bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
I Get by With a Little Help From My Friends: The Impact of a Gender-Tailored Group Mentoring Program on Peer Relationships
Authors: Bouchard Jessica , Wong Jennifer S.
Published: October 2024

Adolescents face many difficulties when transitioning to high school, particularly when it comes to their social circles and maintaining friendships. As these challenges can have long-term consequences, providing support to youth during this period is essential. The YWCA Youth Education Programs (YEP) in Vancouver, BC offer group-based, after-school mentoring programs for 7th grade students to help them navigate the transition to high school. Survey data from 668 students (233 treatment group and 435 control group) were used to examine the impacts of the YEP on friend support. Multilevel regression models show that the YEP is effective at improving perceptions of friend support in the long term. More research is needed to explore potential gender differences in the experience of supportive friendships after youth transition to high school, as well as the impact of group-based mentoring for youth transitioning to the high school environment.
Remembrances of Paul Locher
Authors: Chatterjee Anjan , Leder Helmut , Nadal Marcos , Smith Jeff , Smith Lisa , Tinio Pablo P. L. , Vartanian Oshin , Zellner Debra
Published: October 2024

Paul Locher passed away on 20 August 2024. Paul was an outstanding scientist and a central figure in the field of empirical aesthetics. He made important contributions to numerous areas including the study of symmetry, balance, facial attractiveness, museum behaviour, artwork composition and restoration, and aesthetics of food, but in particular to the study of eye movements in aesthetic appreciation of artworks. Indeed, his research on eye tracking is a touchstone for visual perception in empirical aesthetics. Here, a group of Paul's colleagues remember and celebrate him through a set of recollections that honour how he shaped their research and lives. It is hoped that this will offer a glimpse into the wonderful scholar and human being that Paul was, and why he will be sorely missed.
Decoding modular reconfigurable robots: A survey on mechanisms and design
Authors: Liang Guanqi , Wu Di , Tu Yuxiao , Lam Tin Lun
Published: October 2024

The intrinsic modularity and reconfigurability of modular reconfigurable robot (MRR) systems confer advantages such as versatility, fault tolerance, and economic efficacy, thereby showcasing considerable potential across diverse applications. The continuous evolution of the technology landscape and the emergence of diverse conceptual designs have generated multiple MRR categories, each described by its respective morphology or capability characteristics, leading to some ambiguity in the taxonomy. This paper conducts a comprehensive survey covering a wide range of mechanism and design aspects of MRR systems, spanning from 1985 to 2023. It introduces an innovative, unified conceptual framework for understanding MRR hardware, which encompasses three pivotal elements: connectors, actuators, and homogeneity. Through the utilization of this trilateral framework, this paper systematically interprets and classifies MRR systems over the years, aiming to provide a structured taxonomy perspective and enhance understanding of MRR. It explains the fundamental attributes characterizing MRR systems and their compositional aspects, providing insights into their design, technology, functionality, and categorization. Augmented by the proposed trilateral framework, this paper also elaborates on the trajectory of evolution, prevailing trends, principal challenges, and potential prospects within the field of MRR.
Regional nerve blocks for peripheral neuropathy: a rare clinical case report
Authors: Guo Jianwei , Cheng Yan , Yi Minmin
Published: October 2024

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in patients with diabetes. However, the appropriateness of administering nerve block anesthesia to these patients remains uncertain. Key concerns include the potential for prolonged block duration, an increased risk of local anesthetic toxicity, and the possibility of further damaging already compromised peripheral nerves. We herein report a case involving a patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who underwent finger amputation under ultrasound-guided nerve block anesthesia and subsequently lost pain and temperature sensation in both hands 1 month later. For critically ill patients undergoing surgery, regional anesthesia, such as a nerve block, may be a more suitable option than general anesthesia. When performing nerve block procedures in patients with diabetes, using ultrasound guidance is recommended to ensure precise targeting and reduce the risk of complications. However, it remains unclear whether nerve block anesthesia exacerbates peripheral neuropathy.
Reduced lipoprotein (a) in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia
Authors: Jacob Erin O. , McIntyre Adam D. , Wang Jian , Hegele Robert A.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between plasma lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) and lipid profiles in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG).

Methods

This case–control study undertook a retrospective chart review of patients from the Lipid Genetics Clinic at London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, Canada. Plasma Lp(a) was compared between patients with severe HTG and healthy normolipidaemic control subjects. Severe HTG was defined by plasma triglycerides (TG) ≥ 10 mmol/l. Pairwise correlations between Lp(a), TG, apolipoprotein B (apo B) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) were evaluated.

Results

This study reviewed 4400 patients and identified 154 patients with severe HTG, which were compared with 272 control subjects. The median Lp(a) was significantly lower in patients with severe HTG compared with control subjects (5.0 versus 10.2 mg/dl, respectively). No correlation was observed between Lp(a) and TG or non-HDL-C. Lp(a) and apo B were modestly correlated in patients with severe HTG ( r = 0.235) and control subjects ( r = 0.175). There were no significant differences between the genetic subgroups of patients with severe HTG.

