bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between F2-Isoprostane Metabolites and Weight Change in Older Women: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yingya , Nogueira Marina S. , Chen Qingxia , Dai Qi , Cai Qiuyin , Wen Wanqing , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel , Gao Yu-Tang , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei , Milne Ginger L. , Yang Gong
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Theoretically, some metabolic traits may predispose older individuals to weight loss during aging, leading to increased all-cause mortality and many serious health issues. Biomarkers to robustly predict progressive weight loss during aging are, however, lacking. We prospectively assessed if urinary levels of F2-isoprostanes and their peroxisomal β-oxidation metabolite, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F2t-isoprostane (F2-IsoP-M), were associated with subsequent weight loss in middle-aged and older women. Methods: Included in the analysis were 2,066 women aged 40–70 years, a subset of a prospective cohort study. F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and its β-oxidation metabolite, F2-IsoP-M, were measured in urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Measurements of anthropometry and exposures to major determinants of body weight were performed at baseline and repeated thrice over 15-year follow-up. The longitudinal associations of F2-IsoP-M and the F2-IsoP-M to its parent compound, F2-IsoP, ratio (MPR) with repeatedly measured weight changes were examined using linear mixed-effect models. Results: After adjusting for time-varying covariates: energy intake, physical activity, and comorbidity index, among others, levels of F2-IsoP-M and the MPR were both inversely associated with percentage of weight change. Weight in the highest quartile of these two biomarkers was 1.33% (95% CI = −2.41, −0.24) and 1.09% (95% CI = −2.16, −0.02) lower than those in the lowest quartile group, with p for trend of 0.01 and 0.03, respectively. The inverse association was consistently seen across follow-up periods, although appearing stronger with prolonged follow-up. There was no association between the parent compound, F2-IsoPs, and weight change. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the first piece of evidence to associate F2-IsoP metabolism, peroxisomal β-oxidation, with weight loss in older women. Further investigations into the role of lipid peroxidation and peroxisomal β-oxidation in weight change among older individuals are warranted.
Transurethral Hem-o-lok Clip Ligation of the Distal Ureter in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Yu Hongkai , Fu Weijun , Chen Guangfu , Sun Shengkun , Zhang Xu
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective: Distal ureter management is an essential part of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). However, there is no agreement on the optimal surgical treatment for ureter and bladder cuff excision. The classical “pluck” technique following transurethral resection of the intramural ureter increases the risk of extravesical and intravesical tumor cell spillage. We aimed to provide a simple transurethral technique with the Hem-o-lok clip ligation for the management of the distal ureter during retroperitoneal laparoscopic RNU. Methods: Transurethral resection of the bladder cuff was performed using a bipolar β electrode mounted on resectoscope. Subsequently, a Super Scope (S-scope) with a 5.6-mm diameter working channel was used with a clip applier to deliver the 5-mm Hem-o-lok clips, which consequently ligated the ureteral stump and avoided urine spillage from the upper tract. Traditional retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery was used to treat the renal and upper ureter. The resected distal ureter and the Hem-o-lok clip were gently pulled out of the bladder by the “pluck” technique. Results: A total of 14 upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients were analyzed, including 10 men and 4 women. The Hem-o-lok clip ligation took less than 20 s. In each patient, the clip was clearly visible and attached tightly to the ureter, and a clear distal ureter was observed in all patients. Histopathology results showed pT2 in 8 and pT3 in 6 patients. A median follow-up of 15 months revealed no extravesicular or intravesicular recurrences. Conclusions: Transurethral Hem-o-lok clip ligation technique provides a simple and safe option for distal ureter management in retroperitoneal laparoscopic RNU. This novel approach enables construction of a watertight system of the upper urinary tract, preventing the spread of tumor cells effectively and minimizing local tumor implantation risk.
Combined Carcinoid Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Endometrium: A Case Report and Survey of Related Literature
Authors: Han Ying , Zhang Yanjun , Niu Lin , Sang Cuiqin
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Histologically, endometrial neuroendocrine carcinoma is an extremely rare pathological type of endometrial cancer. In addition, this type is characterized by high invasiveness and poor clinical outcome, which was classified into carcinoid (low grade), and small-cell and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (high grade). Globally, reports on endometrial carcinoid carcinoma are limited. Clinically, it is also rare to see primary squamous cell carcinoma of endometrium. Case Presentation: Here, we report an interesting case of mixed carcinoma of endometrium with both carcinoid and squamous cell carcinoma, which presented with persistent vaginal bleeding and hyponatremia. Conclusion: Careful pathologic review is necessary to diagnose this rare disease. More studies in the future are warranted to demonstrate the primary surgical treatments and the efficacy of adjuvant therapy of this disease.
Epidemiology and Management of Adult Laryngeal Trauma: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Xu Katherine , De Ravin Emma , Fritz Christian , Parhar Harman S. , Moreira Alvaro , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Laryngeal injuries are rare but life-threatening airway emergencies. Increased understanding of the epidemiology of these injuries can inform treatment and improve outcomes. We aimed to characterize the demographics and management of adult laryngeal trauma. Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried from 2007 to 2015 for patients ≥18 years old with laryngeal trauma. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and treatment course were collected. Outcomes were assessed via multivariate logistic regression. Results: From 7.3 million patients, 6,890 (0.1%) patients with laryngeal trauma were identified. Eighty-five percent of patients were male, and the median age was 40. Of these patients, 343 (5.0%) were dead on arrival and of the remaining patients, 510 (7.8%) of patients were deceased at discharge. Common concomitant injuries included facial fractures (27%), intracranial injuries (21%), and rib and sternum fractures (19%). The most common cause of injury was motor vehicle accident (26%), followed by assault with firearms/explosives (12%) and assault with cutting instruments (8%). Forty-three percent of patients received mechanical ventilation and 15% received surgical repair. After correcting for gender, age, and injury severity, firearm injuries (odds ratio [OR] 3.46, 95% CI: [2.88–4.15]) and cutting/piercing injuries (OR 2.23, 95% CI: [1.89–2.64]) were positively associated with the need for mechanical ventilation. Motor vehicle trauma (OR 0.63, 95% CI: [0.46–0.84]) was negatively associated with surgical repair while striking injuries (OR 1.61, 95% CI: [1.25–2.06]) were positively associated. Lastly, shorter time to tracheostomy was significantly associated with shorter ICU stays (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study is the largest epidemiologic study of laryngeal trauma to date and identifies the risk of surgical intervention with firearm and cutting injuries as well as the importance of earlier time to tracheostomy for ICU management.
Awareness, Attitude and Practices of Grade 10 Students Toward Environ-mental Stewardship
Authors: Reutotar Jocelyn Bautista
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental awareness, attitudes towards environmental protection, and environmental practices of Grade 10 students. The study used a mixed-method sequential design and involved 150 students from three National High Schools in Zambales. The results showed that Grade 10 students had a good level of awareness about environmental protection laws (M=8.42, SD=1.63) and environmental stewardship promotion (M=8.58, SD=1.42). They were supportive of community environment protection (M=3.33) and school environment protection (M=3.46). However, the students observed improper waste segregation in both the school and community, leading to an increased interest in promoting environmental protection activities. There was a moderate positive correlation between the students' level of awareness on environmental protection and stewardship promotion and their environmental practices. Similarly, there was a moderate positive correlation between their environmental attitude in the community and school and their environmental protection practices. The Grade 10 students who are aware of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting ecological stewardship tend to be more concerned about conserving energy and natural resources. They are also supportive of activities aimed at protecting their school and community environments, and are observant of environmental problems in these areas. The study found that students' awareness and attitudes towards environmental protection and ecological stewardship have a positive impact on their practices to conserve and protect the environment. The study recommends that schools and communities should involve students in environmental protection activities to encourage their support for conserving energy and natural resources.
Application of ι-Carragenan/Agarose Hydrogel as Super Adsorbent Hydrophilic Polymers Natural Seed Coating for Improving Tobacco Seed Germination Under Drought Stress
Authors: Arum Ayu Puspita , Setiyono
Published: November 2023

