bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constrained Optimization for Decision Making in Health Care Using Python: A Tutorial
Authors: Leung K. H. Benjamin , Yousefi Nasrin , Chan Timothy C. Y. , Bayoumi Ahmed M.
Published: July 2023

Constrained optimization can be used to make decisions aimed at maximizing some quantity in the face of fixed limits, such as resource allocation problems in health where tradeoffs between alternatives are inherent, and has been applied in a variety of health-related applications. This tutorial guides the reader through the process of mathematically formulating a constrained optimization problem, providing intuitive explanations for each component within the problem. We discuss how constrained optimization problems can be implemented using software and provide instructions on how to set up a solution environment using Python and the Gurobi solver engine. We present 2 examples from the existing literature that illustrate different constrained optimization problems in health and provide the reader with Python code used to solve these problems as well as a discussion of results and sensitivity analyses. This tutorial can be used to help readers formulate constrained optimization problems in their own application domains.

Highlights

This tutorial provides a user-friendly guide to mathematically formulating constrained optimization problems and implementing them using Python. Two examples are presented to illustrate how constrained optimization is used in health applications, with accompanying Python code provided.
Comparative Assessment of Reimbursement Recommendations by NICE and HAS for Oncology New Medicines Indicated for the Treatment of Solid Tumors from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Trouiller Jean-Baptiste , Laramée Philippe
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to compare reimbursement recommendations by the British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé; HAS) for oncology new medicines indicated for the treatment of solid tumors.

Methods

Public assessment reports published on NICE and HAS Web sites between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021, describing appraisals for public reimbursement for oncology new medicines indicated for the treatment of solid tumors were searched and systematically reviewed. Biosimilars and generic drugs were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Overall, 119 public assessment reports published by NICE and 134 by HAS were identified, with 101 interventions assessed by both agencies. Of 101, 38 (38%) interventions received similar recommendations, 38 (38%) were recommended for different populations, and 25 (25%) were endorsed by one agency but rejected by the other. The main reason NICE would not recommend a drug was due to lack of cost-effectiveness, whereas HAS would primarily reject a drug on the grounds of insufficient clinical evidence.

Conclusion

The major divergence between agencies is the key criterion used for reimbursement recommendations. NICE mainly considers cost-effectiveness, whereas HAS primarily focuses on the clinical value of interventions. This contributes to the variability in reimbursement recommendations and leads to differential access to oncology new medicines indicated for the treatment of solid tumors among patients in France, and England and Wales.

Highlights

Both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé; HAS) have established formal health technology assessment (HTA) processes and offer universal public health care coverage. However, both agencies diverge in the weight given to different elements of evidence during HTA evaluations. NICE uses cost-effectiveness as key criterion for recommendations on drug reimbursement, while HAS mostly limits its assessment to clinical value. For oncology new medicines indicated for treating solid tumors between 2015 and 2021, recommendations differed 62% of the time between NICE and HAS, primarily due to the distinct key decision-making criteria each HTA agency uses. For 4 interventions not endorsed by NICE, HAS saw these drugs as providing a substantial enhancement in clinical value over existing treatments, potentially providing an edge in price negotiations. Conversely, NICE deemed these drugs as not delivering adequate value for money in comparison with current therapies. A key difference between the 2 agencies is HAS’s insistence on methodological rigor in efficacy results, compared with NICE’s more flexible approach, considering descriptive efficacy results in cost-effectiveness modeling.
High levels of NK Cells in graft are associated with reduced febrile neutropenia after haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Guo Caili , Li Xinyan , Li Miaojing , He Pengcheng , Wang Wenjuan , Wang Xiaoning
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the impact of natural killer (NK) cells in the graft on the outcome following haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT).

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients who had undergone haplo-PBSCT at our centre from January 2019 to November 2021. The percentage of NK cells in stem cell grafts was detected by flow cytometry. Based on the median (range) count of NK cells (1.8 [0.4–6.0] × 108/kg), patients were separated into high and low NK cell count groups.

Results

Data from 96 patients were analysed. Patients were evenly distributed (48 in each group) into high and low NK cell count groups. There was no significant difference in neutrophil and platelet recovery between the two groups. However, the rates of febrile neutropenia, bacterial infection, and invasive fungal disease (IFD) were significantly reduced in the high compared with the low NK cell count group. There was no significant difference in rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections between groups. There was no significant difference between groups in grades II and above acute graft versus host disease (GVHD), progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS).