Conclusions

Patients with severe HTG have lower plasma Lp(a) than normolipidaemic control subjects. The basis for this relationship is not immediately apparent but is hypothesis-generating and warrants further investigation.
Framing Madam Vice President: Global Newspaper Coverage of Kamala Harris in Her First Year
Authors: Osei Fordjour Nana Kwame , White Judith McIntosh
Published: October 2024

The media’s portrayal of women in politics is crucial in shaping public perceptions of their effective leadership. While previous research has focused on the negative impact of stereotypical framing on women’s political engagement, this study takes a novel approach. We conduct an in-depth analysis of how international newspapers covered Vice President Kamala Harris in her first year, revealing a surprisingly optimistic narrative. The coverage emphasized her legislative impact, pandemic management, advocacy, diplomacy, performance and social identity. This unique perspective has significant implications for the praxis of women’s coverage, political communication and media studies, which we delve into in this paper.
Summer Camp Clinical Placements in Young Families Nursing: An Interpretive Description Study
Authors: Williams Claire , Gordon Renée , Richard Emily
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Obtaining meaningful clinical experiences with paediatric and perinatal (young families) populations is increasingly challenging for nursing programs. Care for this population has largely moved to outpatient and tertiary settings. Therefore, a current trend is to use non-traditional clinical settings. While summer camps offer rich learning experiences for nursing students, they are seldom used as clinical placements. Faculty at an Atlantic Canadian university sought a novel way to engage students in young families’ learning by partnering with overnight summer camps, staffed by counsellors, camp administrators, and on-site nurses. Campers included those with lived experience of cancer, diabetes, physical and developmental challenges, and socioeconomic challenges. This study assesses how young families course outcomes were met by an innovative clinical experience within a Bachelor of Nursing program and describes the perceptions and experiences of those involved.

Methods

Study participants included students (n = 4), camp directors (n = 3), a camp nurse (n = 1), and the clinical educator (n = 1). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Interpretive description methodology was used to identify themes and patterns related to overarching research questions.

Findings

Students met the outcomes and overall participant perceptions and experiences were positive. However, some participants shared constructive critiques for future consideration.

Conclusions

Nursing students who completed a young families clinical placement at summer camps met course outcomes, and those involved reported both positive experiences and constructive critiques for future consideration.
Lacosamide Boluses Decreased Seizure Burden and Were Well Tolerated in Neonates With Acute Seizures: A Single-Center Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Jewell Tess I. , Carrasco Melisa , Hsu David A. , Knox Andrew T.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Neonatal seizures are associated with worsened neurodevelopmental outcomes. Phenobarbital, the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved treatment for neonatal seizures, can cause neuronal apoptosis and may worsen neurodevelopmental outcomes. Lacosamide may be an efficacious treatment for neonatal seizures. Methods: We assessed the impact of lacosamide boluses on seizure burden in a retrospective cohort of 15 neonates monitored with video electroencephalography (EEG). Medication bolus times and seizure start/end times on EEG tracings determined change in seizure burden. Results: Seven patients received lacosamide as first- or second-line treatment and 8 as third-line or later. Average 4-hour seizure burden decreased from 13% to 3% following lacosamide boluses ( P = .002). Reduction in seizure burden greater than 30% followed 79% of boluses. Lacosamide was well tolerated; one patient experienced mild asymptomatic episodic bradycardia that medication taper resolved. Conclusions: Lacosamide significantly decreased seizure burden in this cohort. Prospective studies of lacosamide treatment for neonatal seizures are warranted.
Speed-dating and simulation data explain the discrepancy between stated and revealed mate preferences
Authors: Zhao Amy A. Z. , Sidari Morgan J. , Lee Anthony J. , Zietsch Brendan P.
Published: October 2024

There is little evidence in speed-dating studies that stated preferences – what people say they prefer in a partner – are associated with revealed preferences – what people actually find attractive in a partner. In Study 1, a high-powered speed-dating study ( n = 1145) revealed that four out of nine traits provided evidence of a correspondence between stated and revealed preferences. In Study 2, simulations based on the constraints of Study 1’s speed-dating design showed that when attractiveness depends on multiple independent traits, the stated preference for an individual trait can only be, on average, minimally related to the revealed preference for that trait. In Study 3, we investigated methods that simultaneously combine multiple traits when testing the association between stated and revealed preferences (e.g. Euclidean distance, pattern metric). All four omnibus methods indicated an apparent association between stated and revealed preferences in our speed-dating data. However, additional analyses and permutation tests suggest that these significant associations reflect statistical artefacts rather than true correspondences. We conclude that detecting any association between stated and revealed preferences will be difficult under realistic assumptions about the number of traits involved in partner evaluation. In this light, we discuss previous findings and provide suggestions for future studies in this vein.
Enhanced hydrophobicity of polyurethane coating for steel protection through replication and nanomaterial integration
Authors: Soon Li Jie , Abdullah Tuti Katrina , Mahamad Husin Amira Sofea , Ahmad Zubir Syazana
Published: October 2024

