bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of proximal lateral collateral ligament hyperintensity with knee joint ligament and meniscus pathologies
Authors: Cilengir Atilla Hikmet , Unal Sinan , Sinci Kazim Ayberk , Elmali Ferhan , Kucukciloglu Yasemin , Tosun Ozgur
Published: December 2023

Background

Hyperintensity in the proximal lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is often confusing. This appearance may be alone or accompany other pathologies.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the signal intensity (SI) change in the proximal LCL and the knee joint pathologies.

Material and Methods

The knee MRI scans taken between 2020 and 2022 were queried retrospectively. Patients with acute trauma, instability, knee surgery, or high-grade osteoarthritis were excluded. Included patients were divided into two groups as normal SI and increased SI according to proximal LCL. The difference in ligamentous and meniscal pathologies between the two groups was analyzed using a chi-square test. Inter-observer agreement analysis was performed on 50 randomly selected patients.

Results

A total of 351 patients (139 men [39.6%], 212 women [60.4%]; median age = 37 years; interquartile range = 67 years) were included. There were 114 (32.5%) LCLs with normal SI and 237 (67.5%) LCLs with increased SI. Normal SI and increased SI groups had a significant difference in terms of joint side, median age, patellar tendon SI, anterior cruciate ligament SI, and medial collateral ligament SI ( P = 0.004, P = 0.004, P = 0.001, P = 0.011, P = 0.004, respectively). A significant difference between the results of two separate LCL examinations in coronal + axial and coronal-only planes ( P <0.001). Inter-observer agreement was found to be good to excellent.

Conclusion

Hyperintensity in the proximal LCL was more common on the right joint side, in older patients, and patients with hyperintensity in the proximal patellar tendon, anterior cruciate ligament, and medial collateral ligament. Evaluating the LCL only in the coronal plane overestimates the hyperintensity.
Evaluation of placenta in patients with gestational diabetes using shear wave elastography and superb microvascular imaging
Authors: Çelik Ahmet Onur , Günay Burak , Çoker Gonca Büşra , Ustabaşıoğlu Fethi Emre , Ateş Sinan , Tunçbilek Nermin
Published: December 2023

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease, and the placenta shows various functional and morphological changes in these patients. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are innovative ultrasound (US) methods that provide detailed information about tissue vascularization and elasticity.

Purpose

To evaluate placental changes in patients with GDM with SMI and SWE methods.

Material and Methods

For this case-control study, 20 healthy and 20 women with GDM were included. Women at >21 weeks of pregnancy were evaluated with SMI and SWE by two independent radiologists. Mean SMI values and mean SWE values from three different region of interest-based measurements were compared between the two groups.

Results

We identified that the mean SMI and SWE value ​​of the GDM group was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group ( P = 0.002, P = 0.001 respectively). Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff value of the SMI ratio, which maximizes the prediction of the presence of GDM, was 0.1234279750 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.625–0.920), the SWE cut-off value was 15.5 kPa (95% CI = 0.794–0.989).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that evaluation with SMI and SWE might allow quantitative assessment of the morphological changes of placentas in women with GDM. We believe that the use of innovative methods such as SMI and SWE in addition to conventional US examinations in daily practice and studies will provide significant clinical benefits to patient management.
Improved radiologic diagnosis of delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) after esophagectomy using a functional upper gastrointestinal contrast study
Authors: Hultcrantz Jens , Klevebro Fredrik , Lindblad Mats , Brismar Torkel B , Coy David L , Low Donald E , Andersson Mats
Published: December 2023

Background

With increasing incidence of esophageal cancer, a growing number of patients are at risk of developing delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) in the early postoperative phase after esophagectomy. This condition is of great postoperative concern due to its association with adverse outcomes.

Purpose

To give a narrative review of the literature concerning radiological diagnosis of DGCE after esophagectomy and a proposal for an improved, functional protocol with objective measurements.

Material and Methods

The protocol was designed at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle and is based on the Timed Barium Esophagogram (TBE) concept, which has been adapted to assess the passage of contrast from the gastric conduit into the duodenum.

Results

The literature review showed a general lack of standardization and scientific evidence behind the use of radiology to assess DGCE. We found that our proposed standardized upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study considers both the time aspect in DGCE and provides morphologic information of the gastric conduit. This radiological protocol was tested on 112 patients in a trial performed at two high-volume centers for esophageal surgery and included an UGI contrast study 2–3 days postoperatively. The study demonstrated that this UGI contrast study can be included in the standardized clinical pathway after esophagectomy.

