bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrogating double absence in transclasse autobiography: Postcolonial identity in flux in Kaoutar Harchi's Comme nous existons
Authors: Sumner Maddison
Published: January 2024

In 2014, philosopher Chantal Jaquet coined the term transclasse to describe a person who is in the process of changing their social class. In opposition to the perhaps more widely-known expression ‘transfuge de classe’ – popularised by writers such as Annie Ernaux and Édouard Louis – transclasse allows for a comprehension of the necessarily transient nature of social migration, encapsulating a vital element of flux. Importantly, Jaquet's term allows for an understanding that the transclasse is not a rigidly definable identity category, and instead reflects individual experiences of liminality. In this article, I demonstrate the continuing relevance of Jaquet's theorisations by analysing the ways in which Kaoutar Harchi's memoir Comme nous existons explores the unique position of double absence that she occupies as a transclasse who must also navigate her identity as the child of postcolonial immigrants in France, using Abdelmalek Sayad's work La double absence in dialogue with Jaquet and Harchi.
Throttling simulation and control of liquid oxygen/liquid methane rocket engine pressurized by the electric pump
Authors: Hu Runsheng , Wu Jianjun , Liang Tao , Cheng Yuqiang
Published: January 2024

This article presented simulation and control of a liquid oxygen/liquid methane variable thrust rocket engine pressurized by the electric pump in the throttling process. To get a proper injection pressure drop, the variation of the injection area was investigated and determined. In the control scheme, the combustion pressure and mixture ratio were the targets. To simplify the control scheme, the pressure and mixture ratio were correlated to the oxygen mass flow rate and methane mass flow rate, respectively. By controlling the propellant mass flow rate, the target engine thrust was reached. In addition, the influence of mass flow rate measurement points on the control effect was analyzed. The simulation results showed that the designed controller can reduce the overshoot of the critical engine parameters. Therefore, the maximum temperature of the thrust chamber wall after the regenerative cooling was decreased. Consequently, the thrust control errors were within 3% except for the points where the thrust changed suddenly, which can meet the mission requirements.
Adaptive iterative learning control for a class of parameterized fractional-order systems subjected to backlash-like hysteresis
Authors: Wang Hong , Wei Jianming , Wang Zhe
Published: January 2024

In this article, a fractional-order adaptive iterative learning control scheme is proposed for a class of parameterized fractional-order systems with unknown control gain and backlash-like hysteresis nonlinearity under disturbance. Based on the sufficient condition for the stability of linear fractional-order systems, a sliding mode surface of tracking errors is constructed to facilitate the controller design and stability analysis. A new boundary layer function is designed by using Mittag-Leffler function to relax the restriction of the identical initial condition of iterative learning control design. The fractional-order differential-type adaptive laws and difference-type learning law are designed to estimate unknown constant parameters and time-varying parameter, respectively. To deal with the influence of backlash-like hysteresis nonlinearity reminder term and unknown bounded external disturbance, a robust control term is designed by employing the hyperbolic tangent function with a convergent series sequence which can guarantee the learning convergence along iteration axis. By constructing Lyapunov-like composite energy function, the stability analysis is presented to prove the convergence of the system output to a small neighborhood of the desired trajectory and the boundedness of all the closed-loop signals. Finally, a simulation example of second-order nonlinear fractional-order system is presented, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed fractional-order adaptive iterative learning control scheme.
Thyroid neoplasia associated with nutritional deficiency in cultured jade perch in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Stephen C. H. , Lim Zwok Zu , Leung Aaron C. F. , Cheng Tzu Hsuan , Cheng Ka Po F. , St-Hilaire Sophie , Ferguson Andrew M. D.
Published: January 2024

Non-neoplastic thyroid hyperplasia is common in terrestrial animals, secondary to nutritional imbalances or other goitrogenic compounds. Thyroid hyperplasia is relatively common in teleost fish; however, malignant thyroid neoplasia is rarely reported. We diagnosed cases of thyroid neoplasia in a population of jade perch ( Scortum barcoo). The 3,000 affected fish had grossly apparent, bilateral pharyngeal swellings. Histologic examination confirmed proliferative thyroid lesions ranging from hyperplasia to well-differentiated follicular cell carcinoma. In addition, the younger population of animals on the farm also had bacterial septicemia and mild Dactylogyrus sp. gill infections. Feed analysis revealed a severe deficiency of iodine and vitamin C in the homemade fish diet used on the farm. The concentrations of other minerals, such as zinc, were also on the lower end of the recommended requirements for freshwater fish. The farm was using surface water in its recirculating aquaculture system. We recommended a switch to a commercial aquaculture diet, as well as to use well water rather than surface water to avoid any contaminants, and to treat the younger fish with an antibiotic for bacterial septicemia. Our case provides evidence of progression from nutritional-associated thyroid hyperplasia to neoplasia in farmed teleost fish.
Exploring Subfactors of Adult Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Impact on Neuropsychological Performance
Authors: Khalid Elmma , VanLandingham Hannah B. , Basurto Karen S. , Nili Amanda N. , Gonzalez Christopher , Guilfoyle Janna L. , Ovsiew Gabriel P. , Durkin Nicole M. , Ulrich Devin M. , Resch Zachary J. , Pliskin Neil H. , Soble Jason R. , Cerny Brian M.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

