bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To the bone: Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among orthopedic residents in Mexico
Authors: Fresán Ana , Robles-García Rebeca , Yoldi-Negrete María , Guízar-Sánchez Diana , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos-Alfonso
Published: September 2023

Objective

Examining orthopedic residents in Mexico, researchers explore the relationship between the presence of depressive or anxious symptoms and the degree of perfectionism, perceived work-related distress, and involvement in the care of patient(s) who died.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional online survey of 642 orthopedic residents from October 2019 to April 2021.

Results

Of orthopedic residents contacted, 50.6% responded rate (70.9% male, average age 29.8 years). A total of 12.5% reported significant depressive symptoms and 18.4% reported significant anxious symptoms. On a scale from 0-100, the mean score of perceived work-related distress was 51.9. One-third (33.6%) reported being involved in the care of patient(s) who had died. Higher levels of work-related distress and higher scores on perfectionism were associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. In particular, being involved in the care of patient(s) who had died was associated with anxious symptoms (OR = 1.79; 95%CI = 1.18-2.72).

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for systematic monitoring of the mental health of orthopedic residents in Mexico, particularly those who report a high level of work-related distress or perfectionism or who have recently experienced the death of a patient.
Associations Between Family Factors, Social Integration, and Suicidal Ideation Across the Life Course of an Urban African American Cohort
Authors: Sifat Munjireen S. , Kuo Charlene , Yoo Jee Hun , Holder Sharifah , Green Kerry M.
Published: September 2023

Suicide is a problem on the rise but not studied extensively among African Americans. It is critical to identify risk factors for suicidal ideation to reduce risk. This study examines whether family and social factors over the life course predict suicidal ideation among African American adults in midlife. We conducted multiple logistic regression analyses on data from a longitudinal cohort of African Americans first assessed in childhood to identify associations with suicidal ideation in midlife (ages 33–42). Findings suggested living without one’s mother in childhood (vs. living with mother alone; aOR = 3.69, p = .017) and parental rule-setting in adolescence ( aOR = 0.79, p = .047) were associated with suicidal ideation. Having a lifetime drug disorder ( aOR = 2.19, p = .046) or major depression by young adulthood ( aOR = 3.58, p < .001) was also associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Findings highlight the importance of intervention for children in mother-absent homes for improving mental health outcomes. Family interventions that promote parental rule-setting and addressing drug problems and depressive symptoms early in the life course offer an area for intervention to reduce suicide over the long term.
The energy-food dilemma for utilizing biofuels in low-income communities amidst the Russian–Ukrainian conflict
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman
Published: September 2023

The Russian–Ukraine war has had and will continue to impact global energy and food security; this will increase the pressure on low-income communities due to rising food costs, as some food was used for energy (i.e. cooking oil). In addition to that, rising energy demand, fuel price increases, the need for energy security, climate change, and means of lowering greenhouse gas emissions are significant considerations in all ethical discussions, particularly when considering the human right to food; there is a tension between the usage of land and availability of water and the human need for fuel, such as biofuel. Although biofuels have the potential to alleviate energy difficulties, producing and consuming such fuels raises social, economic, technological, environmental, and ethical concerns due to ethical aspects such as Rights, Duty, Virtue, Utilitarianism, and Sustainability. Furthermore, all participants bear an ethical responsibility to ensure that biofuels are produced and used appropriately, taking into account citizens’ rights to nourishment, well-being, and employment, the environmental sustainability of such fuels, as well as their capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the equitable distribution of such fuels’ costs and benefits. Using human food to produce biofuels has raised several issues since it may jeopardize the human right to enough sustenance for healthy living. In contrast, current biofuel production and use do not meet environmental sustainability requirements.
Circuit change in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with adverse outcomes
Authors: Hafezi Niloufar , Markel Troy A , Mark Natalie M , Colgate Cameron L , Shah Supriya , Ninad Nehal , Masso Maldonado Sarina , Gray Brian W
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits may be changed during the run for multiple reasons; however, these circuit changes may be associated with adverse events. Predictors for undergoing a circuit change (CC) and their outcomes remain unclear. We hypothesized that neonatal and pediatric CC correlates with increased morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Pediatric and neonatal patients who underwent one ECMO run lasting <30 days at a tertiary children’s hospital from 2011 through 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Bivariate regression analysis evaluated factors associated with ECMO mortality and morbidity. LASSO logistic regression models identified independent risk factors for undergoing a CC. p < .05 was significant.

Results

One hundred 85 patients were included; 137 (74%) underwent no CC, while 48 (26%) underwent one or more. Undergoing a CC was associated with longer ECMO duration ( p < .001), higher blood transfusion volumes ( p < .001), increased hemorrhagic complications ( p < .001) and increased mortality ( p = .002). Increased platelet ( p = .001) and FFP ( p = .016) transfusion volumes at any time while on ECMO were independent factors associated with undergoing a CC.