Conclusion

A high number of NK cells in the graft may reduce febrile neutropenia, IFD and bacterial infection following haplo-PBSCT but it has no significant effect on aGVHD, PFS, or OS.
Plan Integration for Ecological Resilience: Examining Factors Associated with Wetland Alteration
Authors: Yu Siyu , Newman Galen , Berke Philip , Li Xiao
Published: July 2023

A community’s resilience is strongly influenced by the growth management guidance provided by its network of plans. Wetland loss has been shown to amplify flood damage. This study explores the relationship between plan integration and wetland alteration, comparing the findings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and League City, Texas. Combining spatial analytics, a Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard™ evaluation, and correlational statistics, we find that wetland loss is significantly associated with plan integration and development patterns and is less acute in League City than Fort Lauderdale. Integrating wetland protection policies throughout a network of plans helps build resilience to flood hazards.
Efficacy of Continuous Infusion Ketamine for Analgosedation in the Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Propensity-Weighted Analysis
Authors: Magrum BrookeAnne , Elefritz Jessica L. , Eisinger Greg , McLaughlin Eric , Doepker Bruce
Published: July 2023

Background: Few randomized controlled trials have evaluated the use of ketamine vs opiate-based analgosedation. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of 169 mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) at an academic medical center was conducted to evaluate efficacy of ketamine vs opiate-based analgosedation by comparing the percentage of time within target sedation range. The primary outcome was percentage of time within target sedation range (RASS -1 to +1) within first 72 hours of primary sedation initiation. Secondary outcomes including percentage of time under-sedated, over-sedated, and in coma; use of concomitant analgesic, sedative, and antipsychotic agents; presence of delirium; percentage of CPOT scores at goal; and hemodynamic effects were also evaluated. Results: After weighting, the mean percentage of time at RASS goal for ketamine patients was 43.0% compared to 41.4% for opiate-based sedation patients. Ketamine was not significantly non-inferior to opiate-based sedation for the mean percentage of time at RASS goal ( P = .11). The median percentage of CPOT scores at goal was 13.3% higher in the ketamine group ( P = .042). Patients in the ketamine group received significantly less additional sedative agents than the patients in the opiate-based sedation group. Conclusion: A similar percent of time at RASS goal was found for the ketamine analgosedation group compared to the opiate-based sedation group, although this did not reach statistical signicance for non-inferiority due to lack of statistical power. This study found a higher percentage of CPOT scores within goal with less additional sedative agents required compared to an opiate-based sedation regimen.
Optimized selection of fluid lubricant for cylindrical roller bearings under elastohydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Soares Aline de Almeida , Tsuha Natália Akemi Hoshikawa , Cavalca Katia Lucchesi
Published: July 2023

Roller bearings are widely used in machinery. Keeping the contact surfaces of bearings properly lubricated strongly mitigates wear effects, improving bearing fatigue life. Therefore, systematically selecting the lubricant fluid that satisfies bearing operation conditions allows the lubricating layer to be able to carry the applied load, the operating temperature, and the roughness on contact. The nonlinear constrained optimization method is used for lubricant selection, seeking to find the fluid that best fits the bearing operation conditions. Roller bearing lubrication is characteristically elastohydrodynamic (EHL); namely, the Hertz theory describes the load applied on the contacts of a cylindrical roller bearing, and the Stribeck condition classifies the tribological condition of the surfaces in contact. This work concludes that roughness and speed are the most important parameters to consider when choosing a fluid lubricant.
A phase plane H∞ controller for distributed drive electric vehicles with stability enhancement based on tire road friction coefficient estimation
Authors: Zhang Ruijun , Zhao Wanzhong , Wang Chunyan
Published: July 2023

An H∞ control strategy based on the phase plane method (phase plane H∞ controller) tracking two degrees of freedom (DOF) ideal vehicle trajectory scheme is designed for distributed drive electric vehicles with stability enhancement. Firstly, an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) tire road friction coefficient estimation method based on Keras neural network is presented to accurately and efficiently identify the tire road friction coefficient, taking into account the huge influence of the tire road friction coefficient on vehicle equilibrium point and stability region. Secondly, the phase plane method is applied to provide a dynamic stability boundary for the switching control strategy of direct yaw moment for different tire road friction coefficients; Furthermore, based on the dynamic stability boundary, the weighted phase stability is applied to achieve more realistic stability evaluation criteria, and the fuzzy control strategy is adopted to carry out the feedback regulator of the target side slip angle and yaw rate on the purpose of limiting its maximum value max ( β) and max ( ωr). Then the torque of the four-wheel was optimized by the quadratic programming method. Finally, the presented method is verified and the results indicate that: (1) the phase plane H∞ control has the advantage in terms of stability and maneuvering performance. More importantly, under a low tire road friction coefficient, the amplitude of the side slip angle is decreased by 26.52% over the H∞; (2) the designed EKF based on Keras neural network parameter correction has a quick and accurate performance in identifying the tire road friction coefficient, and the steady-state error does not exceed 3.25%.
Lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome in children: Three case reports and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sun Yan-hong , Nie Wen-jian , Tian Dan-dan , Ye Qing
Published: July 2023

Objective

Children with lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) are characterized by prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), lupus anticoagulant positivity and low prothrombin (factor II, FII) levels. Bleeding or thrombosis tendencies related to LAHPS in children can occur due to the development of anti-prothrombin antibodies that are usually linked to autoimmune or infectious diseases.

