bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High voltage DC-DC converter with standalone application
Authors: Babu Thiruveedula Madhu , Chenchireddy Kalagotla , Rohini Jakkani , Suhas Mesaragandla Sai , Ajitesh Dara , Rahul Kanaparthi
Published: September 2023

Designing DC-DC converters involves many voltage lift techniques. These techniques have been encouraged for their credible advantages. Most voltage lifting methods are applied in many areas of automotive, motor drives, telecom and electronic welfare in military applications. Voltage lifting techniques are known for their high voltage transfer gain and high efficiency. Ultra-lift converter yields very high output transfer gain with geometric progression compared to other voltage lift techniques such as super lift converters and classical boost converters. It also offers reduced size and improved efficiency when compared. In this proposed method ultra-lift converter operation is analyzed with continuous conduction mode.
Effect of supply voltage variations on single-phase capacitor clamped multilevel inverter fed induction motor drive
Authors: Diyoke Gerald Chidozie , Eya Candidus Ugwuoke
Published: September 2023

This article presents the effect of supply voltage variations on single-phase capacitor-clamped multilevel inverter-fed induction motor drives. This research is tailored at determining the best torque value and speed to attain a stable state under input voltage variation and minimum time response to realize low percentage harmonic distortions. The effect of constant power quality disturbance harms the performance and behavior of asynchronous motors based on harmonic contents and other energy source integrations. The multilevel inverter has shown good performance in motor drives. This paper deals with the effect of input voltage variations on a single-phase multilevel capacitor-clamped inverter for asynchronous induction motor drives. A five-level capacitor-clamped inverter with an in-phase disposition pulse width modulation technique is adopted. Four high-frequency triangular carrier signals are generated and compared with a reference sinusoidal signal. As a result of this approach, the inverter switches firing signals are generated. The open-loop model is designed and simulated utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and results based on different values of supply voltage are presented. The current and voltage total harmonic distortions (THDs) obtained are 4.97% and 4.46% respectively at the best operating voltage of 400 V and at maximum torque of 47 Nm.
Ternary genetic algorithm for load dynamic balancing in low voltage three-phase 400 V networks
Authors: Ildarabadi Rahim , Nikkhah Mohammad Hasan , Lotfi Hossein , Zadehbbagheri Mahmoud , Sutikno Tole
Published: September 2023

In three-phase low voltage networks, the random behavior of single-phase loads and also their placement in different parts of single-phase feeders, leads to load imbalance in these networks. Unbalanced load causes losses and voltage drop in three-phase feeders. In this paper, using a different proposed approach based on genetic algorithm, N loads are spread over the grid phases so that the minimum current difference between the phases is formed and the ground current approaches zero. The proposed method is compared with the random load distribution method and the results are analyzed. Among the most important results obtained, we can point out the difference in the calculation time of the two methods by reaching an optimal value, and the calculation speed of the proposed method is significantly better. The proposed method can be an effective tool for dividing the load on different phases of the network in order to prevent imbalance.
Polyethylenimine 2k (PEI2k)/superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle inhibits development of hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting of c-MET and Ets-1
Authors: Wu Yingjun , Bu Xiaoyuan , Zhou Xinyu , Sha Zhilin , Shi Xintong
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the efficacy of N-Alkyl-polyethylenimine 2 kDa–stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide ((PEI2k/SPIO) nanoparticles on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice and explored the underlying mechanism. Highly metastatic HCC cells were cultured and mRNA expressions
of c-MET and Ets-1 were determined by Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. After establishment of animal model for HCC, the rats were administered PEI2k/SPIO nanoparticles
and/or Ets-1 inhibitor through tail vein. Cell apoptosis and proliferation were then assessed by EdU experiment and flow cytometry, and the levels of c-MET, Ets-1, MMP-2 were measured as well. HCC cells presented up-regulated c-MET and down-regulated Ets-1. Treatment with PEI2k/SPIO nanoparticles
resulted in decreased in c-MET expression and increased Ets-1 in both cells and animals. The PEI2k/SPIO nanoparticles significantly decreased cell proliferation and suppressed tumor growth, and induced apoptosis. Besides, additional injection of Ets-1 enhanced phosphorylation activity of MMP-2
and alleviated PEI2k/SPIO’s effect on MMP-2 expression. Nanotechnology is known to improve delivery efficiency and hence affect prognosis. This study elucidated that, PEI2k/SPIO nanoparticles suppressed malignant characteristics of HCC cells and tumor growth through down-regulation of
c-MET and growth factors and up-regulation of MMP-2 and Ets-1.
Polymerized retinoic acid nanoparticles modulate neurorestorative effects induced by bone marrow stromal cells in rats after anesthesia
Authors: Qu Xiu , Run Feng , Yu Hua
Published: September 2023

