bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recursive terminal sliding mode approximate optimal control strategy based on reconstructed nonlinear systems
Authors: Jia Chao , Chen Xuanyu , Zhang Yunjie , Li Xinyu
Published: September 2024

For a class of nonlinear systems with unknown internal states and actuator failures, this paper proposes a recursive terminal sliding-mode fault-tolerant control method based on reconfigurable nonlinear systems and further designs an approximate optimal compensated controller based on adaptive dynamic programming, which employs a neural network (NN) to estimate the optimal value function. The system ensures that the tracking error converges to a small set around zero with faster speed and higher accuracy even when the actuator fails. Finally, the convergence of the expanded state observer and the single-evaluation NN weights is demonstrated based on the Lyapunov theory, and the stability of the whole closed-loop system is given. Simulation results and comparisons verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
An Improved Point System for Cricket’s World Test Championship
Authors: Bhattacharjee Bireshwar , Bhattacharjee Dibyojyoti , Saikia Hemanta , Bhattacharjee Bishweshwar
Published: September 2024

With the advent of formats of limited overs in cricket like the One Day and Twenty-20 Internationals, test cricket, the longest-running version of the game, has witnessed a significant decline in popularity. The World Test Championship (WTC) was launched in 2019 by the International Cricket Council to reignite interest in test cricket. However, the initial point distribution system devised for the inaugural WTC had several shortcomings, which include allocating points based on the outcome of the entire series rather than the number of test matches played, the absence of rewards for teams winning matches away from home, failing to take into consideration the margin of victory (MOV) and not accounting for the relative strength of competing teams. Considering these shortcomings, this article proposes a new point system, thus providing an alternative to the existing one. The point system uses the Elo rating system, including factors such as home-field advantage, impact of the toss and MOV. Statistical analyses were conducted to validate the home-field advantage and toss impact. Subsequently, the proposed model developed was named the points won per match system. The team rankings in the WTC are established based on this proposed model and compared with the actual one.
Impact of cultural, nutrition, and lifestyle transition on human milk composition between the Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia: A study protocol
Authors: Syed Abdullah Sharifah Zahhura , Manaf Marina Abdul , Latif Mohamad Insan , Ambak Nurul Jannah , Kamaruszaman Salniza Akmar
Published: September 2024

Background: Human milk provided by healthy, well-nourished mothers represents the best food available for infants. Human milk is species-specific and recommended as the sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life and is an important food source until the infants reach 2 years of life. Unlike infant formula, which has a standardized composition, human milk composition varies among and within women. Aim: While many studies of human milk composition have been conducted, none have been done among the Orang Asli people in Malaysia. Hence, this study protocol is designed to determine the human milk composition of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia and how the transition of culture, nutrition, and different lifestyle experiences will affect the nutrient content of their milk. Methods: Quantitative (interviewer-administered questionnaire) and qualitative (focus group discussion) approaches will be employed in this study and in addition, laboratory works will also be carried out to analyze the nutrient composition of the milk samples collected from various Orang Asli subethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Conclusion: Standardized, multipopulation studies of human milk composition are sorely needed to create a rigorous, comprehensive reference inclusive of nutrients and other factors. The establishment of any dietary parameters positively affecting the nutrient content of human milk may help design healthcare strategies in Malaysia to improve the quality of human milk and therefore the infants’ health status.
Bruno Latour, Writer
Authors: Akrich Madeleine
Published: September 2024

This article focuses on Bruno Latour’s writing. Through a series of examples, it shows how he has always sought to match the form of his works to their content, in a quest for coherence uncommon in the social sciences. Beyond the diversity of his works, we can nevertheless identify one dominant feature: a very explicit concern for the reader, and the use of a variety of techniques to engage him or her in an experience that is as sensible as it is intellectual.
Gaia as Seen from Within
Authors: Lenton Timothy M. , Dutreuil Sébastien , Latour Bruno
Published: September 2024

Through our three-way collaboration we sought to understand Gaia and its political implications from the bottom-up and from within. Here we introduce that view of Gaia and how the dialogue between a philosopher (Bruno), a scientist (Tim), and a historian and philosopher of science (Séb) turned into a research programme. This sets in context a previously unpublished piece by Latour: ‘There is nothing simple in a feedback loop – or why goal function is not the problem of Gaia’.
Comparison of tribological performance of hard chrome and heat-treated electroless Ni–P platings
Authors: Kılıçay Koray , Gökel Sevgin
Published: September 2024

