bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal economic-emission load dispatch in microgrid incorporating renewable energy sources by golden jackal optimization (GJO) and Mexican Axolotl optimization (MAO)
Authors: Ramachandran Ramesh , Kannan Shanmugapriya , Ganesan Senthil Kumaran , Annamalai Balamurugan
Published: October 2023

This article proposes the use of hybrid technique to achieve balanced and compromised solution among the generation cost and the emission of pollutants. Microgrids (MGs) are the restricted power energy system that transmitted, generated, and distributed. The renewable energy sources (RESs) are used in their fullest extent. Advantages of MG include reducing cost and transmission losses. Operated in different modes like wind turbine (WT), microturbine (MT) and fuel cell (FC). The proposed technique used to execute the golden jackal optimization (GJO) and Mexican Axolotl optimization (MAO) named as GJO–MAO technique. The objective of the technique is to solve dissimilar optimization issues in MG reduces the computational cost and maximize performance. The objectives of economic dispatch are based on fractional scheduling and restricted environment. Three different scenarios, low-voltage MG system are investigated. GJO–MAO techniques used to optimize various issues on MG by using renewable energy. The proposed technique performance is done in the MATLAB. When the time-of-use (TOU) energy market price strategy with the fixed pricing approach, the economic dispatch is calculated by time-of-use electricity market pricing method, generating cost decreases by 18.5%, 13.5% if the FP-related combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) is examined, and 15% after evaluating the environmental-constrained-economic-dispatch (ECED). The MG producing cost targets for ECED and ECD are according to renewable energy sources. The best and most system is used for finding a fair compromise between the cost of generating and emission. The smallest values of implementation time and standard deviation of superiority and robustness are achieved.
Time and the Anthropocene: Making more-than-human temporalities legible through environmental observations and creative methods
Authors: Griffiths Rupert
Published: October 2023

The Anthropocene term invokes the multiple temporalities through which organisms, ecologies, and environments unfold – from the immediacy of the present moment to the sedimentary timescales of the geological record. Viewed from the perspective of anthropogenic climate change and environmental degradation, these organisms, ecologies, and environments, including the planet's human occupants, may well benefit if we took a view of time that was more-than-human in scope and scale. This paper demonstrates how design, creative practice, and technology can be used to make legible human and more-than-human timescales through local, planetary, and celestial imaginaries that are congruent with the Anthropocene term. It first considers various anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic phenomena that are used for time keeping, both human and non-human. It then discusses the design and development of a timepiece that uses observations of environmental light to imaginatively situate daily life within various temporal scales, from embodied, diurnal, circalunar, and annual to the sedimentary timescales of the geological record. Through the timepiece, the paper argues that a hybrid form of timekeeping that brings together human time standards and environmental observation could help align the temporal imaginaries of urban societies with biological, ecological, and planetary processes, while highlighting the presence of potentially damaging anthropogenic processes, such as artificial light at night. Such hybrid forms of timekeeping may help foster meaningful relationships between people and the environment, facilitate day-to-day awareness of the presence and extent of disruptive anthropogenic processes in our environments and provide an imaginative framework for thinking about urban time and life in an Anthropocene context.
Establishment of a Neurodegenerative Charcot Mouse Model
Authors: Koroneos Zachary A. , Ptasinski Anna , Stauch Christopher , King Tonya S. , Fanburg-Smith Julie C. , Aynardi Michael
Published: October 2023

Background:

This study aimed to mimic the changes from Charcot neuropathic arthropathy in humans by examining the effects of exposing diet-induced obese (DIO) mice to neurotrauma through a regimented running protocol.

Methods:

Forty-eight male wild-type C57BL/6J mice were obtained at age 6 weeks and separated into 2 groups for diet assignment. After a 1-week acclimation period, half of the mice consumed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) ad libitum to facilitate neuropathic diet-induced obesity whereas the other half were control mice and consumed an age-matched standard low-fat control diet (10% fat by kcal). At age 12 weeks, half of the animals from each group were subjected to a high-intensity inclined treadmill running protocol, which has been previously demonstrated to induce neurotrauma. Sensory testing and radiographic analyses were periodically performed. Histopathologic analyses were performed post killing.

Results:

DIO mice had significantly higher bodyweights, higher body fat percentages, and lower bone mineral density than wildtype control mice that were fed a normal diet throughout the experiment ( P < .001 for each). DIO mice displayed significantly reduced sensory function in week 1 ( P = .005) and this worsened over time, requiring 20.6% more force for paw withdrawal by week 10 ( P < .001). DIO mice that ran demonstrated greater midfoot subluxation and tarsal instability over all time points compared with normal-diet mice that ran ( P < .001). Histopathologic analyses revealed that DIO mice that ran demonstrated significant changes compared with controls that ran ( P < .001 for each parameter).