Conclusion

This new, proposed UGI contrast study has the potential to diagnose early postoperative DGCE in a standardized manner and to improve overall patient outcomes after esophagectomy.
Crash Contributing Factors and Patterns Associated with Fatal Truck-Involved Crashes in Bangladesh: Findings from the Text Mining Approach
Authors: Hossain Ahmed , Sun Xiaoduan , Alam Shah , Das Subasish , Sheykhfard Abbas
Published: December 2023

Despite extensive research on traffic injury severities, relatively little is known about the factors contributing to truck-involved crashes in developing countries, especially in the context of Bangladesh. Because of the unavailability of authentic crash data sources, this study collected data from alternative sources such as online English news media reports. The current study prepared a database of 144 truck-involved fatal crash reports during the period of 12 months (January 2021 to December 2021). The crash reports contain a bag of 15,300 words. Several state-of-the-art text mining tools were utilized to identify crash patterns, including word cloud analysis, word frequency analysis, word co-occurrence network analysis, rapid automatic keyword extraction, and topic modeling. The analysis revealed several important crash contributing factors, such as the type of vehicle involved (auto-rickshaw, bus, van, motorcycle), the manner of collision (head-on), the time of the day (morning, night), driver behavior (speeding, overtaking, wrong-way driving), and environmental factors (dense fog). In addition, “coming from opposite direction” and “head-on collision” are two important sequences of events in truck-involved crashes. Truck drivers are also involved in crashes with trains at rail crossings. The findings of this research can assist policymakers in identifying crash avoidance strategies to lower truck-related crashes in Bangladesh.
Protective effect of rivastigmine against lung injury in acute pancreatitis model in rats via Hsp 70/IL6/ NF-κB signaling cascade
Authors: Yehia Kamel Maha , Zekry Attia Josef , Mahmoud Ahmed Sabreen , Hassan Saeed Zainab , Welson Nermeen N , Yehia Abdelzaher Walaa
Published: December 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) that develops as a result of AP can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Some hypotheses are proposed to explain the pathophysiology of AP and its related pulmonary hazards. This experiment aimed to evaluate the mitigating action of rivastigmine (Riva) in lung injury that occurs on the top of acute pancreatitis (AP) induced in rats. Thirty-two male Wister rats were randomized to one of four groups: control, Riva-treated, acute pancreatitis (AP), and acute pancreatitis treated by Riva. Serum amylase and lipase levels were assessed. Pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators were estimated. A pancreatic and pulmonary histopathological examination, as well as an immunohistochemical study of HSP70, was carried out. Riva significantly attenuated the L-arginine-related lung injury that was characterized by increased pulmonary inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-6 [IL‐6]), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), increased pulmonary oxidative markers (total nitrite/nitrate [NOx]), MDA, decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and reduced glutathione level (GSH)) with increased caspase-3 expression. Therefore, Riva retains potent ameliorative effects against lung injury that occur on the top of AP by relieving oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via HSP70/IL6/NF-κB signaling.
Alda-1 ameliorates air embolism-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Wu Shu-Yu , Chu Shi-Jye , Tang Shih-En , Pao Hsin-Ping , Liao Wen-I
Published: December 2023

Objective: Evidence suggests that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) offers protection against damage caused by oxidative stress in diverse rodent models. Nonetheless, the effect of Alda-1, a compound that activates ALDH2, on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by air embolism (AE) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the protective effects of Alda-1 in ALI induced by AE. Methods: A rat model of in situ isolated perfused lung was established to investigate AE-induced ALI. Air was infused into the pulmonary artery at 0.25 mL/min for 1 minute. Before inducing AE, different doses (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg) of Alda-1 were given through intraperitoneal injection. Pathological changes in lung tissue were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. We performed Western blot analysis to assess the protein levels of ALDH2,4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (4-HNE), Bcl-2, caspase-3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, IκB-α, and nuclear NF-κB. Results: Notably, AE results were demonstrated as harmful to the lungs, which is evidenced by intensified lung edema and disruption of lung tissue structure. Furthermore, AE caused a decrease in ALDH2 expression, increased accumulation of 4-HNE and MDA, infiltration of neutrophils, increased production of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and upregulation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways within the lungs. Administration of a 20 mg/kg dose of Alda-1 alleviated the detrimental effects induced by AE. Conclusion: Alda-1 shows promise in mitigating AE-induced ALI, possibly through the upregulation of ALDH2 expression and suppression of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to explore their translational potential in human subjects.
Feasibility of Implementing Patient-Reported and Physical Performance Measures to Identify and Manage Fall Risk in Older Adults Within a Secondary Fracture Clinic
Authors: Bullock Garrett S. , Duncan Pamela , McMurtrie Emily , Henry Kaitlin , Graves Benjamin F. , Lake Anne R. , McDonough Christine M.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing both electronic and in-person assessments to assess falls risk in an older adult secondary fracture clinic. Electronic data capture feasibility was defined as the proportion of patients that completed the electronic questionnaires prior to their clinic visit. In-clinic feasibility was defined in two ways: (1) the proportion of patients that consented to participate at their clinic visit; (2) time to complete testing. Patients were contacted electronically through their health system portal for electronic consent. Patients were invited to complete consent, the STopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) falls risk assessment tool, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was performed at the clinic visit. A total of 310 patients were contacted electronically. No patients (0%) provided consent through their health portal. Of the 310 patients, 200 (65%) consented in person (Ineligible: 67 [21%]; Declined: 43 [14%]), resulting in an 82% response rate. In-person data collection took a median of 38.48 (Range: 12.34–54.30) minutes to complete. It was not feasible to contact and collect older adult patient data electronically prior to clinic; but, was feasible to obtain these patient-reported outcomes and physical performance data in person.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Low Body Weight Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Knox Helena , Edwin Stephanie B. , Giuliano Christopher , Paxton Renee Alexander
Published: December 2023

