bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating Food Produced in Harmful Ways: Wrongful Complicity or Moral Tragedy?
Authors: Bobier Christopher A. , Milburn Josh
Published: November 2024

Imagine you come across a leftover turkey sandwich that will expire soon, no one is around to eat it, and you cannot donate it to someone else before it goes bad. A new omnivore says that you should eat the sandwich. A common rebuttal to new omnivorism says that by eating the turkey sandwich you become complicit in industrialized animal agriculture: consuming the leftover sandwich amounts to a retroactive endorsement of the institution that produced it. This is the complicity objection to new omnivorism. In this paper, we argue that the complicity objection fails to ethically distinguish new omnivores and vegans. We suggest that we accept that there is no harmless-to-animals diet available, and so, rather than trying to find the impossible, we should confront this morally tragic reality head on. Doing so may support new omnivorism over veganism.
Condolence Posts in English and Spanish: a Contrastive Pragmatic Analysis
Authors: Bou-Franch Patricia , Blitvich Pilar Garcés-Conejos
Published: November 2024

This paper addresses the growing presence of mourning practices in online contexts within today’s post-digital society, which has caught the attention of scholars in various disciplines. Despite this interest, there remains a dearth of discursive pragmatic research on social media mourning, particularly within contrastive pragmatics.

To address this gap, the study examines condolence discourse in English and Spanish from a contrastive pragmatic perspective, focusing on non-elicited digital data rather than traditional discourse completion tests. Emphasis is placed on the expression of emotions, given their significant role in both online and offline mourning, an area which has received limited attention in contrastive pragmatic studies.

The analysis draws on two comparable corpora of posts from X and examines triggers, discursive realization, and the expression of emotions. Findings highlight both similarities and differences in the expression of condolences, shedding light on the evolving nature of condolences in response to mediatization processes.
Emerging Middle Powers, Transitions, and the Role of Turkey in a Changing International Order
Authors: Islam Md. Nazmul , Nyadera Israel Nyaburi
Published: November 2024

In what ways are emerging powers affecting the liberal international order? This study examines the increasing influence of emerging powers in international affairs and how these powers may shape the new order that is emerging. We argue that the declining roles of existing international organizations and Western diplomatic interventions have paved the way for new actors, mostly emerging powers that are now leading various interventions. Yet research has not fully captured the implications of these new powers for the emerging order. Using Turkey as a case study, the authors demonstrate that shifts within the international system are likely to have far-reaching consequences to the liberal international order and may give rise to illiberal conservative trends. The study addresses how emerging powers are likely to change the international system and relates some contributing factors. The study concludes that the shift of emerging powers towards illiberal conservativism may have a volatile impact on the liberal international order.
Competitive Authoritarian Regimes, Securitisation Techniques and the Role of Audiences: The Case of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Alamgir , Kaunert Christian
Published: November 2024

The article investigates the importance of the audience (general public) in the securitisation process. It then applies the concept in the context of competitive authoritarianism using Pakistan as a case study. The article argues that similar to securitisation processes, the audience plays a significant role in the (de-) democratisation process. The article contributes to both theoretical and empirical literature on securitisation and democratisation by extending the role of the audience to the democratisation process during competitive authoritarian regimes.
Our morality tells us what to eat – A systematic review on attitudes towards genetically modified foods
Authors: Waldhof Gabi , Kopp Rita Theresa
Published: November 2024

Genetically modified foods (GMF) have long been discussed as one of the potential means to bring about our urgently needed agricultural transformation. However, even as long, the public in Europe and Northern America has rejected GMF. Motivated by this ongoing polarisation about GMF, we conducted a systematic review on factors that impact GMF perceptions and attitudes. Adding to previous reviews on GMF attitude, such as Frewer et al. (2013), we are particularly interested in how differences in attitudes between the Global North and Global South (GS) unfold. With that, we also contribute to overcoming a bias that we noted: the majority of studies on this topic has been conducted in the Global North. Moreover, because recent research on moral evolution shows how vital morality is for attitude formation, we are particularly interested in the role of moral beliefs in forming attitudes on GMF. Our study followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A total of 55 papers were included in the review, 45 of those from the initial search, and 10 from the additional search, specifically focusing on the GS. Our results show a heterogenous dynamic behind the prediction of attitude. Interestingly, morality is shown to be an important factor. Specifically, we find that moral concerns, for example of fairness, world views, religion, play a prominent role in GMF attitudes. Thus, when designing policies and improving science communication about GMF, moral benefits of the technology need more consideration and should be sensibly addressed. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, the population in the GS should be given greater consideration in issues that affect the whole world. Related to GMF attitude and perception, our analysis shows that they bring a different perspective, as well as different needs, to the discussion.
Perfectionism and Self-Esteem: The Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Needs
Authors: Burkitt William T.
Published: November 2024

