bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated control scheme of path tracking and yaw stability for four-wheel steering and distributed drive autonomous electric vehicles
Authors: Gu Xianguang , He Jilong , Jiang Ping
Published: April 2024

To simultaneously improve the path tracking accuracy and yaw stability performance for four-wheel steering (4WS) and distributed drive autonomous electric vehicles under different working conditions, a coordinated control scheme is proposed. Firstly, a model error estimator based on Levenberg-Marquardt back propagation (LM-BP) neural network is designed to compensate the vehicle model errors in model predictive control (MPC) caused by model parameterization, simplification, and tire nonlinear characteristics. Secondly, a path tracking controller based on MPC is designed to calculate front-wheel steering angle and rear-wheel steering angle simultaneously. Then, fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) is applied to yaw stability control, and the torque distribution is performed according to the load ratio of the front and rear axles. Moreover, the vehicle stability state is divided into multiple levels based on tire force method, and the intervention weight of the yaw stability controller is adjusted according to the stability level, so as to achieve the coordinated control. Finally, the effectiveness of the coordinated control scheme is verified by CarSim&Simulink co-simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test. The simulation results illustrate that under the condition of high speed with high road adhesion coefficient and medium-high speed with low road adhesion coefficient, the lateral deviation, sideslip angle, yaw rate are decreased by 24.49%, 81.69%, 74.52% and 32.75%, 55.97%, 65.49% respectively, indicating that the proposed control scheme can effectively improve the vehicle path tracking accuracy while ensure the yaw stability performance.
Oscillatory Coupling Between Neural and Cardiac Rhythms
Authors: Sargent Kaia S. , Martinez Emily L. , Reed Alexandra C. , Guha Anika , Bartholomew Morgan E. , Diehl Caroline K. , Chang Christine S. , Salama Sarah , Popov Tzvetan , Thayer Julian F. , Miller Gregory A. , Yee Cindy M.
Published: April 2024

Oscillations serve a critical role in organizing biological systems. In the brain, oscillatory coupling is a fundamental mechanism of communication. The possibility that neural oscillations interact directly with slower physiological rhythms (e.g., heart rate, respiration) is largely unexplored and may have important implications for psychological functioning. Oscillations in heart rate, an aspect of heart rate variability (HRV), show remarkably robust associations with psychological health. Mather and Thayer proposed coupling between high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV) and neural oscillations as a mechanism that partially accounts for such relationships. We tested this hypothesis by measuring phase-amplitude coupling between HF-HRV and neural oscillations in 37 healthy adults at rest. Robust coupling was detected in all frequency bands. Granger causality analyses indicated stronger heart-to-brain than brain-to-heart effects in all frequency bands except gamma. These findings suggest that cardiac rhythms play a causal role in modulating neural oscillations, which may have important implications for mental health.
Current Gaps in the Control of Cardiovascular Disease in Vietnam: A Systematic Review of Vietnamese-based Studies
Authors: Dao An Thi Minh , Van Nguyen Huy , Nguyen Hoa L. , Allison Jeroan J. , Le Tung Duc , Bui Ngoc Hong , Nguyen Huong Thi Thu , Nguyen Phuong The , Le Phuong Mai , Van Nguyen Tien , Chiriboga Germán , Goldberg Robert J. , Nguyen Hien Tran
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among all non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Vietnam. The objectives of the present study were to analyse contemporary gaps in CVD control studies, which were published in Vietnam between 2013 and 2017. A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. Research articles written in English or Vietnamese, published between 2013 and 2017, and focused on the four main WHO themes of CVD control were identified. Among 11,385 Vietnamese-based CVD studies published during this period, only 119 studies (1.0%) were relevant to public health CVD control outcomes, and only 17 of 20 CVD indicators were addressed in these studies. Most studies were published in Vietnamese journals (73.9%), focused on disease and intermediate risk factors (73.9%), were cross-sectional (84.8%) and hospital-based (54.6%). We observed a lack of studies, many of which suffered design and analysis limitations, focused on several WHO themes for effective CVD control. Future Vietnamese-based CVD control studies should focus on the WHO-recommended themes and health indicators in broader community settings to provide better data to inform effective public health policies to control CVD.
Institutional Distance and Trade Cooperation: Empirical Evidence from India and its Partner Countries
Authors: Wani Suadat Hussain , Bhat Sajad Ahmad , Equbal Md. Sarafraz
Published: April 2024

The present study analyses the effect of differences in government effectiveness, political stability, rule of law, voice and accountability, control of corruption and regulatory authority on bilateral trade. Based on the data collected for India and its trade partners over 24 consecutive years, the present study applies an augmented gravity model. The findings indicate that institutions at level and institutional distance play an important role in export promotion of India to these countries. Among the various institutional factors, voice and accountability, control of corruption and government effectiveness have considerable influence on exports from India. The study concludes that institutional quality needs to be improved further to enhance trade cooperation between these countries.

