bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child health nursing in the Solomon Islands: A qualitative evaluation of the impact of the ‘Bachelor of nursing ‐ Child health’
Authors: Burhin M. , Isom V. , Ogaoga D. , Devine S. , Duke T. , Bugoro H. , Tamou M. , Mark C. , Panda N.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To explore graduates’ perceptions of the impact on nursing practice of a new postgraduate course in child health, developed and implemented in the Solomon Islands in 2016.

Background

The Bachelor of Nursing ‐ Child Health was implemented in 2016 to develop nurses’ knowledge and skills in child health and paediatric care with the intent to improve national child health outcomes.

Design

A qualitative exploratory, descriptive design was used to evaluate the impact of the Bachelor of Nursing ‐ Child Health on graduates’ nursing practice.

Methods

Fourteen nurses who graduated from the first cohort of students enrolled in the child health course were purposively selected to participate. Participants engaged in individual semi‐structured interviews, conducted between August and December 2018. A thematic analysis was undertaken following Braun and Clarke's six‐phase process.

Results

Findings from the study demonstrate positive impacts of the course on graduates’ nursing practice. These include a perceived enhanced quality of care through their commitment to evidence‐based practice, the ability to contribute to capacity building of colleagues, the reinforcement of provincial public health programmes and expanded participation in managerial activities. Following graduation, most alumni took on senior roles and greater responsibilities, felt more confident in managing unwell children, felt there was better access to and quality of child health care at the community and broader country levels and felt recognised by colleagues and communities. Some graduates faced resistance from colleagues to change practice and felt that despite being given greater responsibilities, nursing levels and salaries remained unchanged. This reflected a potential lack of recognition from hospital or provincial managers, the Nursing Council as the regulatory body for the nursing profession, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. A lack of human and material resources also impacted quality of care.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Findings from this study underline the need for the Solomon Islands National University, the Nursing Council, the Public Service and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to concord and delineate formal accreditation standards for child health nurses. Overall, collaborative efforts and commitments at local, regional and global levels are required to support child health nurses in their ability and ambition to improve national child health outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings from this study demonstrate positive impacts of the course on graduates’ nursing practice. The impact of increasing nurses’ knowledge and skills on national child health outcomes could be significant. Ongoing implementation and recognition of this course in the Solomon Islands, as well as more broadly across the Pacific region, are recommended.
Texas Cowboy Boots: America's Material Culture Melting Pot
Authors: Loranger David , Divita Lorynn
Published: March 2023

Cowboy boots are some of the most recognizable dress icons in the United States and symbolize the American West. The mythology of these material culture objects has been built over hundreds of years in many types of oral and written narratives. The purpose of this study was to combine secondary sources focusing on specific dimensions of cowboy boots with interviews of bootmakers and firm owners, developing a clearer understanding of the multicultural evolution of this material culture icon. Results indicate that although most bootmakers are aware of the multicultural origins of cowboy boots, they do not possess a complete comprehension of the origins and development of this material culture icon.
Egg size effects on nestling mass in jackdaws Corvus monedula: a cross‐foster experiment
Authors: Borger Mirjam J. , Bauch Christina , Boonekamp Jelle J. , Verhulst Simon
Published: March 2023

Variation in developmental conditions is known to affect fitness in later life, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain elusive. We previously found in jackdaws Corvus monedula that larger eggs resulted in larger nestlings up to fledging. Through a cross‐foster experiment of complete clutches we tested whether this association can be attributed to egg size per se, or to more proficient parents producing larger eggs and larger nestlings, with the latter effect being more or less independent of egg size. Due to other manipulations post‐hatching, we primarily investigated effects on nestling mass on day 5, which we show to predict survival until fledging. We introduce a new statistical approach to compare the competing hypotheses and discuss the multiple advantages of this approach over current practice of which we report the results for comparison. We conclude that 92% of the slope of the association between egg size and nestling mass can be attributed to a direct effect of egg size. The remaining 8% of the slope can be attributed to aspects of parental chick rearing ability as reflected in egg size, but this component did not deviate significantly from zero. Intriguingly, the effect of egg size on day 5 nestling mass was steeper (1.7 g cm−3) than the effect of egg size on day 1 hatchling mass (0.7 g cm−3). Early growth is exponential, and the difference in effect size may therefore be explained by hatchlings from large eggs being further in their development at hatching. The direct effect of egg size on nestling mass raises the question what causes egg size variation in jackdaws.
Factor analysis of evaluated and linearly scored traits in Swedish Warmblood horses
Authors: Nazari‐Ghadikolaei Anahit , Fikse Freddy , Gelinder Viklund Åsa , Eriksson Susanne
Published: March 2023