Polyurethanes (PU) are widely used in corrosion protection, anti-biofouling coatings, and self-cleaning glass, yet their low hydrophobicity poses durability challenges. This study addresses this by enhancing PU coatings’ hydrophobicity by refining surface roughness and forming tailored porous structures. Using drop, spin, dip, and spray coating techniques, hydrophobic PU coatings were fabricated on 304 steel plates. To further enhance hydrophobicity, 0.5 w/v% graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were introduced into the coatings. Additionally, stainless-steel 500 mesh was incorporated to create patterned surfaces, increasing surface roughness and tailoring the porous structure. The analysis included optical and scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle (WCA) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical corrosion tests, and atomic force microscopy. Incorporating GNP notably increased WCA by 20–23° and reduced corrosion rates in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Likewise, applying stainless-steel mesh improved surface roughness, raising WCA by 3-8° and decreasing corrosion rates. The study observed changes in porous structure, with pore size reduction correlating with increased roughness and decreased corrosion rates upon mesh application and GNP addition. This comprehensive examination highlights the potential of PU coatings for various applications and underlines the importance of tailored porous structures in enhancing their performance and versatility. Spin coating emerged as the optimal technique, yielding uniform, defect-free coatings with the highest WCA.
Fracture failure of oil-collecting steel wire reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe
Authors: Ding Han , Zhang Aibo , Li Houbu , Qi Dongtao , Qi Guoquan , Lun Huilin
Published: October 2024

A steel wire-reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe (SRTP) used as an oil connecting experienced fracture failure after 1.8 years’ service. In this paper, we conducted through on-site working condition investigation, visual physical inspection, analysis of the inner lining structure composition, physical and chemical properties analysis, thermal analysis, and mechanical analysis, and morphology analysis. The lining material of the SRTP exhibited significant swelling, which reduced its performance, and operation at high temperatures (>75°C) accelerated this process. Due to the swelling of oil and the permeation of CO2 and H2S, the oil and acid gases penetrated the interlayer of the composite pipe and accumulated in the annular space, continuously corroding and weakening the steel wire. This process gradually reduced its load-bearing capacity and pressure resistance. It is recommended that non-metallic pipes should be selected according to the service conditions to ensure that the materials are consistent with the design requirements.
A unique case of mesothelial cyst removal during peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Dotis John , Kondou Antonia , Karava Vasiliki , Papadopoulou Athina , Siolos Pavlos , Konstantinos Pavlogiannis , Printza Nikoleta
Published: October 2024

A peritoneal mesothelial cyst is a rare entity, commonly asymptomatic, which is usually detected as an incidental radiological finding and needs surgical intervention for complete removal. We present a unique case of a peritoneal simple mesothelial cyst that was removed accidentally during peritoneal dialysis in a pediatric patient.
Recent innovations in engineering Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures for water and wastewater treatment: Pushing the boundaries of multifunctional photocatalytic and advanced biotechnological applications
Authors: Chang Jang Sen , Saint Christopher P. , Chow Christopher W. K. , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Chong Meng Nan
Published: October 2024

Owing to its rapid advancement in nanotechnology, latest publications (recent 5 years) related to zinc oxide (ZnO) in various aspects and applications have been reviewed. Trend has shifted to the innovation of pristine ZnO nanostructures functionalized with elemental dopants and heterojunction to improve the photoactivities on micropollutant degradation and heavy metals removal as well as the antibacterial effect towards microorganisms. The fundamentals of improved photoactivities (i.e., low recombination rate of charge carrier and effective charge transfer) and enhanced antibacterial properties (i.e., dissolution of ions and generation of reactive oxygen species) are accentuated. Subsequently, a detailed examination is undertaken to elucidate the key impacts of ZnO on actual wastewater treatment systems. This review concludes with a consolidated overview on the recent advances of ZnO for environmental wastewater decontamination and the future prospects on tailoring ZnO based on their photocatalytic and antibacterial properties to match various expectations from practical applications while minimising the adverse impacts on surrounding environment.
Early state socialism and eugenics: Premarital medical certificates in Czechoslovakia, East Germany, and Poland in the aftermath of World War II
Authors: Jarska Natalia , Lišková Kateřina , Wahl Markus
Published: October 2024

