bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National recommendations to standardise acute kidney injury detection and alerting
Authors: Marrington Rachel , Barton Anna L , Yates Alexandra , McKane William , Selby Nicholas M , Murray Jonathan S , Medcalf James F , MacKenzie Finlay , Myers Martin
Published: May 2023

Background

National Health Service England issued a Patient Safety Alert in 2014 mandating all acute Trusts in England to implement Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) warning stage results and to do so using a standardised algorithm. In 2021, the Renal and Pathology Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) teams found significant variation in AKI reporting across the UK. A survey was designed to capture information on the entire AKI detection and alerting process to investigate the potential sources of this unwarranted variation.

Methods

In August 2021, an online survey consisting of 54 questions was made available to all UK laboratories. The questions covered creatinine assays, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), the AKI algorithm and AKI reporting.

Results

We received 101 responses from laboratories. Data were reviewed for England only – 91 laboratories. Findings included that 72% used enzymatic creatinine. In addition, 7 manufacturer-analytical platforms, 15 different LIMS and a wide range of creatinine reference ranges were in use. In 68% of laboratories, the AKI algorithm was installed by the LIMS provider. Marked variation was found in the minimum age of AKI reporting with only 18% starting at the recommended 1 month/28-days. Some 89% phoned all new AKI2s and AKI3s, as per AKI guidance while 76% provided comments/hyperlinks in reports.

Conclusions

The national survey has identified laboratory practices that potentially contribute to unwarranted variation in the reporting of AKI in the England. This has formed the basis for improvement work to remedy the situation, including national recommendations, included within this article.
The Mennonite case for counter-sovereignty through Indigenous assimilation: Settler colonialism, self-determination and relation to place in religious identity
Authors: Wiebe Joseph , Thackeray Sydney
Published: May 2023

This essay analyses settler colonialism’s impact on religious settler identity through one community’s perceptions and interactions with Indigenous peoples. It combines a normative commitment to Indigenous self-determination with an empirical study of Mennonite settlement narratives by drawing on Indigenous sources to interpret Mennonite descriptions of Indigenous communities between 1880 and 1939. Specifically, using two central characteristics of Indigenous religion and politics to frame the analysis – relationality and self-determination – reveals how Mennonites narrated Indigenous presence to establish their own self-determination. The study identifies the evaluative categories that Mennonites used to narrate Indigenous communities and then uses those categories with a focus on relationality and self-determination to assess North American Mennonite religious history in the same period. It demonstrates how Mennonites’ arguments for Indigenous peoples’ assimilation to settler society were motivated not just by Christian conviction but also by their desire to secure their own sovereignty. Mennonites’ interest in assimilation has at least as much to do with their relation to place as it does with their religious claims.
Evaluation of structural parameters to predict particle filtration and air permeability performance of woven textiles
Authors: Douguet Orlane , Buet-Gautier Karine , Leyssens Gontrand , Bueno Marie-Ange , Mathieu Daniel , Brilhac Jean-Francois , Tschamber Valérie
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted environmental and supply issues related to single-use protective masks for both the general public and some healthcare workers. Reusable fabrics are an interesting alternative to disposable nonwovens and offer a prospect of protection in other fields such as against fine particles in urban areas. In this paper, the behavior of 22 woven fabrics regarding air permeability, simulating breathability through the material, and filtration against 3 µm diameter particles is investigated. First, basic laws are verified between the performance of a single layer of fabrics and that of a stack. A relationship is established between air permeability and filtration efficiency, allowing one to be calculated when the other is known. Second, the influence of parameters defined at various scales of the structure (fibers, yarns and fabrics) is analyzed. The most sensitive structural parameters that can be considered as predictors are then identified and used in a model allowing the calculation of air permeability. In this model two levels of porosity are taken into account: a macroscopic porosity at the scale of the woven structure and a microscopic porosity at the scale of the thread. The model proposed in this study offers a convenient method to design an effective filter from data easily measurable during manufacturing.
Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, Alcohol Consumption, and Tobacco Use in Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nindenshuti Paul Marcel , Caire-Juvera Graciela
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic changed various lifestyle habits worldwide due to the prevention measures implemented in each country, these changes may affect or benefit people’s health. We aimed to systematically review changes in diet, physical activity (PA), alcohol consumption, and tobacco use habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults. Two databases: PubMed and ScienceDirect, were used for this systematic review. The research was limited to open-access, peer-reviewed original articles published in English, French, or Spanish from January 2020 to December 2022 and investigated diet, PA, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use habits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults. Excluded studies were review studies, intervention studies with a sample size of fewer than 30 participants, and poor-quality articles. This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42023406524), whereas to assess the quality of the studies, we used the quality assessment tools developed by the BSA Medical Sociology Group for cross-sectional studies and the QATSO for the longitudinal studies. Thirty-two studies were included. Some studies reported changes to promote healthy lifestyles; 13 out of 15 articles reported an increase in healthy diet consumption habits, 5 out of 7 studies reported a decrease in alcohol consumption, and 2 out of 3 studies reported a decrease in tobacco use. On the other hand, the other studies reported changes to promote unhealthy lifestyles: 9 out of 15, and 2 out of 7 studies reported an increase in unhealthy diet and alcohol consumption habits respectively, 25 out of 25 reported a decrease in physical activity, and 13 out of 13 reported an increase in sedentary behavior. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been changes to promote a healthy and unhealthy lifestyle; the latter can affect people’s health. Therefore, effective responses are needed to mitigate the consequences.
Empathy and psychological concerns among medical students in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wercelens Victor Oliveira , Bueno Mariana Leles , Bueno Julia Leles , Abrahim Roberta Perfeito , Ydy Julia Guimarães Mauad , Zanetti Hugo Ribeiro , Montayre Jed , Maximiano-Barreto Madson Alan
Published: May 2023

