bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Hierarchies and Gender Disparities in Social Science Funding
Authors: Larregue Julien , Nielsen Mathias Wullum
Published: April 2023

This article examines the relationship between knowledge hierarchies and gender stratification in research funding. Through a mixed-methods study combining data on 5460 funded and unfunded social science applications submitted to a research council in Western Europe, and nine interviews with current and former council members, we explore how applicants’ disciplinary, thematic and methodological orientations intersect with gender to shape funding opportunities. Descriptive analysis indicates that women’s proposals are underfunded, with a relative gender difference of around 20%. Using computational text analysis and mediation analysis, we approximate that around one-third of this disparity may be attributed to gender differences in disciplinary focus, thematic specialisations and methodologies. The interviews with council members allow us to make sense of these disparities and expose the disciplinary hierarchies and power struggles at play in the council, sometimes resulting in a devaluation of qualitative methods and, more broadly, interpretive, descriptive and exploratory approaches in proposal assessments.
Spatio-temporal Analysis of Demand for Elderly Care Services and Its Key Influencing Factors in Chinese Cities: A Web Search Engine Approach
Authors: Bian Jinwei , He Meihui , Luo Ji , Gao Qiang , Zhang Dan
Published: April 2023

The demand for elderly care services (DECS) in Chinese Cities is one of the most concerned issues. The aim of this study was to understand the spatial and temporal evolution and external factors of DECS in Chinese cities and support the formulation of elderly care policies. We collected Baidu Index data for 287 prefecture-level and above cities and 31 provinces in China from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2020. The Thiel Index was employed to describe the differences of DECS at different regional levels, and multiple linear regression was used to explore the external factors affecting DECS by calculating the variance inflation factor (VIF) to identify multicollinearity. The DECS of Chinese cities increased from 0.48 million in 2012 to 0.96 million in 2020, and the Thiel Index decreased from 0.5237 in 2012 to 0.2211 in 2020. Per capital GDP, number of primary beds, proportion of population aged 65 and over, number of primary care visits, and proportion of illiterate population over the age of 15 have significant influences on DECS ( P < .05). DECS was on the rise in Chinese cities, with significant regional differences. At the provincial level, regional differences were influenced by level of economic development, primary care provision, aging population, educational attainment, and health status. It is suggested to pay more attention to DECS in small and medium-sized cities or regions, to strengthen primary care, and to improve the health literacy and health status of the elderly population.
Scrub typhus presenting with massive splenomegaly in an adolescent boy
Authors: Reddy Sudeep , Samprathi Madhusudan , Reddy Mounika , Arora Abhishek Jagdishchander
Published: April 2023

Scrub typhus is a serious public health problem in the Asia Pacific region. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and mortality. Splenomegaly in isolated scrub typhus is mostly mild or subclinical and rarely massive. We report an adolescent boy with scrub typhus presenting with fever, massive splenomegaly and severe anemia. Clinicians should be aware of atypical presentations of scrub typhus, which is easily treatable with minimal investigations.
Evaluation methods and influence factors of heat extraction performance in hot dry rock reservoir under multi-field coupling
Authors: Zhao Kai , Wang Xiaoyun , Song Wenjie , Shi Shuyi , Xu Zhihui , Dou Liangbin , Gao Wei
Published: April 2023

How to improve the heat extraction performance of HDR (hot dry rock) is one of the most concerned problems in HDR extraction. The key is to take a reasonable method to evaluate the heat extraction performance of hot dry rock and find out the main factors influencing the heat extraction performance of hot dry rock. The permeability of HDR reservoir, well type, well spacing, well pattern and injection flow rate of cold water have important influence on heat extraction performance of HDR reservoir. Based on this, a multi-field coupling mathematical model for injection and production of HDR is established and solved by finite element method to analyze the evolutions of seepage field, temperature field and stress field in HDR reservoir. Then, high temperature production time and heat extraction rate were introduced to quantitatively evaluate the heat extraction performance of HDR reservoir under different reservoir permeability, different well type, different well spacing, different well pattern and different injection flow rate. The research results show that different reservoir permeability has little influence on the heat extraction performance of HDR reservoir. Comparing the vertical well production system with the horizontal well production system, horizontal well production system has longer high temperature production time, and vertical well production system has higher heat extraction rate. The greater the well spacing and injection flow rate, the better the heat extraction performance of HDR reservoir. The heat extraction performance of the well pattern is not necessarily better than that of the one-injection and one-production well pattern, the heat extraction performance of the one-injection two-production well pattern and the two-injection one-production well pattern is worse than that of the one-injection one-production well pattern, and the heat extraction performance of the four-injection one-production well pattern and the one-injection four-production well pattern is better than that of the one-injection one-production well pattern. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of economic and reasonable HDR development program and working system, and realize efficient utilization of HDR reservoir.
Assessment of Factors Associated With Long-Term Hospitalization in Patients With a Deep Neck Infection
Authors: Ho Chia-Ying , Chan Kai-Chieh , Wang Yu-Chien , Chin Shy-Chyi , Chen Shih-Lung
Published: April 2023

Background

Deep neck infection (DNI) is a severe infectious disorder of deep neck spaces that can cause serious complications. Long-term hospitalization is when a patient spends more time in the hospital than originally expected for a disease. There are few studies assessing the risk factors associated with long-term hospitalization for a DNI. This study investigated the factors causing DNI patients to experience long-term hospitalization.