The search for alternatives to hard chrome platings, which have been used in the aviation sector for an extended time but have begun to be abandoned due to their negative effects on human and environmental health, has continued in recent years. Hard chrome plating's primary application in the aviation sector is for wear performance. Electroless Ni–P platings lack the necessary hardness and wear resistance compared to hard chrome platings. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these coatings might be used in place of hard chrome plating and to determine how heat treatment affected the tribological performance of electroless Ni–P platings applied to steel substrates. Hard chrome and electroless Ni–P platings were applied to five different steel substrates. The coatings’ microstructure, bending, corrosion resistance, hardness, and dry sliding wear tests were conducted. It has been shown that heat treating the Ni–P platings can result in appreciable increases in hardness and tribological performance. In the heat-treated coatings, hardness values were higher than those of the hard chrome platings. It was concluded that although hard chrome plating showed better wear resistance, heat-treated electroless Ni–P platings have the potential to compete with hard chrome platings in terms of tribological performance.
Effect of mixing-ratio and current on Mo-Cu-WC-Si coating via EDC
Authors: V. V. N. Siva Rao S. , Biswas Kaushik , Ghosh S. K. , Barma J. D.
Published: September 2024

The present study investigates the influence of the mixing ratio of copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) powders in Mo-Cu-WC-Si composite powder metallurgy (P/M) briquettes on the performance of coatings produced on Al-2014 alloy using electrical discharge coating. Three mixing ratios of Cu and Mo are selected during briquette preparation, by varying Cu in 5 wt.% decrements and Mo in 5 wt.% increments: 50Cu:30Mo, 45Cu:35Mo, and 40Cu:40Mo, with fixed 15WC:5Si. The results indicate that even a 5 wt.% variation of copper significantly affects the coating output responses. At 3 A current the 50Cu:30Mo combination shows lowest roughness of 2.4 μm, followed by 3.2 μm, and 5.4 μm roughness with 45Cu:35Mo and 40Cu:40Mo. Coating with 50Cu:30Mo ratio shows the highest wear reduction, achieving a 3-fold decrease compared to the uncoated Al-2014. Furthermore, coated samples depict a 42% reduction in corrosion rate compared to uncoated sample. Experimental results suggest that the briquette with a higher copper percentage (50 wt.%) provides a more suitable coating.
Characterizing the description of pelvic congestion syndrome pain: A latent class analysis
Authors: Patel Sarah E , Chesnut Steven R
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Chronic pelvic pain from pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition disproportionately affecting women. PCS pain has been described as dull and achy, but emerging research indicates variances in the historical pain depictions. We aimed to identify the groups of pain characteristics experienced by women living with PCS using a latent class analysis and examine their predictive validity on quality of life, pain intensity, and pain management indicators.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from 160 participants on a Facebook PCS support group was conducted. After evaluating the original 86 unique pain descriptors endorsed on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, descriptors endorsed by more than 30 participants were retained for analysis ( n = 34).

Results

Results from the latent class analysis identified two latent classes: mild but consistent (44.4%) and intense and debilitating (55.6%). Between the two latent classes, there were clear patterns of pain endorsement to indicate that women in the two groups experience PCS pain differently. Compared to the second latent class (intense and debilitating), women in the first latent class (mild but consistent) experienced milder PCS associated pain and reported a significantly higher quality of life, satisfaction with their health, and less interference with sleep quality and sexual desire. Unfortunately, everyday activities (i.e., exercising, urinating, moving, standing, and working) were more likely to increase pain for women in the second latent class.

Conclusions

Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic venous disorders are hindered by outdated evidence on the expected pain depictions. A comprehensive pain profile of PCS is needed to establish the effect on women’s lifestyles, quality of life, and mental health.
Optimizing the individual dosing of paroxetine in major depressive disorder with therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Zhong Lingjun , Hu Linlin , Li Yinghui , Wang Tianyu , Chen Suzhen , Gao Yuanyue , Yuan Yonggui , Shao Hua
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Previous studies have examined the correlation between paroxetine concentrations and therapeutic efficacy in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), but findings have been contradictory.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among plasma concentrations, severity of symptoms, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to optimize individual dosing.

Methods:

Eighty-seven MDD patients, after completing treatment with paroxetine, were divided into low-concentration (LC, n = 38), medium-concentration (MC, n = 27), and high-concentration (HC, n = 22) groups, based on cutoff value concentrations with the 50% response rate and the laboratory alert level from the 2017 consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring in neuropsychopharmacology. The severity of depression and anxiety was evaluated using a 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), respectively. Dosage, plasma concentrations, scale scores, and ADRs were recorded across the three groups at different treatment stages to define the therapeutic reference range.

Results:

The 4-week plasma concentration of paroxetine (65.00 ng/mL) could predict the clinical response in MDD patients at 8 weeks. Symptom relief in patients with 4-week paroxetine concentrations ranging from 65.00 to 120.00 ng/mL at 8 weeks was greater than in those with concentrations below 65.00 ng/mL, with no significant difference observed above this range. In addition, more cases of liver injury and weight gain were observed in patients with high paroxetine concentrations.

