bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENAM Mutations Can Cause Hypomaturation Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Wang Y.-L. , Lin H.-C. , Liang T. , Lin J.C.-Y. , Simmer J.P. , Hu J.C.-C. , Wang S.-K.
Published: May 2024

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a diverse group of inherited diseases featured by various presentations of enamel malformations that are caused by disturbances at different stages of enamel formation. While hypoplastic AI suggests a thickness defect of enamel resulting from aberrations during the secretory stage of amelogenesis, hypomaturation AI indicates a deficiency of enamel mineralization and hardness established at the maturation stage. Mutations in ENAM, which encodes the largest enamel matrix protein, enamelin, have been demonstrated to cause generalized or local hypoplastic AI. Here, we characterized 2 AI families with disparate hypoplastic and hypomaturation enamel defects and identified 2 distinct indel mutations at the same location of ENAM, c588+1del and c.588+1dup. Minigene splicing assays demonstrated that they caused frameshifts and truncation of ENAM proteins, p.Asn197Ilefs*81 and p.Asn197Glufs*25, respectively. In situ hybridization of Enam on mouse mandibular incisors confirmed its restricted expression in secretory stage ameloblasts and suggested an indirect pathogenic mechanism underlying hypomaturation AI. In silico analyses indicated that these 2 truncated ENAMs might form amyloid structures and cause protein aggregation with themselves and with wild-type protein through the added aberrant region at their C-termini. Consistently, protein secretion assays demonstrated that the truncated proteins cannot be properly secreted and impede secretion of wild-type ENAM. Moreover, compared to the wild-type, overexpression of the mutant proteins significantly increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and upregulated the expression of unfolded protein response (UPR)–related genes and TNFRSF10B, a UPR-controlled proapoptotic gene. Caspase, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays further revealed that both truncated proteins, especially p.Asn197Ilefs*81, induced cell apoptosis and decreased cell survival, suggesting that the 2 ENAM mutations cause AI through ameloblast cell pathology and death rather than through a simple loss of function. This study demonstrates that an ENAM mutation can lead to generalized hypomaturation enamel defects and suggests proteinopathy as a potential pathogenesis for ENAM-associated AI.
Emerging environmental contaminants: Sources, effects on biodiversity and humans, remediation, and conservation implications
Authors: Ojija Fredrick
Published: May 2024

Ecosystems, biodiversity, and the human population all depend on a quality or uncontaminated environment. Quality environment provides people and wildlife access to nutrition, medications, dietary supplements, and other ecosystem services. The conservation of biodiversity—that is, species richness, abundance, heredities, and diversity—as well as the control of climate change are facilitated by such an uncontaminated environment. However, these advantages are jeopardized by newly emerging environmental chemical contaminants (EECCs) brought on by increased industrialization and urbanization. In developing countries, inadequate or poor environmental policies, infrastructure, and national standards concerning the usage, recycling, remediation, control, and management of EECCs hasten their effects. EECCs in these countries negatively affect biodiversity, ecological services and functions, and human health. This review reveals that the most deprived or vulnerable local communities in developing countries are those residing near mining or industrial areas and cultivating their crops and vegetables on contaminated soils, as is wildlife that forages or drinks in EECC-contaminated water bodies. Yet, people in these countries have limited knowledge about EECCs, their threats to human well-being, ecosystem safety, and the environment, as well as remediation technologies. Besides, efforts to efficiently control, combat, regulate, and monitor EECCs are limited. Thus, the review aims to increase public knowledge concerning EECCs in developing countries and present a comprehensive overview of the current status of EECCs. It also explores the sources and advancements in remediation techniques and the threats of EECCs to humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Iraqi Population Trusts in Electronic Healthcare Records: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alkailani Mahmud M. , Abdulhassan Ammar A. , Alnahar Saja A.
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the perceptions of Iraqi patients regarding Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) in terms of trust and propensity to share and exchange medical and personal information and data within the healthcare ecosystem. During the period of April to June 2022, a researcher-assisted questionnaire was disseminated to adult Iraqi patients attending public or private healthcare facilities in a subset of Iraqi governorates. Data collection was followed by descriptive and inferential analyses. In total, 552 respondents filled out the questionnaire. The findings revealed that 71.6% of respondents were conversant with EHRs and trusted them as data collection and storage systems. In addition, 10% of respondents did not want their EHRs to be shared between healthcare professionals and institutions. However, only 3.6% of participants were willing to share all of their personal information with healthcare professionals. Female respondents were considerably more willing to share their full names with healthcare professionals than male respondents, despite the society’s reputation for conservatism. The findings of this study highlighted the necessity of tailoring initiatives to enhance patients’ trust in EHRs and their interactions with healthcare professionals other than medical physicians.
Characters in Conflict: Reconsidering Mark’s Characterization of Demons
Authors: Hess Zen
Published: May 2024

