bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiência de atividades no contexto das aulas remotas de criação, desenvolvimento e produção audiovisual na disciplina CCA-0289 linguagem verbal II, na ECA durante a pandemia de Covid-19 em 2020
Authors: Mungioli Maria Cristina Palma , Paulino Roseli Aparecida Fígaro , Ikeda Flavia Suzue de Mesquita , Kinoshita Jamir Osvaldo , Paula Luciano Teixeira de
Published: August 2024

Resumo do Congresso de Graduação USP 2021.
Mapas conceituais Com Erros: Uma Abordagem Prática e Rápida Para a Avaliação Diagnóstica
Authors: Correia Paulo R. M. , Soares Marília
Published: August 2024

This article proposes an innovative approach to diagnostic assessment. It employs concept maps with errors as an alternative to overcome challenges often faced by teachers when requesting students to create their own maps. These challenges include students’ lack of training in concept mapping, simplified planning of assessment activities with concept maps, and delays in feedback delivery by teachers. Grounded in the Cognitive Load Theory and considering operational aspects related to teachers’ time availability, the article introduces, discusses, and tests the proposal of concept maps with errors, wherein the teacher creates the map on the subject under study and intentionally includes errors. A practical application during the emergency remote teaching validates this alternative, even under challenging conditions. Diagnostic assessment with concept maps with errors emerges as a practical, fast, and robust solution, appealing for overcoming obstacles and providing significant benefits in pedagogical practice.
The influence of number of comorbidities on the quality of life of diabetic patients
Authors: Zelić Samela , Džebo Senada , Čelić-Spužić Ediba
Published: August 2024

Introduction: With the continuous aging of the population of Western societies, an increase is expected not only in the number of patients with diabetes but also in the number of patients with comorbidities. Population studies suggest that most patients with diabetes have at least one comorbidity. Comorbidities can profoundly impact a person’s ability to care for himself/herself and can present barriers to adherence to lifestyle changes and compliance with therapy. Methods: The research was conducted in the Public Institution Health Centre of Sarajevo Canton - Health Center Hadžići and Health Center Novi Grad. It included 161 patients diagnosed with diabetes; 96 women and 65 men.The respondents were between 18 and 65 years old (the upper age limit for the working population for both genders). The instruments for conducting the research were a questionnaire on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and Ferrans and Powers index of quality of life, a version for diabetes. Results: The research included 43.48% of respondents with diabetes mellitus (DM) Type II, 31.06% with DM Type I, while even 25.46% of respondents did not know which type of diabetes they suffered from. There were no statistically significant differences in the Total Quality of Life Index (TQLI) (p=0.328) between respondents with different types of diabetes. The average TQLI value in the group with diabetes duration from 1 to 5 years was 22.07 +/- 5.10; in the group from 6 to10 years was 21.23 +/- 6.0; in the group from 11 to 20 years was 21.86 +/- 4.82; in the group from 21 to 30 years was 19.20 +/- 6.81; and in the group with diabetes duration >30 years, was 23.36 +/- 5.46. High blood pressure was present in 60.24% of respondents, followed by elevated blood fats in 51.55% of respondents, and heart/brain blood vessel diseases, in 43.48% of respondents. Neuropathies were present in 38.5%, visual impairment in 26.08%, and malignant diseases were present in a total of 14.28% of respondents. Conclusion: The average value of the quality of life of respondents with 1 comorbidity was 21.30; with 2 comorbidities 20.91; and with 3 comorbidities was 21.94. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of life of diabetes patients about the presence of one, two, or more comorbidities (p=0.537). The presence of a greater number of comorbidities in patients with diabetes does not contribute to poor quality of life.
Međugeneracijsko povezivanje osoba starije dobi i mladih osoba izazov 21.stoljeća
Authors: Vincek Valentina , Neuberg Marijana
Published: August 2024

Osobe starije životne dobi susreću se s različitim izazovima koji su međusobno povezani te utječu na kvalitetu njihova života. Smanjenje funkcionalnih sposobnosti, ograničene financijske mogućnosti i osjećaj usamljenosti samo su neki od problema koji dovode do degradacije statusa starijih osoba u društvu. Moderno društvo često je usmjereno prema mlađim, radno aktivnim pojedincima, što može rezultirati negativnim stavovima i produbljivanjem jaza među generacijama. Smanjenje tog jaza izuzetno je važno, a međugeneracijska interakcija ima ključnu ulogu. Pettigrew i suradnici ističu da bliski i pozitivni odnosi razvijeni putem međusobne komunikacije doprinose boljem razumijevanju, toleranciji i stvaranju pozitivnih stavova prema starijim osobama [1]. Istraživanja također ukazuju na to da bi djeca tijekom odrastanja trebala biti okružena s četiri do šest bliskih odraslih osoba, uključujući bake i djedove. Život s djedovima i bakama potiče razvoj bez stereotipa prema starijim osobama te olakšava razumijevanje procesa odrastanja i starenja. Sve navedeno smanjuje rizik od depresije kod starijih osoba i rezultira životom ispunjenim zadovoljstvom.
Incidencija i ishod kraniocerebralnih ozljeda u Klinici za dječje bolesti Zagreb
Authors: Đevenica Viktorija , Kovačić Ksenija , Jurić Marina
Published: August 2024