The article discusses the immediate post-war persistence and subsequent rejection of eugenics in East-Central European socialist states, exploring the case of premarital medical certificates. Building our analysis on published and archival sources, we show that immediately after the war, policies formulated at the governmental level were informed by eugenic ideas in medical expertise. Premarital medical certificates were aimed at combatting contagious diseases and thus securing a healthy population. Their legal status varied: in Poland, they were formally introduced; in the Soviet Occupied Zone and East Germany, Nazi law was abolished, but local officials still advocated for the introduction of certificates; and in Czechoslovakia, medical certificates were planned but not introduced. Despite these differences, after a short period between 1949 and 1950, the attempts to put a measure into practice ended in all three countries. We argue that the communist takeover and consolidation of power played a decisive role. After 1950, premarital medical certificates were not discussed again in Czechoslovakia or East Germany; in Poland, the debate re-emerged in 1959–60 during political liberalization.
Enhancing the accuracy of blockage detection in centrifugal pump using the majority voting classifier on an unbalanced dataset
Authors: Ranawat Nagendra Singh , Miglani Ankur , Kankar Pavan Kumar
Published: October 2024

Blockage in a centrifugal pump can adversely impact its performance. In this study, an experimental facility is developed to simulate three types of blockages (suction, discharge, and simultaneous suction and discharge). To classify these faults and detect their severity, a methodology involving the application of majority voting classifier (MVC) to the pump’s discharge pressure signals is presented. An unbalanced dataset is constructed, where the number of samples for a specific blockage condition decreases with increasing fault severity. Statistical features, entropy features, and entropies meta features are extracted from the signal and ranked using XGBoost and minimum redundancy maximum relevance (MRMR). Subsequently, the optimal features are selected based on the best performing model (Linear Discriminant Analysis) among ten different models. Best four models are selected and ensembled to form MVC. Results show that MVC achieves an accuracy of 89.90% and 88.26% for features selected by XGBoost and MRMR, respectively. Finally, the unbalanced dataset is balanced using synthetic minority oversampling and it is shown that MVC achieves an accuracy of 100% on this balanced dataset for the features selected using both approaches.
An innovative solar reactor with Gaussian-pattern geometry for syngas production from dry reforming of methane
Authors: Saedi Yashar , Mahmoudimehr Javad
Published: October 2024

Solar reactors are promising energy storage technologies that convert solar energy into the heating value of passing fluids. This study is focused on a foam-based solar reactor, one of the most common types of solar reactors, supposed to produce syngas from the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The novelty of the present study is that it proposes a new Gaussian-pattern reactor geometry inspired by the Gaussian distribution of the incident solar flux. Local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) model and the finite volume method (FVM) numerical approach are employed to assess the performance of the proposed solar reactor design. A comparison between the present design and the benchmark design (the design with cylindrical geometry) shows that the new design leads to better temperature distribution and improves energy storage efficiency by about 3.3%.
Using a bonded solid film lubricant to prevent fretting wear in the axle journal bearings of rail vehicles
Authors: Okamura Yoshiaki , Suzuki Daisuke , Takahashi Ken , Nagatomo Takafumi
Published: October 2024

Fretting degrades the inboard inner ring and the backing ring contact surfaces of axle journal roller bearings used in railway applications. This study attempts to prevent fretting wear between them as well as fretting wear particles from entering the axle bearing interior without introducing new bearing components. It has been reported that coating metallic surfaces with bonded solid film lubricants improves lubricity and wear resistance while reducing fretting wear. To evaluate the impact on fretting wear prevention, a full-size railway axle bearing that was coated a backing ring side face with a bonded solid film lubricant was rotated. The findings demonstrate that applying the bonded solid film lubricant to the backing ring side face does not prevent the axle bearings from fretting. The surface temperature probably exceeds the heat-resistant temperature of the solid film lubricant because of the fretting friction.
Theoretical performance study on R600/R170 auto-cascade refrigeration cycle with mechanical pre-cooling
Authors: He Yongning , Cao Wenliang , Wang Su’ao , Xu Ke , Kang Xiangjie , Zhang Yeqiang , Xing Linfen , Wu Xuehong
Published: October 2024

A mechanical pre-cooling auto-cascade refrigeration (PACR) system was proposed, R600a single-stage vapor compression system was used to provide pre-cooling for R600/R170 auto-cascade refrigeration (ACR) system. Performance of PACR system under different operating conditions was discussed. The result showed that maintaining a constant outlet temperature of 30°C for the condenser and −45°C for the evaporator in a PACR system resulted in an optimal intermediate temperature that maximized coefficient of cooling performance (COP). At this time, the optimal intermediate temperature of R600/R170 was 0°C, the COP maximum value ( COPmax) was 0.693 and exergy efficiency ( ηEx) was 20.9%. And as the evaporator outlet temperature decreases to −70°C, the optimal intermediate temperature decreases to −10°C. The cooling capacity ( Qe) of the low-temperature grade circulating refrigerant in the PACR system using R600/R170 at different evaporation temperatures was increased by 86.3%–108% compared to that of R134a/R23. COPmax was increased by 7.1% compared to that of R134a/R23 at the evaporator outlet temperature of −60°C.
Influence of brown algae filler and process parameters on the surface roughness and MRR of jute fiber polymeric composite machined by abrasive water jet
Authors: Karthikeyan R , Madhu S , Geo Varuvel Edwin , Pethuthraj M
Published: October 2024

