bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) participatory learning and action women’s groups to improve infant feeding and practices in South Asian infants: pilot randomised trial study protocol
Authors: Manikam Logan , Allaham Shereen , Patil Priyanka , Naman Maryan , Ong Zhen Ling , Demel Isabel-Cathérine , Batura Neha , Llewellyn Clare , Hayward Andrew , Lakshman Rajalakshmi , Gilmour Jenny , Webb-Martin Kelley , Irish Carol , Archibong Mfon , Clarkson Corinne , Delceta Daley , Islam Lily , Bajwa Seema , Malek Sabiha , Bhachu Jasvir , Pushpakanthan Geromini , Heys Michelle , Lakhanpaul Monica
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Feeding practices developed in early life can impact a child’s nutrition, growth, dental health, cognitive development and lifetime risk of chronic diseases. Substantial evidence suggests ethnic health inequalities, and non-recommended complementary infant feeding practices among UK’s South Asian (SA) population. Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition aims to use women’s group participatory learning and action (PLA) cycles to optimise infant feeding, care and dental hygiene practices in SA infants <2 years in East London.

Methods and analysis

A three-arm pilot feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial will assess feasibility, acceptability, costs and explore preliminary effectiveness for proposed primary outcome (ie, reporting on body mass index (BMI) z-score). Multilingual SA community facilitators will deliver the intervention, group PLA Cycle, to mothers/carers in respective ethnic/language groups. 12 wards are randomised to face-to-face PLA, online PLA and usual care arms in 1:1:1 ratio. Primary outcomes are feasibility and process measures (ie, BMI z-score, study records, feedback questionnaires, direct observation of intervention and sustainability) for assessment against Go/Stop criteria. Secondary outcomes are cluster-level and economic outcomes (ie, eating behaviour, parental feeding practices, network diffusion, children development performance, level of dental caries, general practitioner utilisation, costs, staff time). Outcomes are measured at baseline, every 2 weeks during intervention, 14 weeks and at 6 months by blinded outcome assessors where possible. This study will use concurrent mixed-methods evaluation. Quantitative analyses include descriptive summary with 95% CI and sample size calculation for the definitive trial. The intervention effect with CI will be estimated for child BMI z-score. Implementation will be evaluated qualitatively using thematic framework analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from University College London (UCL), National Health Service (Health Research Authority (HRA) and Health and Care Research Wales (HRCW)). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific conferences/workshops with commissioners, partners and participating communities. Plain language summaries will be disseminated through community groups, websites and social media.

Trial registration number

IRAS-ID-296259 (ISRCTN10234623).
Estimating the cost and epidemiology of mild to severe chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis in England: a retrospective analysis of linked primary and secondary care data
Authors: Lohan Christoph , Coates Greg , Clewes Peter , Stevenson Hannah , Wood Robert , Tritton Theo , Massey Lucy , Knaggs Roger , Dickson Alastair J , Walsh David
Published: November 2023

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 10% of adults in the UK. Despite over one-third of people with OA experiencing chronic pain, few studies have examined the population-level impact of chronic pain associated with OA. We compared resource-use and epidemiological outcomes in patients with mild, moderate and severe chronic OA-associated pain and matched controls without known OA.

Design

Retrospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study (July 2008 to June 2019).

Setting

Electronic records extracted from Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD primary care linked to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

Participants

Patients (cases; n=23 016) aged ≥18 years with chronic OA-associated pain. Controls (n=23 016) without OA or chronic pain matched on age, sex, comorbidity burden, general practitioner practice and available HES data.

Interventions

None.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Total healthcare resource use (HCRU), direct healthcare costs in 0–12, 12–24 and 24–36 months postindex. Secondary outcomes included incidence and prevalence of chronic OA-associated pain and pharmacological management.

Results

HCRU was consistently greater in cases versus controls for all resource categories during preindex and postindex periods. Across follow-up periods, resource use was greatest in patients with severe pain. In the first 12 months postindexing, mean total costs incurred by cases were four times higher versus matched controls (£256 vs £62); costs were approximately twice as high in cases vs controls for months 12–24 (£166 vs £86) and 24–36 (£150 vs £81; all p<0.0001). The incidence of new cases of chronic pain associated with OA was 2.64 per 1000 person-years; the prevalence was 1.4%.

Conclusions

This study highlights the real-world cost of chronic pain associated with OA in cases versus matched controls. We included patients with mild, moderate and severe pain associated with OA, and showed HCRU in discrete 1-year time frames. The true economic burden of pain associated with OA is likely to be considerably higher when indirect costs are considered.
Use of a rapid triage assessment tool to discriminate the need for hospitalisation in patients with severe COVID-19 infection presenting to an outpatient clinic: a single-centre, prospective cohort study
Authors: Owens Christopher , Lamb Chris , Sanchez Julio , Quintero Mariana , Lopez-Yunez Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The WHO designated individuals with low oxygen saturation, SpO2<94%, as severe SARS-CoV2 infection (COVID-19) and recommendations to seek care in a hospital setting were advised. A rapid, office-based method to select patients with severe COVID-19 who need intensive care was necessary during the peak of the pandemic.