Uvod: Kraniocerebralne ozljede vrlo su česte u djece, a razlog tomu može biti to što djeca nemaju razvijenu procjenu opasnosti, sklona su padovima i raznim nezgodama koje mogu rezultirati ozljedom glave. Budući da su djeca vrlo osjetljiva populacija, samo njihovo zbrinjavanje zahtijeva posebnu liječničku skrb i predstavlja izazov zdravstvenom osoblju u liječenju. Cilj: Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je procijeniti incidenciju kraniocerebralnih ozljeda i ishod liječenja kod djece koja su u razdoblju od siječnja 2016. godine do prosinca 2018. godine hospitalizirana u Klinici za dječje bolesti Zagreb. Ispitanici i metode: U istraživanje su uključena sva djeca koja su u razdoblju od 2016. do 2018. pretrpjela ozljedu glave. Podaci su prikupljeni retrospektivnom analizom bolničke dokumentacije iz Bolničkog informatičkog sustava (BIS). Rezultat: U razdoblju od 2016. do 2018. godine u Klinici za dječje bolesti Zagreb hospitalizirano je ukupno 984 djece. Najviše su hospitalizirana djeca u dobi 12 – 18 godina, njih 307, dok se na bolničko liječenje najmanje zaprimala dojenčad, njih 162. Prosječna dob djece iznosila je 7,95 godina. Od hospitaliziranih pacijenata, njih 2,03 % zahtijevalo je kiruršku intervenciju, a 6,02 % intenzivno praćenje. Kod mehanizma nastanka ozljede podaci su podijeljeni u tri skupine: 1. pad – ukupan broj iznosi 612, prometna nesreća – ukupno 67, te udarac – 305 ozlijeđenih. Najveći broj ispitanika ozljedu je zadobio kod kuće, njih 365, dok je najmanji broj ozljeda zabilježen u dječjem vrtiću, ukupno 29, te stradavanjem kao suvozač, ukupno 29 ozljeda. Najčešća dijagnoza hospitalizirane djece bila je površinska ozljeda vlasišta (89,23 %), dok je najmanji broj djece hospitaliziran s dijagnozom fokalne ozljede mozga (0,2 %). Najveći se udio ispitanika izliječio, njih 965 (98,07 %), dok je u razdoblju od tri godine petero djece, nažalost, preminulo (0,51 %). Zaključak: Istraživanje je pokazalo da se češće ozljeđuju dječaci i to najčešće padom. Samo 2 % kraniocerebralnih ozljeda zahtijeva kirurško liječenje, a najveći broj djece za ishod ima izlječenje.
Radiomics Analysis of CTO Plaques for Predicting Successful Guidewire Crossing Within 30 Minutes of PCI
Authors: Xing Haoran , Tang Zhenchao , Zhang Lijun , Liu Zhenyu , Liu Yang , Fu Xu , Lin Ouya , Wang Qiang , Zhang Dongfeng , Feng Lanxin , Zhang Min , Xu Feng , Zhang Mingduo , Zhou Yuan , Fu Yuan , Li Chuang , Xu Li , He Yi , Zhang Hongjia , Song Xiantao , Liu Jiangang
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronary computed tomography angiography provides valuable information for evaluating the difficulty of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention. This study aimed to investigate the value of CTO plaque characteristics derived from radiomics analysis for predicting the difficulty of percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS:

Patients with CTO were retrospectively enrolled from a hospital as training and internal test sets and from the other 2 territory hospitals as external test sets. Radiomics characteristics were extracted from the CTO segment on coronary computed tomography angiography. Radiomics and combined models were developed to predict successful guidewire crossing within 30 minutes (guidewire success) of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention. Subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of potential risk factors on the radiomics model performance.

RESULTS:

A total of 551 patients (median, 60; interquartile range, 52.00–66.00 years, 460 men) with 565 CTO lesions were finally enrolled. In the training, internal test, and external test sets, 203 of 357, 85 of 149, and 38 of 59 CTO lesions achieved guidewire success, respectively. Six radiomics features were selected for constructing the radiomics model. In the external test set, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the radiomics model was significantly higher than prior prediction models (
P
<0.05 for all) with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.86, 74.58%, 81.58%, and 61.90%, respectively. The performance of the radiomics model was dependent on calcification, CTO location, adjacent branch(es), and operator caseload.

