bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entre ética e ciência: necessidade e contingência na teoria da ação em Aristóteles
Authors: Stefani Jaqueline
Published: December 2023

Este artigo investiga a possibilidade de questões morais possuírem a mesma natureza de ocorrências no mais das vezes (ὡς ἐπὶ τὸ πολύ) discutidas na Física, Metafísica e nos Analíticos, em contraste com as categorias de necessário sem mais e de acaso/acidente. Tal categoria (ὡς ἐπὶ τὸ πολύ) ora é aproximada daquilo que é necessário (necessidade sem mais), quando Aristóteles realça a exclusão do acaso/acidente da ciência, ora é afastada do necessário sem mais, quando busca especificar as diferenças entre essas categorias em termos das conclusões passíveis de serem obtidas em silogismos de ambos os tipos. O que parece é que as ações decorrentes de um caráter formado são ὡς ἐπὶ τὸ πολύ, podendo ser compreendidas no registro de um necessário hipotético, dado que o caráter é como uma “segunda natureza” do agente. Se tal hipótese for correta, ações decorrentes de um caráter formado não possuiriam estatuto de abertura aos contrários.
Um Catálogo de Traduções: Parte II
Authors: Siphone Raquel , Bonavina Rafael
Published: December 2023

O presente trabalho apresenta uma catalogação de traduções feitas diretamente do russo para o português em contexto acadêmico, especificamente nos Programas de Pós-Graduação da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de São Paulo entre os anos de 1970 e 2022. Para o nosso levantamento consideramos aqueles estudos que não apenas se debruçavam sobre literatura e cultura russa, mas também apresentavam traduções anexas. Essa pesquisa se deu em dois arquivos: um físico, a Biblioteca Florestan Fernandes, e um digital, o Repositório de Teses USP online. Esse estudo detectou mais de 350 títulos, divididos entre poemas, textos críticos, contos, manifestos etc. Apresentamos aqui uma lista de fácil acesso para os interessados.
“Traumas soviéticos”: o testemunho em Aleksandr Soljenítsyn, Liudmila Petruchévskaia, Svetlana Aleksiévitch e Alex Halberstadt
Authors: Costa Ian Anderson Maximiano
Published: December 2023

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo discutir diferentes modalidades traumáticas na construção da civilização soviética e do “novo” homo sovieticus por meio de quatro testemunhos de gerações variadas: Aleksandr Soljenítsyn (1918-2008), Liudmila Petruchévskaia (1938-?), Svetlana Aleksiévitch (1948-?) e Alex Halberstadt (1970-?). Na pena desses escritores, os “grandes fatos” estão subsumidos nas histórias individuais e coletivas: nos corpos dos zeks, das famílias, das mulheres, dos jovens, das etnias e, por último, na memória comunista daqueles que acreditavam e foram surpreendidos pelo fim, os chamados, pejorativamente, de sovok.
Poética histórica entre Rússia e Ocidente: por um modelo não linear de história da literatura e de ontologia social
Authors: Kliger Ilya
Published: December 2023

Este ensaio explora o modo pelo qual a persistência de formas literárias na história foi abordada pela tradição russa da Poética Histórica (Aleksandr Veselóvski, Viktor Jirmúnski, Mikhail Bakhtin, Formalismo Russo) e dentro de certa vertente do marxismo ocidental (Georg Lukács, Walter Benjamin, Fredric Jameson). A discussão é, em parte, descritiva e, em parte, programática: trata-se de uma reconstrução que não pertente fazer totalmente justiça a nenhum desses pensadores em particular, mas que busca delinear um campo, cujas várias inflexões produzem perspectivas e pontos de ênfase complementares. O foco é na problemática central do paradigma: uma tentativa de construir uma história universal das formas literárias em sua relação com as condições sociais – e modo – de sua produção com base em certo entendimento da vitalidade do passado e da mobilidade no presente.
Cardiac Abnormalities in Hispanic/Latina Women With Prior De Novo Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Quesada Odayme , Kulandavelu Shathiyah , Vladutiu Catherine J. , DeFranco Emily , Minissian Margo B. , Makarem Nour , Bello Natalie A. , Wong Melissa S. , Pabón Maria A. , Chandra Alvin A. , Avilés-Santa Larissa , Rodríguez Carlos J. , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Sofer Tamar , Hurwitz Barry E , Talavera Gregory A. , Claggett Brian L. , Solomon Scott D. , Cheng Susan
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with long-term maternal risks for cardiovascular disease for reasons that remain incompletely understood.

METHODS:

The HCHS/SOL (Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos), a multi-center community-based cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults recruited 2008 to 2011, was used to evaluate the associations of history of de novo HDP (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia) with echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function in Hispanic/Latina women with ≥1 prior pregnancy and the proportion of association mediated by current hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive therapy).

RESULTS.