Recent studies on Mark’s characterization of demons have concluded that the demons in Mark are wholly negative characters. This study argues that Mark portrays demons with more ambiguity by characterizing them in ways that overlap with other character groups, like supplicants. The article concludes by suggesting how this character analysis sheds light on the apocalyptic scenario that undergirds the narrative of the Second Gospel.
The impact of the proportion of renewable energy consumption on geopolitical risks in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Yuan Xiaohui , Hu Jian , Liu Dong , Tang Wenguang
Published: May 2024

Renewable energy serves as an effective alternative to traditional fossil fuels, reducing reliance on energy imports from specific countries, thereby alleviating geopolitical risks and ensuring national energy security. The development and utilization of renewable energy have profound implications for the global energy consumption structure and geopolitical landscape. This paper utilizes time-series and panel data from 1990 to 2020 to examine the causal relationship between renewable energy consumption and geopolitical risks. Focusing primarily on the United States and the United Kingdom, a multivariate regression model was developed for empirical analysis, with a comparative analysis conducted against other Group of Seven (G7) member countries. Subsequent robustness checks were performed to further validate the model's robustness. Additionally, this study explores the role of military strength as a moderating variable in the relationship between renewable energy and geopolitics. Lastly, a vector autoregression model was constructed to analyze the dynamic relationships between renewable energy and related variables. The findings reveal that (1) consumption of clean renewable energies, such as solar, wind, and tidal energy, significantly reduces geopolitical risks in the United States and the United Kingdom, with differing empirical results for France, Canada, and Japan, interpreted according to their developmental contexts and (2) increased defense expenditure in the US and the UK significantly enhances the positive impact of renewable energy consumption on mitigating geopolitical risks. Utilizing renewable energy not only diversifies national energy options but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels and fosters international cooperation, thereby easing geopolitical tensions. This research enriches the literature on the relationship between renewable energy consumption and national energy security in key global nations and offers theoretical insights for the formulation and implementation of national energy development strategies in the new world development paradigm.
Exploring movement reproduction in three-dimensional space: A comparative pilot study among people with visual impairment
Authors: Galiano Anna Rita , Larivière Sigolène , Baltenneck Nicolas , Hallez Quentin , Latour Laura
Published: May 2024

Teaching physiotherapy in a higher education institution for visually impaired students requires adjustments. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of vision on the quality of upper limb movement reproduction. We analysed the replication of a simple movement along three spatial axes: X, Y, and Z, corresponding to movements in horizontal, vertical, and depth dimensions, respectively. The findings reveal that all three groups (blind, visual impairment, and sighted) exhibited significantly larger errors when reproducing movements along the Z-axis compared to the X and Y axes. Both blind and sighted participants obtained similar results, while visually impaired participants significantly differed from the sighted participants. Specifically, visually impaired participants demonstrated overproduction, compared to sighted participants. These results indicate that individuals in the visually impaired group, who still retain some visual ability, face greater challenges in reproducing movements across all three spatial dimensions compared to both the blind and sighted groups. Therefore, when teaching the practice of physiotherapy, it appears essential to take into account the degree of vision (visual impairment and blindness) and particular attention must be paid to visually impaired students.
Determining Desired Speeds from Vehicle Trajectory Data
Authors: Baumann Marvin V. , Weyland Claude M. , Ellmers Jan , Fuchs Lea , Grau Josephine , Vortisch Peter
Published: May 2024

Desired speed or free speed distributions are important input parameters for microscopic traffic flow simulations. Whereas driven speeds can be measured, desired speeds are not detectable for all vehicles because of vehicles constraining each other. An established approach to estimating desired speed distributions is the modified Kaplan–Meier approach, which estimates desired speed distributions based on single vehicle data from stationary detectors. We propose a novel approach to determine desired speeds based on vehicle trajectory data. The proposed approach, as well as the modified Kaplan–Meier approach, is applied to a trajectory dataset recorded on a German freeway. With the modified Kaplan–Meier approach, we observed that the resulting desired speed distributions vary by approximately 5 km/h depending on the position of the stationary detectors. The desired speed distributions obtained from the trajectory-based approach are approximately 5 to 10 km/h higher than those estimated by the modified Kaplan–Meier approach. This difference in results is probably because the trajectory-based approach observes each vehicle over a longer distance rather than just at stationary points. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that the estimation of desired speed distributions is subject to a certain degree of inaccuracy. The analysis of the vehicle trajectory data revealed a notable intra-vehicle instability in desired speeds, with a difference of 5 to 7 km/h observed for 40% of the vehicles between different periods of free driving. These findings should be considered in the context of calibrating microscopic traffic flow simulations.
Model prediction of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites under finite deformation
Authors: Lu Xing , Wei Jianhui , Zhao Wei , Zhang Wenwu , Zhou Helezi , Liu Zinan , Peng Xiongqi , Huang Zhigao , Zhou Huamin
Published: May 2024