CONCLUSIONS:

CTO characteristics revealed by radiomics analysis can be used as effective imaging biomarkers for predicting guidewire success. However, the performance of the radiomics model depends on anatomic and operator factors.
Impaired Left Atrial Reserve Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kagami Kazuki , Harada Tomonari , Yuasa Naoki , Saito Yuki , Sorimachi Hidemi , Murakami Fumitaka , Naito Ayami , Tani Yuta , Kato Toshimitsu , Wada Naoki , Adachi Takeshi , Ishii Hideki , Obokata Masaru
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Left atrial (LA) dysfunction is common in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction. However, data on the pathophysiologic impacts of impaired LA functional reserve remained limited. We sought to determine the association of abnormal LA dynamics during exercise with cardiovascular reserve, exercise capacity, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS:

Patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (n=231) and controls without HF (n=219) underwent exercise stress echocardiography with simultaneous expired gas analysis. LA function was assessed at rest and during exercise using speckle-tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS:

Patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction demonstrated less increase in LA reservoir and booster pump strain during exercise than those in controls. The degree of LA dilation was more closely related to exercise LA reservoir strain than to resting LA strain (Meng test,
P
=0.002). The presence of impaired LA reservoir strain during exercise was associated with poorer biventricular systolic reserve and cardiac output augmentation, more severe right ventricular-pulmonary artery uncoupling, and lower peak oxygen consumption. Patients with a lower exercise LA reservoir strain had a 2.7-fold increased risk of HF events (hazard ratio, 2.66 [95% CI, 1.32–5.38];
P
=0.006). Among patients with follow-up echocardiography, initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy or atrial fibrillation ablation showed significant improvements in LA reservoir (
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.022) and booster pump strain (
P
=0.011 and 0.028) at rest and during exercise, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Impaired LA reservoir function during exercise in HF with preserved ejection fraction is associated with biventricular reserve limitations, exercise intolerance, and increased risks of HF events.
Hebbian Descent: A Unified View on Log-Likelihood Learning
Authors: Melchior Jan , Schiewer Robin , Wiskott Laurenz
Published: August 2024

This study discusses the negative impact of the derivative of the activation functions in the output layer of artificial neural networks, in particular in continual learning. We propose Hebbian descent as a theoretical framework to overcome this limitation, which is implemented through an alternative loss function for gradient descent we refer to as Hebbian descent loss. This loss is effectively the generalized log-likelihood loss and corresponds to an alternative weight update rule for the output layer wherein the derivative of the activation function is disregarded. We show how this update avoids vanishing error signals during backpropagation in saturated regions of the activation functions, which is particularly helpful in training shallow neural networks and deep neural networks where saturating activation functions are only used in the output layer. In combination with centering, Hebbian descent leads to better continual learning capabilities. It provides a unifying perspective on Hebbian learning, gradient descent, and generalized linear models, for all of which we discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Given activation functions with strictly positive derivative (as often the case in practice), Hebbian descent inherits the convergence properties of regular gradient descent. While established pairings of loss and output layer activation function (e.g., mean squared error with linear or cross-entropy with sigmoid/softmax) are subsumed by Hebbian descent, we provide general insights for designing arbitrary loss activation function combinations that benefit from Hebbian descent. For shallow networks, we show that Hebbian descent outperforms Hebbian learning, has a performance similar to regular gradient descent, and has a much better performance than all other tested update rules in continual learning. In combination with centering, Hebbian descent implements a forgetting mechanism that prevents catastrophic interference notably better than the other tested update rules. When training deep neural networks, our experimental results suggest that Hebbian descent has better or similar performance as gradient descent.
Seeing the Forest but Naming the Trees: An Object-Over-Place Bias in Learning Noun Labels
Authors: Lin Yi , Dillon Moira R.
Published: August 2024

Objects and places are foundational spatial domains represented in human symbolic expressions, like drawings, which show a prioritization of depicting small-scale object-shape information over the large-scale navigable place information in which objects are situated. Is there a similar object-over-place bias in language? Across six experiments, adults and 3- to 4-year-old children were asked either to extend a novel noun in a labeling phrase, to extend a novel noun in a prepositional phrase, or to simply match pictures. To dissociate specific object and place information from more general figure and ground information, participants either saw scenes with both place information (a room) and object information (a block in the room), or scenes with two kinds of object information that matched the figure-ground relations of the room and block by presenting an open container with a smaller block inside. While adults showed a specific object-over-place bias in both extending novel noun labels and matching, they did not show this bias in extending novel nouns following prepositions. Young children showed this bias in extending novel noun labels only. Spatial domains may thus confer specific and foundational biases for word learning that may change through development in a way that is similar to that of other word-learning biases about objects, like the shape bias. These results expand the symbolic scope of prior studies on object biases in drawing to object biases in language, and they expand the spatial domains of prior studies characterizing the language of objects and places.
Rebalancing Investment Protection Standards
Authors: Teo Jeriel , Richter Jerome , Kadu Sayali , Khaw Tasmine
Published: August 2024

Treaty reform has largely focused on refining the various investment protection standards under IIAs to achieve a more appropriate balance between investment protection and preserving the state’s right to regulate. This article takes stock of the treaty language used to recalibrate investment protection standards and evaluates their effectiveness in preserving policy space. The article ultimately concludes that greater precision in the various investment protection standards has been effective in preserving regulatory space in some cases, notably in the case of indirect expropriation. By contrast, reform of the fair and equitable treatment may be of limited effectiveness, whereas the reforms of national treatment clauses and most favoured nation clauses have yet to be tested by arbitral treatment. While in principle the latter reforms appear to directly address the concerns raised by previous arbitral authority, it remains to be seen whether they will prove to be effective.
Mapping the Past, Present and Future of Belongingness Research: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Bano Samina , Srivastava Prakhar , S.M Sayed Ebrahim Mubasheer , Nishat Anam , Ahmad Insha
Published: August 2024

