bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Another piece for the syllid puzzle: A new species from Japan and its mitochondrial genome reveal the enigmatic Clavisyllis (Phyllodocida: Syllidae) as a member of Eusyllinae
Authors: CEJP BENJAMIN , JIMI NAOTO , AGUADO M. TERESA
Published: February 2023

The phylogenetic relationships of Syllidae have been analyzed in several studies during the last decades, resulting in highly congruent topologies. Most of the subfamilies were found to be monophyletic, while other groups (Eusyllinae and several genera) have been reorganized attending their phylogenetic relationships. However, there are still several enigmatic genera, which could not be assigned to any of the established subgroups. These enigmatic genera usually show a combination of characters indicating relationships with several different groups, and some show morphological traits unique to Syllidae. One of the most intriguing genera, still unclassified within Syllidae is Clavisyllis Knox. Herein, we provide a complete description of a new species Clavisyllis tenjini n. sp. from Japan. We sequence the complete mitochondrial genome, compare with the available data from other syllids, and perform a phylogenetic analysis of three genes (18S, 16S, COI), traditionally used in previous studies. Clavisyllis shows a unique combination of characters within Syllidae, such as nuchal lappets and large ovoid dorsal cirri. The new species has additional anterior appendages that have not been found in any other syllid. Our results show the genus is a member of Eusyllinae, closely related to Pionosyllis Malmgren. The mitochondrial gene order agrees with the considered plesiomorphic gene order in Annelida, which is present in all members of Eusyllinae investigated so far. Clavisyllis reproduces by epigamy, the reproductive mode of members of Eusyllinae. The present study contributes to the systematics of Syllidae, a complex group with a large number of species and striking reproductive modes.
Modulations of Storm-Track Activity Associated with the Baroclinic Annular Mode
Authors: Nakayama Morio , Nakamura Hisashi , Okajima Satoru , Ogawa Fumiaki
Published: February 2023

The baroclinic annular mode (BAM) is the leading mode of variability in extratropical eddy activity characterized by its hemispheric-scale pulsing. Based on atmospheric reanalysis data for the Southern Hemisphere, this study reveals BAM-associated systematic modulations not only in fluxes associated with subweekly transient disturbances, as found by earlier studies, but also in their spatial structure involved in the dynamics of the BAM. Specifically, in the positive phase of the BAM characterized by enhanced activity of transient disturbances, their lower-tropospheric baroclinic structure becomes more distinct, and they tend to be more elongated meridionally in both the upper and lower troposphere. These BAM-associated structural modulations of the disturbances favor the more efficient baroclinic development via enhanced poleward heat transport and their downstream development, which can contribute to hemispheric-scale enhancement of kinetic energy associated with the disturbances. In addition, a tendency of the disturbances to exhibit horizontally tilting structure becomes more evident in the positive phase of the BAM, which is favorable for enhanced transport of westerly momentum from the subtropics to the midlatitude polar-front jet, or equivalently enhanced wave-activity propagation from the midlatitude storm track into the subtropics. This modulation lags the peak of anomalous kinetic energy of the disturbances, thus acting to contribute to the decay of the BAM signature. A set of numerical simulations suggests that the BAM-associated pulsing in storm-track activity and structural modulations are manifestations of atmospheric internal dynamics, which can be significantly amplified in the presence of a midlatitude oceanic frontal zone through the formation of more organized and coherent baroclinic wave packets.
Outcomes of Pigtail Catheter Placement versus Chest Tube Placement in Adult Thoracic Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Beeton George , Ngatuvai Micah , Breeding Tessa , Andrade Ryan , Zagales Ruth , Khan Areeba , Santos Radleigh , Elkbuli Adel
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A debate currently exists regarding the efficacy of pigtail catheters vs chest tubes in the management of thoracic trauma. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of pigtail catheters vs chest tubes in adult trauma patients with thoracic injuries.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Ebsco, and ProQuest electronic databases were queried for studies comparing the use of pigtail catheters vs chest tubes in adult trauma patients from database inception to August 15th, 2022. The primary outcome was the failure rate of drainage tubes, defined as requiring a second tube placement or VATS, unresolved pneumothorax, hemothorax, or hemopneumothorax requiring additional intervention. Secondary outcomes were initial drainage output, ICU-LOS, and ventilator days.

Results

A total of 7 studies satisfied eligibility criteria and were assessed in the meta-analysis. The pigtail group had higher initial output volumes vs the chest tube group, with a mean difference of 114.7 mL [95% CI (70.6 mL, 158.8 mL)]. Patients in the chest tube group also had a higher risk of requiring VATS vs the pigtail group, with a relative risk of 2.77 [95% CI (1.50, 5.11)].