Traditional manufacturing of polymeric composite leads to delamination. Implementing abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) presents a sustainable solution for shaping the polymeric composites, thereby eliminating the need to dispose of chemically contaminated waste. Brown microalgae, commonly found in aquatic environments, serve as viable additives for enhancing the properties of polymeric composites. This study entails the polymeric composite reinforced with jute fiber fabricated by modulating the weight percentages of brown algae powder by 0, 3, and 6 wt.% utilizing the hand layup procedure. The composites were formed and subsequently subjected to drilling by AWJ machining filled with brown algae. The experimental investigation was done to analyze the effect of AWJ parameters: water jet pressure (WJP), traverse speed (TS), and stand-off distance (SoD)—on the material removal rate (MRR) and average surface roughness ( Ra). Orthogonal Array L27 experimental results revealed that polymeric composite reinforced with jute fiber containing 3 wt.% of brown algae exhibited the highest MRR, with an increase of up to 12% compared to other samples. Additionally, these composites demonstrated a significant reduction in surface roughness, reaching up to 8% when compared to alternative samples. Utilizing the Taguchi-based ANOVA method facilitated a systematic exploration and identification of influential factors impacting both MRR and Ra in AWJ machining. Notably, the WJP and SoD emerged as key factors significantly influencing both MRR and Ra.
Adaptive interacting multiple model particle filter based on a dual-pattern bat algorithm for maneuvering target tracking
Authors: Tian Mengchu , Chen Zhimin , Fang Yubin
Published: October 2024

The interacting multiple model particle filter (IMM-PF) is a filtering method commonly used for nonlinear non-Gaussian radar systems. Its transfer probabilities are usually fixed and dependent on prior information. When tracking maneuvering targets, the IMM-PF may cause excessive tracking errors due to the model switching lag. In addition, the particle impoverishment caused by the resampling of the particle filter seriously affects the filtering accuracy. Therefore, the IMM-PF has difficulty meeting the accuracy and speed requirements of modern high-performance radar target tracking systems. To address these problems, an adaptive interacting multiple model particle filter based on the dual-pattern bat algorithm (ADIMM-DPBA-PF) is proposed for tracking maneuvering targets under nonlinear and non-Gaussian conditions. First, the adaptive model switching mechanism is established to adjust the transition probabilities using the model probability posterior information at consecutive times, improving the model switching efficiency. Second, a particle filter based on the dual-pattern bat algorithm (DPBA-PF) is proposed. The filter exploits global search and local search strategies to optimize the particles and intelligently move the particles to the high likelihood region. Finally, a particle filter based on the dual-pattern bat algorithm is used to form the adaptive interacting multiple model method. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better comprehensive performance than the IMM-PF.
Numerical investigation of the influence of suction surface synthetic jet on the performance of transonic axial flow compressor
Authors: Wang Guang , Liu Wenhao , Chu Wuli
Published: October 2024

In order to investigate the effect of suction surface synthetic jet on the aerodynamic performance of transonic axial compressor, Rotor35 was used for numerical simulation. The results show that at four different positions, the stability margin of the compressor is slightly reduced by suction surface excitation, but there is an optimal position that can improve the compressor total pressure ratio and efficiency. At this position, there is little change in the total pressure ratio at the peak efficiency, and the efficiency is improved by 0.58%. The total pressure ratio and efficiency of the design point are increased by 0.18% and 0.55%, respectively. The periodic excitation of synthetic jet can effectively separate the suction surface and reduce the separation loss, which is the reason for the improvement of compressor efficiency. However, for the transonic compressor, synthetic jet on the suction surface obstructs the radial migration vortex that reaches the tip to the exit, but cause it to gather in the tip channel, resulting in the blockage and reduction of the stability margin of the compressor. In order to take into account the stability margin of the compressor, the coupled flow control is carried out by combining the casing treatment with synthetic jet on the suction surface. The results show that the flow margin of the compressor is increased by 8.76%, the total pressure ratio is increased by 1.76%, and the efficiency is only decreased by 0.13%. In coupled flow control, the suction and injection effects of the casing treatment can make up for the negative influence of synthetic jet on the tip flow, effectively improve the tip flow and expand the stable working range of the compressor. Compared with flow control that only carries out casing treatment, coupled flow control can exert the advantages of synthetic jet suppressing suction surface separation, reduce shock loss, outlet loss and casing treatment loss, and make up for the shortage of excessive efficiency reduction after casing treatment, which is the main reason for the improvement of compressor performance.
The effect of role play prepared with video support on ethical decision-making and motivation levels of nursing students: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Demircan Burcu , Kıyak Yasemin , Aştı Türkinaz
Published: October 2024

Background: Since the increasingly complex structure of health care services brings many ethical problems, it is important to use different instructional technologies in the ethical education of future nurses.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of role play prepared with video support on ethical decision-making and motivation levels of nursing students.