Our review combines bibliometric and thematic analysis to extensively explore belongingness research, using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol for systematic review. Analyzing 4,887 Scopus documents, we examined publication trends, intellectual structure, recent developments, and future research directions in the field. The bibliometric analysis revealed significant scholarly contributions and identified four foundational thematic clusters: The Birth of Belongingness, Self, Identity, and Belongingness, Suicide and Belongingness, and Social Exclusion and Belongingness. Recent trends highlight the link between thwarted belongingness and suicide, and underscore the importance of social inclusion in diverse settings. Future research directions include integrating belongingness into education, mental health, suicide prevention, community initiatives, digital connectivity, and policy development. This study is vital for scholars and practitioners, influencing academic discourse, policy discussions, and societal health. However, the study's scope is limited by its reliance on a single database, its focus on English-language publications, and the exclusion of grey literature.
The first records of Microprosthema pernambucensis (Bochini, Cunha, Terossi & Almeida, 2020) and Odontozona addaia Pretus, 1990 from the tropical eastern Atlantic (Decapoda: Stenopodidea)
Authors: GRAVE SAMMY DE , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: August 2024

Two species of stenopodidean shrimps are newly recorded from the tropical eastern Atlantic, each representing considerable extensions to their previously known biogeographical ranges. The shrimp genus Chicosciencea Bochini, Cunha, Terossi & Almeida, 2020, is confirmed as a junior synonym of Microprosthema Stimpson, 1860. Microprosthema pernambucensis (Bochini, Cunha, Terossi & Almeida, 2020), previously only known from northeastern Brazil, is reported for the first time from the tropical eastern Atlantic based on material collected in subtidal lava tubes on the coast of Sal, Cabo Verde, and re-illustrated in view of the limited original description. Odontozona addaia Pretus, 1990, previously only known from the Mediterranean Sea, is herein reported from the Atlantic Ocean proper, based on specimens from the same habitat, also in Cabo Verde.
Seeking ontological security through thick narratives: Syrian civil war, ontological insecurity, and narratives
Authors: Sharani Samer , Çelik Ayşe Betül
Published: August 2024

Civil war can change the narratives of a collective Self and damage some of its ontological security conditions, such as continuity, self-esteem, and consistency. Using a qualitative analysis of the Facebook pages visited widely by the residents of Salamieh City in Syria (a stronghold for Ismailis), this study shows how narratives of a collective Self (both local Salamieh and national Syrian Selves) have been generated to cope with threats to ontological security imposed by the ongoing civil war. Following our finding that the pro-regime and neutral pages could have used thin narratives of ontological security but instead sticked to thick narratives, we argue that thick narrative opens up possibilities to understand complex reality and generate a rich meaning-system and strong agency. Contrary to the claim that a simple Self is more ontologically secure because its narrative is easily kept continuous and routinized, this study shows that confronting reality and tolerating change through thick narratives despite the anxiety and pain the process generates, can provide ontological security in the future.
Evaluation of postoperative delirium in geriatric patients given acetaminophen with and without melatonin: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Muehrcke Maria N. , Blackwelder Russell S. , Weeda Erin R. , Furlough Leah A. , Shelton Jessi E. , Brace Samantha M. , Bragg Scott W.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Postoperative delirium has many consequences and should be prevented when possible. Non-opioid pain treatments have known delirium prevention benefits, while melatonin has promising prevention data in non-surgical populations. The incidence of postoperative delirium was retrospectively compared in patients prescribed acetaminophen with and without melatonin following orthopedic surgery.

Methods

Retrospective data was analyzed in adults ≥65-years-old who were hospitalized within one health system following an orthopedic procedure. Patients receiving at least acetaminophen 1000 mg/day with and without melatonin 1 mg/day for at least 48 hours perioperatively were included. Patients were excluded if they had prior delirium, an intensive care unit placement >24 hours, or other risk factors for developing delirium to reduce confounders. The primary outcome was delirium incidence or positive CAM-ICU score. Key secondary endpoints included hospital length of stay and 30-day hospital readmission.