Conclusions

In trauma patients, pigtail catheters rather than chest tubes are associated with higher initial output volume, reduced risk of VATS, and shorter tube duration. Considering the similar rates of failure, ventilator days, and ICU length-of-stay, pigtail catheters should be considered in the management of traumatic thoracic injuries.

Study Type

Systematic Review and meta-analysis.
Laparoscopic Repair of an Incarcerated Left Ovary, Hemi-Uterus, and Salpinx Within A Left Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Stewart Shai , Dekonenko Charlene , Lupo Andrew M. , Oyetunji Tolulope A.
Published: February 2023

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed by pediatric surgeons. These hernias typically present as asymptomatic or symptomatic swellings in the groin, extending into the labia in girls or the scrotum in boys. Surgical repair is indicated as these hernias do not spontaneously close and carry a risk of incarceration. We report a case of an extremely rare finding at the time of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a preteen girl, highlighting the variable clinical presentation of this common condition and the laparoscopic approach to repair.
Successful Cesarean Section in a COVID-19 Patient on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
Authors: Coffey Philip , Sakharuk Ilya , Yoshida Shohei , Drevets Peter , Patel Vijay
Published: February 2023

The pandemic of COVID-19-related respiratory failure has increased utilization of ECMO in diverse patient populations. There are limited published reports of ECMO use in pregnancy, and reports of successful delivery of the fetus with survival of the mother on ECMO are exceptionally rare. We present a case of Cesarean section while on ECMO for COVID-19-related respiratory failure with survival of both mother and infant.

A 37-year-old pregnant female presented with dyspnea following a positive COVID-19 test. D-Dimer and CRP were elevated and chest radiography was consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. Her respiratory status rapidly decompensated—requiring endotracheal intubation within 6 hours of presentation, and ultimately veno-venous ECMO cannulation. Three days later, fetal heart rate decelerations prompted emergent caesarean delivery. The infant was transferred to the NICU and progressed well. The patient improved and she was decannulated on hospital day 22 (ECMO day 15) before discharge to rehab on hospital day 49.

In this case, ECMO allowed survival of both mother and infant in an otherwise non-survivable respiratory failure. Consistent with existing reports, we believe ECMO is a viable strategy for refractory respiratory failure in the pregnant patient.
Police Officers’ Preferences for Enforcing COVID-19 Regulatory Violations: The Impact of Organizational Support, Psychological Conditions, and Public Compliance
Authors: Sun Ivan Y. , Wu Yuning , Shen Shan , Kutnjak Ivkovich Sanja , Maskaly Jon , Neyroud Peter
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus has stirred a wave of studies on policing the pandemic. Nonetheless, officers’ intentions to enforce COVID-related rules and regulations remain under-researched. Drawing upon survey data from 600 police officers in a major Chinese city, this study explores the associations between organizational support, behavioral and psychological conditions, and perceived public compliance and officers’ willingness to intervene in rule violations. Organizational support in providing supervisory instructions, training, and PPE increased the likelihood of officers issuing tickets, whereas minimizing COVID-19 risks to officers reduced the probability of officers not taking any action against rule violations. Officers who perceive community residents as compliant with pandemic regulations are less likely to take no action or use more punitive sanctions of ticket/fine and detention/arrest.
Capacity and Control: Superintendent-School Board Relations in Locally Controlled Districts
Authors: Hall Sutherland Daniella
Published: February 2023

Purpose: In the wake of school board protests nationwide, it is essential for educational leaders, policymakers, and researchers to understand locally controlled educational governance. The stability of educational districts depends on superintendents navigating relationships with their school boards, yet little research exists that addresses board–superintendent relationships in locally controlled districts. Using theories of local will and capacity, and community power relationships, I examine what factors shape the extent of local control enacted by school boards, and how these factors affect superintendent–school board relations. Research Methods: The qualitative case study design is bounded as one multi-district union superintendent and three rural school boards. Data collection included semistructured interviews, ethnographic observations, and document collection to understand the relational dynamics of local control. Data analysis included in vivo and a priori coding, and the development of analytic matrices. Findings: All boards demonstrated local will and some local capacity, which explained the dimensions of enactment of local control. Rural board capacity—tenure, expertise, and residency of board members—influenced the extent of local control. Cross-case analysis revealed a relationship between board capacity, community capacity, and board–superintendent relationships. These patterns are theorized as local control school board–superintendent relationships typology, based on board capacity and local community capacity. The relationships include role contestation, confusion, collaboration, and dependence. Implications for Research and Practice: The study expands the theory of local capacity to include community and board dimensions and describes the complexities of superintendent–board relationships. The study concludes with recommendations for practice, policy, and research on locally controlled school boards.
Community partners’ experiences with medical students’ service-learning activities
Authors: Pellerano Maria B , Fingerhut Lori , Giordano Susan , Kaul Eshan , Baptiste Brittany , Jimenez Manuel E , Jahn Eric
Published: February 2023

Background:

The perspectives of community partners about their experiences working with medical students and how service-learning experiences affect the communities they serve remains understudied.