This study investigated subfactors of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; previously referred as sluggish cognitive tempo) among adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method:

Retrospective analyses of data from 164 outpatient neuropsychological evaluations examined associations between CDS subfactors and self-reported psychological symptoms and cognitive performance.

Results:

Factor analysis produced two distinct but positively correlated constructs: “Cognitive Complaints’’ and “Lethargy.” Both correlated positively with symptom reports (rs = 0.26–0.57). Cognitive Complaints correlated negatively with working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning performance (rs = −0.21 to −0.37), whereas Lethargy correlated negatively only with processing speed and executive functioning performance (rs = −0.26 to −0.42). Both predicted depression symptoms, but only Cognitive Complaints predicted inattention symptoms. Both subfactors demonstrated modest to nonsignificant associations with cognitive performance after accounting for estimated premorbid intelligence and inattention.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate a bidimensional conceptualization of CDS, with differential associations between its constituent subfactors, reported symptoms, and cognitive performance.
Gastrointestinal Tract Granular Cell Tumor in the Pediatric Population: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Shaheen Muhammad , Wilkins Benjamin J. , Shenoy Archana , Byrnes Kathleen , Zhang Xiaoyi Tina , González Iván A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Pediatric granular cell tumors (GCT) involving the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are rare with limited case report/series reported to date.

Methods:

Multicenter retrospective study of pediatric GIT GCT.

Results:

A total of 10 cases were included in the study with a median age of 13.5 years (range: 7-18 years) and were predominantly female patients (60%). In half of the patients no significant medical history was present with the remaining 5 having Crohn disease (10%), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) (10%), Crohn disease and EoE (10%), growth hormone deficiency (10%), and aplasia cutis congenita (10%). The GCT median size was 1.3 cm (range: 1-1.6 cm) and were more commonly located in the esophagus (70%) followed by the stomach (20%) and rectum (10%). Most of the cases showed round/polygonal tumor cells with abundant granular cytoplasm, and none of the cases had nuclear atypia, increased mitotic activity, or tumor cell necrosis. None of our cases received specific therapy for GCT other than clinical follow-up, and none of the patients had evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease.

Conclusion:

We present our multicenter experience with GIT GCT, all cases had a benign course. Interestingly, 4 of the esophageal GCT cases (including 2 patients with EoE) showed an eosinophil-rich esophagitis in the underlying mucosa.
Copper Chaperone for Superoxide Dismutase Subtypes as a Prognostic Marker in Luminal B Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Yanping , Du Wenfei , Yang Rui , Wei Xiaonan , Li Haibin , Zhang Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2024

Background:

Copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase ( CCS) is an essential component of the oxidation-reduction system. In breast cancer cells, CCS expression is highly up-regulated, which contributes to cellular proliferation and migration. Breast cancer is a multifaceted disease with different tumor prognoses and responses to clinical treatments, which may be associated with multiple molecular subtypes of CCS.

Methods:

The CCS expression patterns in breast cancer were investigated by TNMplot, cBioPortal, and HPA network database. The correlation of CCS expression with clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the UALCAN database. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set was used to analyze the Clinical characteristics of CCS in luminal B patients. The bc-GenExMiner database was used to analyze the effects of BReast-CAncer susceptibility gene (BRCA)1/2, TP53 mutation status, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) expression on CCS expression. The survival curves and prognostic value of CCS in luminal B breast cancer were performed through Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox regression using the PrognoScan, bc-GenExMiner, and Clinical bioinformatics analysis platform.

Results:

We found that CCS expression was associated with patient age, race, ER, and PR status. We also discovered that BRCA1/2 mutations had an effect on CCS expression. The luminal B subtype had the highest CCS expression, which was linked to poor survival compared with other subtypes. In addition, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that luminal B patients with high CCS mRNA expression showed a poor survival and the CCS gene is an independent predictor of outcome in patients with luminal B breast cancer by univariate and multivariate Cox regression.

