bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China-Australia Tensions and International Higher Education
Authors: Rizvi Fazal
Published: March 2023

Until the election of a new Labor Government in Australia in May 2023, the relations between China and Australia had deteriorated markedly, deeply affecting the prospects of educational links between the two countries. While the relations appear to have now improved somewhat, many of the tensions persist. This paper provides an historical overview of the relations between China and Australia, as a way of showing how despite hostile political attitudes the possibilities of friendly relations at people-to-people level have always persisted. This suggests that even within the context of enduring geopolitical tensions, the broader potential of international education should not be overlooked. However, to realize this potential, it is important to consider how internationalization’s moral and political goals of intercultural communication and understanding might be more effectively promoted, beyond its market orientation.
Chinese Globalization: bri and the Future of Higher Education
Authors: Araya Daniel , Peters Michael A.
Published: March 2023

Since World War ii, the United States and its allies have overseen a global order built on trade liberalization and the development of a Western model of global integration. That order now appears to be winding down. Beyond the era of “Western hegemony”, Asia is returning to the patterns of commerce and cultural exchange that thrived long before European colonialism and American predominance (Khanna, 2019). Underwriting Asia’s resurgence is the return of China. This paper charts China’s rise and Chinese globalization focusing on China as a global technology leader, detailing ai and Chinese human capital development, before turning to China’s global higher education to provide an interpretation of Chinese Globalization.
Examining the Internationalization Policy of Higher Education in China: Historical Stages, Challenges, and Strategies
Authors: Li Jian , Xue Eryong
Published: March 2023

This study explores the internationalization policy of higher education in China from multiple perspectives. It examines the contexts of China’s higher education internationalization policy, the historical development of China’s higher education internationalization policy, the problems faced in the implementation of the internationalization policy of higher education in China, and the countermeasures and suggestions, contextually. In addition, the conclusion and remark have been provided in the last.
International Education After the Covid Years: Recovery, Rebuilding, Reimagining - Towards a New Chinese Internationalism
Authors: Peters Michael A.
Published: March 2023

This synoptic paper enquires into the status of international education after the Covid years in terms of the themes of ‘recovery, rebuilding, reimagining’. It reviews some recent adjustments to international education strategy to recapture the market for international students and looks to unesco’s new social contract for education as a barometer and index for futures of education in a very uncertain world that faces multiple crises. The paper argues that the unesco vision is a strength but must be tempered by a recognition of the shift of gravity in world economy and politics. International education took root based on the values of British and American liberal internationalism. Today it is recommended that scholars in the west also recognize the characteristics and development of Chinese internationalism that has come to inform Chinese international education.
Multiple Perspectives on the Educational Policies on Studying in China During the Epidemic Era
Authors: Li Jian , Li Kun
Published: March 2023

The scale of China’s study in China has expanded and tended to be stable, the educational level of foreign students has been improved, the funding structure has been changed constantly, and the popularity of majors has been dynamically adjusted. This study analyzes multiple perspectives on the educational policies on studying in China during the epidemic era. New policy for Chinese students to study in China during the epidemic period, illustrations of China’s new policy on studying in China during the epidemic period, and the problems and challenges on studying in China during the epidemic period have been examined in this study. In addition, the conclusion and remark have been offered in this study.
Combined Upper-Lower Extremities Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Limanto Cindy A. , Gary Michelle E. , Saadat Ghulam H. , Fu Chih Y. , Phillips Bradley J. , Brown Laura R. , Bokhari Faran
Published: March 2023

Age-related bone loss is believed to increase the risk of traumatic fragility fractures in both men and women. We aimed to determine the risk factors associated with simultaneous fractures in the upper-lower extremities. This retrospective study utilized the ACS-TQIP database from 2017 to 2019 to identify patients with respective fractures caused by ground-level falls. A total of 403,263 patients with femur fractures and 7,575 patients with combined upper-lower extremities (humerus-femur) fractures were identified. Patients had higher odds of combined upper-lower extremities fractures with increasing age: 18-64 (OR 1.05, P < .001); 65-74 (OR 1.72, P < .001); and 75-89 (OR 1.90, P < .001) while adjusting for other statistically significant risk factors. Advanced age increases the risk of traumatic combined upper-lower extremities fractures. Prevention strategies should be emphasized to reduce the burden of simultaneous injury in the upper-lower extremities.
Institutional Analysis of Metaplastic Breast Cancer
Authors: Alongi Ashlyn M. , Pettis Jaron , Rivere Amy , Elder Erin A. , Fuhrman George
Published: March 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is typically managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC), a subtype of TNBC, demonstrates different histologic characteristics and less responsiveness to NAC. We performed this study to achieve a better understanding of MBC, including the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We identified patients diagnosed with MBC from January 2012 to July 1, 2022. A control group of TNBC breast cancer patients from 2020 who did not meet the criteria for MBC was identified. Demographic data, tumor and nodal characteristics, management strategies employed, response to systemic chemotherapy, and treatment outcomes were recorded and compared between groups. A total of 22 patients were included in the MBC group and demonstrated a 20% response to NAC compared to an 85% response rate in the 42 patients in the TNBC group ( P = .003). Five patients have recurred (23%) in the MBC group compared to none in the TNBC group ( P = .013).
Does Affirmative Action in Indian Central Universities Impact Research Productivity?
Authors: Ravikumar S , Lamin Gayang Fullstar , Gonmei Thuanthailiu , Boruah Bidyut Bikash
Published: March 2023