Conclusion:

Our results support that early paroxetine concentration may predict clinical efficacy and the incidence of ADRs, thus improving individual dosing regimens for MDD patients.
Serotonin release by parachloroamphetamine in rats with high and low sociability: High prefrontal release capacity in sociable females
Authors: Norden Marianna , Kanarik Margus , Laugus Karita , O’Leary Aet , Liiver Kristi , Tõnissaar Margus , Shimmo Ruth , Harro Jaanus
Published: September 2024

Background:

Social behaviour is the expression of one of the most generally accepted independent dimensions of personality. Serotonergic neurotransmission has been implicated in typical social response and drugs that promote serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) release have prosocial effects. By using the social interaction test, we have previously demonstrated sociability as a temperamental trait in male Wistar rats.

Aims:

To assess sociability in male rats of the Sprague–Dawley strain and in female rats of both Wistar and Sprague–Dawley strain, and extracellular levels of 5-HT in rats with high and low sociability (high sociability (HS)- and low sociability (LS)-rats).

Methods:

Social interaction test conducted with different weight-matched partners was used to assess sociability, and in vivo, microdialysis was performed before and after administration of a low dose (2 mg/kg) of parachloroamphetamine (PCA) in the prefrontal cortex, dorsamedial striatum and ventral tegmental area.

Results:

Similarly to male Wistar rats, female Wistars and Sprague–Dawley rats of both sexes displayed trait-wise sociability. Male Wistar HS-rats had lower extracellular levels of 5-HT in prefrontal cortex at baseline and after administration of PCA, and higher PCA-induced increase of extracellular 5-HT in ventral tegmental area. In dorsomedial striatum, PCA elicited a comparable increase in extracellular dopamine in HS- and LS-rats, but higher release of 5-HT in HS-rats. Comparison of PCA-induced 5-HT release in prefrontal cortex of male and female Sprague–Dawley rats revealed a larger 5-HT response in female HS-rats.

Conclusions:

5-HT release potential is higher in rats with high expression of sociability trait, whereas some regionally variable differences may be related to relative contributions of social motivation and anxiety in shaping social behaviour.
The influence of spatial frequency information on temporal synchrony perception on audiovisual stimuli
Authors: Takeshima Yasuhiro
Published: September 2024

Previous studies have shown that the spatial frequency (SF) of visual stimuli alters the perceived timing of subjective simultaneity. However, these studies have been limited to the effects of a single SF component. In this study, I measured and compared the points of subjective simultaneity (PSS) for audiovisual stimuli among low, high, and composited SF components. This experiment comprised a dual-presentation timing task and a ternary response format to eliminate response bias. The results indicated that the PSS value of the composition-SF stimuli was more toward visual-lead timing than the low-SF stimuli and did not differ significantly from that of the high-SF stimuli. The correlation coefficients showed that the PSS in composition-SF stimuli marginally approximated that of high-SF stimuli higher than that of low-SF stimuli. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings using visual stimuli with a wider range of SF components and with a modulated contrast.
Hybrid Deep-Learning Approach with Geoffrey E. Havers-Based Loss Function and Evaluation Metric for Multilocation Traffic-Flow Forecasting
Authors: Esugo Martin , Haas Olivier , Lu Qian
Published: September 2024

Traffic forecasting can enhance the efficiency of traffic control strategies such as routing decisions, variable speed limits, and ramp metering, resulting in a decrease in congestion, pollutants, and expenses, and an improvement in journey time predictability. Traffic forecasting, however, remains challenging because of the complex, heterogeneous, and cyclic nature of traffic data. To address this complexity, this research employs a multi-input hybrid deep self-attention network (MIHDSAN) for multilocation forecasting. The model inputs are selected using correlation analysis. New tunable loss and evaluation metrics formulations are proposed based on the traffic-modeling Geoffrey E. Havers (GEH) statistic. The proposed method was validated on two independent real-world traffic datasets from Stockton and Oakland, California. The weekly periodicity was the more relevant periodic input feature compared with daily variations; however, the daily variation was also significant for the Stockton dataset. The inclusion of weekly traffic periodicity (>95% correlated) improved the performance of the model by 3%. Adding daily periodicity was only beneficial for the Stockton dataset (91% correlated). The proposed GEH metric and its standard acceptance criterion offer both quantitative and qualitative means of evaluating the forecasts produced. The GEH loss function was consistent and outperformed current industry-standard methodologies of mean absolute error (MAE) in 80% and mean squared error (MSE) in 94% of cases. Therefore, this research presents evidence to suggest that the proposed GEH loss and evaluation functions validated in this paper become a standard criterion for traffic forecasting.
Knee Pain, Joint Loading, and Structural Abnormalities on MRI in 13-Year-Old Children in a Population-Based Birth Cohort
Authors: van Leeuwen Guido J. , Kemmeren Laura A.M. , Piscaer Tom M. , Oei Edwin H.G. , Bindels Patrick J.E. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: September 2024

Background:

Knee pain is a common problem in children and adolescents, and it often has a chronic character.