JEL: F41, C5, C0, E0
Genomic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in 61 aquatic bacterial isolates
Authors: Eckstrand Chrissy D. , Torrevillas Brandi K. , Wolking Rebecca M. , Francis Marla , Goodman Laura B. , Ceric Olgica , Alexander Trevor L. , Snekvik Kevin R. , Burbick Claire R.
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens important to aquatic animal health is of increasing concern but vastly understudied. Antimicrobial therapy is used to both treat and prevent bacterial disease in fish and is critical for a viable aquaculture industry and for maintenance of wild fish populations. Unfortunately, phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing is technically difficult for bacteria recovered from aquatic animal hosts resulting in challenges in resistance monitoring using traditional methods. Whole-genome sequencing provides an appealing methodology for investigation of putative resistance. As part of the ongoing efforts of the FDA CVM Vet-LIRN to monitor AMR, source laboratories cultured and preliminarily identified pathogenic bacteria isolated from various fish species collected in 2019 from across the United States. Sixty-one bacterial isolates were evaluated using whole-genome sequencing. We present here the assembled draft genomes, AMR genes, predicted resistance phenotypes, and virulence factors of the 61 isolates and discuss concurrence of the identifications made by source laboratories using matrix-assisted laser desorption/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Topology optimization structure design of shape memory alloy with multiple constraints
Authors: Dong Xingkun , Jiang Xiangjun , Li Peng , Niu Tao , Wang Yaoqi , Zhang Jiahuan
Published: April 2024

As an emerging functional material, shape memory alloy (SMA) exhibits remarkable mechanical properties and finds diverse applications across industries. This paper presents a topology optimization framework based on the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method for designing SMA structures, which maximizes structural stiffness under multiple constraints of specified volume fraction, displacement, and fundamental frequency. A phenomenological constitutive model is utilized to simulate the mechanical behavior of SMA accurately. The unit virtual load method is employed to determine sensitivities. Several optimized SMA beam structures and simply-supported cube structures are designed under different thermal-mechanical loads, and their displacement, mean compliance, and fundamental frequency are evaluated throughout the optimization process. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework successfully customizes the SMA topology structure with adjustable displacement and fundamental frequency, and the optimized schemes exhibit more considerable deformation and more uniform mechanical properties than their initial counterparts. The proposed framework has higher computational efficiency than the traditional SIMP-based SMA topology optimization design method.
A Comparison of the Internship Experiences of Aspiring School Leaders in a Principal Residency and Traditional Principal Preparation Program in Texas
Authors: Rangel Virginia S. , Butcher Keith , Farmer Matthew
Published: April 2024

The principal internship is a crucial component of principal preparation programs (PPP) in the U.S. and, increasingly, in other countries. The purpose of this study was to compare the experiences and work of principal candidates enrolled in one principal residency program (PRP) to candidates enrolled in a traditional principal preparation program at the same university. Using an embedded case study design, we collected survey, log, and interview data from interns enrolled in two different programs at one university across two semesters. We analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statistics and iterative rounds of coding to analyze the interview and log data. Our findings suggest that the interns in both groups had a wide variety of authentic leadership experiences but that the residents had higher levels of engagement than did the traditional interns. Our findings add to our understanding of the depth and quality of interns’ leadership experiences and how program structures may shape those experiences. We conclude with recommendations for principal preparation programs.
Primary Hepatic Melanoma: A Diagnostic Surprise
Authors: Krishan Ram , Pandey Sachita , Sakhuja Puja , Goyal Surbhi , Bhardwaj Krishna , Vageesh BG , Agarwal Anil K
Published: April 2024