Assessment protocols to describe the various aspects of conformation, gait and jumping traits on a linear scale were introduced at young horse tests for Swedish Warmblood horses in 2013. The traits scored on a linear scale are assumed to be less subjective and more easily compared across populations than the traditional evaluated traits that are scored relative to the breeding goal. However, the resulting number of traits is considerable, and several of the traits are correlated. The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between the different evaluated and linearly scored traits in Swedish Warmbloods using factor analysis. In total, 20,935 horses born 1996–2017 had information on evaluated traits, and 5450 of these also had linearly scored trait records assessed since 2014 when the protocol was updated. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed separately for evaluated and linearly scored traits using the Psych package in R. Height at withers was included in both analyses. A total of four factors for evaluated traits and 14 factors for linearly scored traits were kept for further analysis. Missing values for individual traits in horses with linearly scored trait records were imputed based on correlated traits before factor scores were calculated using factor loadings. Genetic parameters for, and correlations between, the resulting underlying factors were estimated using multiple‐trait animal models in the BLUPF90 package. Heritability estimates were on a similar level as for the traits currently used in the genetic evaluation, ranging from 0.05 for the factor for linearly scored traits named L.behaviour (dominated by traits related to behaviour) to 0.59 for the factor for evaluated traits named E.size (dominated by height at withers and conformation). For both types of traits, separate factors were formed for jumping and gait traits, as well as for body size. High genetic correlations were estimated between such corresponding factors for evaluated traits and factors for linearly scored traits. In conclusion, factor analysis could be used to reduce the number of traits to be included in multiple‐trait genetic evaluation or in genomic analysis for warmblood horses. It can also contribute to a better understanding of the interrelationships among the assessed traits and be useful to decide on subgroups of traits to be used in several multiple‐trait evaluations on groups of original traits.
Developing a consensus to support health and social care professionals and patients manage nutrition in the context of COVID‐19 recovery
Authors: Tronco Hernandez Yessica Abigail , Julian Anna , Weekes Elizabeth C. , Murphy Jane , Frost Gary , Hickson Mary
Published: March 2023

Background

The long‐term effects on people who have had COVID‐19 affect nutrition and can be influenced by diet conversely. Specific nutritional guidelines, however, were scarce at the beginning of 2020, and empirical literature was also lacking. Conventional research methodologies needed to be adapted to review the available literature that could be relevant to the United Kingdom and policy documents as well as collect the views of health and care staff. The aim of this paper is to describe the method to develop consensus statements from experts to address the necessary nutritional support and what emerged from this.

Methods

A nominal group technique (NGT) was adapted to the virtual world; we purposefully selected a range of professionals (dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, etc.) and patients with long‐term effects of COVID to present them with the most updated evidence and aim to reach key guidelines to address COVID‐19 recovery.

Results

We were able to reach consensus statements that were developed and reviewed by relevant healthcare staff at the front line to address the nutritional needs of patients recovering from COVID‐19 and those suffering from its long‐term effects. This adapted NGT process led us to understand that a virtual repository of concise guidelines and recommendations was needed. This was developed to be freely accessed by both patients recovering from COVID‐19 and health professionals who manage them.

Conclusions

We successfully obtained key consensus statements from the adapted NGT, which showed the need for the nutrition and COVID‐19 knowledge hub. This hub has been developed, updated, reviewed, endorsed and improved across the subsequent 2 years.
Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias diagnosed using video capsule endoscopy in 15 dogs
Authors: Defarges Alice , Stiller Jenny , Solomon Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Angiodysplasia (AGD) is rarely diagnosed in dogs with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and is reported in case reports in dogs.

Objective

Describe signalment, clinical and diagnostic features of dogs with gastrointestinal (GI) AGD diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy (VCE).

Animals

Dogs with overt or suspected GIB which underwent VCE.

Methods

Dogs for which a VCE was submitted for overt or suspected GIB from 2016 to 2021 were selected retrospectively. Medical records and full‐length VCE recordings where AGDs were initially detected, were reviewed by 2 trained internists. AGD was considered definitive if 2 readers detected it. Signalment, clinical signs, blood work, medications, concurrent diseases, findings of previous conventional endoscopy, and surgical exploration (if applicable) of dogs with AGD were recorded.

Results

Definitive AGD was diagnosed in 15 of 291 (5%) dogs (12 males, 3 females). Twelve (80%) had overt GIB, 11 (73%) had hematochezia, and 6 (40%) had microcytic and hypochromic anemia. AGD was missed by conventional endoscopy in 9/9 dogs and exploratory surgery in 3/3 dogs. Thirteen capsules were administered by mouth (1 incomplete study), and 2 via endoscopy directly into the duodenum. AGD was visualized in the stomach of 3 dogs, in the small intestine of 4, and in the colon of 13 dogs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Although rare, AGD should be considered in dogs with suspected GIB after a negative conventional endoscopy or surgical exporation. Video capsuel endoscopy appears to be a sensitive test to identify AGD within the GI tract.
Turkey's Hydropolitics: Building Order in the Middle East
Authors: Hamidi Somaye , Mozdkhah Ehsan
Published: March 2023