Design, setting and participants

This is a prospective cohort study of patients with confirmed severe COVID-19 between September 2020 and April 2021.

Outcome measures and analysis

Oxygen saturation was obtained at rest (SpO2r), following exertion from a 20 m walk test (SpO2e), and the difference was calculated (SpO2Δ). Radiographs and laboratory values were obtained and recorded. Logistic regression models were used to determine variables associated with hospitalisation. A lung injury score was used to quantify pulmonary involvement.

Results

Out of 103 patients enrolled with severe COVID-19 infection, 19 (18.4%) were admitted to the hospital (no deaths). Patients managed as outpatients had a standard treatment protocol. The SpO2Δ and SpO2e were associated with hospitalisation (p<0.005) while SpO2r was no different between non-hospitalised and hospitalised patients (90.7%±2.7% vs 90.8%±2.3%, p=0.87). By contrast, exertional SpO2e was significantly different between non-hospitalised and hospitalised (87.3%±2.6% vs 84.4%±3.4%, p=0.0005). The mean lung injury score was 11.0±3.5 (18-point scale) and did not discriminate against those who would need hospitalisation. Lower lung fields were significantly more involved than the upper (p<0.0001). All patients had elevated biomarkers of inflammation, C reactive protein (CRP) median 82.5 IQR (43–128.6) mg/L and evidence of elevated liver enzymes. A logistic regression model was constructed including SpO2Δ, CRP and alanine aminotransferase to predict hospitalisation. Only SpO2Δ was significant, p=0.012, 95% CI (1.128 to 2.704) and correctly classified 85.71% of patients who could remain at home or would need to receive treatment in the hospital.

Conclusion

An office-based, 20 m walk test can help diverge patients with severe COVID-19 who need escalated care. Further, an aggressive standardised treatment protocol can be used to successfully manage patients outside of hospitals despite having severe COVID-19.
Associations between feelings of safety, concerns about firearms on campus and suicidal thoughts and behaviours among college students
Authors: Mournet Annabelle M , Kellerman John K , Kleiman Evan M
Published: November 2023

Background

Perceptions of safety on campus may be related to a variety of factors such as concerns about campus violence, especially firearm violence, and mental health, particularly suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs). The present analyses aim to describe associations between feelings of safety, concerns about firearms on campus and STBs among college students.

Methods

This study uses data from the American College Health Association—National College Health Assessment wave III (n=24 682 participants across k=29 schools). Multilevel logistic regressions and cumulative link mixed models examine the associations between feelings of safety, concerns about firearm violence on campus and presence of STBs in the past year.

Results

Participants who reported being concerned about firearm violence felt significantly less safe. Feeling unsafe at night was significantly associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Individuals with concerns about firearm safety on campus were up to 42% more likely to report suicidal ideation compared with those reporting they were not at all concerned about campus firearm violence.

Discussion

With associations highlighting increased risk of STBs among those with reduced safety feelings and heightened concerns about firearms, there is a need for college campuses to intervene and promote campus safety, with particular consideration for the presence of firearms on campus and the implications of allowing such weapons to be present in environments with increasing instances of firearm violence.
Characteristics and outcome of critically ill patients with systemic rheumatic diseases referred to the intensive care unit
Authors: Schneeweiss-Gleixner Mathias , Hillebrand Caroline , Jaksits Stephanie , Fries Jonathan , Zauner Michael , Heinz Gottfried , Sengölge Gürkan , Staudinger Thomas , Zauner Christian , Aletaha Daniel , Machold Klaus P , Schellongowski Peter , Bécède Manuel
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) are at risk of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Data concerning these critically ill patients are limited to few retrospective studies.

Methods

This is a single-centre retrospective study of patients with SRDs admitted to an ICU at the Vienna General Hospital between 2012 and 2020. Single-predictor and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential outcome determinants.

Results

A total of 144 patients accounting for 192 ICU admissions were included. Connective tissue diseases (CTDs), vasculitides and rheumatoid arthritis were the most common SRDs requiring ICU admission. Leading causes for ICU admission were respiratory failure and shock, as reflected by a high number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (60.4%) and vasopressor therapy (72.9%). Overall, 29.2% of admissions were due to SRD-related critical illness. In 70.8% patients, co-existent SRD not responsible for the acute critical illness was documented. When comparing these subgroups, CTDs and vasculitides had a higher frequency in the patients with SRD-related critical illness. In a significantly higher proportion of patients in the SRD-related subgroup, diagnosis of SRD was made at the ICU. ICU and 6-month mortality in the overall population was 20.3% and 38.5%, respectively. Age, glucocorticoid therapy prior to hospital admission and disease severity were associated with poor outcome.