Objective

Being in direct contact with COVID-19 patients for long periods increases the risk of infection among frontline workers. The purpose of this study was to identify levels of empathy and psychological concern among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was conducted among medical interns divided into two groups: those who worked on the frontline (n = 87) and those who did not (n = 63) during the COVID pandemic. The students completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

The majority of respondents were women (70.7%), and the mean age was 25.45 ± 3.93 years. In unadjusted analyses, those who worked with COVID-19 patients had a higher level of empathy, stress, burnout symptoms, and depressive symptoms. In the logistic regression analyses, students who worked on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher level of empathy (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16-1.14), higher perceived stress levels (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05-1.39), and greater burnout symptoms (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.10-1.30).

Conclusion

Medical students in the internship period who worked on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic had more psychological concerns and higher levels of empathy compared to those who did not work on the frontline.
Adolescent-directed racial-ethnic socialization: Developmental processes that contribute to adolescents’ ability to provide racial-ethnic socialization within immigrant family contexts
Authors: Patel Puja , Livas Stein Gabriela , Kiang Lisa , Juang Linda , Cheah Charissa S. L.
Published: May 2023

Immigrants currently account for close to 14% of the United States’ population with one in four children growing up in an immigrant household. Yet, little is known about how immigrant parents and their adolescents dialogue about race and ethnicity within the evolving sociopolitical environment. Traditionally, the adolescents’ role in racial-ethnic socialization (RES) has been conceptualized as receivers of messages around race and ethnicity from their parents. However, differential rates at which adolescents and parents acculturate to the mainstream society could lead the adolescent to possess a more contemporary understanding of the social and racial landscape in the United States, thereby becoming the “deliverer” of messages on racial socialization rather being just a “receiver.” To inform our understanding of the potential process of how adolescents might be positioned to socialize their parents on race/ethnicity, this paper integrates key aspects of RES, racial-ethnic identity, and critical consciousness among Latinx and Asian immigrant adolescents to inform a conceptual model of adolescent-directed RES. The current conceptual model highlights several important avenues for future research to empirically assess individual and familial factors associated with adolescent-directed RES.
Politicization of Immigration and Language Use in Political Elites: A Study of Spanish Parliamentary Speeches
Authors: Chulvi Berta , Molpeceres Mariangeles , Rodrigo María F. , Toselli Alejandro H. , Rosso Paolo
Published: May 2023

This study uses natural language processing (NLP) tools to analyze how politicians recreate the stereotype of immigrants in the Spanish Parliament. An interdisciplinary approach from computational linguistics and social psychology has been used to construct a variety of indices about content and linguistic styles. The analysis of 2,516 parliamentary interventions about immigration delivered between 1996 and 2016 by representatives of the two political parties that alternated in power during that period (conservative Popular Party and Spanish Socialist Party) shows that both the rhetorical strategy to present immigrants as “victims” or as a “threat” and the language style that politicians use reveal an interaction between the ideology of the party and the party's political position in government or in the opposition. Results also suggest some changes over time in the polarization and politicization of the debate about immigration.
Reckoning with the digital turn in electoral geography
Authors: Temple Luke
Published: May 2023