Methods

We report three pediatric cases of LAHPS and describe details on their clinical symptoms, laboratory characteristics, treatment. PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science searches were conducted on LAHPS in children between 1960 and 2023; articles in English were included.

Results

The coagulation profile revealed prolonged PT and APTT, with low prothrombin levels (19.4%, 21.0% and 12.9%, respectively) and positive lupus anticoagulant in 3 pediatric cases. Fifty-nine relevant articles reported 93 pediatric LAHPS cases (mean age: 9 years (0.8–17 years)); 63 females and 30 males, 87 patients presented with minor to severe bleeding diathesis, and 3 patients presented with thrombosis events. Among 48 patients ≥9 years old, 36 had SLE; among 45 patients <9 years, 29 had viral infection. When all patients were divided into two groups based on age, associated disease, and factor II level, Pearson’s χ2 tests were performed, p =.00, and there was clinical significance between autoimmune and infectious disease in patients ≥9 years old and <9 years old, and in patients FII level ≤10% and >10%. LAHPS patients with autoimmune disease had a protracted course and needed prolonged treatment with immune-modulating therapy, while those patients with infectious disease resolved spontaneously or needed short-term immune-modulating therapy.

Conclusion

LAHPS caused by autoimmune disease are common in patients ≥9 years old, especially SLE, and FII level ≤10% is often reported in patients caused by autoimmune disease, suggesting that children ≥9 years old diagnosed with LAHPS-related autoimmune disease should pay special attention to the FII level. While LAHPS caused by infectious disease is more frequently observed in patients <9 years, especially viral infection. Early diagnostic investigations are critical to differentiating LAHPS caused by autoimmune or infectious disease, as the prognosis, treatment and outcome are distinct.
SMB Foods: A Failed Franchisee
Authors: Dani Vinit Vijay , Rishi Bikramjit
Published: July 2023

On 9 September 2020, after finishing one of his lectures on franchising, Professor Dani reflected upon his own experience of a food franchisee business that he had started in 2015 in Hyderabad, India. He returned to his hometown of Hyderabad after working for close to 4 years with Symbiosis International University, Pune. On one evening in December 2014, Professor Dani went shopping with his wife; while returning, he saw a catchy advertising billboard of Mumbo King Vada Pav in the Narayanguda area of Hyderabad. Being Maharashtrians, Mr and Mrs Dani wanted to test the taste of vada pav, which is extremely popular, especially in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, and adjoining regions. Their gastronomical experience was surprisingly pleasant; thus, on reaching home, the couple deliberated upon the viability of setting up a vada pav franchise outlet. Professor Dani thought he had identified a niche market that could be catered to; therefore, he set out to explore diverse vada pav franchises and finally shortlisted Mumbo King Vada Pav, of which he had a pleasant gastronomical experience a few weeks back. Shortly, Professor Dani began his venture-SMB Foods; however, hardly within a span of 15 months, he was in a dilemma on whether he should continue the business or close its operations.
Exploring the Impact of Remorse on Recommendations for Sentencing Diversion for Defendants With Psychiatric Diagnoses
Authors: Berryessa Colleen M.
Published: July 2023

This study, using semi-structured interviews with a sample of probation officers ( N = 151), develops a model that suggests how officers may weigh psychiatric diagnoses when assessing defendants’ expressions of remorse and how this may shape their presentencing recommendations for sentencing diversion. Results suggest that probation officers consider psychiatric diagnoses when evaluating remorse in sentencing contexts in three main ways: (a) the extent to which psychiatric symptoms may lead defendants to have difficulties showing conventional expressions of remorse and complicate how officers understand their non-normative remorse displays; (b) how psychiatric symptoms can mitigate defendants’ emotional behaviors used to develop and “feel” remorse, particularly their blunted empathy and hindered recognition of their criminal acts; and (c) some officers make stigmatized assumptions about personal qualities of defendants diagnosed with psychiatric diagnoses, which can lead them to be critical of their remorse. Then, drawing from views in the first two areas, officers discussed providing information on defendants’ psychiatric illnesses—and the potential impacts on their abilities to show or develop remorse—to support recommendations for sentencing diversion in presentencing reports. Takeaways, as well as how remorse assessments may shape probation recommendations for sentencing diversion for defendants with psychiatric diagnoses, are discussed.
From Building and Preserving to Eroding Trust: A Multi-level Analysis
Authors: Reynolds Noelia-Sarah , Lander Michel W.
Published: July 2023