Conclusion:

Changes akin to the earliest changes observed in or before joint destruction identified in diabetic Charcot neuropathic arthropathy in humans were observed.

Clinical Relevance:

There is currently no standard of treatment for patients with Charcot neuropathic arthropathy. This study establishes a protocol for an animal model that can be used to study and compare interventions to treat this disease.
I Was Arriving: Exploring Healing and Knowing in My Own Creation(s)
Authors: Elke Ramona
Published: October 2023

Aniin. Boozhoo. Tansi. I identify as Anishinaabe and Metis on my late mother’s side and of Celtic-Germanic ancestry on my father’s side. I was arriving: exploring healing and knowing in my own creation(s) is a métissage, sharing moments of a life lived in longing to become a good relation, a useful medicine, to the beings in this world of anguish and dis-ease. This is a re-presencing of some teachings I have received from the interstitial spaces of making, and writing poetry, allowing me a place to fall into when I don’t know where to go or what to do. This work is an honoring of the oral/storytelling tradition—a sharing of what I have come to know in this walk—the medicines living in me. Making puts us in our bodies where we are forced to feel the suffering and joys of others. In this embodied walk, we, hopefully, become models for others to do the same, thus creating spaces where folx are invited to grow their capacity to answer the calls to justice for All Our Relations.
Polysorbate 80 as a possible allergenic component in cross-allergy to docetaxel and fosaprepitant: A literature review
Authors: Tang Caihong , Zhao Yueqiu , Liu Jing , Zheng Xiaoqing , Guo Xi , Liu Haoying , Chen Licong , Shi Yulan
Published: October 2023

Objective

Patients had allergies to both fosaprepitant and docetaxel with similar signs and symptoms. To explore the possible causes of allergy and whether there is cross-allergy between fosaprepitant and docetaxel, we conducted a literature review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Methods

A systematic search of the following databases was performed: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Taylor & Francis. The final search was on 12 November 2022. Two investigators independently selected eligible studies and extracted data according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Any disagreement was resolved by a third researcher.

Results

The main cause of fosaprepitant and docetaxel allergy is polysorbate 80. Fosaprepitant and docetaxel have similar allergic symptoms, mainly facial flushing (19.0%, 18.5%); erythema/dermatitis (17.2%, 1.9%); fluid retention (17.2%, 22.2%); and dyspnea, bronchospasm, shortness of breath and coughing (15.5%, 16.7%). Hypotension (1.7%, 7.4%) and decreased oxygen saturation (1.7%, 1.9%) are rare. The treatments for both allergies are similar: stop injection, oxygen, glucocorticoid, antihistamines and symptomatic treatments.

Conclusion

Polysorbate 80 is the same allergenic component of docetaxel and fosaprepitant. The symptoms and treatments caused by the two drugs are similar. Most allergic reactions are not serious. Medications containing the same allergy ingredient need to be used with caution for patients with severe allergies to polysorbate 80.
Camrelizumab-induced oral lichenoid reaction with subepithelial CD4+ T-cell infiltration
Authors: Wang Xiangjian , Fu Tao , Sun Weilian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Camrelizumab is a novel anti-programed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody that has been investigated for the treatment of various malignancies. Increasing immune-related adverse events have been reported in clinical practice, with CD4+ T-cell-mediated-reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation being the most common. Camrelizumab-induced oral lichenoid reaction (OLR) appears to be a rare adverse effect compared with other anti-PD therapies induced OLR, with the main pathogenesis of activated CD8+ T cells mediating autoimmune reactions. Herein, we report a rare case of camrelizumab-induced OLR and a possible pathogenic mechanism of subepithelial CD4+ T-cell infiltration.

Case report

A 57-year-old male patient, who was diagnosed with metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma three years prior, presented with a two-month history of oral erosion that developed while under camrelizumab therapy. Diffuse erythematous and erosive lesions surrounded by bilateral white lesions on the buccal mucosa were detected in his physical examination. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the lesions revealed the presence of basal keratinocyte degeneration and band-like subepithelial T-cell infiltration. The immunostaining for CD4 on T-cell was positive, while CD8 were sporadically positive. Flow cytometry showed a gradual increase in the CD4+ T-cell proportion in the peripheral blood, with the CD8+ T-cell percentage almost unchanged and in the normal range. We obtained a score of 6 based on the Naranjo algorithm, which means a probable adverse drug reaction.

Management and Outcome

The patient exhibited notable improvement after two weeks of treatment with topical glucocorticoid without regulating his immunotherapy, and remained in stable condition in the follow-up.