The study cohort included 5168 Hispanic/Latina women with an average age (SD) of 58.7 (9.7) years at time of echocardiogram. Prior de novo HDP was reported by 724 (14%) of the women studied and was associated with lower left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction −0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.21 to −0.11), higher LV relative wall thickness 0.09 (95% CI, 0–0.18), and 1.39 (95% CI, 1.02–1.89) higher risk of abnormal LV geometry after adjusting for blood pressure and other confounders. The proportion of the association mediated by current hypertension between HDP and LV ejection fraction was 0.09 (95% CI, 0.03–0.45), LV relative wall thickness was 0.28 (95% CI, 0.16–0.51), abnormal LV geometry was 0.14 (95% CI, 0.12–0.48), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy was 0.31 (95% CI, 0.19–0.86), and abnormal LV diastolic dysfunction was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.26–0.79).

CONCLUSIONS.

In a large cohort of Hispanic/Latina women those with history of de novo HDP had detectable and measurable subclinical alterations in cardiac structure and both systolic and diastolic dysfunction that were only partially mediated by current hypertension.
A new species of Bactrocera Macquart reared from Solanum khasianum Clarke in northern India and a new synonym
Authors: SINGH MANEESH PAL , GUPTA DIVENDER , HANCOCK DAVID LAWRENCE , SHARMA ISHA , SHARMA PREM LAL
Published: December 2023

A new species of genus Bactrocera Macquart, Bactrocera (Bactrocera) prabhakari Maneesh, Gupta & Hancock, sp. n., is described from Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, reared from Solanum khasianum Clarke commonly known as medicinal solanum or Dutch eggplant. This species resembles Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) and an updated key to Indian fruit flies of subgenus Bactrocera Macquart is provided. Bactrocera yoshimotoi (Hardy) (= B. luteicinctuta Ito, syn. nov.) in newly recorded from Himachal Pradesh in northern India and variability in B. scutellaris (Bezzi) is discussed together with illustrations.
Single syntypes of Somatochlora exuberata Bartenev, 1910 (Odonata: Corduliidae), discovered in both the Milwaukee Public Museum and the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, U.S.A., with designation of the lectotype
Authors: VOGT TIMOTHY E. , KOSTERIN OLEG E. , COLBY JULIA
Published: December 2023

A male syntype of Somatochlora exuberata Bartenev, 1910, from Kavykuchi Gazimurskie village, Transbaikalia, Siberia, June 24 (in Julian Calendar, July 7 in Gregorian Calendar) 1909, was discovered in the Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin, U.S.A., as received in exchange from A.N. Bartenev by Richard Anthony Muttkowski. Another male syntype with the same data later was found in the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Michigan, U.S.A. The latter specimen is designated as the lectotype of S. exuberata. The description of Somatochlora vera Bartenev, 1914, a name currently considered a junior synonym of S. exuberata, is critically evaluated.
Acute Peritonitis and Pelvic Abscess Secondary to Abdominal Tuberculosis
Authors: Elhadidi Amro , Raouf Samira A. , Fadl Amged , Salama Hamdi
Published: December 2023

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, continues to be a global health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), which affects various organs beyond the lungs, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse clinical and radiological manifestations. Herein, we describe the case of a middle-aged woman with severe lower abdominal pain, vomiting, night fevers, and other symptoms. Clinical and radiological examinations revealed pelvic abscesses and peritonitis. Exploratory laparoscopy uncovered intraabdominal adhesions, a pus-containing abscess cavities, and biopsies confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Post-operative pulmonology consultations comprising sputum cultures for TB detection were conducted, and the patient was started on anti-tuberculosis medications. This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing abdominal TB and the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
Don’t Just Stand There. Rethinking the Ideal Body Posture for Otorhinolaryngologists
Authors: Campbell Raewyn G. , Douglas Richard G. , Zadro Joshua , Gamble Andrew , Chan Cliffton L. , Mackey Martin G. , Pappas Evangelos
Published: December 2023

Surgeons have a high rate of work-related musculoskeletal injuries; an area that has received little attention. These injuries result in surgeons performing less efficiently, needing to take time off work, suffering higher rates of burnout, and may ultimately lead surgeons to retire earlier than planned. Otorhinolaryngologists are at particular risk for work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Beyond the clinician, sustaining such injuries can negatively impact patient safety. Ergonomic interventions have been used effectively to reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries in other professions, yet not in surgery. With traditional teachings of ideal body postures to avoid injury and manual handling training being re-evaluated, it is important to explore evidence based interventions for reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries in otorhinolaryngologists. New research encourages us to shift the focus away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to ergonomics and toward postural recommendations and education that promote a dynamic, individualized approach to avoiding sustained, static and awkward postures.
Social Norms in Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Wilding Sarah , O’Connor Daryl B. , Conner Mark
Published: December 2023