The intuitive knowledge is that the mechanical modulus of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites (UD-FRPs) decreases with higher fiber orientation angles. However, numerical results in this work and experimental results in previous literature indicate that the mechanical response of UD-FRPs has a U-shaped dependence on fiber orientation angle. To explain this phenomenon, we develop an anisotropic model to capture the mechanical behavior of UD-FRPs. The strain energy is decomposed into four components: matrix, fiber, fiber-matrix normal, and shear interactions. Each component can be determined by matching the mechanical responses of unit cells with 0°, 45°, and 90° off-axis. The results obtained from the presented model match well with the numerical response of unit cells with 15°, 30°, 60°, and 75° off-axis. With an increasing fiber orientation angle, the matrix part remains unchanged, the fiber component decreases, but the fiber-matrix normal component increases, and the fiber-matrix shear component increases and then decreases. The change in strain energy contributions explains the mechanism of the U-shaped dependence of the mechanical response on fiber orientation angle.
The Effect of the Elected Chief Prosecutor on Punitiveness in Local Courtrooms
Authors: Grodensky Catherine A.
Published: May 2024

The United States currently leads the world in the number and proportion of individuals held under correctional supervision. Prosecutors are widely considered to be the most influential actors in the courtroom, and some current reform efforts center around prosecutor-driven reductions in punitiveness. However, little is known about the extent to which elected chief prosecutors impact punitiveness in local courtrooms. This study examines how dismissal and active sentence rates in nine mid- to large-sized prosecutorial districts in North Carolina are influenced by the identity of the elected District Attorney (DA) who was in office when the case was disposed. The study sample included four types of criminal cases (marijuana possession and sale, possession of firearm by felon, larceny, and driving while intoxicated) resolved in the nine districts from 2005–2018. A two-way fixed effects regression analyses showed that elected prosecutors significantly influenced dismissal and active sentence rates in their districts, typically to a small degree (by less than 5%) but sometimes by 20–30%. However, prosecutors did not influence punitiveness consistently across all crime types or according to traditional political party. This study suggests that the elected prosecutor matters in local criminal prosecution and enhances the current understanding of the power of the elected prosecutor to shape punitiveness in local courtrooms.
The Lived Experiences of Palliative Care Professionals in Cultivating Mindfulness: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Lai Wei-Ting , Hsu Min-Tao , Chou Wan-Ru , Lee Pei-Yu
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the essence of the lived experiences of palliative care professionals in cultivating mindfulness, with a focus on the meaning of mindfulness in their lives and how mindfulness is experienced throughout their process of caring for others. Design: This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Methods: Eleven palliative care professionals (three physicians, four nurses, three psychologists, and one spiritual care provider) partook in in-depth interviews. Data were collected from the in-depth interviews and analyzed according to the method of Giorgi. Findings: Two major themes emerged from this study. First, the palliative care professionals realized the need for self-care amid emotional burden, including recognizing their feelings of guilt and self-doubt, emotional contagion of grief, reflections of others’ fragility on themself, and their self-imposed limitations. Second, they noticed the transformative impact of mindfulness on them, including detecting reconnection with their body, changes in their personal values, self-acceptance, and liberation. Conclusion: Palliative care professionals can cultivate self-acceptance and facilitate entirely new life experiences through the practice of mindfulness. For them, mindfulness is not merely a self-regulation technique but an existential epiphany, offering hope for self-care and empowerment.
The Lesser of Two Evils? Explaining Chinese Rural Migrant Workers’ Preference for On-demand Food Delivery Work With Reference to the Legal Framework
Authors: Lin Ou
Published: May 2024