Melanoma is a relatively rare malignancy with a highly aggressive biological behavior. Metastases to other sites, like lymph nodes and liver are common, but primary hepatic melanoma is a rarity with poor survival ranging from months to few years. Diagnosis of primary hepatic melanoma via clinical features and imaging technology is difficult because of its ambiguous features. Here, we present a 26-year-old North Indian woman admitted in the department of gastrointestinal surgery at our tertiary care hospital with the complaint of pain in the abdomen for a month associated with the loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. The liver function tests were within normal limits and viral markers were negative. The triple-phase computed tomography scan of abdomen showed significant hepatomegaly and two well-defined lesions in both lobes of the liver. Histopathological evaluation was performed on the core liver biopsies submitted from the liver lesions. A malignant tumor with abundant black intracytoplasmic pigment was identified. Immunohistochemistry proved the tumor to be melanoma. The detailed clinical history, laboratory, and radiological investigations were acquired and analyzed to rule out a metastatic lesion of the same. A final diagnosis of primary hepatic melanoma was thus rendered. Primary hepatic melanoma is extremely uncommon and has been rarely reported. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to low index of suspicion and nonspecific clinical features. In this case report, we discuss the clinicopathological features of primary hepatic melanoma and review the literature so as to increase the awareness and improve our understanding of the disease.
An inherently parallel ℋ2-ULV factorization for solving dense linear systems on GPUs
Authors: Ma Qianxiang , Yokota Rio
Published: April 2024

Hierarchical low-rank approximation of dense matrices can reduce the complexity of their factorization from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. However, the complex structure of such hierarchical matrices makes them difficult to parallelize. The block size and ranks can vary between the sub-blocks, which creates load imbalance. The dependency between the sub-blocks during factorization results in serialization. Since many sub-blocks are low-rank, their small computational load exposes the overhead of runtime systems. The combination of these factors makes it challenging to implement these methods on GPUs. In this work, we show that dense matrices can be factorized with linear complexity, while extracting the potential parallelism of GPUs. This is made possible through the [Formula: see text]-ULV factorization, which removes the dependency on trailing sub-matrices.
Space for Play: A History of Hong Kong Playgrounds
Authors: Davies Hugh , Yi Fan Lok
Published: April 2024

This article explores playgrounds in Hong Kong over a century and a half of the city’s history. Drawing on media publications, governmental resources, and past and present accounts of the history of the city, we document how the planning, design, and construction of playgrounds in Hong Kong have been fundamentally influenced by political, bureaucratic, and pedagogical practices, as well as by the class, ethnic, and cultural composition of the city. We sketch the broader political shifts in Hong Kong’s evolution under British and more recently Chinese rule bringing specific attention to how these forces have shaped spaces of play in the city. Through this text, we use playgrounds as a lens through which to explore Hong Kong’s past, politics, and urban space, as well as its cultural and socio-political consciousness.
Study of the Roman theatre of Volterra: Acoustic effects based on the presence of different architectural construction elements
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonella , Fuchs Wladyslaw
Published: April 2024

Roman theatres have always been the subject of research studies, from an architectural perspective and archaeology. The border lines between these and other disciplines is always difficult to be established since the interrelation of various expertise is required to achieve a complete knowledge of ancient buildings, especially when documentations and archaeological sources are limited. The present work deals with the acoustic analysis of the Roman theatre of Volterra, located in northern Italy, which has already been the subject of archaeological and architectural studies since its discovery in 1950. Acoustic measurements have been carried out in line with the standard requirements outlined in ISO 3382. After model calibration, the acoustic simulations have been carried out using four specific scenarios, highlighting the contribution that different construction elements can have on the acoustic response of this open-air theatre in comparison with the existing conditions. The results were evaluated assuming that light music (classical quartets, unamplified) and prose are the main functions of the space, as this case was in the past. The simulated results show that the values for the main acoustic parameters are better than the measured values, to be closer to the optimal ranges of the criteria borrowed from studies on enclosed spaces, since there are no criteria for Roman theatres. The good acoustic response of the Roman theatre of Volterra raises new doubts about the function of the vessels that were located under the steps of the cavea, as mentioned by Vitruvius.
Ambivalence across the globe: Investigating political ambivalence and its impact on vote switching in 52 multi-party systems
Authors: Dentler Klara
Published: April 2024

In many countries across the globe, the number of vote switchers is quite high. An under-researched dimension of this phenomenon is the impact of ambivalent political attitudes. Ambivalence describes the situation in which a person simultaneously has positive attitudes toward more than one political party or more than one political leader. Whilst the effects of party and leader ambivalence on vote switching have been investigated in the American political system, their application to multi-party systems is rare. This article aims to fill this gap. Before doing so, however, the article focuses on the development of party and leader ambivalent attitudes and system features of multi-party systems influencing ambivalence. For this research purpose, the article uses data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems covering 195 elections in 52 multi-party systems between 1996 and 2020. The results, among others, demonstrate that ambivalence increases voters’ probability to switch parties between elections.
Dimensions of psychological flexibility and their significance in people with somatic symptoms: The 18-item Flexibility Index Test (FIT-18)
Authors: Koppert Tim Y , van Hoek Renée , Geenen Rinie
Published: April 2024