Conclusions:

Our findings emphasize the significant expression of CCS in luminal B breast cancer and its potential as an autonomous prognostic determinant for this specific molecular subtype. These findings suggest that CCS holds promise as a prospective marker for the treatment of luminal B breast cancer.
Digital financial inclusion and domestic tourism demand: Through the lens of spatial spillover
Authors: Li Yanzhao , Guo Ju-e , Zhu Wenjun
Published: January 2024

Domestic tourism demand has dominated the global tourism market and has been more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic; yet, it is under-studied compared to international tourism demand. Digital financial inclusion (DFI) enables the provision of formal financial products and services to small and medium-sized tourism enterprises and tourists through cost-effective digital means, potentially boosting domestic tourism demand. Integrating micro- and macro-level data from 335 prefecture-level regions in China, we investigate the impact of DFI on domestic tourism demand using spatial panel models. Our analysis reveals significant and positive effects, both direct and spillover, of DFI on domestic tourism demand within a region and across regions. Notably, among the three dimensions of DFI, the usage depth exhibits the most substantial spillover effects. Furthermore, our findings also highlight the crucial role of DFI in internalizing domestic tourism revenues. Our study provides practical implications for sustainable domestic tourism development in the digital era.
Surviving from the craze: Short video marketing on digital footprint in Yongxing Square in Xi’an
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Chan Chung-Shing
Published: January 2024

The popularity of short videos in recent years has provided a new path for destination image construction and marketing, which is highly sought after by local governments and destination marketing organizations. However, as a relatively novel product, the effectiveness of short video marketing for destinations is under-researched. This article aims to study the changes in the tourism spatial structure of destinations promoted by visitor-initiated TikTok videos in the case of Yongxing Square in Xi’an, China. The tourist flow indicated the life cycle of short videos and the visitor psychology behind this phenomenon. Social network analysis and text analysis were used to investigate a series of travelogues containing online short video content from 2017 to 2019, following the trend of TikTok heat at the site. The results show that the status of Yongxing Square went through a life cycle of “initial, development, cooling-off, and consolidation.” During this period, the video-induced trend appeared to transform the site between a “video-gimmick” and its basic function as a food court for visitors. The analytical findings bridge the knowledge gap about the actual practice and effect of short videos in a tourist attraction.
Narrative analysis of seniors’ travel sharing: Self-shaping images and narrative patterns
Authors: Chen Yanjun , Huang Jing , Yao Yanbo , Zhou Shiyu
Published: January 2024

Active ageing is a widely recognized notion that highlights seniors’ positive value and vitality, dissolving stereotypes by acknowledging heterogeneity. Currently, as an increasing number of senior visitors share trips, senior tourism has emerged as a practical means to foster a positive image of ageing. However, what images of ageing are conveyed and the process by which tourism stories are presented is unclear. To bridge the gap in seniors’ travel sharing, this study employed a narrative analysis method based on semistructured interviews with 49 Chinese senior visitors. Drawing upon selection, optimization, and compensation theory, the study identifies three narrative patterns: sliced-plain, staged, and introspective, and three image types: the plain immersion visitor, the active ageing image maker, and the relationship connector. By introducing seniors as research subjects, results revealed the logic and changing views of ageing behind seniors’ travel sharing. The understanding of heterogeneity and self-image construction among senior visitors was deepened. These findings also offer tourism destinations guidance on targeted marketing for senior visitors.
Value co-destruction in Airbnb: Antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Sthapit Erose , Prayag Girish , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Björk Peter
Published: January 2024

Using cognitive appraisal theory, service-dominant logic, and conservation of resources theory, this study tests a proposed model of the antecedents and outcomes of value co-destruction in Airbnb. First, the effects of host's bad behaviour and poor customer service are evaluated as antecedents of distrust in host. Second, the effects of both cognitive (distrust in the host) and affective (negative emotions) factors as determinants of value co-destruction and the subsequent consequences on guests’ hedonic wellbeing, dissatisfaction and negative electronic word-of-mouth were evaluated. A web-based survey was conducted through Amazon Mechanical Turk, and data were gathered from 427 tourists who had negative experiences with Airbnb hosts and platform customer service agents. Both host's bad behaviour and poor customer service contributed to distrust in host. Results showed that both cognitive and affective factors contributed to value co-destruction. Results have both theoretical and managerial implications.
Ethical dilemmas in conducting qualitative, public health research on social media: using a study on Facebook as a case
Authors: Sørensen Jane Brandt , Thomassen Jacob Lauge , Meyrowitsch Dan W. , Kingod Natassia Rosewood , Konradsen Flemming , Ploug Thomas
Published: January 2024

Aim:

Platforms on social media are increasingly used for public health research. While social media provides an exceptional opportunity to explore communication about public health topics, this practice is not without ethical dilemmas. Our aim was to identify and unfold some of these dilemmas and to suggest possible solutions and ways forward for future research.

Methods:

Using our own research within a closed forum for people experiencing suicidal thoughts as a case, we explored certain dilemmas and possible answers relating to whether what is to be researched falls under a public or private social media domain; we investigated avenues for obtaining access to participants in an evolving online environment; how to secure informed consent from participants; and ways of ensuring anonymity.