Purpose:

To examine the prevalence of knee pain in 13-year-old children and assess associations of knee pain with physical factors and the presence of structural abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort, were used. Prevalence and characteristics of knee pain were assessed, using a pain mannequin, in children 13 years of age (N = 1849). Patient characteristics and data on physical activity were extracted from questionnaires. The body mass index standard deviation score and waist-hip ratio were calculated from objectively measured weight and height. Structural abnormalities were assessed by MRI. The differences between children with and without knee pain were also analyzed.

Results:

A prevalence of 8.0% was found for knee pain in children, of which 92.3% persisted for >3 months (ie, chronic); 37.5% of the children experienced pain daily, and the pain was almost always located on the anterior side of the knee (98.6%). Higher body mass index standard deviation scores were seen in children with knee pain than in the children without knee pain. No differences in physical activity were seen between children with and without knee pain. Moreover, in children with knee pain compared with children without knee pain, characteristics of Osgood-Schlatter disease (6.8% vs 1.9%) and bipartite patella type 3 (4.7% vs 0.3%) were more often seen on MRI.

Conclusion:

This study shows that knee pain is a relatively frequent problem in children. It is almost always located on the anterior aspect, has a chronic character, and is often experienced daily. However, the possible implication of structural abnormalities on MRI in children with knee pain and the possible relationship with the development of future knee complaints are still unclear.
A National Survey on Teaching Methods in Advanced Placement (AP) Economics Courses
Authors: Asarta Carlos J. , Buckles Stephen , Harter Cynthia , Mendez-Carbajo Diego
Published: September 2024

This article presents the first report of basic findings from the 2022 online administration of a national survey on teaching methods in Advanced Placement (AP) Economics courses. The authors find that “Chalk and Talk” is the preferred method of instruction in AP courses, but that AP instructors also make use of technology in their presentations via media such as films or movie clips. Those educators offer frequent opportunities for students to engage in classroom discussions with other students and with their instructors. Additionally, the toolbox used by AP instructors includes teaching methods and tools rarely used at the college level, including games and simulations, student self-assessments of learning, cooperative learning/small group assignments, references addressing diversity and inclusion, and databases such as Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Overall, AP Economics instructors seem to offer a diverse range of instructional methods to teach high school economics.
Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs
Authors: Juarez Gardenia A. , Tripken Jennifer , Perera Subashan , Cameron Kathleen , Vincenzo Jennifer L. , Brach Jennifer S.
Published: September 2024

We evaluate the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs (EBFPPs) of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Grantees by (1) describing adoption; (2) evaluating implementation through participant adherence; and (3) describing program maintenance. Secondary data analysis of a national data repository included forty-four ACL grantees spanning 31 states who were funded between September 2014 and December 2019 and provided information on over 80,000 older adult participants. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and means were used to describe adoption, implementation (adherence), and maintenance of EBFPPs. Senior centers were the most common organizations to adopt EBFPPs. Most programs were maintained at their respective organizational site through repeat offerings, with several programs (60%) being offered greater than 10 times. Information regarding adoption, implementation, and maintenance of EBFPPs is valuable in identifying the best programs suited for different organizations and their clientele, which can inform policy for scaling and sustaining EBFPPs across the nation.
A Brief Measure of Classroom Climate for Elementary School Students
Authors: Rosen Jeffrey A. , Willoughby Michael T. , Lauff Erich , Rotermund Susan
Published: September 2024

Since classroom climate is inherently a group level phenomenon, we argue that measures shown to be valid and reliable in multi-level settings are needed. We propose a brief, 5-item measure of classroom climate and demonstrate its reliability and validity in multi-level structural equation models. The measure demonstrated good reliability and we also show the measure’s relationship to a key student outcome, social emotional learning (SEL) knowledge. In classrooms with higher climate levels, fourth grade students are more likely to have higher SEL knowledge.
Beyond a universal principle of justice: Normative implications of preference measurement assumptions
Authors: Nalepa Monika
Published: September 2024