Trust is imperative for the successful navigation of strategic change initiatives. So, we ask ourselves the question: How do perceptions of organizational trust (composed of institutional and interpersonal trust) develop over time and what are their interactions during strategic change? We answer this question through a real-time ethnographic analysis of a merger process focusing specifically on trust at multiple levels, between employees, middle and top management and how it interacts with the trust these individuals have in the informal and formal processes of the organization. We unearthed three key processes in the dynamic interplay between levels and types of trust. (Dis)trust obfuscation allowed top management to overcome negative perceptions of employees by foregrounding one figurehead with whom employees build trust whilst backgrounding the other members. Multi-level mirroring in which middle management mirrored the content and emotionality of the communication of top management amplified trust building. Third, integrative elaboration whereby middle management actively helped employees to stay the course whilst top management withdrew from actively engaging with employees. These processes resulted in the trust dynamics to go from building with employees and preserving with middle management to preservation and finally trust erosion. Our findings contribute to the study of trust as a multi-level phenomenon as well as understanding trust dynamics at multiple levels.
Pharmacist Prescribing Models for HIV Pre-exposure and Post-exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Adams Alex J. , Klepser Michael E.
Published: July 2023

State strategies for pharmacist prescribing exist on a continuum from most restrictive to least restrictive. Using human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis as a case study, there are 3 viable pharmacist prescribing models: (1) population-based collaborative practice agreements; (2) government protocols; and (3) standard of care prescribing. The advantages and disadvantages of these 3 models are reviewed.
Effects of Progressive Deltoid Ligament Sectioning on Weber B Ankle Fracture Stability
Authors: Dalen Andreas F. , Gregersen Martin G. , Skrede Aleksander L. , Bjelland Øystein , Myklebust Tor Åge , Nilsen Fredrik A. , Molund Marius
Published: July 2023

Background:

Conventionally, transsyndesmotic fibula fractures with concomitant signs of deltoid ligament injury have been considered unstable and thus treated operatively. Recent studies have indicated that partial deltoid ligament rupture is common and may allow for nonoperative treatment of stress-unstable ankles if normal tibiotalar alignment is obtained in the weightbearing position. Biomechanical support for this principle is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of gradually increasing deltoid ligament injury in transsyndesmotic fibula fractures.

Methods:

Fifteen cadaveric ankle specimens were tested using an industrial robot. All specimens were tested in 4 states: native, SER2, SER4a, and SER4b models. Ankle stability was measured in lateral translation, valgus, and internal and external rotation stress in 3 talocrural joint positions: 20 degrees plantarflexion, neutral, and 10 degrees dorsiflexion. Talar shift and talar valgus tilt in the talocrural joint was measured using fluoroscopy.

Results:

In most tests, SER2 and SER4a models resulted in a small instability increase compared to native joints and thus were deemed stable according to our predefined margins. However, SER4a models were unstable when tested in the plantarflexed position and for external rotation in all positions. In contrast, SER4b models had large-magnitude instability in all directions and all tested positions and were thus deemed unstable.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated substantial increases in instability between the SER4a and SER4b states. This controlled cadaveric simulation suggests a significant ankle-stabilizing role of the deep posterior deltoid after oblique transsyndesmotic fibular fracture and transection of the superficial and anterior deep deltoid ligaments.

Clinical Relevance:

The study provides new insights into how the heterogenicity of deltoid ligament injuries can affect the natural stability of the ankle after Weber B fractures. These findings may be useful in developing more targeted and better treatment strategies.
Psychometric Validation of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Aonso-Diego Gema , Postigo Álvaro , Secades-Villa Roberto
Published: July 2023

Despite problematic internet use being especially high among adolescents, there are no screening instruments in Spain specifically for adolescents that would facilitate early detection of this problem. The main goal of this study was to validate the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) in the adolescent Spanish population as well as to analyze the discriminative capacity of CIUS based on sociodemographic characteristics, grade point average, and other addictive behaviors. Data were obtained from the ESTUDES, a representative survey of addictive behaviors of Spanish adolescents. The sample consisted of a total of 34,308 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years old ( Mage = 15.70; SD = 1.19; 51.7% females). Results indicated that the CIUS fit a unidimensional structure, exhibited measurement invariance with respect to sex and age, and demonstrated excellent reliability (ω = .94). Past-month tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use, as well as past-year gambling and gaming, were related to CIUS scores. A standardized screening instrument that provides valid, reliable information on young people’s use of the Internet in Spain is a critical requirement for successful early detection and intervention in this population.
Blurry Lines: Reflections on “Insider” Research
Authors: Yvonne Bulk Laura , Collins Bethan
Published: July 2023