Discussion

This case may offer new insight to clinicians on the pathogenesis of anti-PD-1-induced OLR. More critically, it may provide some ideas for a more precise anti-PD therapy or corresponding combination therapy for patients becoming resistant to immunotherapy due to exhausted CD4+ T-cell responses in the tumor microenvironment.
Interleukin-6 as a biomarker of hypersensitivity reactions in chemotherapeutics and monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Villarreal-González Rosalaura V , González-Díaz Sandra , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , de la Cruz-de la Cruz Carlos , Pérez-Ibave Diana C , Garza-Rodríguez María L
Published: October 2023

Background

In recent years, a new type of immediate hypersensitivity reaction known as cytokine release began to emerge, and within this phenotype of reactions, interleukin-6 is the most frequently associated with the presence during drug administration. Chemotherapeutic agents (QT) and monoclonal antibodies.

Objective

Determine interleukin-6 levels in hypersensitivity reactions to QT and monoclonal antibodies.

Methods

Observational and prospective study that was carried out from March 1, 2021 to March 1, 2022 in a university hospital in northeastern Mexico. Symptoms, severity, interleukin-6 levels, and skin tests of hypersensitivity reaction were evaluated at QT and monoclonal antibodies.

Results

A total of 41 patients with oncological disease were included, the most frequent being ovarian cancer. Symptoms as initial hypersensitivity reaction were neuromuscular in taxanes and cutaneous in Platinums. 41.5% presented elevation of interleukin-6, and it was found more frequently in presence of metastases. Positive skin tests were found more frequently in the carboplatin and doxorubicin groups. The most frequently presented phenotype was type I in paclitaxel, carboplatin, and doxorubicin, and mixed-reaction (type I and cytokine release) in oxaliplatin.

Conclusion

With the increasing prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions to biologic and antineoplastic therapies, interleukin-6 should be recognized as a biomarker in immediate hypersensitivity reactions to QT and monoclonal antibodies.
Olanzapine within steroid-sparing antiemetic regimen to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with acute leukemia receiving multi-day intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Hsu Grace , Bernhardi Ciera , Lawson Justin , Duong Vu H. , Emadi Ashkan , Niyongere Sandrine , Duffy Alison
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Olanzapine use for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in hematological malignancies, for multi-day chemotherapy, and with a steroid-sparing antiemetic strategy is poorly understood. This study investigated if olanzapine is associated with improved prevention of CINV when added to a steroid-sparing antiemetic regimen in patients with acute leukemia receiving intensive, moderately emetogenic, multi-day chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study in patients with acute leukemia. Patients who received olanzapine for CINV prevention were compared to those who did not. All patients received a 5-HT3 antagonist. Adult patients receiving moderately emetogenic, multi-day, intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia were included. Patients were excluded if they received steroids greater than physiological doses during the study period. The primary endpoint was the complete response of CINV (no emesis or rescue antiemetic usage).

Results

This study included 58 patients, 12 patients received olanzapine and 46 patients were in the control group. Baseline demographics were similar. In the study population, 89.7% had acute myeloid leukemia, median age was 54 (interquartile range 42–63) years, 34.5% were female, 27.6% had prior CINV. Complete response of CINV was similar between groups, 4 (33.3%) and 15 (32.6%) patients in the olanzapine and control groups, respectively. Safety events were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Patients with acute leukemia receiving multi-day intensive chemotherapy are at high risk for CINV. The limited data in this study suggests that olanzapine use within a steroid-sparing antiemetic regimen was well tolerated and associated with similar incidence and severity of CINV compared to the control group.
Modeling the combined resistance to microwave treatments and salt conditions of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Benfedala Sadia , Valero Antonio , Brahmi Fatiha , Belbahi Amine , Kernou Ourdia-Nouara , Adjeroud-Abdellatif Nawel , Abbou Amina , Madani Khodir
Published: October 2023