Psychological flexibility has been hypothesized to preserve health in bad times. We examined whether psychological flexibility as assessed with an abbreviated questionnaire, was indicated to preserve mental and physical health when having somatic symptoms. Principal axis factoring indicated that two dimensions best represented the 60-item Flexibility Index Test (FIT-60) questionnaire: “mindfulness and acceptance” (M&A) and “commitment and behavior change” (C&BC). We selected 18 items that best denoted these dimensions (FIT-18 questionnaire). Regression analyses in 2060 Dutch people with and without persistent somatic symptoms, indicated that the M&A dimension (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) and C&BC dimension (β = 0.09, p < 0.001) were additively associated with mental well-being, but not with physical functioning. Moreover, the M&A dimension was indicated to protect mental well-being when having more severe somatic symptoms (β = 0.11, p < 0.001). The observed differential associations with health suggest the significance for health of the two dimensions of psychological flexibility as assessed with the FIT-18 questionnaire.
Food insecurity and body dissatisfaction in a sample of Canadian adults
Authors: Lamont Allyson , Speed David
Published: April 2024

Food insecurity may predict poorer body image, which is associated with increased risk of mental health problems. However, minimal attention has been given to the food insecurity-body image link and to factors that may influence this link, such as assigned sex; importantly, females are more likely to experience both food insecurity and body dissatisfaction. The present study used data from the 2017 to 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey ( N = 32,017) to investigate the effects of food insecurity and sex on body satisfaction via generalized ordered logistic regression. Results indicated: (1) Food insecurity predicted lower odds of body satisfaction, (2) Males were more likely than females to be satisfied with their bodies, and (3) Food insecurity no longer predicted body satisfaction following the inclusion of sex. Findings suggest the association between food insecurity and body satisfaction may largely be driven by the link between food insecurity and sex. Further investigation is warranted.
Parents’ experiences of their child’s best interests during a hospital stay in Australia
Authors: Quaye Angela Afua , Foster Mandie , Whitehead Lisa , Hallström Inger Kristensson
Published: April 2024

Determining the child’s best interests in a hospital setting will ideally involve the combined views of children, parents, and healthcare professionals. However, few studies have explored parents’ experiences of their child’s best interests when they engage with the healthcare system. Therefore, this study aimed to explore parents’ experiences of their child’s best interests during hospitalisation. A descriptive qualitative inductive design using face-to-face parent–child combined interviews, analysed by latent content analysis, was used. Sixteen parents recruited from a tertiary hospital in Western Australia were interviewed. Collaboration, development of trustworthy relationships, and effective communication were essential in shaping parents’ experiences of their child’s best interests during hospitalisation.
Average lifespan variation among people with mental disorders in Denmark: a nationwide, register-based cohort study
Authors: Zheng Yan , Weye Nanna , Aburto José Manuel , Permanyer Iñaki , Plana-Ripoll Oleguer
Published: April 2024

Aims:

Mortality associated with mental disorders has been estimated using metrics such as mortality rate ratios and life expectancy. However, the variation around the average life expectancy has never been quantified. The main aim of this study was to measure life disparity for people with mental disorders as a measure of inequality at the time of death.

Methods:

Using data from Danish registries, average life disparity was introduced and calculated to measure the lifespan variation associated with major types of mental disorders. Average life expectancy is also reported for completeness.

Results:

Compared with the general population, people with mental disorders not only had shorter average life expectancy, but experienced larger average life disparity. For those diagnosed with a mental disorder, average life expectancy increased between 1995 and 2021; however, average life disparity declined in women only, and did not change for men. In addition, the differences in both metrics between those with mental disorders and the general population were largest for substance use disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. For these disorders, the differences even increased during the study period.

Conclusions:

Mortality rates for individuals with mental disorders have been declining in recent decades in Denmark; however, the increase in the average life disparity emphasizes the increasing heterogeneity and inequality in lifespans within this group, which requires measures to promote a longer and more equal life for those with mental disorders.
Exploring the process of remote enculturation through heritage possessions: A case study of transracial international adoptees
Authors: Cook Kirby M. L. , Nelson Michelle R.
Published: April 2024