Conclusions

In this study, respiratory failure was the leading cause of ICU admission as reflected by high rates of required mechanical ventilation. Despite considerable severity of critical illness, survival rates were comparable to a general ICU population.
Deformational response of a marine silty-clay with varying organic content in the triaxial compression space
Authors: Ponzoni Elisa , Muraro Stefano , Nocilla Alessandra , Jommi Cristina
Published: November 2023

This study characterises the effects of naturally varying organic content on the compression and shear behaviour of a marine silty-clay from the Netherlands. Index properties and mechanical properties are determined through laboratory tests, including oedometer and multistage loading-unloading triaxial stress paths. The results indicate a significant impact of the organic content on the compression response, with both the loading and reloading indexes increasing as the loss on ignition increases from 3% to 7%. Additionally, the study suggests a directional response of the compression behaviour, with the loading index increasing with the stress ratio. The influence of the organic content on shear strength appears to be less significant. No brittle response is observed during shearing, and a similar ultimate stress ratio is attained by all samples. However, a unique critical state line can only be identified for samples with similar organic content, as its intercept and slope are found to increase with increasing organic content. The experimental results from stress paths at constant stress ratio reveal an anisotropic pre-failure plastic deformation mode, which depends on the previous stress history and loading direction. This suggests that the stress–dilatancy relationship cannot be formulated as a unique function of the stress ratio. The high-quality experimental data presented in the study enlarge the database on soft organic soils in view of the development of advanced constitutive models.
Spatial patterns of anticoagulant rodenticides in three species of medium-sized carnivorans in Pennsylvania
Authors: Facka Aaron , Frair Jacqueline , Keller Thomas , Miller Erica , Murphy Lisa , Ellis Julie C.
Published: November 2023

Human influences on natural environments are now ubiquitous but manifest in multiple and unique ways depending on local environments and communities. Attempts to control, or mediate, local pests to residences or to agriculture can impart important negative consequences on systems. Secondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) can cause numerous adverse effects on wild carnivores including death. Few studies have quantified AR prevalence, investigated their pathway of exposure, or associations with specific location types in the northeastern U.S. We hypothesized that ARs would be found in the mesocarnivore community throughout Pennsylvania and have the greatest detection rate in highly urbanized or agricultural landscapes. From 2019 through early 2022, we collected carcasses to obtain liver samples ( n = 265) from three species of carnivores: bobcats ( Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777)), fishers ( Pekania pennanti (Erxleben, 1777)), and river otters ( Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)). We used generalized linear models to test for differences in AR detection rates among species and spatial scales including the six Pennsylvania Game Commission regions and 23 wildlife management units. We detected ARs in all species (44.2% collectively), but detection rates differed among species. Our study is the first to document ARs within North American river otters.
Modeling and simulation through multi-criteria approach for customized conveyor-type industrial oven handling wide variety of metal structures
Authors: Bhole Dipali , Deshmukh Sujata P. , Kolhe Sujata
Published: November 2023

Modern ovens are utilized from large span of time for completing different heat treatment cycles like baking, curing, annealing, aging, drying, and so on. There are numerous sorts of industrial ovens namely batch, relieving, drying, baking, reflow, clean room, conveyor types, and so on. Conveyor oven helps to perform the heat treatment cycle in an uninterrupted flow, including the heating of the objects followed by the cooling down of the same object. A multipurpose conveyor-type industrial oven is designed using analytical approach for heat treatment process on various objects. This article presents the modeling and CFD analysis of conveyor-type continuous ovens. Simulation of the entire model of conveyor-type industrial oven is carried out in Solidworks Flow package. Since the boundary conditions of an actual industrial oven is open at both entry and exit points, same condition is maintained in the CFD analysis. With the help of the simulation model, researchers can study and observe the temperature distribution throughout the oven.
Greenstones as a source of hydrogen in cratonic sedimentary basins
Authors: Hutchinson Ian P. , Jackson Owain , Stocks Andrew E. , Barnicoat Andrew C. , Lawrence Stephen R.
Published: November 2023

A model is presented for the generation of natural hydrogen from cratonic basement rocks and its migration into the sediments of overlying cratonic basins. It is based on the ‘discovery’ of hydrogen at Bourakebougou in the Taoudeni Basin of Mali. In the ‘Cratonic Greenstone Model’, hydrogen is generated by the serpentinization of olivine-rich, ultramafic rocks contained within Precambrian ‘greenstones’. The model requires a protolith (in greenstones), a supply of water (from groundwater), connecting faults to act as a plumbing system and an indurated sediment cover to retard hydrogen movement. Hydrogen is expelled into the overlying basin sediments, which form the host for hydrogen accumulations. The model describes a continental ‘hydrogen system’, which can form the basis for petroleum-type play-based hydrogen exploration in cratonic settings. Using play elements derived from the model, the Bourakebougou play fairway can be extended across the Taoudeni Basin >700 km northwards of the discovery.
A Balancing Act: Learning from the Past to Build a Future-Focused Opioid Strategy
Authors: Gooding Sarah Warren , Whistler Jennifer L.
Published: November 2023

