bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barão de Ramalho
Authors: Bandecchi Brasil
Published: May 2024

In an objective synthesis, the author examines the life and works of Barão de Ramalho, a man who lived from the end of the Colony days till the beginnings of the Republic, a most important period in the history of Brazil. Abandoned by his father, he was brought up by the Ramalho family, from whom he got his name. Being a poor but diligent youth, he took his degree at the Faculty of Law (São Paulo), becoming a professor and eventually the director of this institution. He was elected for public offices, took part in the founding of the freemason’s lodge Piratininga, and received his diploma from Barão de Caxias, the future Duke. His was a long life devoted to the public cause. São Paulo also owes him the construction of the Museu Paulista building.
Relationship Between Genotype Status and Clinical Outcome in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bonaventura Jiri , Rowin Ethan J. , Chan Raymond H. , Chin Michael T. , Puchnerova Veronika , Polakova Eva , Macek Milan , Votypka Pavel , Batorsky Rebecca , Perera Gayani , Koethe Benjamin , Veselka Josef , Maron Barry J. , Maron Martin S.
Published: May 2024

Background

The genetic basis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is complex, and the relationship between genotype status and clinical outcome is incompletely resolved.

Methods and Results

We assessed a large international HCM cohort to define in contemporary terms natural history and clinical consequences of genotype. Consecutive patients (n=1468) with established HCM diagnosis underwent genetic testing. Patients with pathogenic (or likely pathogenic) variants were considered genotype positive (G+; n=312; 21%); those without definite disease‐causing mutations (n=651; 44%) or variants of uncertain significance (n=505; 35%) were considered genotype negative (G−). Patients were followed up for a median of 7.8 years (interquartile range, 3.5–13.4 years); HCM end points were examined by cumulative event incidence. Over follow‐up, 135 (9%) patients died, 33 from a variety of HCM‐related causes. After adjusting for age, all‐cause and HCM‐related mortality did not differ between G− versus G+ patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.46–1.31];
P
=0.37; HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.38–2.30];
P
=0.87, respectively). Adverse event rates, including heart failure progression to class III/IV, heart transplant, or heart failure death, did not differ (G− versus G+) when adjusted for age (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.63–2.26];
P
=0.58), nor was genotype independently associated with sudden death event risk (HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 0.88–2.21];
P
=0.16). In multivariable analysis, age was the only independent predictor of all‐cause and HCM‐related mortality, heart failure progression, and sudden death events.

Conclusions

In this large consecutive cohort of patients with HCM, genotype (G+ or G−) was not a predictor of clinical course, including all‐cause and HCM‐related mortality and risk for heart failure progression or sudden death. G+ status should not be used to dictate clinical management or predict outcome in HCM.
Probabilistic models for studying the potential spatial distribution of three intertidal decapods in the north of Chile (Taltal, 25°S, Antofagasta region)
Authors: De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio , Wilson Rodolfo , Ghory Farhana S.
Published: May 2024

The northern Chilean coast is characterized by its high productivity and diversity due to the presence of the cold, nutrient-rich water of the Humboldt Current. The coasts in the area are mainly bordered by rocky shores that provide many microhabitats for invertebrates. The aim of the present study was to analyse the spatial distribution of three sympatric intertidal decapods, Leptograpsus variegatus, Cyclograpsus cinereus and Petrolisthes granulosus, using probabilistic models. The studied locality was situated on the rocky shores of Taltal Bay, in the north of Chile. The counting of individuals could reveal the presence of the reported species, and if they did or did not coexist. The results revealed that L. variegatus and C. cinereus had a uniform pattern with Binomial distribition, whereas P. granulosus showed a random occurrence with Poisson distribution. These results would not coincide with classical observations of intertidal decapods on the rocky shores of continental Chile, as those denoted a gregarious pattern, but the distributions found would rather explain potential territorial behaviour.
Morphometric relationships and condition factor of the green tiger shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus De Haan, 1844 (Decapoda, Penaeidae), from Palk Bay waters of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Rajkumar M. , Lakshmi Pillai S. , Muthaiyan Midun , Rajkumar R. , Thirumalaiselvan S. , Saravanan M.
Published: May 2024

Morphometric relationships and condition factors are essential for understanding any marine species’ development process, which aids in designing appropriate strategies for management and articulating their balance in the ecosystem — and this includes shrimps. Since only a few studies on these characteristics have been done in Penaeus semisulcatus over the last thirty years, constant updating of these criteria is required to successfully manage the shrimp fishery in Palk Bay. The CL-TW relationship demonstrates negative allometric growth in both males and females, whereas the TL-TW relationship exhibits positive allometric growth. In this present investigation, significant differences in slopes and elevations of the carapace length-total weight, total length-total weight, carapace length-total length, and total length-carapace length have been observed between sexes; considering the condition factors shown in the present investigation, the shrimps in Palk Bay were in good growing condition. This study has demonstrated that updated information on morphometric relationships would help fishery managers effectively manage the fisheries.
Reproductive status of the blood-spotted swimming crab, Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst, 1783) (Brachyura, Portunidae) landed off Cochin, India
Authors: Josileen Jose , Najmudeen T. M. , Ragesh N. , Sreesanth L. , Baby P. K.
Published: May 2024

Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst, 1783) is an important commercial crab with a wide distribution along the Indian coast. In Kerala it is landed mainly in trawls, and ranks first in the landings in most years, recording about 50% of the crab landings of the state during 2012-2019, with the exception of 2014. Females dominate the fishery and their sizes range between 55 and 170 mm carapace width (CW), with 90-110 mm being dominant in the landings. Berried females are recorded throughout the year, without any regular dominance in a particular month, although during March-May good percentages of these are observed in overall landings. Newly spawned eggs are bright yellow/orange in colour, with an average size of 270 μm, and by the time of hatching the colour changes to dark grey, and it takes 8-10 days to hatch to the first zoea stage. Fecundity in numbers of eggs varied between 80 960 and 2 357 004 with an average of 512 914 for females of different size groups from 81 to 170 mm CW. Captive studies showed that the species is capable of multiple spawnings, with a maximum of three in an intermoult cycle. Size at maturity (LM50) in females was estimated at 86.5 mm CW and in males at 80.1 mm CW. All the females were mature above 120 mm CW and mature females below 70 mm CW were not recorded in the landed crabs. The smallest size of the mature and berried females recorded in the landings was 71 mm CW/22 g and 80 mm CW/32 g, respectively. In the landings, males comprised sizes between 51-170 mm carapace width (CW) with 91-105 mm forming the major size group contributing to the fishery. In males, 100% maturity was observed in crabs above the size of 95 mm CW, whereas sizes below 60 mm CW were immature. The smallest size of the mature male crab recorded in the landings was 60 mm CW/16 g. Minimum Legal Size (MLS) was implemented in the state in 2016 and for P. sanguinolentus. MLS is fixed at 70 mm CW and it has been proven that this helps in the sustainable utilization of the resource.
First in situ observations of the consumption of brittle stars by the rare shrimp Phyllognathia simplex Fujino, 1973 in Indonesia and its possible presence in the western Atlantic (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Anker Arthur , Ivanov Yury , Adamoli Jailson V. , Krutz Tim , Ianniello Linda
Published: May 2024

The first evidence of the predation of brittle stars, Ophiothela sp. (Ophiotrichidae), by the palaemonid shrimp Phyllognathia simplex Fujino, 1973 (Palaemonidae), is presented based on a single observation accompanied by in situ photographs taken while scuba diving in Bali, Indonesia, also being the first ever observation of the feeding behaviour in this uncommon shrimp species. In addition, in situ photographs of three ovigerous females tentatatively identified as P. cf. simplex from southern Florida, U.S.A., suggest that P. simplex or a closely related species may be present in the western Atlantic. This is the first photographic evidence of the presence of the genus Phyllognathia Borradaile, 1915 in this part of the world.
The Process of Case Writing: A Fourth Pillar of Analytic Training
Authors: Bernstein Stephen B.
Published: May 2024

The educational and clinical effects of the process of case writing during analytic training have not been extensively studied, even though the case report, as a product, has prompted attempts to make it a more revealing and accurate document. Countertransference experiences during an analysis can constrain both the candidate’s writing and the analytic work, while examining them during the writing process can deepen the candidate’s analytic work. Three overlapping resistances to the writing, and their underlying anxieties, are described. These are publication resistances: concerns about the anticipated reception of the candidate’s work by potentially critical readers; transference resistances: feelings toward the analytic institute that requires the writing; and countertransference or reimmersion resistances: fears of reawakening reactions from the analysis. These can interfere with finding a safe internal space in which to write. Examples are given of writing through of these resistances during case supervision, resulting in more open writing and in a deepening of the analytic work. As the case writing process can have direct and potentially profound effects on the candidate’s current and future analytic work, it is proposed that the process of case writing is a fourth pillar of analytic training, in addition to the candidate’s personal analysis, case supervision, and didactic seminars.
Epiploic Appendagitis: Systematic Review of a Distinctive Pathology
Authors: Acevedo-Castillo Carlos D. , Macias-Cruz Hannia M. , Ramirez-Cisneros Arantxa , Bautista-Coronado Uriel A. , Moran-Guerrero Jose A. , Guzman Eduardo Alberto
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is an essential cause of abdominal pain that can be confused with more typical causes such as acute diverticulitis and appendicitis. Epiploic appendagitis accounts for 1% of all cases of abdominal pain in adults. The scarcity of information has limited its recognition as an essential nonsurgical cause of acute abdominal pain.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of all EA cases published. We searched Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to retrieve all available studies from January 2000 to November 2023.