Previous research into two forms of perfectionism known as perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings suggests that while perfectionistic concerns are associated with lower levels of self-esteem, perfectionistic strivings are associated with higher levels of self-esteem. However, the factors that explain why these two forms of perfectionism differ in their relationships to self-esteem remain unclear. The present research—involving two studies—used a self-determination theory perspective to investigate the possibility that three basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness explain the relationships between the two forms of perfectionism and self-esteem. In Study 1 ( N = 255) perfectionistic strivings were associated with higher levels of needs satisfaction and lower levels of needs frustration, while perfectionistic concerns were associated with lower levels of needs satisfaction and higher levels of needs frustration. In Study 2 ( N = 260) needs satisfaction mediated the positive association between perfectionistic strivings and self-esteem, and needs frustration mediated the negative association between perfectionistic concerns and self-esteem. Taken together, these findings suggest that the basic psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness play an important role in explaining why some forms of perfectionism are beneficial to self-esteem and some forms of perfectionism are harmful to self-esteem.
Identification and functional analysis of genes mediating osteoclast-driven progression of osteoporosis
Authors: Xu Qu , Feng Gangning , Zhang Zhihai , Yan Jiangbo , Tang Zhiqun , Wang Rui , Ma Penggang , Ma Ye , Zhu Guang , Jin Qunhua
Published: November 2024

Objective

The pathological mechanism of osteoporosis (OP) involves increased bone resorption mediated by osteoclasts and decreased bone formation mediated by osteoblasts, leading to an imbalance in bone homeostasis. Identifying key molecules in osteoclast-mediated OP progression is crucial for the prevention and treatment of OP.

Methods

Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed on the OP patient datasets from the GEO database. The results were intersected with the differential expression results from the osteoclast differentiation dataset to identify key genes. These key genes were then subjected to disease relevance analysis, and consensus clustering was performed on OP patient samples based on their expression profiles. The subgroups were analyzed for differences, followed by GO, KEGG, GSEA, and GSVA analyses, and immune infiltration. Finally, osteoclast differentiation model was constructed. After validating the success of the model using TRAP and F-actin staining, the differential expression of key genes was validated in vitro via Western blot.

Results

CTRL, ARHGEF5, PPAP2C, VSIG2, and PBLD were identified as key genes. These genes exhibited strong disease relevance (AUC > 0.9). Functional enrichment results also indicated their close association with OP and osteoclast differentiation. In vitro differential expression validation showed that during osteoclast differentiation, CTRL was downregulated, while ARHGEF5, PPAP2C, VSIG2, and PBLD were upregulated, with all differences being statistically significant ( P < 0.05).

Discussion

Currently, there are no studies on the effects of these five genes on osteoclast differentiation. Therefore, it is meaningful to design in vivo and in vitro perturbation experiments to observe the impact of each gene on osteoclast differentiation and OP progression.

Conclusion

CTRL, ARHGEF5, PPAP2C, VSIG2, and PBLD show high potential as molecular targets for basic and clinical research in osteoclast-mediated OP.
An Unpublished Egyptian Coffin of the Third Intermediate Period in the Antiquities Museum of Trieste
Authors: Moser Susanna
Published: November 2024

This article examines an ancient Egyptian coffin that was donated in 1867 to the Natural History Museum of Trieste and then moved to the Trieste Antiquities Museum in 2004. The coffin is a type dating to the Third Intermediate Period and belonged to an anonymous priestess. It is characterised by rather careless decoration and by extremely repetitive inscriptions that can hardly find parallels in the vast panorama of coffin production of the period. Its unique feature, though, is the large mummiform figure depicted on the bottom of the coffin box. The technical, decorative, and textual features hint at this coffin being part of a sort of ‘ready-made’ production by a Theban workshop.

[Formula: see text]
Optimizing ventricular assist device rotor design parameters through computational fluid dynamics and design of experiments
Authors: Bounouib Mohamed , Isksioui Hamza , Benakrach Hind , Taha-Janan Mourad , Maazouzi Wajih
Published: November 2024

Heart failure is among the most widespread diseases globally. With the rapid rise in the number of affected individuals and the significant disparity between organ demand and supply, the relevance of implantable devices has grown each year. However, these devices face various regulatory restrictions, and obtaining approval requires outstanding performance. This paper focuses on optimizing the design parameters of a rotor for an axial flow ventricular assist device (VAD) currently under development. The parameters investigated include splitters, inlet blade angle, outlet blade angle, blade count, rotational speed, clearance gap, blade thickness, and rotor length. The study aims to maximize pressure rise and hydraulic efficiency while minimizing the torque required to drive the rotor. The D-optimal method was employed to create an experimental design for the simulations. By comparing R², adjusted R², and RMS error across different regression models, the quadratic regression model emerged as the most effective for deriving a suitable mathematical model from the numerical results. The validity of these models was confirmed through the consistency between predicted and observed outcomes.
Validating Ideal and Actual Positive Affect Measure Among Chinese Adolescents: Affect Valuation Theory
Authors: Chan Mei-ki , Chen Chun
Published: November 2024