In the present study, the efficiency of the combined effect of microwave irradiation treatments together with salt concentration was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Microbial survival has been modeled through a one-step Weibull equation considering the non-isothermal profiles during the heating treatments. Three sodium chloride concentrations 0.5%, 3.5%, and 8.5% ( w/v) treated under three microwave power levels (450, 600, and 800 W) were studied. Predictive models were validated using the determination coefficient ( R2), root mean squared error and the acceptable prediction zone with external data obtained from ultra high temperature milk. The results obtained suggested that increasing microwave power levels and decreasing salt concentrations led to a higher microbial inactivation, being the δ values (time for achieving a first decimal reduction) for E coli of 19.57 s at 800 W and 0.5% NaCl. In contrast, experimental data of S aureus showed a higher variability since it presented more resistance to the microwave treatments. The results obtained and generated models can be used as decision-making tools to set specific guidelines on microwave treatments for assuring food safety.
Acute Musculoskeletal Complaints Vary According to the Perceived Stress Among Hungarian Professional Dancers
Authors: Schwartz Kristóf , Vizin Gabriella , Boros Szilvia
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Studies showed that professional dance is often associated with a high degree of acute musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries’ etiology predominantly describes their biomechanical or other extrinsic factors, but there is a limited number of scientific reports dealing with the perceived stress or mental health status concerning the physical complaints especially, among Hungarian professional dancers. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used validated questionnaires (RESTQ, SEFIP, Mental Health Test) filled out by Hungarian professional female dancers (N = 168) via an online platform anonymously and analyzed statistically. Results: Our findings showed a significantly positive relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and perceived stress, an elevated level of general stress, and a higher level of resilience in this population compared to the general population. Conclusion: Dancers demonstrate a heightened perception of stress; however, they exhibit elevated scores on resilience assessments, indicative of heightened functionality in their daily lives. Stress, per se, may not be directly regarded as a causative factor for acute musculoskeletal conditions, but it could potentially influence the severity of pain sensations and subjective pain levels in the context of existing injuries. Additional investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which stress exacerbates the pain experience among dancers.
Strength Training Perceptions Amongst Vocational Circus and Dance Students
Authors: Farmer Claire , De’Ath Stephanie , Brouner James
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze perceptions of strength training in vocational circus and dance students. It was hypothesized that due to the higher relative strength demands and associated risks of working at height in some aerial and acrobatic disciplines that circus students would be more open to strength training than dancers. Methods: Eighty students completed the Training Information Survey (TIS) (Mean age = 20.74 ± 2.71); 39 circus students and 41 dance students. 97% of circus students and 69% of dance participants reported that strength training was a required part of their training with students participating in strength training 4.24 ± 0.98 and 3.05 ± 1.42 day per week respectively. Results: Perceptions of strength training amongst vocational circus and dance students appear to be favorable, with both sets of students strongly agreeing with the statements “Strength training is essential to my overall development as a dancer/circus artist” (5.00 (IQR 1.00) and 5.00 (IQR 1.00) respectively). Following Bonferonni correction only one statement returned statistically significant results with dance students agreeing more strongly with the statement “Strength training increases muscle size,” U = 473.00, P = .001. Students also agreed that strength training helped them to feel better mentally and physically, that strength training is beneficial for both men and women and that it should not be designated as specific to either sex. Conclusion: Results support earlier studies that suggest a cultural shift in perceptions of strength training and ideal esthetic in dance, particularly amongst students and that they are keen to incorporate strength training into their practice. Educational establishments should note students’ interest in participating in strength training, reviewing how to embed effective strength training education, more coaching and time allowance for these activities within their timetable. Further research with a greater sample size is recommended to further substantiate these indications of a shift in perceptions.
Spontaneous Partial Regression of Fetal Lung Interstitial Tumor With A2M::ALK Rearrangement in a Neonate
Authors: Tan-Garcia Alfonso , Lee York Tien , Kuick Chik Hong , Soh Shui Yen , Chang Kenneth Tou-En , Merchant Khurshid
Published: October 2023

The differential diagnosis for neonatal primary lung masses includes developmental anomalies and congenital lung tumors. Fetal lung interstitial tumor (FLIT) is a rare benign mesenchymal lesion which presents either antenatally or within the first 3 months of age. FLIT is a circumscribed solid-cystic mass which histologically resembles the fetal lung during the canalicular stage at 20–24 weeks of gestation. It is composed of immature mesenchymal cells expanding the interstitium and irregular airspace-like structures. Of all published cases, only 1 identified an α2-macroglobulin ( A2M)::anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) fusion and all cases underwent surgical resection in the neonatal or infancy period. We present the second case of FLIT with an A2M::ALK fusion diagnosed postnatally in a neonate which partially regressed spontaneously during conservative management with interim resection at 39 months of age, and provide a review of the literature.
Time Dependence in the Cox Proportional Hazard Model as a Theory Development Opportunity: A Step-by-Step Guide
Authors: Woo Hyun-Soo , Kim Jisun , Cannella Albert A.
Published: October 2023

The Cox proportional hazard model has often been used for survival analysis in organizational research. The Cox model needs to satisfy one critical assumption—time independence—that the effects of independent variables are constant over survival time (also known as the proportional hazard assumption). However, organizational research often encounters time dependence in the Cox model. Organizational studies have traditionally seemed to view time dependence as an empirical nuisance, but we highlight that it is also a theory-development opportunity. Indeed, from our review of AMJ and SMJ papers published in a recent 10-year period, we found that researchers rarely considered time dependence as a theory-development opportunity, and worse, many of them did not test for (or report tests for) time dependence. The purpose of our study is to change this pattern. To this end, we provide a step-by-step guide to facilitate testing for time dependence and using time dependence as a theory development opportunity. We also demonstrate our step-by-step guide with an empirical example.
Epiretinal implant of human amniotic membrane to treat highly myopic macular hole retinal detachments: A novel surgical technique
Authors: Iannetta Danilo , Chhablani Jay , Valsecchi Nicola , Mesiani Maria , de Smet Marc D. , Fontana Luigi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To describe a new surgical technique involving the use of a human amniotic membrane (hAM) epiretinal patch to treat a primary macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in a highly myopic patient.