We bring remote enculturation, the process of learning about one’s heritage culture from afar, to the consumption literature. Past research has predominantly explored acculturation, the psychological change as a result of cultural contact, finding that possessions take on important roles as tangible artifacts of cultural experience or identity from heritage or host cultures, without acknowledging the enculturation process. We present a case study exploring the remote enculturation process for transracial international adoptees from Korea, a group of immigrants without access to traditional cultural socialization who have experienced cultural loss. To learn about their heritage culture, they can actively engage in the remote enculturation process. Through interviews, we identify five avenues of remote enculturation and explore how heritage culture possessions contribute to those experiences. The reciprocal relationship between the avenues of remote enculturation and heritage culture possessions reflects these material items as both results and tools that either signify or empower individuals to reclaim their ethnic identity. Examining remote cultural socialization processes and the positive role of possessions in reculturation broadens our understanding of consumption, acculturation, and ethnic identity.
Aiming high: Learning investments in German upper secondary education. Differences between immigrant and non-immigrant youth
Authors: Kohlmeier Markus
Published: April 2024

This article addresses important aspects of the largely unexplored interplay between high educational aspirations and low academic achievement in migratory contexts. Using data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), I examine the determinants of learning investments of students who changed from vocational to academic tracking at the transition to upper secondary education. I also explore additional social challenges to upward track mobility that might affect immigrant students in a particular way. As educational disparities are often interpreted as a cumulative consequence of class- and migration-specific educational choices, I develop a learning investment model that explains differences in learning investments between immigrant and non-immigrant youth. I introduce the essential mechanisms of psychological motivation theory into a subjective expected utility (SEU) model, which allows for a specific examination of the relationship between educational aspirations, motivation, and learning investments. Results show that newcomers to academic tracking are more likely to invest in learning. Yet, learning investments in upward mobility processes may be influenced by the different learning environments of stratified education and by family dynamics. Here, I find differences between immigrant and non-immigrant youth. Thus, introducing motivational factors into an SEU model helps to understand when youth invest in learning.
The UK’s post-study work visa: Abolition and reinstatement of a degree mobility incentive
Authors: Ahmed Alshimaa , Davies Dan
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the 2012 abolition of the Post-Study Work visa for international students in English and Welsh Universities and its subsequent re-establishment in 2021. A policy cycle analysis was performed of the phases of agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. This revealed that the UK government abolished the PSW visa in 2012 because of national security concerns and perceived public opposition to immigration, but minimised the role of higher education institutions and failed to consider economic and cultural drivers when setting the policy agenda. The impact of the subsequent top-down approach to implementation led to a range of negative outcomes for HEIs and their contribution to the UK economy. Subsequently, bottom-up pressure led to the UK government re-establishing the PSW visa for economic reasons, political reasons (Brexit), and in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Support Undocumented Community College Students in STEM During and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Institutional Undocu-Competence Framework Analysis
Authors: Andrade Luis M.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to identify if and how a community college provided services to meet the needs of undocumented students seeking STEM degrees during the pandemic. The study is grounded in the framework of Institutional Undocu-Competence (IU-C) and draws from interviews with 16 students at an urban community college. The findings are critical for community colleges to develop Institutional Undocu-Competence for undocumented students in STEM during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Languages of Power, Languages of Protest: Exploring the Rhetorics of Game Maps
Authors: Bunting Ben S.
Published: April 2024

In his book The New Nature of Maps: Essays in the History of Cartography, J.B. Harley writes that “Maps are preeminently a language of power, not of protest.” Harley was writing about maps of the physical world, but most game maps also speak in “languages of power,” and for similar reasons; however, this is not always the case. In this paper, I discuss how and why Harley's rubric also applies to game maps. Ultimately, I highlight the unique value of the minority of video games that speak in “languages of protest,” thus allowing us to play – sometimes figuratively, and sometimes literally – with our traditional understanding of maps.
Worsening Burnout in Orthopedic Surgeons Since 2019 and Key Areas of Work life Drivers
Authors: Lu Shuting , Mc Colgan Rosie , Nguyen Joseph , Kelly Bryan T. , Fufa Duretti T.
Published: April 2024

Background:

In 2019, we assessed rates of burnout in orthopedic surgeons (attendings and trainees) at our institution and found distinct levels and drivers of burnout. Excessive workload had the strongest association with burnout across career stages.

Purposes:

We sought to re-examine the rates of burnout in orthopedic trainees and faculty in the same institution several years later and to identify the areas of worklife that correlated with burnout at distinct career stages, comparing 2019 and 2023 responses.

Methods:

From November 2022 to February 2023, we invited 190 orthopedic attending surgeons and trainees to participate in a survey by email. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and Areas of Worklife Scale were used to evaluate burnout and areas of worklife, respectively. Respondents were invited to elaborate on their experiences in free-text boxes. Results were compared to those of our 2019 survey.