Cultural variations in affective experiences are observed. Research on positive affect with refined categorizations has been limited. This study examined the Affect Valuation Theory and its measure, the Affect Valuation Index (AVI), using a sample of high school students from rural China ( N = 676, Mage = 16.17 years, SD = .94). The AVI assesses the ideal-actual affect discrepancy and preferred and actual experiences of different affective states, but it has yet to be validated among adolescents. The AVI showed satisfactory validity and reliability in assessing ideal and actual affect and their discrepancies in our sample. Actual high-arousal affect showed the strongest association with wellness and distress symptoms, but ideal high-arousal affect was not associated with mental health indicators. In contrast, ideal and actual low arousal-affective states were related to wellness indicators. These findings underscore the potential utility of the AVI in capturing affective experiences among adolescents and suggest its application in developing targeted interventions.
Improvement of flame retardancy and thermal stability of epoxy composites by modifying salen-based polyphosphazene microspheres with Co-based metal organic frameworks
Authors: Tian Li , Chen Ronghua , Zhang Yabin , Zheng Qiang , Wang Xingyu , Tan Jiang , Guo Junhong , Mu Bo , Bao Xuemei
Published: November 2024

A functionalized cross-linked polyphosphazenes microsphere (Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF) was fabricated by enveloping Salen-Ni-based polyphosphazenes (Salen-PZN-Ni) with a type of hybrid flame retardant (Co-MOF) to enhance the flame retardant, smoke suppression properties and mechanical properties of epoxy (EP) composites. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the incorporation of Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the EP composites. The existence of Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF enhanced both the vertical burning rating and resulted in a higher limiting oxygen index. The addition of 5 wt% Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF conspicuously improved the fire safety of EP, as evidenced by the results of the cone calorimeter. For instance, the peak heat release rate and total heat release rate of the EP composites were decreased by 25.3% and 44.97%, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF significantly inhibited the generation of toxic carbon monoxide and other volatile compounds. Furthermore, a synergistic effect between Salen-PZN-Ni and Co-MOF was observed. The proposed flame retardant mechanism of Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF is attributed to the synergistic catalytic carbonization effect and the formation of thermally stable components. Consequently, enhanced fire safety in EP composites is achieved through the synergistic interaction among various components (nickel and Co-MOF) with polyphosphazene microspheres. Meanwhile, the excellent compatibility between Salen-PZN-Ni@Co-MOF and EP enhances the mechanical properties of EP composites.
Identification method of cyclic top defects in track geometry measurements in its early stage
Authors: De Rosa Anna , Luber Bernd , Fuchs Josef
Published: November 2024

Track irregularities in the long wavelengths are often overlooked in the development of new track identification and detection techniques, yet they can have serious implications for the safety of freight wagons and the comfort of passengers. This study is aimed to extend the current published literature, by proposing a methodology for the identification and classification of evolving cyclic top (CT) irregularities in the mid and long wavelength range between 25 and 70 m. The methodology required a dataset of historical vertical track geometry measurements to identify and classify CT irregularities, by analysing the growing wavelength contents. The classification of detected CT into early and advanced stage of evolution allows maintenance interventions to be timely planned, improving transportation efficiency. This study contributes to enhancing monitoring methodologies for track geometry and highlights the importance of considering mid and long wavelength irregularities.
Factors Influencing Nasoalveolar Molding Treatment Completion and Noncompletion in Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Herrman Elisa I. , Dierkhising Ross A. , Lee Sarah K. , Salinas Thomas J. , Sarvas Elise W. , Viozzi Christopher F. , Muller Olivia M.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Identify sociodemographic factors and comorbidities predictive of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) treatment completion and noncompletion in infants with cleft lip with or without (+/–) cleft palate in a rural-suburban population.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Patients, Participants

Infants diagnosed with cleft lip +/- cleft palate who initiated NAM treatment between 2013 and 2023. Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Prevalence of NAM treatment completion, defined as continued attendance of NAM appointments until initial lip repair surgery.

Results

NAM treatment noncompletion rate of 23.4%. Noncomplete NAM treatment was associated with greater additional unscheduled NAM visits ( P < .001); increased days inpatient after birth ( P < .001); NICU admission ( P < .001); public insurance ( P = .007); preterm birth ( P = .008); history of social work visits ( P = .024); increased comorbidities ( P = .028); non-Caucasian race ( P = .034); and presence of siblings ( P = .036). Associated comorbidities included use of feeding tube ( P < .001); and conditions related with renal ( P < .001); cardiac ( P = .004); failure to thrive ( P = .009); syndromes ( P = .009); orthopedic ( P = .011); pulmonary ( P = .022); and ophthalmologic systems ( P = .041).