Results:

We provide recommendations and reflections that we hope will offer inspiration for researchers embarking on similar social media public health research within and beyond suicide research.

Conclusions:

The ethical framework commonly referred to in health research, based on confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent and doing no harm must be adjusted to be relevant for a social media context where technologies and regulations are constantly being altered.
Effect of Zr on static recrystallization of deformed austenite and strain-induced precipitation in Ti microalloyed steel
Authors: Luo Hanyu , Liu Xing , Lu Chao , Cao Jianchun , Yang Yinghui , Xiong Xuegang , Wang Chuangwei
Published: January 2024

The static recrystallization and strain-induced precipitation behavior of Ti and Ti-Zr low carbon microalloyed steels were studied through isothermal stress relaxation experiments at different deformation temperatures (875–1025 °C). The precipitation kinetic curves of microalloyed carbides were obtained, and the effect of Zr on the precipitation kinetics of microalloyed carbides was analyzed. Two static recrystallization kinetic models were established, and the activation energies for static recrystallization of Ti steel and Ti-Zr steel were calculated to be 312.44 and 246.59 kJ/mol, respectively. The results indicate that the addition of Zr lowers the nose point temperature of the precipitation–time–temperature curve, shortens the incubation period for the nucleation of precipitates, promotes the nucleation of strain-induced precipitates in Ti microalloyed steel, and reduces the coarsening rate of precipitates particles by an order of magnitude. In addition, the addition of Zr also advances the end time of static recrystallization of deformed austenite, inhibits the growth of static recrystallization austenite grains in Ti steel during the isothermal process, and makes the austenite grains finer and more uniform.
On the balance between the tonal and broadband noise of isolated propellers
Authors: Akiwate Deepak C , Joseph Phillip , Parry Anthony , Paruchuri Chaitanya
Published: January 2024

This study presents a predominantly numerical and theoretical investigation into the balance of tonal and broadband noise due to an isolated propeller in uniform motion. The predicted trends in the balance between tonal and broadband noise radiation with varying blade number and speed of rotation is supported by preliminary experimental measurements. Here, we assume that the dominant noise generation mechanisms are the tones due to steady loading and blade thickness, while the broadband noise is due to boundary layer scattering at the trailing edge. The study also provides a detailed comparison between the tonal and broadband formulations to highlight their similarities and differences. In this paper, we show that the main differences in the behaviour and character of the tonal and broadband spectra and directivities are due to the number of acoustic modes that can be excited. This paper presents a parametric study in which the variation in tonal and broadband noise is investigated as a function of blade tip Mach number ( M t) and blade number ( B) whilst maintaining constant solidity and thrust. This study is repeated for three NACA airfoil profiles. It is found that tonal noise dominates at low blade number and low frequency and/or higher tip speeds, while broadband noise is the major contributor at high-frequencies and at high blade number and low tip speeds. The results show a clear distinction between the combinations of M t and B that are dominated by tonal and by broadband noise. These results are interpreted from fundamental principles relating to modal radiation efficiencies. We confirm this trend of balance between tonal and broadband noise with measured noise at different B and M t. The results of this paper will serve as useful guidelines for preliminary propeller design.
RO-BIK—A robotic approach to developing dynamic architecture
Authors: Malekian Hamidreza
Published: January 2024

This article presents a design proposal for a socially engaging, architecturally dynamic, and adaptable pavilion that fosters interaction among individuals. The pavilion aims to bridge the gap between open and enclosed spaces in university campuses or other cultural settings, maximizing their vibrancy. To achieve this objective, the design incorporates principles of robotics and data-driven analysis to examine the mechanics, form, and modes of interaction of mobile elements, expressed through computer-coded language. The article delves into the design process and highlights key features of the pavilion, emphasizing its adaptability to variable conditions and its capacity to guide and facilitate people’s movements and interactions. Furthermore, it explores the potential of motion within architecture by utilizing mechanics and programmability inspired by the Rubik’s Cube system. The article also provides the technical design of all components and focuses on the Multipurpose Path Planning (MTP) approach as a guiding principle for the RO-BIK project.
“‘We believe in education, not indoctrination’: Governor Ron DeSantis, critical race theory, and anti-intellectualism in Florida”
Authors: DeSantis Gary G
Published: January 2024