Research design: A quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design.

Participants and research context: The research was conducted in the Nursing Department of a University located in Istanbul, Turkey between October 15 and November 15, 2024. The sample of the research consisted of 3rd year nursing students. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Nursing Dilemma Test, and the Instructional Material Motivation Scale for Single-Use.

Ethical considerations: Permission was obtained from Bezmialem Vakif University Non-Interventional Ethical Research Committee and the institution where the study was conducted for the implementation of the research. Written and verbal consent was obtained from all participants in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration.

Findings: While there was no difference between the students’ Ethical Dilemma Test Principled Thinking pre-test and post-test scores, their Practical Consideration ( p = .005) and motivation levels ( p = .037) post-test scores were found to be higher. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between academic achievement and pre-test teaching material motivation levels (r = −0.375, p = .041).

Discussion: The use of different teaching methods and techniques in ethics education in nursing is important for future nurses to find more practical solutions to the ethical problems they will encounter during patient care.

Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the use of video-supported role play can be effective in teaching ethics courses in nursing education.
Prognostic Role of Temperature Oxygenation Perfusion Sugar (TOPS) score in Outborn Transported Neonates in a Tertiary Care Center—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Charki Siddu , Khasage Udaykumar , Biradar Vijayakumar S. , Salunkhe Manasi , Patil Mallangouda M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Neonatal outcomes are affected by the acute physiologic derangements of neonatal vitals, such as temperature, blood sugar (GRBS), perfusion, and oxygenation. The aim was to correlate the temperature oxygenation perfusion sugar (TOPS) score of outborn neonates transported with the morbidity and mortality during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

Five hundred transported neonates were enrolled in this prospective cohort study by scoring TOPS vitals within an hour of NICU admission, and the outcomes were assessed after 72 hours of hospitalization.

Results

Among 500 neonates, hypoglycemia, hypoperfusion, hypoxemia, and hypothermia were found in 13%, 32%, 30%, and 37%, respectively. One hundred five (21%) neonates did not survive. Hypoxemia (82%) was the most common parameter, followed by hypoperfusion (78%) among the nonsurvivor neonates. Neonates with a TOPS score of zero survived, whereas neonates with a TOPS score of four had 100% mortality. TOPS SCORE’s overall sensitivity and specificity were reported at 87% and 84%, respectively, with 59% positive and 96% negative predictive values. TOPS score ≥2 had a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve at 0.91. Hypoxemia (82%) was the most sensitive parameter to predict mortality, followed by poor perfusion (77%).

Conclusion

The prognostication of mortality in transported neonates can be assessed by the TOPS score, as mortality notably increases with an increase in the TOPS score. A TOPS score of ≥2 was a good predictor of morbidity and mortality in transported neonates.
The problem of post-conviction review in Australia
Authors: Ruyters Michele , Bartle Jarryd
Published: October 2024

Kathleen Folbigg’s recent acquittals for multiple homicides have rekindled the debate over the adequacy of post-conviction review in Australia. This article explores the constraints of the finality principle and the appellate system in Australia in addressing potential wrongful convictions, including the impact of managerialist policies. The authors discuss the limitations of an independent criminal case review commission model. They argue that the debate should be centred on the inadequacy of legal aid as a significant risk factor for wrongful convictions, the need for less restrictive appeal criteria, and developing consistent and transparent processes for the retention and retrieval of evidence.
Intra-abdominal nocardiosis and scedosporiosis in a dog: case report and literature review
Authors: Lambert Jessica Rose , Cheng Arthur Colombari , Lee Laura M. , Raiford Donna , Zuber Emily , Kilbane Erin , Fish Eric J. , Królak Ewa , Hlusko Katelyn C. , McMichael Maureen , Wilkes Rebecca P. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Cañete-Gibas Connie F. , Barrantes Murillo Daniel Felipe
Published: October 2024

A 2-y-old, intact female, mixed-breed dog was presented to the veterinary hospital with abdominal distension, anemia, and lethargy following a chronic history of nonspecific gastrointestinal signs. CBC and serum biochemistry revealed moderate nonregenerative anemia with neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoglycemia, decreased urea and creatinine, and hypercholesterolemia. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound revealed a large heterogeneous mesenteric mass and ascites. Abdominocentesis confirmed septic peritonitis with filamentous bacteria. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass yielded pyogranulomatous inflammation and hyphae. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large cranial abdominal mass with granulomas present throughout the abdominal cavity. Due to the poor prognosis and disseminated disease, the owner elected euthanasia. Postmortem and histologic examinations detected intralesional mycetomas and bacterial colonies within the mesenteric masses. 16S ribosomal RNA gene PCR and sequencing using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections identified Nocardia yamanashiensis, Nocardioides cavernae, and Nocardioides zeicaulis. Fungal culture, PCR, and sequencing confirmed Scedosporium apiospermum. Our report highlights the importance of molecular methods in conjunction with culture and histologic findings for diagnosing coinfections caused by infrequent etiologic agents. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive literature review of Scedosporium apiospermum infections in dogs.
A piezoelectric human motion energy harvester with stress amplification mechanism
Authors: He Yifan , Zhao Yuechao , Fang Kaiyue , Fang Fei
Published: October 2024