This study regulated the induced differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in rats after anesthesia and explored its effect on nerve repair. The effect of MSC-induced nerve repair was analyzed. The scores of cell-intervention group (5.43± 1.35), nano-intervention group
(4.43± 1.36) and nano-+cell-intervention group (4.45±1.49) were significantly lower on 28th day than control group (9.99±1.40), among which, the nano+cell intervention group had lowest score (P <0.05).The cell intervention (11.35±1.23), nanometer intervention
(14.81±1.55) and nano+cell intervention groups (15.96±1.45) had significantly lower score than control group (6.42± 1.46), with lowest score in the nano+ cell intervention group (P < 0.05). The expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NeuN proteins
in the treatment group were significantly decreased, with lowest expression in the nano+cell intervention group (P <0.05). Average optical density of bFGF and EGF after treatment was significantly elevated, with highest density values in the nano+cell intervention group (P
<0.05). Using retinoic acid polymeric nanoparticles to regulate MSCs differentiation can make retinoic acid bind to neuronal receptors, promoting axon growth, and improving nerve function and motor function. It can reduce downregulate GFAP and NeuN, increase the bFGF and EGF level, which
can be used as a new target marker. With the deepening research on nanoparticles, retinoic acid nanoparticles will have broad application prospects.
Detection and remediation of heavy metal pollution in seawater using instrumentation and nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Keming , Wang Chengli , Jin Wenbing , Qi Liuming
Published: September 2023

This study explores methodologies for removing heavy metal elements such as nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) from diverse aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. Nanosized montmorillonite (MON) was used as the raw material and was subjected to
organic chemical modification through silanization using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and grafting of amino groups to produce amino-functionalized nanomontmorillonite composite (NH2-MON). The removal effectiveness of NH2-MON on heavy metal elements in water bodies was
evaluated. Experiments involving adsorption were conducted to evaluate the impact of nanomaterial concentration and solution pH on the entrapment of heavy metal ions. The results indicated that an increased nanomaterial adsorbent dosage precipitated water coagulation, which subsequently altered
the accessibility of adsorption sites for heavy metal ions, thereby significantly affecting the heavy metal removal effectiveness of the nanomaterial. The ideal nanomaterial dosage was determined to be 2.5 g/L, yielding the maximum unit adsorption capacity and removal rate. The acidity or
alkalinity of the solution was instrumental in the adsorption of heavy metal ions such as Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb using nanomaterials, establishing solution pH as a pivotal determinant in the adsorption process. As the solution pH increased, the electronegativity of the nanomaterial increased,
thus encouraging its interaction with positively charged heavy metal ions, including Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb. The ideal solution pH range was found to be 4–5.
The effect of dexmedetomidine nanocrystals on the proliferation and metabolism of lymphocytes behind the ears through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Qian Xinger , Dai Xiaowei , Yang Qiuhong , Ying Jing , Zheng Min
Published: September 2023

Dexmedetomidine affects the activity of lymphocytes behind the head, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. 40 SPF SD rats were separated into control group, dexmedetomidine group, pathway inhibitor group, and positive control group, followed by analysis of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+,
CD8+ T cell ratios, T lymphocyte proliferation inhibition rate, expression of T lymphocyte metabolism-related genes such as β-ACTIN, HIF1A, GLUT1, HK2 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway factors such as p-JAK2, p-STAT3, JAK2, STAT3. The ratios of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+
T cells in dexmedetomidine group and positive control group were higher and that of CD8+ T cells was lower, which all showed opposite changes in pathway inhibitor group. Cell proliferation inhibition rates in dexmedetomidine and positive control group were markedly lower and those
of control group and pathway inhibitor group were both higher. The expression of β-ACTIN, HIF1A, GLUT1 and HK2 related to T lymphocyte metabolism were the lowest in dexmedetomidine group and positive control group (P < 0.05), while control group and the pathway inhibitor
group were higher (P < 0.05). The expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 were the highest in dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). Dexmedetomidine nanocrystals can inhibit the expression of T lymphocyte metabolism-related genes such as β-ACTIN, HIF1A, GLUT1, and HK2,
thereby down-regulating CD4+/CD8+ cells, inhibiting proliferation and metabolism of lymphocytes behind the head and ears, and maintaining the number and function of T lymphocytes. The molecular mechanism of dexmedetomidine is related to the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which can
be used as a target for dexmedetomidine nanocrystals to improve the proliferation and metabolism of lymphocytes.
Study on marine microplastics monitoring based on infrared spectroscopy technology
Authors: Shang Shengmei , Guo Yanwei , Song Jing , Liu Liping
Published: September 2023