Results

Two hundred patients were assessed, and 134 patients were included in the analysis (ie, 66 acetaminophen plus melatonin, 68 acetaminophen alone). There was a lower rate of delirium when comparing the combination vs acetaminophen alone (5% vs 25%; P = 0.001). There were no differences in 30-day readmission. Patients taking the combination had a longer length of stay than acetaminophen alone (5 vs 4 days; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Geriatric patients taking acetaminophen plus melatonin after orthopedic surgery had a significantly lower risk of delirium than patients receiving acetaminophen alone. Using combination melatonin and acetaminophen before orthopedic surgery is a promising delirium prevention strategy and should be considered in future prospective trials.
Rethinking animal attrition in preclinical research: Expressing causal mechanisms of selection bias using directed acyclic graphs
Authors: Collazo Anja , Kuhn Hans-Georg , Kurth Tobias , Piccininni Marco , Rohmann Jessica L
Published: August 2024

Animal attrition in preclinical experiments can introduce bias in the estimation of causal treatment effects, as the treatment-outcome association in surviving animals may not represent the causal effect of interest. This can compromise the internal validity of the study despite randomization at the outset. Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) are useful tools to transparently visualize assumptions about the causal structure underlying observed data. By illustrating relationships between relevant variables, DAGs enable the detection of even less intuitive biases, and can thereby inform strategies for their mitigation. In this study, we present an illustrative causal model for preclinical stroke research, in which animal attrition induces a specific type of selection bias (i.e., collider stratification bias) due to the interplay of animal welfare, initial disease severity and negative side effects of treatment. Even when the treatment had no causal effect, our simulations revealed substantial bias across different scenarios. We show how researchers can detect and potentially mitigate this bias in the analysis phase, even when only data from surviving animals are available, if knowledge of the underlying causal process that gave rise to the data is available. Collider stratification bias should be a concern in preclinical animal studies with severe side effects and high post-randomization attrition.
Geography and ethics III: Description as a matter of moral concern
Authors: Schmidt Jeremy J
Published: August 2024

This report focuses on moral description. It considers how comparative practices often entangle moral geography in philosophical dilemmas, such as debates over moral relativism. Using examples from geographic work on language, algorithms, the appropriation of anti-colonial critique, and Indigenous data sovereignty, the report shows how and why descriptive praxis matters to accounts of moral geography. As the final installation of a three-part series of reports on ethics and geography, it draws together a broader critique of moral geography's initial distinctions and suggests a more constitutive view of ethics for geographic scholarship.
Standardization of Oral Photography in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Watabe Yusuke
Published: August 2024

Oral photography is one of the essential methods of maintaining dental records. The primary purpose of photography is to record an image. Images of the oral cavity should have sufficient detail for discerning the features of the hard and soft tissues; in addition, they should accurately reproduce the real colors as they appear in the mouth. Photographs are of value during the repeated monitoring of patients and while making comparisons among historical cohort studies. This article describes the equipment and techniques for obtaining high-quality images of the oral cavities of dogs and cats in a standardized way.
Evaluation of survivin expression and regulating miRNAs of survivin expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in systemic lupus erythematous patients
Authors: Bolouri Nasim , Mansouri Reza , Farhadi Elham , Soltani Samaneh , Akhtari Maryam , Madreseh Elham , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Jafarinejad-Farsangi Saeideh , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Mahmoudi Mahdi
Published: August 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystemic rheumatic disease with different clinical features. Disturbance in apoptosis regulation seems to be a major factor in SLE development.

Objective

Survivin plays a key role in mitosis and inhibiting apoptosis. A study was conducted to examine the expression level of survivin and miRNAs that affect survivin transcript levels in patients with SLE.

Methods

We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 50 inactive SLE patients and 50 healthy controls. RNA is extracted and converted to cDNA. The quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction is conducted to assess the expression levels of survivin total and its variants with effective miRNAs in PBMCs.

Results

Expression levels of miR-34a-5p (fold change = 1.5, p ++ = 0.027), and 218-5p (fold change = 1.5, p ++ = 0.020) were significantly increased. While miR-150-5p (fold change = 0.56, p ++ = 0.003) was significantly decreased. The mRNA expression of survivin-WT (fold change = 0.63, p++ = 0.002) was significantly downregulated in SLE patients compared to the healthy controls. Survivin total and its two major variants (survivin-2B, and survivin-ΔEx3) did not differ significantly between SLE patients and controls.

Conclusion

Although survivin-TS and its two variants (survivin-2B, and survivin-ΔEx3) were not differently expressed in SLE patients, survivin-WT had altered expression. Despite aberrant miRNA expression in PBMCs from SLE patients, survivin and miRNA expression were not associated with leukopenia. The pathogenesis of SLE disorder might be linked to survivin’s other roles in the immune system aside from anti-apoptotic functions.
Dynamic survival analysis: Modelling the hazard function via ordinary differential equations
Authors: Christen J Andres , Rubio F Javier
Published: August 2024