The sub-discipline of electoral geography contains research threads that draw on different theoretical, philosophical, and methodological traditions. I link these threads to the ‘digital turn’ that is occurring in the electoral landscape and in the discipline of geography itself. The use of digital technology is increasingly shaping electioneering and data regimes, providing new conceptual challenges concerning the spatial mediation and subsequent knowledge politics of voting and campaigning. Responding to these challenges requires not only building on the subfield’s tradition of interdisciplinarity but also on strengthening intra-disciplinary dialogue, in particular working across the quantitative–qualitative divide.
Childhood Sexual Trauma and Subjective Cognitive Decline: An Assessment of Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Orientation Disparities
Authors: Brown Monique J. , Amoatika Daniel , Addo Prince Nii Ossah , Kaur Amandeep , Haider Mohammad Rifat , Merrell Melinda A. , Crouch Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Prior studies examining the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the racial/ethnic and sexual orientation disparities in the association between CSA and SCD. Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, crude and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between CSA and SCD adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes, hypertension, and depression. There were statistically significant differences in CSA status by age, gender, income, education, employment, and health status (depression). Black and Hispanic/Latine respondents had a stronger relationship between CSA and SCD compared to White populations. Also, sexual minority populations had a stronger relationship between CSA and SCD compared to heterosexual populations. Health disparities exist in the association between CSA and SCD. Trauma-informed interventions should be implemented among affected populations.
Benjamin Gibson 1774–1812: Manchester's first ophthalmologist
Authors: Jones Nicholas
Published: May 2023

Benjamin Gibson, a Newcastle-born surgeon, trained in Lancaster, Chester, London and Edinburgh before being appointed as assistant to Charles White, Manchester surgeon and man-midwife. He developed expertise in eye diseases, particularly of children. In 1804 he was appointed Honorary Surgeon to the Manchester Infirmary. He died young in 1812, but had published significantly on the cause of ophthalmia neonatorum, on cataract surgery in infants (the first to do so) and on surgery to reform damaged pupils. He was the first specialist oculist in Manchester and the North of England, and the first in that region to perform cataract extraction.
Off the ‘Minor’ Tracks: K. J. Yesudas, Popular Music and Religion in Kerala
Authors: Markose Ambili Anna
Published: May 2023

This article examines the formation of minority subjectivity in the cultural public sphere of Kerala, South India by analysing the case of a famous singer from Kerala, Kattassery Joseph Yesudas or K. J. Yesudas. The singer’s popularity is punctuated by the shifts and ruptures in the music industry in Malayalam – the standard language of the region. This analysis elucidates the historical premises wherein aesthetic judgments shape discourses of identity politics and cultural legitimacy. Therefore, it focuses on the singer’s cult image and the visual manifestations of his voice. In doing so, this article attends to the many layers of the unparalleled popularity Yesudas enjoys. This analysis explores how a specific idea of secularism is foundational in the singer’s popularity and proposes that the idea of sacrifice plays a crucial role within. Clearly, Yesudas’s colossal status is predicated on an idea of performance and this performance is embodied in a perennial sacrifice of the self. Further, the article argues that Yesudas’s popularity and the trajectory of minority politics in Kerala is crucial in the erasure of ‘other’ voices from the domain of popular music in the region.
Music listening according to the iso principle modulates affective state
Authors: Starcke Katrin , von Georgi Richard
Published: May 2023

Music listening can modulate affective states. Individuals can choose music that is congruent or incongruent with their current affective state. Music therapy intervention manuals suggest that individuals who suffer from mental disorders should listen to music according to the iso principle. This involves listening to music that initially matches the current affective state, and then gradually shifting to listening to music that represents a desired state. In the current study, 59 healthy participants underwent a sadness induction by being shown a movie clip designed to induce sadness. They were subsequently divided into two experimental groups: the iso group and the compensatory group. The iso group listened to a sad song first, followed by a happy song. The compensatory group listened to two happy songs. All participants rated their current affective state prior to and after the sadness induction, and after listening to each of the songs. In addition, trait affect and personality were assessed. The results indicated that the movie clip induced sadness in both experimental groups. After listening to the two songs, the iso group reported significantly lower negative affect than the compensatory group. Final affective state was related to trait affect and personality. We conclude that listening to music according to the iso principle is effective in modulating affective state. Individuals who listen to music according to the iso principle should experience changes of affect in line with the music’s affective shift.
A ‘disguised scheme for compensated emancipation’: Accounting for gradual abolition in nineteenth century New Jersey
Authors: McDowell Evelyn , Hammond Theresa
Published: May 2023