The harmful side effects of opioid drugs such as respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence, and abuse potential have limited the therapeutic utility of opioids for their entire clinical history. However, no previous attempt to develop effective pain drugs that substantially ameliorate these effects has succeeded, and the current opioid epidemic affirms that they are a greater hindrance to the field of pain management than ever. Recent attempts at new opioid development have sought to reduce these side effects by minimizing engagement of the regulatory protein arrestin-3 at the mu-opioid receptor, but there is significant controversy around this approach. Here, we discuss the ongoing effort to develop safer opioids and its relevant historical context. We propose a new model that reconciles results previously assumed to be in direct conflict to explain how different signaling profiles at the mu-opioid receptor contribute to opioid tolerance and dependence. Our goal is for this framework to inform the search for a new generation of lower liability opioid analgesics.
The In Situ Construction of NiFeS on Stainless Steel Mesh as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for UOR
Authors: Ni Jin-Rui , Li Kai-Quan , Geng Shuai , Wang Zhi-Hui , Bo Hai , Ding Li-Jun
Published: November 2023

Urea can be used as an effective hydrogen energy carrier, the development of efficient and stable anodic electrocatalysts for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) was crucial for achieved energy-saving hydrogen-production. Nanoflower like structures electrocatalysts have attracted increasing research interests due to its structural advantages. In this article, NiFeS/SSM with two dimensions (2D) nanosflower like structures in situ growth on three dimensions (3D) stainless steel mesh (SSM) is prepared by step-wise hydrothermal method. NiFeS/SSM was derived from NiFe layered double hydroxides, and the as-prepared electrode was directly served as a electrocatalysts for UOR. Benefiting from the electronic effect between Ni and Fe components which promotes the formation of the high valence Ni species in the NiFeS/SSM catalyst, the tuning effect from the in situ generated sulfate and its open 3D porous structure for SSM basement. The electrode displayed excellent catalytic activities towards UOR, the overpotential for UOR are 1.08 V in alkaline electrolyte at 50 mA·cm−2. This work not only illustrated that non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts have tremendous potential applications for electrocatalytic electrolysis of urea but also provided a feasible strategy to prepare high-efficiency and stable non-precious metal UOR anode catalysts in alkaline medium.
Improved Glycerol Electrooxidation at Carbon-Supported PdFe Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Bresciani Guilherme Bueno , Franco Jefferson Honorio , Kokoh K. Boniface , Napporn Teko W. , De Andrade Adalgisa R.
Published: November 2023

We have investigated glycerol electrooxidation at Pd/C and PdFe/C catalysts, synthesized by the microwave polyol decomposition method. Five different heating ramps were tested to provide active catalyst nanoparticles and desired metal loadings at 20 wt%. Introducing iron in the Pd/C catalyst composition improved the catalytic activity and stability of the anode. The PdFe/C catalysts presented greater oxidative capacity and contributed efficiently to the keeping of glycerol skeleton reaction products. The analytical techniques composed of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) confirmed glycerate, glycolate, formate, tartronate, and oxalate as the main glycerol oxidation products. The bi-metallic catalysts (PdFe/C) harvested electrons from glycerol and produced energy more effectively than the catalyst without iron (Pd/C). Glycerol proved a potential platform for generating high value-added products and can be employed as a renewable clean energy source for electrosynthesis purposes and fuel cell applications.
Preparation of Ordered Nanostructures by Anodization of Ag Substrate with Depression Patterns
Authors: Teshima Sayaka , Yanagishita Takashi
Published: November 2023

Nanostructures composed of Ag oxides are key materials with various potential applications such as sensors, catalysts, and batteries. We successfully fabricated nanohole array structures with an ordered arrangement of pores by anodizing a Ag substrate with a depression pattern in an ethylene glycol solution containing NH4F and KOH. Under these anodization conditions, each depression acts as a starting point for pore generation in the early stages of anodization. In addition, ordered nanopillar array structures were obtained by anodizing Ag substrates with depression patterns in ethylene glycol solution containing NH4F and CH3COONa. This is because the depressions formed by Ar ion beam irradiation act as masks during anodization, and the depressions remain during anodization, forming a nanopillar array structure. This is the first report on the fabrication of nanohole and nanopillar array structures by the anodization of a Ag substrate. In addition, this is the first report to show that ordered nanohole and nanopillar array structures can be fabricated by changing the electrolyte used for anodization. The Ag oxide nanostructures obtained by this process are expected to be applicable to various functional devices.
Global Emergence of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Variants: Evolution, Immunity, and Vaccination Challenges
Authors: Abozeid Hassanein H.
Published: November 2023