Seed storage for a long time causes seed deterioration. Reduction of germination rate can cause abnormal growth of the seedling, which impacts the yield and quality of tobacco plants. Seed coating is an additive that coats the seeds with certain ingredients such as pesticides, and nutrients that are glued to a binding material for improved seed performance without changing its origin's form. Hydrogel seed coating is also natural and environmentally friendly which is suitable for organic and sustainable farming practices. In countries with worse droughts and depending on natural plants, natural seed coating using agarose and Carragenan is very well applied. Carrageenans regulate many of the metabolic pathways involved in nitrogen and sulfur absorption, making it easier to grow plants by regulating a variety of metabolism processes including photosynthesis as well as an ancillary pathway. In conditions of drought stress, salicylic acid treatment may have a beneficial effect on plant resistance. In plants, salicylic acid regulates the growth of endogenous cells and plays an important role in abiotic stress signal transduction. The present field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ι-Carragenan/Agarose hydrogel as super adsorbent hydrophilic polymers natural seed coating with  3 type combination of ι-Carragenan and Agarose (1:1; 1:2 and 2:1)% w/w containing salicylic acid 0.15% w/w to improve sprouting speed index, sprouting percentage, fresh seed mass and seed vigor index of tobacco seeds which are 3 variety storage time (13 years, 9 years and 3 years) under drought stress condition (40% moisture levels). The results revealed that application of ratio ι-Carragenan/Agarose 1:2 and 2: 1 % w/w containing salicylic acid 0.15% w/w recommended of Super Adsorbent Hydrophilic polymers Natural Seed Coating formulation enhanced of sprouting speed index, germination percentage, and seed vigor index of 2 variety storage time of tobacco seed (13 years and 9 years).
Analyzing Semantic Faithfulness of Language Models via Input Intervention on Question Answering
Authors: Chaturvedi Akshay , Bhar Swarnadeep , Saha Soumadeep , Garain Utpal , Asher Nicholas
Published: November 2023