Conclusions

Increased overall health complexity, public insurance status, and need for social work support were identified as factors associated with NAM noncompletion. These variables can help identify patients at risk of noncompletion and empower providers to supply individualized support and resources.
Risk of Atherosclerosis Due to HMGB1-dependent Platelet-derived Microparticles in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nomura Shosaku , Taniura Takehito , Ichikawa Jun , Iwama Ayako , Ito Tomoki
Published: November 2024

We measured high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and platelet-derived microparticles (PDMP) in blood samples from patients with untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the effects of a combination of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Multiple regression analysis of HMGB1 was conducted on data from 252 patients in our previously reported T2DM-related clinical study. The results revealed significant correlations between HMGB1 and PDMP, soluble CD40 ligand, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and soluble E-selectin in multivariate analysis. Based on the HMGB1 levels before treatment with combination, 46 T2DM patients in the study were classified into two groups, high and low. The high HMGB1 group showed a significantly lower adiponectin level and higher PDMP production than the low HMGB1 group. T2DM risk significantly and positively correlated with HMGB1 and PDMPs. HMGB1-induced PDMP production was simulated in vitro using healthy platelets. Furthermore, The combination of a SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor significantly reduced HMGB1 and PDMP levels. These results suggest that in addition to abnormal glucose metabolism, HMGB1-dependent PDMP production and the resulting development of atherosclerosis are also a concern in patients with T2DM.
Hybrid adaptive control for vibration reduction in the floating raft system based on FxLMS
Authors: Gao Dayong , Yao Hongliang , Liang Shengji , Yang Jinbo , Dou Jinxin
Published: November 2024

To enhance the real-time performance of multi-frequency line spectrum vibration control within the floating raft system and minimize the vibration of the floating raft, a hybrid adaptive active vibration control algorithm based on the FxLMS algorithm is introduced. Focusing on the bottom degree of freedom in the floating raft system, a horizontal two-degree of freedom system is established. Initially, the dynamic model of this system is analyzed; subsequently, the hybrid adaptive control algorithm is analyzed theoretically, and its stability is verified by simulation under normal condition, shock disturbance condition, and random signal disturbance condition. The results reveal that the average control effects of feedforward control across each line spectrum under these conditions are −9.55 dB, −10.88 dB, and −9.91 dB, respectively. In contrast, hybrid adaptive control demonstrates stronger performance with average control effects of −23.19 dB, −21.65 dB, and −21.48 dB. Lastly, an experimental platform was established to assess the performance of the proposed control algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid adaptive control successfully mitigates vibrations arising from multiple frequency spectra. The hybrid adaptive control achieves average control effects of −14.77 dB, −15.13 dB, and −14.63 dB across the three conditions, demonstrating superior control efficacy.
Successful use of PRGF-endoret® and ILM peeling for full thickness macular hole in MacTel type 2: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Bertolani Yann , Arnaiz-Camacho Albert , Fernández-Engroba Jorge , García-Arumí Jose , Zapata Miguel-Ángel
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To describe the successful use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret®) and internal limiting membrane peeling for full thickness macular hole in Macular Telangiectasia type 2.

Case presentation

A case report of a full thickness macular hole (FTMH) associated with Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 is described. 25-G vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and use of (PRGF-Endoret®) was performed. Several ophthalmological visits were conducted and multiple diagnostic tests were carried out including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography. A 72-year-old man under follow-up for MacTel type 2 presented with worsening vision in his left eye, with a best visual corrected acuity (BVCA) of 20/80. OCT demonstrated a FTMH in the left eye measuring 264 µm. A 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy surgery was performed with ILM peeling, use of PRGF-Endoret® and tamponade with 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Three weeks after surgery, complete anatomical closure was observed with a BVCA of 20/40, which improved to 20/25 one year after the surgery.

Conclusions

The use of PRGF associated with ILM peeling may be a useful tool in the treatment of macular holes associated with MacTel Type 2 with excellent anatomical and functional outcomes.
D-Dimer in Acute Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis: A Prospective Case-Control International Multicenter Study
Authors: Acosta Stefan , Blaser Annika Reintam , Nuzzo Alexandre , Soltanzadeh-Naderi Yasmin , Starkopf Joel , Forbes Alastair , Murruste Marko , Tamme Kadri , Voomets Anna-Liisa , Koitmäe Merli , Bala Miklosh , Bodnar Zsolt , Casian Dumitru , Demetrashvili Zaza , Biloslavo Alan , Muñoz-Cruzado Virginia Dúran , Hess Benjamin , Kase Karri , Kirov Mikhail , Lindner Matthias , Loudet Cecilia I , Damaskos Dimitrios , Björck Martin
Published: November 2024

Background:

Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is rarely suspected as primary diagnosis in emergency departments and still carries an in-hospital mortality rate of above 20%.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to find differences in clinical and laboratory markers between patients with acute MVT and a control group of suspected but confirmed as not having any type of acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI).