Infectious bronchitis is an acute, extremely contagious viral disease affecting chickens of all ages, leading to devastating economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Affected chickens show respiratory distress and/or nephritis, in addition to decrease of egg production and quality in layers. The avian coronavirus, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is a rapidly evolving virus due to the high frequency of mutations and recombination events that are common in coronaviruses. This leads to the continual emergence of novel genotypes that show variable or poor crossprotection. The immune response against IBV is complex. Passive, innate and adaptive humoral and cellular immunity play distinct roles in protection against IBV. Despite intensive vaccination using the currently available live-attenuated and inactivated IBV vaccines, IBV continues to circulate, evolve, and trigger outbreaks worldwide, indicating the urgent need to update the current vaccines to control the emerging variants. Different approaches for preparation of IBV vaccines, including DNA, subunit, peptides, virus-like particles, vectored and recombinant vaccines, have been tested in many studies to combat the disease. This review focuses on several key aspects related to IBV, including its clinical significance, the functional structure of the virus, the factors that contribute to its evolution and diversity, the types of immune responses against IBV, and the characteristics of both current and emerging IBV vaccines. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of IBV and explore the emergence of variants, their dissemination around the world, and the challenges to define the efficient vaccination strategies.
Performance Analysis of MIMO Antenna Design with High Isolation Techniques for 5 G Wireless Systems
Authors: Sengar Suverna , Malik Praveen Kumar , Chandra Srivastava Puneet , Srivastava Kiran , Gehlot Anita
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates different approaches for achieving isolation in a MIMO antenna design. It provides an in-depth comparison of these techniques, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages. The challenges of obtaining sufficient isolation in modern MIMO antenna design are discussed, and various isolation methods developed for the MIMO design are examined. The study introduces a compact 28 GHz 4-port MIMO antenna design, which is placed on a Rogers RT/Duroid 5880 substrate. The design includes a rectangular patch with semicircles at the ends and dual slots etched from it. A partial ground plane is integrated into the antenna to achieve an operating frequency range from 22 to 29 GHz, centered at 24 GHz. To reduce mutual coupling between elements, four elements are arranged orthogonally and four stubs are added at a specific frequency band to enhance isolation. The ground plane also incorporates a defected ground structure (DGS) to improve gain. To optimize the antenna’s bandwidth, a ground cut technique is used, resulting in a 0.7 GHz bandwidth enhancement at the cost of some isolation. The antenna operates in the range of 22.5– 29.1 GHz, with a peak gain of 6.39 dBi. Each technique is compared based on parameters such as S-parameters (return loss or reflection coefficient), voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), isolation level, and peak gain. Simulated results are shown for each of the techniques to compare their performance by using Ansys HFSS simulations which confirm that the designed antenna meets the target band requirements and could be used in 5 G communications.
Perceived Social Support and Associated Factors among Caregivers of Individuals with Heart Failure: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Di Nitto Marco , Cuoco Angela , Rice Bridgette Brawner- , Boyne Josiane , Juarez-Vela Raul , Vellone Ercole , Graven Lucinda J. , Dal Molin Alberto , Durante Angela
Published: November 2023

Background. Caregivers are crucial in ensuring that their relatives with heart failure (HF) reach proper self-care levels. Despite this, the demanding nature of caring for others can lead to poor outcomes and the compromise of own needs, which raises the need for perceived social support. Prior research does not offer a thorough knowledge of how caregivers of people with HF regarded social support and the characteristics that went along with it. Purpose. The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive understanding of perceived social support and its associated factors among caregivers of individuals with heart failure. Methods. This is a secondary analysis of a convergent mixed-methods design study. The perception of social support, mutuality, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were assessed in 158 heart failure patients and their caregivers (physical and mental dimensions). In 50 caregivers, we also performed semistructured interviews. Results. The mixed analysis and integration of qualitative and quantitative inferences revealed two main factors affecting perceived social support. First, caregivers with strong familial network and greater number of caregivers available for tangible caregiving support and moral support perceived increased sense of social support. Second, caregivers with enhanced mental health had increased sense of social support. Conclusions. Caregiver perception of social support might be influenced by mental well-being status. To improve caregivers’ perceptions of social support and community belonging, it is necessary to create and assess community- and individual-based mental health promotion interventions. To strengthen the perception of support in the heart failure caring process, more dyadic strategies should be established to improve patient-caregiver mutuality.
Optimize Ranking and Load Shedding in Microgrid Considering Improved Analytic Hierarchy Process Algorithm and Power Stability Index
Authors: Le Trong Nghia , Nguyen Hoang Minh Vu , Nguyen Thai An , Phung Trieu Tan , Huynh Thi Thu Hien , Nguyen Quang Tien
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a load shedding model for the island microgrid based on the ranking of loads and the power stability index (PSI). Loads are ranked based on the improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP) algorithm. Real‐time measurement systems have the function of collecting data for very important, important, and less‐important loads at each bus load. From this data, the improved AHP method is applied to rank the loads. The advantage of this method is that the subjectivity is eliminated and not depending on the expertise of the system operator when implementing the traditional AHP method. Besides, the minimum amount of load shedding power is calculated, taking into account both primary and secondary control methods. The objective is to minimize the impact on power consumers and ensure that the frequency returns to an acceptable range. In addition, when implementing load shedding, voltage quality, and stability are considered. The PSI serves as a crucial parameter for assessing the voltage stability of microgrid buses. This index is combined with load ranking weights to obtain combined weights for the load shedding plan. Consequently, the proposed load shedding plan prioritizes minimizing damage to customers, improving voltage quality and stability, and ensuring frequency is within permissible limits. The 16‐bus microgrid system is applied to compare with traditional methods and to prove the efficiency of the suggested technique.
NSUN6 Regulates NM23-H1 Expression in an m5C Manner to Affect Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer
Authors: Lu Zhansheng , Liu Bo , Kong Demiao , Zhou Xiaojiang , Pei Dengke , Liu Di
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The expression and regulatory mechanism of NSUN6 in lung cancer are still unclear. Our study explored whether NSUN6 mediates progression of lung cancer by affecting NM23-H1 expression in an m5C-dependent manner. Methods: qRT-PCR, CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and Western blot analysis were employed to probe the impact of NSUN6 on lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RMVar database was utilized to forecast the downstream genes of NSUN6. The mode of interaction between NSUN6 and NM23-H1 was determined by dot blot, luciferase assay, m5C RIP, and cell function assays. The effect of NSUN6 expression on tumor growth was verified in vivo. Results: Expression of NSUN6 was reduced in lung cancer cells, and over-expression of NSUN6 restricted the proliferation of lung cancer cells, migration, and EMT. NSUN6 regulated NM23-H1 expression by modifying the 3′-UTR of NM23-H1 mRNA through m5C and inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and EMT. In vivo experiments also showed that over-expression of NSUN6 inhibited the occurrence of lung cancer. Conclusion: NSUN6 regulates NM23-H1 expression in an m5C-dependent manner to affect EMT in lung cancer. Thus, NSUN6 may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.
Optimum Baseline Clinical Severity Scale Cut Points for Prognosticating Intracerebral Hemorrhage: INTERACT Studies
Authors: You Shoujiang , Zheng Danni , Yoshimura Sohei , Ouyang Menglu , Han Qiao , Wang Xia , Cao Yongjun , Delcourt Candice , Song Lili , Arima Hisatomi , Chen Xiaoying , Liu Chun-Feng , Lindley Richard I. , Robinson Thompson , Anderson Craig S. , Chalmers John ,   for the INTERACT Investigators
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The optimal cut point of baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale scores for prognosticating acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown.