Objective

To compare bleeding and thromboembolic events in low body weight patients receiving reduced-dose venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis versus standard-dose VTE prophylaxis.

Design

Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Five Ascension Health Hospitals.

Patients

Adult, critically ill, low body weight (≤50 kg) patients who received either reduced-dose VTE prophylaxis (n = 140) or standard-dose VTE prophylaxis (n = 279) for at least 48 h.

Intervention

Reduced-dose prophylaxis (enoxaparin 30 mg daily or heparin 5000 units every 12 h subcutaneously) or standard-dose prophylaxis (enoxaparin 40 mg daily, enoxaparin 30 mg every 12 h, or heparin 5000 units every 8 h subcutaneously).

Measurements and Main Results

A total of 419 patients were included with a mean weight of 45.1 ± 4.2 kg in the standard-dose group and 44.0 ± 5.1 kg in the reduced-dose prophylaxis group ( P = .02). The primary endpoint, composite bleeding, was significantly lower in patients receiving reduced-dose prophylaxis (5% vs 12.5%, P = .02). After adjusting for confounding factors, results remained consistent demonstrating reduced composite bleeding with reduced-dose prophylaxis (odds ratio: 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.96). Major bleeding events occurred in 3.6% of reduced-dose patients compared with 8.6% in standard-dose patients ( P = .056). Clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (5.4% vs 2.9%, P = .24) and VTE (2.2% vs 0%, P = .08) events were similar between groups.

Conclusions

A reduced-dose VTE prophylaxis strategy in low body weight, critically ill patients was associated with a lower risk of composite bleeding and similar rate of thromboembolism.
Preference for Smartphone-Based Internet Applications and Smartphone Addiction Among Young Adult Addicts: Gender Difference in Psychological Network
Authors: Wei Xin-Yi , Liang Han-Yu , Gao Ting , Gao Ling-Feng , Zhang Guo-Hua , Chu Xiao-Yuan , Wang Hong-Xia , Geng Jing-Yu , Liu Ke , Nie Jia , Zeng Pan , Ren Lei , Liu Chang , Jiang Huai-Bin , Lei Li
Published: December 2023

Young adults are a high-risk population for developing smartphone addiction (SA), which bring about social issues. One theoretically and empirically supported proximal risk factor of SA is preference for smartphone-based internet applications (PSIA). However, most previous studies ignore gender difference and symptomatic heterogeneity of SA. Besides, many previous data analyses contain non-addicts, and the results derived might not be applicable to smartphone addicts. To bridging the gap, we used a symptom-level network analysis to assess gender differences in the links between preferences for 8 smartphone-based internet applications and 4 SA symptoms among young adults with high-level phone addiction (619 women and 415 men). The results showed that: (1) The relationship between the preference for video and the “loss of control” symptom was more pronounced in female addicts compared to their male counterparts. (2) Shopping app had stronger bridge centrality in women’s smartphone applications-SA network, which was positively linked with more SA symptoms. (3) Our research identified marginal gender differences in smartphone addicts' psychological networks, with female addicts showing stronger links between social media/eBook preferences and withdrawal symptoms, and male addicts displaying a stronger connection between gaming/eBook and other smartphone activities. The study provides a visualized network association and network metrics for understanding the relationship between PSIA and SA. We propose adopting a selective processing hypothesis and an evolutionary psychology perspective to aid in understanding these gender differences.
Meditation for Anxiety: A Holistic Approach to Treatment
Authors: Cork Paige H. , Elliott Lydia , Trombley Angela
Published: December 2023

This comprehensive integrated literature review provides evidence-based information on mindfulness meditation as a primary care treatment for anxiety. A variety of databases were utilized for article collection including MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Plus with full text, Cochrane library, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycTests, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and PsycARTICLES. Research suggests anxiety can be treated effectively with a minimum of 8 weeks of meditation practice. Meditation is a cost effective and safe treatment modality that can be incorporated into the care of patients struggling with anxiety.
An experimental evaluation of novel biofuel and biodiesel from Ziziphus mauritiana seeds in DICI engine
Authors: Veeranan R Sabariraj , Ganapathy Kasiraman
Published: December 2023