Design:

Data was retrieved from the AMESI (Acute MESenteric Ischaemia) study. This international, multicenter prospective case-control study from 32 sites collected data on patients with suspected AMI during a 10-month period.

Methods:

Independent factors associated with acute MVT were evaluated in a multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

D-dimer was not significantly higher in MVT (n = 73) compared to non-AMI (n = 287) patients (median 7.0 mg/L vs 4.5 mg/L, P = .092). After entering BMI, atherosclerotic disease, history of venous thromboembolism, CRP, and D-dimer as covariates in a multi-variable logistic regression analysis, absence of atherosclerotic disease (OR 0.096, 95% CI 0.011-0.84; P = .034) and elevated D-dimer (OR 2.59/one SD increment, 95% CI 1.07-6.28; P = .034) were associated with MVT. The discriminative ability of D-dimer for MVT as assessed by area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristics analysis was 0.63 (95% CI 0.49-0.78).

Conclusion:

Elevated D-dimer was associated with MVT, but the discriminative ability of D-dimer was poor. There is an urgent need to find a more accurate plasma biomarker for this condition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

NCT05218863 (registered 19.01.2022).
Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Aquaculture Systems in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Dayie Nicholas T. K. D. , Nathan-Mensah Frances N. N. , Kotey Fleischer C. N. , Tabi Blessing Kofi Adu , Kabotso Daniel E. K. , Odoom Alex , Hotor Prince , Dayie Alberta D. , Tetteh-Quarcoo Patience B. , Egyir Beverly , Donkor Eric S.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) poses a critical global health challenge, necessitating its surveillance across both human and animal health sectors. This study evaluated ABR in bacteria harboured in reared inland fishes sold in Accra and the pond water from which they originated.

Method:

The study was cross-sectional, involving fishes and water sampled from 80 ponds. The gastrointestinal organs of the fishes were homogenised and cultured for bacteria, as were the water samples. The bacteria were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauer method. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria were selected for further testing. The double disc diffusion method was used to detect extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in isolates that were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the ESBL-positive isolates using the Illumina Miseq platform.

Results:

In total, 39 different bacterial species, with their individual numbers totalling 391, were isolated. The bacteria were predominantly Escherichia coli (17%), Aeromonas veronii (11%), Citrobacter freundii (8%), Bacillus cereus (5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%). The overall ABR rates were cefotaxime (32%), gentamicin (1%), ciprofloxacin (4%), chloramphenicol (19%), tetracycline (37%), meropenem (0%), and ertapenem (0%). Overall MDR and ESBL bacteria prevalence were 13.6% and 1.3%, respectively. The sequence types of the ESBL isolates were ST4684 (80%, n = 4) and ST2005 (20%, n = 1), and the serotypes were H34:09 (80%, n = 4) and H7 (20%, n = 1); the ABR genes were blaCTX-M-15, fosA7, and qnrS1.

Conclusion:

The fishes and the pond water were contaminated with a diverse range of bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli and Aeromonas veronii. The ABR, MDR, and ESBL rates were low to moderate. Moreover, the main sequence type and serotype of the ESBL isolates were ST4684 and H34:09, respectively, and the ABR genes were blaCTX-M-15, fosA7, and qnrS1.
Characteristics of Patients with Adult-Onset Dermatomyositis at 2 Tertiary Care Centres in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Metko Dea , Bednar Dimitra E. , Alkhayal Fares , Pavlova Viktoria , Legault Kimberly , Abu-Hilal Mohannad
Published: November 2024

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by progressive muscle weakness and distinctive cutaneous findings. The exact incidence and prevalence of DM in the general population is largely unknown, and data on demographic and clinical features in patients in Canada are lacking. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the patients with DM in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with adult-onset DM at 2 tertiary care centres in Ontario, Canada, over a 13 year period. One hundred fourteen patients were included. The mean age was 59, and 80% of patients were female. Skin and muscle involvement coincided in 63% of patients, while skin predated muscle involvement in 11%. Most common characteristic skin manifestations included Gottron’s papules (69%), Heliotrope sign (66%), V sign (61%), and Shawl sign (56%). Among the 114 patients, 88 (77%) were myopathic while 26/114 (23%) were clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis. In the myopathic type, upper extremity weakness, lower extremity weakness, and dysphagia were present in 87%, 81%, and 29% of patients, respectively. Elevated creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were found in 66%, 35%, 33%, and 32%, respectively. Lung disease was reported in 39%, particularly interstitial lung disease. Other associated features included malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and less commonly gastrointestinal disease. DM is a multifaceted autoimmune disease with distinct cutaneous and muscular findings. Our study results align with the growing body of evidence supporting DM as a complex systemic disease with the potential involvement of other organs such as the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
Cumulative interpersonal risk and suicide ideation/attempts among Chinese early adolescents: Does self-esteem play a moderating role?
Authors: Zhao Jingfei , Wang Yulong , Wang Xinchen
Published: November 2024