This article examines how Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ remarks contribute to anti-intellectualism and fuel the pushback against critical race theory (CRT) championed by like-minded conservative Republicans who view its instruction as an affront to society and authentic historical narratives. Dismissing educators and scholars who uphold the teaching of CRT as unpatriotic and denigrating to American society, DeSantis, who has presidential aspirations, has effectively used the issue (along with a number of other matters) to solidify his conservative base fearful of social and hegemonic change. Although CRT is not taught in Florida public schools, similar to other conservative-dominated states which have seized on the teaching of CRT as anathema to their civic principles, DeSantis’ thinly veiled attempt to appease right-wing voters is yet another example of Republicans stoking cultural wars designed to energize conservative constituents against what many of them perceive as liberal attacks on their beliefs and values.
Advancing Inclusive Communication: Implementing an Audit to Center Equity in SNAP-Ed Programming
Authors: Bruno Pamela , Fuller Colleen , Ruhl Hannah , Kaley Lori , Dushuttle Patricia
Published: January 2024

Public health interventions rely on information exchange to influence health outcomes. Increasingly, practitioners are working to be intentional with public health messaging. The language used to communicate program objectives and health recommendations should reflect the community’s lived experience and avoid perpetuating health and social inequities. Words and tone matter, and both should be inclusive and non-stigmatizing. Prioritizing a health equity lens for communication may require a critical review and revision of existing materials. This Practice Note highlights the development and implementation of an audit tool designed to systematically review a cookbook created to support healthy eating for families and individuals experiencing low income and participating in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) intervention in Maine. The purpose of the audit tool and the collaborative review process was to revise the cookbook content to ensure a weight-neutral, empowering approach to supporting the community’s nutritional needs. The audit process resulted in a comprehensive methodology to examine intervention resources for inclusive communication approaches that avoid deficit framing, use person-first language, and do not overemphasize limited resources or appropriate cultures. The instrument and methodology are conceptually replicable and adaptable. In sharing the process and audit results, the authors seek to provide an example for practitioners to draw from for similar critical reviews of public health intervention resources and promotional materials.
Pelvic AVM Embolization: A Tricky Affair—Multicenter Retrospective Experience
Authors: Szmygin Maciej , Giurazza Francesco , Marini Pierre De , Jargiełło Tomasz , Pyra Krzysztof
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Pelvic arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs) are congenital or acquired vascular anomalies, presenting with hematuria, menometrorrhagia, pelvic pain, and varices; they can be life-threatening in case of rupture. Surgical therapies have been proposed but endovascular embolization has been recognized as the primary modality. The aim of this article was to report a retrospective multicenter experience concerning embolization of pelvic AVMs and provide literature overview.

Materials and Methods:

We describe 18 patients (14 female and 4 male) diagnosed with pAVM and treated with minimally invasive methods. The pre-procedural imaging evaluation was based on transpelvic and/or transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance. In 3 cases, the malformation was congenital and in other 15, acquired. Most common symptoms were menometrorrhagia, hematuria, pelvic pain and pressure, and heaviness in the lower abdominal region. In 10 cases (56%), only 1 procedure was required. Eight patients underwent multistage treatment.

Results:

Complete occlusion of the lesion in post-procedural angiography was observed in 12 patients (67%). No major periprocedural complications were observed. In 14 cases (78%), both satisfactory embolization and significant clinical improvement was achieved in long-term follow-up. Sixteen patients (88%) were at least satisfied with the clinical outcome. One patient reported subsequent successful pregnancy 5 years after the treatment.

Conclusion:

Hemodynamics of pAVM are variable and thorough understanding of the vessel anatomy is crucial in planning and choosing proper treatment. Both transarterial and percutaneous direct puncture embolization strategies appear safe, technically feasible, and clinically effective.

Clinical Impact

In this manuscript, we discuss the role of interventional radiology methods in the treatment of pelvic arteriovenous malformations along with its advantages, limitations and possible complications. In addition to this, we review the current literature and confront our findings with those made by other authors. We believe that modern endovascular methods offer safe and reliable alternative for traditional surgical therapy and should be therefore considered during multidisciplinary treatment of these patients.
The “Bag of Bones” Treatment of Comminuted Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Garg Rohit , Vezeridis Peter S. , Monica James T. , Mudgal Chaitanya S.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Extensively comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fractures in the elderly present a challenging therapeutic dilemma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of nonoperative treatment of these fractures in a select subset of patients.

Methods:

Patients treated with nonoperative management for a comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fracture between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients were administered 3 elbow-specific functional outcomes instruments.

Results:

A total of 8 patients (2 men, 6 women) were treated with brief immobilization followed by early range of motion. All had fractures with extensive comminution of the articular surface such that open reduction and internal fixation was not feasible. Average age was 70 years. At an average of 33 months postinjury, average flexion was 124°, and extension was −27°, with full forearm rotation. No patients required pain medications at the latest follow-up. At 33 months of follow-up, the average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92/100 (100 optimal), Oxford Elbow Score was 43/48 (48 optimal), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score was 10/100 (0 optimal). All patients were satisfied with the nonsurgical treatment that they received.