In recent years, microplastics particles have been detected in many sea areas around the world. Microplastics has done great harm to marine and terrestrial seawater ecosystems, so it is necessary to obtain the effective statistical data of microplastics in the environment accurately
and quickly for the further study of pollution in microplastics. In this paper, based on IR (Infrared Spectroscopy) technology, hyperspectral images of marine microplastics samples containing different materials were obtained. SVM (Support Vector Machine) algorithm is used to identify microplastics
in hyperspectral images. The results show that the microplastics abundance ranges from 5.193 to 20.281 N/L, 6.087 to 38.679 N/L and 7.498 to 11.084 N/L, respectively, and the average abundance is 11.83 N/L, 24.84 N/L and 19.27 N/L, respectively. The types of microplastics in the bottom water
of the bay in the study area are mainly fibers (53–68%) and debris (23–34%). NIR (Near Infrared) analysis shows that the characteristic curves of microplastics spectra of the same species with different particle sizes are different. IR technology combined with chemometrics algorithm
has great potential for the detection of microplastics in seawater surface and seawater. This method is simple and feasible, and has the feasibility of popularization.
Two new coordination polymers: Crystal structures and photodegradation of the organic dye Rhodamine B
Authors: Du Juan , He Fang , Yang Xuemei
Published: September 2023

The solvothermal assemblies of a silicon-centered tetrahedral ligand as a principal building block, an N-donor ancillary ligand, and the corresponding metal salts yield two new transition metal coordination polymers formulated as [Zn3(OH)(H2O)3L(ttb)]
·3H2O (1) and [Co3(OH)(H2O)2L(ttb)(DMF)2] ·2H2O (2) [H4L = 4,4′,4″,4‴-silanetetrayltetrabenzoic acid, ttp = 1-(tetrazo-5-yl)-4-(triazo-1-yl)benzene, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide].
Photocatalytic test results indicate that complexes 1 and 2 can serve as excellent photocatalysts for Rhodamine B degradation.
Ritual pathways and dramaturgical efforts: Negotiating the meaning of organized play in Norwegian children's sports
Authors: Broch Trygve B
Published: September 2023

This article joins Durkheim's theory of cult and Goffman's notion of an interactional membrane to show how rituals transform social life from mundanity to ritual, and back again. I update these classical theories with a cultural sociology of performance and the sociology of fun to emphasize diversity in social compositions, contextual transformations, and contradiction in meaning. With an abductive methodology, I leverage an ethnography of children's sports in Norway to show how we carry out symbolic work to set sports apart from the mundane and then meaningfully enact games either as an attractive play modality or as a constrained organizing of creative play. Dramaturgy, not athletic success, is key in this study. Children's sports, as an arena for tacit learning about symbolic modalities, show us how much effort it takes to create ritual-like encounters and fun. The study also reveals how broadly available codes about children's sports, and about play itself, are worked into sports through social performances where adult coaches and children manoeuvre the possible meanings of sports. The result is a theory of the multiple pathways for symbolic work we can travel to create ritual-like interactions.
How Incumbent Firms Respond to Emerging Technologies: Comparing Supply-Side and Demand-Side Effects
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian
Published: September 2023

A perennial challenge for executives in established firms is deciding how and when to respond to emerging technologies. This article demonstrates that the way emerging technologies play out in established industries differs according to how the business system is affected. Some have primarily a supply-side effect (on how a firm in the industry creates its product), while others have a primarily demand-side effect (on how users consume the product). Supply-side effects play out over relatively long periods of time in a predictable way, with incumbent firms executing similar strategies though at different speeds. Demand-side effects are faster-acting and more volatile, with incumbents often experimenting with a range of different business models as they seek a viable way forward in a changing market. By understanding these important differences between supply-side and demand-side effects and being able to anticipate the typical patterns of responses from incumbents, executives can make better choices in how and when to invest in emerging technologies.
A Critique of Hallinger's “Empirical Reflection”: How Systemic Racism and Systemic Sexism Can Structure Our Research “Choices?”
Authors: Scheurich James Joseph
Published: September 2023

Hallinger in his “Critical Reflections,” which is research on the most influential content within EAQ, 1965–2020 (55 years), fails to attend to the racism and sexism embedded within his research choices. Because he fails to critically examine or problematize his research choices, he privileges the White males and their biases who dominated EAQ, UCEA, and AERA Division A for nearly two-thirds of his time period. In response, I point out the specific research choices he made that ensure the continued privileging of those older White male scholars and suggest how he could have done his research in a more equitable way. However, Hallinger is only a small fraction of a larger racism and sexism problem. The K12 school system continues to fail miserably at equity and excellence, and since we have been training many of the school leaders, we too (including me) are complicit in Hallinger's failure.
Variations in Mentorship Across Grade Levels and Career Stages Among Public Management Professionals
Authors: Baral Nabin , Cerveny Lee K. , Penaluna Brooke E. , Roper Brett B. , Shively Daniel , Witt Shelly
Published: September 2023

Mentoring is important to career development and employee morale of public sector employees, but little is known about how employee mentoring needs change over the course of one’s career or at different job classification levels. An online survey about the mentoring needs of 251 aquatic professionals in the USDA Forest Service was conducted in 2019. Quantitative data were analyzed across three federal employee grade levels and four career stages. This study found that grade levels influenced the type of skills employees seek to develop and the attributes associated with successful mentoring. Employees in lower grade positions believed that mentoring would help them to achieve a faster promotion or prepare them for a new position, but they also had less access to mentors and received the least encouragement from their supervisors to seek mentoring. Employees at all career stages believed that mentoring was valuable to their professional growth, while middle- and late-career employees received less encouragement from their supervisor to seek a mentor. Differences in mentorship needs, access, importance, and structures across career stages and grade levels suggest potential areas of future development or intervention to expand the benefits of mentoring to all employees.
Representations of the Body and Gender in Varāhamihira’s Jyotiṣaśāstra
Authors: Bithoo Virendra Singh
Published: September 2023