Conclusions

Changing the circuit during the ECMO run occurs frequently and may be associated with poorer outcomes. Understanding the outcomes and predictors for CC may guide management protocols for more efficient circuit changes given its important association with overall outcomes.
Effect of atrial fibrillation on plasma galectin-3 and soluble CD40 ligand levels in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Chi , Li HongJun , Han Mei
Published: September 2023

Objective

To reveal the significance of plasma galectin-3 and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) combined with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

In this case–control study, the case group comprised 60 patients with ICM combined with atrial fibrillation and the control group comprised patients with ICM without atrial fibrillation. Plasma galectin-3 and sCD40L levels, left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular diameter (LVD) were compared.

Results

The plasma galectin-3 and sCD40L levels, LAD, and LVD were higher and the LVEF was lower in the case than control group. In the case group, the plasma galectin-3 and sCD40L levels were positively correlated with the LAD and LVD but negatively correlated with the LVEF. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the plasma galectin-3 and sCD40L levels in the diagnosis of ICM combined with atrial fibrillation was 0.857 (95% confidence interval, 0.792–0.923) and 0.724 (95% confidence interval, 0.634–0.814), respectively.

Conclusion

The plasma galectin-3 and sCD40L levels are significantly elevated in patients with ICM combined with atrial fibrillation. Although both may have predictive value in the diagnosis of ICM combined with atrial fibrillation, galectin-3 may have the higher predictive value.
MRI radiomics-based evaluation of tuberculous and brucella spondylitis
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Fan Zhichang , Zhen Junping
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiomics labels from tuberculous spondylitis (TBS) and brucella spondylitis (BS) to build machine learning models that differentiate TBS from BS and culture-positive TBS (TBS(+)) from culture-negative TBS (TBS(−).

Methods

This retrospective study included 56 patients with BS, 63 patients with TBS(+) and 71 patients with TBS(−). Radiomics labels were extracted from T2-weighted fat-suppression images. MRI labels were analyzed via logistic regression (LR); radiomics labels were analyzed by t-tests, SelectKBest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models were established using radiomics or joint (radiomics+MRI) labels. Models were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves, areas under the curve (AUCs), decision curve analysis (DCA), and Hosmer–Lemeshow tests.

Results

When joint-label models were used to compare BS vs TBS(+) and BS vs TBS(−) groups, SVM AUCs were 0.904 and 0.944, respectively, whereas RF AUCs were 0.950 and 0.947, respectively; these were higher than the AUCs of the MRI label-based LR model. DCA showed that radiomics-based machine learning models had a greater net benefit; Hosmer–Lemeshow tests demonstrated good prediction consistency for all models.

Conclusions

Radiomics can help distinguish TBS from BS and TBS(+) from TBS(−).
A diagnostic biomarker of acid glycoprotein 1 for distinguishing malignant from benign pulmonary lesions
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Yueyang , Huang Ankang , Gong Yongsheng , Wang Weidong , Pan Jicheng , Jin Yanxia
Published: September 2023

Background

The acid glycoprotein 1 (AGP1) is downregulated in lung cancer. However, the performance of AGP1 in distinguishing benign from malignant lung lesions is still unknown.

Methods

The expression of AGP1 in benign diseases and lung cancer samples was detected by Western blot. The receiver operating characteristic curves, bivariate correlation, and multivariate analysis was analyzed by SPSS software.

Results

AGP1 expression levels were significantly downregulated in lung cancer and correlated with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA199, and CA724 tumor biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of AGP1 for distinguishing malignant from benign pulmonary lesions was better than the other four clinical biomarkers including CEA, squamous cell carcinoma-associated antigen, neuron-specific enolase, and cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1, with an area under the curve value of 0.713 at 88.8% sensitivity. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis indicated that the variates of thrombin time and potassium significantly affected the AGP1 levels in lung cancer.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that AGP1 expression is decreased in lung cancer compared to benign samples, which helps distinguish benign and malignant pulmonary lesions.
Further Validation of the Social Efficacy and Social Outcome Expectations Scale
Authors: Wright Stephen L. , Jenkins-Guarnieri Michael A.
Published: September 2023

The current study sought out to advance the Social Self-Efficacy and Social Outcome Expectations scale using multiple approaches to scale development. Data from 583 undergraduate students were used in two scale development approaches: Classic Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). Confirmatory factor analysis suggested a 2-factor structure that aligns with the theoretically based domains for SEOES items and supports previously proposed models of this scale from CTT and psychometric analyses. The IRT analysis indicated that the SEOES items have greater measurement precision at measuring lower levels of the latent constructs. Future research directions are provided and practice implications are discussed.
Conceptualizing Anti-Racist Pedagogies Within Experimental Music's Community of Practice
Authors: Woods Peter J.
Published: September 2023