Objective:

This study addressed gaps in the literature by reporting on in-depth interviews conducted with community partners who participated in a well-established medical school service-learning programme.

Design:

A qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews and an edited coding strategy.

Setting:

A convenience sample was recruited from a database of organisations working with the medical school’s service-learning organisation.

Method:

Between 2017 and 2020, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with community-based organisation partners who worked with medical students through a service-learning initiative in an urban, underserved area of New Jersey, USA. The authors coded transcripts and identified themes after extensive reading, reflection and team discussion of transcripts and coded text. Authors confirmed thematic saturation after 20 interviews with 21 participants representing 18 different agencies.

Results:

Three main themes were developed: (1) medical students as role models, (2) community partners’ role in shaping medical student education, and (3) reciprocity between community-based organisations and the service-learning programme. Participants found that medical students connected well with young clients and motivated them to pursue higher education or healthcare careers especially when they had a shared ethnic or cultural background. Community partners helped medical students better understand ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities from a whole-person perspective. Participants described collaborative learning and reciprocity between the service-learning programme and community-based organisations as a ‘win-win’ situation – with clients, the organisation and medical students all benefitting.

Conclusion:

Findings illustrate the importance of reciprocity between medical students and community partners. Incorporating partners in the design and evaluation of service-learning programmes is essential to understanding how community and academic health centres can better collaborate to promote health equity.
Book review: Radha Kumar, Police Matters: The Everyday State and Caste Politics in South India, 1900–1975
Authors: Arnold David
Published: February 2023

Radha Kumar, Police Matters: The Everyday State and Caste Politics in South India, 1900–1975. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2021, 241 pp.
Book review: Abhishek Kaicker, The King and the People: Sovereignty and Popular Politics in Mughal Delhi
Authors: Kanalu Naveen
Published: February 2023

Abhishek Kaicker, The King and the People: Sovereignty and Popular Politics in Mughal Delhi. New York: Oxford University Press, 2020, 351 pp.
Book review: Mytheli Sreenivas, Reproductive Politics and the Making of Modern India
Authors: Mitra Durba
Published: February 2023

Mytheli Sreenivas, Reproductive Politics and the Making of Modern India. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2021, 274 pp.
Self-formulation in counselling psychology: The Power Threat Meaning Framework
Authors: Amari Nicola
Published: February 2023

This reflective report critically evaluates my developing professional identity as a counseling psychologist. Using the Power Threat Meaning Framework, I present a self-formulation to make sense of my experiences during the second stage of my training. To begin with, I consider how multiple forms of power were operating in the complex relationship between personal and professional spheres. As I appraise my professional development, I examine the threats posed by the negative use of power and the resulting challenges within my practice. Drawing from research, psychological theories, and relevant case examples, I explore the meaning I attached to my experiences while managing complex problems and professional issues. In my endeavor to act according to ethical and professional guidelines, I consider my threat responses to preserve my functioning within program learning and professional practice. By appreciating my access to power resources, I demonstrate my willingness and ability to engage with feedback and reflexivity as personal strengths that helped me navigate my ongoing training. Therefore, I integrate professional and ethical perspectives in the “meaning-making” of my development as a trainee counseling psychologist.
From doctrine to detonation: Ideology, competition, and terrorism in campaigns of mass resistance
Authors: Belgioioso Margherita , Thurber Ches
Published: February 2023

This study proposes an organizational mechanism that links ideology to the use of terrorism in mass dissident campaigns. Ideology affects the level of competition among factions within mass dissident campaigns by shaping whether actors see their interactions as a positive- or zero-sum game. We identify ideological diversity within a campaign and the degree to which ideologies embrace the principle of pluralism as key factors affecting the intensity of factional competition and, consequently, the occurrence of terrorism. We introduce new data on the ideologies of campaigns from the Nonviolent and Violent Campaigns and Outcomes 2.0 dataset and use causal mediation analysis to test our proposed mechanism. We find that greater ideological diversity within a campaign increases the likelihood of terrorism by increasing factional competition. We also find that the presence of a pluralist ideology is associated with a lower likelihood of terrorism by the lowering of factional competition. By shedding light on the mechanisms that link ideology to terrorism, this study helps advance our understanding of why dissident groups might decide to use terrorism tactics within the context of a campaign of mass resistance.
Swords into ploughshares? Why human rights abuses persist after resistance campaigns
Authors: Shay Christopher Wiley
Published: February 2023