Conclusions:

Nonoperative treatment for comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fractures results in acceptable functional outcome in elderly patients and should be considered when the fracture is not amenable to internal fixation and in lower-demand patients with higher surgical risk.
Predictive value of early measurement of cytokine levels for persistent inflammation-immunosuppression-catabolism syndrome in ICU patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Hu Yongxia , Wang Yun , Guo Shan , Zhang Weimin
Published: January 2024

Investigating cytokine levels in ICU patients reveals their potential in predicting the occurrence of Persistent Inflammatory Response-Immunosuppression-Catabolic Syndrome (PICS). Our study encompassed clinical data from ICU patients admitted between December 2020 and January 2022. The cohort was divided based on the incidence of PICS, and a comparative analysis was conducted on their clinical data. Using logistic regression, we identified independent factors influencing PICS. Among 132 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, 39 (31.70%) developed PICS. Significant differences were observed between the PICS and non-PICS groups in terms of average age, APACHE II scores, hospital stay duration, mortality, and infection rates. Notably, laboratory parameters indicated lower pre-albumin and IL-4 levels, alongside higher IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-y levels in the PICS group. Multivariate analysis pinpointed pre-albumin, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 as independent risk factors for PICS in ICU settings. Our findings underscore the importance of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 as key cytokines in the early detection and management of PICS, offering significant insights for clinical practice.
A resilient inter-organizational workflow assignment plan selection approach: Application to a digital health use case
Authors: Monsef Boughrous , Hanan El Bakkali
Published: January 2024

Workflow Management Systems are rapidly evolving and increasingly used in a variety of industries, allowing organizations to automate and enhance their business processes. Hence, they are open to collaboration throw inter-organizational workflows to achieve common objectives. Thus, organizations could thereby adapt to highly dynamic environments and abrupt sudden changes like during epidemics. One of the particular interests for security researchers is to ensure workflow resiliency, which means ensuring the completion of the workflow execution given a defined set of security constraints without violating the security policy. However, the rigid application of security constraints restricts some task-organization assignments, which leads to the workflow satisfiability problem. Moreover, a wise selection of collaborating organizations is very important for secure resilient inter-organizational workflow execution. Therefore, we aim in this paper to propose a resilient inter-organizational workflow assignment plan selection approach to select a valid task-organization plan that allows a resilient inter-organizational workflow complete execution. Our proposed approach, uses the task priority concept, Bayesian inference, and a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach based on the methods Analytical Hierarchical Process and Grey Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. As a result, the proposed approach selects the best assignment plan for a resilient execution of the Inter-Organizational Workflow, in addition to delegates for each task-organization assignment if available.
Internet Censorship in China: Looking Through the Lens of Categorisation
Authors: Liu Jun
Published: January 2024

Despite the fruitful insights articulated by existing scholarship on internet censorship in China, the lack of a systematic overview of the field not only hinders reciprocal dialogue across different studies, but also prevents a reflective consideration of directions that could shed further light on the topic. To fill the gap, this study introduces the concept of “categorisation” as the analytical lens to scrutinise and synthesise the extant studies on censorship. It proposed two possible ways of categorising the current development of the topic: one is the macro–meso–micro level of analysis, and the other is about data and metadata. Our discussion addresses three contributions to studying internet censorship in China: the emerging computational methods for exploring censorship deletion practices on the micro level, the relevance of hard-to-observe, organisation-specific factors to understand the operationalisation of censorship, and method triangulation to strengthen the validity and reliability of studies of censorship phenomena.
Optimizing Ultrasonic Extraction and Purification of Nuciferine With Response Surface Method
Authors: Ren Xinshui , Wu Mengdie , Liu Simin , Pan Hongzhi
Published: January 2024

Background

Lotus leaves are obtained from plants belonging to the genus Nelumbo in the Nymphaeaceae family. They serve both as agricultural produce and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Nuciferine, an amorphine alkaloid found in lotus leaves, holds significance due to its anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic properties.

Objective

The factors influencing nuciferine extraction from lotus leaves using the dipping-acid-assisted ultrasonic extraction method (DAUEM) have received limited attention. This study aims to optimize DAUEM conditions (ethanol concentration, solvent-to-material ratio, and ultrasonic extraction time) through a Box-Behnken response surface design.

Methods

Nuciferine purification from lotus leaves is achieved using D101 macroporous adsorptive resin. A single-factor test, with ethanol concentration ( V/V), solvent-to-material ratio ( V/M), and ultrasonic extraction time as variables, serves as a basis for optimizing the nuciferine extraction process via the response surface methodology.

Results

The highest nuciferine yield (0.1035 ± 0.005)% was obtained using 74% ethanol ( V/V), a 26:1 solvent-to-material ratio, and an 82min extraction time. Nuciferine purity reached 67.14% using 70% ethanol as the eluent and high-performance liquid chromatography for determination. DAUEM effectively extracts nuciferine from lotus leaves, with optimization achieved using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. D101 macroporous adsorption resin efficiently separates and purifies nuciferine in lotus leaves.