Results:

In 2023, 76 recipients completed the survey, for a 40% response rate, compared with a 79% response rate in 2019. The response rate among residents fell from 93% in 2019 to 28% in 2023. High levels of depersonalization were found in 38% of residents and 21% of attending surgeons. High levels of emotional exhaustion were found in 31% of residents and 33% of attending surgeons. The proportion of attending surgeons reporting symptoms of burnout doubled between 2019 and 2023, whereas rates remained similar in residents. In 2023, 38% of residents reported low personal accomplishment compared with 5% in 2019. Excessive workload and limited job control were the work life areas most strongly correlated with burnout.

Conclusions:

The results of our 2023 survey suggest that burnout rates increased in academic orthopedic attending surgeons at our institution since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of institutions continuing to prioritize physician well-being.
Empowering Medical Students: Unveiling the Benefits of Nutrition Seminars and Plant-Based Diets in Medical School Education
Authors: Huang Fanny , Sukhon Deena , Cummings Jessica R. , Lee Nikita , Carlson Elizabeth , Jankowski Michelle , Uhley Virginia
Published: April 2024

Background: Whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) dietary patterns can be used as a lifestyle modification to lower blood pressure and lose weight. This study aimed to observe the effects of WFPB dietary patterns and improve nutrition education in medical school. Methods: Forty-six medical students participated in the four-week Plant Plunge challenge, which consisted of a pre- and post-challenge health screening, weekly nutrition seminars, and the personal challenge to eat more WFPB. Afterward, an anonymous survey was sent to participants to analyze nutrition education quality in medical school. Results: The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test indicated statistically significant improvement in weight and blood pressure (BP) (N = 33). The median (interquartile range) difference in weight from pre- to post- was −.9 (−2.2, .0, P < .0461) pounds, whereas the differences in systolic and diastolic BP were −5.0 (−9.0, −.5, P < .049) and −7.0 (−11.0, −2.0, P < .0037) mmHg, respectively. Participants were significantly more likely to advocate for the integration of nutrition information into the medical school curriculum ( P = .0162). Conclusions: Short-term lifestyle modifications with WFPB dietary patterns help reduce weight and BP. Incorporating nutrition seminars in medical education may improve long-term patient outcomes.
Prevalence of Vegetarianism and Lifestyle Correlates in a National Study
Authors: Bakst Shelly S. , Karolinsky Dolev
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Vegetarianism in its various forms has gained global recognition in part because of the notion that it is healthier; however, associations between plant-based diets and selected lifestyle practices in Israel have yet to be clarified. Methods: A population-based sample consisting of 1396 Israeli adults was collected via telephone survey, between the years 2013-2014. Differentiation between self-defined and actual vegetarians was initially verified (based on food intake). Next, “actual” vegetarian status was studied in relation to demographics and health behaviors. Results: Approximately 5% (N = 65) of respondents (5.8% Jews and 3.0% Arabs) were “self-defined” vegetarians; but only about half (N = 33) adhered to genuine vegetarian diets. By contrast, nearly 2% (N = 26) of those self-identified as non-vegetarians were “actual” vegetarians; thus, 4.4% (N = 59) of the sample were verified “vegetarians.” And while socio-demographic features did not meaningfully capture differences by vegetarianism status, “actual” vegetarians were significantly more likely than non-vegetarians to be physically active (OR = 1.7), use nutritive supplements (OR = 2.4) and read food product labels (OR = 1.9; all P < .01). Conclusions: Aggregately, “actual” vegetarian participants were more inclined to have healthier lifestyle practices relative to their non-vegetarian counterparts. Forthcoming research using larger samples should however exploit constant assessment measures to validate the link between vegetarianism and health-promoting correlates.
Seduction of far-right actions: A pathway to an authentic self?
Authors: Yoshida Yutaka , Demelius Yoko
Published: April 2024

Far-right civil movements have emerged as a significant predicament in numerous regions worldwide. Despite abundant research on the tactics employed by far-right groups to instil ideologies, behaviours and sentiments in their followers, such as street demonstrations, investigations into the meaning-making of far-right actions in relation to the trajectories of the participants’ lives remain scarce. The present study uses the analytical tool proposed by Katz to explore how far-right activists obtain a sense of moral transcendence through their activism, including participating in the liminal moments of far-right rallies, revelling in unrestricted speech, discovering new abilities, acquiring knowledge and engaging in self-expression. We contend that these experiences engender in participants the sense that they are acquiring that which is absent from their lives and recovering their ‘true selves’. The study maintains that to comprehend the allure of the far right, it is essential to contextualise far-right actions within the participants’ lives, the societies that they inhabit, and the circumstances that surround them. In short, the sensation that one is rediscovering one’s ‘true self’ may encourage activists to pursue the more remote objective of reclaiming what they perceive as their nations’ lost ideals.
A comparative study of critical reading abilities among students in Malaysia and Vietnam: Insights from PISA-based assessment
Authors: Le Ha Van , Nguyen Long Quoc
Published: April 2024