Affirmative action (AA) has long been viewed negatively in contemporary society. The political philosophies of AA are still widely misunderstood and fiercely debated around the world today. The argument against AA is that faculty hired through AA are less efficient than those hired through open/general category. This research attempts to empirically assess if professors from the Other Backward Class (OBC), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories in India’s three Central Universities are equally productive and effective as their General category counterparts. The effectiveness of the four teaching categories (General/OBC/SC/ST) was evaluated using the CCR model of Data Envelopment Analysis, while the productivity of teachers was estimated using bibliometric analysis. The data analysis demonstrates that AA positively impacts the research productivity of marginalized groups, except ST, which has very low representation in Pure and Applied Sciences, with OBC and SC performing on par with their General counterpart when placed in higher productivity subjects.
The Near-Death Experience and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: King Robert A.
Published: March 2023

The near-death experience (NDE) most generally refers to a state of altered consciousness with various features that can occur during real or presumed near-death circumstances and/or life-threatening incidents. Some NDEs are associated with a nonfatal suicide attempt. This paper discusses how a belief by suicide attempters that their NDEs are a true portrayal of objective spiritual reality can at least in some cases be positively associated with a persistence or increase of suicidal ideation and on occasion lead to further suicide attempts, while also exploring why at other times such a belief may reduce the risk of suicide. The formulation of suicidal ideation associated with NDEs among some of those who did not initially try to kill themselves is also explored. Various examples related to NDEs and suicidal ideation are provided and discussed. Furthermore, this paper also offers some theoretical insights related to this matter and points out some specific therapeutic concerns based on this discussion.
Solving Algebraic Word Problems Using General Heuristics Instruction
Authors: Witzel Bradley , Myers Jonté A.
Published: March 2023

Solving word problems is a large part of algebra coursework and statewide testing. However, solving secondary mathematics word problems is difficult for most students and extremely challenging for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). In recent meta-analyses, two problem solving strategies emerged as effective for secondary students with SLD: Schema-Based Instruction (SBI) and General Heuristics Instruction (GHI). While SBI has been highlighted in recent works, GHI deserves further explanation. In this article, we provide details of GHI and highlight its flexibility and utility using different algebra examples.
Coordination as Naturalistic Social Ontology: Constraints and Explanation
Authors: Shevchenko Valerii
Published: March 2023

In the paper, I propose a project of social coordination as naturalistic social ontology (CNSO) based on the rules-in-equilibria theory of social institutions (Guala and Hindriks 2015; Hindriks and Guala 2015). It takes coordination as the main ontological unit of the social, a mechanism homological across animals and humans, for both can handle coordination problems: in the forms of “animal conventions” and social institutions, respectively. On this account, institutions are correlated equilibria with normative force. However, if both humans and animals solve coordination problems in a similar way, and only humans have social institutions, how do the latter evolve? I suggest identifying possible causes of this evolution among cognitive capacities like mindreading and imitation by building dynamic models. Social ontology becomes constrained by the evolution of the forms of coordination and by the cognitive mechanisms involved in the emergence and persistence of social institutions. It means that it becomes bound to what might be derived from social institutions, i.e., social roles, structures and their derivatives. It shows how conceptual relations might emerge from causal. I conclude the paper with the discussion of the relationship between involved types of explanation, mechanistic and equilibrium ones.
Perspectives on the Afghanistan War: Commentaries on a Misadventure
Authors: Inbody Donald S. , Shields Patricia M.
Published: March 2023

This article introduces the Symposium on the Afghanistan War. During and after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, emotions ran high. This special issue responds to public calls for further in-depth study of the Afghanistan War. We assembled an international array of interdisciplinary scholars who address reasons the mission became a misadventure. Additional papers focus on the consequences borne by the people who served and the institutions that fought America’s longest war.
Experimental implementation of a vehicle anti-lock brake system employing intelligent active force control with a P-type iterative learning algorithm
Authors: Al-Mola Mohammed H , Mailah Musa , Abdelmaksoud Sherif I
Published: March 2023