Methods

Long-term hospitalization is defined as a length of hospital stay exceeding 28 days (> 4 weeks) in this research. A total of 362 subjects with a DNI between October 2017 and November 2022 were recruited. Among these patients, 20 required long-term hospitalization. The relevant clinical variables were assessed.

Results

In a univariate analysis, C-reactive protein (odds ratio [OR] = 1.003, 95% CI: 1.000−1.007, P = .044), involvement of ≥3 deep neck spaces (OR = 2.836, 95% CI: 1.140−7.050, P = .024), and mediastinitis (OR = 8.102, 95% CI: 3.041−21.58, P < .001) were significant risk factors for long-term hospitalization in DNI patients. In a multivariate analysis, mediastinitis (OR = 6.018, 95% CI: 2.058–17.59, P = .001) was a significant independent risk factor for long-term hospitalization for a DNI. There were no significant differences in pathogens between the patients with and without long-term hospitalization (all P > .05). However, the rates of no growth of specific pathogens were significantly different between patients with and without long-term hospitalization, and those with long-term hospitalization had greater rates of growth of specific pathogens ( P = .032). The rate of tracheostomy in patients with long-term hospitalization was higher than for those without ( P < .001). Nevertheless, the rates of surgical incision and drainage between patients with and without long-term hospitalization did not achieve statistical significance ( P = .069).

Conclusions

Deep neck infection (DNI) is a critical, life-threatening disease that could lead to long-term hospitalization. The higher CRP and involvement of ≥3 deep neck spaces were significant risk factors in univariate analysis, while concurrent mediastinitis was an independent risk factor associated with long-term hospitalization. We suggest intensive care and prompt airway protection for DNI patients with concurrent mediastinitis.
Why Do God and Humans Punish? Perceived Retributivist Punishment Motives Hinge on Views of the True Self
Authors: Lee Young-eun , Dunlea James P. , Heiphetz Larisa
Published: April 2023

Laypeople often believe that God punishes transgressions; however, their inferences about God’s punishment motives remain unclear. We addressed this topic by asking laypeople to indicate why God punishes. We also examined participants’ inferences about why humans punish to contribute to scholarly conversations regarding the extent to which people may anthropomorphize God’s mind. In Studies 1A to 1C, participants viewed God as less retributive than humans. In Study 2, participants expected God (vs. humans) to view humans’ true selves more positively; this difference mediated participants’ views of God as less retributive than humans. Study 3 manipulated agents’ views of humans’ true selves and examined how such information influenced each agent’s perceived motives. Participants viewed a given agent as less retributive when that agent regarded the true self as good (versus bad). These findings extend scholarship on lay theories of punishment motives and highlight links between religious and moral cognition.
Strangers at the Bedside: Solidarity-making to address institutionalized infrastructural inequalities
Authors: Vijay Devi , Monin Philippe , Kulkarni Mukta
Published: April 2023

This study explores how heterogeneous actors produce solidarities to address institutionalized infrastructural inequalities. We trace fifteen years over which diverse actors constructed community palliative care infrastructure in Kerala, India. We analyse how actors engaged in solidarity processes of recognizing interdependences, reconfiguring spaces and re-imagining accountability to challenge exclusionary institutions and construct inclusive infrastructure at different scales. We foreground solidarity-making as an indispensable yet under-theorized aspect of institutional research on inequalities. We inform solidarity studies by illustrating how solidarity-making pulsates infrastructures with diverse webs of relations and spatial configurations. Overall, we advance a generative engagement with heterogeneity in institutional analyses and discuss the implications of solidarity-making to address infrastructural inequalities.
Defending rights. Between parliaments and courts
Authors: Amato Giuliano
Published: April 2023

In principle, it should be for the Courts, which are not majoritarian institutions, to stand for the rights, even more for the new rights, that are minoritarian by definition. How far can the Courts safely go, when the recognition of such rights raises intense divergencies of opinion, confrontations between different collective identities, that populist movements can support and amplify? When should they leave the decision to the parliaments, which represent the will and the opinions of the citizens?
An urban myth? Government involvement in the economy and left–right politics
Authors: Lindqvist Jesper
Published: April 2023