Results: 196 case reports and case series were analyzed, with 371 patients with EA included. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 39 years. Most patients were male (59%). The primary presenting symptoms were pain (100%), tenderness (59.5%), and rebound tenderness (27.4%). The left abdomen was the most common localization of pain (53%). The most frequently identified differential diagnoses were acute appendicitis (26.4%) and acute diverticulitis (16.1%). Most patients (53%) were treated conservatively, and 98 (26.4%) underwent surgical treatment. A significant difference in the choice of treatment was found for signs and symptoms such as rebound tenderness, nausea, anorexia, and diarrhea.

Conclusions: Acute EA is an essential clinical condition of rare occurrence that might present a diagnostic challenge, as it can masquerade as another acute abdominal pain etiology. The optimal management of EA is conservative, so a higher recognition by surgeons and emergency physicians is essential to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and their associated consequences.
Church in a Secular Age: Exploring Andrew Root’s Ecclesiology and Its Implications
Authors: May Elliott
Published: May 2024

Andrew Root’s recently completed “Ministry in a Secular Age” series offers a significant new contribution into the contemporary conversation about parish ministry after Christendom. Across these six volumes, Root uses the work of the philosopher Charles Taylor to construct an ecclesiological frame that re-centers divine action in the life of the church, exploring in turn various themes across Christian life and practice for a secular age. This paper examines his six-book series with the goal of offering the first in-depth critical engagement of his overall project, alongside a reflection on this series’ import for Anglican audiences. I do so by exploring his theological method and surveying his creative use of genre across the series, drawing out themes from across the six volumes, and assessing the ways in which his works do and do not scaffold as a whole.
The Historical Different Meanings of Chinese Communist Party’s ‘The Party Commands Gun’ Under Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping
Authors: Fang Daqi (Reinhardt)
Published: May 2024

Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) established its own military force (People’s Liberation Army [PLA]), it has always emphasised ‘The Party Commands Gun’ (dangzhihuiqiang, µ³Ö¸»ÓÇ¹). However, the high-ranking CCP leaders who hold ‘military power (junquan, ¾üÈ¨)’ would also use their influence in the PLA to influence or even change the direction of Chinese politics. In addition, the meaning of ‘The Party Commands Gun’ also varies by period, and the meaning of it is also quite different in different eras in the CCP party history. In this article, the author aims to analyse the connotation changes of the CCP’s political slogan ‘The Party Commands Gun’ from the perspective of historical evolution. Based on examples from the history of the CCP, the focus will be compared to the CCP’s revolutionary era, the Mao Zedong era and the post-Mao era of ‘The Party Commands Gun’. From the perspective of empirical analysis and historical evolution, the author reveals the evolution of the purpose of ‘The Party Commands Gun’ from the revolutionary era to Deng Xiaoping era.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia Diagnosis Following Emergency Department Visits for Respiratory Illness
Authors: Geanacopoulos Alexandra T. , Amirault Janine P. , Michelson Kenneth A. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Lipsett Susan C. , Hirsch Alexander W. , Neuman Mark I.
Published: May 2024

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is often considered for children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with respiratory symptoms. It is unclear how often children are diagnosed with CAP following an ED visit for respiratory illness. We performed a retrospective case-control study to evaluate 7-day CAP diagnosis among children 3 months to 18 years discharged from the ED with respiratory illness from 2011 to 2021 and who receive care at 4 hospital-affiliated primary care clinics. Logistic regression was performed to assess for predictors of 7-day CAP diagnosis. Seventy-four (0.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.6%, 0.9%) of 10 329 children were diagnosed with CAP within 7 days, and fever at the index visit was associated with increased odds of diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.75-6.28). Community-acquired pneumonia diagnosis after discharge from the ED with respiratory illness is rare, even among children who are febrile at time of initial evaluation.
Prefigurative imaginaries: Giving the unbanked in Kenyan informal settlements the power to issue their own currency
Authors: Kuk George , Giamporcaro Stéphanie
Published: May 2024

As corporate social responsibility research increasingly focuses on the role of grassroots organizations in challenging business practices, there remains a gap in understanding how these organizations prefigure alternatives to the prevailing business status quo. This study addresses this gap by developing a framework of prefigurative imaginaries, drawing from a qualitative study of a grassroots organization confronting the social irresponsibility of the Kenyan banking system in serving the poor. The framework captures how grassroots organizations use imaginaries to prefigure an alternative community currency system for enacting and foreshadowing social change. However, when attempts were made to scale up the system, these actions became disjointed, resulting in cracks within the imaginaries and the eventual abandonment of the system. Our study contributes to corporate social responsibility research by broadening its scope to include grassroots organizations and unveiling how they prefigure social change in marginalized contexts. By highlighting the significant influence of imaginaries on experiences and practices, this study underscores their role in shaping the acceptance or rejection of grassroots initiatives by the communities they aim to serve. It has implications for scholars and practitioners interested in understanding the role of imaginaries in shaping community-driven initiatives and advancing social change agendas.
Adaptive neural network iterative learning control of long-stroke hybrid robots with initial errors and full state constraints
Authors: Liu Qunpo , Zhang Zhuoran , Li Jiakun , Bu Xuhui , Hanajima Naohiko
Published: May 2024