Transformer-based language models have been shown to be highly effective for several NLP tasks. In this article, we consider three transformer models, BERT, RoBERTa, and XLNet, in both small and large versions, and investigate how faithful their representations are with respect to the semantic content of texts. We formalize a notion of semantic faithfulness, in which the semantic content of a text should causally figure in a model’s inferences in question answering. We then test this notion by observing a model’s behavior on answering questions about a story after performing two novel semantic interventions—deletion intervention and negation intervention. While transformer models achieve high performance on standard question answering tasks, we show that they fail to be semantically faithful once we perform these interventions for a significant number of cases (∼ 50% for deletion intervention, and ∼ 20% drop in accuracy for negation intervention). We then propose an intervention-based training regime that can mitigate the undesirable effects for deletion intervention by a significant margin (from ∼ 50% to ∼ 6%). We analyze the inner-workings of the models to better understand the effectiveness of intervention-based training for deletion intervention. But we show that this training does not attenuate other aspects of semantic unfaithfulness such as the models’ inability to deal with negation intervention or to capture the predicate–argument structure of texts. We also test InstructGPT, via prompting, for its ability to handle the two interventions and to capture predicate–argument structure. While InstructGPT models do achieve very high performance on predicate–argument structure task, they fail to respond adequately to our deletion and negation interventions.
Rethinking the Exploitation of Monolingual Data for Low-Resource
Neural Machine Translation
Authors: Pang Jianhui , Yang* Baosong , Wong* Derek Fai , Wan Yu , Liu Dayiheng , Chao Lidia Sam , Xie Jun
Published: November 2023

The utilization of monolingual data has been shown to be a promising strategy for addressing low-resource machine translation problems. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of techniques such as back-translation and self-supervised objectives, including masked language modeling, causal language modeling, and denoise autoencoding, in improving the performance of machine translation models. However, the manner in which these methods contribute to the success of machine translation tasks and how they can be effectively combined remains an under-researched area. In this study, we carry out a systematic investigation of the effects of these techniques on linguistic properties through the use of probing tasks, including source language comprehension, bilingual word alignment, and translation fluency. We further evaluate the impact of pre-training, back-translation, and multi-task learning on bitexts of varying sizes. Our findings inform the design of more effective pipelines for leveraging monolingual data in extremely low-resource and low-resource machine translation tasks. Experiment results show consistent performance gains in seven translation directions, which provide further support for our conclusions and understanding of the role of monolingual data in machine translation.
In the Doghouse? An Exploration of Online Discussions Around the Challenges of Human-Dog Relationships
Authors: Furtado Tamzin , Casey Rachel , Upjohn Melissa , Christley Robert
Published: November 2023

Though many prospective dog guardians have an optimistic view of dog-human relationships, the realities can be challenging. This paper discusses carer-reported emotional impacts of dealing with more problematic relationships with dogs. This study used a Grounded Theory method to qualitatively analyze 35 discussion threads about dog behavior, from two UK-based online discussion forums between June–October 2019. The study found a close link between the carers’ perceptions of their relationships with their dogs, and whether the dogs behaved in ways that the owners considered acceptable. Puppy owners experienced substantial emotional disruption when they perceived the behaviors of their puppies to be outside of their expected boundaries. This paper highlights the importance of helping carers to manage their expectations of dog guardianship, and underlines the importance of emotional support when carers struggle to cope.
Symbolic Cretanness: Descendants of Cretan Muslims in Present-Day Turkey
Authors: Nerantzaki Efpraxia
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the relationship between second- and third-generation descendants of Cretan Muslims in Turkey and their Cretanness. It takes the public manifestations of and heightened involvement with Cretanness that have recently been taking place in Turkey as a starting point and develops a framework to elucidate the contemporary dynamics of Cretanness. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation, this study reveals that Cretanness has undergone transformation for the current generations. It is characterized by the fading of certain cultural aspects, but by a parallel vocal identification with Cretanness. This dual pattern is unified under the concept “symbolic Cretanness,” inspired by Herbert Gans’ notion of “symbolic ethnicity.” The article argues that this current form of Cretanness encompasses the pursuit of visibility, an intermittent involvement with origins, and the precedence of symbols, the most significant of which is food.
A new species of Minagrion Santos, 1965 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from the Cerrado of Northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Authors: VILELA DIOGO SILVA , JACQUES GABRIEL DE CASTRO , SOUZA MARCOS MAGALHÃES DE
Published: November 2023