Despite communities of practice (COPs) literature asserting the importance of attending to power dynamics within these learning contexts, research has largely ignored the process of racialization within COPs and, in particular, the role anti-racist pedagogies play within these spaces. In response, I present findings from an instrumental case study to address the following research question: how do participants in an experimental music community conceptualize anti-racist pedagogies within their COP? Building on Kenny’s notion of communities of musical practice, my analysis shows that the board members and employees of the experimental music venue at the center of this study recognize opportunities to challenge white supremacy and build critical understandings of racialization across all three of Wenger’s dimensions of COPs: mutual engagement, joint enterprise, and shared repertoire. This study therefore provides a potential framework for future studies into anti-racist pedagogies within informal adult education.
Using Cognitive Interviews to Adapt Interpersonal Violence Measures for Use With Middle School Youth
Authors: Adhia Avanti , Casanova Nicole , Rogers Megan , Bekemeier Betty
Published: September 2023

Experiences of interpersonal violence are common among youth. Starting prevention programming early (e.g., middle school) may be beneficial for primary prevention. Evaluating whether such programs are effective often requires collecting self-report data from youth, but many existing measures have been developed for high school and college-aged youth. This study aimed to assess adolescents’ comprehension of self-report survey items on interpersonal violence with middle school youth. We conducted virtual cognitive interviews with 15 youth in grades 6 to 8. A content analysis was used to identify patterns and to classify the nature and type of comprehension issues youth experienced. Nearly all students found most questions clear and understandable. We identified the following comprehension issues: (1) uncertainty with how the intent of a perpetrator factored into a victim’s experience (e.g., distinguishing the difference between joking and bullying, or intentional versus unintentional behavior); (2) lack of familiarity with certain expressions of sexualized violence (e.g., “sexual looks”) or sex-related terminology (e.g., intercourse); and (3) narrow interpretations of question prompts (e.g., interpreting “forced” as physically forced, not psychologically coerced). Students suggested including language describing dating relationships, types of social media platforms where cyber abuse takes place, and additional examples alongside items to enhance relevance and clarity. Survey questions to measure interpersonal violence may need to be adapted for use among middle school youth. Our findings highlight potential considerations for improving the measurement of interpersonal violence in this age group.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviors and Outcomes by Age Group and Race Ethnicity: Results From Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data
Authors: Singh Shipra , Polavarapu Mounika , Vallerand Katharine , Moore Sundaye S.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to examine changes in health behaviors and outcomes during early-pandemic (2020) vs pre-pandemic (2019) years by age groups and race/ethnicity. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System datasets from 2019 (n = 418 268) and 2020 (n = 401 958). All participants reported less likelihood to exercise (aOR, .78; 95% CI: .73-.83) and have poor physical health (aOR, .91; 95% CI: .86-.98) but more likelihood to have excellent general health (aOR, 1.33; 1.17-1.53) during 2020 vs 2019. Compared to 2019, during 2020 (i) Blacks were more likely to exercise (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02-1.51) and have excellent general health (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI: 1.13-2.54); (ii) Hispanics were less likely to exercise (aOR, .80; 95% CI: .74-.88), but more likely to have excellent general health (aOR, 2.44; 95% CI: 1.79-3.33) and mental health (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI: 1.15-1.72); and (iii) Whites were less likely to exercise (aOR, .58; 95% CI: .50-.67) and have good physical health (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI: .82-.95). All age groups, except 18-24 years, were less likely to exercise by 18%-39% during 2020 vs 2019. Furthermore, the 55-64 years age-group was 36% more likely to report excellent general health but 14% less likely to have good physical health. Identifying the most vulnerable racial/ethnic and age groups is pivotal to prioritizing public health resources and interventions to mitigate the impact of health crises.
Regression-based identification and order reduction method for nonlinear dynamic structural models
Authors: Wang Libao , Xu Min
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a regression-based nonlinear reduced-order model for nonlinear structural dynamics problems, called the Nonlinear Identification and Dimension-Order Reduction (NLIDOR) algorithm. We evaluate the algorithm using a simple toy model, a chain of coupled oscillators and an actual three-dimensional flat plate. The results show that NLIDOR can accurately identify the natural frequencies and modes of the system and capture the nonlinear dynamical features, while the linear Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) method can only capture linear features and is influenced by nonlinear terms. Compared with the full-order model (FOM), NLIDOR can effectively reduce computational cost, while compared with DMD, NLIDOR significantly improves computational accuracy. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of NLIDOR for solving nonlinear dynamic problems in various applications.
Locating infrastructural agency: Computer protocols at the finance/security nexus
Authors: Campbell-Verduyn Malcolm , Hütten Moritz
Published: September 2023