Human rights abuse tends to increase during national crises, such as civil wars and mass nonviolent uprisings. Under what conditions does this abuse abate or persist? I argue that violent challenges provoke much more coercive state responses, exposing more personnel within the security forces to extreme forms of repression and priming them (both leaders and followers) to reproduce these behaviors after the conflict has terminated. This effect is mitigated or avoided when challengers rely on nonviolent tactics instead of violence, leading to less post-conflict abuse. I test this argument with several quantitative methods, which establish a positive association between nonviolent resistance campaigns and subsequent freedom from political killings. Results also suggest that democratization can partially – but not fully – counteract the repressive legacies of violent conflict. By choosing to specialize in nonviolent tactics, therefore, resistance leaders avoid a repression trap that not even democratization can fully disarm.
‘A lot of people still love and worship the monarchy’: How polarizing frames trigger countermobilization in Thailand
Authors: Sombatpoonsiri Janjira
Published: February 2023

This article examines the interplay between nonviolent movements’ use of polarizing issues for mobilization and pro-regime countermobilization. Thailand has been chosen as an explanatory case study because it has a history of political polarization and pro-regime mass mobilization. I focus on polarizing frames that were incorporated into the 2020 nonviolent resistance campaigns, which addressed a taboo subject in the country: the monarchy. In response, the regime applied various forms of repression, including the mobilization of royalists. But the assumption that the regime single-handedly mobilized countermovements is only half of the story. Autonomous elements within countermovements also joined forces when there were sufficient social conditions. By juxtaposing protest event data with an analysis of mobilizing frames (through movements’ Twitter hashtags), I shed light on a two-pronged process that underpins the nexus between framing choice and countermobilization: (a) how a movement’s choice for polarizing frames sustains existing ideological and identity-based cleavages, antagonizing segments of society that perceive their collective identity to be under siege and; (b) how these ideological and identity-based cleavages also provide social sources for countermobilization. I conclude by addressing some implications of this framing choice–countermobilization nexus on repression dynamics and suggest how we can rethink the relationship between strategic framing and nonviolent resistance campaigns in divided societies.
Guest Editors’ introduction: Nonviolent resistance and its discontents
Authors: Chenoweth Erica , Cunningham Kathleen Gallagher
Published: February 2023

In the past decade, myriad studies have explored the effects of nonviolent resistance (NR) on outcomes including revolutionary success (short-term and long-term) and democratization, and how nonviolent mobilization can play a similar role to violence in affecting social change in some settings. This special issue seeks to advance our understanding of the role of nonviolence by tackling some key assumptions in existing work that are complicated by historical and contemporary realities of deepening polarization worldwide. This issue addresses four key areas within conflict and peace research that limit our ability to make sense of NR: (a) the fragmented nature of civil resistance campaigns in terms of supporters and demands; (b) the increasing prevalence of authoritarian or anti-egalitarian nonviolent campaigns; and (c) the complicated nature of revolutionary success. Cutting across all three of these substantive areas is another key area, which is: (d) the United States as an increasingly salient site of conflict and contention.
Choosing tactics: The efficacy of violence and nonviolence in self-determination disputes
Authors: Cunningham Kathleen Gallagher
Published: February 2023

Disputes over self-determination (SD) have led to many civil wars, and a primary alternative, nonviolent campaign, is rarely successful in this context. Yet, while secession is rare, these movements often achieve more limited successes in the form of concessions from the state. This article provides a new assessment of the efficacy of different tactics – violent, nonviolent and conventional political action. It advances an argument that nonviolent tactics can help SD movements to generate indirect pressure on states that contributes to movement success, including greater autonomy. Nonviolence is used to garner attention from international actors using a human rights frame for their cause. International actors that are receptive to these human rights narratives then incentivize concessions for the SD movements and dis-incentivize repression. This happens through a variety of means, such as public shaming of the host state and withholding inter-governmental organization membership. Statistical analysis of violent and nonviolent tactics in SD movements shows that nonviolence can be effective in successfully obtaining concessions. Movements that use nonviolence are twice as likely to see concessions in any given year compared to those that just make demands but do not use nonviolence or violence. The effect of nonviolence is slightly larger than that of violence, which is also associated an increased chance of concession.
Vulnerability in the Neighborhood: A Study of Perceived Control Over Victimization
Authors: Keel Chloe , Wickes Rebecca , Lee Murray , Jackson Jonathan , Benier Kathryn
Published: February 2023