Research on initial errors and constraint restrictions is one of the main research directions in the field of control of uncertain robotic systems. An adaptive iterative learning control (AILC) method based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network is proposed to address the trajectory tracking problem of the long-stroke hybrid robot system with random initial errors and full state constraints. The RBF neural network is used to approximate the unknown nonlinear terms, and the network weights are updated using an iterative learning law that incorporates a projection mechanism. Additionally, a robust learning strategy is used to compensate for both the approximation error of the neural network and the external disturbances that vary with each iteration. To relax the requirement of traditional iterative learning control (ILC) for identical initial condition, an equivalent error function is constructed based on the time-varying boundary layer. The tangent-type barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is designed to ensure that the joint position and speed of the robot system are bounded within a predetermined range. Through stability analysis based on barrier composite energy function (BCEF), it can be proved that the boundedness of all signals in the closed-loop system and the tracking error of the robot system will converge to an adjustable residual set asymptotically. Finally, through simulation experiments conducted on the MATLAB platform, the results demonstrate that the method overcomes the random initial errors of the system effectively, ensures that the system satisfies the full-state constraints, and realizes high-precision trajectory tracking.
Animal attack, concocted for monetary benefits: A case report
Authors: Sahu Bhoj K , Chhabra Harvinder S , Sarma Bedanta
Published: May 2024

Injuries from animal attacks usually occur when animals feel provoked, surprised or threatened. They may range from minor bruises and contusions to deep extensive injuries caused by biting, kicking or trampling, etc. The scenario differs from animal to animal and between species; by comparing the pattern of injuries it may be possible to work out the animal involved. We present a case where a story of an animal attack was conceived for monetary benefits. Determining the circumstances surrounding death may not be possible in all post-mortem cases but a medical examiner should strive to elicit as much information as possible from the dead body.
Depression, Anxiety and Poor Sleep Quality are Associated with Chronotype and Financial Wellness in University Students
Authors: Lahoud Christele , Merhi Georges , Kahwaji Georges-Junior , Lahoud Rachele , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Mattar Hanna
Published: May 2024

Background: Evidence suggests the importance of a person’s chronotype in predicting various aspects of an individual’s physical and mental health. While the effect of depression on sleep is well established, the impact of a person’s specific sleep timing and chronotype on the prevalence of both depression and anxiety has yet to be fully understood, especially among university students, vulnerable to mental health problems. In addition, other factors also seem to influence the occurrence of depression and anxiety among students as well as their quality of sleep, one of which being the students’ financial wellness. The objective was to evaluate the association between chronotype and the severity and prevalence of depression among Lebanese university students, while also taking into account the possible connection between chronotype and financial wellness and both anxiety and sleep quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022; 330 Lebanese university students was included (mean age 21.75 ± 2.43; 67.3% females). Results: The majority of the Lebanese university students in our sample were found to have an intermediate typology (63.0%), followed by the evening typology, which appeared to constitute 28.2% of the sample, while only 8.8% possessed a morning typology. In this study, having an intermediate or evening typology compared to a morning one was significantly associated with higher depression and worse sleep quality. In addition, having an evening chronotype compared to a morningness propensity was significantly associated with more anxiety. Conclusion: This study found a positive association between an evening typology (chronotype) and higher depression and anxiety and poorer quality of sleep. Although preliminary and based on cross-sectional data, this research could help provide a better understanding of the different chronotypes among university students, and of the possible increased susceptibility of some of these typologies (i.e., evening-type) to mental health problems.
Caring for People Living With Dementia in Saudi Arabia: The Perspective of Nurses as Primary Caregivers
Authors: Sharif Loujain , Yaghmour Sara , AlKaf Nariman , Fageera Rozan , Alotaibi Layla , Attar Moroj , Almutairy Abdulraheem , Sharif Khalid , Mahsoon Alaa
Published: May 2024

Dementia is a progressive condition and an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms that affects many older adults. Older adults living with dementia often experience social stigma, which can impact their quality of life. Most people with dementia need the assistance of a caregiver in order to enhance their health. The present study seeks to explore the perspective of nurses as the primary caregivers of people living with dementia in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the challenges faced by nurses and their reactions to these challenges. A descriptive qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses with experience caring for people living with dementia from 2 hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Using thematic analysis, 4 main themes were identified: (1) types of support, (2) challenges when caring for people living with dementia, (3) society’s views on people living with dementia, and (4) nurses’ perceptions of dementia. The nurses stated that people living with dementia do not receive sufficient support from their families. Most participants believed that public awareness about dementia is insufficient. Increased efforts to raise public awareness about dementia could include harnessing social norms around family structure and respect for elders to improve care provided to people living with dementia.
Caste Concerns in Transgender Communities in India: Contesting Cohesiveness, Broadening Horizon(s)
Authors: Kumar Pushpesh , Datta Sayantan
Published: May 2024