METHODS:

Secondary analyses of participant data are from the INTERACT (Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Trials) 1 and 2 studies. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to compare the predictive performance of baseline NIHSS and Glasgow Coma Scale scores, ICH score, and max-ICH score. Optimal cut points for predicting 90-day clinical outcomes (death or major disability [defined as modified Rankin Scale scores 3–6], major disability [defined as modified Rankin Scale scores 3–5], and death alone) were determined using the Youden index. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, hematoma volume, and other known risk factors for poor prognosis. We validated our findings in the INTERACT1 database.

RESULTS:

There were 2829 INTERACT2 patients (age, 63.5±12.9 years; male, 62.9%; ICH volume, 10.96 [5.77–19.49] mL) included in the main analyses. The baseline NIHSS score (area under the curve, 0.796) had better prognostic utility for predicting death or major disability than the Glasgow Coma Scale score (area under the curve, 0.650) and ICH score (area under the curve, 0.674) and was comparable to max-ICH score (area under the curve, 0.789). Similar findings were observed when assessing the outcome of major disability. A cut point of 10 on baseline NIHSS optimally (sensitivity, 77.5%; specificity, 69.2%) predicted death or major disability (adjusted odds ratio, 4.50 [95% CI, 3.60–5.63]). The baseline NIHSS cut points that optimally predicted major disability and death alone were 10 and 12, respectively. The predictive effect of NIHSS≥10 for poor functional outcomes was consistent in all subgroups including age and baseline hematoma volume. Results were consistent when analyzed in the independent INTERACT1 validation database.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with mild-to-moderate ICH, a baseline NIHSS score of ≥10 was optimal for predicting poor outcomes at 90 days. Prediction based on baseline NIHSS is better than baseline Glasgow Coma Scale score.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT00226096 and NCT00716079.
Entegrasyon Aşamaları ve Kültürel Aktarım Süreci Açısından Avatar (2009) Filminin İncelenmesi
Authors: IŞIKHAN Buse
Published: November 2023

Göçmenin orijinal kültüründen vazgeçmeden ev sahibi toplumla bütünleşmesi anlayışı, entegrasyon kavramını asimilasyon kavramından ayıran en temel farktır. Diğer yandan Milton Myron Gordon (1964) asimilasyonun daha net anlaşılabilmesi için analitik bir ayrım ortaya koymuştur. Bunun neticesinde yedi asimilasyon aşaması oluşturmuştur. Yöntem olarak bu yedi asimilasyon aşaması referans alınarak entegrasyon aşamalarına uyarlanmıştır. Asimilasyon aşamalarındaki kriterler entegrasyon aşamalarında da kullanılmıştır. Bu entegrasyon aşamalarıyla James Cameron’un yönettiği Avatar (2009) filmi değerlendirilmiştir. Bütün entegrasyon aşamalarına uygun filmde denk gelen örnekler olduğu görülmüştür. Böylece oluşturulan entegrasyon aşamalarının örneklerle daha net bir şekilde açıklanması amaçlanmıştır. Özellikle entegrasyon aşamalarının oluşturulma sebebine makale boyunca değinilmiştir. Bu çerçevede entegrasyon ve asimilasyon anlayışları arasındaki ayrım ele alınmıştır. Bununla birlikte filmde kültürel aktarım süreçlerine değinilmiştir. Filmde geçen Na’vi halkının toplumsal örgütlenmesi detaylı bir şekilde incelenmiştir.
İngiliz Manda Yönetimi Altındaki Filistin’de Yahudilerin Uyguladığı Baskı ve Şiddet (1920-1948)
Authors: SAĞLAM Mete
Published: November 2023