The hazard function represents one of the main quantities of interest in the analysis of survival data. We propose a general approach for parametrically modelling the dynamics of the hazard function using systems of autonomous ordinary differential equations (ODEs). This modelling approach can be used to provide qualitative and quantitative analyses of the evolution of the hazard function over time. Our proposal capitalises on the extensive literature on ODEs which, in particular, allows for establishing basic rules or laws on the dynamics of the hazard function via the use of autonomous ODEs. We show how to implement the proposed modelling framework in cases where there is an analytic solution to the system of ODEs or where an ODE solver is required to obtain a numerical solution. We focus on the use of a Bayesian modelling approach, but the proposed methodology can also be coupled with maximum likelihood estimation. A simulation study is presented to illustrate the performance of these models and the interplay of sample size and censoring. Two case studies using real data are presented to illustrate the use of the proposed approach and to highlight the interpretability of the corresponding models. We conclude with a discussion on potential extensions of our work and strategies to include covariates into our framework. Although we focus on examples of Medical Statistics, the proposed framework is applicable in any context where the interest lies in estimating and interpreting the dynamics of the hazard function.
An experimental parametric analysis of the acoustic response in dielectric elastomer loudspeakers
Authors: Addario Saverio , Gratz-Kelly Sebastian , Naso David , Rizzello Gianluca , Moretti Giacomo
Published: August 2024

This article presents an experimental parametric analysis of dielectric elastomer (DE) loudspeakers, which generate sound by means of soft lightweight electroactive polymer membranes, with no need for electromagnetic actuators. Attention is set on a simple topology, which consists of a DE actuator membrane deformed out-of-plane in a conical shape between fixed frames. Different scaled replicas of the system were built, featuring different diameters and elastomer membrane thickness, with the aim of highlighting the dependence of the acoustic response on the design parameters. An experimental analysis of the effect of different electrical and mechanical pre-loads was also carried out. Results suggest that the acoustic response is affected by both geometrical factors, possible effects of aero-elastic interactions, and the level of mechanical stress acting on the DE membrane. These findings provide valuable insights for the optimisation of DE loudspeaker design and operational parameters.
A post-Hegelian theory of human rights: beyond recognition and the state
Authors: Karp David Jason
Published: August 2024

This article develops a post-Hegelian social and political theory of human rights. To do this, it moves past two legacies that can be traced back to Hegel’s philosophy: his theory of recognition and his views about the embeddedness of rights within states. IR often misinterprets Hegel’s recognition theory as applying within a public world of state action. However, Hegel argues that recognition occurs before rather than within a social world. Instead, I show how and why Hegel’s analysis of Sophocles’ play Antigone is a more fruitful starting point for theorising contemporary international practices. I mobilise a Hegelian social ontology of ‘ethical life’ and a post-Hegelian critique of statism and Eurocentrism to argue that human rights should be understood as an independent field of action in which agency is embedded, rather than as a practice that is tied to sovereignty and states. Several conclusions about the ontology and epistemology of human rights stem from this analysis. Human rights practice brings forms of action and obligation into being. It enables collective (not only individual) action. It requires the exercise of humility rather than hubris. Finally, it invites a discussion of how agents can bridge external and internal perspectives to evaluate the actions that seem to be required by their practices. This critical exploration and re-interpretation of Hegel’s early work corrects IR’s tendency to use his later and more statist writings to locate and concretise the grounds for ethics.
Fragments of affinity: Photographic archives and the material performance of personhood in a zongo community of Ghana
Authors: Cassiman Ann
Published: August 2024

In Accra's migrant neighbourhoods called zongos, personal photo archives are carefully kept in plastic bags or albums, revealing the migratory biographies of living and late family members and the various social activities in which they engage. This paper unpacks the archives of three women in the zongos, interweaving the indexical values of the photographs with an analysis of their material historicity of exchange and haptic encounters. I argue that in the collections, fragments of the zongo women's personhood are both materially and ontologically diffracted, as such performing personhood in line with gendered zongo grammars and values of extended networks of affiliation, affect, and generosity. Such performance is controlled by the owners of the collections, thus creating openings for self-representation and social mobility, but also for contesting gendered grammars.
“Glimmers of hope and good things”: Positive aspects of caregiving to autistic adolescents and young adults
Authors: Montoya Carina N , Ishler Karen J , Obeid Rita , Payner Julie , Berg Kristen A
Published: August 2024

Studies commonly measure the challenges of caring for autistic adolescents and young adults, but scarcely explore the positive aspects of the caregiving experience. This study employed an equal-status concurrent mixed methods approach to quantitatively assess predictors of positive aspects of caregiving and qualitatively examine 174 caregivers’ perceived rewards, or positive aspects, of caring for autistic adolescents and young adults (ages 16–30 years). Results from multiple regression analyses suggest that youth’s helping behavior most strongly predicted positive aspects of caregiving, and youth receiving more services and caregivers’ greater report of social support and use of religious, acceptance, and instrumental support coping also significantly predicted greater reported positive aspects of caregiving. Findings from a phenomenologically informed thematic analysis suggest that caregivers find reward in witnessing youths’ progress and joyous qualities, in the caregiver–youth relationship, and in caregivers’ own growth. Mixed methods findings highlight that positive aspects of caregiving likely extend caregivers’ self-development and may be relationship-specific. Study findings offer a strengths-based framework that highlights the positive aspects of caring for autistic adolescents and young adults. We contribute to the research in defining factors related to positive aspects of caregiving, which may inform future work and contribute to caregiver well-being.