The engine community is searching for novel fuels concerning sustained availability with superior properties to traditional engine fuels. From the seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana, vegetable oil is extracted and transesterified for improvement in its properties as engine fuel. The properties of the oil qualify it for engine applications. This investigation has been carried out on a 5.2 kW, 1500 r/min, eddy current loading compression ignition engine. Engine runs at different loads on neat Ziziphus mauritiana oil biofuel and on Ziziphus mauritiana biodiesel. Both fuels developed power at all loads of the engine. Z iziphus mauritiana oil has a lesser calorific value, elevated density, viscosity, and least brake thermal efficiency, highest emissions except for NOx. Z iziphus mauritiana oil properties were improved through transesterification. At maximum load, compared to Ziziphus mauritiana oil biofuel, Ziziphus mauritiana biodiesel has a percentage variation of 2.1%, 6.0%, 24.4%, 14.5%, and 31.4% increase in brake thermal efficiency, peak pressure, heat release rate, NOx, and carbon dioxide, respectively. A percentage variation of 40%, 26.1%, 33%, and 4% reduction in ignition delay, CO, HC, and smoke is observed, respectively for Ziziphus mauritiana biodiesel operation. Compared to Ziziphus mauritiana oil biofuel, the Ziziphus mauritiana biodiesel produced better results with lesser and nearly equal diesel emissions except NOx and smoke. Therefore, Ziziphus mauritiana biodiesel fuel can be used as a replacement fuel.
The Stirling County Study: a case study of interdisciplinarity and its effects on the history of psychiatric epidemiology
Authors: Delille Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

Epidemiology of mental disorders emerged in the post-1945 era at the intersections of different areas of knowledge. Given its ambitions, the Stirling County Study provides an instructive case study. It is also a good example of how the epidemiology applied methodological skills from social sciences. This paper aims, first, to reconstruct one of the first episodes in the development of psychiatric epidemiology. Its second purpose is to provide a detailed description of interdisciplinarity at work, and to examine its effects. After explaining some of the major features of the Stirling County Study, I emphasize the links between some of the first results, particularly regarding young people as a population at risk, and the job market after the Great Depression.
The complexity of ethical assessment: Interdisciplinary challenge for character education
Authors: Fuentes Juan Luis , Sánchez-Pérez Yaiza
Published: December 2023

The assessment of learning in the ethical domain is one of the most complex aspects to attend in the educational context. In recent years, character education has contributed greatly to different social disciplines, such as education or nursing. However, the development of this approach has run up against several obstacles and limitations, as there is little evidence regarding its long-term effectiveness or its evaluation. This essay aims to identify some of the main difficulties to assess learning in the ethical domain, as obstacles and possible constraints to Aristotelian-based character education. Methodology is analytical and of a philosophical-educational nature, based on which an argumentative analysis is constructed from the bibliographical review of the contributions of classical and contemporary authors. Results show the existence of four major problems and ten associated subproblems, both of an external nature linked to the contextual factors of assessment, and of an internal nature that affect the essence of the process itself, which highlight the difficulty of carrying out assessments of an ethical kind. Far from proposing a pessimistic position, we argue a realistic vision that allows educators at different educational levels to be aware of the limits and critical points of evaluation in the ethical domain.
Is Micro-warehousing a Solution to Agricultural Commodity Storage?
Authors: Singh Ardhendu Shekhar , Bharti Nisha , Kumar Prabhat
Published: December 2023

Addressing food security is a critical priority for development, particularly in India, where crop productivity is low and post-harvest losses reach 35%–40%, which is a considerable burden. One significant reason for these losses is the lack of storage facilities, especially in rural areas of Bihar. Micro-warehouse (MWH) company, recognizing this issue, took the initiative of introducing micro-warehouses as a solution. They focused on dealing with three commodities: paddy, maize and wheat, and also facilitated the connection between processors and farmers for selling their produce. This approach of micro-warehousing gained attention from investors, leading to funding for scaling up operations. The success of MWH company raises an important question: Can micro-warehousing be a viable strategy to address agriculture storage challenges in India? The founder of the company, considering this achievement, now contemplates expanding the business to other states.
Globate 360 Solutions: Test on the Wheels
Authors: Aggarwal Shalini , Faridi Mohammad Rishad , Garg Chandra Prakash
Published: December 2023