The main conclusions of two classical theories of justice can be represented as solutions to a decision making problem. Rawls’ second principle of justice is a result of applying the maximin criterion for decision-making behind the ‘veil of ignorance’. The utilitarian principle of maximizing average utility, meanwhile, can be traced back to applying the Laplace criterion of decision making behind the veil of ignorance. This article makes explicit the different assumptions about preference measurement and assumptions about interpersonal comparisons of utility that need to be made to use either of these principles. Once these assumptions are made explicit, it becomes clear that the choice between theories of justice cannot be exclusively settled by an exchange of arguments for one kind of distributional arrangement over the other, but is also a question of what kind of measurement assumptions are more plausible in a given context.
Comparison of high-temperature friction and wear behaviours of Ti6Al4V produced by additive manufacturing and casting
Authors: Çakar Anıl , Kılıçay Koray
Published: September 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) methods, especially selective laser melting (SLM), have recently attracted attention because they enable the quick and easy production of complex parts that cannot be produced with traditional manufacturing methods. However, residual stresses in the fabricated components impact their mechanical characteristics and may necessitate additional heat treatments. In this study, SLM-produced Ti6Al4V parts were subjected to a stress relief treatment under argon gas at 790°C for 2 h. The microstructure, microhardness and high-temperature tribological properties were examined comparatively with the traditional casting method. Dry sliding tribological experiments were carried out at different temperatures up to 600°C to compare high-temperature performance. It has been determined that the microstructure of samples produced by casting and SLM comprised β and α phases. The casting sample had 66.02% α grains, whereas the SLM sample had 59.02% α grains. The average microhardness in the SLM sample was marginally higher than that in the casting due to the formation of martensitic α. The results showed that wear rates increased with temperature for each sample. SLM samples exhibited slightly higher wear rates at each test temperature compared to the casting sample, which is attributed to the oxidative wear mechanism. The higher percentage of oxygen in the triboxide layers in the casting sample increased the wear resistance. When examining friction coefficients, an increase in average friction coefficients was observed at a test temperature of 300°C, while a decrease was observed at a test temperature of 600°C.
Women's experience of the information provided along with invitation to participate in BreastScreen Norway
Authors: Moshina Nataliia , Bergan Marie Burns , Holen Åsne Sørlien , Mangerud Gunhild , Hofvind Solveig
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To explore how women aged 50–69 invited to BreastScreen Norway perceived the information provided along with the invitation letter, as well as time spent on reading this information.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was sent, as a paper-based form along with a physical invitation letter, or as a link to a digital form in a digital invitation letter, to 84,543 women invited to BreastScreen Norway in 2022. The paper-based forms were handed in upon screening attendance. The women were invited to screening by physical or digital invitation including an information leaflet describing benefits and harms, or a link to similar information on a webpage. The questionnaire assessed women's perception of the information and time spent on reading it. Responses were presented by screening invitation type (physical/digital).

Results

A total of 9.9% (8355/84,543) of the women responded to the questionnaire. Among women invited by a physical letter, information about the screening examination and about benefits and harms was considered sufficient by 90% (4338/4797) and 89% (4246/4790), respectively, and 92% (4246/4790) reported the information to be sufficient to make an informed decision on participation. Among those invited digitally, the percentages were 83% (2788/3379), 78% (2618/3369), and 88% (2962/3370), respectively. About 59% (4807/8169) spent <5 min reading the information.

Conclusions

Most of the respondents perceived the information received upon invitation to BreastScreen Norway sufficient to make an informed decision on participation and used <5 min to read the information. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the low response rate.
Factors associated with length of stay in medium secure units: A realist review
Authors: Zagham Wajeeha , Kisely Steve , Stedman Terry , Brown Karen , Dark Frances
Published: September 2024

Medium secure mental health units (MSUs) provide a specialised secure environment to assist people recovering from mental illness where less restrictive care has been unsuccessful or been unable to provide safety for the person or the community.

Internationally, it has been found that these units can be associated with prolonged admissions, posing ethical and resource issues.

Objectives

This ‘Realist Review’ aimed to investigate the factors associated with length of stay and outcomes of medium secure care to help inform the development of a local secure care pathway.

Method

The searches generated a total of 1570 entries across multiple search engines. Following removal of duplicates, application of inclusion/exclusion criteria and selection of articles, a total of 18 were reviewed in detail, including a further five articles obtained from references and the explored grey literature.

Results

Several issues influenced not only admission to medium secure units, but also the outcomes. Many articles were retrospective studies relying on administrative data. The realist synthesis provides contextual data to inform program development.

Conclusions

The existing literature, though variable in quality, was limited by the varied jurisdictions and contexts. However it may be useful to inform care pathways for the optimal use of medium secure beds.
Cryptosporidium andersoni–associated proliferative abomasitis in a roan antelope
Authors: Fingerhood Sai , Shotton Justine , Gola Cecilia , Betson Martha
Published: September 2024

A 2-y-old, intact male roan antelope ( Hippotragus equinus) was submitted for routine postmortem investigation after a prolonged history of diarrhea and weight loss. The abomasal mucosa was diffusely thickened and corrugated. Abomasal gland hyperplasia was associated with abundant apical organisms consistent with Cryptosporidium spp. Genomic DNA was extracted from abomasal and intestinal contents and subjected to PCR using primers specific for the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp., followed by Sanger sequencing. The sequence was >99% homologous to Cryptosporidium andersoni. C. andersoni–associated proliferative abomasitis has not been reported previously in a captive hippotraginid, to our knowledge.
Initial development of a rapid, portable, stall-side ELISA for the measurement of equine adrenocorticotropic hormone
Authors: Neufang Lisa , Ramos Joseph , Eda Shigetoshi , Flatland Bente , Giori Luca
Published: September 2024