Water resources have evolved into a major tool for expanding a country's regional influence. The dynamic interactions of hydraulics strategies have thus been regarded as critical factors in Middle Eastern politics. As Turkey controls upstream water resources in the region, this study attempts to answer this question: What goals does Turkey pursue with its water‐control policy? The article demonstrates that Turkey is seeking to become the dominant power in the Middle East by regulating hydropolitics.
Supporting older people following out of hours discharge from the Emergency Department: An integrative review of the literature
Authors: Dunnion Mary , Ryan Assumpta , Goode Debbie , McIlfatrick Sonja
Published: March 2023

Background

For many older people the emergency department (ED) is an important but sometimes difficult step in their healthcare journey. They often attend the ED with co and multi morbidities. Discharge home at evenings and weekends when post‐discharge support services are limited can result in a delay or failure to follow through on their discharge plan leading to adverse health outcomes and in some cases, readmission to ED.

Objective

The aim of this integrative review was to identify and appraise the support available to older people following discharge from the ED out of hours (OOH).

Methods

For this review, out of hours referred to those times after 17.30 until 08.00 a.m. on Mondays to Fridays, all hours on weekends and public holidays. Whittemore and Knafl's (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2005;52:546), framework was used to guide all stages of the review process. Articles were retrieved following a rigorous search of published works using various databases, the grey literature and hand search of the reference lists of the studies included.

Results

In total 31 articles were included in the review. These comprised systematic reviews, randomised control studies, cohort studies and surveys. Main themes identified included processes that enable support, support provision by health and social care professionals and telephone follow‐up. Results identified a significant dearth of out of hours discharge research and a strong recommendation for more concise and thorough research in this important area of care transition.

Conclusion

Older person discharge home from the ED presents an associated risk as previous research has identified frequent readmission and periods of ill health and dependency. Out of hours discharge can be even more problematic when it may be difficult to arrange support services and ensure continuity of care. Further work in this area is required, taking cognisance of the findings and recommendations identified in this review.
The P3 indexes the distance between perceived and target image
Authors: de la Torre‐Ortiz Carlos , Spapé Michiel , Ruotsalo Tuukka
Published: March 2023

Visual recognition requires inferring the similarity between a perceived object and a mental target. However, a measure of similarity is difficult to determine when it comes to complex stimuli such as faces. Indeed, people may notice someone “looks like” a familiar face, but find it hard to describe on the basis of what features such a comparison is based. Previous work shows that the number of similar visual elements between a face pictogram and a memorized target correlates with the P300 amplitude in the visual evoked potential. Here, we redefine similarity as the distance inferred from a latent space learned using a state‐of‐the‐art generative adversarial neural network (GAN). A rapid serial visual presentation experiment was conducted with oddball images generated at varying distances from the target to determine how P300 amplitude related to GAN‐derived distances. The results showed that distance‐to‐target was monotonically related to the P300, showing perceptual identification was associated with smooth, drifting image similarity. Furthermore, regression modeling indicated that while the P3a and P3b sub‐components had distinct responses in location, time, and amplitude, they were similarly related to target distance. The work demonstrates that the P300 indexes the distance between perceived and target image in smooth, natural, and complex visual stimuli and shows that GANs present a novel modeling methodology for studying the relationships between stimuli, perception, and recognition.
Phylogeny of the flea beetles (Galerucinae: Alticini) and the position ofAulacothoraxelucidated through anchored phylogenomics (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticini)
Authors: Douglas Hume B. , Konstantinov Alexander S. , Brunke Adam J. , Moseyko Alexey G. , Chapados Julie T. , Eyres Jackson , Richter Robin , Savard Karine , Sears Elizabeth , Prathapan Kaniyarikkal D. , Ruan Yongying , Dettman Jeremy R.
Published: March 2023