Contributing to the expanding examination of the accounting policies that facilitated slavery's persistence in the United States, this study examines the Gradual Abolition Act of 1804 of New Jersey, the last Northern state to emancipate enslaved humans. New Jersey's Act included a provision for payments to white ‘masters’ for the care of children born after the Act to mothers who were – and remained – enslaved. These payments were considered a form of ‘compensated abolition’ and were included in the Act because prior efforts to persuade enslavers in New Jersey to agree to an eventual end to human enslavement had failed. With a focus on the children in Montgomery Township, this article investigates how the State of New Jersey disbursed the funds for this provision, and expands on previous research on the role of accounting for slavery by examining the crucial role states – including Northern states that are often overlooked in studies of United States' slavery – played in perpetuating this brutal system.
Home Advantage and its Influencing Factors in FIFA World Cup Asian Qualification
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: May 2023

To investigate home advantage in the FIFA World Cup Asian qualification, 508 matches in the group stage of World Cup qualifying in a total of five Asian Zone World Cup qualifying tournaments from 2006–2022 were analysed. It was found that home advantage exists in the Asian Zone World Cup qualifiers as a whole (59.9%), with home advantage at the regional level ranging from high to low in South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, East Asia and Central Asia; Turkmenistan is the country with the highest home advantage, reflecting its exceptional nature. At the individual match level, three factors of Country, Subregion and Year were adjusted by putting them into a multilevel model as random effects, meanwhile, a multi-level model with home points as the dependent variable and the rest as predictor variables also fit well ( R2 = .382). The results show that time zone and climate are significantly correlated with home points after controlling for team quality (both p < .05), i.e., travel and climate were key factors influencing the Asian Zone World Cup qualifiers. Altitude, referee bias, crowd and cultural dimensions were not significant influencing factors for home advantage. As cultural dimensions that significantly affect the home advantage in domestic leagues, corruption, ethnic fractionalisation and conflict did not have a significant impact on the home advantage of the Asian qualifiers, indicating that their roles may not be applicable to international competition settings, at least in the Asian qualifiers.
Effectiveness of an elastically supported beam under the action of moving loads traversing in the opposite direction
Authors: Panda Susmita , Banerjee Arnab , Manna Bappaditya
Published: May 2023

The design of high-speed simply supported bridges in critical conditions, such as road or canal crossings, is a matter of concern, particularly under two-way crossings with sequential wheel loads. Contrarily to simple classical support, elastic bearings can serve towards vibration mitigation under high speed. In this paper, a non-dimensional framework is developed to understand the impact mechanism of an elastically supported (ES) beam under the action of single as well as opposite traversing loads. A good agreement with the available literature has been confirmed for the one-way crossing using the present methodology. Moreover, a parametric study is conducted for an ES beam, in which the effects of speed parameter ( η), speed parameter ratio between two trains ( R), interspatial distance between loads to the length of the bridge ( ϵ), damping ζ, stiffness parameter ( κ), and traversing time difference between two trains ( t os) are investigated. The theoretical results suggest the effective use of the ES beam under higher values of η for one-way and R for two-way traffic. Additionally, various resonances and cancellation speed ratios under particular values of ϵ have been identified under varying values of κ.
Hip Hop Party Dance: Cardiorespiratory Profile and Responses to a Predefined Sequence
Authors: Prates Claudia Machado , Tsiouti Nefeli , Fagundes Alex de Oliveira , Reichert Thaís , Wyon Matthew , Haas Aline Nogueira
Published: May 2023

Hip hop is a popular dance genre practiced worldwide that has gained popularity since the 1970s. Despite this, studies related to the area and its physiological demands are still scarce. The purpose of this study was to report the cardiorespiratory profile of a group of male and female hip hop dancers to determine the zones of intensity of a predefined hip hop party dance sequence. Eight Brazilian professional hip hop dancers, four women and four men, mean age 22 ± 2.3 years, participated in the study. Using a portable gas analyser (Cosmed K5) their cardiorespiratory variables were measured at two different times: first, during a maximal treadmill test and later during a predefined hip hop party dance sequence. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used for calculating the dependent variables: oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and the intensity zones for the predefined hip hop sequence. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Mann-Whitney U-test was performed to check any sex-related difference (p < 0.01). No statistical difference between male and female dancers was found in the cardiorespiratory profile and responses to the predefined hip hop party dance sequence. On the treadmill, the participants’ VO2peak was 57.3 ± 12.7 ml·kg-1·min-1, and HRmax was 190.0 ± 9.1 b·min-1. The predefined hip hop party dance sequence was mainly (61%) performed in the moderate aerobic zone. However, when the dancers jumped, the intensity of the sequence increased. This information could be used to develop a specific supplementary training protocols for hip hop dancers to improve their physiological fitness parameters and reduce the incidence of injury.
Optic neuropathy diagnosis in the emergency room - retrospective observational study of the last 18 years
Authors: Cardoso Daniel , Bezerra Sofia , Soares-dos-Reis Ricardo , Sá Maria José , Guimarães Joana
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Optic neuropathies (ON), a broad spectrum of disorders of the optic nerve, are a frequent cause of visual loss, presenting either in isolation or associated to neurological or systemic disorders. They are often first evaluated in the Emergency Room (ER) and a rapid determination of the etiology is imperative for implementing timely and appropriate treatment. We aim to describe ER demographic data and clinical characteristics, as well as the performed imaging exams, of patients subsequently hospitalized and diagnosed with ON. Furthermore, we seek to explore the accuracy of ER discharge diagnosis and evaluate possible predictive factors that may influence it.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 192 patients admitted to the ward of the Neurology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João (CHUSJ), with a discharge diagnosis of ON. Subsequently, we selected those admitted from the ER, with clinical, laboratory and imaging data, between January 2004 and December 2021.