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrates good precision and accuracy, making it suitable for the extraction, separation, and purification of nuciferine in lotus leaves. The method lays the foundation for the development and utilization of nuciferine.
Treatment of multiple myeloma with selinexor: a review
Authors: Huang Qianlei , Zhao Ranran , Xu Lu , Hao Xinbao , Tao Shi
Published: January 2024

Over the last 20 years, breakthroughs in accessible therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have been made. Nevertheless, patients with MM resistant to immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies have a very poor outcome. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new drugs for the treatment of MM. This review summarizes the mechanism of action of selinexor, relevant primary clinical trials, and recent developments in both patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma and patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. Selinexor may be useful for the treatment of refractory MM.
The Market Analysis of Nashville’s Historic and COVID-19 Pandemic Data From STR LLC
Authors: Mammen Rachel
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States began in early 2020. The US lockdown negatively impacted the hospitality and tourism industry. Nashville is the capital of and the most populous city in the state of Tennessee. The music industry is just one way that Nashville brings tourists to the city. The demand percentage change decreased from 2011 to 2012 and again from 2014 to 2016, and the greatest negative impact has been the COVID-19 pandemic. The breakdown of the Nashville market is shown by location, rooms, class, and submarket with key performance indicators. The pipeline projects in Nashville are continued to be constructed in 2021. This case study aims to generate discussions about key performance indicators (KPIs), external threats which cause disruptions to hotel business in Nashville, understand the evolutionary theory of supply and demand, and analyze the statistics of supply and demand changes in Nashville.
Deep Rivers: A Pentecostal Approach to Disciple-Making
Authors: Williamson Asia E. , Handley Joseph W.
Published: January 2024

The exponential growth worldwide of Pentecostalism during the twentieth century is undeniable. Through its remarkable growth, Pentecostalism has made a robust contribution to Christians’ overall understanding of the nature and power of the Holy Spirit. One area needing further exploration is the theological and biblical roots of Pentecostalism’s teachings on discipleship. This article’s analysis will include considering the work of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification, careful considerations of both scriptural and historical backgrounds, and a survey of the landscape of Pentecostal approaches to discipleship. The article aims to outline some fundamental principles and practices of Christian discipleship, as well as to explore how the process of discipleship empowered by the Holy Spirit is at the heart of ever deepening personal and communal transformation.
Is the Number of Citations Related to the Study Methodology in Shoulder Arthroplasty Literature? A Bibliometric and Statistical Analysis of Current Evidence
Authors: de Giovanni Roberto , Guarino Amedeo , Rossi Valentina , Bruzzese Dario , Mariconda Massimo , Cozzolino Andrea
Published: January 2024

Background

We reviewed the shoulder arthroplasty (SA) literature to correlate citations, methodological characteristics and quality of most-cited articles in this field. We hypothesized that a greater number of citations would be found for high-quality clinical studies.

Methods

We searched the Web of Knowledge database for the 50 most-cited articles about SA and collected author name, publication year, country of origin, journal, article type, level of evidence (LoE), subject of paper, type of arthroplasty and metrics (number of citations and citation rate). Coleman Methodology Score (CMS) was computed for clinical articles. Statistical analysis of variance and correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationship between different variables.

Results

Out of the selected 50 studies on SA, 26% were nonclinical. There were 15,393 citations overall (mean 307.8), with a mean 19.5 citations per year (range 48.3-6.7). Thirty or 60% of all articles were LoE IV. All studies were published between 1984 and 2011 in 8 journals. Reverse SA (RSA) was the most common subject (36% of studies). The United States was the country responsible for most contributions (50% of studies). CMS ranged from 81 to 38 (mean 59.6). RSA received the highest number of citations ( P < .001), independently from country of origin ( P = .137) and LoE ( P = .723). CMS correlated with citation rate ( r = 0.397; P = .013) and publication year (tau = 0.397; P = .013), but not with LoE ( P = .204).

Conclusion

In SA literature, citation rate positively correlates with methodological quality of a study, independently from publication country and LoE. Among most-cited papers, RSA is the most common standalone subject.
Greater Mental Health Burden is Associated With Poor Postoperative Pain Control and Increased Opioid Utilization Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: MacFarlane Alexander J. , Ritter Benjamin , Uffer Joshua , Feng Lin , Streicher Alexa , Haider Mohammad N. , Duquin Thomas R.
Published: January 2024

Background

Prolonged opioid use is associated with higher complications and worse patient-reported outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Identified risk factors for prolonged postoperative use are related to several medical comorbidities, gender, diagnoses of anxiety or depressive disorders, and preoperative opioid use. In this study, we hypothesized that patient-reported mental health characteristics can help to identify patients at risk of worse postoperative pain control, worse sleep, and higher opioid utilization following TSA.