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a neurodegenerative disease of senior horses. Loss of dopaminergic inhibition of the melanotropes of the pars intermedia leads to increased concentrations of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)–derived peptides. Diagnosis is challenging due to pre-analytical variables, such as sample storage, handling, and time to analysis. Our objective was to develop an ELISA for ACTH measurement, which could ultimately form the basis for a stall-side equine ACTH test. We selected 2 ACTH-specific monoclonal antibodies, CBL57 and EPR20361-248, based on the recognition of separate epitopes, strong and rapid color change, and minimal background interference, including no cross-reactivity with themselves, each other, and the test reagents. CBL57 was chosen as the detection antibody (or secondary antibody). EPR20361-248, functionalized on superparamagnetic iron oxide beads, was chosen as the capture antibody (or primary antibody) to bind ACTH in plasma. The incorporation of magnetic beads marks the initial stage in establishing a platform that could potentially be utilized in the field, similar to other stall-side tests. The concentrations of antibodies, magnetic beads, and incubation durations were optimized. Our immunoassay detected unglycosylated rat recombinant ACTH. Further studies are ongoing to optimize and validate our assay using equine plasma and serum samples.
Designing a Communication Skills Professional Development Course for Healthcare Professionals in the UAE: Reflections on the Process, Challenges, Successes, and Implications
Authors: Coelho Daniela , Goyal Richa , Kanu Sullay , Swift Kathryn , Glasgow Shannon
Published: September 2024

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has expanded to support increasingly economic and technologically competitive environments, often governed by Adult Learning and Education (ALE) principles. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), however, despite the importance given to CPD, the field of ALE remains underdeveloped. Bearing this in mind, a group of five UAE-based trainers documented the design and implementation of a Communication Skills for Caregivers course using the Interactive Model of Program Planning by Caffarella and Daffron. This article discusses the process followed to contribute to the region’s ALE/CPD design discourse as well as to reflect on the trainers’ practices and provide recommendations and implications for future CPD.
Genetic-algorithm-assisted design of chiral honeycomb membrane acoustic metamaterials for broadband noise suppression
Authors: Ghoudjani Mohamadjavad , Ravanbod Mohammad , Ebrahimi-Nejad Salman
Published: September 2024

Low-frequency sound wave reduction is hardly feasible for traditional sound absorbers such as porous media. In contrast, locally resonant acoustic metamaterials act as spatial frequency filters, effectively reducing low-frequency noise. However, these materials can have narrow bandgaps, add extra mass to the main system, and function only within a specifically adjusted frequency range. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology for designing three-dimensional (3D) chiral honeycomb membrane-type acoustic metamaterials (MAM) based on acoustic circular dichroism (ACD), negative effective mass, and local resonance mechanisms (LRM). The paper also uses the genetic algorithm (GA) to maximize sound transmission attenuation and widen bandgaps. The accuracy of the simulations is validated with available experimental data. The key idea of the present study is to automatically design a MAM structure using modern optimization tools. A developed GA aims to maximize the average sound transmission loss (STL) across the desired low-frequency range of 0–850 Hz by optimizing the value of structural parameters associated with the configurations of masses, including rotation and linear offset, as well as their geometrical dimensions, including length and width. COMSOL Livelink with MATLAB is employed as a practical co-simulation tool to find an optimum value for structural parameters. Results indicate a 35% improvement in average STL along with an ultra-wide bandgap with a 507% bandgap coverage factor (BGCF) in the frequency range of interest, verifying the reliability of the developed algorithm. In addition, sound mitigation incidence is justified by exploring the negative effective parameters of the unit cell and displacement vector fields. The proposed designs demonstrate superior performance as both initial and optimized models broke the mass law within the investigated frequency range. Finally, the effect of the selected geometrical parameters on the objective function is observed through sensitivity analysis. This study presents the practical use of optimization algorithms to develop MAMs.
Bridging Culture and Leadership: Unveiling Values and Styles in North Macedonia
Authors: Tomovska Misoska Ana , Mileva Ivona , Bojadjiev Marjan
Published: September 2024

Culture and leadership display various patterns of interrelationship across countries and regions. However, research is sparse for Slavic countries and especially for small countries like the Republic of North Macedonia. Therefore, this paper tries to explore the linkages between culture dimensions and preferred leader behavior in the country focusing on differences between the capital city of Skopje and the rest of the country. The study utilizes Values Survey Module and Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire XII on a sample of 259 employees. The results show statistically significant differences for one cultural dimension and most of the preferred leader behavior dimensions. There is a complex matrix of positive and negative correlations between the culture dimensions and preferred leader behavior with regional variations in the correlation matrix. Having in mind the small and convenient sample, more studies are needed to further explore such linkages.
Societal Culture in Slavic Nations: Effects of Historical Events
Authors: Ljubica Jasenko , Littrell Romie F. , Pubalova Katerina
Published: September 2024