The Alticini comprise 601 genera and 10,000 species, including plant pests. Their phylogeny remains largely unresolved, inhibiting taxonomic stability, specimen identification and biological understanding. Here, we generated a genomic dataset using Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE) for 54 genera of Alticini, 16 of Galerucini, and 40 of other Chrysomelidae to test the monophyly of Alticini, and its genus groups, and to examine the utility of established diagnostic characters. Maximum likelihood and coalescent phylogenetic analyses produced resolved and overall congruent topologies. Synetinae was sister to Cassidinae + Eumolpinae + Lamprosomatinae + Cryptocephalinae, supporting its recognition as valid. Within Galerucinae,AulacothoraxBoheman was found as sister to Galerucini + Alticini (each monophyletic). Tribe Serraticollini Whitestat. rev.is reinstated as valid, as the oldest available name for the higher lineage containingAulacothorax. We extend Crowson's classification, with Alticini, Galerucini, and Serraticollini united under Galerucinae. We transfer generaChalaenosomaJacoby,DemarchusJacoby, andMandarellaDuvivier from Alticini to Galeruciniincertae sedis, and confirm prior transfers ofHesperaWeise,LuperomorphaWeise andNonarthraBaly from Alticini to Galeruciniincertae sedis. Galerucini and Alticini are reciprocally monophyletic following these transfers. Our work recovered multiple evolutionary origins of jumping hind legs in Galerucinae, hindering straightforward morphological diagnosis of tribes. We provide diagnoses for Alticini, Galerucini and Galerucinae, but these require dissection of female genitalia. We achieved some phylogenetic resolution within Alticini, but found few adult morphological characters to define subclades. Our results indicate that with future denser taxon sampling, AHE phylogenomics could provide a robust basis for subtribal classifications.
Afrontamiento de conflictos por médicos de segundo nivel:
Authors: Lugo-Machado Juan Antonio , Ortega Villa Rosa Esmeralda
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Identificar los estilos de afrontamiento de conflictos en médicos de un hospital de segundo nivel y la asociación con su grado académico. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, prospectivo, transversal con la aplicación del instrumento Thomas-Kilmann en un hospital de segundo nivel. Las variables fueron edad, sexo, nivel académico, estilo de resolver conflictos y antigüedad laboral. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva con frecuencias y porcentajes, y análisis inferencial con χ² de Pearson considerando un valor de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Se encuestaron a 63 de 200 médicos, 36 mujeres (31,5%), edades de 21 a 67 años, con una media de 44 años; 24 médicos generales (37,5%) y 39 especialistas (60,9%). Con una antigüedad laboral de 1 a 40 años, con una media de 12 años. Los estilos encontrados para gestionar conflictos fueron: compromiso (41; 32,5%), colaborador (38; 30,1%), evasivo (25; 19,9%), competitivo (11; 8,75%) y complaciente (11; 8,75%). Al realizar el análisis inferencial con χ² de Pearson entre estilo de manejo de conflictos y médicos con especialidad y sin especialidad, el valor de p fue 0,1303; entre el sexo, p = 0,629, y entre edades en ≤39 años y ≥40 años, p = 0,578, sin encontrar diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Los médicos mostraron predominio del estilo comprometido para afrontar conflictos, seguido del colaborador, evasivo, competitivo y complaciente, sin asociación entre género, edad, grado académico ni antigüedad.
Experimental Analysis of a Bayonet Tube at Constant Wall Temperature Conditions Under Laminar, Transition, and Turbulent Flow
Authors: Singh Nishant , Sharma Ram Vinoy , Kumar Shalendra
Published: March 2023

An experiment was carried out on a bayonet tube that was kept at a constant temperature using condensing steam. In contrast, cold water was permitted to enter the central tube and discharge via an annular portion. The water flow rate was varied, covering laminar, transition, and turbulent regimes. The inner part of the bayonet tube is CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, k = 0.136 W · m−1 · K−1), which reduces short-circuit heat transfer across the tube. Temperatures were recorded at different points in the tube. From the results of experiments on total heat transfer and short-circuit heat transfer, the Nusselt number can be calculated. The pressure drop across a bayonet tube determined the friction factor. In examining a range of Reynolds numbers, Effectiveness and figure of merit have been resolved. It has been observed that as the Reynolds number increases, the Nusselt number increases while the friction factor decreases. Both Effectiveness and Figure of Merit decrease with the addition of the Reynolds number, and it is observed that the maximum effective value is 0.86 for a 75 Reynolds number, which is suitable for bayonet solar collectors, and the minimum effective value is 0.2 for an 8062 Reynolds number, which is suitable for bayonet heat exchangers. It serves as reference work for bayonet tubes for designing a parabolic solar collector and heat exchanger.
Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Challenges and Perspective in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Naik Kaustubh G. , Vishnugopi Bairav S. , Datta Joy , Datta Dibakar , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: March 2023

The development of next-generation batteries, utilizing electrodes with high capacities and power densities requires a comprehensive understanding and precise control of material interfaces and architectures. Electro-chemo-mechanics plays an integral role in the morphological evolution and stability of such complex interfaces. Volume changes in electrode materials and the chemical interactions of electrode/electrolyte interfaces result in nonuniform stress fields and structurally different interphases, fundamentally affecting the underlying transport and reaction kinetics. The origin of this mechanistic coupling and its implications on degradation is uniquely dependent on the interface characteristics. In this review, the distinct nature of chemo–mechanical coupling and failure mechanisms at solid–liquid interfaces and solid–solid interfaces is analyzed. For lithium metal electrodes, the critical role of surface/microstructural heterogeneities on the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) stability and dendrite growth in liquid electrolytes, and on the onset of contact loss and filament penetration with solid electrolytes is summarized. With respect to composite electrodes, key differences in the microstructure-coupled electro-chemo-mechanical attributes of intercalation- and conversion-based chemistries are delineated. Moving from liquid to solid electrolytes in such cathodes, we highlight the significant impact of solid–solid point contacts on transport/mechanical response, electrochemical performance, and failure modes such as particle cracking and delamination. Finally, we present our perspective on future research directions and opportunities to address the underlying electro-chemo-mechanical challenges for enabling next-generation lithium metal batteries.
Measuring vessel underwater radiated noise in shallow water
Authors: MacGillivray Alexander O. , Martin S. Bruce , Ainslie Michael A. , Dolman Joshua N. , Li Zizheng , Warner Graham A.
Published: March 2023

