bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-enactment in Lighter Dark Tourism: An Exploration of Re-enactor Tour Guides and Their Perspectives on Creating Visitor Experiences
Authors: Wyatt Brianna , Leask Anna , Barron Paul
Published: January 2023

This study explores the perspectives of re-enactor tour guides (RTG) concerning their role and re-enactment of dark histories—an overlooked topic within dark tourism research. A conceptual model is proposed that reflects the role of RTGs and how they differ from re-enactors and non-acting tour guides. The model was developed from data collected using rich picture building (RPB) during focus groups with RTGs at three lighter dark visitor attractions. The findings reveal RTGs are passionate about the history and committed to delivering memorable visitor experiences. They also reveal RTGs can offer attraction management constructive feedback and ideas to enhance the visitor experience. The study extends existing literature and provides important insights pertaining to RTGs and the re-enactment of dark histories within lighter dark tourism.
The Multiplexity of Collaborative Networks in Post-Disaster Recovery: Testing Intra-Sector and Cross-Sector Network Contexts
Authors: Lin Huan-Sheng , Hsieh Chu-Chien , Chen Don-Yun
Published: January 2023

While disaster management provides an ideal testbed for interorganizational collaborative networks that pursue disaster assistance goals, limited research examines how multiplexity in multidimensional networks hinders disaster recovery efforts. This study examines the collaborative networks formed by intra-sector and cross-sector relationships among governments and NGOs in the context of post-disaster recovery, using a nationwide survey in Taiwan. The findings suggest that more heterogeneous contexts and more diversified network members would increase the complexity of network in it, and thus affecting network effectiveness of disaster management. Furthermore, NGO actors have faced the dilemma of building mutual ties through interorganizational and homogeneous collaboration.
The model reference adaptive impedance control for underwater manipulator compliant operation
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Li Han , Liu Qunpo , Li Shasha
Published: January 2023

It is essential for the diversity of operation targets during the underwater manipulator’s task. The joint friction, the time-varying characteristics of physical parameters, and inaccurate measurement of the dynamic bring trouble of model uncertainty. For these problems, a model reference adaptive impedance controller is proposed to achieve the manipulator flexible operation. The desired impedance model is designed for the outer loop force tracking, and the model reference adaptive impedance controller is employed for the inner loop. At the same time, the adaptive law is designed based on the operation space position and the desired position of the desired impedance model output. To eliminate the time-varying characteristics of physical parameters, a new bounded-gain-forgetting adaptive law is designed to compensate the uncertain error between the manipulator model and estimate model. It is ensured that the closed-loop manipulator dynamic is consistent with the desired impedance model, correspondingly the manipulator end operation force tracking the standard force signal is realized, and the desired position error of the end position of the manipulator to the desired impedance model output asymptotically converges to zero. The simulation experiment of a two-degree-of-freedom manipulator is implemented on the Matlab/Simulink platform. The results show that the designed controller has good force–position tracking asymptotical convergence ability under the uncertain dynamic, and the controller has robustness and stability performance.
The Role of Communication in the Quality of Relationships for Biological Children in Adoptive Families
Authors: Hunsley Jana L. , Crawley Rachel D. , Villaire Stephanie
Published: January 2023

Recent literature reveals the multifaceted experiences of the biologically related children of parents in adoptive families, or adoptive siblings. Adoptive siblings report a range of positive and negative experiences related to adoption. Some adoptive siblings describe their families as fractured or broken after adoption while others describe adoption as bringing their families closer together. Because of the range of experiences expressed, the current study examines specific factors to determine what is related to or affects adoptive sibling’s view of their family relationships. Results of this study revealed that no specific family factors were significantly related to adoptive sibling’s views; however, adoptive siblings who reported being in families that talked openly and honestly about their thoughts and feelings reported increased family connection and satisfaction and increased sibling closeness with their adopted sibling. These findings elicit further understanding of the adoptive sibling experience and include clinical implications for supporting adoptive families post-adoption.
Who builds Shanghai's fiber-optic network? Thinking urban infrastructure through migrant construction labor
Authors: Johnson Leif
Published: January 2023

While a growing body of literature understands infrastructure through the social relations and labor that make it possible, the work of construction in infrastructure projects remains under-theorized. Drawing on participatory research with migrant construction workers in Shanghai, China, I consider the outcomes of a reliance on informal, migrant labor in Shanghai's multi-year “Overhead-Underground” infrastructure renovation project, which moves overhead fiber-optics cabling underground. Like other Chinese infrastructure projects, this reconstruction of Shanghai's fiber-optic network relies on large quantities of on-the-ground construction labor, drawn from a low-wage, precarious, and largely informal migrant workforce that is not expected not be incorporated into the city. Through engagement with scholarship that has viewed people and social relationships as infrastructure, I demonstrate the processes by which informal migrant construction labor facilitates both physical construction and the accumulation of infrastructural knowledge, both of which are necessary to the completion of infrastructural upgrading projects.
Optimal Placement of Battery Electric Bus Charging Stations Considering Energy Storage Technology: Queuing Modeling Approach
Authors: Momenitabar Mohsen , Ebrahimi Zhila Dehdari , Bengtson Kelly
Published: January 2023