Objectives: We test which neighborhood characteristics are associated with perceived control over victimization and how the neighborhood context explains differences between women's and men's perceived control. Methods: Drawing upon administrative data and a survey of 2,862 participants living in 80 neighborhoods in Victoria, Australia, we make a distinction between broader characteristics of the neighborhood, community processes, and gendered neighborhood dynamics. We run a series of multilevel mixed effects regression models to examine the relationship between individual-level perceptions of control over victimization and the neighborhood. Results: Results indicate that a concentration of low-income households in the neighborhood is associated with residents reporting less control over their victimization. Furthermore, the interaction revealed higher crime in the neighborhood lowered women's perceived control while heightening men's perceived control over victimization. Conclusions: Gender remained strongly associated with perceived control over victimization throughout the analysis despite extensive testing of general and gendered neighborhood conditions that may account for differences between women and men. The results found that overall crime rates were the only feature that assisted in explaining the differences between women and men. Future research must seek to better capture the environmental conditions that can account for the difference between women's and men's perceptions.
Relationship between Death Coping and Death Cognition and Meaning in Life among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lv Tingting , Li Lezhi , Wang Huiping , Zhao Hong , Chen Fengzhi , He Xiachan , Zhang Huilin
Published: February 2023

To explore nurses’ ability to cope with death and its relationship with death cognition and meaning in life in the context of Chinese traditional culture. 1146 nurses from six tertiary hospitals were recruited. Participants completed the Coping with Death Scale, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the self-made Death Cognition Questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the search for meaning, the understanding of “good death”, receiving education related to life-and-death, cultural aspect, the presence of meaning, and the number of patient deaths experienced in career explained 20.3% of the variance in the ability to cope with death. Lacking a correct understanding of death, nurses are not sufficiently prepared to deal with death and their ability to cope with death is influenced by the unique cognition of death and the sense of the meaning in life in the context of Chinese traditional culture.
Evaluation of chemosterility effect of different insect growth regulators on Bactrocera zonata population
Authors: Hasnain Muhammad , Saeed Shafqat , Naeem-Ullah Unsar , Ullah Sami
Published: February 2023

The indiscriminate application of synthetic pesticides on horticultural plants for the management of Bactrocera zonata has both economic and environmental implications due to the biomagnification of harmful residues in humans via the food chain. This necessitates the use of some eco-friendly control measures such as insect growth regulators (IGRs) as an alternative. A laboratory experiment was laid out to determine the potential chemosterilant effect of five IGRs including pyriproxyfen, novaluron, lufenuron, buprofezin, and flubendiamide at six different concentrations on B. zonata after treating adult diet. Using the oral bioassay, B. zonata were fed on IGRs impregnated diet (50–300 ppm/5 mL diet) which was replaced with the normal diet after 24 h of feeding. Ten pairs of B. zonata were placed in a separate plastic cage accommodating an ovipositor attractant guava for eggs collection and calculation. An analysis of the result revealed that fecundity and hatchability were higher at a low dose and vice versa. Lufenuron at 300 ppm/5 mL of diet significantly decreased the fecundity rate (31.1%) as compared to pyriproxyfen, novaluron, buprofezin and flubendiamide, which had 39.3%, 39.3%, 43.8%, and 47.5%, respectively. The lowest hatchability (19.9%) was noted in lufenuron treated diet followed by pyriproxyfen, novaluron, buprofezin, and flubendiamide, which had 22.1%, 25.0%, 30.9%, and 31.6%, respectively. Furthermore, in a population of crosses between the lufenuron treated male and female, a significant decrease in fecundity (45.5%) and hatchability (51.7%) was noted as compared to other IGRs. Overall, this study identified the chemosterilant potential of lufenuron on the population of B. zonata which can be integrated for its management strategy.
Reach and Impact of In-Person and Remote Delivery Formats of Walk with Ease
Authors: Mazza Nadia Z. , Lanou Amy Joy , Weisner Serena
Published: February 2023

This descriptive study retrospectively evaluates the reach and impact of cohorts enrolled in Group (in-person, 2017-2020) and Self-Directed (remote, 2019-2020) delivery formats of the evidenced-based health promotion program, Walk with Ease, implemented statewide in North Carolina. An existing dataset consisting of pre- and post-surveys were analyzed for 1,890 participants; 454 (24%) from the Group format and 1,436 (76%) from Self-Directed. Self-Directed participants were younger, had more years of education, represented more Black/African American and multi-racial participants, and participated in more locations than Group, though a higher percentage of Group participants were from rural counties. Self-Directed participants were less likely to report having arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke, or osteoporosis, though more likely to report being obese or having anxiety or depression. All participants walked more and expressed higher confidence in managing joint pain following the program. These results promote opportunities for enhancing engagement in Walk with Ease with diverse populations.
Reinstatement of Previously Deregistered Health Professionals in Australia: Legal Determinations of Risk, Patient Safety, and Public Interest
Authors: Millbank Jenni
Published: February 2023