How can we make sense of tensions and contradictions in digitally mediated practices of anonymity and identification? This article calls for foregrounding computer protocols as key sites for locating how agency amongst increasingly complex sets of relations between human and non-human actors is impacting contemporary (in)security. We distinguish agency within and between contemporary finance/security infrastructures by tracing the development, application and updating of a particular set of computer protocols – blockchains. Locating agency at the site of these and other computer protocols, we argue, exposes security politics that have largely remained overlooked in the ongoing engagement of critical security studies with science and technology studies. Widening engagements with security devices, this article also broadens the interdisciplinary engagements of critical security studies with new media and software studies.
The Reactive Strategy During the COVID-19 Crisis: A New String to the Bow of CSR
Authors: Khanchel Imen , Lassoued Naima , Khiari Cyrine
Published: September 2023

This study aims to study the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on stock market performance and determine whether firms with a reactive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy (compared to those with a proactive and strategic strategy) were less affected. Focusing on a sample of 217 French firms, the event study approach is applied to examine change in the stock prices of socially responsible firms at the announcement of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The results show that stock prices dropped significantly as a reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly for the proactive CSR group compared to the reactive CSR group. The results also show that the reactive CSR group resisted more in the longer term. Furthermore, an investment strategy aiming at buying reactive CSR firms and or selling proactive ones would have earned abnormal returns. However, the investment strategy is not fruitful when we consider reactive CSR stocks and strategic firms.
CFO Demographics and Working Capital Management in China
Authors: Hu Qida , Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin , Houqe Muhammad Nurul
Published: September 2023

This research examines whether Chief Finance Officer (CFO) demographics (including age, educational background, gender and tenure) impact firm working capital policies. We argue that the personal characteristics of the CFO impact corporate financial policy, such as working capital management. Using a sample of listed companies in the China Stock market over 2000–2021, we find that CFO age, gender, education, and tenure determine firm working capital management. Further, we identified that findings are more pronounced within firms that do not have state ownership, suggesting that private ownership firms are likely to have aggressive working capital management. In terms of economic significance, our results demonstrated that a one-standard-deviation rise in CFO age is associated with a decrease in working capital of 1.09% to 1.39% for the sample firms. This implies that the effect of CFO age on working capital management is economically significant, implying that it considerably impacts the financial situation.

JEL Codes: G32, G34, G39
Adapting the Serious Illness Conversation Guide for Dementia Care
Authors: Berry Charlotte E. , Montgomery Sophie H. , Santulli Robert , Cullinan Amelia
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Advance care planning (ACP), a critical component of quality dementia care, is underutilized due to lack of clinician comfort and the challenging nature of ACP in this context. The Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) is a well-validated clinician-facing tool, developed with patient and clinician input, to facilitate ACP. The aim of this project was to adapt the SICG for dementia for the first time to promote high-quality ACP. Methods: This study uses a mixed-methods approach to adapt the SICG tool for use in dementia care. Experts with relevant clinical, ethical, and topical knowledge were interviewed to develop alterations to the SICG for dementia care. Patients and caregivers were shown a mock interview of the adapted SICG for dementia (SICG-D) to elicit feedback. Results: 8 relevant experts were interviewed. Adaptations included topical alterations to make the conversation more applicable to dementia as well as alterations to the structure of the conversation to accommodate the patient-caregiver dyad. Twenty interviews were conducted with 14 patients and 18 caregivers (either together or separately). A thematic content analysis of interview transcripts demonstrated positive impressions of the tool. In anonymous survey results, 94% reported a positive impression of the conversation and 89% endorsed incorporation of the adapted guide into dementia healthcare. Conclusion: This paper presents the SICG-D, an adapted version of the SICG for use in dementia care. This guide leverages the strengths of the SICG to promote values-based ACP conversations and has been adapted to better facilitate patient-caregiver-clinician triadic communication.
Midterm Results of AAA Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Endstrasser Franz , Lindtner Richard A. , Landegger Anna , Wagner Moritz , Eichinger Martin , Schönthaler Hannes , Kaufmann Gerhard , Brunner Alexander
Published: September 2023

Background:

Outcome reports for Alpha Ankle Arthroplasty (AAA), a third-generation implant relying on a mobile bearing design for total ankle replacement, are sparse. This retrospective study evaluated the midterm survivorship, clinical, and radiologic outcomes after implantation of this implant.