Insider research poses a range of benefits and challenges for researchers and the communities being researched. It is commonly advocated for disability research but there is limited work exploring disabled researchers’ experiences. Influenced by autoethnography and through a process of asynchronous structured conversations, we reflected on our experiences as two blind researchers. Through our collective reflective process and analysis, we created three main themes: insider research is complex and subjective, there is judgment about the “right” thing to do, and insider research requires “different” work. We argue that insiderness is more than sharing characteristics: it is a situated, fluctuating, and “felt” experience. The complexities, judgments, and emotional labor associated with insider research can challenge researchers in potentially very personal and unexpected ways. We propose that further investigation is required about how researchers can best prepare for, engage ethically throughout, and be supported through the insider research process.
Uniformity of anti-plane stresses inside a nonlinear elastic elliptical or parabolic inhomogeneity
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: July 2023

We study the anti-plane strain problem associated with a p-Laplacian nonlinear elastic elliptical inhomogeneity embedded in an infinite linear elastic matrix subjected to uniform remote anti-plane stresses. A full-field exact solution is derived using complex variable techniques. It is proved that the stress field inside the elliptical inhomogeneity is nevertheless uniform. The uniformity of stresses is also observed inside a p-Laplacian nonlinear elastic parabolic inhomogeneity.
Comorbidity and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD in Children: A Clinically-Based Study
Authors: Wang Siqi , Li Fang , Wang Fang , Liao Xinling , Li Juan , Guo Xiaobo , Deng Wenlin
Published: July 2023

Objective:

We examined the characteristics and heritability of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD through a twin study.

Method:

Our sample included 44 twins, with at least one twin diagnosed with ASD. Among the participants, 30 had ASD, and 18 of them also had coexisting ADHD.

Results:

We observed higher concordance rates for ASD in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins (67% vs. 25%), indicating a genetic influence on ASD. Inattentive symptoms of ADHD were more prevalent in monozygotic twins. The ASD + ADHD group exhibited significantly higher Social Responsiveness Scale scores, indicating greater social difficulties compared to the ASD and typical development groups. Twin analyses revealed that shared genetic factors accounted for 72.25% of the variance in both ASD and ADHD symptoms.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD may indicate increased severity and can be explained by shared genetic factors underlying both conditions.
Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Potential of Enarodustat (JTZ-951), a Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor, in 26-Week Tg.rasH2 Mouse Study and 2-Year Sprague-Dawley Rat Study
Authors: Kemmochi Yusuke , Toyoda Kaoru , Ishida Tomio , Yasui Yuzo , Shoda Toshiyuki
Published: July 2023

Enarodustat (JTZ-951) is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor for the treatment of anemia with chronic kidney disease. Carcinogenicity of enarodustat was evaluated in a 26-week repeated oral dose study in Transgenic rasH2 (Tg.rasH2) mice and a 2-year repeated oral dose study in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The highest dose levels were set at 6 mg/kg in the Tg.rasH2 mouse study and at 1 mg/kg in the SD rat study based on the maximum tolerated doses in the 3-month and 6-month dose-range finding studies, respectively. Enarodustat did not increase the incidence of any tumors or affect survival in these carcinogenicity studies. Pharmacology-related findings including increases in blood RBC parameters were observed at the highest dose levels for each study. The AUC-based exposure margins as protein-unbound drug base are 16.3-/26.0-fold multiple (males/females) for Tg.rasH2 mice and 1.6-/1.1-fold multiple for SD rats when compared with the estimated exposure in human with chronic kidney disease at 8 mg/day (maximum recommended human dose). In conclusion, enarodustat was considered to have no carcinogenic potential at the clinical dose.
A Rare Case of Complete Cryptophthalmos and Suspected Fraser’s Syndrome in a Female Neonate
Authors: Ramadugu Rithika , Kuppili Satwik , Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Lella Vindhya Vasini , Thomas Vimal
Published: July 2023

Cryptophthalmos is a rare congenital eye anomaly characterized by the absence of the palpebral fissure. Cryptophthalmos is often associated with Fraser’s syndrome. We present a case of 3 days old female Asian neonate with complete unilateral cryptophthalmos, with the absence of a right eyelid. On inspection, there is an absence of eyelid, eyebrow and eyelashes in the right eye, collectively known as adnexal structures. The left eye was apparently normal. As per the parent’s decision, surgical intervention was not pursued due to the poor visual prognosis. We advised prenatal genetic screening and testing for future pregnancies. These findings suggest the importance of genetic counseling and testing in cases of cryptophthalmos to identify potential genetic mutations and facilitate appropriate management.
Caring for the whole: Spatial organization at the G20 protests in Hamburg
Authors: Frenzel Fabian , Fraeser Nina
Published: July 2023