Methods

A 60 years old highly myopic man was referred to our clinic with a diagnosis of MHRD in his right eye. The patient was pseudophakic, with a visual acuity of counting fingers at the baseline evaluation. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed, a small retinotomy was created at the inner margin of the staphyloma, and membrane blue dual was used to obtain an adequate peeling of the inner limiting membrane. Then, a 1.5 mm diameter circular hAM patch was obtained and positioned over the macular hole with the chorion layer settled over the retina. After a complete fluid-air exchange, 20% sulfur hexafluoride gas was used as endotamponade, and the patient was asked to remain face down for three days.

Results

Four weeks after surgery, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan showed the hAM patch, visualized as a distinct hyperreflective layer well integrated with the retina. Nine months after surgery, the macular hole was closed, the retina reattached, the hAM patch was adherent to the retina, and the patient presented a best-corrected visual acuity improved to 0.7 logMar. No postoperative adverse events were registered during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Epiretinal hAM implant could represent a novel surgical technique, feasible and easier compared to other current techniques used to treat MHRD in highly myopic patients.
Radial artery patency outcomes with saline flushing of the radial sheath after coronary intervention: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Habib Aatika , Abbasi Waleed , Haq Abair ul , Kiani Sadaf Shabbir , Kumar Rathi Parversh , Sheikh Sidra , Rathi Usha , Mehmoodi Amin , Malik Jahanzeb
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The implications of saline flushing of the radial sheath have not been studied in terms of radial artery occlusion. We aimed to investigate radial artery patency outcomes after the saline flush of the radial sheath.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, patients were selected to receive either radial sheath flushing with 10 mL of saline after pulling the sheath to one-third of its length (Group 1) or standard care (Group 2) after removal of the catheter sheath as per physician discretion. Radial artery patency was assessed by Doppler ultrasound at 24 h and 30 days after the procedure.

Results:

A total of 2877 patients were enrolled in the study, with 1340 receiving radial sheath flushing and 1537 receiving standard care. At 24 h after the procedure, the incidence of radial artery occlusion was significantly lower in the radial sheath flushing group compared to the standard care group (4.4% vs 12.6%, p = 0.027). This difference persisted 30 days after the procedure (6.1% vs 15.8%, p = 0.015). Radial sheath flushing was independently associated with a lower risk of radial artery occlusion 30 days after the procedure, after adjusting for potential confounders (OR 0.375, 95% CI 0.18–0.77, p = 0.008).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this prospective study provides evidence to support the use of radial sheath flushing after coronary intervention via the radial artery as a simple and effective strategy for reducing the risk of radial artery occlusion without increasing the risk of other adverse outcomes.
Restricted but satisfied: Google Maps and agency in the mundane life
Authors: Gentzel Peter , Wimmer Jeffrey
Published: October 2023

The study grasps the transformation of agency in the context of mundane production and use of mapping apps. It is asked theoretically and empirically, who produces and maintains Google Maps as cartographic infrastructure and how is this kind of agency being reflected and acted upon from a lifeworld perspective. Firstly, findings are compiled from various interdisciplinary studies on digital cartography, platform capitalism and digital infrastructures. Since these studies focus on agency almost exclusively from a structural perspective, a qualitative study is conducted to explore the use of Google Maps in everyday life. 20 interviews with German users show that digitalization and datafication profoundly change the dynamics of how agency is perceived and reflected. It can be understood as a form of extension of agency because it is deeply rooted in the entanglement of Google Maps’ infrastructure and city dwellers everyday practices.
iColon, a patient-focused mobile application for perioperative care in colorectal surgery: Results from 444 patients
Authors: Bertocchi Elisa , Barugola Giuliano , Masini Gaia , Guerriero Massimo , Menestrina Nicola , Gentile Irene , Meoli Francesca , Sanfilippo Lorenza , Lauria Mario , Freoni Roberta , Ruffo Giacomo
Published: October 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess if a patient-focused mobile application can increase compliance with active Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) items and thereby improve surgery-related outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Method

This is a prospective observational study of patients admitted for elective colorectal surgery, under the ERAS protocol, and having access to the mobile application iColon during all perioperative phases.