Rohit Prashar, director of Globate 360 Solutions Private Limited, a Chandigarh-based third-party logistics company with a global presence, faced a pivotal challenge on 25 August 2020. He secured a project to transport 200 consignments of crucial medical equipment for COVID testing machines to multiple locations in north-eastern states, Kashmir and Leh, India. This project was awarded by a US-based freight forwarding company authorized by The Indian Council of Medical Research. It was a prestigious achievement, hard-won through extensive negotiations during the national lockdown. However, he knew that the real battle had just begun. The stringent government restrictions during the COVID-19 lockdown added complexity. The consignments had to be transported delicately to maintain the testing equipment’s accuracy, necessitating minimal jolts. Deciding between air and road transport posed another challenge. Furthermore, he grappled with the choice between a multinational company with a premium price tag and a regional player with more budget-friendly options. Securing skilled labour was an ongoing concern. In this predicament, he sought cost-effective solutions for each shipment, strategizing to minimize costs while delivering top-notch service to his clients.
Long COVID – Can we deny a diagnosis without denying a person’s reality?
Authors: Little John , Higgins Matthew , Palepu Radhika
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim is to consider Long COVID not as a new clinical entity but as another example of a disabling, historical phenomenon.

Conclusions

A triad of polymorphic symptomatology, an elusive pathophysiological explanation and a hostile defensiveness has appeared throughout history. The reluctance to consider these contextually may delay early intervention and appropriate patient care.
The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Among Asian Indians (AIs) in New Jersey: A Secondary Analysis of the BRFSS Survey From 2013 to 2017
Authors: Joseph Maya Ellampally , D’Alonzo Karen T. , Btoush Rula , Fitzgerald Nurgul
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Asian Indians (AIs), the second largest immigrant population in the United States, are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at a lower age and body mass index (BMI). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and the diagnosis of T2DM among AIs in New Jersey (NJ).

Methodology:

This was a secondary data analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in NJ from 2013 to 2017. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

Among 1,132 AIs, 16% had T2DM or prediabetes (PDM) and 69.2% were overweight or obese. The risk for T2DM was significantly associated with internet use, older age, having medical check-ups, and having a personal doctor ( p ≤ .05).

Discussion:

These findings inform culturally congruent care by underscoring the importance of weight management, earlier screening, and provider involvement in diabetes prevention strategies for AIs.
What Matters Most: The Documented Goals, Values and Motivators of Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Aller Ashley , Shirazi Aida , Pedell Leon , Altschuler Andrea , Hauser Karen , Cheslock Megan , Wei Jenny , Duffens Ali , Whitehead Hannah , Lim Peggy , Katzel Jed , Martinez Francisco , Lin Amy , Aller Steve , Aller Cynthia , Jones Tyler , Yen Sue May , Liu Raymond
Published: December 2023

Background

Goals of care conversations are essential to delivery of goal concordant care. Infrequent and inconsistent goals of care documentation potentially limit delivery of goal concordant care.

Methods

At Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Cancer Center, a standardized documentation template was designed and implemented to increase goals of care documentation by oncologists. The centralized, prompt-based template included value clarification of the goals and values of advanced cancer patients beyond treatment preferences. Documented conversations using the template during the initial pilot period were reviewed to characterization the clinical context in which conversations were recorded. Common goals and motivators were also identified.

Results

A total of 178 advanced cancer patients had at least 1 documented conversation by a medical oncologist using the goals of care template. Oncologists consistently documented within the template goals of therapy and motivating factors in decision making. The most frequently documented goals of care were “Avoiding Pain and Suffering,” “Physical Independence,” and “Living as Long as Possible.” The least recorded goal was “Comfort Focused Treatment Only.”

Conclusions

Review of oncologist documented goals of care conversations using a prompt-based template allowed for characterization of the clinical context, therapy goals and motivators of advanced cancer patients. Communication of goals of care conversations by oncologists using a standardized prompt-based template within a centralized location has the potential to improve delivery of goal concordant care.
Exploring the Effects of Semester-Long Service-Learning: A Study on Psychosocial Variables and Quality of Participation Experiences
Authors: Compare Christian , Albanesi Cinzia
Published: December 2023