Recounting the events of the #NoG20 protests in Hamburg in 2017, particularly the effects of the ban of one large scale protest camp by the authorities, this paper investigates how the protest was re-organized after the ban. Within a wide variety of existing forms of social movement organization (SMO), protest camps are increasingly visible and important, occurring on all continents and with increasing frequency. It appears that making a camp can be a strategy for network-based organization to materialize spatially where formal organizing is absent or eschewed. Based on interviews with participants and document analysis, the paper analyses the emergence of alternative hospitality structures, and of a new antagonism helping to forge a collective identity of the #NoG20 mobilisation. We structure our analysis through the notion of “care for the whole,” in which Rodrigo Nunes describes parameters of strategic action in networked SMO. We advance organizational thinking by extending this notion with two further dimensions: the literal caring for participants needs and its infrastructures; and the creation of a sense of community in narrative and representation. This can be applied in the analysis in any networked organization aspiring to be more democratic and open.
Is Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin associated with multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Titball Richard W , Lewis Nicholas , Nicholas Richard
Published: July 2023

Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin is associated with enterotoxaemia in livestock. More recently, it is proposed to play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans. Compared to matched controls, strains of C. perfringens which produce epsilon toxin are significantly more likely to be isolated from the gut of MS patients and at significantly higher levels; similarly, sera from MS patients are significantly more likely to contain antibodies to epsilon toxin. Epsilon toxin recognises the myelin and lymphocyte (MAL) protein receptor, damaging the blood–brain barrier and brain cells expressing MAL. In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of MS, the toxin enables infiltration of immune cells into the central nervous system, inducing an MS-like disease. These studies provide evidence that epsilon toxin plays a role in MS, but do not yet fulfil Koch’s postulates in proving a causal role.
Digital Inclusion in Later Life: Older Adults’ Socialisation Processes in Learning and Using Technology
Authors: Aleti Torgeir , Figueiredo Bernardo , Martin Diane M. , Reid Mike
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the influence of socialisation agents in shaping digital competence in older adults (aged 65+ years). Data was collected from the University of the Third Age (U3A) Network Victoria, a volunteer organisation that provides courses and programs for the retired and semi-retired community. We used a two-stage approach; focus groups as a sensitising tool, followed by 21 in-depth interviews. The research identifies three distinct consumer socialisation processes: reciprocity, self-socialisation and outsourcing, and details the central socialisation agents influencing these processes and how these processes influence learners to reach different socialisation outcomes. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex socialisation processes that influence how older adults become digitally competent and the barriers they face in this process, illuminating the need to address negative attitudes, improve access to devices and support older adults in maintaining their independence.
Overtaking interaction of electron-acoustic solitons in Saturn’s magnetosphere
Authors: Khattak M Yousaf , Masood W , Jahangir R , Siddiq M , Alrowaily Albandari W , El-Tantawy S A
Published: July 2023

The progression of nonlinear electron-acoustic waves (EAWs) in a magnetized and collision-free plasma made up of cold inertial electrons, inertialess superthermal electrons, and stationary background ions with special reference to Saturn’s magnetosphere (SMS) is explored. The method of reductive perturbation (MRP) is employed to obtain the evolution equation (i.e., Zakharov– Kuznetsov equation (ZKE)) that governs the propagation of electron acoustic solitons (EASs). Using the elegant and efficient Hirota bilinear method (HBM), multi-soliton solutions (MSSs) of the ZKE are determined. The impact of the effects of hot-to-cold electron density ratio, magnetic field (MF) strength, and superthermality on single as well as the interaction of EASs is examined. Estimates of the values of the electric field at several radii of SMS (i.e., 12 R s − 17.8 R s, where R s is the radius of Saturn) are presented, which are found in μV/ m to mV/ m range and are in perfect agreement with the data from Cassini radio and plasma wave science wideband receiver. Moreover, the influence of the relevant plasma parameters on the interaction time and spatial extent of the interacting EASs is also explored.
Demystifying Schadenfreude: How disposition theorizing explains responses to social media stories of unvaccinated COVID-19 deaths
Authors: Grizzard Matthew , Frazer Rebecca , Monge Charles
Published: July 2023

Herman Cain Awards are presented on reddit.com/r/hermancainaward to individuals who share COVID-19 misinformation on social media (SM) and subsequently die from the disease. We apply affective disposition theory’s moral judgment predictions regarding message and audience factors and Schadenfreude theorizing to explain reactions to similar SM posts. In an experiment with a large census-matched sample, participants viewed a series of SM posts similar to those on featured on reddit.com/r/hermancainaward . We manipulated two message factors: whether the poster was dogmatic or uncertain in their anti–COVID-19-vaccination stance and whether they expressed regret before they died. Dogmatic posting resulted in perceptions of the poster as more immoral and deserving of worse health outcomes, but regret mitigated these effects. Notably, political party and vaccination status, two audience factors, moderated these processes. Our findings demonstrate that SM posting is a morally relevant behavior and that narrative moral judgment theories seem capable of explaining reader’s responses.
Comparing the stigma experiences and comfort with disclosure in Dutch and English populations of people living with dementia
Authors: Bhatt Jem , Kohl Gianna , Scior Katrina , Charlesworth Georgina , Muller Majon , Dröes Rose-Marie
Published: July 2023

Objectives

People living with dementia can feel hesitant disclosing their diagnosis to social networks, partly due to stigma. Little attention has been paid to the measurement of disclosure decisions and stigma, and few standardised stigma tools have been validated in languages other than English. We investigated the psychometric properties of Dutch translations of three stigma measures, and explored the stigma experiences of Dutch and English people living with dementia as well as patterns and predictors of comfort with disclosure.