Results

The 444 participants were included in the study. The overall adherence to the use of iColon was 62.4%. The overall adherence to active ERAS items was 74.1%. Adherence to the use of iColon significantly impacted adherence to active ERAS items. The use of the application was negatively related with factors such as age, type of disease, and postoperative complications. In the postdischarge phase, low adherence to active ERAS items typically indicates an increased likelihood of readmission; however, the use of iColon correlated significantly with a reduction in the 30-day readmission rate. A survey regarding patient satisfaction and confidence in using iColon resulted in positive feedback in more than 94% of cases, while 92.7% reported better quality of care.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that digital health tools are beneficial and effective in the follow up of patients after early discharge. Our mobile application, iColon, represents user-friendly technology that is well-accepted. It has real-world implications in increasing adherence to active ERAS items, which results in an improvement in perceived quality of care by its users.
Doughnuts for strategies: A tool for an emerging sustainable welfare paradigm
Authors: Domazet Mladen , Fischer Máté , Köves Alexandra
Published: October 2023

The Degrowth Doughnut (a modification of the original Doughnut visualization of boundaries and foundations created by economist Kate Raworth) can be considered a visualization tool for assessing the current environmental and social capacity of a country to transform into an ecologically and socially sustainable modus operandi. Its sufficiently rich set of criteria, including cultural, socio-economic and biophysical indicators, gives us an overall picture of the problems to be dealt with and the strengths to build on in the immediate future. Its simple boundary-threshold structure presents limiting and aspirational targets in a single image. As such, it is also a tool that can aid eco-social policymaking to prioritize decisions and seek synergies between choices made. This research will present the Hungarian Degrowth Doughnut and use it as a case study when applied to the aims and expected impacts of Hungary’s operational National Clean Development Strategy. We will illustrate the degrowth-relevant priorities and assess the adequacy of the responses proposed by the Strategy, providing a critical analysis of the national policy options. Behind such climate and sustainability strategies are always a wealth of important value choices and moral considerations. Is there a safe and just operating space in the minds of the Hungarian policymakers? To what extent, if at all, are the fundamental principles of post-growth theories incorporated into a Hungarian sustainability strategy? We believe that a case study like this can also provide inspiration for further practical application of the Degrowth Doughnut elsewhere.
Biodegradable biomaterials in orthopedic surgery: A narrative review of the current evidence
Authors: Raitio Arimatias , Saarinen Antti J. , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Helenius Ilkka
Published: October 2023

Background:

Biomaterials are routinely used in orthopedic surgery to fill bone defects, improve bone healing, and as degradable fixation material. A wide range of materials are currently in use, and the materials are chosen according to their bioactive properties. Osteoinductive materials stimulate bone healing by promoting osteogenesis. Osteoconductive materials facilitate bone growth on the surface of the material. Despite the many materials in use and an increasing number of published studies, randomized controlled trials on the subject are scarce.

Methods:

This review aims to summarize the history of biodegradable biomaterials and also the published level I evidence currently available on orthopedic biomaterials.

Results:

Most of the studies have been superiority trials with non-significant differences compared to conventional treatment options, confirming that several biomaterials are suitable treatment options for multiple indications including bone and/or tendon fixation, filling bone defects, and spinal fusion. Biomaterials help to avoid donor site complications associated with autogenous bone grafts and often eliminate the need for implant removal. However, the surgical technique may in some cases be more demanding than with conventional methods. Careful consideration of the pros and cons is therefore recommended in clinical practice.

Conclusion:

Biodegradable biomaterials complement the range of available treatment options in several fields of orthopedic surgery. However, some biomaterials performed worse than expected and were not recommended for clinical use, emphasizing the need for high-quality randomized trials. It is also noteworthy that several trials included only a limited number of patients, rendering the interpretation of the results of these underpowered studies challenging.
Colonial constructions: Systemic racism in child welfare practice
Authors: Roxburgh Shelagh , Sinclair Megan
Published: October 2023

Drawing on historical constructions of Indigenous peoples, this paper analyses the continued impact of settler discourses of Indigenous families, parenting, and children on child welfare policy in Canada today.

Findings

In this work, two provincial children's Advocate reports on the deaths of Indigenous children in care, Tina Fontaine and Alex Gervais, are critically assessed in order to explore the processes through which these colonial constructions operate to create adverse outcomes for Indigenous people. Through this analysis, a number of contemporary colonial narratives are made visible, including the belief that Indigenous parents are inherently incapable of caring for their children, and the gendered construction of Indigenous men and boys as criminal and deviant and Indigenous girls as sexually exploitable.