Cancer screening aims to check the body for cancer before symptoms develop. Social norms theory suggests people falsely perceive the attitudes and/or behaviours of similar others to be different from their own and correcting these perceptions can lead to behaviour change. Across two studies, we tested if women underestimate peer levels of cervical screening behaviour and whether a social norms manipulation increases intention to attend cervical cancer screening. In study 1, participants completed a survey on cervical cancer screening norms. In study 2, participants were randomised to receive no norm information, norm information, or norm information plus statement on value of norms in decision making. In study 1, participant estimates of peer level of cervical screening behaviour were significantly lower than nationally reported levels. In study 2, a social norm plus value statement intervention led to stronger intentions to attend screening. This effect was consistent across demographic factors and screening status. Participants significantly underestimate rates of cervical screening behaviour in their peers. A brief, online social norms plus values manipulation increased intentions to attend cervical cancer screening across all groups.
Fortresses as Ideological Images of Power
Authors: Spalinger Anthony
Published: December 2023

This paper is a discussion of the essential, indeed the key, element of New Kingdom pictorial representations of warfare in Asia surrounding the depiction of the enemy citadel-fortress. We appear to find this depiction from the early stages of the 18th Dynasty onwards, but its inclusion as well as absence needs further specification, and that is the aim of this study. Based on earlier analyses of images of warfare, the following contribution carries the vector of imagery and historical development. The contrast of these urban scenes with Libyan and Nubian combat depictions, frequently touched upon in scholarship, will be partially limned in this paper.

[Formula: see text]
In vitro comparative study of wall portbased high-frequency chest wall oscillation device and internal air-pulse generator device
Authors: Kim Min Jae , Kim Soo Hong , Yun Sung Uk , Kim Gun Ho , Nam Kyoung Won
Published: December 2023

Owing to environmental and disease issues, the use of high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) devices in hospitals is consistently increasing. This study proposes a cost-effective actuator-less HFCWO device that utilizes an external wall port utility in hospitals to generate the positive and negative pneumatic pressures required for HFCWO treatment instead of an embedded mechanical actuator. The manufactured prototype with the no-amplification (NO-AMP) setting contained an electric pressure regulator to enable intensity level adjustment and two solenoid valves to enable vibration frequency adjustment, whereas the prototype with the pre-amplification (PRE-AMP) setting contained an additional air reservoir and an air-pressure booster. The prototype device was tuned to output average local maximum values in the pressure waveform similar to a commercial VEST-205 device at an 8–12 Hz frequency and 2–4 pressure intensity levels. In vitro comparative experiments demonstrated that the prototype device showed similar local maximum pressures to those of the VEST-205 (mean absolute pressure difference, <3 mmH2O); in contrast, the proposed device showed significantly higher local minimum pressures than those of the VEST-205 (mean absolute pressure difference, >8 mmH2O). Additionally, the driving sound of the proposed device was 17.0–17.8 dB higher than that of VEST-205. We conclude that the proposed device has the potential to substitute for conventional HFCWO devices under the limited but most frequently used operating conditions, although more detailed modifications are necessary in future studies to improve its performance and clinical usability.
Dynamic analysis and influence mechanism of digital technology diffusion in the energy industry based on the evolutionary game model of complex networks
Authors: Ning Jiajun , Li Xiyu , Gao Yuan
Published: December 2023

Promoting digital technology is a crucial measure through which countries can enhance technological innovation and energy efficiency in the energy industry. The digital transformation of the energy industry is a systematic phenomenon, which involves the interaction and strategic game between power generation enterprises and electricity-selling enterprises. To comprehend the law of digital technology diffusion, which regulates the energy industry, this study, which considers energy enterprises, analyzes the dynamic evolution process pertaining to digital transformation strategy selection based on the evolutionary game model of complex networks. This study highlights the decision-making behavior that is associated with the micro subject's strategy selection. The results indicate the following: (1) The number of energy enterprises adopting the digital transformation strategy continually increases, and the adopting enterprises gradually attain a dominant position. (2) Co-creation benefits that are occasioned by the collaboration that characterizes digital transformation accelerate the diffusion of digital technology in energy enterprises. (3) Due to the learning curve, the cost of digital technology research and development decreases, which accelerates the proliferation of digital technology in energy enterprises. (4) When the government incentive subsidy is high, the diffusion degree of the digital technology exhibited by the energy enterprises becomes higher.
Rituximab as add-on therapy in patients with resistant lupus nephritis who have failed induction or maintenance therapy with other agents: A real-world experience from a single center in Mumbai
Authors: Yadav Sandeep , Balakrishnan C , Mangat Gurmeet , Kothari Jatin
Published: December 2023

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is associated with poor outcomes and a significant risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Some patients with resistant LN do not respond adequately to current treatment options and need alternative strategies or therapies.

Objective

The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab as a re-induction therapy (Re-RTX) followed by maintenance therapy for patients with resistant LN.

Methods

Twenty-four patients with resistant LN (failed initial induction therapy or severe relapse after remission) were analyzed. Re-RTX was co-administered with other immunosuppressants. The primary KDIGO criteria outcomes included renal response (complete and partial), disease progression, relapses, and infections.