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an active safety device used in ground vehicles to increase the brake force between the tire and the road during panic braking. Due to the high non-linearity of the tire and road interaction plus uncertainties derived from vehicle dynamics, a standard proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is not deemed enough for the system to produce optimum performance. An active force control (AFC) based scheme is proposed to enhance the robustness of the system and reject undesirable disturbances. A P-type iterative learning algorithm (ILA) is implemented in the AFC loop to estimate the vital parameter continuously for force feedback compensation. In this paper, the control scheme to be known as PID-ILAFC was validated experimentally through its implementation on a test rig. A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test via LabVIEW was formulated with novel intelligent control schemes to execute the algorithm in real-time, thereby practically verifying the response of the ABS in the wake of parametric changes and varied operating and loading conditions. The PID-ILAFC controller is specifically designed to provide a proper slip ratio close to the reference value, a reduced stopping distance, and stability in vehicle movement during panic braking. The results clearly exhibit more robustness and superior performance of the AFC-based ABS in achieving the reduced stopping distance and good slip ratio in comparison to the PID and passive counterparts for a dry road condition setting.
Residential Instability and Suicidal Ideation Among Persons on Parole
Authors: Boyas Javier F. , Valera Pamela , McCoy Leah , Woodiwiss Jana
Published: March 2023

Parolees experience numerous barriers that may impact successful reintegration into society. Residential instability may further add to these obstacles, as there may be limited opportunities for housing given their criminal history. The present study aimed to examine the impact of residential instability on suicidal ideation among parolees. Results indicated that residentially stable and unstable individuals had similar risk factors which were significantly associated with suicidality, such as age and having perceived unmet mental health needs. Other risk factors differed among the two groups, highlighting the importance of treatment and preparation for re-entry into society while in the prison setting.
A Ridepooling Bidding Model Considering Service Quality from the Perspective of Cournot Game Theory
Authors: Yuan PengCheng
Published: March 2023

Pricing for ridepooling services may be affected by travel needs, penalties, and ride service quality. Firstly, this paper explores pricing methods based on the perceived value of the ride as compared to the distance–time prices and penalties and proposes a ridepooling travel utility function for pricing strategies. Then this paper develops a combined optimization ridepooling scheduling model integrating order allocation and path optimization (CORM), and designs a hybrid simulated annealing (HSA) heuristic algorithm for solving this model. Based on the Cournot game theory, this paper further develops a ridepooling bidding model (RBM) that can simultaneously optimize the seekers’ utility and the profit of the ridepool platform. The effectiveness of the CORM and HSA are verified, and the superiority of the RBM has also been proved by a numerical simulation example. The results show the following: (1) neither the low distance–time price and high penalty price strategy nor the high distance–time and low penalty price strategy is an absolute advantage strategy for ridepooling passengers and the platform; (2) compared with the CORM, the RBM can not only effectively improve the profit of ridepooling platform, but also improve the success rate of ridepooling.
Mechanistic Assessment of Flexible Pavements in Wisconsin Using Traffic Speed Deflectometer
Authors: Morovatdar Ali , Mandal Tirupan , Arabzadeh Ali , Kemp Peter
Published: March 2023

The traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) has been gaining interest for pavement management practices, as it can continuously collect deflection data at traffic speed without requiring traffic control. TSD data have been typically used to provide an estimate of the structural condition of pavements with a limited range of significant parameters considered in the analysis. To date, limited studies have been conducted in or for cold regions to consider the potential use of TSD data for pavement structural assessment. This study aimed to bridge this gap by developing a twofold approach to: (1) mechanistically characterize the structural integrity and remaining life of pavements; and (2) compare TSD and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data collected in the field, considering the features of pavement facilities in Wisconsin. A field testing plan was developed to characterize the site-specific features of eight representative pavement sections, with a total length of about 30 mi and distinct pavement structures, truck traffic patterns, and climatic conditions. The postprocessed results underscored the significance of the TSD data and their potential for the structural evaluation of underlying layers in a multilayered pavement system when integrated with the site-specific pavement profile and truck traffic information derived from field testing. A comparison of the normalized deflections and structural parameters characterized by TSD and FWD data showed similar trends, while the average FWD-based deflections were 12%–37% higher than the TSD-based deflections.
Birth Control as a National Challenge: Nationalizing Concepts of Families in Eastern Europe, 1914–1939
Authors: Hein-Kircher Heidi , Hiemer Elisa-Maria
Published: March 2023

Providing the conceptional framework of the special issue and discussing its main hypotheses, the introductory article points out that extraordinary vivid discourses on birth control in journalism emerged during East Central Europe's interwar period. They fought for more liberal attitudes towards birth control, but were combined with a peculiar emphasis on the nation, since they were more intensively colored by and integrated in nationalizing discourses. Thus, they became an essential part of the question of how the society should like, so that they were only partly a reflection of female self-empowerment. Thus, birth control as a core method of family planning at that time had become an issue of national survival.
How to Engage Employees in Corporate Social Responsibility? Exploring Corporate Social Responsibility Communication Effects Through the Reasoned Action Approach
Authors: Dong Chuqing , Zhang Yafei , Ao Song
Published: March 2023