Methods:

For 64 patients who received 65 Triple A ankle implants between 2009 and 2020, implant survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by measuring the range of motion, stability, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Questionnaire score (WOMAC), and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (AOFAS). The average pain level and satisfaction with the postoperative result were rated on a numeric rating scale (0-10). Additionally, radiologic analysis was performed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and tibiotalar alignment was assessed.

Results:

The implant-survival rate was 61.5% at a mean follow-up of 8.2 years. Twenty-five patients (38.5%) required revision surgery (average time to revision, 3.1 years, 95% CI 2.1-4.1 years). For patients without revisions, the average range of motion in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were 3.6 ± 4.2 degrees and 21.9 ± 7.8 degrees, respectively. The mean WOMAC and AOFAS scores were 44.7 ± 47.5 and 75.1 ± 14.0, respectively. The average pain and subjective satisfaction scores were 2.0 ± 1.7 and 8.5 ± 1.9, respectively. Mean alignment values did not differ significantly for patients who required revision surgery.

Conclusion:

We found a high revision rate with use of the AAA. However, patients who did not require revision surgery had, on average, high satisfaction and good functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Aged 30–49 Years Old in Four African Countries: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Alie Melsew Setegn , Negesse Yilkal , Ayenew Mengistu
Published: September 2023

Background

Early-stage cervical cancer screening is essential for providing women with a better chance of receiving effective treatment for precancerous and cancer stages. Delay in cervical cancer screening results in late presentation and cancer metastasis. National-level cervical cancer screening in resource-limited countries was scarce and not well studied in Africa based on national data specifically in Kenya, Cameroon, Nambia, and Zimbabwe.

Objective

To determine the prevalence and determinants of cervical cancer screening among eligible women in Kenya, Cameroon, Nambia, and Zimbabwe.

Methods

This study analyzed demographic and health survey data from Kenya, Cameroon, Nambia, and Zimbabwe. The data were extracted and analyzed by STATA version 15 and further analysis was done. Intraclass correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were calculated to check the appropriateness of multilevel analysis. Variables with P-value < .25 were selected for multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis. Finally, statistical significance between dependent and independent variables was assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The prevalence of cervical cancer screening in 4 African countries (Nambia, Kenya, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe) was 23.4 [95%CI: 22.8-24.1]. The determinants identified in this study were women of age 41–50 years [AOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.24, 1.73], rural residence [AOR = .67; 95% CI .55, .81], women who have their own work [AOR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.0, 1.37], smoking status [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.17, 3.0], age at first birth >=35 [AOR = 5.27; 95% CI 1.29-21.52], condom use [AOR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.46,2.19], husbands having worked [AOR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.08,2.11], rich household wealth [AOR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.13,1.8], and having health insurance [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.8,2.7].

Conclusion

The prevalence of cervical cancer screening in Kenya, Cameroon, Nambia, and Zimbabwe was low as compared to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Age, residence, work status, smoking status, women’s age at first birth, condom use, husbands having work, wealth status, and health insurance were the identified determinants of cervical cancer screening. Programme and policy interventions could address younger, rural residence women, poor wealth status women, women without work, and those who never use health insurance for the uptake of cervical cancer screening.
Research on identification of the hydraulic and structural vibration sources in a tubular pumping station
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Liaojun , Yin Guojiang
Published: September 2023

The hydraulic and structural vibration sources of pumping station are investigated in current research. Based on a vertical shaft tubular pumping station project in an eastern province of China, a three-dimensional fluid-solid coupling model of the pumping station is established, including the fluid in the flow channel, concrete structure, and hydraulic machinery. Two-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method is used to calculate the coupled vibration responses of the pumping station. Based on the FSI simulation results, the hydraulic and structural vibration sources of the pumping station are explored from the frequency perspective based on the Fourier transform theory and the vibration energy transmission perspective based on the time-delayed transfer entropy method. Research results show that the fluid pulsation generated by the rotation of the impeller is the main hydraulic vibration source, and the rotating impeller is the main structural vibration source that causes the vibration of the unit and the concrete structure. This research could provide a scientific basis for structural vibration control, vibration reduction, and isolation design of the pumping station.
Will She Win? Gendered Media Coverage of the 2020 Democratic Party Presidential Primaries
Authors: Chang Ho-Chun Herbert , Brichta Maximilian , Ahn Soyun , de Vight Jackson
Published: September 2023