Each year approximately 60 registered health practitioners in Australia have their registration cancelled for reasons of serious misconduct or, less commonly, impairment or criminal conviction. Cancellation remains in force unless the practitioner successfully brings a later application to be restored to the register. While the decision to deregister takes place in a public tribunal process, with published reasons, throughout most of Australia determinations concerning reinstatement are undertaken by professional Boards in private. This research examines available reinstatement decisions concerning 86 health practitioners to analyse how the health regulatory system in Australia determines questions of public interest and public safety when deciding whether deregistered health practitioners who seek reinstatement are now ‘fit and proper’ to practise their profession again. There is a considerable body of case law on the meaning of fitness to practise for health professionals, and the process by which it can be assessed. However, there is remarkably little legislative content or administrative guidance to structure the reinstatement inquiry, assist applicants in the process or to ensure consistency of decision-making, in particular by drawing attention to broader public protection factors. Reinstatement determinations would be improved through the introduction of structured guidance on how to apply the paramount objective of public protection. The article also suggests that having all reinstatement determinations take place in public with published reasons would improve public understanding of, and confidence in, the reinstatement process.
Technical-economic study of PVC-based formulations intended to industrial 3-wire electric cables, using a full factorial design methodology
Authors: CHERFI Abdelhamid , DEHAK-OUGHLISSI Karima , BALI Sid-Ali , MEDDOUR Touhami BEN
Published: February 2023

In the present study, full factorial designs were used to model and optimize the mechanical properties of PVC-based formulations constituting three-core power cables: sheathing, insulation and stuffing, while respecting the standards in force, and aiming for a minimum cost. The effects of 4 parameters: plasticizer content (X1), filler content (X2), stabilizing agent content (X3) and the kind of plasticizer were investigated on the following properties: Density (D), Hardness (H), Elongation at break (EB) and Fracture resistance (FR), as well as the price (DA/kg of formulation). The desirability-based optimization gave the following values: EB = 214.72%, FR = 19.94 MPa and Price = 116.71 DA/kg for the sheathing; EB = 198.11%, FR = 4.38 MPa and Price = 61.73 DA/kg for the stuffing; EB = 207.84%, FR = 19.35 MPa and Price = 102.73 DA/kg for the insulation. The study revealed also that the order of significance of the effects on the mechanical properties was: X1>X2>X3 and that the use of cheapest plasticizer did not affect greatly the mechanical properties.
Internal student migration in India: Impact of the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Singh Rajni , Manchanda Navneet , Mishra Rakesh
Published: February 2023

The education sector in India was among the most affected sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. While considerable attention has been paid to informal workers' return or reverse migration to their home communities, not much has been reported about the challenges faced by migrant students. Using a mixed-method approach, the current study presents an overview of internal student migration in India prior to the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the 2001 and 2011 Census of India and the 2007–2008 National Sample Survey Organization, and discusses challenges faced by selected migrant learners during the COVID-19 pandemic based on primary research. Based on the census data, nearly 3.3 million migrants in India move for study reasons with 2.9 million migrating within the state (with the duration of residence less than five years) from their last residence within India. The pattern of female student migration suggests an increasingly localized interdistrict migration. Findings from the qualitative data indicate that during the pandemic, students had compromised learning and placement experience, inadequate digital resources and pressure to repay loans. Student migrants experienced varying degrees of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic based on their destination and migration stream.
Event-triggered tracking control of stochastic switched multi-agent systems subjected to input saturation
Authors: Li Wangjiang , Yu Hui
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on the tracking control problem of stochastic nonlinear multi-agent systems subjected to input saturation and directed switching topologies. In addition, the external disturbances are also considered to ensure the system robustness. A dynamic event-triggered consensus scheme based on a switching compensator for every follower agent is proposed via output feedback. By the Lyapunov stability analysis, a sufficient condition for switching signal is obtained such that the tracking errors can reach a small compact set of the origin. Moreover, the proposed event-triggered strategy by fully exploiting the dynamic gain can save resources effectively and avoid the Zeno behavior. Finally, simulation studies confirm the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Movement and deformation characteristics of overlying stratum in paste composite filling stope
Authors: Lv Wenyu , Wu Yunlu , Wu Yongping , Xie Panshi , Tan Yi , Li Shijie
Published: February 2023

Paste composite filling mining is one of the effective ways to realize green mining. In order to study the movement and deformation characteristics of overlying stratum in paste composite filling stope, taking the test mine as the engineering background, a mechanical model of movement and deformation of roof rock beam in paste composite filling mining was established by combining theoretical analysis, physical simulation and numerical simulation. The movement and deformation laws of main roof, sub-key stratum and main key stratum in the process of working face advancing under the conditions of multiple factors (mining height, filling ratio and buried depth) were analyzed. The results show that the displacement contour of overlying stratum is inverted trapezoid in the process of advancing working face which is unfilling or filling 2/3. The subsidence of stratum near the coal seam is larger, and the subsidence of stratum with higher distance from the coal seam is smaller, and the maximum subsidence point of overlying rock appears near the side of the open-off cut. With the increase of mining height, the range of overlying rock caving zone becomes larger, and the maximum subsidence value gradually increases. When the paste filling ratio of the working face increases, the collapse range of the roof decreases, the overall compression of the collapsed rock decreases, and the effect of control on the movement and deformation of the overlying rock is obvious. The subsidence of overlying stratum increases with the increase of buried depth of working face, but it does not change much. The deflection value of the roof rock beam changes slowly at both ends of the propulsion due to the support of the coal wall. The closer to the middle, the greater the change. The results of this study can provide an important reference for the control of the roof stability and surface subsidence of the paste composite filling mining.
Strategies of Total Auricular Reconstruction for Patients With Poor Skin Coverage at the Mastoid Area
Authors: Gao Dejin , Chen Xueying , Sun Qing , Huang Yue , Li He , Zhang Mingyu , Li Jingjing , Liu Tun , Wang Bingqing
Published: February 2023