Background: Service-learning is a widely adopted approach in higher education institutions globally, integrating civic engagement experiences into academic curricula while being responsive to the development of local communities. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact on students in participating in voluntary semester-long service-learning labs and courses in comparison to traditional labs and courses. Methodology/Approach: A quantitative online survey was administered to 110 students at the beginning and end of the lectures, investigating four psychosocial variables of citizenship: social justice attitude, cognitive empowerment, sense of community responsibility, and civic engagement. The post-survey also collected data on the participants’ quality of participation experiences. Findings/Conclusions: Analyses performed on data revealed no statistically significant group differences over time in all examined variables, except for the quality of participation experiences, where service-learning students scored significantly higher than other students. Factors potentially influencing these results include the students’ perception of their competence, the duration of the service-learning program, and relying on self-reported measures. Implications: This study contributes to the advancement of experiential learning knowledge emphasizing the significance of methodological rigor, underpinning a narrative that leverages failure to foster understanding. Future research could further explore the role of quality of participation experiences in service-learning.
Love-type wave fields due to the effect of traction-free and rigid boundary surfaces on the piezoelectric-dispersive layer
Authors: Pramanik Dipendu , Manna Santanu
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates a quantitative comparison of the Love wave propagation due to traction-free and rigid boundary surfaces on the piezoelectric-dispersive layer over a non-dispersive initially stressed half-space. The model is considered (a) transversely isotropic piezoelectric material in the upper layer, (b) exponentially increasing dispersive (non-homogeneous) layer in the intermediate, and (c) initially stressed non-dispersive (homogeneous) medium in the lower half-space. Electrical potential fields in the piezoelectric layer are defined in terms of electrical potential function with open and short circuit piezoelectricity using the quasi-static Maxwell’s equation. We have derived analytical dispersion relations for two cases of boundary conditions: (i) free surface with zero tractions and (ii) rigid boundary, in both the open and short circuit cases. The validities of the dispersion relations are shown by deriving some particular cases and compared with the classical dispersion relation of the Love wave. A novel numerical representation of changes in displacement amplitude with depth and comparative effect of various piezoelectric materials such as PZT-4, PZT-5A, PZT-7A, and BaTiO3 are shown using MATLAB software. The rigid boundary surface case is more effective than traction-free boundary surfaces in terms of electromechanical coupling factor. It is also identified that there are significant effects on the dispersion of the Love-type waves due to different boundary conditions on the upper surface of the model. These comparative studies highlight the present work and may be helpful in the fields of solid mechanics and material fabrication processes.
Characteristic study of pyroshock propagation in a structure using a pyroshock simulator
Authors: Kim Bae-Seong , Lee Juho
Published: December 2023

Pyroshock is a large mechanical response with a wide frequency range that occurs instantaneously in a structure owing to the detonation of pyrotechnics or explosives. This response can cause critical damage to the surrounding electronics of aerospace systems. Therefore, designing a structure to prevent damage to electronic equipment from pyroshock is necessary. However, the characteristics of pyroshock change depending on the shape of the structure, boundary conditions, and materials; hence, it must be quantitatively analyzed. In this work, a pyroshock simulator was used for the characteristic study of shock propagation in various structures. A typical aerospace structure is a connected structure that uses rivets or bolts to connect two separate structures. Therefore, a study was conducted using numerical analysis and a shock simulator to characterize the pyroshock propagation in these joint structures. First, numerical analysis and experiments were performed by varying the bolt torque to observe the shock propagation characteristics according to the bolt load. Second, to observe the shock propagation characteristics according to the angle of the joint structure, the responses of 90°, 120°, and 180° joint structures were compared. Third, the characteristics of shock propagation through SUS304 and AL 6061-T6 were compared to observe the change in propagation characteristics due to material change. The results of investigation of the shock propagation characteristics in various structures in this study could be used to mitigate electronic equipment malfunctions due to pyroshock and in designing effective shock-attenuating structures.
Use of venetoclax in t(11;14) positive relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A systematic review
Authors: Khan Wardah Javed , Ali Mubeen , Hashim Sana , Nawaz Huma , Hashim Syeda Nafeesa , Safi Danish , Inayat Arslan
Published: December 2023

Background

The plasma cell malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM), remains incurable despite advanced treatment protocols. Overexpression of Bcl-2 (an anti-apoptotic protein), in MM harboring the translocation (11;14), contributes to resistance to prior therapy. Venetoclax, a selective oral inhibitor of BCL-2 is a novel agent that shows promise as a therapeutic agent.

Aims

The objective of this systematic review is to address how the use of venetoclax, alone or as a combination regimen, contributed to the treatment of patients with t(11:14) positive relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Data sources

This systematic review was conducted in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was done on 5th June 2022. A literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus, 145 articles were screened and 10 studies were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.

Data summary

Across the studies reviewed, a total of 311 patients were identified with t(11;14) positive RRMM. The overall response rate achieved ranged between 33% and 95.5%. Furthermore, the use of venetoclax has exhibited a favorable adverse effect profile. Side effects included hematological side effects, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Venetoclax demonstrates promising results. When given with drugs like dexamethasone, daratumumab and carfilzomib, a synergistic effect is seen in treating translocation (11:14) positive relapsed/refractory MM. The use of venetoclax in clinical practice can potentially improve outcomes and quality of life in RRMM patients, and future research should continue to explore this promising treatment option.
Optimizing chemotherapy medication leftover management circuit in a centralized chemotherapy preparation unit: A comprehensive FMECA risk analysis and continuous improvement approach
Authors: El Baraka Soumaya , Chennaq Meryem , Ouedraogo Jean-Marie , Cherif Chefchaouni Ali , Shytry Oumaima , Belahcen Mohammed-Jaouad , Rahali Younes
Published: December 2023

Objective

Chemotherapy medications are usually having high costs, and new targeted drugs can be especially expensive, representing a challenge on healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. As cytotoxic leftover management is crucial for reducing medication wastage, the aim of this study is to evaluate and optimize leftover management circuit in NIO’S Pharmacy Centralized Chemotherapy Preparation Unit (CCPU) through a Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), and propose continuous improvement element to enhance the security of the process.