Drawing on a series of interviews with on-demand food delivery riders, who are rural migrant workers, this paper seeks to explain the workers’ decision to give up stable jobs in factories in favour of largely unregulated and precarious on-demand work. Focusing on those aspects of the legal framework which shape workers’ decisions, it presents the explanation under the dual banners of ‘income’ and ‘freedom and flexibility’. In terms of income, Chinese law often enables low factory wages and a reliance on overtime; migrant workers view social insurance contributions as a loss; issues with payroll and wage arrears are significant. In terms of freedom and flexibility, insufficient rest rights lead to inadequate breaks for assembly line workers and, compounded by unspecified ‘special working time’ permit physically unbearable shifts without extra compensation. Age and gender discrimination are prevalent both in factories and various sectors. In contrast, on-demand delivery work has relatively low barriers to entry.
Perception and Belief of Healthcare Workers regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study and Geographic Information System Mapping
Authors: Wulan Widya Ratna , Widianawati Evina , Agiwahyuanto Faik
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 new deaths’ highest numbers in Southeast Asia were reported from Indonesia, with 8,784 new deaths. Healthcare workers (HCWs) have several roles in the COVID-19 vaccine implementation. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine perception and belief among HCWs and identify demographic mapping by using the geographical information system. This study used a quantitative method with cross-sectional design, wherein 112 registered HCWs in the Indonesian hospital and healthcare centre were shared a survey questionnaire using Google Forms® and then visualised it through geographic mapping. The perception of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine was considered good but in contrast to the belief. There was a significant relationship between age [ p value = .021; odds ratio (OR): 2.692; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.229–5.896] and also HCWs’ workplace ( p value = .040; OR: 0.231; 95% CI: 0.0620–0.862) towards the belief of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Developing strategies to decrease HCWs and public hesitation and increase trust is vital for implementing vaccination programmes.
Quantifying Environmental Degradation through Renewable Energy, Financial Development and Economic Sustainability: Insights from Panel Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Mehmood Saqib , Kaewsaeng-on Rudsada
Published: May 2024

The degradation of the environment is a global concern that needs serious attention, including the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. This article examines the effects of renewable energy, financial development and economic sustainability on the environmental quality of newly industrialized countries (NICs) from 1998 to 2021 in light of the increasing severity of environmental problems associated with industrialization. This study utilized different panel cointegration estimation techniques and panel quantile regression (PQR) estimates to obtain robust findings by examining the variance of each quantile. The results of the cointegration tests confirm the long-run relationship among the variables. Nevertheless, the outcomes from the PQR unveiled that renewable energy negatively and significantly influences CO2 emissions in NICs, namely in the lower and middle quantiles (20th–50th). Financial development showed heterogeneity in the results of all the quantiles. It results in an increase in CO2 emissions from the 70th to 90th quantiles in NICs. The EKC hypothesis is relevant to these findings as this study presents the economic sustainability index, which postulates that when NICs achieve sustainability, they give greater importance to environmental preservation and sustainability. This shift is characterized by reduced emissions throughout all quantiles, ranging from the 10th to the 90th. Economic sustainability corresponds to the falling part of the U-shaped curve of the EKC, wherein sustainability gets priority, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. Analogous results have been confirmed by comparing heterogeneous panel estimators; nonetheless, there was a significant variation in the intensity of their parameters. Moreover, the robustness analysis through quantile slope equality and symmetric quantiles tests proved legitimate results. The study’s findings offer policymakers with valuable policy recommendations.

JEL Codes: C1, F36, F43, O44, Q56
Managing and aggregating group evidence under quality and quantity trade-offs
Authors: Terzopoulou Zoi , Mirabile Patricia , Spekreijse Pien
Published: May 2024

Trade-offs between quality and quantity arise in an abundance of contexts concerning group decision making. With the starting point being that group members provide more accurate evidence when they are involved with fewer tasks, team managers often encounter the following dilemma: Should they assign their group members with many tasks (attempting to gather more evidence with lower quality), or with fewer tasks (aiming at receiving less, but more high-quality evidence)? Secondly, what is the optimal way to aggregate the collected evidence from a group, which may be contrasting and varying in accuracy? Should more weight be given to the more accurate group members, or to the larger number of those who provide the same answer? This topic is already studied within the mathematical framework of Terzopoulou and Endriss (2019). In this paper we complement it experimentally, by investigating to what extent people's decision-making patterns are in accordance with the optimal ones proposed by the normative model. Our findings suggest that people understand the task at hand and generally opt for optimal choices, especially in conflict-free cases. Still, a tendency towards overvaluing the importance of additional evidence, despite their accuracy, is observed; this translates into choosing options that align with the majority rule in aggregation problems.
Comparing Caregiving Outcomes Among Male and Female Parents of Autistic Adults
Authors: Marsack-Topolewski Christina N. , McGinley Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2024