Scope

Suicide among adolescents is a serious global health concern. Previous research has highlighted that interpersonal factors are vital determinants of suicidality. However, little is known about the cumulative effects of interpersonal risks and the protective factors that buffer individuals from developing suicidal tendencies. The present study examined whether linear or nonlinear models best account for the relationship between cumulative interpersonal risk and suicidal ideation and attempts among early adolescents and the protective value of self-esteem in these associations.

Methods

A sample of 605 seventh-grade students from in Hunan, China was tracked over a 6 month interval. Measures of interpersonal risk, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-esteem were obtained from adolescents’ self-reports.

Results

The findings indicated both concurrent and longitudinal linear associations between cumulative interpersonal risk and adolescent suicidal ideation. Cumulative interpersonal risk was only associated with concurrent adolescent suicide attempts, showing a nonlinear relationship. Self-esteem moderates the association between cumulative interpersonal risk and subsequent suicidal ideation. The results also showed that identifying interpersonal risk early and simultaneously reducing multiple interpersonal risks would benefit high-suicide-risk youths.

Conclusions

Adolescents who face more than three interpersonal risks are particularly at risk for suicide attempts. Self-esteem is insufficient to counteract the cumulative impact of interpersonal risk completely. Study analyzing whether personal worth plays a moderating role in the suicidal ideation and attempts of early Chinese adolescents. While suicide among adolescents is a serious global health concern, little is known about the cumulative effects of interpersonal risks and the protective factors that buffer individuals from developing suicidal tendencies. As such, we followed 605 seventh graders over six months to investigate the combined influence of various interpersonal stressors such as low teacher support, limited classmates’ support, ineffective communication with parents, and experiences of social ostracism on suicidality. In addition, we explored whether a good sense of personal worth (self-esteem) made a difference. Our findings showed that, as interpersonal risks accumulate, the likelihood of an adolescent experiencing suicidal thoughts increases. Although self-esteem offers some protection, it does not fully counteract the detrimental effects of combined interpersonal problems. In particular, when an adolescent faces three or more interpersonal stressors, the risk of suicide attempts increases. Based on our findings, we believe that interventions aimed at reducing these interpersonal risks and bolstering adolescent self-esteem could be pivotal for suicide prevention.
What target language use characterizes high-performing L2 learners in a migration context?
Authors: Arvidsson Klara , Forsberg Lundell Fanny , Zakrzewska Marta , Jemstedt Andreas
Published: November 2024

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

Previous studies have investigated if quantity of target language (TL) use predicts second language (L2) learning. The aim of this study is to understand what kind of TL use promotes host language proficiency among adults in the context of migration, operationalized as productive collocation knowledge.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

The study takes a cross-sectional quantitative approach to explore what clusters of TL activities predict language proficiency among 63 first language (L1) French L2 Swedish long-term residents in Sweden.

Data and Analysis:

Data were collected within a larger project. Productive collocation knowledge was assessed by a collocation test and participants’ TL use through the Language Engagement Questionnaire. We conducted a factor analysis to identify patterns of TL use. We then used structural equation modeling to investigate the relationship between TL use and productive collocation knowledge.

Findings/Conclusions:

Two factors emerged from the factor analysis: “Everyday Interactive Target Language Use” and “Non-interactive Target Language Use.” Only the former was related to productive collocation knowledge as evidenced by the structural equation modeling. “Everyday Interactive Target Language Use” included using the TL at the workplace, in conversations and service encounters, through text messages and emails, participating in online social network platforms, and browsing the internet.

Originality:

The study explores what specific kind of TL use promotes second language proficiency among adults in a migration context. This is a topic that has not received much attention in previous research.