Method

The FMECA were conducted in NIO’s CCPU from March to May 2023, then continuous improvement plan was established to enhance the security of the process. The failure modes, their causes, impact, and criticality were assessed through criticality index calculation (CI = severity × frequency × detectability), and the risk concerned safety and effectiveness disruptions in chemotherapy preparation circuit using cytotoxic leftover.

Results

Leftover management circuits were described in flowchart form, where 18 failure modes were detected in four different steps of the process from chemotherapy preparation to disposal. Failure with highest critical index were detected in the case of equipment malfunction, improper storage temperature, and humidity. Continuous improvement recommendations were proposed in a table form.

Conclusion

FMECA analysis applied to NIO’s chemotherapy leftover management process allowed us to evaluate, secure, and optimize the circuit, and to propose several actions to implement in a perspective of continuous improvement.
The shape of the mitral annulus: A hypothesis of mechanical morphogenesis
Authors: Ambrosi Davide , Deorsola Luca , Turzi Stefano , Zoppello Marta
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the role of mechanics in the morphogenesis of the annulus of the mitral valve. We represent the annulus in its embryonic stage as an elastic ring and we perform a mechanical simulation of the development process applying a distributed torque on the rod: because of the mechanical action of the other growing cardiac chambers on the atrio-ventricular region, it departs from a planar circular shape. The numerical integration of the mathematical rod model subject to a bending load yields a shape very near to the one reported in the medical literature as anatomical reference for healthy patients. To make the comparison quantitative, we illustrate a numerical approach to match two curves in 3D defining their distance in a proper mathematical way. Such a methodology is first applied to compare the annular shape resulting from the mechanical model with an anatomical reference “master” shape and it is then applied to set to clinical data extracted from MRI for a cohort of healthy patients. The good agreement among anatomical master description, numerical mechanical model, and clinical data supports our speculation about a possible role of mechanics in determining the shape of the mitral valve.
Effects of COVID-19 on Visitor Intentions to Attend Personal Interpretation Programs in the Provincial Parks of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hvenegaard Glen , Halpenny Elizabeth , Blye Clara-Jane , Corrigan Katherine
Published: December 2023

Research has examined COVID-19’s impacts on parks, but little research has studied the pandemic’s impact on in-person interpretation. Based on responses from 431 visitors to Alberta’s provincial parks before and during the pandemic, this paper investigates how the pandemic affected visitor intentions to attend personal interpretation programs. Intentions to attend programs decreased after the pandemic started, but were greater for respondents who had attended programs the previous season. Key reasons for not attending programs were not to become infected and not to infect others. Intentions to attend programs were greater for males than females, and greater for respondents with an increased education and a larger household income. Despite pandemic concerns, 53% of respondents said that programs should be offered, with highest support for amphitheater shows, followed by guided hikes, point duties, and family events. Park managers should clearly communicate the benefits and safety measures employed for interpretation programs.
Balancing lightweight design and crashworthiness in NPR sandwich structures: A multi-objective optimization approach for enhanced crashworthiness
Authors: Tian Ali , Zou Jinhao , Mingchao Xu , Li Haoyun , Guo Jiaming , Ye Renchuan , Peng Ren
Published: December 2023

Aiming to address the multi-objective cooperative optimization problem of ship structure lightweight and crashed-resistance, this study proposed a concave reentrant honeycomb-based negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) sandwich structure to replace the stiffened plate. The feasibility of using the sandwich structure to improve ship crashworthiness is demonstrated through finite element analysis. An intelligent optimization method is established to address the issues of multiple parameters and complex effects associated with composite structures and optimize the crashworthiness of the sandwich structure. The effectiveness of the optimization method and the feasibility of the NPR sandwich structure in ship crashworthiness have been validated, providing a reference for the design of new multi-functional ship structures.
Europe’s Future, Europe’s Resource? European Youth (Work) Policy Perspectives on Young People
Authors: Pelzer Marit , Poll Frederike Hofmann-van de , Rottach Andreas
Published: December 2023