Increasingly, employees are recognized as important enactors and contributors to corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, making their engagement a critical consideration of internal stakeholder management. While the positive outcomes of employees’ CSR engagement have been extensively investigated, the present study focuses on an essential yet understudied question: How do employees engage in organizational CSR activities through communication efforts? We proposed and tested an employee-centered CSR engagement model based on the reasoned action approach. Findings from a survey with 406 employees indicated that CSR communication consisting of both instrumental and co-creational aspects could effectively foster employees’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement in CSR. Positive attitudes and perceived supportive workplace norms regarding CSR participation are key mediators. This study answers the call for more research on the individual-level drivers of CSR engagement from an employee perspective and offers practical implications for internal CSR communication design.
Effect of thermal expansion on three-dimensional reinforced concrete frames under high temperature
Authors: Vishal M , Satyanarayanan KS
Published: March 2023

When exposed to high temperatures, reinforced concrete members undergo major changes in their properties which in turn affects their structural performance. Fire accidents in frame structures at local or global level may lead to collapse of structures. Structural fire has dire consequences like collapse of structures, colour changes, spalling of concrete and failure of essential elements. It is essential to study the conduct of reinforced concrete frame under thermal expansion in order to understand fire-induced collapse of concrete structures. This study observes how a three dimensional single-bay single-storey reinforced concrete frame is performed under thermo-mechanical analysis in ABAQUS (FEA). The paper aims to note the effect of slab and infill wall with respect to thermal expansion. The paper also discusses the main findings regarding the structural performance, structural leading conditions and structural stiffness of the reinforced concrete frame with slab and infill wall under thermal expansion. The results found that the infill frame has better stiffness and performs well under fire conditions.
Analyzing the tribological and mechanical performance of Al-6061 with rare earth oxides: An experimental analysis
Authors: Sharma Vipin Kumar , Kumar Pardeep , Akhai Shalom , Kumar Vinod , Joshi Ravinder Singh
Published: March 2023

This article aims to evaluate the effect of ceria oxide as rare earth oxides (REOs) on the tribological properties of aluminum hybrid composites with varied concentrations of reinforcing elements such as silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, and ceria oxide. In order to accomplish this, composites were produced by varying the percentage of SiC/Al2O3 in the Al-6061 matrix from 2.5 to 7.5 wt% and the quantity of CeO2 from 0.5 to 2.5 wt%. The formation of the intermetallic phase (Al4Ce3) as a result of the integration of cerium oxide into aluminum composites at concentrations between 0.5 and 2.5 wt% results in a wear rate improvement of up to 87.28%. The objective of developing Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LMA) neural networks is to forecast how the tribological behavior of hybrid composites would be altered by the addition of REOs based on data acquired from wear testing. The correlation value (R) and mean square error are found to be 0.987 and 4.3424e−10, respectively, which is an indication of good fit for the model with high significance. The findings indicate that the LMA neural network models accurately forecast the tribological properties of REOs–aluminum hybrid composites.
Perceptions and realities: Explaining welfare chauvinism in Europe
Authors: Bell David Andreas , Valenta Marko , Strabac Zan
Published: March 2023

Welfare chauvinism is largely understood as the view that the benefits of the welfare state should primarily be given to the native population, and not shared with the immigrant populations. Using a multilevel approach, we analyse welfare chauvinism in Europe and test to see how different contextual and macro-economic conditions may influence welfare chauvinistic attitudes in Europe, with a particular focus on different nuances of unemployment. We also test how individuals’ subjective perceptions of the economic development in their society may influence welfare chauvinism in Europe. The analysis finds that welfare chauvinistic attitudes have increased in strength in Central-Eastern European welfare states, whereas the most exclusionary form of welfare chauvinism is near non-existent in the Nordic welfare regimes. We further find that it is the subjective perceptions of the macro-economic conditions and the strength of far-right populism, rather than the actual objective reality of a society’s economic situation that drives welfare chauvinistic attitudes in Europe.
Intestinal involvement in lupus: From pathophysiology to therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Carlé Caroline , Mas Emmanuel , Barreau Frédérick
Published: March 2023

Lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by skin and/or systemic involvement. Among systemic disorders, half of the patients will experience non-specific digestive symptoms, usually due to drug medication or transitory infections. In rare cases, lupus enteritis can be observed, and its diagnosis may precede the disease and/or be associated with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Among the underlying mechanisms explaining the digestive damages observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the intestinal barrier function (IBF), increased intestinal permeability, microbiota dysbiosis, and intestinal immune system dysregulations are described in numerous murine and human studies. New therapeutic approaches in addition to conventional treatments are evoked in order to better control the IBF disruption and maybe prevent the onset or worsening of the disease. Thus, the aims of this review are to present the alterations of the digestive tract in SLE patients and the link between SLE and IBD as well as how the different elements of the IBF could participate in SLE pathogenesis.
Morphology-controlled stabilised polyaniline nanoparticles and their electrorheological properties
Authors: Allais CP , Foot PJS , Singer RJ
Published: March 2023

Nanoparticles and sub-microparticles of the conducting polymers polyaniline (PANI), polyanisidine (PoANIS) and their copolymers were synthesised, deprotonated and dispersed in viscous media in order to study the influence of their synthetic conditions and of steric stabilisers (cellulose-based materials) on the physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of the polymers. Electrorheological (ER) measurements were performed and related to the polymer properties. The polymer particles had various loadings of stabilisers, depending on the polymer/stabiliser interactions and the stabiliser concentration. When stabilised with hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), the PANI particles contained traces of HEC, while PoANIS, less stabilised by the electron-rich HEC molecules, did not. Stabilised PANI-HEC synthesised at 0°C readily formed small fibres that, when deprotonated, displayed a large electrorheological response (yield stress ca. 800 Pa at 3.2 kV.mm−1). PoANIS prepared under the same conditions yielded a polydisperse cenospheric material with no ER activity.
Multiple Vulnerabilities in Access to and Utilising of Maternal and Child Health Services in India: A Spatial–Regional Analysis
Authors: Mishra Prem Shankar , Syamala T. S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Although there are multiple vulnerabilities in the utilisation of maternal and child health (MCH) services in India, research has always been focused on single-dimension vulnerabilities like economic or social vulnerabilities. Individuals who are poor may also face other types of vulnerabilities that together affect access to health services. This article, therefore, investigates the linkages between multiple vulnerabilities and the utilisation of MCH care services.

Materials and Methods

Data from National Family Health Survey (2015–2016) for India and states were used for analysing the key outcome variables namely women received four or more antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery, postnatal care (PNC) and full immunisation for children in the age group of 12–23 months. Bivariate analysis and binomial-logistic regression analysis were employed to examine the multiple vulnerabilities on utilising MCH services across three dimensions of vulnerabilities, such as education, wealth and caste.

Results

Women with multiple vulnerabilities were less likely to utilise essential MCH services. Women who faced vulnerabilities in all three dimensions were less likely to have received four or more ANC and postnatal care than those who were not deprived of any vulnerabilities (0.3 vs. 0.9 and 0.4 vs. 0.8, respectively). They were also less likely to deliver in health facilities and avail child immunisation (0.5 vs. 0.8 and 0.3 vs. 0.7, respectively).

Conclusion

A multi-sectoral approach is therefore required to deal with the issues of low access and underutilisation of MCH services.
Lesions and viral loads in racing pigeons naturally coinfected with pigeon circovirus and columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 in Australia
Authors: Nath Babu K. , Das Shubhagata , Tidd Naomie , Das Tridip , Forwood Jade K. , Raidal Shane R.
Published: March 2023

Columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CoHV1) is associated with oral or upper respiratory tract lesions, encephalitis, and occasional fatal systemic disease in naive or immunosuppressed pigeons. Clinical disease is often reported with CoHV1 and coinfecting viruses, including pigeon circovirus (PiCV), which may cause host immunosuppression and augment lesion development. A natural outbreak of CoHV1 and PiCV coinfection occurred in a flock of 60 racing rock pigeons ( Columba livia), in which 4 pigeons succumbed within 7 d of clinical onset. Lesions included suppurative stomatitis, pharyngitis, cloacitis, meningitis, and tympanitis, with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies consistent with herpesviral infection. In addition, large numbers of botryoid intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were present in the skin, oral mucosa, and bursa of Fabricius, suggestive of circoviral infection, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The concurrent viral load of CoHV1 and PiCV was high in liver, oropharynx, and bursa of Fabricius. We found PiCV in oro-cloacal swabs from 44 of 46 additional birds of variable clinical status, PiCV alone in 23 birds, and coinfection with CoHV1 in 21 birds. Viral copy numbers were significantly higher ( p < 0.0001) for both viruses in clinically affected pigeons than in subclinical qPCR-positive birds. The CoHV1-induced lesions might have been exacerbated by concomitant PiCV infection.
Salmonellosis in elephants in managed care: report of 2 cases and literature review
Authors: Macías-Rioseco Melissa , Ochoa Jennine , Asín Javier , Moeller Robert B. , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: March 2023