Yahudiler, Filistin topraklarından sürgün edildikleri andan itibaren geri dönecekleri günü asırlarca beklemişlerdir. XIX. yüzyılın sonlarına doğru Theodor Herzl’in önderliğinde toplanan Siyonist Kongre ve Yahudi zenginlerin destekleriyle Filistin’de vaat edilen topraklarda Yahudi devleti kurmak için dünyanın dört bir tarafından Yahudilerin Filistin’e göç etmeleri teşvik edilmiştir. Çalışmanın temel amacı, Filistin topraklarında kurulması planlanan Yahudi devletinin 1948 yılındaki kuruluşuna kadar olan süreçte kullanılan yöntemler ve sonuçlarını ortaya koymaktır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, meselenin tarihsel kökeni, Yahudi terör örgütlerinin oluşum süreçleri, örgütlerin kuruluşları, yapıları, ideolojileri ve gerçekleştirdikleri terör eylemlerinden bahsedilmiştir. Ayrıca o dönemde Filistin’e hâkim olan İngilizlerin manda yönetimi ile Yahudi terör örgütleri arasındaki ilişkiye de değinilmiştir.
Palestinian Artists and the Biennial, from “Baghdad 1974: A Summary of the First Arab Biennial of Fine Arts”
Authors: Maraini Toni
Published: November 2023

In 1974, Moroccan cultural journal Intégral published a special edition on the first Arab biennial of visual arts, which had just taken place in Baghdad. The two documents translated here come from this special edition, and both of them deal with the Palestinian presence at the landmark exhibition. Moroccan artist Mohamad Chebaa and Italian-Moroccan art historian Toni Maraini each consider Palestine an ideal arena for the development of decolonial “combat art,” but express disappointment with its pavilion's emphasis on folk idioms over images of armed struggle. The introduction to these documents situates them in relation to Moroccan and Palestinian discourses surrounding heritage and colonialism, arguing that the Palestinian context erodes the distinction between “folk” and “combat” art in ways foreign to the Casablanca-based intellectuals.
Relationship of post-race tracheal mucus scores to performance and the environment in 2-year-old Thoroughbreds
Authors: Hemmerling K. , Sanz M. , Wang Y. , Fisher A. , Sellon D. , Gold J. , Shoemaker S. , Bagshaw J. , Leguillette R. , Bayly W.
Published: November 2023