Minagrion veredae sp. nov. (Holotype ♂, BRAZIL (Z329), Minas Gerais state, Grande Sertão Veredas National Park, 15.iv.2023, (15°6’ S, 45°48’ W, 660 to 900m asl), P.S. Vital leg.) is described, illustrated and diagnosed based on specimens collected at the Grande Sertão Veredas National Park. The new species inhabits palm swamp environments, Cerrado domain phytophysiognomy, as it is typical of other species of the genus. It can be diagnosed from its congeners mainly by the forcipate shape and large teeth of the cercus and the lanceolate shape of segment two of the genital ligula.
Equity, Justice, and Drought: Lessons for Climate Services from the U.S. Southwest
Authors: Greene Christina , Ferguson Daniel B.
Published: November 2023

Drought is a complex hazard, with many interconnected impacts on environment and society. Droughts are difficult to monitor as they are slow-moving events with impacts that are not always visible. There is an increasing call to study and monitor droughts as a human–environment process and to provide climate services that can inform proactive decision-making on drought. While climate services strive to make droughts visible and therefore manageable for society, many of the equity issues that arise during periods of drought remain largely invisible. In this article we explore inequity in drought impacts in the U.S. Southwest, focusing on agriculture, household water security, and wildfires. Drawing from lessons in the literature on equity, environmental justice, and climate services as well as our experience researching drought impacts in the Southwest, we recommend that climate services can support drought decision-making that addresses equity issues by 1) integrating both physical and social dimensions of drought in climate services, 2) investing in engagement and trust building with diverse communities, and 3) better integrating place-based knowledge to reconcile scaling challenges. With the acceleration of the warming and drying of many parts of the world, there is an ever-increasing need to focus on reducing inequities in drought preparedness and response, which we propose starts with production of drought information that is more reflective of how droughts are experienced across all parts of society.
Influence of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on the Rapid Intensification Magnitude of Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Song Kexin , Zhan Ruifen , Wang Yuqing , Zhao Jiuwei , Tao Li
Published: November 2023

Rapid intensification (RI) of tropical cyclones (TCs), which refers to an explosive increase of TC intensity exceeding a certain threshold [e.g., 30 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) in 24 h] within a short time period, poses a great challenge to both forecasting and disaster prevention efforts. Recent studies have documented a significant increase in the magnitude of TC RI (RIM; measured as the mean intensification rate of all TC RI records in a TC season) over the western North Pacific (WNP) since 1979, and have attributed it to the impacts of global warming. In this study, results from statistical analyses show that the TC RIM over the WNP during 1951–2021 exhibits significant interdecadal variability, which is found to be closely related to the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). Further analyses indicate that the response of the local thermodynamic conditions to the AMO plays a dominant role in shaping this relationship. The positive AMO phase fosters a high TC RIM over the WNP by producing significant warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, which in turn enhances TC heat potential and the midtropospheric relative humidity in the main region of TC RI occurrence. Results from both data analyses and numerical model experiments demonstrate that the AMO modulates thermodynamic conditions over the WNP, such as SST and ocean heat content, by affecting local heat fluxes and the Ekman heat transport in the WNP via the modulation of Walker circulation from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
American Perceptions and Attitudes about Domestic Climate Migrants and Migration
Authors: Harris Brittany S. , Brunson Mark , Howe Peter D.
Published: November 2023

Domestic climate migration is likely to increase in the future, but we know little about public perceptions and attitudes about climate migrants and migration. Understanding how perceptions and attitudes are formed is a critical task in assessing public support for assistance policies and developing effective messaging campaigns. In this paper, we aim to better understand how the U.S. public perceives domestic climate migrants. We use novel survey data to identify the relationship between climate change risk perceptions and awareness of “climate migrants,” belief that domestic climate migration is currently happening in the United States, perceived voluntariness of domestic climate migrant relocation, and support for the development of assistance programs for domestic climate migrants. We utilize a large, nationally representative panel of U.S. adults (N = 4074) collected over three waves in 2022. We find that climate change risk perceptions and perceptions of whether migration is voluntary are key drivers of perceptions and attitudes toward domestic climate migrants. We provide key suggestions to policy makers and decision-makers to improve outcomes for host and migrant communities.