People frequently assume that attitudes towards the government’s involvement in the economy differentiate left- from right-wing politics. This paper compares this idea to a version of acceptance of inequality theory, where acceptance of inequality is the principal element of left–right competition, but the specific inequality motivating individuals’ left–right choice may differ. Using multilevel regression models with survey data from the World Values Survey, as well as two case studies, this paper finds that: (a) acceptance of inequality is a better context-independent predictor of left-right self-placements around the world; and (b) in the Netherlands and Denmark, the correlation between acceptance of an inequality (regarding class or immigration) and right-wing self-placement is stronger when the specific issue dimension is salient to citizens. However, the paper finds no equivalent interaction effect for attitudes towards economic statism. The evidence thus supports the view that the left–right dimension concerns acceptance of inequality, rather than economic interventionism.
Prevalence of celiac disease and its related factors in children aged 2–6 years old: A case–control study
Authors: Maleki Mohsen , MontazeriFar Farzaneh , Payandeh Abolfazl , Azadbakht Zahra
Published: April 2023

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-genetic disorder associated with the small intestine. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CD and its related factors in children aged 2–6 years in southeastern Iran. Methods: In the present case–control research, the study groups were selected by convenience sampling method in Zahedan city, Sistan-and-Baluchestan province, southeastern Iran, from January 2021 till January 2022. Social-demographic status and personal information about the child, family, as well as the feeding pattern of children and mothers in the first six months of breastfeeding were examined. Frequency Food Questionnaire (FFQ) was also used for data collection. Results: The prevalence of CD was estimated at 9.2 per 10,000. Our findings showed that child age, birth weight, location of living, child birth type, child digestive disease, and child FFQ score played a significant role in the development of CD ( p < 0.05). Children with CD consumed less bread and cereals, meat, eggs and legumes, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables ( p = 0.004). In the first six months of breastfeeding, the mean intake of mothers with celiac children and mothers with healthy children was almost the same ( p = 0.75). Conclusion: Nutrition in the first six months of lactation, gastrointestinal diseases, birth weight, and type of delivery played a significant role in causing CD in children aged 2–6 years, but mothers’ diets in the first six months of lactation had no significant effect on CD incidence in their infants.
Effective teaching strategies for teaching mathematics to young gifted English learners
Authors: Yang Jenny , Özbek Gülnur , Liang Shaoru , Cho Seokhee
Published: April 2023

Project BRIDGE was launched as a response to the underrepresentation of English learners in gifted education. Through Project BRIDGE, high-ability English learners were able to access the same rigorous academic content as their native English-speaking peers. The present study compared intervention and comparison teachers' instructional behaviors in curriculum planning and delivery, accommodation in individual differences, problem solving, critical thinking strategies, creative thinking strategies, language strategies. The data on student-teacher interactions in second-grade math classes were collected through structured observation and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that the intervention teacher was more effective than the comparison teacher in: 1) establishing high expectations for student performance; 2) implementing activities that promote critical and creative thinking; 3) engaging students in active classroom talk; and 4) providing supports for language development.
Hybrid extracorporeal membrane oxynegation in pediatric intensive care patients: A single center experience: More is better?
Authors: Kahveci Fevzi , Coşkun Mert Kaan , Uçmak Hacer , Özen Hasan , Gurbanov Anar , Balaban Burak , Dikmen Nur , Karagözlü Selen , Sarıcaoğlu Mehmet Cahit , Botan Edin , Gün Emrah , Havan Merve , Ramoğlu Mehmet Gökhan , Uçar Tayfun , Eyileten Zeynep , Tutar Ercan , Akar Ahmet Rüçhan , Kendirli Tanıl
Published: April 2023

Background

The initial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) configuration is inefficient for patient oxygenation and flow, but by adding a Y-connector, a third or fourth cannula can be used to support the system, which is called hybrid ECMO.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study consisting of patients receiving hybrid and standard ECMO in our PICU between January 2014 and January 2022.

Results

The median age of the 12 patients who received hybrid ECMO and were followed up with hybrid ECMO was 140 (range, 82-213) months. The total median ECMO duration of the patients who received hybrid ECMO was 23 (8-72) days, and the median follow-up time on hybrid ECMO was 18 (range, 3-46) days. The mean duration of follow-up in the PICU was 34 (range, 14-184) days. PICU length of stay was found to be statistically significant and was found to be longer in the hybrid ECMO group ( p = 0.01). Eight (67%) patients died during follow-up with ECMO. Twenty-eight-day mortality was found to be statistically significant and was found to be higher in the standard ECMO group ( p = 0.03). The hybrid ECMO mortality rate was 66% (decannulation from ECMO). The hybrid ECMO hospital mortality rate was 75%. The standard ECMO mortality rate was 52% (decannulation from ECMO). The standard ECMO hospital mortality rate was 65%.