In the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary campaigns, six women, the most in history, announced their candidacy for the presidency. Using computational topic modeling and network analysis of 84,000 newspaper articles (2.2 million paragraphs), we analyze how gender and electability was discussed during the Primaries. Results reveal that male candidates, and especially Joe Biden, were frequently compared with the incumbent, Donald Trump, while coverage of female candidates focused directly on social policy. Trump’s attack on Biden during the impeachment process produced a lasting effect by promoting discourse topics traditionally dominated by men. This crowded out the topics emphasized by women, such as health care and education. Women candidates’ press coverage was also more reactionary than men’s. Although explicit reference to gender as a discourse topic has decreased, which suggests growing gender parity within the political process, gendered policy salience emerges transitively in comparison with the incumbent. Transitive policy salience emerges as a key explanatory variable that articulates the indirect path media coverage can lead to the marginalization of women candidates.
Utilization and toxicity patterns of 2-weekly (Q2W) versus 4-weekly (Q4W) nivolumab for treatment of adjuvant and metastatic melanoma at BC cancer
Authors: Truong Jennifer , Yeung Shirley S.T. , Kletas Victoria , de Lemos Mario , Schaff Kimberly , Nakashima Lynne
Published: September 2023

Background

Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to treat several malignancies, is associated with immune-related adverse events (IrAEs). Original dosing for melanoma was 3 mg/kg (maximum 240 mg) every 2 weeks (Q2W). Based on simulation studies depicting similar efficacy and toxicity to original dosing, extended interval dosing of 6 mg/kg (maximum 480 mg) every 4 weeks (Q4W) was introduced.

Objective

This study will compare safety between Q2W and Q4W dosing at BC Cancer in melanoma patients.

Methods

Retrospective chart review for reported incidence, onset, and severity of IrAEs in melanoma patients treated with nivolumab Q2W and Q4W dosing was completed. Fisher's test was conducted for first incidence IrAEs using Microsoft Excel.

Results

Seventy-one patients were identified (Q2W n = 35, Q4W n = 36). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found in incidence of IrAEs between Q2W and Q4W dosing (Q2W 40% vs Q4W 50%, p = 0.477). Rash was most common (Q2W 79% vs Q4W 50%) followed by hypothyroidism (Q2W 33% vs Q4W 20%). Median onset of IrAEs seemed later with Q4W dosing (Q2W cycle 1 vs Q4W cycle 4). Regardless of dosing, most IrAEs were grade 1–2 in severity (Q2W 100% vs Q4W 89%).

Conclusion

Q4W dosing is associated with comparable incidence and potentially later onset of IrAEs compared to Q2W dosing. Most IrAEs in both dosing groups were similar and mild. Therefore, Q4W dosing offers a safe alternative to Q2W dosing while providing benefits including decreased workload for staff, decreased clinic visits, and viral exposure by patients.
Stimulus or Enforcement? How Intergovernmental Transfers Crowd-in Local Taxes in Indonesia
Authors: Saptono Prianto Budi , Mahmud Gustofan
Published: September 2023

This study quantifies intergovernmental transfers’ contemporaneous and lagged effects on local tax revenues of districts/municipalities in Indonesia. This study found that transfer as aggregate and unconditional transfers/ Dana Alokasi Umum have crowding-in effects on local tax revenues. Meanwhile, revenue sharing/ Dana Bagi Hasil and conditional transfers/ Dana Alokasi Khusus do not significantly affect the tax revenues of districts/municipalities. In addition, system-Generalized Method of Moments estimation results show that the contemporaneous effects of transfers are more prominent in magnitude than their lagged effects. It indicates that local tax enforcement due to transfers provides a larger portion than the local spending stimulus in determining local revenue increases. Our findings refute the negative stigma that emerged after implementing fiscal decentralization, particularly related to the disincentive effect of transfers on local government efforts to generate their revenues. Therefore, equitably endowing local governments with intergovernmental transfers will improve their accountability and build public trust.
TP53 and its Regulatory Genes as Prognosis of Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Khan Safir Ullah , Ullah Zahid , Shaukat Hadia , Unab Shiza , Jannat Saba , Ali Waqar , Ali Amir , Irfan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Fiaz , Cervantes-Villagrana Rodolfo Daniel
Published: September 2023