Significance Statement

This study illuminates factors that influence the how the public forms perceptions and attitudes about domestic climate migrants in the United States. For the first time, we offer insight into the drivers of public opinion toward domestic climate migrants and migration. Our results indicate that the various perceptions of climate migrants are largely driven by preexisting climate change risk perceptions and respondent characteristics. Our findings create a new connection with the existing literature on climate change risk perceptions and offer an opportunity for decision-makers and policy makers to create effective messaging campaigns on topics related to domestic climate migration in the United States.
Through-the-Scope Suturing for Late-Onset Fistula Closure in the Setting of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Altinbas Akif , Shankar Uday
Published: November 2023

Anastomotic leaks related to bariatric surgeries are uncommon but are related to increased morbidity and mortality. With the recent advances in intraluminal endoscopic interventions, there are some alternative options to close the leak via over-the-scope-clips/suturing or through-the-scope-clips/suturing or covered stent placement. Herein, we aimed to discuss the efficiency and the role of the through-the-scope suturing technique (X-Tack-160-H, Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, United States) in two different cases who presented with anastomotic leaks following bariatric surgery.
Calibration of Raman Bandwidths on the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) Deep Ultraviolet Raman and Fluorescence Instrument Aboard the Perseverance Rover
Authors: Jakubek Ryan S. , Bhartia Rohit , Uckert Kyle , Asher Sanford A. , Czaja Andrew D. , Fries Marc D. , Hand Kevin , Haney Nikole C. , Razzell Hollis Joseph , Minitti Michelle , Sharma Shiv K. , Sharma Sunanda , Siljeström Sandra
Published: November 2023

In this work, we derive a simple method for calibrating Raman bandwidths for the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument onboard NASA's Perseverance rover. Raman bandwidths and shapes reported by an instrument contain contributions from both the intrinsic Raman band (IRB) and instrumental artifacts. To directly correlate bandwidth to sample properties and to compare bandwidths across instruments, the IRB width needs to be separated from instrumental effects. Here, we use the ubiquitous bandwidth calibration method of modeling the observed Raman bands as a convolution of a Lorentzian IRB and a Gaussian instrument slit function. Using calibration target data, we calculate that SHERLOC has a slit function width of 34.1 cm–1. With a measure of the instrument slit function, we can deconvolve the IRB from the observed band, providing the width of the Raman band unobscured by instrumental artifact. We present the correlation between observed Raman bandwidth and intrinsic Raman bandwidth in table form for the quick estimation of SHERLOC Raman intrinsic bandwidths. We discuss the limitations of using this model to calibrate Raman bandwidth and derive a quantitative method for calculating the errors associated with the calibration. We demonstrate the utility of this method of bandwidth calibration by examining the intrinsic bandwidths of SHERLOC sulfate spectra and by modeling the SHERLOC spectrum of olivine.
Embracing African Traditional Knowledge Health Systems in a HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Saruchera Munyaradzi , Xaba Mzingaye Brilliant
Published: November 2023

This article engages the perpetual denigration of African Traditional Knowledge System (ATKS) by African governments in favor of western biomedical approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again put the spotlight on the alternative approaches to health and the need for a holistic and broader understanding of these practices in Africa. Using a literature review on health sectors across Africa and cases of traditional health medicines and use in selected countries, we show the Afro-cosmo vision and understanding of health, and we make a case for a non-western health approach that is holistic, endogenous, and community-centered. We argue that health approaches need to be anchored on proper understanding of African societies, whose approach to health encompasses the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspect of one’s existence. Our work lends support for the importance of having a multidimensional holistic health system and approach for universal health coverage (UHC) toward the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Africa which encompasses ATKS in dealing with pandemics.
Fracture criteria and surrogate models for bearing strength of mechanically fastened joints on hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Wallner Cassio , Almeida Sergio Frascino Muller de
Published: November 2023

In this work two novel criteria for strength predictions of bearing failure on mechanically fastened composite joints are proposed for preliminary design. These criteria can estimate the bearing strength of hybrid laminates, which makes them innovative and applicable to a much wider range of aircraft structures that usually use this type of laminate in mechanical joints. The new approach uses characteristic lengths d0 and a0 to estimate the joint strength in bearing. Three surrogate models based on a linear regression of lamination parameters and AML (Angle Minus Load) parameter are proposed to provide accurate estimates for characteristic lengths d0 and a0 for a given set of these parameters. The regression models used three or two lamination parameters or a single parameter AML. They were applied to experimental results of six different laminate families including three hybrid laminates. The modified average bearing stress criterion (ABSC) outperformed the modified point bearing stress criterion (PBSC) in all cases. The results of the ABSC have a maximum discrepancy for the bearing strength of all laminate families of 2.77% and 1.91%, for the three and two parameters, respectively. The single parameter regression model using AML had a maximum discrepancy of 8.83%. All these results compare very favorably with the criteria proposed in the literature, including the AML regression that had the worst accuracy. Therefore, these criteria together with the proposed surrogate models can be used to minimize the number of tests required for the aircraft development, being a good candidate for preliminary design.
Anti-ablation properties of ZrB2 modified carbon/phenolic composites in plasma wind tunnel
Authors: Lin Andi , Huang Haiming , Wang Shuang , Tian Ye , Huang Jie , Wang Xinmeng
Published: November 2023