Based primarily on the analysis of Varāhamihira’s writings on Jyotiṣaśāstra, particularly of his Bṛhajjātaka and Bṛhatsaṁhitā, the paper tries to explore how the human body was brought within the realm of auspicious and inauspicious and created certain gender markers and distinctions, which presented socially contingent views of ideal types in early India. It also examines, with the help of arguments and episodes from the Sanskrit epics and Purāṇas, the narrative that came to be woven about gender differences within the context of the evolution of what historians have termed ‘Brahmanical patriarchy’.
Parental perceptions of nutritional intake, cooking skills, and food skills among preschoolers
Authors: Confer Cara , Castellanos Diana Cuy , Beerse Matthew , Gonter-Dray Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Objective: To determine parents’ perceptions of cooking skills, food skills, and nutritional status of children ages 3 to 5 years. Methods: Parents of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years completed two questionnaires, a Nutri-STEP questionnaire, assessing nutritional status, and a cooking exposure questionnaire. This parent recall questionnaire assessed cooking skills and food skills children possessed. Results: Willingness to try a new vegetable, parental confidence of child's cooking skills, total food skills possessed, and the covariates of gender, age, and ethnicity significantly predicted child dietary quality grouping p = 0.04. Conclusions and Implications: Trying new vegetables was a significant predictor of dietary behavior, with children more likely to try new vegetables demonstrating better dietary behavior (odds ratio= .43, p = 0.03). Trends showed that children with more cooking skills had better diets. Empirical data are needed through experimental designs to examine the integration of cooking skills in the home on child dietary behaviors and long-term cooking development.
Ethnic Newspaper Industry in Pakistan and Impacts of Corporate Ownership
Authors: Kamboh Shafiq Ahmad , Hameed Awais , Ittefaq Muhammad
Published: September 2023

During the Indian independence movement, the Urdu-language ethnic newspapers played a significant role in instigating resistance against colonial authorities within local communities. However, later on, Urdu journalism underwent a transformation, shifting from the ‘advocate-journalist’ model to one dominated by corporate ownership in Pakistan. These commercial agents have faced criticism for using journalism as a shield for their other businesses, yet their presence has profoundly impacted current newspaper practices in various ways. Our case study of the Daily Express reveals that this newspaper, by implementing innovative journalism, technological advancements and efficient management practices, has influenced both preceding and subsequent Urdu dailies, transforming Pakistani newspapers into a modern print media industry. Despite these advancements, the impacts of corporate concerns also include a lack of adequate coverage on various human development issues and science-related topics, posing risks to the attractiveness of such papers for the reading public.
How Do We Understand Artworks? Exploring the Role of Artwork Inherent Features in Art Processing
Authors: Specker Eva , Douda Maximilian , Leder Helmut
Published: September 2023

Understanding an artwork is essential for aesthetic experiences. But how does one form an understanding of art? To investigate this still poorly addressed process, we hypothesized that the easier a stimulus is processed (i.e., higher fluency), the easier it should be understood. We focused on artwork inherent features (i.e., style and content) and their interactions affect processing. Making use of the brightness–positivity association, the overall brightness of paintings (i.e., as stylistic feature) was manipulated to match their content (positive vs. negative). We hypothesized that a congruency of style and content would facilitate the processing of paintings resulting in a better understanding, but also, greater liking, and (exploratively) higher artistic value. Our data indicated no congruency effects between brightness and content, but that content alone was a strong predictor for art processing and—in an exploratory approach—highlighted the importance of individual differences in terms of art interest and knowledge in our sample.
Short-term Volumetric and Minimal Area Changes in the Pharyngeal Airway After Use of a Fixed Functional Appliance: A Three-dimensional CBCT Investigation
Authors: Thakur Agrima , Mukhopadhyay Meghna , Verma Shubhnita , Chitra Prasad
Published: September 2023

Objective

Functional appliances are used in orthodontics to bring about correction of mandibular retrognathism by forward positioning and eventually remodeling the condyle- glenoid fossa to retain this new position. Research has shown that these appliances have a significant effect on pharyngeal airway of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in volume and minimum constriction area in the pharyngeal airway using CBCT imaging after correction of mandibular retrognathism with an Advansync2 Class II corrector.

Methods

This single-center study consisted of 20 Class II patients (mean age 14.8 years) who required correction of mandibular retrognathism. The patients were treated with the Advansync2 Class II corrector for an average of 26 weeks. CBCT records were taken at T0 (beginning of treatment) and T1 (end of functional phase). The airway was segmented into lower nasopharynx, velopharynx and oropharynx and analyzed for changes in partial volume, total volume, and minimum area using a CBCT software [NewTom 3GTM (Newtom- Cefla S.C., Verona, Italy)].