The present study was the first comprehensive investigation of genetic mutation and expression levels of the p53 signaling genes in cutaneous melanoma through various genetic databases providing large datasets. The mutational landscape of p53 and its signaling genes was higher than expected, with TP53 followed by CDKN2A being the most mutated gene in cutaneous melanoma. Furthermore, the expression analysis showed that TP53, MDM2, CDKN2A, and TP53BP1 were overexpressed, while MDM4 and CDKN2B were under-expressed in cutaneous melanoma. Overall, TCGA data revealed that among all the other p53 signaling proteins, CDKN2A was significantly higher in both sun and non-sun-exposed healthy tissues than in melanoma. Likewise, MDM4 and TP53BP1 expressions were markedly greater in non-sun-exposed healthy tissues compared to other groups. However, CDKN2B expression was higher in the sun-exposed healthy tissues than in other tissues. In addition, various genes were expressed significantly differently among males and females. In addition, CDKN2A was highly expressed in the SK-MEL-30 skin cancer cell line, whereas, Immune cell type expression analysis revealed that the MDM4 was highly expressed in naïve B-cells. Furthermore, all six genes were significantly overexpressed in extraordinarily overweight or obese tumor tissues compared to healthy tissues. MDM2 expression and tumor stage were closely related. There were differences in gene expression across patient age groups and positive nodal status. TP53 showed a positive correlation with B cells, MDM2 with CD8+ T cells, macrophages and neutrophils, and MDM4 with neutrophils. CDKN2A/B had a non-significant correlation with all six types of immune cells. However, TP53BP1 was positively correlated with all five types of immune cells except B cells. Only TP53, MDM2, and CDKN2A had a role in cutaneous melanoma-specific tumor immunity. All TP53 and its regulating genes may be predictive for prognosis. The results of the present study need to be validated through future screening, in vivo, and in vitro studies.
The Influence of Socio-Economic and Psychological Factors on the Composition of Household Solid Waste in Farahzad Neighborhood, Tehran, Iran
Authors: Gharagozloo Shaghayegh , Ghazizade Mahdi Jalili
Published: September 2023

Appropriate solid waste management requires correct identification of its quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Permanent changes in household solid waste composition (especially in developing countries) necessitate identifying factors affecting the composition to avoid frequent, extensive and high-cost sampling. The case study here is Farahzad Neighborhood in Tehran, a region where solid waste is not collected and managed properly, in turn, threatening the health of the residents in that area. The current study aims to identify socio-economic and psychological factors affecting household waste composition in this region. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, completed from July to August 2020, where 66 households were randomly selected as representative of 1950 households. Different parametric statistical tests were undertaken using the SPSS software to characterize factors affecting the waste composition in the research area. The results showed a significant difference (sig < .05) in the amount of recyclables in terms number employed people and household members as well education levels. There was also a significant difference (sig < .05) between the amount of food waste and education level, yet no (sig > .05) between the knowledge of waste management and the amount of generated plastics. Overall, this information may benefit managers and decision-makers to set more effective and socially inclusive policies for storing, collecting, and disposing of solid waste to ensure people from lower socio-economic groups are considered as well.
Evaluation of tribological behavior of a circulation oil with ionic liquid and hybrid additives
Authors: Ta Thi-Na , Horng Jeng-Haur
Published: September 2023

In this study, the synergistic effects of methyltrioctylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [N1888] [NTf2] ionic liquid (IL) with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) as hybrid additives in a circulation oil for steel–steel contacts at different temperatures. The wear test results indicated that the additions of single additives (IL, ZDDP, and ZnO NPs) could enhance the tribological performance of the circulation oil. Among these additives, the IL exhibited the most effective at the same weight concentration blended into the tested oil. The mixture of IL and ZDDP showed superior friction-reducing and wear-reducing properties compared to the IL + ZnO formulation. The hybrid additive formulation consisting of 0.5 wt% IL, 0.25 wt% ZDDP, and 0.25 wt% ZnO NPs exhibited excellent tribological properties at higher temperatures in the boundary lubrication regime. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray reveals that all single additives contribute to the formation of a tribofilm wear mechanism. However, the role of ZnO NPs in the hybrid additive conditions was changed from the most likely tribosintering effect to the most likely nano bearing effect at 100 °C. The interactions among IL, ZDDP, and NPs examined in this study can provide fundamental insights for the development of future lubricants.
Reconfiguring the relationship between the ‘good (hetero)sexual subject’ and the grey area between sex and rape
Authors: Hansen Maria
Published: September 2023

Though many advocates argue that ‘rape is rape’, empirical research demonstrates that many incidents and experiences are ambiguous. This article explores how heterosexual norms play into the construction of a grey area between ‘just sex’ and rape. Based on an analysis of 30 interviews with Norwegian men and women about alcohol-related heterosexual encounters, the article explores how such encounters can become ambiguous. There is a mutually constitutive relationship between what is ‘normal’ and what is not. Simultaneously, heterosexuality and sexual norms are fluid, contextual and constantly developing, so when norms regulating ‘normal’ sex shift, transgressions from these norms probably do as well. By using Gavey’s (2005) model of normative heterosexuality as a scaffold that supports rape culture as a heuristic device, I examine these stories of alcohol-related heterosexual encounters to investigate how norms about heterosexual sex are involved in how people constitute themselves as ‘good sexual subjects’ today. Based on these findings, I discuss how the pathway to becoming a good sexual subject may simultaneously lead into murky and ambiguous territory.
Effect of low-calcium fly ash inclusion on long-term mechanical properties and durability of ground granulated blast furnace slag-based cement-free mortars
Authors: Bui Phuong Trinh , Ho Lanh Si , Shi Jin-Yan , Huynh Trong-Phuoc
Published: September 2023