In animals, salmonellosis is seen typically as enteritis and/or septicemia. Subclinical infection also occurs, and outwardly healthy animals can serve as reservoirs of infection. Reports of salmonellosis in elephants are rare, limited to a few serovars, and the gross and microscopic lesions of enteric salmonellosis in this species have not been described in detail. We present here, in 2 elephants in managed care settings, cases of salmonellosis that resulted from infection by Salmonella enterica serovar Muenchen and S. enterica serovar Montevideo, serovars that have not been described previously as the cause of salmonellosis in elephants, to our knowledge. We also review the literature on salmonellosis in elephants. Animal A, an adult Asian elephant that was euthanized because of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, had multifocal, necrotizing, suppurative enterocolitis, and necrotizing gastritis. Animal B, an adult African elephant with chronic, recurrent colic, followed by death, had necrotizing typhlocolitis. The origin of infection was not determined in either case. The animals came from different facilities and did not have a common feed source. Previously reported cases of salmonellosis in elephants were caused by Salmonella Dublin, Salmonella Typhimurium, or Salmonella Enteritidis. The definitive diagnosis of salmonellosis is made based on compatible gross and microscopic lesions, coupled with the detection of Salmonella spp. in the affected tissues. Effective biosecurity should be adopted to minimize the risk of salmonellosis in elephants in managed care.
Neurologic and cutaneous infection by Clostridium piliforme in a kitten with systemic Tyzzer disease
Authors: Oliveira Eric S. , Queiroz Cintia R. R. , Santos Daniel O. , Moreira Larissa G. A. , Xavier Rafael G. C. , Pierezan Felipe , Santos Renato L. , Lobato Francisco C. F. , Silva Rodrigo O. S. , Giaretta Paula R.
Published: March 2023

Tyzzer disease (TD) is a highly fatal condition of animals caused by Clostridium piliforme and characterized pathologically by enteritis, hepatitis, myocarditis, and occasionally encephalitis. Cutaneous lesions have been reported only rarely in animals with TD, and infection of the nervous system has not been described in cats, to our knowledge. We describe here neurologic and cutaneous infection by C. piliforme in a shelter kitten with systemic manifestations of TD and coinfection with feline panleukopenia virus. Systemic lesions included necrotizing typhlocolitis, hepatitis, myocarditis, and myeloencephalitis. The cutaneous lesions consisted of intraepidermal pustular dermatitis and folliculitis, with necrosis of keratinocytes and ulceration. Clostridial bacilli were identified within the cytoplasm of keratinocytes by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and a PCR assay was positive for C. piliforme. C. piliforme can infect keratinocytes leading to cutaneous lesions in cats with the location suggesting direct contact with contaminated feces as a route of infection.
Switch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable Complex-Deficient Rhabdoid Carcinoma of Stomach: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Minzhi , Yao Xing , Ping Jinliang , Shen Hua , Wei Yunhai , Wang Wei-Lin
Published: March 2023

Gastric undifferentiated/rhabdoid carcinoma is a rare highly invasive tumor of epithelial origin. Due to mutations in the switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex, these tumor cells are usually dedifferentiated, presenting a characteristic rhabdoid profile. In this report, we present a gastric rhabdoid carcinoma in a 77-year-old man who presented with intermittent epigastric pain. Gastroscopy revealed a giant ulcer in the antrum, which proved to be a malignant tumor in the biopsy. Therefore, he was admitted to our hospital and underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy. The resected neoplasm contained a variety of rhabdoid cells that lacked well-differentiated elements. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that SMARCA4/BRG1 expression was absent in tumor cells. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with undifferentiated/rhabdoid carcinoma of the stomach. The patient was treated with tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil potassium capsules postoperatively. There were no signs of imaging changes observed at the 18-month follow-up. We reviewed similar cases in previous reports. These tumors are more likely to affect older male adults and usually lack typical symptoms. Histologically, most tumor cells are poorly cohesive and rhabdoid, and differentiated compositions of various degrees can occasionally be seen. Positive staining for vimentin was seen in all tumor cells. Epithelial markers are positive in the majority of tumors. SWI/SNF mutant tumors tend to be associated with a poor prognosis. In this review, more than half of the patients died within one year after surgery. The treatments for these diseases are still being explored.
Risk factors for skin injuries in cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheter: A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Wang Rong , Li Yuan , Xiang Ling , Chen Ke-jian , Wang Xu , Mao Ling-ling , Wei Wen-shi , Wang Xi-feng , Chen Ya-mei , Wang Mei-ling , Liu Ming-hong , Yang Yi-qun
Published: March 2023

Background:

The risk factors for skin injuries remain poorly understood in cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). We herein aimed at exploring the effect of clinical factors on the risk of PICC-related skin injuries.

Methods:

We included 1245 cancer patients with PICC from 16 hospitals in Suzhou, China. The study outcome was in-hospital skin injuries, including contact dermatitis, skin (epidermal) stripping, tension injury, allergic dermatitis, skin tear, maceration, folliculitis, and pressure injury.