Results

The partial and total volumes were significantly larger at T1 than at T0 ( p = .003, .001). In addition, minimum area also improved in each part of the airway ( p = .005, .022, .001).

Conclusion

The Advansync2 fixed functional appliance can be used in Class II patients requiring improvement in their airway dimensions. However, additional long-term studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
Increased Posterior Tibial Slope Increases Force on the Posterior Medial Meniscus Root
Authors: Melugin Heath P. , Brown Justin R. , Hollenbeck Justin F.M. , Fossum Bradley W. , Whalen Ryan J. , Ganokroj Phob , Provencher CAPT Matthew T.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Posterior medial meniscus root (PMMR) tears have been associated with increased posterior tibial slope, but this has not been fully evaluated biomechanically. In addition, the effects of knee flexion and rotation on the PMMR are not well understood biomechanically because of technological testing limitations. A novel multiaxial force sensor has made it possible to elucidate answers to these questions.

Purpose:

(1) To determine if increased posterior tibial slope results in increased posterior shear force and compression on the PMMR, (2) to evaluate how knee flexion angle affects PMMR forces, and (3) to assess how internal and external rotation affects force at the PMMR.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested in all combinations of 3 posterior tibial slopes and 4 flexion angles. A multiaxial force sensor was connected to the PMMR and installed below the posterior tibial plateau maintaining anatomic position. The specimen underwent a 500-N compression load followed by a 5-N·m internal torque and a 5-N·m external torque. The magnitude and direction of the forces acting on the PMMR were measured.

Results:

Under joint compression, an increased tibial slope significantly reduced the tension on the PMMR between 5° and 10° (from 13.5 N to 6.4 N), after which it transitioned to a significant increase in PMMR compression, reaching 7.6 N at 15°. Under internal torque, increased tibial slope resulted in 4.7 N of posterior shear at 5° significantly changed to 2.0 N of anterior shear at 10° and then 8.2 N of anterior shear at 15°. Under external torque, increased tibial slope significantly decreased PMMR compression (5°: 8.9 N; 10°: 4.3 N; 15°: 1.1 N). Under joint compression, increased flexion angle significantly increased medial shear forces of the PMMR (0°, 3.8 N; 30°, 6.2 N; 60°, 7.3 N; 90°, 8.4 N). Under internal torque, 90° of flexion significantly increased PMMR tension from 2.3 N to 7.5 N. Under external torque, 30° of flexion significantly increased PMMR compression from 4.7 N to 12.2 N.

Conclusion:

An increased posterior tibial slope affects compression and anterior shear forces at the PMMR. An increased flexion angle affects compression, tension, and medial shear forces at the PMMR.

Clinical Relevance:

The increase in compression and posterior shear force when the knee is loaded in compression may place the PMMR under increased stress and risk potential failure after repair. This study provides clinicians with information to create safer protocols and improve repair techniques to minimize the forces experienced at the PMMR.
States living in glasshouses …: Why fighting domestic insurgency changes how countries vote in the UN human rights council
Authors: Prasad Shubha Kamala , Nooruddin Irfan
Published: September 2023

How do conflicts within a country's borders affect its behavior beyond them? We argue that fighting insurgencies at home shapes a country's human rights posture at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). States often suppress insurgencies using methods that violate their international human rights commitments. They are therefore hesitant to condemn other countries’ alleged violations for fear of reciprocal condemnation of their own actions. This is especially true in countries with greater media freedom where the media is more likely to hold the state accountable for human rights violations, and to highlight its apparent hypocrisy internationally. Such states, we argue, are more likely to vote against or abstain from resolutions that target individual states for human rights transgressions. We test this claim with a global statistical analysis of country voting patterns at the UNHRC from 1973 to 2017. Our results yield new insights into the determinants of countries’ voting behavior in multilateral human rights fora.
The Relational Domains of Adolescence: Changes and Possibilities During COVID Era
Authors: Marzana Daniela , Rochira Alessia , Di Napoli Immacolata , Albanesi Cinzia , Mannarini Terri , Fedi Angela , Procentese Fortuna , Aresi Giovanni , Barbieri Irene , Calandri Emanuela , Compare Christian , Gatti Flora , Guarino Antonella , Tzankova Iana , Marta Elena
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic experience had a major impact on adolescents’ relational lives. The abrupt change in habits led adolescents to revise their relationships with respect to family, friends, and school; they suffered greatly because of this but, at the same time, were able to discover new resources and possibilities. The present paper aims to give adolescents a voice by exploring their experiences of the change that the pandemic period brought about in their life and significant relationships as well as by examining whether quarantine and social isolation provided opportunities for personal growth and transformation. The participants were 66 adolescents (between 16 and 19 years old). A qualitative method was adopted with a semi-structured interview that investigated changes in the main relational areas. The results offer an insight into the lives of adolescents during the lockdown in Italy, allowing us to “hear their voice.” The results highlight the adolescents’ struggle to cope with the change, suffering from the many limitations but also experiencing increased self-awareness, reflectivity, and responsibility.
Vasopressin Initiation as a Second-Line VasoPressor in Early Septic Shock (VISPSS)
Authors: Ragoonanan David , Nickelsen Paige , Tran Nicolas , Allen Bryan , Emborski Rebecca , Legare Anit , Vilella Antonia , Hampson Lauryn , Busey Kirsten , Shomo Eileen , Broomfield Abby , Hailu Kirubel
Published: September 2023