Performing reproducible vessel source level (SL) measurements is complicated by seabed reflections in shallow water. In deep water, with a hydrophone far from the seabed, it is straightforward to estimate propagation loss (PL) and convert sound pressure level (SPL) into SL using the method codified in the international standard ISO 17208-2 [International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva, Switzerland (2019)]. Estimating PL is more difficult in shallow water because of the way that sound reflects from the seabed such that multiple propagation paths contribute to SPL. Obtaining reproducible SL measurements in shallow water requires straightforward and robust methods to estimate PL. From May to July 2021, a field experiment evaluated different methods of measuring vessel SL in shallow water. The same vessels were measured many times in water depths of 30, 70, and 180 m. In total, 12 079 SL measurements were obtained from 1880 vessel transits and 16 hydrophones, distributed across 3 moored vertical line arrays and 2 moored horizontal line arrays. The experiment confirmed that it is possible to obtain reproducible vessel SL estimates in shallow water comparable to within ±2.5 dB of ISO-compliant measurements in deep water and repeatable to within ±1.5 dB.
A Self-Reflective Toolkit of Adult-Oriented Coaching Practices in Masters Sport
Authors: Callary Bettina , Belalcazar Catalina , Rathwell Scott , Young Bradley W.
Published: March 2023

The Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey (AOSCS) assesses psychosocial coaching practices for coaches who work with adult athletes. The AOSCS can be used as a self-assessment tool for coaches’ professional development, but there is a need to better understand its relevance for coaches. The purpose of this study was to explore coaches’ perspectives of the AOSCS as a self-assessment tool for reflecting, intuitively appraising, and provoking elaborations on contextually embedded psychosocial practices when coaching adult athletes. Thirteen Canadian coaches (nine women/four men, aged 59–78 years) completed the AOSCS prior to watching a webinar regarding the research on coaching Masters athletes and the development of the AOSCS. Each was subsequently shared a copy of their AOSCS results and interviewed about their perceptions of the relevance and utility of the AOSCS. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, which resulted in three higher order themes (relevance of the AOSCS, using the AOSCS, and input from others) with six subthemes. The coaches see the AOSCS as provoking meaningful coach reflection, introspection, and learning intrapersonal coaching knowledge that serve ongoing coach development. As such, this paper outlines evidence with respect to the prospective relevance and practical utility of the AOSCS.
Ambiguity Hierarchies for Weighted Tree Automata
Authors: Maletti Andreas , Nasz Teodora , Stier Kevin , Ulbricht Markus
Published: March 2023

Weighted tree automata (WTA) extend classical weighted automata (WA) to the non-linear structure of trees. The expressive power of WA with varying degrees of ambiguity has been extensively studied. Unambiguous, finitely ambiguous, and polynomially ambiguous WA over the tropical (as well as the arctic) semiring strictly increase in expressive power. The recently developed pumping results of Mazowiecki and Riveros (STACS 2018) are lifted to trees in order to achieve the same strict hierarchy for WTA over the tropical (as well as the arctic) semiring.
Highly-Efficient CNTFET-Based Unbalanced Ternary Logic Gates
Authors: Abbasian Erfan , Sofimowloodi Sobhan , Sachdeva Ashish
Published: March 2023