Methods

Community-dwelling adults living with dementia in the Netherlands ( n = 40) and England ( n = 40) completed either the English versions or the Dutch translations of the Comfort with Disclosure scale and three stigma measures (Stigma Impact, Stigma Stress, and Secrecy Scale). We established the psychometric properties of the stigma measures and conducted correlation and regression analyses.

Results

Internal consistency was good to excellent for all measures in the Dutch sample. Small but significant differences were found between the Dutch and English samples on the total score of the Stigma Impact Scale and its subscale social isolation. Age was negatively associated with comfort disclosing to family, and desire for secrecy was negatively associated with comfort disclosing to both family and friends.

Conclusions

The psychometric properties of the Dutch scales were satisfactory. Many people living with dementia would feel comfortable disclosing their diagnosis to family and friends, but stigma experiences can greatly affect this decision. Cross-cultural differences in stigma experiences in persons with dementia require further investigation.
International Schools as Transnational Spaces for Global Learning and Identity Development
Authors: Cruz Natalie Irby , Hou Minghui , Ichikawa Asuka , Glass Chris R
Published: July 2023

P–12 (pre-school – grade 12) international schools educate increasing numbers of local and expatriate students, who make up a growing proportion of tertiary (university level) international students. Using the transnational social fields framework, this phenomenological study focused on the experiences of 19 students from international schools in China, India, and the United Arab Emirates in order to better understand how these schools contribute to the development of students’ identity and how they experience global learning. Findings include rich examples and narratives of how students gained an appreciation of diversity, found a sense of belonging in differing ways, reflected on their privilege, and developed intercultural understanding through global learning. This study provides further motivation for higher education (university level) institutions to gravitate from a deficit or monocultural perspective of international students, toward acknowledgement of the diverse hybrid identities and knowledge that international students bring to tertiary institutions.
Health status monitoring of high-speed train brake pads considering noise under variable working conditions
Authors: Kang Zhuang , Zhang Min , Cheng Wenming , Hu Ruohui
Published: July 2023

The brake pads of high-speed trains operate under complex and variable conditions, and the collected brake signals are easily affected by noise, making monitoring the health status of brake pads more difficult. A multi-representation adaptation network for online monitoring the health status of high-speed train brake pads, which are affected by noise under variable working conditions, is proposed in this study. First, a parameter-sharing deep residual network is used to extract the friction block features of the source and target domain data. Then, the features are mapped to different low-dimensional feature spaces through the inception adaptation module, and multiple representations are obtained. The network applies conditional maximum mean discrepancy to align representations of the source and target domains, thus learning multiple domain-invariant representations. Hence, the network acquires more knowledge of the friction block status and attenuates the interference of noise signals on the status monitoring. The friction block vibration data were collected from various brake disc speeds, and variable working condition-transfer experiments under the influence of noise were performed on the brake friction and bearing datasets. The results show that the proposed network outperforms other transfer methods, which can better extract and identify the status features of the friction block under the noise interference.
The Failure to Grasp Automation Failure
Authors: Skraaning Gyrd , Jamieson Greg A.
Published: July 2023

Automation failure is a key construct in human-automation interaction research. Yet the paucity of exposition on this construct has led to confusion about what sorts of failures are suitable for testing predictions of human performance in response to automation failure. We illustrate here how overly narrow or broad definitions of automation failure limit the explanatory power of human performance models in a way that is not obviously reasoned. We then review three aviation safety events that challenge the overly narrow definition. Reflecting on those events and other observations, we propose an initial taxonomy of automation failure and other automation-related human performance challenges. We conclude by pointing out the utility of the taxonomy for advancing human-automation interaction research.
Pseudo tumor pelvic actinomycosis revealed by colonic obstruction with hydronephrosis: Can extensive surgery be avoided? A case report
Authors: Mansouri Houyem , Zemni Ines , souissi Malek , Henchiri Houda , Boukhris Sabrine , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Achouri Leila
Published: July 2023