The present study focused on fabricating cement-free mortar based on ground granulated blast furnace slag incorporating low-calcium fly ash as precursors in an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The main purposes of the study were not only to find the optimum mixture proportions to confirm the fly ash role in contributing to the long-term mechanical properties and durability but also to expand the use of fly ash in cement-free binders based on ground granulated blast furnace slag. The ground granulated blast furnace slag was replaced with fly ash in the cement-free mortar at various levels of 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70% by mass. The cement-based sample as a control sample was prepared for comparison purposes. Results showed that the cement-free mortar samples with fly ash had the more superior long-term mechanical properties (i.e. flexural and compressive strengths and volumetric compaction via ultrasonic pulse velocity test) and durability (i.e. total charge passed via rapid chloride penetration test and sulfate resistance via length change of samples exposed to sulfate solution), lower water absorption and porosity, and denser microstructure than the control sample up to 120 days. The 40% replacement of ground granulated blast furnace slag by fly ash as an auxiliary source of alumina and silica was the optimum ratio in enhancing the long-term mechanical properties and durability of the cement-free mortar samples, which is in agreement with reducing the porosity and water absorption. The results of the environmental analysis indicate that using cement-free mortar samples has much lower environmental impacts. The cement-free mortar sample using 60% ground granulated blast furnace slag and 40% fly ash is found as an optimal mixture in terms of technical and environmental features.
Investigating respondents’ willingness to participate in video-based web surveys
Authors: Höhne Jan Karem , Ziller Conrad , Lenzner Timo
Published: September 2023

Recent developments in communication technology and changes in people’s communication habits facilitate new data collection forms in web surveys. Technical devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, enable researchers to rethink established communication forms and add a human touch to web surveys. Designing web surveys more human-like has the great potential to make communication between researchers and respondents more natural, which may result in higher survey satisfaction and data quality. Considering the existing survey literature, there are only a few studies investigating respondents’ willingness for new communication forms in web surveys. Hence, in the present study, we explore respondents’ willingness to take part in web surveys to have interviewers read questions via pre-recorded videos (question delivery) and in which respondents provide their answers orally via self-recorded videos (question answering). We included two willingness questions – one on question delivery via pre-recorded videos and one on question answering via self-recorded videos – in the non-probability SoSci panel in Germany. The results reveal that respondents’ willingness to have questions read by interviewers is higher than their willingness to self-record video answers. Believing that technology facilitates communication and perceiving the survey as being interesting increases willingness, whereas evaluating the survey topic as sensitive decreases willingness. Personality traits do not play a role when it comes to respondents’ willingness, except for extraversion.
Supportive care decision-making processes of persons with dementia and their caregivers
Authors: Taylor Jean O , Child Claire E , Sharma Rashmi K , Asirot Mary Grace , Miller Lyndsey M , Turner Anne M
Published: September 2023

Little is known about the decision-making processes around seeking more supportive care for dementia. Persons with dementia are often left out of decision-making regarding seeking more supportive care as their dementia progresses. This paper provides a description of findings from the Decision-making in Alzheimer’s Research project (DMAR) investigating the process of decision-making about transitions to more supportive care. We conducted 61 qualitative interviews with two stakeholder groups: 24 persons with dementia, and 37 informal caregivers to explore supportive care decisions and associated decision-making factors from the perspectives of persons with dementia and their caregivers. We identified four main decisions that persons with dementia and their informal caregivers played a role in: (1) sharing household responsibilities; (2) limiting routine daily activities; (3) bringing in formal support; and (4) moving to a care facility. Based on our findings we developed a schematized roadmap of decision-making that we used to guide the discussion of our findings. Four crosscutting themes emerged from our analysis: unknowns and uncertainties, maintaining life as you know it, there’s no place like home and resource constraints. These results will be incorporated into the development of instruments whose goal is to identify preferences of persons with dementia and their caregivers, in order to include persons with dementia in care decisions even as their dementia progresses.
Animal flourishing in a time of ecological crisis
Authors: Armstrong Chris
Published: September 2023

Three new books by Martha Nussbaum, Jeff Sebo, and Mark Rowlands seek to raise the profile of non-human animals within political theory. They present a series of compelling arguments for making animal flourishing central to discussions about the future, especially in a time of ecological crisis. All three offer important insights into what a genuinely non-anthropocentric political theory could look like. But while they converge in some ways – for instance, all recommend serious restrictions on the human industries that brutalise other animals – they also paint quite different visions of the proper relationship between humans and other animals. This review essay assesses their distinctive visions of the future of human-animal relations.