all three emerging economies. Secondly, the results show positive influence of managerial behaviour on both measures of firm performance (Tobin’s Q and return on assets (ROA)) in Bangladesh and Pakistan scenarios, but negative impact on ROA and inconclusive on Tobin’s Q in the Indian context. The study is helpful for creditors and loan providers to scrutinize managerial behaviour and firm performance.
Neurocognitive Changes in Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sahu Tarun , Pande Babita , Sinha Meenakshi , Sinha Ramanjan , Verma Henu Kumar
Published: July 2022

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a type of hemoglobinopathy characterized by abnormal hemoglobin molecules, which includes numerous acute and chronic complications. Ischemic stroke, silent cerebral infarction, headache, and neurocognitive impairment are the most common neurological complications associated with SCD.

Acute anemia because of SCD can cause cognitive impairments because of cerebral hypoxia. Cognitive abnormalities in SCD manifest in various aspects such as working memory, verbal learning, executive functions, and attention. These neurocognitive impairments have been associated with poor functional results, such as transitioning from juvenile to adult care, adherence to medications, and unemployment.

Key message

In this review, we focus on neurocognitive aspects of SCD patients based on different imaging techniques, psychological batteries, associated neuromarkers, and interventions for managing of cognitive deficiencies..