Pelvic actinomycosis with an intrauterine device accounts for approximately 3% of all actinomycoses. It is a chronic infectious disease characterized by infiltrative, suppurative, or granulomatous inflammation, sinus fistula formation, and extensive fibrosis, and caused by filamentous, gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria called Actinomyces israelii. The slow and silent progression favors pseudo tumor pelvic extension and exposes the patient to acute life-threatening complications, namely colonic occlusion with hydronephrosis. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult due to the absence of specific symptomatology and pathognomonic radiological signs simulating pelvic cancer. We discuss the case of a 67-year-old woman who complained of pelvic pain, constipation, and weight loss for 4 months, and who presented to the emergency department with a picture of colonic obstruction and a biological inflammatory syndrome. The computed tomography scan revealed a suspicious heterogeneous pelvic mass infiltrating the uterus with an intrauterine device, the sigmoid with extensive upstream colonic distension, and right hydronephrosis. The patient underwent emergency surgery with segmental colonic resection and temporary colostomy, followed by antibiotic therapy. The favorable clinical and radiological evolution under prolonged antibiotic therapy with the almost total disappearance of the pelvic pseudo tumor infiltration confirms the diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis and thus makes it possible to avoid an extensive and mutilating surgery with important morbidity.
An evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of sister circles as an anxiety intervention for pregnant Black women
Authors: Somerville Keaton , Rowell Tiffany , Stadulis Robert , Bell Debra , Neal-Barnett Angela
Published: July 2023

Background:

Black women and their infants face heightened health risks during pregnancy, labor, and delivery that, for many, cost them their lives. Such health risks during this critical period are linked to increased rates of anxiety among Black pregnant and postpartum women. Black women also endure racism when seeking support from mental health and healthcare providers, which further contributes to pregnancy and postpartum-related anxiety. Evidence on sister circles has demonstrated that this indigenous form of healing may provide Black pregnant and postpartum women with the support and skills needed to cope with stressors associated with mental and physical health concerns and racism.

Objective:

Our study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support, a sister circle cognitive behavioral therapy-based stress and anxiety intervention for Black pregnant and postpartum women.

Design:

Our study employed a mixed-methods framework.

Methods:

Descriptive analyses, paired samples t-test, and open and selective coding were conducted. We utilized the following measures: Penn State Worry Questionnaire–Abbreviated, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale, focus booklet, and focus group discussion.

Results:

Participants reported experiencing moderate levels of worry and distress and low levels of pregnancy-related anxiety prior to the start of the Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support intervention. Eighty women participated in Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support. Eleven focus groups were conducted to assess their experience. Participants reported a perceived increase in their knowledge about panic attacks and stress and ability to manage stressors effectively. They found that all completed activities contributed to their development and application of skills. They reported they enjoyed Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support because of the supportive environment, openness, and emphasis on sisterhood. Participants provided helpful feedback about the structure and flow of the intervention.

Conclusion:

Limitations of the present study and future directions are discussed.
An effective calix[4]arene-based adsorbent for tetracycline removal from water systems: Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Al-Tawarh Waad M , Altarawneh Rakan M , Al-Trawneh Salah A , Alshahateet Solhe F , Al-Taweel Samir
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the adsorption characteristics of tetracycline from polluted waters using C-4-hydroxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene as an adsorbent. The adsorptive efficiency of C-4-hydroxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene is optimized by adjusting various operational parameters such as the adsorbent dosage, the pH, the contact time, the temperature, and the initial adsorbate concentration. The most efficient remediation is 96% at 10.0 mg/L tetracycline as the initial concentration, 0.05 mg/L C-4-hydroxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene, a contact time of 30 min, pH 5.6, and ambient temperature. The adsorption ability of C-4-hydroxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene toward tetracycline is also investigated in water with different characteristics, including solutions with and without the addition of background salts. The results show that C-4-hydroxyphenylcalix[4]resorcinarene can effectively remove tetracycline from aqueous solutions with an adsorption capacity of ca. 36.9 mg/g. The study also finds that the removal process followed pseudo-second order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models. Moreover, the adsorption is spontaneous and exothermic, suggesting a thermodynamically favorable chemisorption process. In addition, the optimized method is successfully applied to remove tetracycline from various real natural water systems.
The Middle Region Populism of Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Renzi on Instagram
Authors: Trillò Tommaso , Starita Giovanni Daniele
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the Instagram self-presentation of Italian party leaders Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Renzi. Building on the notion that circumstances are crucial to the construction of the self through digital photography, we argue that the two leaders strategically use setting and accompaniment to navigate the demands of their populist self-presentation as “ordinary super leaders”: exceptional celebrity-like personae whose lives remain nonetheless close to those of their constituents. To make our case, we analyze a corpus of images featuring the two leaders posted on their Instagram profiles during 2020 (266 for Meloni and 158 for Renzi). Our findings suggest that Meloni and Renzi alternate and remix celebrity practices of exclusivity, exceptionalism, and everydayness in an attempt to come across as simultaneously extraordinary and ordinary, aspirational and relatable. Inspired by Meyrowitz’s “middle region politics,” we propose the notion of middle region populism to describe how populist leaders leverage the affordances of an image-centric social media platform and the vernacular of internet celebrity to curate an online presence in which they pose as exceptionally charismatic yet ordinary and relatable.