In this article, we recount the development of an anti-caste consciousness in queer and transgender rights movements in India. We begin by tracing the history of queer mobilisation in India, especially the political participation of Hijras and the movement for decriminalisation of consensual adult homosexuality. This movement was shaped by the context of economic liberalisation and a burgeoning public health crisis due to a rise in HIV infections among several sexually minoritised groups. The movement, however, was focused on the law, and issues of caste and marginality within the queer and trans communities were not addressed. This changed in the 2000s. We trace this phase of the movement in which questions of class and non-urban geographies were foregrounded and look at the way critical moments in the second decade of the twenty-first century precipitate the foregrounding of caste questions in contemporary queer and transgender movements in India.
The Impact of Supervisory Communication on Newcomers’ Adjustment, Well-Being, and Relationships With Their Organization: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yue Cen April , Xu Sifan , Tao Weiting , Huang Lei Vincent
Published: May 2024

Integrating theories from relationship management, organizational socialization, and leadership communication, the current study examines how an essential component of internal communication—leaders’ use of motivating language—can facilitate newcomers’ socialization, strengthen their relationship with the organization, and promote psychological well-being over time. Our findings, based on a two-wave longitudinal survey of 390 full-time employees in the United States, demonstrate that leaders who use motivating language, especially by providing guidance and creating a sense of purpose, facilitate new employees’ understanding of their roles and adaptation to the organization. The use of motivating language also has long-term benefits on newcomers’ relationship quality with the organization and their psychological well-being. We conclude by discussing the implications of our results for communication professionals designing onboarding programs and coaching organizational leaders on effective communication with new hires.
Nasal Patency Across Seated, Supine, and Recumbent Postures in Individuals With and Without Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lo Sheng-Wei , Tsai Yao-Te , Tsai Ming-Shao , Tsai Hsin-Yi , Chang Geng-He
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of seated, supine, and recumbent postures on nasal resistance in individuals with allergic rhinitis (AR) and healthy controls, which has not been investigated in the past. Methods: A visual analog scale (VAS) assessed subjective nasal obstruction, while acoustic rhinometry and video endoscopy provided objective measures. Sixty participants, comprising 30 AR patients and 30 healthy controls, were evaluated across 4 postures without decongestion: seated, supine, left recumbent, and right recumbent. Results: In patients with AR, we noted no significant changes in subjective nasal blockage under various postures (all P > .18). However, significant reductions of minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA) were found (seated vs supine, P = .014; seated vs left recumbent, P = .001; seated vs right recumbent, P < .001) and significant increases in the inferior turbinate hypertrophy were observed on the dependent side of the nose when in recumbent posture (right nose: seated vs right recumbent, P = .013; left nose: seated vs left recumbent, P = .003). On the contrary, healthy controls experienced increased subjective nasal obstruction (VAS scores: seated vs supine, P < .001; seated vs left recumbent, P = .003; seated vs right recumbent, P < .001), reductions in mCSA (seated vs supine, P = .002; seated vs right or left recumbent, both P = .001), and increased inferior turbinate hypertrophy on the dependent side of the nose (right nose: seated vs right recumbent, P = .003; left nose: seated vs left recumbent, P = .006). Conclusions: Healthy controls reported better nasal patency when shifting from supine or recumbent to more upright or less gravity-dependent seated postures, which was further supported by objective examinations. On the contrary, despite patients with AR not subjectively perceiving increased nasal patency while adopting more upright postures, objective evaluations demonstrated an improvement in their nasal airflow in these less gravity-dependent postures.

Level of Evidence: 4
Historical Control Data of Spontaneous Pathological Findings in C57BL/6J Mice Used in 18-Month Dietary Carcinogenicity Assays
Authors: Elies Laëtitia , Guillaume Elise , Gorieu Mathilde , Neves Patricia , Schorsch Frédéric
Published: May 2024

A retrospective analysis in C57BL6/J mice used in dietary carcinogenicity studies was performed to determine the survival rate, causes of death and incidences of spontaneous non-tumoral and tumoral findings. Data were collected from 1600 mice from control dose groups of sixteen 18-month carcinogenicity assays performed between 2003 and 2021 at the same test facility with similar environmental conditions and experimental procedures. The survival rate was high in both sexes (81%-85%) and the causes of humane euthanasia or death were mainly non-tumoral (chronic ulcerative dermatitis, atrial thrombosis). Benign tumors were more frequent than malignant tumors and females were more affected than males. Pituitary gland adenoma in females, lymphoma, bronchioloalveolar adenoma, and harderian gland adenoma in both sexes were the most common tumors. Systemic amyloidosis, the most frequent non-tumoral lesion, was observed variably across studies without sex predilection. The analysis by cohort (3 time periods of 6 years) showed a tendency toward higher incidences of lymphoma and pituitary gland adenoma and lower incidences of amyloidosis over time. The results presented here provide for the first time a robust set of control historical data in untreated C57BL/6J mice kept for 18 months contributing to build in depth knowledge of this animal model.
The Employment and Livelihood Challenge Among the Informal Handloom Weavers During COVID-19 and Lockdown in Odisha, India
Authors: Meher Ashish Kumar , Panda Prasant Kumar
Published: May 2024