Results

The median age was 28 years (IQR 24.5–42), and the female-to-male ratio was 11:1. All patients had active LN, and 91.3% had proliferative LN. Baseline creatinine was 1.075 mg% (IQR 0.7–1.38), and mean urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) was 4.9 (IQR 2.8–6.65). Of the patients receiving RTX as re-induction therapy, 66.6% (16/24) had failed initial induction therapy with other immunosuppressants, whereas 33.3% (8/24) had severe relapse during maintenance therapy. Re-RTX had a favorable renal response at 6 months, with 91.7% of the patients responding (20.8% complete response and 70.8% partial response). At 12 months, 58.3% of the patients maintained a renal response (25% complete response and 33.3% partial response). Approximately one-third of patients relapsed within a year. Fourteen patients (58.3%) continued RTX maintenance therapy with two different treatment regimens. At 6 months, Regimen-1 (500 mg every 6 months) resulted in a partial response in 43% (3/7) and relapse in 57% (4/7) of patients. Regimen 2 (1 g dose per year) achieved a complete response in 28.5% (2/7) and a partial response in 71.5% (5/7) with no relapses at 6 months. At a median follow-up of 29 months, adverse renal outcomes were observed in 29.16% of the patients with progression to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The overall use of Re-RTX was considered safe, with a reported infection prevalence of 16%, which is comparable to the existing data.

Conclusion

Re-RTX demonstrated efficacy and safety as an induction therapy for resistant LN. However, the response waned after 1 year, underscoring the need for optimized maintenance therapy.
Research Pattern and Productivityin Behavioral Finance Literature:Insights From BibliometricAnalysis Using R
Authors: Raj Gargi , Panja Soma
Published: December 2023

The use of bibliometric analysis in behavioral finance is relatively new, and techniques such as performance analysis and scientific mapping analysis have simplified the statistical examination of research articles across areas. This article reviews global research patterns in behavioral finance to provide a scientific basis for the study of behavioral aspects of finance. This article investigates the fundamental characteristics of scientific production in the domain and identifies various interrelationships using bibliometric mapping through R. This study employed Biblioshiny as a software tool to conduct performance analysis and scientific mapping of behavioral finance literature. The findings indicate that there has been a significant increase in publications in the last decade; 92.3% of researchers contributed a single article, 6% contributed two articles, 1.5% contributed three documents and 0.1% contributed four papers. Regarding the overall production of articles, India, USA and China were the leading countries. The Journal of Behavioral Finance is found to be the leading journal in the discipline of behavioral finance. The findings also reveal that there has been a significant increase in collaborations and average production of documents throughout the world. The article also addresses implications for financial behavior and can act as a basis for future research trends.
Measure and Mis-Measure: Rethinking Anthropometry in Interior Design
Authors: Daniel Ronn M.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, I critique the use of anthropometry in interior design. First, I present an overview of the problematic history of anthropometry, revealing how supposedly objective measurements of human physical diversity were used by scientists, colonial administrators, eugenicists, generals, and engineers to advance immoral projects of racism, domination, control, and violence. Next, examining a case study of the ergonomic design for a seated computer operator, I discuss the practical difficulties designers encounter when relying upon anthropometric data to solve design problems. Discussion of the limitations and inadequacies of scientific/technocratic discourses, such as anthropometry, for understanding cultural objects, such as human bodies, frames the conclusion. I call for the development of new paradigms for understanding the human body in interior space that are responsive to and supportive of the widest possible diversity of human physical and social forms.
Call to Action: Academic Nursing's Role in Redesigning Health Care to Reduce the Human and Financial Cost of Health Inequities
Authors: Ackerman-Barger Kupiri , Barksdale Debra , Draughon Moret Jessica E.
Published: December 2023

Health equity is an aspirational goal for health outcomes that can be achieved when systemic inequalities are addressed. The human cost of health inequities is without number; we can and must ameliorate health inequities. This essay summarizes the impact of continued health disparities and inequities in the United States and outlines the ways in which increasing diversity in the nursing workforce and graduating equity-minded nurses can promote innovation and problem-solving to address these disparities and inequities. We then present multiple pathways for nurses in academia to advance health equity.
Do upright radiograph findings affect treatment plans for patients with thoracic and lumbar spine injuries?
Authors: Ragoowansi Henna , Young Brian , Young Steven , Young Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

Background

After spinal trauma, upright radiographs are commonly used to evaluate spinal stability. However, the benefits and risks of upright films have not yet been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to elucidate the effect that upright imaging has on patients with thoracic and/or lumbar spinal injuries by evaluating the impact on treatment decisions.

Methods

A retrospective review of all adult patients who suffered traumatic spine injuries and received thoracic and/or lumbar spine imaging between April 2019 and March 2021 in a Level 1 University Trauma Center. Patients’ charts were reviewed, and those patients who received upright films as a final dynamic evaluation of their spine before clearance for standing were identified. Fractures due to infection or malignancy were excluded as were 17 patients who only received post-operative upright films. We examined whether upright films modified the treatment strategy.