Results:

During hospitalization, 274 patients (22.0%) developed skin injuries after prolonged use of an indwelling catheter. Univariable logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors for PICC-related skin injuries; multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors independently and significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with the risk of PICC-related skin injuries: body mass index (BMI, >25 kg/m2 versus <18.5 kg/m2: odds ratio (OR), 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–3.11), skin condition (humid vs normal: OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.62–5.43), skin indentation (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 3.31–6.58), allergic history (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.21–3.66), history of dermatitis (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.00–9.28), history of eczema (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.20–9.43), catheter insertion site (under elbow vs. upper arm: OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.12–9.90), and PICC maintenance interval (4–5 days vs ⩽3 days: OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.50; 5–7 days vs ⩽3 days: OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02–0.31; 7–9 days vs ⩽3 days: OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02–0.57).

Conclusions:

BMI, skin condition, skin indentation, allergic history, history of dermatitis, history of eczema, catheter insertion site, and PICC maintenance interval were independent risk factors for PICC-related skin injuries in cancer patients. This knowledge will guide future studies with formulating optimal treatment strategies for improving the skin health of cancer patients with PICC.
Prospective multicenter study of a novel endovascular venous anastomotic procedure and device for implantation of an arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis
Authors: Burgess Jason S , Beaver Jason D , London Mark , Rohan Vinayak , Orland Paul , Yevzlin Alexander , Setum Cindy , Ross John ,   InterGraft Study Investigators
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

The traditional sutured venous anastomosis used during arteriovenous graft implantation is associated with a high incidence of subsequent stenosis that is attributed to neointimal hyperplasia. Hyperplasia results from multiple factors, including hemodynamic abnormalities and vessel trauma during implantation. A novel anastomotic connector device was designed to provide an alternative, less traumatic, endovascular venous anastomosis that may ameliorate the clinical challenges associated with a sutured anastomosis. A prospective single-arm multicenter study was performed to evaluate safety and effectiveness of graft implantation using the study device.

Methods:

Patients requiring graft creation and who met the study criteria were enrolled between February 2018 and July 2021 and observed for 6 months. Collected data included baseline characteristics, graft patency and use for hemodialysis, graft interventions, and adverse events. The primary study endpoint was cumulative graft patency, compared to a pre-specified Performance Goal of 75%. Secondary endpoints included primary unassisted patency and serious adverse events, defined as the occurrence of death, graft infection, emergent surgery, significant bleeding, and pseudoaneurysm.

Results:

A total of 158 patients were enrolled from 10 study sites, among which 144 subjects were evaluable at 6 months and 14 were censored with partial follow-up observation. Three patients died and the graft was abandoned in 12. The primary endpoint was met ( p-value < 0.001). By Kaplan Meier survival analysis, cumulative patency was 92.08% with a lower 95% Confidence Bound of 86.98%. Primary unassisted patency was 60.21% with a lower 95% Confidence Bound of 50.84%. Graft infections occurred in six patients, all unrelated to the study device. There were no reports of emergent surgery, significant bleeding or pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that the study device can be used for successful endovascular anastomosis of a vein to a graft for hemodialysis, with acceptable cumulative patency and safety profile at 6 months.

Clinical Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02532621
6A13-T6 high-strength aluminium alloy beams: Test, finite element analysis and design recommendations
Authors: Zhong Chang-jun , Chen Gang , Feng Ruo-qiang , Huang Yong-qi
Published: March 2023

6A13-T6 high-strength aluminium alloy material has excellent mechanical properties, but the lack of research on its mechanical properties is the biggest obstacle to its application in building engineering. This paper reports the test results of material tensile and member bending and finite element simulation to reveal the constitutive curve, failure mode, and ultimate bearing capacity of 6A13-T6 high-strength aluminium alloy. Specifically, the non-proportional yield strength of 6A13-T6 exceeds 340 MPa, the ultimate strength reaches 352 MPa, and the elongation after fracture is 14.5%. All the tested members have an evident bending phenomenon, and the width-to-thickness ratio determines the significant degree of local buckling. The Chinese code takes too much account of the reduction of section thickness and does not consider the plastic development of the section, so the predicted bearing capacity is conservative. The American code does not fully consider the effect of section plasticity, which is also conservative. The finite element modelling technology adopted is reasonable and feasible. The section can provide a greater bearing capacity when it enters the plastic strengthening stage. The local buckling will limit the bearing capacity, while the plate group effect can improve the bearing capacity of the member. It is suggested to increase the section plastic development coefficient in the Chinese code to 1.15. The results of this survey provide a reference for designers and engineers to use 6A13-T6 conveniently.
Analyzing frame analysis: A critical review of framing studies in social movement research
Authors: van Dijk Teun A
Published: March 2023