Improving the ablative resistance of carbon/phenolic (C/Ph) composites is an urgent need in the field of thermal protection of hypersonic vehicles. In this paper, novel C/Ph composites are fabricated by introducing different contents of ZrB2 ceramic particles, and the anti-ablation properties of the composites are tested in plasma wind tunnel. Under mainstream conditions with enthalpy of 21.84 MJ/kg, heat flux of 1.6 MW/m2, and pressure of 1.6 kPa, the effects of ZrB2 ceramic content on the thermal stability, linear ablation rate and surface temperature of C/Ph composites are further analyzed. The maximum ablative surface temperature is positively correlated with the content of ZrB2. As the ZrB2 content increases, the back face temperature of the materials decreases gradually, while the linear ablation rate increases slightly after a significant decrease. When the ablation time is 50 s, The linear ablation rate of the sample with 7% ZrB2 content is the lowest (0.0184 mm/s). These dates of the plasma wind tunnel test could provide a reference for applications of C/Ph composites. The oxidation of ZrB2 in the materials contributes significantly to improving its anti-ablation properties in severe environments. Accordingly, optimizing the ZrB2 content enables the development of high-performance C/Ph composites with enhanced thermal properties, and reduced ablation rates, making them well-suited for thermal protection applications.
Investigation of mechanical properties of plastic composites produced using wood and eggshell
Authors: Özğan Ali O , Özdemir Ferhat
Published: November 2023

In this study, it is aimed to produce wood plastic composite material with eggshell additives and to investigate the mechanical properties of these materials. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity and impact resistance of new materials produced by adding eggshell to wood plastic composite at different rates were investigated. It was determined that tensile strength values gradually decreased due to the increase in the amount of eggshell in the composites produced. The modulus of elasticity of the composite material in tensile strength increases with the increase in the amount of eggshell in the mixture. With the increase of the eggshell ratio used, the elongation values of the plastic composite at break are reduced. The eggshell material used in wood plastic composite reduces the bending strength of the material. The eggshell reduces the modulus of elasticity of the composite material in bending. The eggshell composite material did not cause a significant change in impact resistance.
Sex as a Biological Variable in Oral Diseases: Evidence and Future Prospects
Authors: Sangalli L. , Souza L.C. , Letra A. , Shaddox L. , Ioannidou E.
Published: November 2023

The interest of the scientific community on sex and gender differences in health and disease has increased substantially over the past 25 to 30 y as a result of a long process of events and policies in the biomedical field. This is crucial as compelling evidence from human and animal model studies has demonstrated that sex and gender influence health, molecular and cellular processes, and response and predisposition to disease. The present scoping review aims to provide a synthesis of sex differences in oral diseases, ranging from periodontal disease to orofacial pain conditions, from risk of caries development to apical periodontitis. Overall, findings from this review further support a role for sexual dimorphism influencing disease predisposition and/or progression in oral diseases. Of note, this review also highlights the lack of consideration of additional factors such as gender and other psychosocial and external factors potentially influencing oral health and disease. New conceptual frameworks capable of capturing multiple fundamental domains and measurements should be developed in clinical and preclinical studies to inform sex-based individualized preventive and treatment strategies.
Correctional Officer Culture in Canada: Proving Oneself for In-Group Acceptance
Authors: Carbonell Marina , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: November 2023

Correctional officers (COs) work in a unique climate of continual carceral care, balancing interpersonal relationships, prison dynamics, with organizational and occupational duties. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with COs ( n = 72) employed in federal penitentiaries in Canada, we explore factors influencing CO culture and peer acceptance. Using a constructed semi-grounded approach, we analyze how CO behaviors and values shape CO culture and illustrate how proving oneself is fundamental to in-group acceptance. Findings support the importance of proving oneself to CO acceptance, through developing trust, putting in time, performance, work ethic, showing respect, and by having each other's backs on the job.
The Future of American Jails: A National Survey of Jail Leaders’ Ideals
Authors: Applegate Brandon K. , Daou Joanna , Ouellette Heather M.
Published: November 2023