This article deals with the perspectives that European-level youth policy take on young people and youth as a life stage. Drawing on considerations from discourse theory, the Foucault-inspired dispositive of age, we use a combination of content, metaphor and thematic analysis to examine documents published by the EU and the Council of Europe. Our study aims to comparatively reconstruct implicit and explicit understandings of young people and youth as a life stage contained in youth work related and strategic policy documents. We conclude that both perspectives are characterized by the fact that youth is the future of society, but is supposed to shape this future in accordance with contemporary adult society. In this role attributed to youth, young people are described as particularly vulnerable to negative influences and, therefore, need the protection by adults. Youth as an autonomous life stage is only attributed little significance in these perspectives.
Place Diagnosis Before Transformation: Case of Fener-Balat
Authors: Öymen Gür Şengül , Kaymak Heinz Gamze
Published: December 2023

Autochthonous places are sui generis and unique. But unfortunately, they entice planners and politicians and become their target. This study investigates a more than 2,000 years old settlement, Fener-Balat (Istanbul), in terms of topos (its population movements and ethnic structure over the years, physical properties) and chora (feelings, emotions, and aura). It employs multiple research techniques that disclose findings on dimensional and typo-morphological qualities (connectivity, accessibility, legibility, walkability, figure/ground, and other identity properties such as district-edge-nodes-paths-landmarks), historical and cultural palimpsests, which altogether define the uniqueness of the place. The present study claims that the Fener-Balat district is defined as a strong “place” with its “topos,” and “chora,” despite the undesirable physical, social, and ethnic structure changes brought about by time. Thus, it proposes a soft method that includes renovation and restoration of problem buildings on site which is more suitable for the unique protected areas of world civilizations.
How can tailored questions foster reflection in preservice teachers? A year-long action research study
Authors: Azevedo Eugénia , Ramos Ana , Araújo Rui , Valério Carla , Mesquita Isabel
Published: December 2023

This year-long action research (AR) study, conducted in the context of a physical education teacher education (PETE) program in Portugal, explored how critical reflection among preservice teachers (PSTs) developed in response to tailored questioning by an external facilitator (EF). Participants were six PSTs and the first author, who assumed the dual role of EF and researcher. Four AR cycles, each involving a self-reflection analysis, intervention, and the development of the PSTs’ reflections were completed. During each AR cycle, the EF examined the PSTs’ teaching-learning practices and views and generated tailored questions to support critical reflection. Data were collected through focus group interviews and written reflective journals. The EF also made participant observations to contextualize each PST's teaching-learning process, resulting in field notes. Using various question types (e.g. leading, probing, and procedural next-step questions) designed to address individual needs, PSTs progressed from a basic reflection level to thinking critically about their teaching-learning practices. The questions were helpful for PSTs in interpreting daily issues faced in teaching-learning and understanding the relevance of self-analysis and attention to learners’ needs in fostering critical reflection. Given these results, we recommend that PETE programs incorporate a component or module explicitly promoting reflection on and analysis of PSTs’ pedagogical practices.
Exploring learner engagement with languages (LX) within and beyond the English classroom
Authors: Sulis Giulia
Published: December 2023

Given the complex language repertoire of a large number of students within Austrian schools, particularly in lower secondary schools, it would be critically important to understand their practices, attitudes, and beliefs towards the multiple languages they encounter in their different areas of life. In this study I redefine and expand on the construct of engagement with language to incorporate an investigation of the different languages (hereafter LX) that learners come into contact with in and outside of school. I propose the construct of ‘engagement with LX’ to depict how learners utilize, reflect on, and relate to the LX in their repertoires in all contexts of their lives, including English as a language of formal foreign language instruction. Participants in this study were nine learners from the same English class in an Austrian middle school. Data for this study were collected using a biodata questionnaire, classroom observations, video-audio recordings of the lesson, and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed the complexity of learners’ multilingual lives within and beyond the classroom, as well as the interconnections between these domains. Findings have also shed light on the ways learners’ engagement with LX beyond the classroom can support their learning in the English classroom, and the kind of affordances for language learning they perceive across their multiple contexts. The study also offers practical implications in terms of how teachers can engage with learners’ whole LX repertoire to support their learning process.
Do users want platform moderation or individual control? Examining the role of third-person effects and free speech support in shaping moderation preferences
Authors: Jhaver Shagun , Zhang Amy X.
Published: December 2023

This study examines social media users’ preferences for the use of platform-wide moderation in comparison to user-controlled, personalized moderation tools to regulate three categories of norm-violating content—hate speech, sexually explicit content, and violent content. Via a nationally representative survey of 984 US adults, we explore the influence of third-person effects and support for freedom of expression on this choice. We find that perceived negative effects on others negatively predict while free speech support positively predicts a preference for having personal moderation settings over platform-directed moderation for regulating each speech category. Our findings show that platform governance initiatives need to account for both actual and perceived media effects of norm-violating speech categories to increase user satisfaction. Our analysis also suggests that users do not view personal moderation tools as an infringement on others’ free speech but as a means to assert greater agency over their social media feeds.