Application

These findings suggest that greater critical reflection is needed when working with Indigenous peoples, including greater awareness of the ongoing impact of settler colonialism and the necessity of engaging in anti-colonial work.
‘An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger): Passage to India’ – Exploring genealogy and roots tourism through documentary filmmaking
Authors: Michael Ian , Mura Paolo
Published: October 2023

This article presents a documentary film produced and enacted by one of the authors as a way of knowing, constructing and representing a specific form of tourist consumption, namely genealogy tourism. The documentary ( https://vimeo.com/825001015?share=copy ), entitled ‘An Gorta Mor’ (Gaelic words that translate to ‘The Great Hunger’, the Irish famine that occurred from 1845 to 1852), functions as both a vehicle to produce and present the ethnographic fieldwork conducted by one of the authors to trace back his ancestral roots and the empirical material to be analysed. The documentary unveils two emergent themes. The first is that genealogy tourism involves multiple fluid places and transnational identities that question ‘fixed’ notions of ‘motherland’, ‘home’ and ‘family’. The second refers to roots tourism as a vehicle to propel bonding and bridging social capital. Methodologically, as a form of arts-based research, this work promotes embodied alternative ways of knowing tourist realities and selves.
Social work and the idea of object
Authors: Moraga Soraya Espinoza , Muñoz Ramón Vivanco , Calderón Irene Ibacache , Doel Mark
Published: October 2023

The article considers the possibility of expressing the contested nature of social work via objects and their stories. Two Collections of objects and their stories (object/stories) are analysed and compared – an English language Collection (Obj1) and a Latin American Spanish language Collection (Obj2). A thematic analysis results in a schema of three categories of object/story: practical, symbolic, and totemic. The object/stories vary in the degree to which they reflect a social work that is community-oriented or focused on the individual. The two Collections are analysed for similarities and differences, and the authors consider wider applications of the learning from the project.
Percussion-based loosening detection method for multi-bolt structure using convolutional neural network DenseNet-CBAM
Authors: Du Chenfei , Liu Jianhua , Gong Hao , Huang Jiayu , Zhang Wentao
Published: October 2023

Threaded fasteners are widely applied in mechanical systems, providing the functions of connection, fastening, and sealing. However, loosening is vulnerable to occurring in harsh environment. The importance of loosening detection cannot be emphasized. Percussion-based loosening detection method has attracted much attention due to the convenience and low cost. However, the simultaneous loosening detection of multiple-threaded fasteners based on percussion method is still a challenging issue that needs to be addressed. This study proposes a novel multi-bolt loosening detection method combining percussion method, and deep learning. The method consists of three integrated modules, that is, signal preprocessing, loosening information enhancement, and loosening detection modules. In the first module, variational mode decomposition is used to decompose the original signal into a series of intrinsic mode function to eliminate the interference of noise. In the second module, compressive sampling matching pursuit is applied to represent the denoised signal sparsely, and the sparse signal is fused with the denoised signal to enhance loosening information in the signal. Last, DenseNet-CBAM network structure combining attention mechanism is proposed for multiple classification task. Experimental results showed that the proposed method achieved the detection accuracy of more than 97% in three different types of mechanical structures with multiple-threaded fasteners, indicating its great potentials in engineering applications.
Infrastructure for Peace and Peaceful Elections in Ghana: 2012–2020
Authors: Agbelengor Samson Confidence
Published: October 2023

Ghana's democratic progress in the Fourth Republic is often linked to the management of peaceful elections, successful political alternations, and some public trust in democratic institutions. However, pockets of violence have also marred and derailed some progress. While the capacity to reduce political tensions and resolve electoral disputes has gained significant scholarly attention, scholars still overlook the role of infrastructure for peace (I4P) in the analysis. Focusing on the Ghanaian National Peace Council, this qualitative study examines the extent to which I4P prevents electoral disputes, what its strengths and challenges are, and how the ongoing challenges might be remedied. Findings on peace accords, election observation, and policy dialogue processes were significant before, during, and after electoral manifestations. A formalized I4P was also productive through institutional partnerships. However, institutionalization within governmental structures and its consequential budgetary limitations necessitate prudent management of its peace fund to facilitate emergent conflict situations.
Development and Implantation of 3D Anatomically Tailored Polypropylene Mesh for Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Designed on the Basis of CT Images (the ILAM Study)
Authors: Śmietański Maciej , Zamkowski Mateusz , Karbowski Krzysztof , Kujawa Mariusz J.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim of the ILAM (Individualized Laparoscopic Anatomical Mesh) study was to create and implant a fully individualized mesh based on CT scans, taking into account the published body of knowledge about the material and mechanical behavior of the implant for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Summary Background Data

The team creating and conducting this study consisted of surgeons and engineers. A specific project was made and divided into 4 phases.

Methods

The process of development and implantation was divided into 4 milestones: CT scans and modeling based on predefined subgroups, mesh manufacture, certification and clinical evaluation.

Results

The result of the study was the first individually designed hernia mesh to have been implanted in a human subject. After 12 months of follow-up, no recurrences or other complications were reported.