This critical review of more than three decades of studies of frames and framing in Social Movement (SM) research first offers a brief history of the notion of ‘frame’ in various disciplines, and then discusses empirical studies of frame alignment, frame disputes, frame resonance and master frames, among other notions. It is found that the very notion of discursive of cognitive frames remains very vague in these studies, and what are actually studied are for instance, beliefs, attitudes, goals, ideologies or values, especially how they are expressed in discourse. Also studies of relations between frames and culture, identity and discourse show that the notions of frames and framing are theoretically and methodologically unsatisfactory in empirical studies. It is concluded that the methods of the cultural paradigm of SM research may take advantage of the advances of more explicit methods in the study of language, discourse, interaction and cognition.
Task-Evoked Pupillary Response as a Potential Biomarker of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zeeman Michael , Figeys Mathieu , Brimmo Tolani , Burnstad Cleo , Hao Jasmine , Kim Esther S
Published: March 2023

Pupil dilation functions as a proxy for cognitive effort and can be measured through automated pupillometry. The aim of this scoping review is to examine how individuals with cognitive impairment differ in task-evoked pupillary responses relative to cognitively healthy individuals. A systematic literature search across six databases was conducted to identify studies examining changes in pupillary responses evoked by cognitive tasks comparing patients with dementia to healthy controls. Eight articles met inclusion criteria and were included for review. Differences in task-evoked pupillary response between cognitively impaired and cognitively healthy participants were observed across studies. Pupil dilation is decreased in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease compared to controls, with no difference observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment. A mild, non-significant trend towards reduced pupil dilation in patients with either Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies suggests a similar but less pronounced effect than in AD patients. Further research is required to examine the utility of task-evoked pupillary responses as a potential biomarker indexing cognitive decline in individuals transitioning to mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia.
Predictors of recurrence after paclitaxel drug-coated balloon use for treating femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis
Authors: Taha Ashraf Gamal , Saleh Mahmoud Ismael , Ali Haitham , Gamal Walid M
Published: March 2023

Objective

Paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (PDCB) angioplasty has been shown to be an effective treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) at the femoropopliteal (FP) arteries. Long-term studies, however, have shown a progressive decrease in the patency rates following PDCB. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of stenosis recurrence after PDCB treatment of FP-ISR, and its immediate and mid-term outcomes.

Methods

This prospective, non-randomized study included all chronic lower extremity ischemia patients of Rutherford class 3–6 who underwent PDCB angioplasty to treat >50% FP-ISR between June 2017 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was primary patency, defined as freedom from binary restenosis and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included 12-months freedom from CD-TLR and major adverse events (MAEs).

Results

A total of 73 symptomatic chronic limb ischemia patients (73 limbs including 63 with limb threatening ischemia) underwent PDCB angioplasty of FP-ISR lesions (13.7% Tosaka class I, 54.8% class II, and 31.5% class III). The mean ISR lesion length was 121.8 ± 52.7 mm. Technical success was achieved in 70 (95.9%) patients. Kaplan–Meier estimate of the 12-months rates of primary patency and freedom from CD-TLR was 76.1% and 87.4%, respectively. At one year, MAEs occurred in eight patients (11.0%) including two deaths (2.7%), one major amputation (1.4%), and six (8.2%) surgical revascularizations. Multivariable analysis showed that Tosaka class III ISR (HR 4.51, CI: 1.31–15.53, p < 0.001) and reference vessel diameter (HR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18–080, p = 0.01) were independently associated with recurrent ISR.

Conclusions

PDCB is safe and effective treatment of FP-ISR lesions. Occlusive ISR lesions and reference vessel diameter were independently associated with recurrent ISR stenosis after PDCB treatment.
Acceptability of a peer-led self-management program for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in regional Southern Tasmania in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Mudzingwa Innocent Tawanda , Ayton Jennifer E
Published: March 2023

Objectives

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in regional communities experience a higher disease burden and have poorer access to support services. This study sought to investigate the acceptability of a peer-led self-management program (SMP) in regional Tasmania, Australia.

Methods

This descriptive qualitative study, underpinned by interpretivism used semi-structured one-to-one interviews to gather data to explore COPD patients’ views of peer-led SMPs. Purposeful sampling recruited a sample of 8 women and 2 men. Data was analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The three final themes, ‘Normality and Living with the disease’, a ‘Platform for sharing’ and ‘Communication mismatch’ suggest that peer-led SMPs could offer an opportunity to share experiences. The themes also suggest that COPD often manifested as a deviation from ‘normal life’. Communication was often felt to be ambiguous leading to tension between the health experts and people living with the condition.

Discussion

Peer-led SMP has the potential to provide the much-needed support for people living with COPD in regional communities. This will ensure that they are empowered to live with the condition with dignity and respect. Benefits of exchanging ideas and socialisation should not be ignored and may enhance sustainability of SMPs.