The study examines the employment and livelihood challenges encountered by the informal handloom weavers of Odisha due to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. For this purpose, primary data have been collected from 435 active handloom weaving households in the Bargarh district of Odisha through a multistage random sampling method. A semi-log multiple regression model has been employed to find out the major factors contributing to the income loss of the handloom weavers. The findings show that acute financial constraints, huge income loss and unemployment have been experienced by the handloom weavers. The regression analysis reveals that the variables like firm size, indebtedness status, unemployment status, source of secondary income, social category and production-marketing systems significantly contributed to the income loss of the weavers during the COVID-19 lockdown. In the absence of a proper income and employment cushion, most of the handloom weavers borrowed money and survived on governments’ Corona relief measures. However, these assistances were scanty in nature and could not help the weavers to withstand the employment and income crisis. At this time, supplementary policy measures in the form of weavers’ specific government schemes with wide coverage and outreach will be helpful for the handloom weavers to revive from the crisis.
Ocular injury first aid knowledge among primary school teachers in Qassim province: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Aljohani Saeed , Alrasheed Saif Hassan
Published: May 2024

Ocular injuries, a leading cause of monocular blindness, can be prevented through appropriate protective measures. This study evaluates the current state of knowledge and practices among primary school teachers in Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of first aid in ocular injury prevention. To assess knowledge and practices regarding ocular injuries and first aid among primary school teachers in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023 in public schools across the Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Information was collected using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed teachers’ knowledge and practices about ocular injuries first aid. Out of 986 teachers surveyed (99.6% response rate), 67.3% reported encountering ocular injuries in students. The most common injuries were eye trauma (62.5%) and foreign bodies (15.90%). The study revealed gaps in knowledge and preparedness, particularly in managing chemical burns, lacerations, and scratched eyes. Only 53.5% sought medical help in ocular emergencies, while a notable proportion needed more awareness of appropriate first aid measures. The study reveals a significant gap in Qassim Province primary schoolteachers’ knowledge of ocular injury first aid, necessitating urgent educational interventions to improve the handling of eye injuries. It emphasizes incorporating eye injury first aid into ongoing professional development, ensuring schoolteachers are prepared to effectively manage such potentially vision-threatening situations.
Understanding Musical Beauty
Authors: Fleckenstein Abbigail Marie , Vuoskoski Jonna Katariina , Dibben Nicola
Published: May 2024

An exploratory study was conducted investigating the concept of beauty related to music listening—“musical beauty.” The study implemented an online qualitative questionnaire aimed to evaluate how listeners construe the concept of beauty, the pieces of music considered to be beautiful, and the intrinsic and/or extrinsic features that listeners attribute to musical pieces being considered as “most beautiful.” Analysis of long-answer responses provided by English-speaking participants ( n = 32) reveals the way that listeners characterize “musical beauty” and contributes to empirical evaluation of musical aesthetic experiences. Listeners in this study construe beauty in two ways: one construal emphasizes the perceivable or recognizable intrinsic features of the piece of music, while the other emphasizes the affective or emotional extrinsic features of their listening experience.
Orbital aspergillosis in an immunocompromised man with no history of trauma: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yi , He Weimin
Published: May 2024

Fungal orbital cellulitis is usually seen in immunocompromised individuals, and opportunistic pathogens are the main etiology. We herein report a case of fungal orbital cellulitis due to Aspergillus in a patient with no history of trauma. A 48-year-old man presented to the emergency room of our hospital with a 2-week history of periorbital swelling, conjunctival hyperemia, and chemosis of his right eye. The visual acuity of his right eye was 6/20, and the intraocular pressure was 44 mmHg. The main clinical findings were proptosis of the right ocular globe with conjunctival hyperemia and a palpable infratemporal orbital mass. Laboratory testing failed to detect the presence of a pathogenic infection, and the lesions on computed tomography images resembled those of a malignant tumor of the orbit. The diagnosis was finally confirmed by postoperative pathological examination, and the patient responded favorably to debridement combined with antifungal therapy. Histopathological examination may help to reveal the nature of this disease. Surgical removal of inflammatory lesions can serve as an important diagnostic and treatment method for fungal orbital cellulitis.
Efficacy of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block in relieving acute postoperative pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yan , Xiao Xiangli
Published: May 2024

Objective

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) in alleviating postoperative pain remains unclear. This meta-analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided SGB in relieving acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing surgery with general anesthesia.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on randomized controlled trials comparing SGB with control or placebo. The primary outcome was the pain score at 24 hours after surgery. A random-effects model was used to calculate the mean difference (MD) or risk ratio with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%.