Conclusions

Even though hybrid ECMO use is rare, with increasing experience and new methods, more successful experience will be gained. Switching to hybrid ECMO from standard ECMO at the right time with the right technique can increase treatment success and survival.
Certified grasping
Authors: Aceituno-Cabezas Bernardo , Ballester Jose , Rodriguez Alberto
Published: April 2023

This paper studies the robustness of grasping in the frictionless plane from a geometric perspective. By treating grasping as a process that shapes the free-space object over time, we define three types of certificates to guarantee success of a grasp: (a) invariance under an initial set, (b) convergence toward a goal grasp, and (c) observability over the final object pose. We develop convex-combinatorial models for each of these certificates, which can be expressed as simple semi-algebraic relations under mild-modeling assumptions, such as point-fingers and frictionless contact. By leveraging these models to synthesize certificates, we optimize certifiable grasps of planar objects composed as a union of convex polygons, using manipulators described as point-fingers. We validate this approach in simulations by grasping random polygons, and with real sensorless grasps of several objects.
Assessment of the relationship between vitamin D with semen analysis parameters and reproductive hormones levels before and after kidney transplantation: An Iranian randomized and double-blinded study
Authors: Dialameh Hossein , Nikoobakht Mohammadreza , Menbari Oskouie Iman , Rahimdoost Nazanin , Nazarpour Mohammad Javad , Mousavi Seyed Hamid , Lotfi Mohammad , Esmaeilpanah Shima , Inanloo Hasan
Published: April 2023

Background:

Vitamin D’s role is noticeable on homeostasis of calcium and phosphorous and bone mineralization. Some studies prove that vitamin D has a role in reproductive pathways in male and females and its direct relationship with serum androgen levels in males. The common problem of infertility can be seen in 10%−15% of couples. 25%−50% of all infertilities is due to a male factor, and fertility disturbances are common in male CKD patients.

Objectives:

This study aimed to figure out the effect of serum vitamin D levels on semen analysis parameters and reproductive hormones before and after renal transplantation in ESRD patients.

Methods:

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 70 ESRD males (21–48 years old) who were candidates for renal transplantation at Sina hospital between 2021 and 2022. Participants were divided into two groups randomly. First group was supplemented by vitamin D (50,000 units weakly until 3 months), and no intervention was done in the second group. Vitamin D levels, LH, FSH, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calcium, total and free testosterone, PTH, sexual function, and semen analysis parameters were evaluated in a determined interval before and after (three and 6 months) kidney transplantation

Results:

Vitamin D levels were noticeably higher in case group in comparison to the control group ( p-value < 0.01) but the difference in all other variables including calcium levels, LH, FSH, total and free testosterone, IIEF-5 score, PTH, GFR, and creatinine was insignificant ( p-value > 0.05). The comparison of semen parameters of the case with control group including sperm count, morphology, volume, and motility didn’t reveal a noticeable difference between the two groups ( p-value > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Prescription of vitamin D as a supplementation doesn’t improve sperm quality (sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume) and reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, free and total testosterone) after kidney transplantation in male CKD patients.
Smoking-related epigenetic modifications are associated with the prognosis and chemotherapeutics of patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Ling Ya , Li Jindong , Zhou Lijuan
Published: April 2023

Objective

Epidemiologic studies have linked smoking to various malignancies, including bladder cancer, but its underlying biological functions remain elusive. Currently, we aimed to identify the smoking-related epigenetic modifications and disclose their impacts on prognosis and therapies in bladder cancer.

Methods

DNA methylation, transcriptome, and clinical profiles were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using “TCGAbiolinks” Differential expression analyses were performed with “limma” and visualized by the “pheatmap” package. Smoking-related interactions were displayed using Cytoscape. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was for generation of a smoking-related prognostic model. Kaplan–Meier analysis with log-rank test was for survival analysis, followed by a prognostic nomogram. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used for functional analysis. The “oncoPredict” package was applied for drug sensitivity analysis.

Results

We recruited all types of bladder cancers and found that smoking was involved in poor prognosis, with the hazard ratio (HR) of 1.600 (95%CI: 1.028–2.491). A total of 1078 smoking-related DNA methylations (526 hypermethylation and 552 hypomethylation) were identified and 9 methylation-driven genes differentially expressed in bladder cancer. Also, 506lncRNAs (448 upregulated and 58 downregulated lncRNAs) and 102 miRNAs (74 upregulated and 28 downregulated miRNAs) were determined as smoking-related ncRNAs. We then calculated the smoking-related risk score and observed that cases of high risk were predicted with poor prognosis. We constructed a prognostic nomogram to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates. Several cancer-related pathways were enriched in the high-risk group, and patients with high-risk were more sensitive to Gemcitabine, Wnt-C59, JAK1_8709, KRAS (G12C) Inhibitor-12, and LY2109761. Whereas, those with low-risk were more sensitive to Cisplatin, AZ960, and Buparlisib.