Post-race tracheal mucus is a common finding in 2-year-old Thoroughbreds without signs of respiratory disease, and its clinical relevance is unclear. We evaluated the relationship between mucus score (0-5) and racing performance, racetrack location, surface and condition and some environmental factors in this age-group of horses. 1,071 post-race videoendoscopies were independently assigned mucus scores by three observers blinded to horse identity, and the consensus score was recorded. Pearson’s Chi-squared independence test and ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test analysed relationships of mucus scores to performance and racetrack environmental variables, respectively. Significance was set at . Tracheal mucus was observed post-racing in 98% of videoendoscopies; 54% had mucus scores ≥3. Race distances (), horses’ race times (), and horses’ speed index () were not associated with mucus score. Lower mucus score was not associated with a better finishing place (). The association between racetrack surface material and mucus score was not significant (). Racetrack location () was associated with mucus score, but no single racetrack factor could be causally linked to this locational association. Neither stall construction material () nor bedding type () had a significant association with mucus score. Orientation of the horse’s stall within a barn (facing inwards vs facing outwards, n = 151) was not significantly associated with mucus score (). There was no combined effect of stall orientation and bedding type on mucus score (orientation and shavings: ; orientation and straw: ). Air quality index (AQI) was related to mucus score () with the likelihood of mucus score ≥2 increasing as AQI worsened (). While these results do not demonstrate an association between mucus score and performance or a cause-and-effect relationship between mucus scores and the racetrack environment, they do justify further investigations of factors influencing mucus scores in 2-year-old racing Thoroughbreds.
Cardiovascular training adaptations in Criollo breed horses: biochemical markers and morphofunctional parameters
Authors: Ribeiro P.F. , Pizzi G.L.B.L. , Silva P.M. , de O. Cavalcanti G.A. , Bruhn F.R.P. , Costa P.P.C. , França R.T. , Holz K. , de Godoy R.F. , Martins C.F.
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular morphofunctional and biochemical training adaptations of Criollo breed horses. Thirty-one animals were evaluated, arranged in two groups – untrained horses, used as a control group (n = 17); trained horses, in training for the Freio de Ouro competition (n = 14). The means and standard deviation of echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and biochemical variables were measured and, subsequently, compared between groups of trained and untrained animals using Student’s t test, considering . Trained horses had lower biochemical levels of CK, CKMB and cTnI I when compared to untrained animals. The echocardiographic variables interventricular septum during diastole (IVSd), left ventricular free wall during systole (LVFWs), left ventricular free wall during diastole (LVFWd), left ventricular mass (LVMass), diameter of the aorta (Ao) and diameter of the left atrium (LA) have shown higher values in trained horses compared to untrained. Duration of the T wave was the only electrocardiographic variable that was influenced by training, showing higher values for untrained animals. Therefore, there is influence of training on biochemical variables, in addition to on morphological and functional echocardiographic/electrocardiographic characters in trained Criollo breed horses, characterised by concentric cardiac hypertrophy, when compared to untrained individuals. In addition, a majority of normal sinus heart rhythm was observed in the animals evaluated.
Dewey’s Notion of Intelligent Habit as a Basis for Ethical Assessment of Technology
Authors: Wieczorek Michał
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses how John Dewey’s notion of intelligent habit could contribute to technology ethics. For Dewey, intelligent (i.e., desirable) habits are reflective – arising from inquiry into the appropriate courses of action in each situation – and flexible – easily adaptable to the changing circumstances. We should strive to develop intelligent habits as they are the best tools for the achievement of our goals and are necessary for individual and societal flourishing. I argue that Dewey’s notion of intelligent habit makes it possible to identify the impact of technology on users’ identity and self-determination, advocate for the extension of user choice and malleability of technologies, and analyse the connections between the epistemic dimension of technology and users’ ability to flourish.
Addressing Common Misunderstandings of Somaesthetics
Authors: Bonnet T.J.
Published: November 2023

This article reviews and corrects frequent misunderstandings of somaesthetics, the multidisciplinary field of study of the lived body conceived by Richard Shusterman. After responding to an article published in Contemporary Pragmatism, I extend the discussion to cover larger topics of discussion related to somaesthetics and misapprehensions by its critics, including the nature of somatic experience, the role of pleasure, and the relevance of culture. In rectifying mistakes of understanding, it is hoped the effort will foster better understanding and better critique.
Climate Protection and Supply Chain Civil Liability
Authors: Godt Christine
Published: November 2023

This article explores two issues raised by the EU legislative project of a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“csddd”), that of climate change and civil liability. It focuses on environmental issues – and leaves workers´ protection aside. The comparison of the various draft texts of the EU Commission of 23 February 2022, the position of the ep´s Committee on Legal Affairs of 8 November 2022, the Council´s joint statement of 1 December 2022, and the ep´s statement of 1 June 2023 reveals that climate abatement has become an important pillar, next to workers´ protection. The analysis shows how contested the instrument of civil liability in the context of climate change abatement has become. It is most likely that civil liability for the violation of climate change related due diligence obligations will become central to the final package of compromises, and once enacted it may neither be frequent, nor an important legal tool. However, for the understanding of the political momentum, it is important to understand the background of some delegations standpoints, in this case the fierce opposition of the German delegation against civil liability as a tool, and the counter arguments. The analysis also reveals some interesting novelties: Liability would, if causation could be established, extend to ecological damages. The concept of due diligence changes some basic requirements of civil liability, such as the violation of a duty, the addressee of a claim and the procedural set-up. The limitation to large firms is consistent with this concept, and does not appear non-equitable.
Scarabaeidae as human food – A comprehensive review
Authors: Siddiqui S.A. , Ampofo K.A. , Dery E.K. , Eddy-Doh A.M. , Castro-Muñoz R. , Pushpalatha M. , Fernando I.
Published: November 2023

Rising global population and sustainable protein demand have sparked interest in unique food sources. Entomophagy, or insect consumption, presents a solution and Scarab beetles, part of the Scarabaeidae family, offer a novel food option. The comprehensive review underscores their potential as human food, with strong nutrition, low environmental impact, and the ability to ease strain on conventional agriculture. Nutritional analysis reveals rich protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Scarab beetles’ beneficial fatty acid profile and healthy fats position them as a superior protein source to traditional livestock. Scarabaeidae excel in feed conversion, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and require minimal land, establishing them as an ecologically sustainable protein source. Cultural attitudes towards insect consumption vary; history exists in some regions while skepticism prevails in others. Highlighting nutritional advantages, organizing outreach, and introducing processed scarab products could enhance acceptance. The review addresses challenges including mass rearing, processing, allergens, and toxins. Evolving insect-based food regulations require cautious consideration. Success depends on multidisciplinary efforts including nutrition, environmental sustainability, cultural openness, and regulatory alignment. Continued research and collaboration are essential to fully unlock Scarabaeidae’s potential as a sustainable, nutritious food source for our growing global population.