This study compared aging male and female parents of autistic adults to determine if self-reported caregiver health, quality of life, caregiver burden, informal social support, and formal social support differ between the two groups. Fifty-seven female caregivers and 57 male caregivers were selected using data from a larger study. T-tests for independent samples compared dependent variables between female and male parents. Statistically significant differences were found on four dependent variables, self-reported health, quality of life, overall caregiver burden, and emotional burden. Male parents had better self-reported health, greater quality of life, and less emotional burden, while female parents experienced greater overall caregiver burden. Social workers and other professionals should be cognizant of differences experienced by aging caregivers when providing tailored support and services.
Perceptions of Threat, American National Identity, and Americans’ Attitudes Toward Documented and Undocumented Immigrants
Authors: Qi Dan , Garand James C.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we explore how the effects of perceived immigrant threat, American national identity, and attitudes toward immigration-dominated racial/ethnic groups on perceptions of immigrant contributions differ for documented and undocumented immigrants. We contend that different levels of perceived risk associated with undocumented and documented immigrants activate the effects of immigrant threat and American identity in different ways. We consider the varying effects of general perceptions of immigrant threat, and we also differentiate the effects of American pride (i.e., positive sentiments about being an American) and American exclusion (i.e., negative sentiments associated with criteria needed to be considered an American). We use data from the 2016 to 2017 Voter Study Group surveys, which includes a survey experiment with respondents randomly assigned to documented and undocumented immigrant treatments. We find strong negative effects of immigrant threat perceptions on Americans support for both immigrant groups, with observed effects significantly stronger for undocumented immigrants. Further, while American exclusion has strong negative effects on attitudes for both immigrant groups, American pride depresses support only for undocumented immigrants. We also find that evaluations of Hispanics have effects on perceptions of contributions for documented and undocumented immigrants, though the effect of Asian evaluations is limited to documented immigrants.
Cancer Health Literacy and Its Correlated Factors in the United Arab Emirates-A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Elbarazi Iffat , Aziz Faisal , Ahmed Luai A. , Abdullahi Aminu S. , Al-Maskari Fatima
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cancer Health literacy (CHL) is the health literacy related to cancer knowledge, prevention, treatment, screening, and access to services. It is an important indicator of people’s adherence to screening and preventive measures, which helps to reduce the incidence and prevalence of cancer. The study assessed the CHL level and its association with relevant socio-demographic characteristics and sources of information among primary health care patients and visitors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

A cross-sectional study recruited survey participants who consented to respond to an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The assessment of CHL was done by using 15 questions. CHL level was measured as a median score and also categorized as poor/inadequate, moderate, good/excellent. Nominal logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between CHL categories and participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and CHL sources of information.

Results

Of the total 492 participants, 45.5% were young adults (30-39 years old), 32.9% were males, and 70.8% were UAE nationals. The overall median CHL score was 8.0 (IQR = 5.0-10). 33.7% of the participants had a poor/inadequate level of CHL, 49.6% had a moderate level and 16.7% had a good to excellent level of CHL. 76.9% of the participants knew the importance of early cancer screening tests, 72.7% acknowledged the metastatic capacity of cancer, and the protective factors of cancer, especially, in colon cancer (71.7%). A high proportion of participants received health information about cancer via the internet (50.7%), television (45.3%), social media (40.2%), and doctors (43.6%). Nationality other than UAE (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.03-2.56, P = .038), having university education (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.21-3.99, P = .010) compared to those with lower than high school, and having a family history of cancer (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.33-4.41, P = .004) were positively associated with CHL. Older age (aOR = .36, 95% CI = .17-.75, P = .007 for 50-59 years, and aOR = .29, 95% CI = .11-.82, P = .019) for 60-69 years, higher-income (aOR = .57, 95% CI = .33-.99, P = .047 for 10,000-19,999 AED; aOR = .53, 95% CI = .33-.88, P = .013 for ≥20,000) compared with those earning <10,000 AED were negatively associated with CHL.

Conclusions

CHL among the resident UAE population was moderately adequate, therefore implementation of awareness campaigns seems to be warranted. Moreover, evaluation research targeting the CHL impact on cancer prevention practices and screening is also advocated.
Prognostic Significance of Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 1 on Circulating Tumor Cells for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Yuanqing , Song Junmei , Li Bo , Wang Rensheng , Huang Tingting , Qin Yutao
Published: May 2024