Methods

Ninety-three consecutive patients were asked to fill out 2 mental health questionnaires prior to undergoing TSA. Following surgery, patients filled out a daily pain diary to track their daily pain, pain medication use, and quality and duration of their sleep for 30 days. Preoperative opioid use and postoperative refill were determined by the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program. Mixed-model linear regressions were conducted. Significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Postoperative opioid refill was associated with female gender, preoperative opioid therapy, higher inpatient opioid use, worse anxiety, depression, somatization, and pain catastrophizing scores. The number of days using opioids postoperatively was associated with worse pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and somatization scores (patient health questionnaire-15). Preoperative opioid therapy was associated with worse somatization scores, whereas no opioids used after surgery were associated with better somatization scores. Worse sleep quality and duration were associated with worse PCS scores.

Conclusion

A greater mental health burden is associated with worse postoperative pain control and higher opioid utilization during the acute postoperative period. This is especially evident in the pain catastrophizing and somatization domains.
Open Hamstring Tendon Excision Following a Distal Semitendinosus Avulsion Tear: A Technique Video
Authors: Forsythe Brian , Gamsarian Vahram , Mirle Vikranth , Dedore Lee , Tashjian Michelle , Harkin William , Chan Jimmy , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Hamstring injuries are commonly considered the number one reason for delayed return to play and return to sport (RTS) across several sport disciplines. Traditionally, they are treated conservatively. However, recent literature has shown surgical intervention to improve recovery and expedite RTS. One potential explanation behind this phenomenon is conservative treatment does not address the disrupted length-tendon relationship, which can cause hamstring re-injury.

Indications:

Operative indications for tendon excision include patients with distal semitendinosus avulsions tear with retraction, especially patients who had already failed conservative management. Elite athletes with distal hamstring tears who have experienced a delayed RTS or desired activity level should also be considered for distal hamstring excision.

Technique Description:

A distal 4-cm incision, which was longitudinal in line with the semitendinosus, was made over the posterior knee at the measured level of the avulsed tendon stump, 2 cm proximal to the knee flexion crease. Blunt dissection was used for the subcutaneous layers, and the overlying hypertrophic and fibrotic tendon sheath was sharply incised. The torn and retracted tendon tissue was exteriorized. An allis clamp was used to provide tension on the distal semitendinosus, and mobilization of the avulsed tendon was performed. Sheath tissue surrounding the injured tendon was removed. The stump was whipstitched to provide further traction, and the hypertrophied portion of the tendon was excised. An open tendon stripper was implemented to exercise both limbs of the semitendinosus. The subcutaneous tissue and skin were closed, and an incisional wound vac was placed.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Distal avulsion tears of semitendinosus tendons can lead to unsatisfactory results with conservative treatment, with delayed RTS and recurrence of symptoms. Resection of hamstring tendon tissue may eliminate the recurrence of injury, along with inflammation, fibrosis, and hemorrhage associated with retraction reinjuries.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Bioplastic from empty fruit bunch cellulose/chitosan/starch: Optimization through box-Behnken design to enhance the mechanical properties
Authors: Waluyo Joko , Purba Ibnu Tryansar , Sani Kalimaya Qolbi , Sayekti Nur , Ramadhani Sabela Sanata , Pranolo Sunu Herwi , Margono  , Kaavessina Mujtahid
Published: January 2024

This investigation was centered on the intricate processes of fabricating and fine–tuning the concentration of microcellulose derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). The objective was to employ it as a reinforcing agent, with sorbitol serving as a plasticizer, and chitosan acting as both a plasticizer and a strengthening agent for the formulation of bioplastic films to gain higher value mechanically. The cellulose extraction involved a methodical delignification approach, extracting lignin and hemicellulose from OPEFB to yield brown pulp. Subsequent double peroxide bleaching was employed to reduce the lignin concentration in the pulp. Leveraging the Box–Behnken experimental within a response surface methodology framework, the study scrutinized the influence of independent parameters (additive concentrations) on the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the fabricated bioplastic films. Noteworthy variations in ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus were discerned, underscoring the impact of microparticle loading on the mechanical attributes of the bioplastic films. The quadratic polynomial model derived from experimental data exhibited coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.8690 for ultimate tensile strength and 0.6793 for Young’s modulus, affirming the adeptness of the models in navigating the optimization space. Microcellulose was isolated (30 – 40) wt.% of OPEFB as the white pulp which revealed a homogenous dispersion with chitosan in the corn starch matrix. The superior tensile strength and Young’s modulus were observed at 6.84 MPa and 21.94 MPa respectively.