A large number of interconnections required to implement a binary logic-based circuit leads to an increase in power/energy consumption and area overhead. Utilizing multiple-valued logic (MVL), especially ternary logic, can improve power/energy and total area by reducing the number of interconnections. A ternary logic-based circuit is easily implemented by using carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) because they have the capability of manifesting different threshold voltages. This paper uses CNTFET devices for the design and implementation of highly-efficient ternary logic gates such as the standard ternary inverter (STI), ternary buffer (TBUF), ternary OR (TOR), and ternary AND (TAND). The proposed STI design offers improvement between 12% and 91.17% in energy consumption and increases noise margin by at least 1.02×, while the proposed TBUF design reduces energy consumption by 14.73%–96.82%. Furthermore, the proposed TOR design reduces power dissipation and energy consumption by at least 72.62% and 84.80%, while the proposed TAND design improves them by at least 8.55% and 11.38%, respectively. The simulations have been performed by using HSPICE software with the Stanford 32 nm CNTFET model at 0.9 V supply voltage.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Pharmacoinformatic Integrated Analysis of Bioactive Phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica (Neem) to Treat Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abdullah Asif , Biswas Partha , Sahabuddin Md. , Mubasharah Afiya , Khan Dhrubo Ahmed , Hossain Akram , Roy Tanima , Rafi Nishat Md. R. , Dey Dipta , Hasan Md. Nazmul , Bibi Shabana , Moustafa Mahmoud , Shati Ali , Hassan Hesham , Garg Ruchika
Published: March 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic hormonal and metabolic disorder in which our body cannot generate necessary insulin or does not act in response to it, accordingly, ensuing in discordantly high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Diabetes mellitus can lead to systemic dysfunction in the multiorgan system, including cardiac dysfunction, severe kidney disease, lowered quality of life, and increased mortality risk from diabetic complications. To uncover possible therapeutic targets to treat diabetes mellitus, the in silico drug design technique is widely used, which connects the ligand molecules with target proteins to construct a protein-ligand network. To identify new therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus, Azadirachta indica is subjected to phytochemical screening using in silico molecular docking, pharmacokinetic behavior analysis, and simulation-based molecular dynamic analysis. This study has analyzed around 63 phytochemical compounds, and the initial selection of the compounds was made by analyzing their pharmacokinetic properties by comparing them with Lipinski’s rule of 5. The selected compounds were subjected to molecular docking. The top four ligand compounds were reported along with the control drug nateglinide based on their highest negative molecular binding affinity. The protein-ligand interaction of selected compounds has been analyzed to understand better how compounds interact with the targeted protein structure. The results of the in silico analysis revealed that 7-Deacetyl-7-oxogedunin had the highest negative docking score of −8.9 Kcal/mol and also demonstrated standard stability in a 100 ns molecular dynamic simulation performed with insulin receptor ectodomain. It has been found that these substances may rank among the essential supplementary antidiabetic drugs for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is suggested that more in vivo and in vitro research studies be carried out to support the conclusions drawn from this in silico research strategy.
Influence of Different Grouting Parameters on Mechanical and Strain Energy Characteristics of Different-Length Fractured Limestone in a Coalfield North of Yellow River: A Numerical Study Based on Particle Flow Code
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Juntao , Ma Qing , Jia Dongxiu , Cheng Binbin , Fu Ziqun , Liu Lei , Guo Hongyun , Qu Zhu , He Jingping
Published: March 2023

Floor grouting reinforcement and aquifer reform can effectively improve the water barrier performance of fractured rock mass, which is widely used to prevent water inrush from a confined aquifer in theClean Utilization and SDUST Research Fund floor. In order to reveal the mechanical and strain energy characteristics of fractured rock mass after grouting with different grouting parameters, the discrete element numerical simulation software PFC is used to study the mechanical and strain energy characteristics of limestone after filling the fractures with cement stones with different parameters. The numerical test results show that the displacement of the limestone grouting stone bodies with a longer prefabricated crack length decreases more obviously after grouting, and the strain energy, dissipation energy, and total input energy increase when the strengthened limestone sample is destroyed. The greater the stiffness of the cement stone, the easier the limestone grouting stone bodies will be destroyed from the position of the prefabricated crack. The internal friction angle of cement stones has little effect on the strength, deformation, and energy characteristics of limestone. Under the same cohesion, the number and the distribution range of secondary cracks of limestone grouting stone bodies with smaller prefabricated crack length are larger. However, with the increase of the tensile strength of the cement stones, the number, distribution range, and strength of the secondary fractures of the limestone grouting stone bodies are increasing. The longer the prefabricated crack is, the greater the influence of grouting parameters on the rock. The study provides a reference for the selection of reinforcement material parameters during grouting reinforcement.
Vibration Control of Steel Wind Turbine Tower Using a Novel Tuned Mass Damper Refitted via Inner Platform
Authors: Lei Zhenbo , Wang Jingchao , Peng Tian , An Huili , Shen Lang , Wang Tao
Published: March 2023

Steel large-megawatts wind turbines have the light-damping and long-period properties, resulting in the adverse vibrations under the wind loads. In this paper, a novel tuned mass damper refitted via inner platform (IP-TMD) is proposed to control the excessive vibration of steel wind turbine tower (WTT). Firstly, the dynamic equation of steel WTT controlled by the IP-TMD system is established according to the principle of virtual work, and its dynamic coefficient and frequency ratio at corresponding fixed points are deduced. Then, the optimal frequency ratio and optimal stiffness and damping coefficients are obtained by the system optimization. Furthermore, a numerical simulation research is employed to analyze the frequency-response curves and resonance mitigation effect of IP-TMD under harmonic excitation. Finally, the vibration control efficiency of IP-TMD is calculated using the Wilson-θ method under the wind loadings; the results indicated that IP-TMD is able to reduce the dynamic response of steel WTT over 45% compared with the uncontrolled WTT cases.
Selected advanced themes in ethical hacking and penetration testing
Authors: AlSharaa Buthayna , Thuneibat Saed , Masadeh Rawan , Alqaisi Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Since 1980 cyberattacks have been evolving with the rising numbers of internet users and the constant evolving of security systems, and since then security systems experts have been trying to fight these kinds of attacks. This paper has both ethical and scientific goals, ethically, to raise awareness on cyberattacks and provide people with the knowledge that allows them to use the world wide web with fewer worries knowing how to protect their information and their devices with what they can. Scientifically, this paper includes a deep understanding of types of hackers, attacks, and various ways to stay safe online. This research investigates how ethical hackers adapt to the current and upcoming cyber threats. The different approaches for some famous hacking types along with their results are shown. Python and Ruby are used for coding, which we run on Kali Linux operating system.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Excluded Gastric Remnant After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Pandya Shivam R. , Kenney Lisa M. , Hughes Marybeth S.
Published: March 2023