Conclusions

Totally, we initially identified the smoking-related epigenetic modifications in bladder cancer and constructed a corresponding prognostic model, which was also linked to disparate sensitivities to chemotherapeutics. Our findings would provide novel insights into the carcinogenesis, prognosis, and therapies in bladder cancer.
A Critical Industrial Relations Approach to Understanding Contemporary Worker Uprising
Authors: Lee Tamara L. , Tapia Maite
Published: April 2023

Consistent with our calls for critical approaches to traditional Industrial Relations questions, we argue that it is important to consider whether the “major upsurge in union organizing” is more accurately framed as a continuation of long-running democracy fights against systemic inequity and injustice. Thus, we bring focus to “whole worker” organizing, as well as the structural limitations of our labor laws and institutions, to illuminate counter-narratives to the way we tell stories about contemporary worker organizing.
Quantitative measurements of changes in agglomerate size with oscillatory shear strain in polymer nanocomposites using online dielectric analysis
Authors: Janipour Shahroudkolaei Mona , Pourjandaqi Seyed Qasem , Golbang Atefeh , Maktabi Amirhossein , Famili Mohammad Hossein Navid
Published: April 2023

Shear strains during processing affect the agglomerate size of nanoparticles in nanocomposites and their final behavior in various applications. In this study, dielectric characterization technique as a novel and well-effective method is applied for quantitative measurement of average agglomerate size in polymer nanocomposites under shear strain sweep, combining with an existing analytical model. Examining how changes in filler content, surface energy and polarity of particles and the matrix control the strain-dependency of agglomerates size, two different nanoparticles, namely, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and carbon black (CB), with same average diameters and volumes were added to polystyrene (PS). It was found that larger agglomerates were present in the PS/CB nanocomposite prior to shearing and the CB agglomerates were less prone to deagglomeration under shear strain. This behavior was attributed to higher polarity of CB nanoparticles, leading to higher tendency for agglomeration and higher resistance to shear, in respect to TiO2 nanoparticles.
Investigation into microstructural evolution, mechanical and tribological properties of an aluminum surface composite developed using a severe plastic deformation technique
Authors: Girish G
Published: April 2023

Aluminum based surface metal matrix composite was developed with 15% and 20% of TiCp reinforcement using multi-pass friction stirring process. The effect of TiC reinforcement and multiple FSP passes on microstructural evolution was characterized using optical, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction techniques, while texture formation was analyzed using the neutron diffraction method. Hardness and tribological investigations were carried out to examine the mechanical behavior of the reinforced surface. A defect-free, uniformly reinforced composite surface with increased matrix-reinforcement interface was attained with 15% TiC after six passes. Hardness improved substantially to 215 HV due to the combined effect of zener pinning, grain refinement, uniformly dispersed reinforcement and increased dislocation density in the matrix. Better texture index was observed on the composite surface with Copper and S as dominating texture components. Significant wear resistance was exhibited by the composite at lower load due to strong adherence of TiC to the matrix, which however decreased with increase in loading conditions. Wear surface examination revealed that the mode of wear was predominantly abrasive.
Hygrothermal effect on strength of thermally cured glass epoxy nanocomposite made joints
Authors: Dhiman Nitin , Saini Jaswinder Singh , Kumar Mohit
Published: April 2023

In today’s scenario, the durability of the fiber reinforced polymer composites is one of the major concern for marine and construction sectors. In this context, the strength of glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite based pin joints was investigated under hygrothermal aging conditions with varying hole diameter. The composite pin joint specimens were made of neat epoxy with no nanofiller material and nanocomposite with nanoclay as nanofiller material. The nanoclay filler varying from 0 to 5 wt% was added into the epoxy, and it was found that at 3 wt% of nanoclay filler, the performance of the composite specimens was maximum. Thereafter, effect of hole diameter in GFRP composite pin joints was investigated for maximum bearing capacity, with optimized specimens further exposed to the hygrothermal aging. Hygrothermal aging of neat and 3 wt% nanoclay configuration specimens was conducted in distilled water (aging medium) at different temperatures, that is, 25°C, 45°C, 65°C and for different durations, that is, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. It was found that the strength of composites decreases with an increase in aging temperature and duration. Nanoclay modified GFRP composite specimens showed better resistance to water absorption rate and had better strength retention ability than GFRP neat epoxy composite specimens.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using a digital tensiometer to determine graft tension: Surgical technique and mid-term follow-up
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Mou Limin , Deng Yingjie , Xiang Wenyuan , Zhang Shiping , Aimaiti Remila , Yuan Zhiyu , Fang Rui
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The optimal method for achieving proper graft tension during patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is a topic of debate. In the past, a digital tensiometer was used to simulate the knee structure, and a tension of approximately 2N was identified as suitable for restoring the patellofemoral track. However, it is unclear whether this tension level is sufficient during the actual surgery. The objective of this study was to verify the efficacy of graft tension using a digital tensiometer for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and to conduct a mid-term follow-up.