This study conducted a comparative analysis of critical reading skills among engineering students at private universities in Malaysia and Vietnam, using the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reading framework. Involving 182 undergraduates, the research included a quantitative critical reading test followed by statistical analysis (T-tests) to examine score variability among first-year and final-year students. The analysis revealed significant performance differences among first-year students but not among final-year students from both countries. To complement the quantitative data, semi-structured interviews with 16 participants across different critical reading levels were conducted. These interviews aimed to capture students’ perspectives on the PISA test, highlighting challenges such as the Western orientation of texts, English vocabulary, and the format of open-ended questions. Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, the study offers an in-depth understanding of the critical reading abilities of engineering students in Malaysia and Vietnam, underscoring the importance of considering cultural and linguistic factors in educational assessments.
Global, regional, and national burden of stroke from 1990 to 2019: A temporal trend analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Lu Hao , Yang Chunhua
Published: April 2024

Background:

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. However, how the prevalence of stroke varies across the world is uncertain.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to analyze temporal trends of prevalence for stroke, including ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) at the global, regional, and national levels.

Methods:

The age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR) of stroke, IS, ICH, and SAH, along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UI), were derived from data in the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. This provides estimates for the burden of 369 diseases and injuries globally in 2019, as well as their temporal trends over the past 30 years. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to analyze the 1990–2019 temporal trends by calculating the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC), as well as their 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

In 2019, the global ASPR of stroke was 1240.263 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 1139.711 to 1352.987), with ASPRs generally lower in Europe compared to other regions. Over the period from 1990 to 2019, a significant global decrease in ASPR was observed for stroke (AAPC −0.200, 95% CI: −0.215 to −0.183), IS (AAPC −0.059%, 95% CI: −0.077 to −0.043), SAH (AAPC −0.476, 95% CI: −0.483 to −0.469), and ICH (AAPC −0.626, 95% CI: −0.642 to −0.611). The trends of ASPR of stroke, IS, SAH, and ICH varied significantly across 204 countries and territories.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight significant global disparities in stroke prevalence, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and intensified efforts in developing regions to reduce the global burden of stroke.
An efficient variance-based global sensitivity analysis method based on multiplicative dimensional reduction method and Taylor series expansion
Authors: Xiaoyi Wang , Xinyue Chang , Pengfei Meng , Wenxuan Wang
Published: April 2024

In this study, the detailed derivation of unconditional and conditional statistical moments for calculating two variance-based global sensitivity indices is presented based on the multiplicative dimensional reduction method. Furthermore, an efficient calculation method for the statistical moment of performance function is proposed using Taylor series expansion, transforming it into a calculation of the statistical moment of random variable. Additionally, a recursive formula for the raw moment of normally distributed random variables is derived and a calculation formula for non-normally distributed random variables’ raw moment is provided. Finally, by combining the multiplicative dimensional reduction method with Taylor series expansion, two more effective methods are proposed for variance-based global sensitivity index. Compared with the reference method, the two proposed methods increase efficiency by 66.66% and 33.33%, respectively. The accuracy and efficiency of this approach are verified by a low-dimensional roof truss and a high-dimensional ten-bar truss structure in conjunction with finite element software. Moreover, its engineering application value is demonstrated by applying it to a high-dimensional complex hydraulic piping system containing 28 input variables.
Efficacy of intratracheal dexmedetomidine on recovery from general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Abdel Rady Marwa Mahmoud , Ali Wesam Nashat , Mansour Fatma Batity , Abdullah Othman Ekram , Abo Elfadl Ghada Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Background:

This study investigated the effectiveness of intratracheal dexmedetomidine in reducing untoward laryngeal responses in paediatrics undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.

Methods:

This trial included 60 patients divided into two groups scheduled for lower abdominal surgeries. Group D were given intratracheal dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg, while Group C received intratracheal saline (0.9%). The cough severity score, the Paediatric Objective Pain Scale for pain assessment, awareness, extubation, emergence agitation score, Ramsay sedation score and adverse effects were recorded.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the incidence of coughing severity between Groups D and C both at extubation and after five minutes of extubation (p < 0.001). The median scores of the Paediatric Objective Pain Scales and the median agitation scales of Group D were significantly lower over the first four hours (p < 0.050). The mean time to first request rescue analgesia was significantly longer in the D group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean total consumption of rescue analgesia in the first 24 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.050). Awareness and extubation times were comparable in both groups, and none of the subjects reported any adverse effects.