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the GI tract. Despite this, they rarely occur, accounting for only 1% to 3% of all gastrointestinal tumors. This report describes a 53-year-old female patient with surgical history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. CT imaging revealed a large 20 × 12 × 16 cm mass in the excluded stomach remnant. Ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed this mass to be a GIST. The patient was treated surgically with exploratory laparotomy with distal pancreatectomy, partial colectomy, partial gastrectomy, and splenectomy. There are currently only 3 known reported cases of GISTs after RYGB.
Patterns of Platelet Mapping Thromboelastography Abnormalities in Trauma
Authors: Quinn Seth A. , Gregg Stephen E. , Garcia Nicole , Fu Yuanyuan , Irish William , Toschlog Eric A.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Platelet mapping thromboelastography (TEG-PM) to evaluate trauma induced coagulopathy has become more prevalent. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between TEG-PM and outcomes in trauma patients, including patients with TBI.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Database. Chart review was conducted to obtain specific TEG-PM parameters. Patients were excluded if they were on anti-platelets, anticoagulation, or received blood products prior to arrival. TEG-PM values and their associations with outcomes were evaluated using generalized linear model and Cox cause-specific hazards model. Outcomes included in-hospital death, hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS). Relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are provided.

Results

A total of 1066 patients were included, with 151 (14%) diagnosed with isolated TBI. ADP inhibition was associated with significant increase rate of hospital LOS and ICU LOS (RR per % increase = 1.002 and RR = 1.006 per % increase, respectively) while increased MA(AA) and MA(ADP) were significantly associated with decrease rate of hospital LOS and ICU LOS (RR = .993 per mm increase and RR = .989 per mm increase, respectively, and RR = .986 per mm increase and RR = .989 per mm increase). R (per minute increase) and LY30 (per % increase) were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.567 and HR = 1.057, respectively). No TEG-PM values significantly correlated with ISS.

Conclusion

Specific TEG-PM abnormalities are associated with worse outcomes in trauma patients, including TBI patients. These results require further investigation to understand associations between traumatic injury and coagulopathy.
The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale is Associated With Cystoscopic and Percutaneous Urologic Procedures in Renal Injuries
Authors: Brigode William , Roberts Drew , Capron Gweniviere , Starr Frederic , Bokhari Faran
Published: March 2023

Background

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale for the kidney was created in 1989. It has been validated to various outcomes including operations. It was updated in 2018 to better predict endourologic interventions, but this change has not been validated. In addition, the AAST-OIS does not consider mechanism of trauma in its interpretation.

Methods

We analyzed 3 years of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database including all patients with a kidney injury. We recorded rates of mortality, operation, renal operation, nephrectomy, renal embolization, cystoscopic intervention, and percutaneous urologic procedures.

Results

26294 patients were included. In penetrating trauma, mortality, operation, renal-specific operation, and nephrectomy rates increased at every grade. Renal embolization and cystoscopy rates peaked in grade IV. Percutaneous interventions were rare across all grades. In blunt trauma, mortality and nephrectomy rates increased only in grades IV and V. Operation, renal operation, and renal embolization rates increased at every grade level. Cystoscopy rates peaked in grade IV. Percutaneous procedure rates only increased between grades III and IV. Penetrating injuries are more likely to require nephrectomy in grades III-V, cystoscopic procedures in grade III, and percutaneous procedures in grades I-III.

Discussion

Endourologic procedures are most utilized in grade IV injuries, which are in part defined by injuries with damage to the central collecting system. Despite penetrating injuries more frequently requiring nephrectomy, they also more frequently require nonsurgical procedures. Mechanism of trauma should be considered when interpreting the AAST-OIS for kidney injuries.
Stability assessment of serum tumour markers: Calcitonin, chromogranin A, thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
Authors: Thirkettle Sally , Blaszczyk Patrycja , Evans Rachel , Wheatley Michael , Abbas Madihah , Russell Joanne , Monaghan Phillip J
Published: March 2023

Background

There is limited published data on the stability of calcitonin, chromogranin A, thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies in serum. The aim of this study was to determine stability at three temperature conditions over 7 days, reflecting current laboratory practices.

Methods

Surplus serum was stored at room temperature, refrigerated and in the freezer; for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. Samples were analysed in batch and analyte concentrations compared to that of a baseline sample. Measurement Uncertainty of the assay was used to determine the Maximal Permissible Difference and thus the stability of the analyte.

Results

Calcitonin was found to be stable for at least 7 days in the freezer but only 24 h refrigerated. Chromogranin A was stable for 3 days when refrigerated and only 24 h at room temperature. Thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were stable under all conditions for 7 days.