Background

Vasopressin is recommended as a second-line vasoactive agent for the management of septic shock; however, a paucity of data to guide its optimal use remains. The aim was to evaluate the effect of time-to vasopressin initiation and norepinephrine (NE) dose at vasopressin initiation on clinical outcomes in patients presenting with septic shock.

Methods

This was a multi-centered, retrospective, observational study conducted in patients with septic shock. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients initiated on vasopressin when NE-equivalent dose (NEE) < 0.25 mcg/kg/min or ≥ 0.25 mcg/kg/min. The primary outcome was time-to-vasopressor discontinuation (hours). Secondary outcomes included 28-day in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), fluid balance after 72 hours, and the change in NEE at 12 hours.

Results

A total of 302 patients were included in this study. After propensity-score matching, 73 patients in each group were identified for analysis. There was no significant difference in the time-to-vasopressor discontinuation (hours) between the groups (88.8 [55–187.5] vs 86.7 [47–172]); p = 0.7815). Fluid balance (mL) at 72 hours was significantly lower when vasopressin was initiated at NEE < 0.25 mcg/kg/min (1769 [71–7287] vs 5762 [1463–8813]; p = 0.0077). A multivariable linear regression showed shorter time to shock resolution with earlier vasopressin initiation, defined as within 4 hours (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this propensity-score matched cohort, vasopressin initiation at NEE < 0.25 mcg/kg/min was not associated with shorter vasopressor duration. There was a lower fluid balance at 72 hours when vasopressin was initiated at lower NE doses.
Differential Associations Between Posttraumatic Cognitions, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, and Race Among Black and White Veterans Seeking Treatment for Assaultive Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Fernando Michelle , Tu Joseph W. , Grau Peter P. , Koch Ellen I. , Blevins Emily J. , Jefferson Stephen , Sexton Minden B.
Published: September 2023

Past research supports the role of negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPCs) in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship between NPCs and PTSD may be uniquely impacted by racial status and experiences of military sexual trauma (MST), both of which may have a unique impact on one’s understanding of self, others, and the world. We explored racial differences in the association between NPCs and PTSD symptom clusters in a sample of veterans endorsing MST ( N = 139; 74.8% White, 25.2% Black). A path model was created and analyzed both with the full sample and separately by racial group. In the full sample, NPCs about the self and world were significantly associated with intrusion, negative alterations in cognitions and mood (NACM), and arousal, but not avoidance. Self-blame was not a significant predictor of negative alterations in cognition in mood. This model was consistent in the White veteran model, whereas only negative cognitions about the self were associated with NACM in the Black veteran path model. NPCs about the self and world appear important to non-avoidance PTSD symptomatology related to MST and thus should be targeted in treatment. For Black veterans endorsing distress related to NACM symptoms, negative beliefs about the self should be specifically considered for intervention.
Labeling Victimization Experiences and Self as Predictors of Service Need Perceptions and Talking to Police
Authors: Johnson Ingrid Diane , LaPlante Janelle Elaine
Published: September 2023

Theoretical frameworks suggest that how victims of violence against women (VAW) label their experiences and selves shapes their help-seeking intentions and behaviors. Quantitative studies assessing this relationship have focused on sexual assault and have neglected self-labels, thus this study adds to the research by including multiple forms of VAW and both experience-labels (e.g., “abuse”) and self-labels (e.g., “victim”). Data came from a community-based sample of 1,284 adult, female victims of physical intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. These women participated in a state-wide phone survey in 2020 to determine victimization prevalence and were selected for the present analyses based on their victimization experiences. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine whether experience- and self-labels predicted the likelihood of perceiving the need for legal services, victim services, shelter or safe housing, and/or medical care, as well as talking to police. Both applying a label to one’s experiences with VAW and applying a label to oneself in relation to those experiences approximately doubled the odds of perceiving a need for formal services. The significance of self-labels seemed to be driven by the “survivor” label, as using a “victim” label was not related to need perceptions, but a “survivor” label doubled or tripled the odds of perceiving a need for formal services. Applying a label to one’s experiences with VAW almost doubled the odds of talking to the police, and, again, use of the “survivor” self-label significantly increased the odds of talking to the police. These findings confirm the importance of labeling one’s victimization experiences and self, and indicate that greater attention be paid to the labels that victims use and how the use of labels might be improved so that they are more likely to seek and attain meaningful help and services.
Use of Eravacycline for Acinetobacter baumannii Infections: A Case Series
Authors: Buckley Valerie , Tran MaiCuc , Price Todd , Singh Sushma , Stramel Stefanie
Published: September 2023