Background

Liquid biopsy, including the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), has emerged as a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. However, the prognostic value of CTCs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear due to the lack of phenotypic characterization. The expression of Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 1 (ERCC1) and CTCs epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been associated with treatment efficacy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of ERCC1 expression on CTCs and their EMT subtypes before treatment in NPC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 108 newly diagnosed locally advanced NPC patients who underwent CanPatrol™ CTC testing between November 2018 and November 2021. CTCs were counted and classified into epithelial, epithelial-mesenchymal hybrid, and mesenchymal subtypes. ERCC1 expression was divided into negative and positive groups. Clinical features and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The positive rate of CTCs was 92.6% (100/108), with an ERCC1 positivity rate of 74% (74/100). Further analysis of the subtypes showed that positive ERCC1 on mesenchymal CTCs was associated with a later N stage ( P = .01). Positive ERCC1 expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS; P = .039) and disease-free survival (DFS; P = .035). Further analysis of subtypes showed that the positive ERCC1 on mesenchymal-type CTCs was associated with poor OS ( P = .012) and metastasis-free survival (MFS; P = .001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ERCC1 expression on CTCs may serve as a new prognostic marker for NPC patients. Evaluating CTCs subtypes may become an auxiliary tool for personalized and precise treatment.
Use of a novel three-dimensional anatomical plating system for treatment of caudal mandibular fractures in cats: 13 cases (2019–2023)
Authors: McFadzean Annabel , Freeman Alix , Sage James , Perry Andrew
Published: May 2024

Case series summary

A total of 13 cases of cats with a caudal mandibular fracture treated with a novel surgical technique using the Ramus Anatomical Plate system were reviewed. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and a minimum of 8 weeks postoperative CT images were required as inclusion criteria. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical data and radiographic follow-up examinations. All cases achieved adequate anatomical reduction, resulting in a functional and atraumatic occlusion postoperatively. No intraoperative complications were reported. Time to voluntary food intake was in the range of 1–25 days. No evidence of disruptions to the implants or screw loosening was observed in the 8-week postoperative CT imaging, with radiographic evidence of complete osseous union in all fractures. The most common postoperative complication was swelling at the surgical site. Two cats had postoperative exophthalmos due to retrobulbar haemorrhage, and one cat exhibited partial wound dehiscence 5 days postoperatively, which resolved with medical management. Longer-term complications included intraoral plate exposure in one cat, which required plate removal 10 months postoperatively.

Relevance and novel information

In this case series, rigid internal fixation of caudal mandibular fractures using the Ramus Anatomical Plate osteosynthesis system was associated with a minimal complication rate, and satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes. The reported outcomes of this novel technique are favourable when compared with previous techniques described for the management of these fracture types.
A comprehensive review on advancements in compliant structures of gas foil journal bearings
Authors: Priyadarshini Srusti , Behera Suraj K
Published: May 2024

Gas foil journal bearings (GFJBs) are widely considered technically advanced bearings and a viable alternative to conventional rolling element and oil-lubricated bearings in high-speed rotating machinery. GFJBs offer advantages such as reduced maintenance, improved efficiency, and the ability to operate in challenging environments. A traditional GFJB consists of (i) a smooth top foil for the generation of hydrodynamic pressure, (ii) a compliant corrugated foil beneath the top foil for tailoring stiffness, and (iii) a bearing base to hold the foils together. The shape and geometry of corrugated thin foil are primarily designed for the essential stiffness and load-carrying capacity of the bearings. The thickness of thin foils is in the range of 100–150 μm. The fabrication of complaint thin foils to their desired shapes and sizes is quite challenging. Engineers and researchers around the world have designed and published various advanced design structures of GFJBs to improve their static and dynamic characteristics. The corrugated or compliant structure is the most significant component of GFJBs from design and fabrication point of view. Therefore, a modest attempt is made by the authors to review and report systematically on various foil journal bearings reported in open literature. The study covers four primary categories, which are centered around the design of compliant structures, materials, manufacturing processes, and coatings over the years. By analyzing the state-of-the-art advancements, this review aims to identify key areas for further research, explain technological trends, and underline the pivotal role of GFJBs in various high-speed applications across industries.
A modified truss-arch model for shear strength evaluation of corroded reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Jiang Jiannan , Wang Yinhui , Yu Bo , Li Bing , Ma Jiaxing
Published: May 2024

Under seismic loading, corroded reinforced concrete (RC) columns are prone to brittle shear failure, which poses a significant threat to existing structures. However, due to the mechanical defects and insufficient parameters included in the equations available in codes, the literature exhibits a lack of precision in predicting the shear strength of such columns. In this paper, a shear strength equation for the RC column was established based on the truss-arch model theory. On this basis, the effect of corrosion on key parameters such as the cross-sectional area of rebar, yield strength, compressive strength of concrete, and displacement ductility was fully considered to establish the shear strength equation of corroded RC columns. To assess the accuracy and applicability of the proposed equation, a database consisting of 215 specimen parameters was compiled. Comparative analyses were conducted with existing equations from the literature. The results indicate that the mean values and coefficient of variation for the ratio of calculated values to the tested values of the equation were 1.098 and 0.601, respectively, which proves the equation’s high computational accuracy and low dispersion. Consequently, the proposed equation offers a more effective calculation method for predicting and assessing the shear strength of corroded RC columns. This method holds significant potential for enhancing the resilience of structures in seismic-prone regions.
Ambivalent presents, open futures: Affective constructions of the future among highly qualified Turkish migrants in Germany
Authors: Filiz Anlam
Published: May 2024