Slavic-heritage countries have a rich and diverse culture shaped by a variety of historical and geopolitical events. Utilizing Hofstede´s Value Survey Module 2008, we study the cultural values of the Slavs, indicating the way businesspeople (employees) and businesses function in these societies. The results of our analyses of data from seven Slavic countries show that the volume and distribution of differences in cultural values is mostly inconsistent, however, several patterns emerged. The magnitude and structure of these differences indicate an influx of values originating from the global West, however, with variations across the tribes, nations and their culture areas. We contribute to the cross-cultural management and leadership literature with this pioneering, systematic comparison, and outline directions for future research to foster a clear(er) understanding thereof, hence, to develop valuable practical guidelines for (international) business professionals.
Positionality as a Data Point in Race Research
Authors: Milner H. Richard , Singer John N. , Parks Laura , Murray Ira , Lane-Bonds Dena
Published: September 2024

Increasingly, journal editors are requesting researchers to include positionality statements in submissions and publications of manuscripts. These statements are a step in the right direction to help consumers of research identify, make sense of, critique, and understand researchers’ roles in race research. However, we stress the need to build positionality framing throughout qualitative research methods, processes, and dissemination. We argue a need for and demonstrate how researchers might construct positionality as a data point for consumers throughout a research process as a form of “me-search” centering race—before, during, and after research.
Differences in Oral Medication Management Improvements by Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status in Home Health Care
Authors: Jung Daniel , Kim Nam Hyo
Published: September 2024

While improving patients’ abilities to manage medications is important for home health care patients for a successful recovery, we have a limited understanding on differences in the improvement by neighborhood disadvantage. Thus, we examined whether improvements in oral medication management vary by neighborhood socioeconomic status among Medicare home health care patients. Our findings show the odds of improvement in oral medication management for patients in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 1.13 times higher (95% CI, 1.11-1.14; p < .001) than those from less disadvantaged neighborhoods. At the same time, we also find that patients in the most disadvantaged (33.6%) were more likely to be excluded due to inpatient facility transitions, compared to patients in less disadvantaged neighborhoods (26.6%). The excluded sample due to inpatient facility transition was more associated with higher ADL scores, risks of hospitalizations, and prevalence in the majority of the chronic condition indicators compared to the main sample.
Teaching Programmatic Buying in a Media Planning Class
Authors: Wu Linwan , Andrews Allyssa
Published: September 2024

Programmatic advertising has come to dominate the landscape of digital media planning. To prepare ad majors for their future careers in the industry, it is essential to teach students programmatic buying and provide them with hands-on experience. In this article, the authors present their approach of integrating teaching programmatic buying into a media planning course. A key feature of their educational package is a custom digital media buying tool developed by the authors. They hope this article will benefit other college educators in this field and spark further discussions on best teaching practices of programmatic buying and digital media planning.
Outcome of traumatic elbow luxation managed with temporary transarticular external skeletal fixation in eight cats
Authors: Jifcovici Alexandra , Hamon Martin , Bouvy Bernard , Bruwier Aurélie , Picavet Pierre P
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcomes in a series of traumatic elbow luxations in cats treated with closed reduction and a temporary transarticular type II external skeletal fixator (ESF).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of traumatic elbow luxation cases in cats at two referral centres. Data collected included signalment, history, clinical assessment, radiographic findings, surgical procedures and complications. Short-term follow-up was based on clinical evaluations at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Long-term follow-up was based either on a telephone interview with the owner or a clinical evaluation.

Results

Eight cats were included. Five cats experienced lateral elbow luxation, while three cats had medial elbow luxation. All cats with medial elbow luxation exhibited radiographic signs of medial humeral epicondylitis. The median age was 9 years (range 3–15). The elbow luxation was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous placement of a temporary transarticular type II ESF, which was removed 2 weeks postoperatively. Two minor complications were recorded. Elbow reluxation and major complications were not encountered. The 6-week postoperative evaluation and long-term follow-up revealed a lameness of grade 1 in 1/8 cats and 0 in the remainder. Elbow range of motion was normal in all cats.