The kinetic energy is rich in human walking, which may be exploited to provide sustainable energy for portable and miniaturized devices by properly design of the energy harvester. In order to effectively amplify the actual force on the piezoelectric material upon the external load, a beam-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) is designed. The PEH is prepared by embedding poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectric strips into the compression zone of the beam. The underlying mechanism is discussed via mechanical theoretical modeling and finite element simulation. It is demonstrated that the actual integrated force on the piezoelectric film of PVDF is about 31.7 times that of the external force applied on the beam’s mid-span. The study would pave the way for force amplification mechanism in designing PEHs and holds promises for portable device applications.
Globaloney: Extended Party Networks and the Dissemination of Anti-Globalization Insults
Authors: Lugg Andrew , Scott Zachary
Published: October 2024

From where does discontent against globalization originate? Current explanations emphasize material conditions and the emergence of globalization-skeptical parties. We argue that party-affiliated factions play a critical but underappreciated role. Such factions provide foundational support for elite appeals, acting entrepreneurially to construct new narratives that are later invoked by elites. We test this by studying a unique case: the “globalist” insult on Twitter. We find that “globalist” mentions co-occur with hashtags and terms associated with right-wing conspiracies, “alt-right” media figures, and Donald Trump. We further find that the most consistent correlate of the “globalist” insult is its use by the alt-right media organization Breitbart, not by traditional political elites or in response to changes in economic conditions. The results suggest that a conceptualization of political parties as organizers of political conflict, specifically ones that incorporate factions and non-elite entities like partisan media, helps make sense of anti-globalization political movements.
Public Goods, Expressive Values, and Protest Participation: Evidence From a Conjoint Experiment in Hong Kong
Authors: Charm Theodore , Lin Tse-min
Published: October 2024

In recent decades, there has been a revival of contentious social movements worldwide. Given the collective action problem, what factors motivate ordinary citizens to join protests? If the issue of a protest matters, what factors motivate people to weigh different issues differently? This paper devises a unified theory of collective action and argues that individuals are more likely to join a protest when they perceive higher values of the public good, higher expressive benefits, higher expected turnouts, and lower costs of participation. It contends that the effects of those factors are moderated by individuals’ post-materialist values and confidence in future personal freedom. Employing an online conjoint survey experiment to analyze protest participation among citizens in Hong Kong, this paper finds that protesters are more driven by liberal-democratic issues than socioeconomic issues. The findings highlight the mechanisms through which political beliefs increase protest participation. Political beliefs change the effects of public goods associated with certain issues, and to some extent alter the cost-benefit calculations of potential protesters.
Retrospective evaluation of adjuvant capecitabine dosing patterns in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Lin Kun , Michaels Elena , Polley Eric , O’Donnell Peter H , Howard Frederick M , Hahn Olwen , Fleming Gini F , Nanda Rita , Chen Nan , Yang Heng
Published: October 2024

Background

The CREATE-X trial demonstrated that adjuvant capecitabine was effective in prolonging survival in high-risk triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. However, the recommended dose is generally not well tolerated by the US population. The goal of this study is to analyze dosing patterns in an ethnically diverse cohort to better characterize tolerability and inform future dosing guidelines.

Methods

In our single-center retrospective study, we evaluated safety and tolerability in TNBC patients undergoing adjuvant capecitabine treatment. The primary endpoint, relative dose intensity (RDI) across eight cycles, was examined alongside subgroup analyses based on age, race, BMI, and initial dose. Secondary endpoints include capecitabine-related side effects and survival.