Turkish migrant professionals in Germany are valued as highly skilled individuals. They describe their lives in Germany mostly in positive terms. Their social, cultural and mobility capital enables them to imagine the future as including favourable circumstances for them such as exciting job opportunities. At the same time, heightened anti-migrant discourses and uncertainties about the future create potential risks. By bringing together the sociological literatures on ambivalence and the future, I analyse how highly skilled Turkish migrants make projections about their future in Germany under this ambivalent atmosphere. Based on interviews conducted with 29 highly qualified Turkish migrants in Germany in 2022, the article identifies openness as an affective mechanism, which can be deployed both to embrace opportunities and navigate instabilities that might emerge in the future.
Effect of metallic substrate and rubber elastic materials over passive constrained layer damping on tool vibration during boring process
Authors: Lawrance G , Paul P Sam , Shylu DS , Ebenezer Jacob Dhas DS , Dineshkumar C , Jeyakumar PD , Muthiya Solomon Jenoris , Getachew Netsanet Ayele
Published: May 2024

Tool vibration is a key factor that affects surface finish, generates noise, and reduces the tool life during conventional boring because of the excessive overhanging length of the tool holder. The interaction between the dynamics of the machine tool and the boring process led to progressive vibration. The creation of appropriate mechanisms in reducing tool vibration will help manufacturing industries to become more productive. In this research, in order to control vibration in the overhanging boring bar, a passive vibration control method was employed. Constrained layer dampers consist of boring bar, substrate, and elastic materials and it is used to minimize tool vibration produced during boring operation. The investigation utilized computational analysis through the ANSYS Workbench platform, employing key parameters such as the overhanging length of the tool holder (100, 150, and 200 mm), substrate material (aluminum, brass, and copper), and elastic material (Nitrile rubber, Natural rubber, and polyurethane). A comprehensive series of 27-run boring experiments were conducted to assess the impact of the constrained layer damper on tool vibration and cutting properties. The results of the study revealed remarkable improvements in various performance metrics. The constrained layer damper demonstrated an impressive 98% reduction in tool vibration, signifying its efficacy in dampening vibrational forces during the boring operation. Furthermore, a substantial 83% decrease in surface roughness was observed, indicating enhanced machining precision and surface finish. The constrained layer damper also exhibited a noteworthy 97.5% reduction in tool wear, highlighting its ability to significantly prolong tool life under challenging machining conditions.
Building a bridge with others: Alternative patterns of the acculturation process through the eyes of immigrants and members of the receiving culture
Authors: Malota Erzsébet , Bogáromi Eszter , László Tamás
Published: May 2024

Our study investigated the acculturation process in a new culture from the perspectives of immigrants (interviewees) and members of the receiving culture (interviewers). One hundred and seven semi-structured interviews were carried out with foreigners from 38 countries who lived in Hungary for at least a year. Using a grounded theory approach, the perspectives and feelings of the interviewers were also analysed in addition to the interview texts. The results reveal that the receiving culture shows what we call a ‘two-stage receptive attitude’, which comprises at first, closedness and later, openness towards foreigners. A binary set of attitudes as ‘traveller or guest’ was observed in immigrants; the ‘guest’ makes efforts to take the host as a complementary actor into consideration, integrating the depths of the foreign culture, while the ‘traveller’ tastes the surface of a foreign culture and collects experiences. Based on our analysis, the dual modes of the traveller and the guest are interpreted as two ideal typical role conceptions or role realisations. Our study increases awareness of the complexity of the acculturation process, as the unique design provided insights into the importance of analysing the perspectives – in addition to those of the interviewees – of the reports from members of the receiving society to add to our understanding of cross-cultural encounters. In addition to its methodological novelty, the present study contributes to the literature by providing an in-depth understanding of the “traveller versus guest” typology and, accordingly, proposing ways to investigate how these two types might function in an organisation.
Nonlinear EEG Analysis During Motor and Cognitive Tasks in Patients With Long COVID: A Dynamic Systems Approach
Authors: Morais Gislene Diniz , Appelt Pablo Andrei , Neto Eduardo de Moura , Bazan Rodrigo , Cabral Ariana Moura , Andrade Adriano de Oliveira , Luvizutto Gustavo José , Sande de Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Nonlinear EEG provides information about dynamic properties of the brain. This study aimed to compare nonlinear EEG parameters estimated from patients with Long COVID in different cognitive and motor tasks. Materials and Methods. This 12-month prospective cohort study included 83 patients with Long COVID: 53 symptomatic and 30 asymptomatic. Brain electrical activity was evaluated by EEG in 4 situations: (1) at rest, (2) during the Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A), (3) during the TMT Part B (TMT-B), and (4) during a coordination task: the Box and Blocks Test (BBT). Nonlinear EEG parameters were estimated in the time domain (activity and complexity). Assessments were made at 0 to 3, 3 to 6, and 6 to 12 months after inclusion. Results. There was a decrease in activity and complexity during the TMT-A and TMT-B, and an increase of these parameters during the BBT in both groups. There was an increase in activity at rest and during the TMT-A in the COVID-19 group at 0 to 3 months compared to the control, an increase in activity in the TMT-B in the COVID-19 group at 3 to 6 months compared to the control, and reduced activity and complexity at rest and during the TMT-A at 6 to 12 months compared to the control. Conclusion. The tasks followed a pattern of increased activity and complexity in cognitive tasks, which decreased during the coordination task. It was also observed that an increase in activity at rest and during cognitive tasks in the early stages, and reduced activity and complexity at rest and during cognitive tasks in the late phases of Long COVID.
Conceptualizing Integration in Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Bazeley Pat
Published: May 2024