Results

Of the 353 upright radiographs conducted on patients without prior surgical intervention, 27 (7.6%) of these studies provided information not known from prior imaging; the remaining 92.4% of upright films were considered “unchanged” or “stable.” Of the 27 patients who had changes in uprights, in only 7 cases (2.0%) did the new findings affect the treatment plans. In 6/7 cases, upright films showed increased vertebral body height loss and/or worsening fractures—suggestive of instability—in previously known T12-L1 fractures.

Conclusions

We studied 353 patients who received T and/or L uprights after suffering a traumatic spine injury and before receiving any surgical interventions. Of these patients, 98.0% did not gain substantial benefit from the additional imaging as the upright radiographs did not affect the treatment strategy. In 2% of cases a significant change in management was indicated following the upright films; virtually all of these were in T11-L2 fractures. The utility of upright films should be re-evaluated and more studies directed to potentially clarify which subgroups of patients will benefit from these radiographs.
Brazing of sintered iron to mild steel for wind turbine brake pad applications
Authors: Kannan K Rajesh , Kota Pavan Kalyan , Vignesh R Vaira , Govindaraju M , Shankar Karthik V
Published: December 2023

The demand for renewable energy has prompted an increasing interest in wind turbine technology, where efficient and reliable brake systems play a critical role in ensuring safety and performance. This study investigates the brazing process to join sintered iron to mild steel for wind turbine brake pad applications. The sintered iron components were synthesized using iron powder with an average particle size of 30 µm and sintered at different temperatures under vacuum and hydrogen environments. Eutectic CuSil with added copper powder was employed as the brazing alloy to join the sintered iron and mild steel. The brazed joints were characterized using various techniques, including optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, X-ray diffractometer, and microhardness tester. The microhardness of the sintered iron was ∼580 HV for SICV and ∼620 HV for SICH due to oxide formation during processing. The microhardness of the braze joint was 72 HV, and mild steel exhibited 110 HV. Tribological testing was performed to analyze the wear behavior of the sintered iron specimens (before and after the brazing). SICH specimens showed a wear rate of 1.3 × 10−4 g/Nm, and SICV specimens exhibited a wear rate of 5.3 × 10−4 g/Nm. Brazing the sintered iron component (SICV) with mild steel using eutectic CuSil and a modified assembly method in a vacuum successfully achieved a satisfactory joint with improved wear resistance. The study emphasizes the potential of this approach for efficient and reliable brake pad fabrication for wind turbines.
Optimal Timeout Choices in Clutch Situations in the NBA
Authors: Allgrunn Michael , Douglas Christopher , Wai Sebastian
Published: December 2023

When down by a possession in fourth quarter with the shot clock off and possessing the ball, National Basketball Association (NBA) coaches face a decision: take a timeout and draw up a play or let play continue. Utilizing play-by-play data for 16,839 NBA games, we find taking a timeout lowers a team's chances of a successful possession by 5.7 percentage points. Coaches might view taking a timeout as the safe decision, since blame for the loss would fall on the players for not executing the play, not on the coach for failing to call one. This suboptimal behavior suggests there is a principal–agent problem between team owners and coaches.
Effects of irrelevant unintelligible and intelligible background speech on spoken language production
Authors: He Jieying , Frances Candice , Creemers Ava , Brehm Laurel
Published: December 2023

Earlier work has explored spoken word production during irrelevant background speech such as intelligible and unintelligible word lists. The present study compared how different types of irrelevant background speech (word lists vs. sentences) influenced spoken word production relative to a quiet control condition, and whether the influence depended on the intelligibility of the background speech. Experiment 1 presented native Dutch speakers with Chinese word lists and sentences. Experiment 2 presented a similar group with Dutch word lists and sentences. In both experiments, the lexical selection demands in speech production were manipulated by varying name agreement (high vs. low) of the to-be-named pictures. Results showed that background speech, regardless of its intelligibility, disrupted spoken word production relative to a quiet condition, but no effects of word lists versus sentences in either language were found. Moreover, the disruption by intelligible background speech compared with the quiet condition was eliminated when planning low name agreement pictures. These findings suggest that any speech, even unintelligible speech, interferes with production, which implies that the disruption of spoken word production is mainly phonological in nature. The disruption by intelligible background speech can be reduced or eliminated via top–down attentional engagement.
Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques Applied to Diabetes Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: García-Jaramillo Maira , Luque Carolina , León-Vargas Fabian
Published: December 2023

Background:

The use of machine learning and deep learning techniques in the research on diabetes has garnered attention in recent times. Nonetheless, few studies offer a thorough picture of the knowledge generation landscape in this field. To address this, a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles published from 2000 to 2022 was conducted to discover global research trends and networks and to emphasize the most prominent countries, institutions, journals, articles, and key topics in this domain.