Results

We included 171 patients. All participants were discharged from the ER and admitted in the ward with a main diagnostic suspicion of ON. Patients were stratified according to suspected etiology at the time of discharge: 99 inflammatory (57.9%), 38 ischemic (22.2%), 27 unspecified (15.8%) and 7 other (4.1%). By comparing with current follow-up diagnosis, 125 patients had an accurate ER diagnosis category (73.1%), 27 had an ON diagnosis of unspecified etiology that was defined only during follow-up (15.8%) and 19 had an inaccurate diagnosis category (11.1%). Diagnostic change was more common with ER ischemic diagnosis (21.1%) compared to inflammatory diagnosis (8.1%) (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Our study reveals that most patients with ON can be accurately diagnosed in the ER through clinical history neurological and ophthalmological evaluation.
The effects of traditional Muslim prayer positions on intraocular pressure in subjects with and without glaucoma
Authors: Dar Nimrod , Zhalka Fidaa , Atta Dalila Abu , Burgansky-Eliash Zvia , Belkin Avner
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To compare the magnitude and duration of intraocular pressure (IOP) increase during the two principal Islamic prayer positions, Rukū (standing while bowing forward at a 90-degree angle), and Sujud (kneeling with the forehead touching the ground) in healthy subjects and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

Prospective, observational case series. Ninety-five eyes of 47 patients (27 with POAG and 68 without POAG) were included. Eligible candidates underwent IOP measurements in the sitting position and in two prayer positions using the Goldmann applanation tonometer and the Icare-Pro tonometer. IOP was measured at set intervals until it returned to baseline.

Results

Mean IOP increased from a sitting baseline value of 16.1  ±  2.9 mmHg (8.6-26) to 19.3  ±  4.2 mmHg (10.2-32.3) following 30 s of Rukū (p ≤ 0.0001) and from 16.1  ±  0.4 mmHg to 22.2  ±  3.1 mmHg (14.9-37) following Sujud (p ≤ 0.0001). IOP increased similarly in the POAG and non-POAG groups in both positions. Twenty-six eyes (27%) failed to normalize within 2mmHg of baseline, but all returned to baseline after another five minutes.

Conclusions

Performing traditional Muslim prayer positions increases IOP significantly. The increase did not resolve immediately in approximately a quarter of individuals. These findings may have a considerable impact on Muslim patients with glaucoma.
Identity and parent-child relationship representations of Nezha: From cultural narrative to case conceptualization
Authors: Guo Ruitong , Li Xianghui
Published: May 2023

Objective

Based on the assumption that the cultural image at the level of experience is the collective and individual psychological reality expressed by cultural narrative and individual narrative, to study the timeless Tales of Nezha (“Natch”) in China as an experiential cultural image of child development and parent-child relationship.

Method

We adopted the narrative analysis method which focused on qualitative content analysis, covering religion, folklore, literature, entertainment, education and other fields.

Result

Our exposition articulates a cultural narrative framework of diachronic and contemporary cultural image of “Nezha”, the iconic child deity. This framework refers to our academic research discipline of describing the image characteristics, plots and interpersonal relationship, and conceptualizing the theme as psychological meaning units of personal identity and parent-child relationship. By analogizing and comparing this framework with the “Nezha” of personal narratives in consultation, we found the interactive clues of the case’s identity and parent-child relationship. We then combined these with specific elements unique and particular to each individual case in order to achieve a meaningful case conceptualization. This process enabled us to apply psychotherapeutic intervention at opportune moments during a counselling session.