Lay abstract

We wanted to explore the positive, or rewarding, experiences of caregivers who were caring for older adolescents or young autistic adults. We surveyed 174 caregivers, asking questions about how they dealt with stressors, the support they had from people in their lives, and the different behaviors of the autistic youth they care for. Using an existing measure, as well as an open-ended question, we asked caregivers about the most rewarding aspects of caring for their youth. When examining survey responses, we found that caregivers who reported receiving more help and support from their autistic youth also reported more positive aspects related to caregiving. In response to our study’s open-ended question, caregivers talked about the reward of seeing their youth grow and progress (e.g. learning new skills, reaching new milestones), described positive aspects of the relationship with their youth (e.g. sharing a special bond), and reflected on their own learning and personal growth as caregivers and people. Our findings highlight the positive, or rewarding, aspects of caregiving for autistic adolescents and young adults. This work will inform future work studying positive aspects of caring for autistic individuals and how this may impact caregivers’ psychological well-being.
Modeling the optimal deceleration for asymmetric rigid body motion under the influence of a gyrostatic moments and viscous friction
Authors: Amer TS , Abady IM , Abdo HA , El-Kafly HF
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on determining the required minimum-time (MT) for the spatial motion of a free rigid body (RB) experiencing gyrostatic moments (GMs) and viscous friction. The study assumes that the body’s center of mass coincides with the original point of two Cartesian systems of coordinates. An optimal control law for slow motion is established, and the corresponding time and phase pathways are analyzed. The innovative results are presented for two new cases through various graphs highlighting the positive effects of the GMs. A comparison is achieved between the obtained results and previous outcomes that did not consider gyrostatic moments, showing remarkable consistency with slight deviations that are discussed. The practical applications of this study, which limits itself to using gyroscopic theory to maintain the stability and balance of vehicles in which gyroscopes are used, as well as figuring out the trajectory of aircraft and marine vehicles, are what make it noteworthy.
Dynamic contact and stiffness characteristic analysis of angular contact ball bearings under combined external loads
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Qingshan , Wang Ruihua , Qin Bin
Published: August 2024

A nonlinear dynamic model of angular contact ball bearing under combined external loads is established based on the nonlinear elastic Hertz contact theory and raceless control theory. The established dynamic model is solved by employing variable step size Newton Raphson iteration method and the validation of model is verified by comparing the proposed results with the corresponding results come from the existing literatures. The solution of the presented model has high accuracy compared with the existing experimental results. In addition, the computational efficiency of the proposed model is improved significantly by introducing iteration step size adjustment factor. According to the proposed model, the dynamic contact and stiffness characteristics of angular contact ball are studied systematically by investigating the effects of combined external load working conditions on the contact parameters including contact angle and contact force and the stiffness parameters including diagonal stiffness and off-diagonal stiffness. This research can provide the theoretical basis and technique guidance for the designation and manufacture of angular contact ball bearing under combined external loads.
Ecofeminism and menstruation: menstrual practices with reusable menstrual products among Israeli women
Authors: Kubovski Anna , Cohen Shabot Sara
Published: August 2024

Menstruators perceive and experience their menstruation in diverse ways, influencing their choice of menstrual products and impacting both body literacy and the environment. This article investigates Israeli menstruators who use reusable menstrual products (RMPs), a practice viewed through the lens of ecofeminism, within the context of menstrual concealment culture and its role in perpetuating oppression. This article's objective is to reveal the extent of this ecofeminist practice and to understand the motivations and choices behind it as well as the meaning of menstruation for Israeli RMP users. An analysis of forty semi-structured interviews revealed that the participants exercise cognitive, emotional and sociocultural agency. Environmental and physical factors strongly motivated participants to use RMPs, producing predominantly positive experiences. The use of RMPs promotes novel perceptions and management strategies for menstruation, facilitating acceptance of menstrual blood and challenging prevalent narratives of shame and pollution. Finally, many participants expressed a desire to engage in legitimised conversations about menstruation and to resist the dominant discourse. This highlights the transformative potential of the ecofeminist practice of using RMPs, which can disrupt capitalist-consumer culture, challenge menstrual stigma and foster sustainable alternatives. The present study promotes knowledge and equality in education about menstrual management, concealment, products, stigma and environmental factors.
Streaming Feminism: Women-centered Net Dramas, Global Television Culture, and Feminist Textual Possibilities
Authors: Liao Sara , Ling Qi
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigate the influence of streaming platforms, with their relatively new industrial arrangements and relations with the media regulatory structure, on the cultural production of dramas in China. We focus on women-centered net dramas to demonstrate how feminist discourses found a place on streaming platforms, thereby opening up creative yet vulnerable textual possibilities for reflection on gender politics. We situate the production of these net dramas within the political economy and technological conditions of the streaming industry and further consider the implications of such mediated feminism for the pursuit of gender equality in China. Our examination of feminist discourses in streaming culture also resonates with the ongoing global transformation of cultural productions in the television industry.
Body Mass Index and Risk of Female Reproductive System Tumors Subtypes: A Meta-Analysis Using Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Jiang Xi-Ya , Zheng Lan , Xiong Min , Wang Sen-Lin , Jin Qin-Qin , Yang Yin-Ting , Fang Ya-Xing , Hong Lin , Mei Jie , Zhou Shu-Guang
Published: August 2024