Methods:

The Scopus database was used to identify and retrieve high-quality scientific documents. The results were classified into categories of detection (covering diagnosis, screening, identification, segmentation, among others), prediction (prognosis, forecasting, estimation), and management (treatment, control, monitoring, education, telemedicine integration). Biblioshiny and RStudio were used to analyze the data.

Results:

A total of 1773 articles were collected and analyzed. The number of publications and citations increased substantially since 2012, with a notable increase in the last 3 years. Of the 3 categories considered, detection was the most dominant, followed by prediction and management. Around 53.2% of the total journals started disseminating articles on this subject in 2020. China, India, and the United States were the most productive countries. Although no evidence of outstanding leadership by specific authors was found, the University of California emerged as the most influential institution for the development of scientific production.

Conclusion:

This is an evolving field that has experienced a rapid increase in productivity, especially over the last years with exponential growth. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
Postoperative Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Ankle: A Survey Among German-Speaking Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Authors: Matthias Aurich , Becher Christoph , Ettinger Sarah , Gottschalk Oliver , Guenther Daniel , Klos Kajetan , Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Körner Daniel , Plaass Christian , Walther Markus
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess the current treatment of osteochondral lesions of the ankle (OCLA) by German-speaking foot and ankle surgeons, focusing on the management of postoperative care and rehabilitation.

Design

A questionnaire was created by a panel of 4 experienced foot and ankle surgeons on behalf of the “Clinical Tissue Regeneration” (CTR) working group of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), and distributed electronically to members of the CTR, participants of the German Cartilage Registry (Knorpelregister DGOU©), and members of 6 German-speaking orthopedics or sports medicine societies. Results were classified depending on the consensus within the answers (agreement ≥75% “strong tendency,” 50%-74% “tendency,” 25%-49% “weak tendency,” <25% “no tendency”).

Results

A total of 60 participants returned the questionnaire. The main results are as follows: regarding the frequency of surgical procedures for OCLA, refixation of the fragment, retrograde drilling, and bone marrow stimulation with or without using a matrix were performed by at least 75% of the surgeons and was considered a strong tendency. There was a strong tendency to stabilize the ankle (76.7%) and perform corrective osteotomies (51.7%). In total, 75.5% and 75% of the surgeons performed bone marrow stimulation with and without using a matrix, respectively. Corrective osteotomy and ankle stabilization were performed in 64.5% and 65.2% cases, respectively. Most participants included published recommendations on postoperative rehabilitation and the return to sports activities in their postoperative management. The main surgical procedures were considered the most critical factor in influencing the postoperative management by 81% of the participants (strong tendency). Adjunct surgical procedures such as corrective osteotomy and stabilization of the ankle were considered important by 67.8% of the respondents (tendency).

Conclusions

The management of OCLA varies among German-speaking foot and ankle surgeons. Therefore, guidelines remain essential to standardize the management of OCLA, to achieve improved and stable results. This survey will assist clinicians and patients with rehabilitation to return to sports after treating the ankle’s cartilage injury.
Exploring the Performance Dimensions of Indian Shadow Banks Through the CAMELS Framework
Authors: Bhattacharjee Nandita , Pati Ambika Prasad
Published: December 2023

The role of shadow banks, otherwise known as nonbanking finance companies (NBFCs), in any financial system is well recognized. Since their failure has the potential spillover effect on other institutions creating vulnerability in the entire financial system, identifying key areas that require improvement will enable the firm to work at institutional level to prevent the same. Also this exercise provides crucial input to the regulator to initiate appropriate and timely policy interventions. In this article, the performance is explored by considering the relevant parameters of 100 systemically important nondeposit-taking NBFCs in India by using the CAMELS framework. As very few NBFCs are listed in the stock market, a comparative analysis is made to identify distinct characteristics of listed and nonlisted firms. From the analysis, antecedent profitability and management competencies emerged as main performance drivers across the firms. Further, the result shows that listed firms engaged in income diversification and disbursing credit by relying on internal sources able to reduce the risk and enhance their performance. But, in the case of nonlisted firms generating revenue only through their core financing activities is key to their financial health. At the firm level, emphasis on improving the competencies through capacity building that will help improve the quality of assets and revenue generation is suggested. Simultaneously, the regulator also needs to keep a strong vigil on the activities of nonlisted firms.
Family Child Care Program Closure in Alabama During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hooper Alison , Lee JoonHo , Schweiker Claire
Published: December 2023

Family child care (FCC) is uniquely positioned to address challenges with insufficient early care and education supply and access in the United States. FCC programs were steadily declining before COVID-19, and many child care programs, both center- and home-based, were at risk of closure early in the pandemic. This study examines closure among Alabama FCC providers during COVID-19. Specifically, we examine the timing and predictors of FCC providers’ closure using discrete time-hazard modeling. We analyze administrative data for the 788 FCC programs licensed in March 2020. Over the following 28 months, FCC closure risk was closely linked with COVID-19 disease spread trends. Providers who participated in child care subsidy or national accreditation had lower closure risk than those who did not. The protective effects of subsidy participation were amplified in lower-opportunity communities. Results have implications for mitigating FCC decline and identifying resources to support FCC providers’ continued operation.
Centring urban studies among institutional regimes
Authors: Dodson Jago
Published: December 2023