Conclusions

The cultural image emerging from the counseling is not only a personal narrative of resource and a tool for the client to externalize the problem and identity representation, but also a cultural narrative reference point for the counselor to understand the case and to engage in further in-depth work. The personal narrative qualitative data can be obtained by referring to four dimensions: external—internal, event—image, narrative—interpretation, and experience—reflection. With the narrative identity of client, the “Nezha” of personal narrative led to the theme that parent-child relationship impedes the development of personal identity. The counselor was thereby enabled to construct a new meaning and new identity with the client by providing appropriate information and knowledge of the cultural narrative.
How Much Technically Efficient Is The South Asian Region? An Intra-Regional Comparison Among Its Affiliates
Authors: Arora Nitin , Ganaie Ishfaq Ali
Published: May 2023

This study presents an analysis of the intra-regional performance of South Asian economies in terms of their productive efficiency during the period 1985–2019. A window data envelopment analysis (dea) based technique with bootstrapping is used to model the production frontier for seven South Asian economies to estimate their efficiency levels. The results show substantial differences in technical efficiency levels across South Asian economies and thus, the existence of vast potential to catch up with the best practices is revealed among these economies. On an average, the extent of technical inefficiency in south asia is about 46.92% per annum after adjusting for statistical bias. This is indicative of a huge gap in laggard and best practices within region. Both managerial and scale components of efficiency performance are equally responsible for observed production inefficiency in south asia. The existence of managerial inefficiency reflects failure of policy planners among affiliate countries to catch-up the best practices within South Asian region. However, the observed scale inefficiency (SIE) is because of the dominance of scale economies over diseconomies that urges need of enlarging cooperation among member nations.

JEL Codes: F02, D240, C610
An Econometric Analysis of Revenue Diversification Among Selected Indian States
Authors: Darshini J.S. , Gayithri K.
Published: May 2023

The key objective of this article is to empirically examine the trends and determinants of revenue diversification with respect to 14 major Indian states. The findings highlight a gradual decrease in the level of revenue diversification, which has become more visible in recent years. This indicates an erratic pattern of growth in tax and non-tax revenue sources. The panel cross-sectional–autoregressive distributed lag model test results reveal a positive contribution of economic and institutional factors, as compared to political factors, toward the process of revenue diversification. Overall, it is evident that cyclical fluctuations in the major tax revenue sources, coupled with a lessened emphasis on rationalising the structure of non-tax revenue sources, seem to have had an adverse impact on the process of revenue diversification on the part of states.

JEL Classifications: H0, H1, H2, H7
Isolation effect of composite multilayer wave impeding block on P-wave in unsaturated foundation
Authors: Jiang Ye , Ma Qiang , Bao Yanhong
Published: May 2023

The traditional wave impeding block (WIB) is designed as composite multilayer WIB with the same thickness to improve its vibration isolation effect. Based on the wave theory in unsaturated porous medium and elastic medium, the isolation effect of composite multilayer WIB on P-wave in unsaturated soil is investigated, and the solution of the vertical displacement at surface after setting composite multilayer WIB (as an example for triple-layer) in unsaturated foundation is obtained. The key factors such as incidence angle, frequency, saturation, thickness, and burial depth of the composite multilayer WIB are evaluated on its vibration isolation properties. The results show that the optimum vibration isolation effect can be achieved by controlling the wave impedance ratio among layers of materials. The isolation efficiency of composite multilayer WIB is 33.9% higher than homogeneous WIB with same thickness at l east, and has good vibration isolation effect for low, medium, and high frequency.
Re-examination and comparison of activation volume, strain rate sensitivity, and dislocation density for coarse grain and CGP-processed UFG materials
Authors: Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2023

The frequently used metallurgical parameters such as activation volume, internal stress, strain rate sensitivity, and dislocation density are identified in ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials through erudite analytical relations. It is difficult to analyze such parameters optically since the material consists of highly distorted and inhomogeneous microstructure due to the large strain imposed during the constrained groove pressing (CGP) process. Hence, transient tests like stress relaxation tests are advantageous over the optical to use. Apart from the identification of parameters in low-carbon steel materials using uniaxial loading and stress relaxation tests, the relationship between the parameters is nobly investigated in as-received and UFG structure samples produced through the CGP process. In the relationship, the exponential-power law constitutive to describe the accurate stress–strain curves, identification of mobile and forest dislocation density during strain hardening, and exponential variation between grain size and activation volume are proposed. The replenishment or exhaustion of mobile and forest dislocation density significantly affects the metallurgical parameters during uniaxial tensile loading followed by stress relaxation testing. In this experimental and analytical work, the CGP process produces a UFG material that has lower activation volume and higher stress drop, mobile dislocation density, forest dislocations density, strain rate sensitivity, and internal stress.
Sensing privacy: Extending consumer privacy research through a consumer culture theory approach
Authors: Horppu Johanna
Published: May 2023