In recent years, there has been growing attention on the electrification of the public transit network. Battery electric buses (BEBs) are among the promising alternatives to replace diesel-powered buses. However, the possible driving range from a full charge has proved a matter of concern, as has the waiting times of BEBs returning to terminal stops after completing their journeys. This study aimed to design an efficient electric transit network considering waiting times at terminal stops and two configurations of charger to avoid BEBs running out of charge: a fast charger with energy storage (ES) technology and one without. A queuing-based mathematical model was proposed. To validate the proposed model, we tested it on two sizes of network: the Mumford0 (small) and the Mumford2 (large). By conducting a sensitivity analysis, certain model parameters, including the power of fast chargers, duration of service interval, BEB energy consumption, and maximum allowable waiting time were found to have substantial impacts on the electric public transit network. ES chargers were found to have the potential to save 15.35% of total costs. Other analyses confirmed that altering the capacity of fast- and ES chargers could affect the number of chargers required in the transit network and the total cost. Policies are suggested for transit agencies to plan to optimize their electric transit networks.
Rail Defect Detection Using Ultrasonic A-Scan Data and Deep Autoencoder
Authors: Wu Yuning , Zhu Xuan
Published: January 2023

Rail defects, especially transverse defects (TDs), can pose risks to safe and efficient railroad operations. Effective rail defect detection is critical for the prevention of broken rail-induced accidents and derailments. In this study, a deep autoencoder (DAE) rail defect detection framework is developed to process ultrasonic A-scan data collected by a roller search unit and to identify the presence of TDs in rail samples. An autoencoder is a semi-supervised learning algorithm that identifies observations in a dataset that significantly deviate from the remaining observations and can be used for rail defect detection. Ultrasonic A-scan signals collected from both pristine and damaged rail segments are analyzed, where the pristine dataset is used to train a DAE model. To improve the accuracy and sensitivity of defect detection, we optimize the architecture and hyperparameters of the DAE model. Moreover, we evaluate the performance of two features extracted from the DAE model through receiver operating characteristic curves and confusion matrix. The DAE features outperformed conventional knowledge-driven features in the accuracy and robustness of defect detection, especially with the presence of noise.
Demonstrating Field Use of the Plastic Mold Device on Full-Depth Reclamation Projects in Mississippi
Authors: Carey Ashley S. , Sullivan W. Griffin , Ayers Leigh E.W. , Howard Isaac L.
Published: January 2023

This paper documents the use of the 4 x 8 in. plastic mold (PM) device on two full-depth reclamation (FDR) field projects where cement-stabilized material containing large aggregates were used. PM device specimens were assessed to understand project variability as well as investigate potential in-field curing protocols for early-age roadway trafficability. Additionally, PM device specimens were compared with cores to quantify early-age mechanical properties and relationships. The density of PM device specimens and cores were, on average, within 2% of one another. In some cases, on-site curing protocols produced strengths that were not statistically different from cores. Ultimately, the PM device was successfully implemented and capable of producing reliable and repeatable results that captured project variability.
Real-Time Queue Length Estimation for Signalized Intersections Using Single-Channel Advance Detector Data
Authors: Pudasaini Pramesh , Karimpour Abolfazl , Wu Yao-Jan
Published: January 2023

Queue length is one of the most important metrics required for the performance assessment of signalized intersections. However, the current methodology of estimating queue length in the literature suffers from several drawbacks, including unstable estimation and the requirement for multiple data sources. Moreover, for single-channel advance detection, which is a common detection configuration for signal control in many U.S. cities, manual parameter calibration is required. To bridge these gaps, this study proposes a cycle-based maximum queue length estimation method based on: (a) the empirical observation of breakpoints in the time gap between successive actuations; and (b) the identification of queue status for all detector actuations in a cycle. Maximum queue length for cycles with long queues is estimated based on the saturation flow rate and the trajectory of the last vehicle in the queue. The proposed methodology was implemented on two study intersections in Tucson, Arizona. Results showed that using the proposed method, queue length can be estimated with mean absolute percentage errors of 14.77% and 15.1% and mean absolute errors of 25 ft and 42.5 ft. The results showed significant improvement in queue length estimation from single-channel detection data when compared with similar methods in the literature. The proposed method can help transportation agencies accurately estimate queue length at intersections with single-channel advance detection without the need for manual field data collection and without installing lane-by-lane detection.
The Greek Crisis Under Structural Constraints
Authors: Xie Fusheng , Wang Jiateng , Li Zhi
Published: January 2023