This commentary responds to Bas Van Heur's paper 'What, where and who is urban studies?' which assesses the structuring of global urban research by investigating the work of named university centres for urban research. The commentary offers observations and reflections on the historical development of urban studies beyond Van Heur's account and considers this through a discussion of Australian urban research groupings. In doing so the commentary notes the definitional challenges that apply to urban research formations in the context of wider institutional imperatives and dynamics that complicate their intellectual programs. The commentary notes the value of further narrative historical reflection on the discipline and particular historical experiences.
Mechanical Properties and Energy Absorption of Integrated AlSi10Mg Shell Structures with BCC Lattice Infill
Authors: Bai Yingchun , Gao Jiayu , Huang Chengxiang , Li Yue
Published: December 2023

Shell-infill structures comprise an exterior solid shell and an interior lattice infill, whose closed features yield superior comprehensive mechanical performance and light weight. Additive manufacturing (AM) can ensure the fabrication of complex structures. Although the mechanical behaviors of lattice structures have been extensively studied, the corresponding mechanical performances of integrated-manufactured shell structures with lattice infills should be systematically investigated due to the coupling effect of the exterior shell and lattice infill. This study investigated the mechanical properties and energy absorption of AlSi10Mg shell structures with a body-centered cubic lattice infill fabricated by AM. Quasi-static compressive experiments and corresponding finite element analysis were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior. In addition, two different finite element modeling methods were compared to determine the appropriate modeling strategy in terms of deformation behavior. A study of different parameters, including lattice diameters and shell thicknesses, was conducted to identify their effect on mechanical performance. The results demonstrate the mechanical advantages of shell-infill structures, in which the exterior shell strengthens the lattice infill by up to 2.3 times in terms of the effective Young’s modulus. Increasing the infill strut diameter can improve the specific energy absorption by up to 1.6 times.
Optimum iron-pyrophosphate electronic coupling to improve electrochemical water splitting and charge storage
Authors: Srivastava Rishabh , Chaudhary Himanshu , Kumar Anuj , de Souza Felipe M. , Mishra Sanjay R. , Perez Felio , Gupta Ram K.
Published: December 2023

Tuning the electronic properties of transition metals using pyrophosphate (P2O7) ligand moieties can be a promising approach to improving the electrochemical performance of water electrolyzers and supercapacitors, although such a material’s configuration is rarely exposed. Herein, we grow NiP2O7, CoP2O7, and FeP2O7 nanoparticles on conductive Ni-foam using a hydrothermal procedure. The results indicated that, among all the prepared samples, FeP2O7 exhibited outstanding oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction with the least overpotential of 220 and 241 mV to draw a current density of 10 mA/cm2. Theoretical studies indicate that the optimal electronic coupling of the Fe site with pyrophosphate enhances the overall electronic properties of FeP2O7, thereby enhancing its electrochemical performance in water splitting. Further investigation of these materials found that NiP2O7 had the highest specific capacitance and remarkable cycle stability due to its high crystallinity as compared to FeP2O7, having a higher percentage composition of Ni on the Ni-foam, which allows more Ni to convert into its oxidation states and come back to its original oxidation state during supercapacitor testing. This work shows how to use pyrophosphate moieties to fabricate non-noble metal-based electrode materials to achieve good performance in electrocatalytic splitting water and supercapacitors.
Identification of postnatal development dependent genes and proteins in porcine epididymis
Authors: Fang Shaoming , Li Zhechen , Pang Shuo , Gan Yating , Ding Xiaoning , peng Hui
Published: December 2023

Background

The epididymis is a highly regionalized tubular organ possesses vectorial functions of sperm concentration, maturation, transport, and storage. The epididymis-expressed genes and proteins are characterized by regional and developmental dependent pattern. However, a systematic and comprehensive insight into the postnatal development dependent changes in gene and protein expressions of porcine epididymis is still lacking. Here, the RNA and protein of epididymis of Duroc pigs at different postnatal development stages were extracted by using commercial RNeasy Midi kit and extraction buffer (7 M Urea, 2 M thiourea, 3% CHAPS, and 1 mM PMSF) combined with sonication, respectively, which were further subjected to transcriptomic and proteomic profiling.