Results

Eight studies involving 470 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed that ultrasound-guided SGB was significantly associated with a lower pain score at 24 hours after surgery (MD = −0.74; 95% CI = −1.39, −0.08; I2 = 86%; low evidence) and at 8 hours after surgery (MD = −0.65; 95% CI = −1.03, −0.28; I2 = 29%; moderate evidence).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided SGB is effective in alleviating acute postoperative pain. However, considering the limited number of trials performed to date, more large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.
Effect of gangue on CO2 emission for different decarbonisation pathways
Authors: Sabah Shabnam , Shahabuddin M. , Rahbari Alireza , Brooks Geoffrey , Pye John , Rhamdhani M. Akbar
Published: May 2024

At present, iron and steelmaking industry worldwide is going through the transition of decarbonisation to meet its goal of reaching net zero by 2050. In addition, Australian iron and steelmaking industry is facing its own challenge of processing lower grade ores with increasing gangue content. Two major pathways are direct reduction of iron – electric arc furnace pathway (DRI-EAF) and direct reduction of iron – electric smelter-BOF (DRI-electric smelter-BOF) pathway. In the present work, a mass and energy balance model of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and electric arc furnace (EAF) have been developed using thermodynamic software. The EAF model showed that with 100 wt-% cold DRI, the specific electric energy requirement varied between 514 and 651 kWh/tls whereas in case of hot DRI, it varied between 399 kWh/tls and 510 kWh/tls. As the gangue content increased from 10.7 wt-% to 19.1 wt-%, yield decreased from 88 wt-% to 75.5 wt-% and slag weight increased from about 200 kg/tls to 630 kg/tls. The BOF model showed that the slag produced in a BOF varied between 63 kg/tls and 73 kg/tls for lower to higher grade ores reflecting different hot metal chemistry (P, Mn) coming from different ores. The results indicated that electric smelter-BOF is more compatible to process lower grade ores than EAF where quantity of slag and loss of yield are very high with increasing gangue content. CO2 emissions from H2DRI-EAF and H2DRI-electric smelter-BOF pathway for different types of ores increased with the increasing gangue content. For H2DRI-EAF pathway, as gangue content increases from 10.7 wt-% to 19.1 wt-%, CO2 emission rises from 0.10 t/tls to 0.19 t/tls as more limestone is needed to remove the gangue which also increases the production of CO2. In case of H2DRI-electric smelter-BOF pathway, CO2 emission increases from 0.12 t/tls to 0.19 t/tls with increasing gangue content. CO2 emissions from both pathways are significantly lower than the current BF-BOF pathway.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of non-metallic inclusions for making steels with superior mechanical properties
Authors: Riyahi Malayeri Kamrooz
Published: May 2024

The objective of this novel research was to further understand the type, size and areal distribution of the non-metallic inclusions in bearing steels by applying state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis in order to develop steels with superior properties. Ten samples were taken from bearing steel grade 52100 and analysed by SEM. It was concluded that SEM allows deeper understanding regarding the type, morphology, size, and distribution of the non-metallic inclusions by covering larger sample areas and accurate automatic energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of the inclusions. While most of the non-metallic inclusions had an equivalent circle diameter (ECD) smaller than 20 µm, the main type of inclusions with ECDs larger than 20 µm were calcium aluminates. As the higher sulphur will tend to create sulphide type of inclusions and the lower sulphur will shift the inclusions towards calcium aluminate oxide types, it is recommended to keep the sulphur content at amounts above threshold that calcium aluminates appear.
Effect of reduction behavior from Fe2O3 to FeO on the formation of metallic Fe in multi-stage reduction
Authors: Cho Seongkyu , Tomas da Rocha Leonardo , Jung Sung-Mo
Published: May 2024

The current study investigated the reduction behavior of iron ore using hydrogen in four-stage reduction processes. Reduction reactions from Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 and from Fe3O4 to FeO proceeded at the first and second stages, respectively. The third and fourth stages subsequently reduced FeO to metallic iron. Iron ore mixture of hematite and goethite achieved the final reduction degree to be 87% by multi-stage reduction processes. As the duration of reduction at the first stage was decreased, the final reduction degree was improved. The first reduction stage produced the most stable iron oxides as magnetite, while the second reduction stage corresponded to the reduction condition where wustite is the most stable. Decreasing the duration time of the first reduction stage resulted in the decrease of stable magnetite formation, consequently increasing the surface area of reduced iron ore. The omission of the first reduction stage resulted in the highest degree of final reduction of 95%. Kinetic analyses for each reduction reaction were performed to derive the optimal reduction conditions. The reduction of hematite to magnetite at the initial stage of iron oxide was controlled by diffusion, and the rate-controlling step of reduction was gradually shifted to chemical reaction in the reduction from FeO to metallic iron.
Solid particle erosion in fibre composites: A review
Authors: Rajendran Sundarakannan , Palani Geetha , Karthik Babu NB , Veerasimman Arumuga Prabu , Yang Yo-Lun , Shanmugam Vigneshwaran
Published: May 2024