Despite their significance in criminal legal processing, American jails have a reputation for physical and operational deficiencies, with few aspirations beyond mere custody. To examine the possibilities for United States (U.S.) jails’ progress, we assess the priorities of U.S. jail leaders, their expectations about achieving reforms, and perceived obstacles regarding change. Our analysis showed that while jail command staff embrace custody, they also endorse social service functions of jails, favor facilities that are safe and clean, support a professional workforce, accept other progressive features of jails, and reject punishment and brutality. They recognize impediments to progress, but are optimistic about potential improvements.
Incarcerated Fathers and Their Children in The Netherlands: Demographic and Detention Factors That Affect the Father–Child Relationship: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: Verhagen-Braspennincx Angela , Beijers Guillaume , Janssen Janine , Claes Bart
Published: November 2023

Internationally, incarcerated fathers and their children are often administratively invisible. The protective father–child relationship (FCR) is understudied. A secondary analysis was conducted to identify the number of all Dutch incarcerated legal fathers and their children; and several demographics and detention factors (e.g., prison length, offense type) were uncovered. Over 34% of incarcerated men were legal fathers, with approximately 12,000 children, mostly minors (64%), in each yearly count. Fathers differed from nonfathers by age, ethnic background, type of offense, and prison length. Follow-up research is needed to understand the interrelatedness of different demographics and detention factors and their impact on the FCR.
Does World Uncertainty and Economic Policy Uncertainty Affect Tourism in G7 Countries? Evidence From Quantile-on-Quantile Regression
Authors: Lv Zhike , Sun Yixin , Xu Ting
Published: November 2023

This study empirically examines the correlations between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and world uncertainty (WU) and tourism in G7 countries. We use the quantile-on-quantile approach to explore some more subtle features between the variables and reveal asymmetric and heterogeneous relationships. The results show that the effects of EPU and WU are stronger at higher quantiles, and considerable variation is revealed across countries due to differing characteristics and economic circumstances. We determine that EPU has a negative impact on tourism and more significant positive effects are evident at different quantile combinations in all G7 countries, whereas the impact of WU on tourism is negative. We also found more significant positive effects of WU on tourism at different quantile combinations in all G7 countries.
Regulating recruitment and contracting of migrant fishers from Indonesia
Authors: Palmer Wayne , Ford Michele , Hasbiyalloh Benni
Published: November 2023

Historically, the processes in place to govern the recruitment and contracting of Indonesian migrant fishers have fostered situations of labor abuse and exploitation. The Indonesian government has introduced a new regulatory framework designed to meet international expectations that it creates rules and systems for recruiting migrant fishers in its territory. This article analyzes the state of play immediately before this new regulatory framework was operationalized, generating insights into practices around recruitment and contracting, and providing a baseline for future analysis of the new framework’s impact.
Economic Inequality Fosters the Belief That Success Is Zero-Sum
Authors: Davidai Shai
Published: November 2023

Ten studies ( N = 3,628; including five pre-registered), using correlational and experimental methods and employing various measures and manipulations, reveal that perceived economic inequality fosters zero-sum beliefs about economic success—the belief that one person’s gains are inevitably offset by others’ losses. As the gap between the rich and the poor expands, American participants increasingly believed that one can only get richer at others’ expense. Moreover, perceptions of economic inequality fostered zero-sum beliefs even when the distribution of resources was not strictly zero-sum and did so beyond the effect of various demographics variables (household income, education, subjective socioeconomic status) and individual differences (political ideology, social dominance orientation, interpersonal trust). Finally, I find that zero-sum beliefs account for the effect of inequality on people’s view of the world as unjust. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of zero-sum beliefs about economic success.
The background of The Shrew: Texts and intertexts
Authors: Cioni Fernando
Published: November 2023

The essay focuses on the relationship between William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the anonymous 1594 quarto The Taming of a Shrew, arguing that A Shrew has its own theatrical and narrative autonomy and that it could reflect a Shakespearean original different from that transmitted through the First Folio. It also examines the dramatic intertext of the Induction, possible sources that influenced both The Shrew and A Shrew, and its theatrical intertexts. The intertexts of The Shrew/ A Shrew appear to be a sort of palimpsest of quotations, revisions, and translations, suggesting the possibility of a third, ‘uncut’ version of Shakespeare's play.
An introduction to the Padua First Folio
Authors: Steenson Allison L
Published: November 2023

This is a brief introduction to the copy of Shakespeare's First Folio currently located at the University Library in Padua and known as the Padua Folio. The volume is considered the earliest Folio copy to have been used as a promptbook by an acting company. It is the only copy of Shakespeare's First Folio in Italy. The essay contains a brief history of the University Library and a detailed catalogue record of the Padua copy, along with a bibliography of relevant sources and a discussion of previous scholarship.
Families in Multi-Problem Situations in India: Exploration From the Fifth Round of the National Family Health Survey
Authors: Carvalho Alex M. , Biradar Rajeshwari A. , Prasad Jang Bahadur , Hegde Sadashiva
Published: November 2023