Although a wealth of consumer research literature has examined privacy, the majority of this research has been conducted from a micro-economic or psychological perspective. This has led to a rather narrow view of consumer privacy, which ignores the larger socio-cultural forces at play. This paper suggests a shift in research perspective by adopting a consumer culture theory approach. This allows an in-depth look into the micro, meso and macro levels of analysis to explore privacy as a subjective, lived experience but also as a representation of cultural meanings that are further shaped by marketplace actors. The paper synthesizes how privacy has been conceptualized within consumer theory and advances three necessary shifts in research focus: from (1) prediction to experience, (2) causality to systems and (3) outcome to process. Specific theories or focus areas are explored within these shifts, which are then utilized to build a future research agenda.
First-in-human trial of Center Wire for neuroendovascular therapy to avoid guidewire-related complications
Authors: Matsumoto Shirabe , Imamura Hirotoshi , Takayanagi Ariel , Fukumitsu Ryu , Goto Masanori , Sunohara Tadashi , Fukui Nobuyuki , Omura Yoshihiro , Akiyama Tomoaki , Fukuda Tatsumaru , Go Koichi , Kajiura Shinji , Shigeyasu Masashi , Asakura Kento , Horii Ryo , Naramoto Yuji , Nishii Rikuo , Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Sakai Chiaki , Imahori Taichiro , Kaneko Naoki , Tateshima Satoshi , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: May 2023

Background

An exchange maneuver is useful for the delivery of devices to target vessels. However, hemorrhagic complications can occur due to vessel perforation during an exchange maneuver. In addition, the exchange is often challenging due to unfavorable anatomy. Center Wire is an exchange-length wire with a nondetachable stent that was developed to improve navigation and stability during exchange maneuvers. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of Center Wire of the anchor wire technique during neuroendovascular treatment.

Methods

Ten patients with intracranial aneurysms were treated after signing a Certified Review Board-approved consent. Anchor wire technique was used in all patients to navigate catheters to the target vessel for aneurysm treatment.

Results

Anchor wire technique was successfully applied in all 10 cases using Center Wire. One device-related incident of vasospasm occurred which was asymptomatic. No device-related dissection, perforation, or thromboembolic events occurred. One patient had intraoperative aneurysm rupture during coil placement which was treated immediately without clinical consequences. Two patients had postoperative ischemic strokes due to thrombotic occlusion of branches originating from the aneurysm which were unrelated to the device.

Conclusions

This first-in-human trial of Center Wire demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the anchor wire technique for neuroendovascular treatment in a strictly regulated prospective registry trial.
Recruitment and Retention of Recreational Runners in Prospective Injury Research: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lacey Aisling , Whyte Enda , O’Keeffe Sinéad , O’Connor Siobhán , Moran Kieran
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Continuous and long-term prospective monitoring of athletes in natural training environments is essential to provide further clarity on the risk factors for running-related injuries. However, participant recruitment and retention can be problematic. This study aimed to identify factors for facilitating the recruitment and retention of recreational runners in prospective, longitudinal running-related injury research involving running technologies.

Methods

Twenty-seven recreational runners (14 female, 13 male) participated across nine semi-structured focus groups. Focus groups were audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken, with a critical friend approach taken to enhance reliability.

Results

Incentives, recruiting suitable participants, ease of use of running technologies, an appropriate research design, and good communication practices will facilitate recruitment and retention.

Conclusion

Receiving study outputs, evidence-based information and undergoing laboratory testing were identified as incentives, however, researchers need to consider whether these may influence participant behaviour and adversely bias the findings of their study. Researchers should offer participants an option with regard to the type, content, frequency and mode of delivery of incentives and communication. Appealing to potential participants’ personal interests will facilitate initial recruitment, while attempts to ‘feed’ this interest throughout the course of a study will enhance retention. Employing a user-friendly smartphone app and unobtrusive sensor(s), and a research study that can work with runners’ training schedules and technology usage habits, will further facilitate their recruitment and retention.
A prospective study on varicose veins surgery impact on systemic endothelial function evaluated by arterial brachial flow mediated dilation
Authors: Nóbrega Leandro , Cardoso Rita , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Castro-Ferreira Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a prevalent pathology, and endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a core of its physiopathology. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is one of the most widely used tests for evaluating endothelial function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of varicose vein (VV) surgery on FMD.

Methods

A prospective study with patients with superficial CVD and saphenous incompetence on Doppler ultrasonography that were proposed for VV surgery. The FMD test was performed before and 6 months after the procedure. The operator performing the post-operative evaluation was blinded to the pre-operative result.

Results

A total of 42 patients were included in the analysis. The median pre-operative percent change of FMD was 4.20% (±1.30) and the post-operative was 4.56% (±1.25) ( p = 0.819).