Objective

Burns and injuries can lead to massive defects in the mastoid tissues, which increase the difficulty of ear reconstruction. It is crucial to choose an appropriate surgical method for these patients. Here, we introduce strategies for auricular reconstruction in patients without satisfactory mastoid tissues.

Methods

From April 2020 to July 2021, 12 men and 4 women were admitted to our institution. Twelve patients were severely burned, 3 patients experienced car accidents, and 1 patient had a tumor on his ear. The temporoparietal fascia was used for ear reconstruction in 10 cases, and the upper arm flap was used in 6 cases. All of the ear frameworks were made of costal cartilage.

Results

The location, size, and shape of both sides of the auricles were generally the same. Two patients needed further surgical repair because of cartilage exposure at the helix. All of the patients were satisfied with the outcome of the reconstructed ear.

Conclusion

For patients with ear deformity and poor skin coverage in the mastoid area, we can choose the temporoparietal fascia if the patient’s available superficial temporal artery is longer than 10 cm. If not, we can choose the upper arm flap. The latter needs a five-stage operation, which is more time consuming and difficult than the former. Moreover, the expanded upper arm flap is thinner and has better elasticity than the temporoparietal fascia, so the shape of the reconstructed ear is better. We need to evaluate the condition of the affected tissue and choose the appropriate surgical method to achieve a good result.
Online Versus In-Person Visits and Analysts’ Forecast Performance
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Chongfeng
Published: February 2023

We evaluate the effect of online versus in-person visits on analysts’ forecast performance. Our results show that online visits significantly improve the timeliness of analysts’ forecasts but have a negative impact on their quality, as evidenced by inferior forecast thoroughness and accuracy. We further document that the positive association between online visits and forecast timeliness is stronger when the cost of analysts traveling to visited firms is high. The negative association between online visits and forecast quality is stronger for firms with more complex information and fewer managers interacting with analysts. In addition, we find that managers’ communication style is more cautious and more vague when interacting online, indicating that issues of trust worsen the online communication environment. We also find that, in contrast to nonvisits, online visits provide analysts with an idiosyncratic informational advantage. Overall, our results provide an empirical evaluation of the economic consequences of analysts’ online versus in-person visits.
‘Enrichment’ as a Pragmatist and Structuralist Contribution to Economic Sociology: Perspectives on the Approach of Economics and Sociology of Conventions
Authors: Diaz-Bone Rainer
Published: February 2023

The article discusses main contributions and results of the monograph Enrichment: A Critique of Commodities, written by the French sociologists Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre. Boltanski and Esquerre focus on the strategy to transform ‘the past’ (patrimony, luxury objects, tradition, collections) into new sources of richness. The book focuses on valuation forms and valuation discourses. Enrichment links Boltanski’s work again to the socio-economic movement of the economics and sociology of conventions (in short, EC/SC), which is part of the new French social sciences and regards conventions as logics of valuation and interpretation. This approach of EC/SC is introduced as a frame to evaluate the recombination of pragmatism and structuralism which is proposed by Boltanski and Esquerre. Finally, open questions and desiderata are addressed from the standpoint of EC/SC.
An Interview with Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre on Enrichment: A Critique of Commodities
Authors: Diaz-Bone Rainer
Published: February 2023

In this interview, Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre introduce their book Enrichment and core concepts for the analysis of new developments in contemporary capitalism. The study focuses the analysis of the enrichment economy, which is grasped as a new form to explore and exploit ‘the past’ as a source for capitalist profits. The interview presents forms of valuation, which are more general principles of how value and prices can be ascribed to goods. The approach of Boltanski and Esquerre assumes an organized plurality of such forms of valuation. Also, the two sociologists stress the importance of discourses of valuation, which bring these forms of valuation into operation. As the interview makes evident, one major aim is to present a new perspective on the relationship between values, prices, and practices how prices are legitimatized or criticized on the basis of discourses of valuation. The interview situates Enrichment in the context of other contemporary sociological works, which focus on the economic core issue of value and valuation. The book can also be recognized as a proposal to reconcile structuralism and pragmatism in sociology. At the end of the interview, the more recent outcomes of the continuing collaborative work of Boltanski and Esquerre after Enrichment are discussed.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the Persian version of the low-vision quality-of-life questionnaire
Authors: Heravian Shandiz Javad , Momeni Moghaddam Hamed , Wolffsohn James S , Karimpour Maliheh
Published: February 2023