Conclusion:

In the current study, lower abdominal surgery patients who received intratracheal dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.5mg/kg 30 minutes before the completion of the procedure experienced smooth extubation and balanced anaesthetic recovery.
Citizen journalism for social mobilization in war-affected Tigray
Authors: Nigussie Hagos , Kiflu Gebru
Published: April 2024

This article examines the use of citizen journalism for social mobilization in war-affected Tigray. A mixed approach was used, involving individual interviews, focus group discussions and a quantitative content analysis. The results revealed that citizen journalists provided information for community members to unite, support each other and make informed decisions. This was valuable for women and girls, as the allied forces used rape and hunger as weapons of war. Citizen journalists have inspired people to discuss war-related issues, enlightening capable individuals to join the Tigray Defence Forces. They travelled long distances to send videos and news reports to the Tigray Media House (TMH) and other news organizations abroad. The war coverage of TMH alerted the international community to undertake an independent investigation of genocide. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of citizen journalism during an information blackout, in which mobile phones were not alternative communication channels but the main sources of information.
Andrographis paniculata Leaves Extract Alleviates UVB-Induced HaCaT Cells Through Suppressing Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Activation
Authors: Bayazid Al Borhan , Hwang Ue Kyoung , Jang Young Ah , Jeong Yeong Hwan , Jo Yu Chang , Lim Beong Ou
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Andrographis paniculata leaves have been widely used in traditional medicine due to their rich content of phenolic compounds. We sought to figure out the skin beneficial effects of Andrographis paniculata leaves extract.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid content of Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts (ALE), as well as its antioxidant activities against diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Additionally, we conducted cell viability assays, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction , and western blot analysis to investigate the biochemical effects of ALE on UVB-induced HaCaT cells.

Results

Our results revealed that ALE exhibited a high concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids, which were associated with potent abiotic antioxidant properties. Furthermore, ALE treatment effectively abrogated the damage caused by UVB radiation on key molecules such as hyaluronan synthase 1, aquaporin 3, and loricrin in HaCaT cells. ALE also demonstrated the ability to reduce the overactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β in UVB-induced HaCaT cells. Additionally, ALE positively influenced the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in these cells.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings highlight the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ALE, as well as its significant role in modulating skin barrier functions. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of ALE in skincare and dermatological applications.
Association of Muscle Strength, Psychological Factors, and Central Sensitization With Movement-Evoked Pain in Patients With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: The BACKFIT Project
Authors: Segura-Jiménez Víctor , Tsiarleston Gavriella , Donoso Belén , Gil-Gutiérrez Yolanda María , Delgado-Fernández Manuel
Published: April 2024

Background:

People with chronic pain might evade certain movements to prevent their experience of pain. Movement-evoked pain (MEP) might induce lower functionality during daily activities.

Hypothesis:

(1) MEP after physical fitness tests would vary depending on the main musculature involved in the test; (2) physical and psychological factors would be associated with MEP in patients with NSCLBP.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional design.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 104 (69 women) patients aged 51.0 ± 10.3 years with NSCLBP participated. MEP was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and immediately after performing each physical fitness test, that is, the Biering-Sørensen, prone bridging, handgrip, chair-stand, and 8-foot time-up-and-go tests, measuring back extensor, back flexor, upper- and lower-body muscle strength, and motor agility, respectively. Global muscle strength was calculated with normalized index ( z-score) procedure. Depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and central sensitization were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II, State Trait Anxiety Inventory I, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), respectively.

Results:

Patients showed greater pain after completion of the Biering-Sørensen (mean difference 95% CI, 0.02, 1.11), prone bridging (0.15, 1.21), lower pain after handgrip (-1.46, -0.52), and the 8-foot time-up-and-go (-1.43, 0.46) tests (all P ≤ 0.04). Lower global muscular strength (β between -0.18 and -0.30), and greater pain catastrophizing (β = 0.16), and CSI scoring (β between 0.18 and 0.27) were associated with greater MEP (all P ≤ 0.04).

Conclusion:

Greater MEP was observed after tests measuring core musculature strength than after tests measuring distal (limbs) strength and agility. Greater MEP was overall associated with lower muscle strength, greater pain catastrophizing, and central sensitization.

Clinical Relevance:

Fitness testing might be implemented as a complementary tool for the monitoring of NSCLBP in clinical settings.