Significance/Implications:

By showing that proficient L2 users engage daily with the TL through, for example, social interactions and language use at work, the study points toward the importance of a certain level of socio-economic as well as socio-cultural integration for efficient second language learning among adults in a migration context.
Tålt brutalitet? Om hva vi vet og ikke vet om mennesker med narkotikarelaterte problemer
Authors: Johansen Nicolay Borchgrevink
Published: November 2024

Norwegian drug policy has been disputed for more than 50 years and rose to the top of the political agenda when the government proposed a reform in 2021. To make a sound evaluation of the current policy regime, it is a requirement that the upsides can be balanced with the downsides. The term “control damage” captures some of the downsides, which have received political attention in recent years. This debate piece expands the concept of control damages, and it presents an outline of knowledge about unhealth and living conditions in drug scenes, and supplements it with the voices of “users”. The recurring theme is nevertheless the absence of knowledge. There is a lack of knowledge about both health and general conditions in drug scenes. There is also a lack of understanding the illicit drug culture. What is the meaning of the brutality that takes place in them? These cultures are simultaneously over-controlled and unpoliced societies. Would the drug policy debate play out differently if health and life conditions were the starting point?
Cleaning up shaʿbi: Music and class-cultural divides in cairo
Authors: Frankford Sophie
Published: November 2024

Egyptian shaʿbi music is typically positioned as a somewhat vulgar style produced and consumed by the working-class masses. But in practice, numerous individuals have long been attempting to sanitise it to appeal to audiences deemed more elite. This article, based on 21 months of ethnographic fieldwork with musicians and producers in Cairo, investigates how this mainstream, mass-mediated, commercially successful version of shaʿbi, known as ‘clean shaʿbi’ ( shaʿbi nadif) is produced and distributed. I explore how three different cultural brokers try to clean up shaʿbi in distinctive ways. I argue that their success does not reveal a straightforward crossing of class-cultural divides, as it might at first appear; in each instance boundaries are in some ways crossed, and in other ways reinforced. Cleaning up shaʿbi does not necessarily benefit the musicians: the processes through which their music is sanitised and mediated are often exploitative, serving to entrench pre-existing social inequalities.
Isolated microgrid frequency stabilization through nonlinear model predictive control of a gas engine generator set
Authors: Riedler Thomas , Franz Benjamin , Kozek Martin , Huber Johannes , Bachler Simon , Jakubek Stefan
Published: November 2024

Gas engine generator sets are applied in microgrids due to their capability to provide reliable, responsive and efficient distributed power generation, enhancing grid resilience and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources. This article proposes a methodology for stabilizing the frequency of an isolated microgrid subjected to a measurable disturbance by controlling the power of a premixed turbocharged natural gas engine. Control difficulties of this task include strongly nonlinear dynamics, time delay in the air-fuel path and constrained operating conditions. Conventional control methods like proportional-integral control have difficulties solving these problems, and require extensive tuning efforts and gain scheduling to deliver acceptable performance, prompting adoption of advanced control strategies. The presented approach utilizes a cascaded control architecture with a nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) for high level control and engine specific low-level controllers for controlling the intake manifold pressure and air-fuel ratio. The NMPC captures the inherent nonlinear dynamics, accounts for an input delay and handles state-dependent constraints. The cascaded control architecture enables the usage of a comparably simple model for the NMPC design, reducing the computational cost and the parametrization effort. This additionally enables application of the high level controller for different gas engine types and allows design of the controller in a simple simulation environment prior to the experiments on the real engine. Experimental results highlight the NMPC’s ability to control the engine at its physical limits over the entire load range without inducing frequency oscillations using just one parameter set. This emphasizes the robustness of the presented approach, making it a promising solution for real-world applications.
Towards eco-political becoming: Planning rural livelihoods in a more-than-human world
Authors: Basnet Vinisha Singh
Published: November 2024

Emerging works within planning invite scholars to engage with a more-than-human approach. However, scholars note that such an approach is yet to gain broader acceptance within planning communities. I argue that the issue of acceptance is rooted in a lack of clear focus on how a more-than-human approach can have concrete effects on accepted domains of planning. Therefore, I introduce the analytic of eco-political becoming, which foregrounds the complex effects of the ecological on the sociopolitical . I present a case of eco-political becoming in planning rural livelihoods, where Indigenous communities engaged in rearing silk, find themselves entangled with crows. As the communities attempt to deter the crows from eating silk moth larvae, the crows in-turn disrupt two key sociopolitical categories and processes in the village—gender and caste. The case highlights sociopolitical outcomes of human-nonhuman entanglement that emerge out of economic planning. I propose that the analytical tool of eco-political becoming enables scholars to focus on the complex effects of nonhuman actors on the socially constructed identities and hierarchies considered important by the larger planning community.
Becoming impactful: Humanities doctoral researchers navigating a lively zone of entanglement
Authors: Nuriler Hatice , Bengtsen Søren SE , Grant Barbara
Published: November 2024