Methods

The study enrolled 39 patients who had experienced recurrent patellar dislocation. Preoperative computed tomography scans and X-rays confirmed patellar instability, patellar tilt angle patellar congruence angle and the history of dislocation and patellar apprehension test. Knee function was evaluated using preoperative and postoperative Lysholm and Kujala scores.

Results

The study included 39 knees, comprising 22 females and 17 males, with an average age of 21.10 ± 7.26. The patients were followed up for at least 24 months through telephone or face-to-face questionnaires. All patients had a preoperative history of ≥2 patellar dislocations, none of which were surgically treated. During surgery, all patients underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction and lateral retinacula release. The mean Kujala and Lysholm scores were 91.28 ± 4.90 and 90.67 ± 5.15, respectively. The mean PTA and PCA were 11.5 ± 2.63 and 2.38 ± 3.58, respectively. The study found that a tension of approximately 27.39 ± 5.57N (14.3–33.5N) was required to restore the patellofemoral track in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation. No patients required reoperation during the follow-up period. Overall, 36 out of 39 patients (92.31%) reported no pain when completing daily activities at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a tension level of approximately 27.39 ± 5.57N is necessary to restore normal patellofemoral relationships during clinical practice, which indicates that using a tension of 2N is too low. The use of a tensiometer during patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is a more accurate and reliable surgical procedure for treating recurrent patellar dislocation.
Symmetrical parapagus diprosopus tetrophthalmos in a bovine calf, with computed tomography imaging, and review of craniofacial duplications
Authors: McNulty Kaylin , Tollefson Christopher R. , Baughman Brittany
Published: April 2023

Diprosopia, a congenital defect process also known as craniofacial duplication, is well-recognized in humans and has also been reported in numerous animal species. Here we describe a case of diprosopia in a live mixed-breed beef calf. We used computed tomography imaging to characterize internal and external abnormalities which, to our knowledge, have not been reported in any diprosopic veterinary species. Additional diagnostic tools included postmortem examination and histopathology. This case highlights distinct anatomic features associated with diprosopia and underscores the unique challenges associated with classifying and managing fetal malformations.
How Much Does Domestic Location Matter for B2B Firms’ Export Intensity? A Variance Decomposition Study
Authors: Iurkov Viacheslav , Koval Mariia , Zaefarian Ghasem
Published: April 2023

Business-to-business (B2B) firms leverage the advantages of their domestic location to export goods and services. However, little empirical research has examined the extent to which domestic location effects explain variation in B2B firms’ export intensity, despite their potentially critical role. In this study, the authors explore this question with a variance decomposition analysis, an approach that allows them to quantitatively examine the relative contribution of domestic location and other effects on B2B firms’ export intensity. Their analysis uses a large longitudinal sample of 7,465 European B2B firms over 15 years (2004–2018). Splitting domestic location effects into the home country and subnational region (a geographic space within a country) effects, they find that each explains a substantial portion of the variation in export intensity. Notably, the results show that the examined effects are more critical for small and medium-sized enterprises than for larger B2B firms. Domestic location factors also matter more for B2B manufacturing firms than for B2B service firms. The findings enhance scholarly and managerial understanding of the application and predictive power of domestic location effects in explaining firm internationalization through exports.
Reciprocity or Community? Different Cultural Pathways to Cooperation and Welfare
Authors: Gunnthorsdottir Anna , Thorsteinsson Palmar , Olafsson Sigurdur P.
Published: April 2023

We compare efficiency-enhancing cooperation and its underlying motives in Iceland and the US. The two countries are distinct along all measures of national culture known to us. They are however both developed democracies with similar GDP/capita (PPP adjusted). These similarities make it possible to hold constant aspects of culture related to wealth and institutions. In an experimental Voluntary Contribution Mechanism (VCM), we prime the participants with different social foci, emphasizing either their directly cooperating team or their wider social unit. With a team focus, cooperation levels do not differ between the two cultures, but this superficial similarity masks deep-seated differences: When the focus is on the wider social unit cooperation increases in Iceland and declines in the US. Both when the contribution levels are the same and when they differ, members of the two cultures differ in their motives to cooperate: Icelanders tend to cooperate unconditionally, and US subjects conditionally with a strong emphasis on reciprocity. Our findings indicate that different cultures can achieve similar economic and societal performance through different cultural norms and suggest that cooperation should be encouraged through culturally tailored persuasion tactics.
Perpetration, Victimhood, and Blame: Australian Newspaper Representations of Domestic Violence, 2000–2020
Authors: Karageorgos Effie , Boyle Amy , Pender Patricia , Cook Julia
Published: April 2023