This article studies the Greek crisis since 2009 with a synthesized Marxian framework by embedding the Greek capital accumulation process into the capitalist core-periphery structure in the European Union, which deteriorated the competitiveness of Greece and adversely impacted its capital accumulation, leading to a relatively low profit rate in the neoliberal era. Institutions of the European Union helped Greece turn to debt-driven accumulation to sustain growth, especially the external debt of government, but the weak productive accumulation because of relatively low profit rate made the accumulation of debt unsustainable in the long run. When doubt was cast on Greece’s capacity to repay its debts, the economy lost external sources of funding, leading to a halt in debt expansion and the burst of the sovereign debt crisis.

JEL Classification: E11, F02, O10
Adaptive Support With Working Examples in Serious Games About Programming
Authors: Toukiloglou Pavlos , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: January 2023

Serious games are a growing field in academic research and they are considered an effective tool for education. Game-based learning invokes motivation and engagement in students resulting in effective instructional outcomes. An essential aspect of a serious game is the method of support for presenting the teaching material and providing feedback. A support design that evaluates students’ progress and adapts accordingly, has the potential of producing better learning results. This paper presents an adaptive model based on fuzzy logic that adjusts the support acquisition according to student knowledge level. A serious game for teaching the concepts of sequence and iteration in programming to novice students was built to assess the model. It employs working examples as a support method since previous research indicated that it produced less cognitive load during problem-solving. An empirical study with 102 students has been conducted to evaluate the learning efficiency of the model. The analysis indicates positive results and a potential solution for balancing the amount of assistance in serious games.
Evaluating the implementation of a referral system for virtual pharmacy counselling in a province-wide nurse phone line
Authors: Motulsky Aude , Gautier Lara , Moreault Marie-Pierre , Badr Janine , Liang Man Qing , Davy Amirav , Duhoux Arnaud , Lussier Marie-Thérèse
Published: January 2023

Digital technology offers several opportunities to improve access to professional expertise in primary care, and the offer of various “virtual” services has exploded in the past few years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a direct-to-consumer on-line pharmacy consultation service (Ask Your Pharmacist - AYP) to a universal phone consultation service led by the universal public health system in Quebec (811 Info-Santé), through a direct bridge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinician users of the service, and stakeholders involved in this pilot project funded by the Ministry of Economy (n = 22); documents were also analyzed, and content of the question was asked through the AYP service. Adoption of the service was low, and it suggests a poor alignment between the need and the service as implemented. Further research should investigate the mechanisms for an appropriate integration of digital services for primary care universal consultation services.
Recommendations for the Management of Incidental Musculoskeletal Findings on MRI and CT
Authors: Di Primio Gina , Boyd Gordon J. , Fung Christopher I. , Hurrell Casey , Brahm Gary L. , Bird Jeffery R. , Co Steven J. , Kirkpatrick Iain D. C.
Published: January 2023

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Incidental Findings Working Group consists of both academic subspeciality and general radiologists tasked with either adapting American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines to meet the needs of Canadian radiologists or authoring new guidelines where appropriate. In this case, entirely new guidelines to deal with incidental musculoskeletal findings that may be encountered on thoracoabdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were drafted, focussing on which findings should prompt recommendations for further workup. These recommendations discuss how to deal with incidental marrow changes, focal bone lesions, abnormalities of the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints, fatty soft tissue masses, manifestations of renal osteodystrophy and finally discuss opportunistic osteoporosis evaluation.
Unpacking Multiagency Structured Professional Judgment Risk Assessments for Family Violence
Authors: Jolliffe Simpson Apriel D. , Joshi Chaitanya , Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: January 2023

Assessing the risk for future harm is a crucial task for agencies managing Family Violence (FV) cases. The Integrated Safety Response (ISR) is a multiagency collaboration of such agencies operating in two areas of New Zealand, and one of the first steps in their process is to perform a risk assessment. However, in these assessments, it is unclear whether the factors ISR triage team members select are the basis for their overall risk categorization (low, medium, or high), and if those factors are risk factors (i.e., empirical predictors of outcomes). Therefore, in this study we documented the factors ISR triage teams recorded during their risk assessments for 842 FV cases and examined the relationship of those factors with the risk categories. We then investigated whether those factors and the risk categories were indeed capable of predicting FV-related outcomes (recurrence and physical recurrence). We found most of the triage teams’ recorded factors were associated with the risk categories, but fewer than half of the factors were associated with FV-related outcomes. Moreover, the risk categories predicted FV-related outcomes better than chance, but their predictive ability varied across subgroups, performing poorly for aggressors who were Māori or women, and for non-intimate partner cases. We concluded that the ISR triage teams’ risk assessment protocol may benefit from increased structure and validation.
“I Reject it, But That’s What Normally Happens”: Grey Zones of Gender-Based Violence and Gender Roles in Young People
Authors: Cerdán-Torregrosa Ariadna , Nardini Krizia , Vives-Cases Carmen
Published: January 2023