Family is the cornerstone of many concepts in the social sciences, especially in demography and sociology. It is generally regarded as a major social institution and is positioned as the locus of much of an individual’s life-course decisions. This study’s aim was to investigate families in multi-problem situations and their determinants in India. National Family Health Survey round fifth was used. A total of 19,763 samples of families were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression. More than half of Indian families are facing multiple problems. In India, 23.2% of families suffer from three and more problems. Those families with one problem have more domestic violence (25.6%) among women. The use of tobacco (36.4%) and alcohol (35.7%) among men is more in families having two problems. Families facing three problems have more women consuming tobacco (31.8%), more men consuming alcohol (31.4%), and more underweight and alcohol-consuming women (30.2% and 30.9%) in the family. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that more than two problems were associated with the men’s age groups, wealth index, status of shared toilet facilities, educational level of men and women, and caste. Findings suggest the importance of addressing multiple problems in Indian families. Inclusion of education, sanitation, violence, use of alcohol and tobacco, malnutrition among women, and children management strategies services needs to be taken into consideration by the program and policymakers.
Leveraging distributed leadership for effective services delivery in the library system
Authors: Sulyman Abdulakeem Sodeeq , Taiwo Muritadho Abiodun , Abdulrahaman Hadizat Keji
Published: November 2023

The emerging library services called for rethinking the roles of leadership on library operations, with a focus on enhancing flexible and fluid processes aimed at boosting creativity, drive innovations and achieve significant changes across various components of a library system. This paper argues for leveraging Distributed Leadership for effective services delivery in the library system, by acknowledging that Distributed Leadership makes every library personnel qualified of becoming leaders if they have special expertise or value to contribute to the achievement of library goals. It highlights autonomy, accountability, capacity, coaching, shared responsibility, reflection and feedback as attributes that make Distributed Leadership effective for delivery of library services. Distributed Leadership benefits libraries’ personnel on ideas sharing, taking innovation, fostering collaborations among personnel and offers more leadership options to libraries; while the challenges of Distributed Leadership include fostering higher expectations and promoting uncertainty. This paper recommends among others that formal library leaders should always cooperate and collaborate with personnel elevated to leadership position based on their skills and expertise.
SLAPPs against journalists in Europe: Exploring the role of self-regulatory bodies
Authors: Fierens Marie , Le Cam Florence , Domingo David , Benazzo Simone
Published: November 2023

Reports show that media freedom is under pressure worldwide. Violence against journalists has a legal facet that takes the form of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) that aim at silencing critical speech. While in some countries there are legal protections against SLAPPs, in Europe a debate is only recently being carried out, mainly fostered by professional journalist associations and civil society. This article explores the role that European journalistic self-regulatory bodies perceive they (could) have in fighting SLAPPs, analysing 16 qualitative answers gathered via a questionnaire. Self-regulation has historically been a way to protect the independence of journalism and uphold its ethical standards. The open-ended responses help to understand how SLAPPs put into question the representations that media councils and professional associations use to construct their ‘professional jurisdiction’, and therefore, their ‘territory’ and the way in which they see their role in society. Our results provide food for thought on the handling of legal attacks against journalists.
Redosing of long acting cardioplegic solutions in adult cardiac surgery: A comparative study
Authors: Gunaydin Serdar , McCusker Kevin , Nicotra William
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite promising results regarding using long-acting cardioplegia in the adult population, little data exists specifically for operations requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamp needing additional doses. In this pilot study, we evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with prolonged cross-clamp time based on four different redosing compositions.

Methods

During the period from January 2019 until June 2022, 288 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with an expected cross-clamp time over 60 min were prospectively randomized regarding the type of the cardioplegia used: Group 1 ( N = 150)- single-dose del Nido antegrade cardioplegia and Group 2 ( N = 138)- single-dose Histidine-Tryptophane-Ketoglutarate (HTK) antegrade cardioplegia. In patients with ischemic time over 60 min, needing a redosing were further analyzed separately in four subgroups: (A) Cold whole blood (CWB) (4:1) ( N = 95); (A1: DN-CWB; A2: HTK-CWB) and (B) St Thomas Solution ( N = 92) (B1: DN-St Thomas; B2: HTK-St Thomas. Control groups were C1 (DN redosed by DN) and C2 (HTK by HTK).

Results

Troponin levels in A1 and B1 groups were significantly lower than in DN-control. Respiratory support time and incidence of atrial fibrillation were significantly lower in Group A1 versus DN-control.

Conclusions

Long-acting cardioplegic techniques are becoming widely utilized in the adult population, with minimal data on redosing methods/compositions for prolonged cases. Due to the small patient population, further investigation is needed to delineate optimal redosing methods, but this report brings to attention the initial success of multiple strategies.