Newspaper media plays a significant role in forming a public understanding of domestic violence. This article analyses 554 articles from 24 newspapers across Australian states and territories published between 2000 and 2020 that describe specific instances of domestic violence. It examines whether such violence is framed as a systemic issue or as a collection of individual events, as well as how such representations of perpetrators and victims displace both “blame” and “victimhood.” Although positive aspects of reporting can be observed, the tendency within newspaper articles to blur distinctions between perpetrators and victims distorts the true scale of domestic violence in Australia.
Effects of the Power Card Strategy on Social Commenting of Children with Autism During Gameplay: Strength-Based Intervention
Authors: Prince Julia , Tincani Matt , Dowdy Art
Published: April 2023

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges with social interactions that manifest in specific social situations. These challenges may inhibit them from developing sustained friendships with school-age peers, resulting in their exclusion from group-based leisure activities. To aid this population in developing friendships, there is a crucial need to evaluate interventions designed to teach social skills during group-based leisure activities. The power card strategy (PCS) is a strength-based intervention that incorporates a child’s special interest to help them navigate challenging social situations. Using a multiple-probe design, we evaluated the effects of the PCS with three students diagnosed with ASD who displayed difficulty with social commenting during group-based leisure activities. For all three individuals, the PCS resulted in increased appropriate social comments during game play that included both taught and novel comments. These findings maintained over time and generalized to a novel gaming activity with classmates in the community.
Relapse of Non-Gastrointestinal Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in the Rectum in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Saeed Saad Muhammad , Bilal Sundus , Loya Asif , Yusuf Muhammed Aasim
Published: April 2023

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder most commonly involving skin, bone and lung. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an uncommon site of disease and only a handful of case reports exist. We present a case of a 15-year old boy with treated LCH involving the skin, bones, central nervous system (CNS) and pituitary gland. He presented with rectal bleeding and on investigation was found to have a single rectal polyp which was confirmed histologically and immunologically to be LCH. Further investigation revealed no other foci of disease.
Favorable Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Changes in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and Basal Insulin Co-Therapy
Authors: Osaka Takafumi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: April 2023

Background And Aims:

Maintaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass is important for maintaining the quality of life of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The possibility of GLP-1 receptor agonists for maintaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass has previously been reported. We investigated changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass, measured by body impedance analysis, in elderly patients who were hospitalized for diabetes self-management education.

Methods:

The study design was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of the changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass in hospitalized patients over the age of 70 years. The study subjects consisted of consequential patients who received GLP-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin co-therapy or received basal insulin therapy. Body impedance analysis was performed on the day after admission and on the ninth day of admission. All patients received standard diet therapy and standard group exercise therapy 3 times per week.

Results:

The study subjects consisted of 10 patients who received GLP-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin co-therapy (co-therapy group) and 10 patients who received basal insulin (insulin group). The mean change in appendicular skeletal muscle mass was 0.78 ± 0.7 kg in co-therapy group and −0.09 ± 0.8 kg in the insulin group.

Conclusions:

This retrospective observational study suggests the possibility of favorable effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin co-therapy for maintaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass during hospitalization for diabetes self-management education.
The strong influence of small construction errors on sound insulation of buildings with heavyweight concrete structure: A Portuguese case study
Authors: Mateus Diogo , Pereira Andreia
Published: April 2023

In order to attain an expected sound insulation in buildings, it is necessary to employ appropriated constructive solutions, but it is also fundamental to guarantee compatibility with other involved design professional fields, proper detailing of solutions and correct on site mounting. A solution with a predicted high acoustic performance may result in failure if there is no proper interconnection between other design professional areas or if execution mistakes occur, even if of very small dimension. The main objective of this technical paper is to analyse the influence of defects that typically occur in buildings, located in Portugal, resulting in very poor airborne or impact sound insulation performance. The chosen situations refer to buildings with heavyweight concrete structure, where small construction defects occurred and/or wrong decisions were taken, ending up with a large reduction on the final acoustic performance. Some of these errors, given their small size or because they occurred in hidden zones, easily passed unnoticed, on site. The defects here addressed in what refers to airborne sound insulation are related with execution of double masonry hollow brick walls, sound bridges in acoustic suspended ceilings, passage of ventilation or sewage pipes, inappropriate installation of acoustic doors, shutter boxes or windows. As for impact sound insulation, the presence of rigid connections is the main focus of the characterisation here performed.
Performing pregnancy: Comic content, critique and ambivalence in pregnant stand-up comedy
Authors: Lockyer Sharon , De Benedictis Sara
Published: April 2023