Results

67 patients who completed adjuvant capecitabine at University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) between January 2017 and November 2022 were eligible. The mean RDI across eight cycles of treatment was 60.2% (95% CI: 0.554–0.650). When compared to the CREATE-X trial, the RDI in our population was significantly lower (0.602 vs. 0.787, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in average RDI across eight cycles for patients stratified by age, BMI, race, or initial starting dose. The most frequently reported adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (73%), diarrhea (27%), and fatigue (22%), consistent with prior studies.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that a significant portion of patients have a lower tolerated dose of capecitabine in comparison to the recommended adjuvant dose. Acknowledging the limitations of our single-center analysis, RDI was not significantly affected by age, race, BMI, or initial starting dose.
The Influence of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Diseases in a Wilderness Medicine Context
Authors: Mertens Jonas E.
Published: October 2024

The imminent climate crisis has been labeled as the biggest health threat humanity must deal with. Vector-borne disease distribution and transmission as well as the population at risk are influenced to a great degree by environmental and climactic factors affecting both the vectors themselves and the causative pathogens. Paired with an increase in worldwide travel, urbanization, and globalization, along with population displacements and migration, elucidating the effects of anthropogenic climate change on these illnesses is therefore of the essence to stave off potential negative sequelae. Outcomes on different vector-borne diseases will be diverse, but for many of them, these developments will result in a distribution shift or expansion with the possibility of (re-)introduction of vector and pathogen species in previously nonendemic areas. The consequence will be a growing likelihood for novel human, vector, and pathogen interactions with an increased risk for infection, morbidity, and mortality. Wilderness medicine professionals commonly work in close relationship to the natural environment and therefore will experience these alterations most strongly in their practice. Hence, this article attempts to bring awareness to the subject at hand in a wilderness medicine context, with a focus on malaria, the most burdensome of arthropod-borne diseases. For prevention of the potentially dire consequences on human health induced by climate change, concerted and intensified efforts to reduce the burning of fossil fuels and thus greenhouse gas emissions will be imperative on a global scale.
Proximate, structural, textural, sensory and microbiological properties of non-gluten extrudate using Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and a sprouted legume (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
Authors: Adebayo Adedoyin I. , Oladunjoye Adebola O.
Published: October 2024

The inclusion of legumes as functional ingredients in a gluten-free extrusion process has been gaining attention in recent times. In this study, sorghum and germinated lima bean flour (100, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) was extruded (feed moisture – 18%, screw speed – 250 rpm, barrel temperatures 50 °C–120 °C–120 °C, die hole diameter – 3 mm) and analysed for functional, proximate, textural, structural, pasting, microbiological and sensory properties. With 100% sorghum used as control, lima beans addition significantly (p < 0.05) improved the loose (0.37–0.44 g/ml) and packed (0.63–0.72 g/ml) bulk density, while water (5.00–3.15 g/g) and oil (2.45–1.60 g/g) absorption capacity and expansion ratio (3.11–2.30) decreased, respectively. An increase in protein (12.77–18.00%), crude fibre (2.58–5.17%) and ash content (2.11–3.12%) were observed in the extrudate, while the ( L*) colour parameter (54.49–43.62), hardness (180.04–78.36 N) and pasting viscosities reduced with addition of lima beans. The structural micrograph depicted air-trapped bubbles with thick walls after adding lima beans, while a notable decline in microbial count below approved limits was observed after 8 weeks of storage. Sensory scores showed that values obtained were above average with the 90:10 sorghum–lima bean ratio having the highest score. The economic and industrial value of underutilised legumes such as lima bean can be promoted as functional ingredients via extrusion in addressing coeliac disease and alternative sources of protein, especially in developing countries.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Dysphagia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Qiu Yufeng , Xue Wenfeng , Chen Yanxin , He Xiaona , Zhao Lancai , Tang Mengling , Zhang Huafang
Published: October 2024

Objectives. Dysphagia is a geriatric syndrome, which may lead to complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, aspiration, pneumonia, and a significant reduction in quality of life. The purpose of this study was to construct and validate a prediction model for dysphagia in community-dwelling older adults and provide an assessment tool for the prevention and control of dysphagia. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. The community-dwelling Chinese older adults. Participants. 3655 participants aged 65 years and older were involved, who were randomly divided into the training set and the validation set. Methods. Data were collected and analyzed from June 2022 to September 2022. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for dysphagia. We applied R software to develop a nomogram model to predict dysphagia in community-dwelling older adults. The predictive value of the model was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUC), the calibration curve was used to evaluate the reliability of the nomogram model for predicting dysphagia in community-dwelling older adults. The model’s clinical utility was further evaluated using a Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Results. The incidence of dysphagia was 11.8% (320/3655). Maximum tongue pressure, number of molars, pneumonia, ADL, sarcopenia, age, neurological diseases, and rheumatic immune diseases were selected as risk predictors for dysphagia. The prediction model demonstrated fair discriminative ability with the AUC was 0.709 (95%CI: 0.679–0.739) in the training set and 0.693 (95%Cl: 0.640–0.747) in the validation set, the calibration is adequate, and the Hosmer and Lemeshow test showed p values of 0.163 and 0.415, respectively. The DCA curve of our model shows a positive clinical net benefit. Conclusions. The prediction model established in this study was of a certain predictive value for the risk of dysphagia in community-dwelling older adults. By estimating the likelihood of future outcomes or the onset of certain diseases, it can assist medical personnel in formulating preventive strategies, lessening the workload of nurses, and also diminishing the financial burden on patients, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.