This case series describes the clinical course of 10 patients who received eravacycline antimicrobial therapy for a variety of different Acinetobacter baumannii infection types at a community care hospital.
Beyond voice: An onto-epistemological analysis of maternal transition inquiry
Authors: Neely Eva , Pettie Michaela , Henderson Elle
Published: September 2023

The maternal transition is a key concept for studying first-time motherhood. Whilst qualitative research in this space has contributed much to understanding the psychological and sociocultural shifts in this transition, a broad adoption of conventional humanistic qualitative methodologies has produced linear and rather homogenous knowledges. In this article, we interrogate the onto-epistemological repercussions of such inquiry and cut into this work by plugging into feminist/new materialisms and critical posthumanism. We trace the trail of qualitative maternal transition literature by examining methodologies and methods to think through the limits and potentialities of their knowledge-production capacity. We read across the research practices of 56 maternal transition articles spanning the past 5 decades. We found most reside within a liberal humanist framework, which inevitably positions mothers as rational, agentic, disembodied, and responsible actors. We explore what is in-between, missing, or could be in future becoming-mother research assemblages. Through thinking with feminist/new materialist and critical posthuman theories as inquiry pathways, we open up the maternal transition as a constantly evolving and fluctuating process of becoming-mother. Findings underscore the importance of diversifying theory and methodologies in studying first-time motherhood and paying greater attention to the relations between human and non-human agencies.
“Holding Families in Uncertainty”: A Framework Analysis of the Role and Impact of Children's Hospices in the Provision of Perinatal Palliative Care
Authors: Tatterton Michael J , Fisher Megan J , Storton Helen , McShane Zoë P , Walker Charlotte
Published: September 2023

There is growing international evidence of the benefits of early perinatal palliative care for babies and their families. Despite this, inconsistency remains in ways care is provided by services including fetal medicine, maternity and neonatal services, and children's hospices. The aim of this study was to answer the question “ What are the benefits and barriers to family-centered perinatal advance care planning from the perspective of professionals involved in the care of neonates and infants with life-limiting conditions?” Three focus groups comprising hospice practitioners were held across the UK. A lack of awareness of the role of hospices was described as the biggest barrier to referral to hospice services. Practitioners unanimously described having a physical presence alongside teams, as being the biggest contributor to improved multiagency working, facilitated through joint working and education provision. Early referral to hospice services, in parallel with curative services led to better outcomes and experiences of families, according to participants.
Ultrasound Tongue Imaging in Research and Practice with People with Cleft Palate ± Cleft Lip
Authors: Cleland Joanne
Published: September 2023

Ultrasound tongue imaging is becoming popular as a tool for both phonetic research and biofeedback for treating speech sound disorders. Despite this, it has not yet been adopted into cleft palate ± cleft lip care. This paper explores why this might be the case by highlighting recent research in this area and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of using ultrasound in cleft palate ± cleft lip care. Research suggests that technological advances have largely overcome some of the difficulties of employing ultrasound with this population and we predict a future increase in the clinical application of the tool.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma with Enteroblastic Differentiation in the Presence of Calcification: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Mengyao , Chen Jiajun , Wang Weihao , Hou Chuanling
Published: September 2023

Gastric adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation is a specific subtype of gastric cancer that is rare and highly malignant, usually presenting at an early stage with lymphovascular invasion, lymph node, and distant metastases, resulting in a poor prognosis. The pathology of this patient showed a classic tubular adenocarcinoma infiltrating into the mucosal layer, with the presence of cytoplasmic translucent tumor cells below the mucosal layer. It is noteworthy that this patient did not exhibit lymphovascular invasion, lymph node, and distant metastasis. Additionally, a large amount of calcification was observed; therefore, it remains unclear whether there exists any correlation between the two factors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating massive calcification in gastric adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation, which may have implications for future diagnosis of this rare subtype of gastric cancer.
Papillary Cystadenofibroma of the Epididymis: A Case Report
Authors: Parisi Xenia , Feinstein Alexander , Merkulova Yekaterina , Rodriguez Marc , Sun Yue
Published: September 2023

To date, only 1 example of cystadenofibroma of the epididymis has been reported in the English literature. Here, we present a second cystadenofibroma originating from the epididymis of a 54-year-old man who presented with painful swelling in the scrotum. The scrotal mass measured 6.3 cm and contained a clear yellow, serous to gelatinous fluid-filled cyst with internal papillae. Microscopically, the mass contained both stromal and epithelial components. The stromal component consisted of spindle cells arranged in small intervening fascicles, forming simple cyst and papillae. The cyst and papillae were lined by cuboidal to columnar and ciliated epithelium. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the stromal component was positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and CD10, which are characteristic of ovarian-type stroma. However, the epithelium lining was positive for keratin cocktail AE1/3&CAM5.2, CD10, PAX8, androgen receptor, and alpha-1 antitrypsin, suggesting a possible Wolffian duct origin.
Iatrogenic Endometriosis of the Breast Mimicking Fat Necrosis: A Case Report
Authors: De La Riva-Morales Ivan , Umeres-Francia Gianfranco Eddu , Novo Jorge Eduardo
Published: September 2023