Conclusions and relevance

None of the cases treated with this protocol experienced recurrence of elbow luxation. All cats demonstrated an excellent outcome based on the lameness score, the low complication rate and the follow-up telephone interview. The technique is minimally invasive and carries a low incidence of complications. Concurrent orthopaedic disease, such as medial humeral epicondylitis, may predispose to medial elbow luxation.
A Comparative Study of Algorithms Detecting Differential Rhythmicity in Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Miao Lin , Weidemann Douglas E , Ngo Katherine , Unruh Benjamin A , Kojima Shihoko
Published: September 2024

Rhythmic transcripts play pivotal roles in driving the daily oscillations of various biological processes. Genetic or environmental disruptions can lead to alterations in the rhythmicity of transcripts, ultimately impacting downstream circadian outputs, including metabolic processes and even behavior. To statistically compare the differences in transcript rhythms between 2 or more conditions, several algorithms have been developed to analyze circadian transcriptomic data, each with distinct features. In this study, we compared the performance of 7 algorithms that were specifically designed to detect differential rhythmicity (DODR, LimoRhyde, CircaCompare, compareRhythms, diffCircadian, dryR, and RepeatedCircadian). We found that even when applying the same statistical threshold, these algorithms yielded varying numbers of differentially rhythmic transcripts, most likely because each algorithm defines rhythmic and differentially rhythmic transcripts differently. Nevertheless, the output for the differential phase and amplitude were identical between dryR and compareRhyhms, and diffCircadian and CircaCompare, while the output from LimoRhyde2 was highly correlated with that from diffCircadian and CircaCompare. Because each algorithm has unique requirements for input data and reports different information as an output, it is crucial to ensure the compatibility of input data with the chosen algorithm and assess whether the algorithm’s output fits the user’s needs when selecting an algorithm for analysis.
#BimboTok: a critical discourse analysis of hyper-feminine bimbo identities on TikTok
Authors: Sandall Honor
Published: September 2024

This study adopts a multimodal approach to critical discourse analysis to unpack the discourses embedded in the performance of hyper-feminine bimbo identities on TikTok. Guided by a social semiotic approach to language, this study analyses a corpus of 16 short-form videos published by self-proclaimed ‘bimbos’ on TikTok, focusing on the lexical and iconographical choices of these texts and how they function contextually to signal broader discourses. This analysis reveals that TikTok influencers frequently reinforce hegemonic norms of gender by incorporating bodily signifiers of patriarchal Eurocentric ideals of femininity and linking signifiers of overconsumption and hyper-femininity in their performance of a bimbo identity. Simultaneously, they contest these hegemonic norms by juxtaposing hyper-feminine images with critiques of patriarchal, Eurocentric, and capitalist structures of inequality. Ultimately, the subversive potential of these representations is ambivalent; there is a marked tension between their stated aims of inclusion and empowerment and the intersection of hyper-femininity with privilege.
Parent, meaning who? Biotechnological revolution in human procreation and succession law in Poland
Authors: Rzewuski Maciej
Published: September 2024

Recent developments in assisted reproductive technology (ART) – the use of third parties in the process of fertilization and pregnancy, and cryopreservation of human sperm, ova and human embryos – have contested many previously unchallenged paradigms related to parenthood. Currently, the thesis that a person is created by the physical consummation of two living parents of the opposite sex, is no longer as simple and clear cut. Undoubtedly, these changes affect social norms, including the legal systems of individual states which take divergent stances on the above-mentioned issues. For example, in their approach to filiation relations of a child born through ART and how his/her parents’ data are entered on the child’s birth certificate. Intensified migration movements of Poles to the USA and an increased number of cross-border (Polish and American) relationships have resulted in a growing frequency of foreign birth certificates appearing in Poland. Though incompatible with the Polish law, such certificates provide grounds for certain claims to be filed since vital records are documents of particular importance in every legal order, and in succession proceedings they are of fundamental value. Thus, a question arises as to the viewpoint of Polish law in regard to American birth certificates which do not comply with the rules in force in Poland regarding the filiation indicated therein. Can a child inherit by operation of law from people of the same sex indicated in his/her birth certificate issued abroad and can he/she inherit from all the parents named in such a certificate even if there are more than two of them? Does a child conceived several years after the death of his/her father, whose data feature on the American birth certificate, have a right to inherit from him in Poland? This article attempts to answer these questions.
The gap between journalists’ and audiences’ perceptions of reporting on diversity
Authors: Lee Jee Young , McGuinness Kieran , Park Sora , Fulton Janet , Lukamto William
Published: September 2024

Research suggests that the relationship between journalism and its audience is changing. As online platforms and various organisations participate in the production of information content audience expectations of what constitute news and who produces it is changing. They often seek various resources to meet their information needs, widening the gap between audiences’ and journalists’ perceptions about the role of news. This paper presents findings from a survey of n = 2266 multicultural audiences and n = 196 journalists in Australia to explore this gap. While audiences and journalists were similar in their views about traditional news values such as accuracy and timeliness, gaps emerged in their perceptions of reporting on issues of diversity. Audiences value the importance of diversity in reporting but journalists may consider it as one of the many competing priorities in their practice.