There has been growing concern about the increase in gender-based violence (GBV) among young people. The aim of this study was to explore the grey zones in GBV alongside gender (masculinities and femininities) discourses in young adults. We used the concept of a “grey zone” as an analytical tool to identify possible contradictory discursive positions where the notions of victims and perpetrators of GBV converge and become ambiguous. We performed a qualitative study based on 20 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus groups (October 2019 to February 2020) in Spain with a sample of 49 cisgender women and men, aged between 18 and 24, some involved in feminist activism and some not. We conducted a sociological analysis of the discourse system. Study findings show how culturally constructed gender norms intervene in the ways in which young people understand and deal with GBV. When asked general questions about GBV, this concept was problematized along with gender assumptions and two discursive positions were identified: the discourse of “men as authors of GBV” and the discourse of “GBV as an individual genderless issue.” When vignettes of everyday GBV situations were shown, grey zones became visible when discussing subtle forms of GBV influenced by the myths of romantic love, victim-blaming around sexual violence, digital GBV and bystander men intervention on GBV. In those grey zones, discourses on GBV were articulated around unequal notions of gender that, in turn, served as its justification, reproduction, and normalization. The grey zones identified represent contexts of oppression that illustrate how GBV is systematically reproduced, as well as the ways in which young people can be involved in it, perpetuating power and health inequalities. Our findings provide information as a guide to design GBV interventions and prevention actions that incorporate a focus on gender configurations.
Defects and their interaction with lubrication in cupping process of recycled aluminum alloy sheet
Authors: Yuan Weijing , Tu Jiesong , Fan Zhibin , Li Yinhua , Jia Dan , Zhan Shengpeng , Duan Haitao
Published: January 2023

Recycled aluminum will be a significant material choice for automobile body stamping because of its recyclability and low cost. In this paper, the cupping tests and tribological tests were used to study the evolution of defects in forming process and its influence on the properties of recycled aluminum alloy, Failure mechanisms of recycled aluminum alloy were analyzed, as well as the interaction between different lubricant additives and defects under oil lubricating conditions. According to the results, the defects of the recycled aluminum alloy, especially the impurity phase particles, can have negative effects on the properties of the sheets. The impurity phase particles are brittle and are prone to fracture, resulting in stress concentration. In addition, the binding with the matrix is weak, which destroys the continuity and leads to surface strain in the process of material flow, thus adversely affecting the quality of the cup. By physical adhesion and filling of the depressions, MoS2 solid lubrication additive improves forming and friction performance of the cup. The present study indicates how defects affect the cupping properties of recycled aluminum alloys, and it provides a theoretical basis for the improvement of the stamping lubrication process of recycled aluminum alloys.
Ageing-resistant bonding on stainless steels by laser treatment followed by flame silicatization
Authors: Mechtold Sascha , Kahlmeyer Martin , Winkel Andreas , Böhm Stefan
Published: January 2023

In many technological areas, especially in the medical sector, stainless steel parts are being used due to their longevity, good biocompatibility, and high resistance against hygrothermal conditions related to sterilization procedures. Numerous medical products include an adhesive bond that have to reliably withstand these harsh conditions encountered, for example, during autoclaving. However, well established adherent treatment procedures require hazardous chemicals or are not suitable for small fragile parts, for example, components of endoscopes. Therefore, efficient alternatives are necessary. This publication thus presents a combined surface treatment procedure of laser ablation/structuring and flame silicatization. The investigations demonstrate that the resistance to hygrothermal ageing of stainless steel adhesive joints can be significantly increased by pulsed laser irradiation. However, a drastic improvement can only be achieved when the laser fluence exceeds a certain threshold value and, in addition, a nanoporous oxide layer with a reduced chromium content is formed. For substrates of this surface type, ageing resistance can be increased even further by subsequent flame silicatization treatment. The combined methods have proven to be superior as compared to well established processes like sand blasting and coating or corundum blasting.
Advances and development of wind–solar hybrid renewable energy technologies for energy transition and sustainable future in India
Authors: Charles Rajesh Kumar J , Majid MA
Published: January 2023