A female patient with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ in the left breast, status-post bilateral mastectomy with deep inferior epigastric perforator artery flap reconstructive surgery, presented with a right breast asymmetry concerning for fat necrosis. Histological analysis revealed the presence of benign glands and associated stroma within fibroadipose tissue, confirmed as endometriosis by immunohistochemical analysis. Further investigation revealed that the patient had a previous diagnosis of endometriosis associated with a cesarean section scar that likely seeded the ectopic endometrial glands into a tertiary site by utilizing abdominal tissue that may have harbored endometriosis.
Alternatives to Monkey Reproductive Toxicology Testing for Biotherapeutics
Authors: Hoberman Alan M. , Maki Kazushige , Mikashima Fumito , Naota Misaki , Wange Ronald L. , Lansita Janice A. , Weis Shawna L.
Published: September 2023

Embryofetal toxicity studies are conducted to support inclusion of women of childbearing potential in clinical trials and to support labeling for the marketed pharmaceutical product. For biopharmaceuticals, which frequently lack activity in the rodent or rabbit, the nonhuman primate is the standard model to evaluate embryofetal toxicity. These studies have become increasingly challenging to conduct due to the small number of facilities capable of performing them and a shortage of sexually mature monkeys. The low number of animals per group and the high rate of spontaneous abortion in cynomolgus monkeys further complicate interpretation of the data. Recent FDA guidance has proposed a weight of evidence (WoE) approach to support product labeling for reproductive toxicity of products intended to be used for the treatment of cancer ( Oncology Pharmaceuticals: Reproductive Toxicity Testing and Labeling Recommendations), an approach that has also supported the approval of biotherapeutics for non-cancer indications. Considerations to determine the appropriateness and content of a WoE approach to support product labeling for embryofetal risk include known class effects in humans; findings from genetically modified animals with or without drug administration; information from surrogate compounds; literature-based assessments about the developmental role of the pharmaceutical target; and the anticipated exposure during embryofetal development. This paper summarizes the content of a session presented at the 42nd annual meeting at the American College of Toxicology, which explored the conditions under which alternative approaches may be appropriate to support product labeling for reproductive risk, and how sponsors can best justify the use of this approach.
Ranking analysis of flyash – basalt fibre – polyamide 66 polymer composites based on the mechanical and sliding wear performance metrics using hybrid AHP-R method
Authors: Sharma Ravi Prakash , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Ashiwani
Published: September 2023

This research work investigates the physical, mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical, and dry sliding wear characteristics of hybrid flyash particulates (F-class; 0 – 20 wt.% at the step of 5%)–basalt fibres (chopped; fixed 10 wt.%) reinforced polyamide 66 polymer composites fabricated using the twin screw extruder and injection moulding machine. Taguchi's design of experiment optimization approach is used for parameter optimization of the dry sliding wear process, followed by analysis of variance analysis. Further, the hybrid AHP-R method is used for ranking optimization based on the performance metrics. It is observed that the composition having 15 wt.% flyash particulates optimizes overall performance metrics, hence recommended for industrial parts fabrications. It has an experimental density of 1.23 g/cc, voids content of 5.93%, water absorption of 4.21%, tensile strength of 110.73 MPa, flexural strength of 146.72 MPa, Rockwell hardness of 62.44 HRM, fracture toughness of 4.17 MPa√m, impact strength of 2.06 J, the thermal conductivity of 1.24 W/mK, and specific wear rate of 7.55 × 10−4 mm3/Nm. The overall subjective ranking of the hybrid polymer composites attunes with the objective ranking by the hybrid AHP-R method.
Achieving regional revitalization through festival marketplaces: The perspective of participating companies
Authors: Chang Kuang Yu , Ku Edward CS
Published: September 2023

This study examined the roles of community-related factors (participating companies’ support, resource preservation, and sociocultural exchange) in festival marketplaces in Taiwan. It assessed the factors that predict the impact of regional revitalization via tourism consumption. The study employed convenience sampling, a questionnaire survey of 627 employees working for participating companies attending the Taiwanese festival marketplace, and a structural equation modeling approach to analyze the research model. Festival marketplaces enhance a destination's image and are used in marketing strategies to shape its regional revitalization. Our findings confirm that the attractiveness of a festival marketplace indicates that resident participation helps attract tourists to a community and positively impacts regional revitalization. The festival marketplace is an element of event tourism and a regional revitalization strategy. The multiple identities of the participating companies’ employees act as bridges between companies and residents. This study demonstrates the significance of this finding.