Integration lies at the heart of mixed methods research, but it has primarily been considered from a practical rather than a conceptual or theoretical perspective. In this paper, I develop a contextually situated, parsimonious conceptual model of the substantive dimensions that constitute integration. I conclude that integration between heterogeneous components in mixed methods research is constituted by interdependence that is connected, transactional, transformative, coherent, and dynamic. This conceptual model is presented here in the expectation that it will prompt researchers to think more deeply about the phenomena they study and the integration of the methods they use to study those phenomena.
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among First-Year College Students Attending a University in Mississippi
Authors: Horaist Hannah , Watson Mayantoinette
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors among college students is a significant interest for public health, especially in Mississippi where 1 in 4 individuals have inadequate access to food supply. A study at a major Mississippi university found that 45% of their students reported food insecurity. More recently, research has highlighted a higher risk of unhealthy lifestyle habits among college students in the Southeastern US.

Methods

This study utilized a descriptive quantitative study design to survey first-year college students (n = 196) enrolled at a University in Southern Mississippi. The relationship between lifestyle and health among first-year college students was measured using the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist. Data were analyzed utilizing bivariate analysis to determine significant correlations.

Results

Only 19% of the students reported eating a balanced diet regularly, while 54% reported being active less than twice a week. Although 91% of the students perceived themselves as having an overall healthy lifestyle, 79% reported feelings of sadness or depression. The Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist correlated significantly ( P < .05) with gender out of all demographic variables.

Conclusions

Interventions promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors should be encouraged among first-year college students who are vulnerable to contributing factors that can increase health risks. Interventions such as evaluation of risks, health promotion resources, and health promotion behavior awareness should be brought to bear in an effort to improve healthy lifestyle habits among students.
Occipital venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus: A case series
Authors: Papadimitriou Kyriakos , Werner Cassidy , White Timothy G , Golub Danielle , Mehta Shyle H , Turpin Justin , Shah Kevin , Patsalides Athos
Published: May 2024

Venous sinus stenting for dural venous sinus outflow obstruction due to an intrinsic filling obstruction or extrinsic stenosis is an increasingly popular treatment strategy for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and isolated pulsatile tinnitus (PT). The most common site of stenosis is the lateral venous sinus at the transverse-sigmoid junction. Approximately 10% of the population has a persistent occipital venous sinus (OVS), a variant that may be the dominant venous drainage pathway in the setting of a hypoplastic or aplastic transverse sinus. OVS stenosis has been rarely associated with IIH and isolated PT with only a handful published cases. We herein report a retrospective series of OVS stenting in five patients, four of whom presented with non-IIH PT and one with IIH.
‘No trash – do not touch’: Handwritten textual objects at a construction site
Authors: Schümchen Nathalie , Lilja Niina
Published: May 2024

Drawing on social semiotics and geosemiotics, this paper analyses multimodal texts written on different surfaces at a construction site. The analysis is based on longitudinal ethnographic work and a large collection of photos of handwritten texts that involve verbal language and other semiotic elements such as drawings or symbols. The analysis focuses on the multimodal design of the texts, their spatio-temporal contexts, and their temporal trajectories connected to the progression of the construction work. The analysis contributes to the existing research on language practices in manual work by providing new understanding of multimodal texts that are integral parts of construction workers’ day-to-day language use. The analysis also speaks to the importance of longitudinal and visually-based research designs in analyzing the language practices of manual and physical work contexts.