While solar power projects are built on a continuous ground, wind power projects require scattered land, raising transmission costs and increasing the risk of land-related complications. Wind–solar hybrid (WSH) projects have been proposed to address these issues and accelerate installation. WSH power projects will create a well-defined area with sufficient infrastructure, including evacuation facilities, where the project’s risks can be reduced. The extensive coastline of India is endowed with high wind flow speed and plentiful solar power resources, creating an ideal environment for WSH projects to prosper while simultaneously improving grid stability and reliability. WSH plants guarantee higher transmission efficiency and cost-effectiveness than their stand-alone counterparts. As of 30.11.2021, 3.75 GW of WSH projects have been granted, with 0.148 GW of operational capacity and 1.7 GW of WSH projects in various bidding phases. In this paper, we discussed state-wise WSH potential, the key players in the WSH project, the National WSH, and the State WSH policy and amendments. Also, the WSH project’s physical progress and commercial details are covered. A feasibility study of the WSH plant is performed, and the primary design strategy for deploying WSH power facilities in India is discussed. It covers every step of this process, from design technique to choosing and evaluating potential locations for such hybrid projects, optimally placing wind turbines and solar panels, overall capacity mix for hybrid plants, and ultimately power evacuation optimization. Additionally, a brief study of the savings from these hybrid plants and the environmental, social, and governance standards which are necessary to implement these projects are provided. The potential challenges connected with WSH technologies are examined in depth, and potential solutions and mitigations for the challenges are provided. Designing a WSH for small-scale irrigation is provided along with the size and choice of wind and solar systems. Degradation of PV systems and carbon savings are included, along with some policy measures to boost the proportion of WSH in the entire power mix. In India, the development of large-scale WSH projects is still in its early stages, and more research is required to explore technical, commercial, and policy elements that influence project design. The policy suggestions for improvement of the WSH project are provided. The WSH project developers, potential investors, stakeholders, innovators, policymakers, manufacturers, designers, and researchers will benefit from the recommendations based on the review’s findings.
Anti-intellectualism amid the COVID-19 pandemic: The discursive elements and sources of anti-Fauci tweets
Authors: Chen Yingying , Long Jacob , Jun Jungmi , Kim Sei-Hill , Zain Ali , Piacentine Colin
Published: January 2023

Anti-intellectualism (resentment, hostility, and mistrust of experts) has become a growing concern during the pandemic. Using topic modeling and supervised machine learning, this study examines the elements and sources of anti-Fauci tweets as a case of anti-intellectual discourse on social media. Based on the theoretical framework of science-related populism, we identified three anti-intellectual discursive elements in anti-Fauci tweets: people-scientist antagonism, delegitimizing the motivation of scientists, and delegitimizing the knowledge of scientists. Delegitimizing the motivation of scientists appeared the most in anti-Fauci tweets. Politicians, conservative news media, and non-institutional actors (e.g. individuals and grassroots advocacy organizations) co-constructed the production and circulation of anti-intellectual discourses on Twitter. Anti-intellectual discourses resurged even under Twitter’s content moderation mechanism. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for building public trust in scientists, effective science communication, and content moderation policies on social media.
Caregivers’ perceptions of compulsory treatment of physical illness in involuntarily psychiatric hospitalization
Authors: Joury Sophie , Asman Oren , Gold Azgad
Published: January 2023

Background

Physical morbidity is rife among patients with serious mental illness. When they are involuntarily hospitalized and even treated, they may still refuse treatment for physical illness leading clinicians to wonder about the ethics of coercing such treatments.

Research aim

This survey study explored psychiatric caregivers’ perceptions on whether compulsory treatment of physical illness is legal and whether it is justifiable in patients with serious mental illness and under what circumstances.

Research design

A questionnaire that included two case vignettes of an involuntarily hospitalized psychiatric patient with diabetes refusing treatment with insulin for various reasons. The cases differed in terms of diabetes severity. Participants answered questions regarding the appropriateness of involuntary treatment.

Participants and research context

Psychiatric medical doctors and nurses working in a mental health center. ( N = 89, 50 female, ages 26–66).

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the Medical Centre Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the University Ethics Committee. The respondents’ anonymity was kept. Participation was voluntary and consent was obtained.

Results

The severity of the patient’s medical condition and their reason for refusing treatment were associated with participants’ willingness to give insulin despite patient objection [( F(1, 87) = 49.41, p < .01; ( F(1, 87) = 33.44, p < .01), respectively]. Participants were more inclined to support compulsory treatment if the patient’s refusal was “illness-oriented” (i.e. directly related to psychiatric illness). Participants presented diverse views regarding the perceived legality of compulsory treatment of physical illness in such situations (illegal 63.09%; legal 23.8%; 13% unsure). The majority (53.5%–55.3%) of those who thought it was illegal supported compulsory treatment in high-severity, illness-oriented refusal situations.