Introduction: A strong association was previously established between body mass index (BMI) and female reproductive system tumors; however, the causal relationship is unclear. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to further explore this association. Methods: Genetic information for BMI was retrieved from a published genome-wide association study involving 339,224 participants. Genetic associations with five common female reproductive system tumors were obtained from the FinnGen, UK Biobank studies, and other large consortia. Results: Genetic predisposition towards BMI exhibits a significant association with multiple tumors of the female reproductive system. Specifically, for every 1-unit increase in BMI log-transformed odds ratio (OR). The OR fluctuations overall for patients with breast cancer ranged from 0.661 to 0.996 (95% confidence interval [CI],0.544-1.000, P < 0.05). When stratified by estrogen receptor (ER) status, the OR for patients with ER (+) breast cancer ranged from 0.782 to 0.844 (95% CI, 0.616-0.994, P < 0.05) and that for those with ER (-) breast cancer ranged from 0.663 to 0.789 (95% CI, 0.498-0.991, P < 0.05). Additionally, ORs were as follows for cancer types: 1.577–1.908 (95% CI, 1.049-2.371, P < 0.05) for endometrial carcinoma; 1.216–1.303 (95% CI, 1.021-1.591, P < 0.05) for high-grade serous ovarian cancer; 1.217 (95% CI, 1.034-1.432, P < 0.05) for low-grade malignant serous ovarian cancer; and 1.502 (95% CI, 1.112-2.029, P < 0.05) for endometrioid ovarian carcinoma. Furthermore, our findings indicated that genetic predisposition towards BMI did not exhibit a causal association with uterine fibroids, cervical precancerous lesions, or cervical cancer itself. Conclusion: A genetic association was established between a high BMI and high risk of developing multiple tumors of the female reproductive system and their associated subtypes. This underscores the significance of taking measures to prevent reproductive system tumors in women who have a high BMI.
Accuracy of Physiotherapist Predictions for Independent Walking After Stroke
Authors: Smith Marie-Claire , Scrivener Benjamin J. , Skinner Luke , Stinear Cathy M.
Published: August 2024

Background

The use of prediction tools in stroke rehabilitation research and clinical practice is increasing, but it is not clear whether these prediction tools out-perform clinician predictions.

Objective

This study aimed to compare physiotherapist predictions for independent walking with the Time to Walking Independently after STroke (TWIST) prediction tool.

Methods

Adults with new lower limb weakness and unable to walk independently (Functional Ambulation Category [FAC] < 4) were recruited. At 1 week post-stroke, the treating physiotherapist was asked to predict whether their patient would achieve independent walking by 4, 6, 9, 12, 16, or 26 weeks, or remain dependent. Predictions were also made using the TWIST prediction tool, but not shared. Binary logistic regressions were conducted with the time independent walking was achieved as the dependent variable and independent variables were the physiotherapist and TWIST predictions.

Results

Ninety-one participants were included (median age 71 years, 36 [40%] female). Most participants (67 [74%]) were non-ambulatory (FAC = 0) at 1-week post-stroke. Thirty-seven physiotherapists were recruited. Physiotherapists made accurate predictions for time taken to achieve independent walking for 39 participants (43%). Prediction accuracy was not related to physiotherapist confidence or years of stroke-specific experience. TWIST out-performed physiotherapist predictions (Physiotherapists 76%-77%, TWIST 86%-88% accurate) for participants who achieved independent walking by 4, 6, and 9 weeks post-stroke. Accuracy of physiotherapist and TWIST predictions was similar for 16 and 26 weeks post-stroke.

Conclusions

The TWIST prediction tool is more accurate than physiotherapists at predicting whether a patient will achieve independent walking by 4, 6, or 9 weeks post-stroke, but not for 16 or 26 weeks post-stroke. TWIST may be useful to inform early rehabilitation and discharge planning. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: www.anzctr.org.au Unique Identifier: ACTRN12617001434381.
Exploring sentencing disparities in the Nordic context: A multilevel analysis of court- and judge-level variation in sentences of ‘aggravated driving under the influence’ in Finnish district courts
Authors: Malin Tiina , Tanskanen Maiju
Published: August 2024

Sentencing studies have stressed the importance of looking beyond between-court sentencing disparities by also observing within-court sources of variation. In the current study, we examine court- and judge-level variation in aggravated driving under the influence sentences (N = 10,481) in Finnish district courts using a three-level regression approach. Results indicate that 6.4% of the variance in the decision to incarcerate are explained by the differences between judges and 4.3% by the differences between courts. Consequently, our results suggest that sentencing disparities cannot be attributed solely to differences between courts but also to the individual judges within those courts. In addition, certain extra-legal factors on all three levels are associated with the outcome, namely the mode of conviction, position of the judge, court’s driving under the influence caseload, crime rate of the court jurisdiction and the urbanization of the court jurisdiction. Implications of the findings for both future research and policies are discussed.