This article explores societal impact of humanities doctoral research. Through an empirical inquiry based in Denmark, we analyse how current doctoral researchers conceptualize societal impact and how they articulate potential contributions to society. For theoretical framing, we employ a double-winged perspective combining concepts from the work of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard with others from French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, namely concepts of subjective thinking, necessity-freedom; and the concepts of field, capital and habitus. Such a combination allows taking into consideration both the structural, social factors and the individual and subjective elements shaping doctoral researchers’ perspectives. Our findings offer both shared concerns and anxieties across several humanities doctoral contexts in Denmark with regards to the impact agenda and the more subjective aspirations of researchers for producing impactful research, as articulated in idiosyncratic ways. We offer the term of ‘zone of entanglement’ to describe the landscape of humanities doctoral researchers navigate.
Nonlinear convolutional sparse filtering with Gaussian fitting for rolling bearings compound fault diagnosis
Authors: Zhao Lilong , Liu Yonghong , Zhang Zongzhen , Wang Jinrui
Published: November 2024

The operational precision, stability, and lifespan of servo motors are directly influenced by the healthy operation of rolling bearings. Early diagnosis of bearing faults holds significant importance in enhancing the reliability of servo motors and preventing substantial economic losses and personal injuries. However, strong noise interference in industrial environments poses challenges to bearing fault diagnosis. Additionally, the difficulty in detecting single faults in bearings often leads to the occurrence of compound faults. To achieve compound fault diagnosis under intense noise interference in industrial environments, this paper proposes the nonlinear convolutional sparse filtering (NCSF). First, generalized sigmoid and Z-score normalization are utilized to amplify fault features and reduce the influence of irrelevant interference. Subsequently, multidimensional filters are learned based on a nonlinear objective function to achieve the separation of compound faults. Then, the Gaussian function is utilized to fit the trained filters, reducing the impact of low-frequency noise. Finally, the filtered signals are envelope demodulated to analyze fault types. The capability of NCSF to distinguish compound faults amid noise interference is confirmed by both experimental and simulation results. The proposed NCSF is an effective method to realize compound fault diagnosis under strong noise interference.
Exploring the Utility of Carpal Tunnel Biopsy in Amyloidosis: A Current Perspective
Authors: Sullivan Mikaela H. , Rodriguez Brilla Maria Alejandra , Klein Christopher J. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: November 2024

Recent literature has emphasized the role of hand surgeons in screening patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for amyloidosis by performing a carpal tunnel synovial biopsy during open carpal tunnel release (CTR). This has led to misconceptions about the diagnostic utility of synovial biopsy and the clinical evaluation of suspected amyloidosis. Controversy over carpal tunnel biopsy is exacerbated by minimally invasive advances in CTR procedures. This current perspective aims to determine the role of carpal tunnel synovial biopsy in amyloidosis and provide an update for hand surgeons regarding the nuances of amyloidosis. We conclude that carpal tunnel synovial biopsy should not be performed without CTS symptoms but only in patients meeting criteria for open CTR such as in those with severe symptoms which have failed nonoperative treatment and minimally invasive procedures are contraindicated. A screening approach for amyloidosis is proposed in patients presenting with CTS symptoms. Despite advances in the understanding, treatment, and diagnosis of amyloidosis, there remains a need for accurate, specific, and sensitive diagnostic tests.
Research on time forecasting model in digital twin for logistic activity in intelligent manufactory
Authors: Qiu Fusheng , Wang Hongjun , Tang Tang , Wang Liang , Chen Ming
Published: November 2024

In the era of intelligent manufacturing, the production mode of customer demand-pull has become predominant. However, this mode of production entails numerous uncertainties, necessitating accurate predictions in various aspects such as market demand, supply chain, warehousing, and workshop logistics. Therefore, it is of great engineering significance to establish a high-performance time forecasting model for enhancing logistics planning and operations. In this study, we propose a novel hybrid time series forecasting method. This method can select appropriate decomposition methods and prediction models based on the characteristics of the sequence itself, and use hyperparameter optimization to achieve the best prediction effect. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through rigorous validation with diverse types of time series data. Consequently, this method holds promise as a suitable forecasting model for logistics planning and operations.
Suffrage Theatre's Surprising Supporters: Elizabeth Robins's Artistic Friendships with Henry James and Florence Bell
Authors: Miller Renata Kobetts
Published: November 2024

Actress, novelist, playwright, and essayist Elizabeth Robins is one of the most examined British suffrage writers, and her play Votes for Women (1907) emerged from and participated in robust networks for women's enfranchisement that have been well studied. This essay takes as its focus other contexts that contributed to Robins's suffrage writing, namely her deep and enduring friendships with two people who opposed women's suffrage: the writers Henry James and Lady Florence Bell. Closely examining these connections provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the movement for women's empowerment in the theatre and the movement for women's political enfranchisement. It also provides a more nuanced understanding of Robins's motivations as she herself, like Bell and James, understood her artistic interests to be parallel with yet distinct from, rather than fully elided with, her political causes. These friendships speak to activist theatre's productive contiguities with the more conservative uses of the art forms in which they participate. Robins's correspondence with James and Bell provides us with an understanding of how the political theatre of the suffrage movement was supported by and in turn helped to build relationships across political differences.