Conclusions

The new mesh provides a better anatomic fit to the patients’ inguinal region geometry. Mechanical stability is ensured by the multiple contact points between the implant and the tissues, which generate friction forces. Together with the possibility of shape design (proper overlap), the authors believe that there is no need for mesh fixation. If so, the use of such design meshes can change the guidelines in laparoendoscopic hernia repair in the future.
‘Being happy means doing it together’: Exploring the interpersonal emotion regulation of kindergarten principals
Authors: Jiang Wenyan , Wang Wenlan , Yin Hongbiao
Published: October 2023

The interpersonal emotion regulation of principals has rarely been examined as an independent issue, although it has been widely recognized that educational leadership is an emotional endeavour situated in an interpersonal context. This study aimed to understand how kindergarten principals engage in interpersonal emotion regulation by examining their strategy use. A case study approach was used to collected data, and a thematic coding analysis was conducted to generalize the specific strategies adopted by 12 kindergarten principals from Hong Kong. The findings showed that the principals mainly used four types of strategies to regulate the emotions of self and others, namely, intrinsic emotion-improving, extrinsic emotion-improving, extrinsic emotion-worsening, and extrinsic emotion-suspending. Comparatively, emotion-improving strategies for both intrinsic and extrinsic regulation are the preferred choices of these kindergarten principals. This study identified a new category of interpersonal emotion regulation strategies for kindergarten principals, namely, extrinsic emotion-suspending which has rarely been examined in the literature. With these findings, this study offers fresh insights into kindergarten principals’ emotion regulation and leadership practices and extends the understanding of the role of emotions in educational leadership.
Finnish and Swedish ‘gangsta rap’ as a window on the dismantlement of the Nordic welfare state
Authors: Åberg Erica , Tyvelä Hanna
Published: October 2023

Sweden, often cited as an exemplary welfare state, has experienced a significant increase in gang-related gun violence in recent years. In parallel, Finland debates the growing problem of youth violence and street gangs. The media discourse surrounding these issues often focuses on ‘gangsta rap’ and certain artists within the genre. Despite rap music’s popularity and expression of underprivileged and racialised youth globally, it has earlier been subject to policing and criminalisation, now introduced in the Nordic countries. Using Finnish and Swedish media discourse and rap lyrics and videos as data, this article contributes to prior understanding by 1) linking narratives of ‘gangsta rap’ to the dismantling of the Nordic welfare state, 2) highlighting the racist targeting of ethnic minorities through the public discussions of rappers and 3) discussing similarities and differences between Sweden and Finland, adding nuance to understanding how rap and its criminalisation vary across countries.
The Loneliness of the Odd One Out: How Deviations From Social Norms Can Help Explain Loneliness Across Cultures
Authors: Heu Luzia Cassis
Published: October 2023

Loneliness is an important health risk, which is why it is important to understand what can cause persistent or severe loneliness. Previous research has identified numerous personal or relational risk factors for loneliness. Cultural predictors, however, have been considered less. The new framework of norm deviations and loneliness (NoDeL) proposes that social norms, which are defining features of culture, can help explain loneliness within and across cultural contexts. Specifically, people who deviate from social norms are suggested to be at an increased risk for feeling lonely because they are more likely to experience alienation, inauthenticity, lower self-worth, social rejection, relationship dissatisfaction, and/or unfulfilled relational needs. Given that social norms vary by social, geographical, and temporal context, they can furthermore be considered cultural moderators between individual-level risk factors and loneliness: Personal or relational characteristics, such as shyness or being single, may increase the risk for loneliness particularly if they do not fit social norms in a specific environment. Integrating previous quantitative and qualitative findings, I hence offer a framework (NoDeL) to predict loneliness and cultural differences in risk factors for it. Thus, the NoDeL framework may help prepare culture-sensitive interventions against loneliness.
Facecraft: Race Reification in Psychological Research With Faces
Authors: Martinez Joel E.
Published: October 2023

Faces are socially important surfaces of the body on which various meanings are attached. The widespread physiognomic belief that faces inherently contain socially predictive value is why they make a generative stimulus for perception research. However, critical problems arise in studies that simultaneously investigate faces and race. Researchers studying race and racism inadvertently engage in various research practices that transform faces with specific phenotypes into straightforward representatives of their presumed race category, thereby taking race and its phenotypic associations for granted. I argue that research practices that map race categories onto faces using bioessentialist ideas of racial phenotypes constitute a form of racecraft ideology, the dubious reasoning of which presupposes the reality of race and mystifies the causal relation between race and racism. In considering how to study racism without reifying race in face studies, this article places these practices in context, describes how they reproduce racecraft ideology and impair theoretical inferences, and then suggests counterpractices for minimizing this problem.