Conclusion

This study has enabled the laboratory to increase the add-on time limit of Chromogranin A to 3 days, and up to 60 min for calcitonin and inform optimal storage and transportation conditions for referring specimens.
A Content Analysis of Immigrant and Refugee Research: A 31-year Review
Authors: Yoon Eunju , Cabirou Latifat , Liu Huabing , Kim Daewon , Chung Haeyoon , Chang Yea Jin (Jeanie)
Published: March 2023

This study systematically reviewed the immigrant and refugee research in counseling psychology and related fields, which included 323 empirical studies in 310 articles, over a 31-year period. We analyzed the content and methods in (a) participant characteristics, (b) study characteristics, (c) topics and theoretical frameworks, and (d) publication trends. To summarize key findings, top nations of origin included Mexico, China, and South Korea. English-speaking, young individuals and college students were overrepresented in study participants. Acculturation and enculturation was one of the most frequently used variables, topics, and theories. Nevertheless, the proportion of acculturation and enculturation research has declined over time, while research on racial bias and discrimination has increased since 2000. It suggests growing attention to sociopolitical dimensions of migration beyond cultural transition. Qualitative methods were frequently used when studying Middle Eastern immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ issues. We evaluated the findings from strength-based, bidirectional, ecological, and intersectional perspectives and suggest directions for research, practice, advocacy, education, and training.
Supervisor Cultural Humility and Supervisee Nondisclosure: The Supervisory Working Alliance Matters
Authors: Ertl Melissa M. , Ellis Michael V. , Peterson Lawrence P.
Published: March 2023

Given that at least half of supervisees (therapist trainees) never have their clinical work monitored or observed, supervisees who withhold salient information in clinical supervision compromise supervisors’ ability to monitor client welfare and promote supervisees’ professional development. Attempting to further understand the factors explaining supervisee nondisclosure, we tested the supervisory working alliance as a mediator of the hypothesized inverse relations of cultural humility and collaborative supervision with supervisee nondisclosure (supervision-related and clinically-related nondisclosure) among a diverse sample of 214 supervisees in applied psychology and allied mental health programs. Results supported the hypotheses that (a) descriptively, supervision-related nondisclosure was more prominent than clinically-related nondisclosure; (b) cultural humility substantially inversely predicted supervisee nondisclosure; and (c) the supervisory working alliance fully mediated the inverse relations of cultural humility and collaborative supervision with supervisee nondisclosure. Understanding the mechanisms underlying supervisee nondisclosure has broad implications for clinicians and researchers alike.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Condition-Specific Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire for the Malayalam-speaking Population—A Psychometric Scale Validation Study
Authors: J. Monisha , Peter Elbe , R.M. Baiju , Benson Philip Edward , George Suja Ani
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to develop a regional version of the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ-Malayalam) for the Malayalam-speaking Indian population.

Methods

The English version of MIQ was translated into Malayalam through a rigorous translation process, followed by cross-cultural adaptation. Young people aged below 18 years who were just about to start orthodontic treatment were invited to complete the Malayalam version of MIQ along with the available native version of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). The MIQ-Malayalam was readministered after 14 days to assess test-retest reliability. Treatment need was assessed normatively using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-DHC) and subjectively using Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-AC).

Results

A total of 210 subjects completed the questionnaires (males = 47.2%; females = 52.8%; age = 12-17 years, mean = 15 years and 3 months; standard deviation = 1.9) and 50 completed repeat questionnaires. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.952; Intra-class Correlation Coefficient = 0.93). Exploratory factor analysis derived 4 factors with exclusion of 1 item. There were significant differences ( P < .05) in MIQ scores between IOTN-DHC subgroups, ensuring discriminant validity. There was a high correlation between total MIQ and total PIDAQ scores (rho = 0.884), while low between total MIQ and IOTN-AC scores (rho = 0.203).

Conclusion

The Malayalam version of MIQ was found to be valid and reliable and can serve as a useful condition-specific measure of oral health-related quality of life.
Towards a post-pandemic social contract
Authors: Sik Domonkos
Published: March 2023

Social contract theories serve a twofold purpose: by addressing acute crises, they elaborate solutions to long-standing social paradoxes. The article reinterprets the stakes of the Covid pandemic from this perspective. Firstly, the long-lasting structural paradoxes of late modernity are linked to the acute crisis of the pandemic with the help of critical theories of late modernity. It is argued that the pandemic provides opportunity for revaluating those social contracts, which are based on universalist principles of justice. Secondly, two paradigmatic historical examples (Hobbes, Rawls) are overviewed in a meta-theoretical fashion, so that the dimensions of revaluation could be highlighted. Thirdly, the foundations of a post-pandemic social contract are outlined. As the pandemic is inseparable from the structural paradoxes caused by unconstrained systems based on universal principles of justice, the post-pandemic social contract aims at preventing the system paradoxes by revaluating their universal principles in a ‘trial of particularity’ (Derrida, Levinas).