Most of the vision quality assessment questionnaires are in English. None of the low-vision-related quality-of-life questionnaires have been translated or developed in Persian. It will help Persian optometrists and ophthalmologists to assess improvement of visual function and quality of life during their low-vision rehabilitation programs. In this study, we aimed to translate the low-vision quality-of-life (LVQOL) questionnaire in Persian language and apply exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity and fit model. Translation and cultural adjustment of the English language LVQOL questionnaire to Persian was undertaken. Overall, 100 low-vision patients were participated to validate and model the assessment questionnaire by both EFA and CFA methods. Complementary EFA and CFA results provide detailed information about item and scale performance of the Persian LVQOL. EFA showed Items 15, 16, and 21 which had factor loadings lower than 0.3. The modified model had the comparative fit index (CFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.89 and 0.06, respectively. The translation, adjustment, and fit analysis of the LVQOL questionnaire into Persian were successful and it will be valuable in both clinical practice and research.
Safety outcomes of anti-platelet therapy post coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Hasan Syed U , Pervez Alina , Shah Arshad A , Shah Syed DA , Aslam Muhammad , Arshad Anosha , Rajput Amna S , Zubair M. Mujeeb
Published: February 2023

Background

Antiplatelet therapy is used to decrease the risk of graft failure post coronary artery bypass graft surgery. We aimed to compare dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with monotherapy along with a comparison of Aspirin, Ticagrelor, Aspirin+Ticagrelor (A+T) and Aspirin+Clopidogrel (A+C) to determine the major and minor bleeding risk, risk of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause mortality (ACM).

Methods

Randomized Controlled Trials comparing the four groups were included. Odds ratio (OR) and Absolute Risk (AR) were employed to assess the mean and standard deviation (SD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Bayesian random-effects model was used for statistical analysis. Risk difference and Cochran Q tests were used to calculate rank probability (RP) and heterogeneity, respectively.

Results

We included 10 trials, consisting of 21 arms and 3926 patients. For the risk of major and minor bleed, A + T and Ticagrelor showed the lowest mean value of 0.040 (0.043) and 0.067 (0.073), respectively, and the highest RP of being the safest group. While a direct comparison between DAPT and monotherapy resulted in an OR of 0.57 [0.34, 0.95] for the risk of minor bleed. A + T was found to have the highest RP and the lowest mean value in terms of ACM, MI, and stroke.

Conclusion

No significant difference was found between monotherapy or dual-antiplatelet therapy for the major bleeding risk safety outcome, however DAPT was found to have a significantly higher rate of minor bleeding complications post-CABG. DAPT should be considered as the antiplatelet modality of choice post-CABG.
Mental Boundaries Relationship with Self-Esteem and Social Support: New Findings for Mental Boundaries Research
Authors: Mathe John R. , Kelly William E.
Published: February 2023

The current study examines Mental Boundaries and the relationship between self-esteem and social support. Thick and thin boundaries are a crucial part of Mental Boundary research. Currently, there is limited research on Mental Boundaries and their connection to counseling and other constructs. The current research study examines correlations between Mental Boundaries, self-esteem, social support, and understanding if Mental Boundaries and social support can predict self-esteem levels. By examining self-esteem and social support, the current study provides how Mental Boundaries can be adapted for counselors when working with clients. The current study found significant negative correlations between Mental Boundaries, self-esteem, and social support. However, linear regression found that Mental Boundaries and social support independently predicted self-esteem. Finally, the current discusses future research and the current study's limitations.
Development of a nomogram for severe influenza in previously healthy children: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Wenyun , Niu Wensi , Chen Hongmei , Jiang Wujun , Fu Yanbing , Li Xiuxiu , Li Minglei , Hua Jun , Hu Chunxia
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the risk of severe influenza in previously healthy children.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the clinical data of 1135 previously healthy children infected with influenza who were hospitalized in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2021. Children were randomly assigned in a 7:3 ratio to a training or validation cohort. In the training cohort, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors, and a nomogram was established. The validation cohort was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model.

Result

Wheezing rales, neutrophils, procalcitonin > 0.25 ng/mL, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, fever, and albumin were selected as predictors. The areas under the curve were 0.725 (95% CI: 0.686–0.765) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.659–0.784) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve showed that the nomogram was well calibrated.

Conclusion

The nomogram may predict the risk of severe influenza in previously healthy children.