Conclusions

Our findings do not corroborate the presence of an overall endothelial dysfunction prone to modulation by surgery. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Determination of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein reference intervals for apparently healthy children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Ousman , Kassaw Melkitu , Befekadu Endalkachew , G/Egzeabher Letebrhan , Mekonen Abebaye , Bikila Demiraw , Challa Feyissa , Belay Abiy , Wolde Mistire , Desta Kassu , Tsegaye Aster
Published: May 2023

Objective: Since then, the reference intervals of serum hsCRP in apparently healthy Ethiopian children are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reference intervals of serum hsCRP for apparently healthy children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 492 apparently healthy children aged 5–17 years were recruited from residents of Addis Ababa. Well-trained professionals took anthropometric measurements. The biochemical analysis was performed with the automatic biochemical analyzer Cobas Integra 400 Plus from Roche. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentile limits were calculated using a non-parametric method as per the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guide. A box plot was used to show the distribution of hsCRP by age and gender. Furthermore, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate factors associated with elevated hsCRP levels. Percentiles were displayed by age subgroup and sex. p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 245 boys and 247 girls. For the age group of 5–11 years, the combined 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles, which can be used as a reference interval for children in Addis Ababa, were 0.15–6.78 mg/L, while for the older age group (12–17 years), the determined percentile was 0.14–4.40 mg/L. Likewise, the current study shows that never or occasionally eating vegetables and/or fruits (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI, 0.84–4.97), and being obese (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI, 1.14–11.53) were independent risk factors for elevated serum hsCRP concentrations. Conclusion: This study is the first to determine the reference intervals of hsCRP concentrations among apparently healthy Ethiopian children. Notable differences were observed in the established percentiles of hsCRP in comparison with published literature.
Development of tonsil stones during pregnancy
Authors: Smith Drew H , Gold Joann , Dundar Yusuf , Cordero Joehassin , D'Aguillo Christine
Published: May 2023

Despite widespread anecdotal evidence of an increase in tonsil stone formation during pregnancy, including messages on internet pregnancy forums, there is little published research on this topic. Here we present three patients who experienced new or worsening of existing tonsil stones during various points of their pregnancy. Additionally, common presentations of tonsil stones as well as the medical and surgical management options are discussed. Physiological changes during pregnancy could be a contributing factor to an increase in tonsil stones during this period. Since patients may voice complaints of tonsil stones to their obstetricians prior to establishing care with an otolaryngologist, it is important that obstetricians are aware of this disease process and its management.
Dual first-line maintenance by PARP inhibitor and bevacizumab can cause confusion in high-grade serous ovarian cancer: A case of PRES and a review of the literature
Authors: Liapi Aikaterini , Atat Chirine , Dunet Vincent , Sarivalasis Apostolos
Published: May 2023

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare neurological disorder, the diagnosis of which is based on the combination of clinical and radiological findings. It can be associated with many patient-related conditions such as autoimmune disorders or can be provoked by toxins or medication. We report the case of a 70-year-old patient, known for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IVB, high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, who was diagnosed with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome while on bevacizumab and olaparib maintenance treatment.
User experiences of an American-adapted moderated online social media platform for first-episode psychosis: Qualitative analysis
Authors: Pokowitz Elena L , Stiles Bryan J , Thomas Riya , Bullard Katherine , Ludwig Kelsey A , Gleeson John F , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario , Perkins Diana O , Penn David L
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The current study sought to qualitatively characterize the experiences of American users in a recent open trial of the Horyzons digital platform.

Methods

In total, 20 users on Horyzons USA completed semistructured interviews 12 weeks after their orientation to the platform and addressed questions related to (1) the platform, (2) their online therapist, and (3) the peer workers and community space. A hybrid inductive-deductive coding strategy was used to conduct a thematic analysis of the data (NCT04673851).

Results

The authors identified seven prominent themes that mapped onto the three components of self-determination theory. Features of the platform itself as well as inter- and intra-personal factors supported the autonomous use of Horyzons. Users also reflected that their perceived competence in social settings and in managing mental health was increased by the familiarity, privacy, and perceived safety of the platform and an emphasis on personalized therapeutic content. The behaviors or traits of online therapists as perceived by users and regular contact with peers and peer support specialists satisfied users’ need for relatedness and promoted confidence in social settings. Users also described aspects of Horyzons USA that challenged their satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, highlighting potential areas for future iterations of the platform's content and interface.

Conclusions

Horyzons USA is a promising digital tool that provides young adults with psychosis with the means to access tailored therapy material on demand and a supportive digital community to aid in the recovery process.