Solid particle erosion is a significant threat to the integrity and performance of polymer-based materials in a variety of industrial applications. This review illustrates the mechanisms, influencing factors, and protective methods associated with solid particle erosion in polymer composites. The study delves into three critical aspects of erosion protection in polymer composites: erosion mechanisms, key influencing factors, and the reinforcement effect in polymers. Furthermore, the review provides valuable insights into the current state development of erosion-resistant polymer composites and their role in protecting polymer composites from solid particle erosion. In summary, the study outlines future research and development directions in erosion-resistant polymer composites, paving the way for innovative solutions to the challenges posed by solid particle erosion in polymers. This research contributes to the foundation for further exploration and application of erosion-resistant polymer composites, fostering increased reliability and performance across a variety of industries.
Evaluating Within-Network and Between-Network Construct Validity of the Hindi Version of the Grit-Short Scale Among Indian Adolescents
Authors: Syed Usama Ghayas , Dixit Shikha
Published: May 2024

The Grit-short scale measures consistency and perseverance for long-term goals. In the present study, we translated and adapted the Grit-short scale into Hindi (Grit-SH) and examined its within-network and between-network construct validity among Indian adolescents. The participants were 534 senior secondary school students aged 14 – 18 years recruited from five schools across two samples. Grit-SH, along with the brief inventory of thriving and student satisfaction scale, was administered in sample 1 ( N 1 = 310), whereas in sample 2 ( N 2 = 224), the English version of the Grit-short scale was used. Regarding within-network construct validity, the two-dimensional structure of Grit-SH demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data, partially strict invariance against its English version, and good internal consistency reliability. In terms of between-network construct validity, grit demonstrated a significantly positive correlation with student satisfaction and well-being. Overall, findings indicated that the Grit-SH is a valid and reliable measure of grit that researchers and practitioners can use to assess grit among Indian adolescents.
The Effect of Occupational Stigma on Job Withdrawal Behavior: A Chain Mediation Model Based on an Emotional Labor Perspective
Authors: Miao Qing , Guo Yuchen
Published: May 2024

Occupational stigma is pervasive, encompassing street-level bureaucrats as well; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the extent and impact on this particular group. This study employs the conservation of resources theory with a chain mediation model to expose how occupational stigma affects street-level bureaucrats’ job withdrawal behavior from an emotional perspective. Based on four-wave data from 1,333 public employees across 316 grassroots communities, we identified a chain mediating the roles of emotional labor and emotional exhaustion in the negative relationship between occupational stigma and job withdrawal behavior. Research has shown that occupational stigma leads to more surface acting and less deep acting. Increased surface acting worsens employees’ emotional exhaustion and increases job withdrawal behavior, whereas deep acting alleviates employees’ emotional exhaustion and reduces job withdrawal behavior. This study extensively discusses the importance of public organizations valuing the emotional labor of street-level bureaucrats to help them resist the threat of occupational stigma.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Survey in Canada: Challenges, Opportunities, and Differences in Practices Across the Country
Authors: Gagnon Pierre-Luc , Thérasse Éric , Voizard Nicolas , Dubé Michel , Caty Véronique
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To assess the current practices surrounding Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Canada. Methods: An online survey was sent to Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology (CAIR) members. It included questions on symptoms prompting UFE, patient awareness, investigation, UFE settings, the number of UFE procedures, and post-UFE care. The findings were discussed at CAIR’s 2023 annual meeting by an expert panel. Results: Out of 792 surveys sent, 87 were filled (11%). Menorrhagia is the most common indication for UFE (87%). Women’s awareness of UFE as a treatment option for fibroids is viewed as poor or average by 94% of our survey respondents. Most respondents see patients in clinics (92%) before the procedure and evaluate fibroids with MRI pre-UFE (76%). There is variability in care post-UFE, with 33% of procedures being performed as day surgery while 67% lead to overnight stay. For pain management, intravenous analgesia (including patient-controlled analgesia) is used in 76% (63/83) of cases while 19% (16/83) of respondents mentioned using epidural analgesia. Finally, there is an even split between embolic agent used; non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol (50%) and spherical particles (50%). Conclusion: Respondents believe patients in Canada still have limited awareness of UFE. Interventional radiologists are increasingly involved in the entire patient care trajectory, overseeing pre-and post-procedure care and hospitalizing patients. For pain management after UFE, it is observed that while epidural analgesia has been demonstrated more effective than alternatives, it is not widely used as the primary method.