Conclusions

The severity of the medical condition and the reason for treatment refusal influence psychiatric caregivers’ willingness to provide compulsory treatment for physical illness in involuntary hospitalized psychiatric patients. Beyond the legal framework, ethical guidelines for these situations are warranted, while decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Commentary on alignment of medical student assessment and vocational training in psychiatry and addiction medicine
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Bonner Daniel , Maguire Paul A , Brazel Matthew , Keightley Philip , Reay Rebecca E , Tedeschi Michael
Published: January 2023

Objective

To comment upon the potential for alignment of medical student assessment and vocational specialist training through the RANZCP-CanMEDS model of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and Workplace-Based Assessments (WBAs). We discuss a specific post hoc example of such an alignment in an Australian graduate medical school in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.

Conclusions

Vocational training models of assessment, such as the RANZCP specialist training program for psychiatrists, can potentially be mapped to medical student education in formative and summative assessment through CanMEDs-based EPAs and WBAs, to assist in transition to specialist training.
Burnout and Mental Health and Well-Being of School Nurses After the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Jung , Liao Li-Ling , Lin Hui-Ling , Chang Li-Chun
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between job stressors, COVID-19-related concerns, burnout, and mental health and well-being among school nurses, and whether any of these associations are mediated by burnout. Based on stratified proportional sampling, data collection was conducted by an online questionnaire distributed to 600 school nurses in Taiwan. A total of 256 participants aged between 27 and 62 years (mean = 47.08; standard deviation = 7.28) returned questionnaires. Results showed that burnout was the main mediating variable that fully mediated the relationship between COVID-19-related concerns and mental health and well-being. The effects of job stressors on mental health and well-being included direct negative effects (β = −.29) and indirect negative effects (β = −.67) through mediating factors. School health managers should be more aware of burnout and mental health and well-being among school nurses under the impact of COVID-19.
Bilateral Peutz–Jeghers-Associated Sex Cord Tumor With Annular Tubules Combined With Unilateral Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Feng Yang-yang , Li Zhi , Zhang Ming-hui
Published: January 2023

Sex cord tumor with annular tubules (SCTATs) is a rare sex cord stromal tumor in the ovary. SCTAT combined with adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is even rarer. Here, we report a unique case of ovarian tumors with mixed AGCT and SCTAT components. Due to the unusual coexistence, molecular testing was separately performed on each ovary. Both SCTAT and AGCT components were found to have STK11 germline mutation. Furthermore, the AGCT component had an additional FOXL2 somatic mutation. Based on medical history and molecular testing we conclude that the ovarian tumors were associated with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS). Thus, we present the first report of bilateral PJS-associated SCTAT combined with unilateral AGCT.
Phenotypical Detection of β-Lactamases in a Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Chryseobacterium indologens: A Rare Human Pathogen With Special References to Risk Factor
Authors: Parajuli Ranjana , Limbu Trishant , Chaudhary Raina , Gautam Kundan , Dahal Pragyan
Published: January 2023

Chryseobacterium indologenes is gram-negative bacteria that cause infection in humans. It is less frequently isolated in the laboratory. The development of drug-resistant and its intrinsic ability to resist a wide range of antimicrobials enables them to cause mortality in an immunocompromised patient with a longer hospital stay. Our study objectives are to investigate antimicrobial-resistant patterns, drug-resistant enzymes, and the risk factor analysis associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and Pan-drug resistant (PDR) within 2 years. Altogether 53 strains of Chryseobacterium indologens were obtained from 5000 specimens that were processed for routine bacterial culture. The bacterial identification was done using conventional techniques (colony morphology, gram staining, flexirubin test, and biochemical tests) as well as the VITEK-2 System to further confirm. The bacterial isolate were processed to observe antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) using disk diffusion method. MDR XDR and PDR were classified following European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines. C. indologens strains with beta-lactamases such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), metallo beta-lactamases (MBL), and Amp-C beta-lactamases (Amp-C) were detected phenotypically. The highest isolation of C. indologens was observed in a sputum sample. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed susceptibility to tigecycline followed by levofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, and piperacillin-tazobactam. From 53 isolates of C. indologens, MDR accounts for 56.60% and 22.64% for XDR. Combined antimicrobial therapy and longer hospital stay were found to be the leading risk factor. All 53 C. indologenes strains were detected as MBL. Total ESBL was detected in 16.98% of MBL producer strains and Amp-C was observed in 13.20% of MBL-producing strains. All 3 enzyme co-oproducers were seen in only 5.66% of C. indologens. Although it is rarely encountered in the laboratory, it showed a remarkable effect in patients with underlying predisposing factors and prolonged hospital stays. The presence of betalactamases determined the drug-resistant activity on a wide spectrum of tested antibiotics.
Successful Treatment of Irinotecan-Induced Muscle Twitching: A Case Report
Authors: Shun Yu-Ting , Lai Hsien-Yung , Chuang Yi-Ting , Lin Hsuen-Fu
Published: January 2023

Irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is commonly used in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Its adverse effects include delay diarrhea, severe myelosuppression, and cholinergic-like symptoms. Though 2 cases of irinotecan-induced muscle twitching were reported but the successful treatment of this adverse event still not shown. We present a 24-year-old female patient with advanced colorectal cancer received bevacizumab and FOLFIRI (irinotecan + calcium leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) treatment. Her right pectoralis major muscle presented with involuntary muscle twitching during the infusion of irinotecan at the sixth cycle of chemotherapy. The muscle twitching was slowly dissipated about 4 hours after the halted of irinotecan infusion. Then lorazepam 2 mg iv was injected before administration of irinotecan in an attempt to prevent the muscle twitching in the seventh cycle of chemotherapy. The patient did not report further muscle twitching. After that, lorazepam was routine administered before each cycle of FOLFIRI regiment. No any muscle twitching was observed after the use of lorazepam. This case provides valuable insight that muscle twitching can occur as rare irinotecan-related adverse effect. Benzodiazepine agonists, such as lorazepam, is the potential treatment of choice.
Theming electracy: An interview with Gregory L. Ulmer
Authors: Markelj Jernej , Sundvall Scott
Published: January 2023

This interview seeks to provide a thorough and discerning overview of the various theories, concepts and issues guiding the work of Gregory L. Ulmer. The central aim of Ulmer’s multifaceted project, which he terms electracy, is to theorize a skill-set intended to operate with networked technologies, in the same manner as literacy is an ability related to alphabetic writing. In Ulmer’s words, electracy ‘is to digital media what literacy is to print’. While literacy enables the mind to develop complex lines of reasoning, he suggests that electracy augments it by seeking to enhance the affective capacity of the body. In a more general sense, Ulmer conceptualizes electracy as the era, or, as he also puts it, an apparatus, dominated by digital technologies. To theorize various aspects of this apparatus, Ulmer compares and contrasts it with the other apparatuses (that of literacy and orality). The interview also situates Ulmer’s insights within our current cultural context of a post-COVID world and examines the various social implications such insights entail. Moving from Greek antiquity, through Kafka and even Mickey Mouse, Ulmer provides an unnerving and motivating method for better understanding and interrogating the problems that we all face, particularly with regard to education. He also sheds light on other contemporary issues such as digital misinformation and the waning trust in traditional institutions. In addition to offering a ‘crash course’ on Ulmerian theory, the interview interrogates the ways in which electracy can help us develop new angles for digital pedagogy, but also for living and being, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A review on various phases and alloy design methods of β-Ti alloys for biomedical applications
Authors: Kanapaakala Gouthamaraj , Venkatesan S
Published: January 2023

The development of biocompatible and biomechanical compatible metallic biomaterials is essential to fulfilling the needs of humanity, such as enhancing the lifespan and quality of human life and relieving pain. Biocompatibility resulting from non-toxic alloying elements and biomechanical compatibility resulting from low elastic modulus are crucial factors influencing the performance and service life of a biomedical implant. β-Ti alloys are the potential choice for biomedical load-bearing applications owing to their low elastic modulus and non-toxic alloying elements. Although the elastic modulus of β-Ti alloys is lesser than that of other metallic biomaterials, it is still greater than that of bone. So, there is a great demand for the synthesis of β-Ti alloys with low elastic modulus. Various phases significantly affect the elastic modulus of β-Ti alloys. Developing low elastic modulus β-Ti alloys through trial-and-error testing leads to more time-consuming and economically not feasible. So, this review article discusses various phases and alloy design methods for synthesising β-Ti alloys with low elastic modulus.
Novel small-molecule compound VCP979 attenuates renal fibrosis in male rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Min Shudan , Chang Di , Wang Yuan-Cheng , Xu Ting-Ting , Ge Hong , Zhang Jilei , Wang Binghui , Ju Shenghong
Published: January 2023

Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease, while efficient therapy against renal fibrosis is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the role of a novel small-molecule compound VCP979 on renal fibrosis and inflammation in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). One week after the UUO surgery, rats were administered VCP979 by gavage for one week, and after treatment, magnetic resonance imaging of T1rho mapping and histopathological analysis were performed to evaluate renal fibrosis in vivo and ex vivo. This study showed that treatment with VCP979 effectively reduced renal fibrosis, extracellular matrix accumulation, and alleviated epithelial–mesenchymal transition in UUO rats, as well as improved renal function. In vivo T1rho mapping displayed increased T1rho values in the UUO rats, which was decreased after VCP979 treatment, and a positive correlation was detected between the T1rho values and the percentage of fibrotic area. Moreover, the administration of VCP979 also ameliorated the inflammatory cytokines expression and the infiltration of macrophages in renal tissues. Mechanistically, VCP979 treatment inhibited the activation of p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-kappa B, and transforming growth factor-β1/Smads signaling pathways. These results indicated that VCP979 could be an effective therapeutic agent for alleviating renal fibrosis and inflammation in the rat model of UUO via its antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ethical considerations about the collection of biological samples for genetic analysis in clinical trials
Authors: Galende-Domínguez Inés , Rivero-Lezcano Octavio M
Published: January 2023

Progress in precision medicine is being achieved through the design of clinical trials that use genetic biomarkers to guide stratification of patients and assignation to treatment or control groups. Genetic analysis of biomarkers is, therefore, essential to complete their objectives, and this involves the study of biological samples from donor patients that have been recruited according to criteria previously established in the design of the clinical trial. Nevertheless, it is becoming very common that, in the solicitation of biological samples, purposes that are beyond the objectives of the stated therapeutic trial research are introduced, like the development of ill-explained exploratory studies or the use in unspecified future research. In the digital era, the sequencing of patients’ DNA needs to be considered as a serious security matter, not only for the patients, but also for their relatives. Genetic information may be easily stored, even forever, in digital files. This engenders a permanent risk of being stolen or misused in many ways. Furthermore, re-identification of sample donors is technically feasible through their genetic data. For these reasons, genetic analysis of samples collected in clinical trials should be restricted to the accomplishment of their main objectives or well justified goals.
Blown film stability for low, medium, and high molecular weight polylactic acid and their tensile properties
Authors: Licea-Saucedo Daniel C , Rodrigue Denis , Cisneros-López Erick O , González-Núñez Rubén
Published: January 2023

Three poly (lactic acid) (PLA) resins with molecular weight (Mw) equal to 55 (3251D), 125 (L105) and 163 (LX175) kg/mol were characterized in terms of capillary viscosity, mechanical and thermal properties and used to produce blown films. The effect of temperature, extrusion rate, stretching (TUR) and blow-up (BUR) ratios were evaluated to determine the optimum processing conditions for blown films based on the bubble stability and to determine their final tensile properties. As expected, the processing temperature was the most critical parameter on the film stability. The lower Mw PLA showed limited processing stability. Stable conditions were found at higher temperature (200°C) for higher Mw. These results correlate with the PLA viscosity (melt strength). Finally, the PLA film tensile strength (TS) strongly depended on their processability. For example, 3251D and L105 required high stretching (TUR = 3.4 and 7) for maximum TS (30 and 64 MPa) with a low blow-up ratio (BUR = 1.02–1.15). However, a moderate increase in BUR (10% at TUR = 3) led to a substantial drop in TS (from 29 MPa to 21 MPa for PLA 3251D and 44 MPa–34 MPa for L105). Overall, LX175 was the most interesting resin with 49 MPa TS which was independent of the BUR and TUR used in this investigation.
Lung Ultrasound and High-Resolution Computed Tomography in Suspected COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department: A Comparison
Authors: Sofia Soccorsa , Orlandi Paolo , Bua Vincenzo , Imbriani Michele , Cecilioni Laura , Caruso Alessandra , Schiavone Cosima , Boccatonda Andrea , Cianci Antonella , Spampinato Michele Domenico
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasonography (LUS) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), to detect COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

This study recruited all patients admitted to the emergency medicine unit, due to a suspected COVID-19 infection, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. These patients also who underwent a standardized LUS examination and a chest HRCT. The signs detected by both LUS and HRCT were reported, as well as the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for LUS and HRCT.

Results:

This cohort included 159 patients, 101 (63%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. COVID-19 patients showed more often confluent subpleural consolidations and parenchymal consolidations in lower lung regions of LUS. They also had “ground glass” opacities and “crazy paving” on HRCT, while pleural effusion and pulmonary consolidations were more common in non-COVID-19 patients. LUS had a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.92–0.99) and a specificity of 0.24 (95% CI 0.07–0.5) for COVID-19 lung infections. HRCT abnormalities resulted in a 0.98 sensitivity (95% CI 0.92–0.99) and 0.1 specificity (95% CI 0.04–0.23) for COVID-19 lung infections.

Conclusion:

In this cohort, LUS proved to be a noninvasive, diagnostic tool with high sensitivity for lung abnormalities that were likewise detected by HRCT. Furthermore, LUS, despite its lower specificity, has a high sensitivity for COVID-19, which could prove to be as effective as HRCT in excluding a COVID-19 lung infection.