Stand-up comedy has recently become a primary site where representations of pregnancy are increasingly prevalent. Yet little academic work focuses on pregnant stand-up comedians and their performances. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this article examines the cultural work of pregnant stand-up comedy. Thematic analysis of pregnant stand-up comedy by Amy Schumer, Ellie Taylor and Ali Wong identifies three significant features characterising the performances: (1) Comedic Corporeality, Vulgarity and Ambiguity; (2) Breaking Silences through the ‘Unruly Expectant Mother’; and (3) Critiquing Maternity Inequality through Pregnant Stand-Up? We examine how pregnant stand-up comedy interacts with and disrupts dominant cultural pregnancy representations, illustrating how pregnancy functions simultaneously as comic content and critique in the performances. Such comic content and critique are characterised by complexity as ambivalence is central to pregnant stand-up comedy. We argue it is precisely such ambivalence that provides productive means to understand the cultural and theoretical significances of pregnant stand-up comedy.
All abortions are medically necessary
Authors: Kendal Evie
Published: April 2023

When restrictive abortion policies are presented there are often two questions posed: will there be an exception to save the life of the ‘mother’ and will there be an exception in the case of rape or incest. This article will demonstrate that there are no distinctive elements to the first ‘exception’, that do not also apply to all abortions on demand. Through consideration of the potentially lethal impacts of pregnancy on physical and mental health, the case will be made that all requested abortions fit the criteria of ‘medically necessary’.
Health Risks and Voting: Emphasizing Safety Measures Taken to Prevent COVID-19 Does Not Increase Willingness to Vote in Person
Authors: Bokemper Scott E. , Huber Gregory A. , Gerber Alan S.
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic made salient the risks posed by an infectious disease at a polling place. To what degree did such health risks, as with other changes to voting costs, affect the willingness to vote in person? Could highlighting safety measures reduce the association between COVID fears and unwillingness to vote in person? Using both a representative survey of Connecticut voters and a survey experiment, we examine whether concerns about health diminish willingness to vote in person. We find correlational evidence that those who are more worried about COVID-19 are less likely to report they will vote in person, even when considering risk mitigation efforts. We then present causal evidence that mentioning the safety measures being taken does little to offset the negative effect of priming COVID-19 risk on willingness to vote in person. These results contribute to a growing literature that assesses how health risks affect in person voting.
Managing Fear Through Digital Interactions: Emerging Narratives of the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Vaccine-Hesitant Cyber Community
Authors: Sawicka Maja
Published: April 2023

In this article, I analyze the meaning-making struggle within a major Polish vaccine-hesitant cyber community triggered by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on an online observation of interactions directly following the outbreak in Poland, and in-depth content and conversational analysis of selected conversations, I posit that the pandemic circumstances were experienced in this community as a pervasively ambiguous situation: ambivalent in cognitive, emotional, and epistemic dimensions. The article identifies collective social processes embedded in digital interactions through which this initial ambiguity was ordered, and narratives of the pandemic emerged, enabling the collective management of fear of the novel infection.
Mechanical thrombectomy versus medical management for acute basilar artery occlusions: A meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Bouslama Mehdi , Kuo Cathleen C , Monteiro Andre , Lim Jaims , Turner Ryan , Raygor Kunal , Lai Pui Man Rosalind , Baig Ammad A , Davies Jason M , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: April 2023

Background

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke is a catastrophic clinical event that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Whether MT is superior in improving outcomes remains largely inconclusive. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to better understand the efficacy and safety of MT in treating BAO compared to medical management (MM).

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify RCTs that directly compared the safety and efficacy of MT versus MM for patients with BAO. The primary outcome was modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–3 at 3 months, and secondary outcome variables included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 24 hours, mRS 0–2 at 3 months, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality.

Results

Four RCTs with 988 patients (432 in the MM arm and 556 in the MT arm), were included. Patients receiving MT had significantly higher rate of mRS 0–2 (OR = 1.994, 95% CI: 1.319–3.012) and mRS 0–3 (OR = 2.259, 95% CI: 1.166–4.374) at 3 months in comparison to patients receiving MM. Mortality was also significantly reduced in the MT group (OR = 0.640, 95% CI: 0.493–0.831). However, increased odds of sICH were found in the MT group compared to the MM group (OR = 8.193, 95% CI: 2.451–27.389). No difference was observed in terms of NIHSS at 24 hours between the two arms.

Conclusions

Despite the higher risk of sICH, MT was associated with superior functional outcomes and reduced mortality compared to MM in BAO patients. A revision of current guidelines for treatment of acute ischemic stroke from basilar artery occlusion should be considered.