Results

Transcriptome analysis indicated that 198 and 163 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were continuously up-regulated and down-regulated along with postnatal development stage changes, respectively. Most of the up-regulated DEGs linked to functions of endoplasmic reticulum and lysosome, while the down-regulated DEGs mainly related to molecular process of extracellular matrix. Moreover, the following key genes INSIG1, PGRMC1, NPC2, GBA, MMP2, MMP14, SFRP1, ELN, WNT-2, COL3A1, and SPARC were highlighted. A total of 49 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) corresponding to postnatal development stages changes were uncovered by the proteome analysis. Several key proteins ACSL3 and ACADM, VDAC1 and VDAC2, and KNG1, SERPINB1, C3, and TF implicated in fatty acid metabolism, voltage-gated ion channel assembly, and apoptotic and immune processes were emphasized. In the integrative network, the key genes and proteins formed different clusters and showed strong interactions. Additionally, NPC2, COL3A1, C3, and VDAC1 are located at the hub position in each cluster.

Conclusions

The identified postnatal development dependent genes and proteins in the present study will pave the way for shedding light on the molecular basis of porcine epididymis functions and are useful for further studies on the specific regulation mechanisms responsible for epididymal sperm maturation.
Integrative analyses and validation of ferroptosis-related genes and mechanisms associated with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular ischemic diseases
Authors: Liao Wei , Wen Yuehui , Zeng Chuan , Yang Shaochun , Duan Yanyu , He Chunming , Liu Ziyou
Published: December 2023

Background

There has been a gradual increase in the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic diseases, particularly as comorbidities. Yet, the mechanisms underlying these diseases remain unclear. Ferroptosis has emerged as a potential contributor to cardio-cerebral ischemic processes. Therefore, this study investigated the shared biological mechanisms between the two processes, as well as the role of ferroptosis genes in cardio-cerebral ischemic damage, by constructing co-expression modules for myocardial ischemia (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS) and a network of protein–protein interactions, mRNA-miRNA, mRNA-transcription factors (TFs), mRNA-RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and mRNA-drug interactions.

Results

The study identified seven key genes, specifically ACSL1, TLR4, ADIPOR1, G0S2, PDK4, HP, PTGS2, and subjected them to functional enrichment analysis during ischemia. The predicted miRNAs were found to interact with 35 hub genes, and interactions were observed between 11 hub genes and 30 TF transcription factors. Additionally, 10 RBPs corresponding to 16 hub genes and 163 molecular compounds corresponding to 30 hub genes were identified. This study also clarified the levels of immune infiltration between MI and IS and different subtypes. Finally, we identified four hub genes, including TLR4, by using a diagnostic model constructed by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis; ADIPOR1, G0S2, and HP were shown to have diagnostic value for the co-pathogenesis of MI and cerebral ischemia by both validation test data and RT-qPCR assay.

Conclusions

To the best our knowledge, this study is the first to utilize multiple algorithms to comprehensively analyze the biological processes of MI and IS from various perspectives. The four hub genes, TLR4, ADIPOR1, G0S2, and HP, have proven valuable in offering insights for the investigation of shared injury pathways in cardio-cerebral injuries. Therefore, these genes may serve as diagnostic markers for cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases.
Introgression of pigs in Taihu Lake region possibly contributed to the improvement of fertility in Danish Large White pigs
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Huang Ruihua , Su Guosheng , Hou Liming , Zhou Wuduo , Liu Qian , Qiu Zijian , Zhao Qingbo , Li Pinghua
Published: December 2023

Background

Eurasian pigs have undergone lineage admixture throughout history. It has been confirmed that the genes of indigenous pig breeds in China have been introduced into Western commercial pigs, providing genetic materials for breeding Western pigs. Pigs in Taihu Lake region (TL), such as the Meishan pig and Erhualian pig, serve as typical representatives of indigenous pig breeds in China due to their high reproductive performances. These pigs have also been imported into European countries in 1970 and 1980 s. They have played a positive role in improving the reproductive performances in European commercial pigs such as French Large White pigs (FLW). However, it is currently unclear if the lineage of TL pigs have been introgressed into the Danish Large White pigs (DLW), which are also known for their high reproductive performances in European pigs. To systematically identify genomic regions in which TL pigs have introgressed into DLW pigs and their physiological functions, we collected the re-sequencing data from 304 Eurasian pigs, to identify shared haplotypes between DLW and TL pigs.

Results

The findings revealed the presence of introgressed genomic regions from TL pigs in the genome of DLW pigs indeed. The genes annotated within these regions were found to be mainly enriched in neurodevelopmental pathways. Furthermore, we found that the 115 kb region located in SSC16 exhibited highly shared haplotypes between TL and DLW pigs. The major haplotype of TL pigs in this region could significantly improve reproductive performances in various pig populations. Around this genomic region, NDUFS4 gene was highly expressed and showed differential expression in multiple reproductive tissues between extremely high and low farrowing Erhualian pigs. This suggested that NDUFS4 gene could be an important candidate causal gene responsible for affecting the reproductive performances of DLW pigs.

Conclusions

Our study has furthered our knowledge of the pattern of introgression from TL into DLW pigs and the potential effects on the fertility of DLW pigs.