bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of thermal management technologies for fuel efficient cold-start emissions reduction in diesel engines
Authors: Tziolas Vasileios , Koltsakis Grigorios , Zingopis Nikolaos , Chatzipartali Kleoniki
Published: September 2023

The ultra-low NOx emission limits for heavy and mid-duty vehicles, which are expected to be imposed in both Europe and the USA by 2027, together with the enforcement of continuous decrease in CO2 emission levels, make the need for adoption of newer technologies in the automotive industry imperative. To achieve low tailpipe NOx emissions, the accelerated warm-up of the exhaust aftertreatment system is of great importance. On the other hand, the thermal management strategies applied for this purpose result in fuel consumption penalty and consequently higher CO2 as it can be widely found in the literature. Thus, the use and optimization of advanced thermal management technologies is critical to decrease the NOx– fuel penalty trade-off on the basis of complete driving cycles. In the present work an integrated modeled-based approach is implemented by coupling advanced, predictive 1D engine, and aftertreatment simulation models which are extensively validated via dedicated experimental data. The main goal of this approach is to define and investigate multiple engine or aftertreatment-based thermal management technologies, as well as a combination of them, creating a more efficient warm-up mode for the engine. Thermal measures such as cylinder deactivation, retarded start of the main injection, late intake valve closing (Miller cycle), intake throttling, elevated idle speed, and secondary fuel injection upstream the DOC are evaluated for their effect on the exhaust system heat-up time, the fuel consumption penalty and more importantly, for their impact on the tailpipe NOx emissions calculated by this holistic simulation approach.
Analysis of the ion current in misfiring and firing cycles during the cold starting of a compression ignition engine
Authors: Trivedi Manan J , Raut Prasad D , Alkhayat Samy , Henein Naeim A
Published: September 2023

Compression ignition engines will continue to power heavy-duty, long-haul vehicles, and heavy machinery in the future, while batteries become more prevalent in powering light-duty vehicles. However, compression ignition engines face problems when started under severe cold conditions. These problems include combustion instability, misfiring, and higher emissions of unburnt hydrocarbons. Feedback of an engine’s performance to its control unit can be used to improve the fuel injection strategy in real time and mitigate these problems. The ion current signal, being reflective of the combustion and emissions characteristics, has already been proven as a reliable feedback signal under warmed-up conditions.

This paper investigates the ion current signal as potential feedback during the cold starting and the warm-up period. Cold starting experiments were conducted in a VW’s 2.0-L, direct injection, four-cylinder compression ignition engine at ambient temperatures of −10°C, 0°C, 10°C, and 20°C. The engine experienced misfiring cycles at the ambient temperatures of −10°C and 0°C. In some misfiring cycles, the ion current was detected even though the pressure trace did not show a distinct combustion event, indicating that the autoignition occurred but the combustion failed to sustain. This means the ion current can identify un-sustained combustion events in misfiring cycles. In firing cycles, an ion current characteristic could well predict the combustion phasing at ambient temperatures of 10°C and 20°C. The real-time feedback of (1) un-sustained combustion events in misfiring cycles and (2) combustion phasing in firing cycles at various ambient temperatures can be utilized to mitigate cold starting problems in compression ignition engines.
Programming for adult learners’ success in developmental reading and writing: Equity and access
Authors: Shidler Linda , Payne Kelly , Cutchin Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Research has shown upwards of 40% of adult learners entering community college may need developmental education intervention in reading and writing skills. Of those who enroll in developmental education, a large portion will never receive college-level credit and will leave the community college. This research investigated a compressed reading and writing developmental education course for adult learners in a community college setting. The newly designed course integrated skill development, contextualized the content, and connected students and teachers in a meaningful way. The developmental education reading and writing course was compressed to eight weeks and attached to a compressed (eight weeks) college-level course. The course’s efficacy was analyzed using multiple patterns of outcomes including for the developmental education coursework (pre and post new design), gateway courses’ pass rate, and program completion. Moreover, this research compares the outcomes to national, statewide, and institutional data. The review of the patterns of gateway course success before and after implementation (2009–2020) saw mixed results when examining career and technical programs and transfer-level programs. Results also showed that while college-level competency was enhanced, the outcome did not translate fully to the completion of programs of study.
Health-Related Maternal Decision-Making Among Perinatal Women in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jackson Kimberley T. , Marshall Cheryl , Yates Julia
Published: September 2023

Globally, it is estimated that 245 million women and girls aged 15 and over have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in the past 12 months. Moreover, research has highlighted the disproportionately high prevalence of IPV victimization among pregnant women. IPV can have serious health implications for women and their infants, yet little is known about maternal health-related decision-making by mothers exposed to IPV. To this end, the purpose of this scoping review was to examine what is known regarding health-related maternal decision-making among perinatal women in the context of IPV. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, five electronic databases were searched, resulting in 630 articles. Eligible articles were primary studies written in English, included participants who experienced IPV at any time in their life, and reported results focused on maternal health-related decision-making in the context of IPV. Thirty-six articles were screened by the review team, resulting in seven included articles. Three main themes emerged regarding health-related maternal decision-making by mothers experiencing IPV, including suboptimal breastfeeding practices, under-utilization of maternal and child health services, and poor adherence to medical recommendations/regimens that impact health-related outcomes for mother and child. The well-established risk of poorer health outcomes among women experiencing IPV, alongside the findings of this scoping review, calls for further research specifically addressing health-related decision-making among perinatal women who experience IPV.
Comparative Evaluation of Two Paclitaxel-Coated Stents in an Experimental Setting
Authors: Pouhin Alexandre , Coscas Raphaël , Crespy Valentin , Poupardin Olivia , Pais-De-Barros Jean-Paul , Bouchot Olivier , Bernard Alain , Steinmetz Eric
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Unlike paclitaxel-coated balloons, pre-clinical data comparing different paclitaxel-coated stents (PCSs) are weak. The study objective was to compare the features of the 2 main PCSs: Eluvia® (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) versus ZilverPTX® (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN).

Method:

Analysis was carried out on 12 pigs divided into 2 groups: Eluvia® (n=6) and ZilverPTX® (n=6). The pigs received the PCS corresponding to their group in each external iliac artery and were paired one by one, to examine 6 different post-implantation timepoints: after 30 minutes, 6 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days. The paclitaxel concentration measurements and the histological analysis were carried out under blind testing on the plasma, arterial, lymph node, and muscle samples. A linear regression model and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test were used to study the variables.

Results:

The plasma paclitaxel rate decrease over 24 hours after PCS implantation was significantly different between the two groups, expressed by the correlation coefficient 0.19 (0.14–0.23; p<0.001) with an undetectable concentration at the 10th hour for Eluvia® versus 3 days for ZilverPTX®. Significantly higher paclitaxel concentrations with ZilverPTX® PCS were observed in muscle samples at each timepoint: extensor digitorum brevis 3.2 (1.17–5.23; p=0.005), biceps femoris 4.27 (2.27–6.26; p<0.001), semi-tendinosus 3.79 (1.85–5.73; p=0.001), tibialis anterior 3.0 (1.37–4.64; p=0.001), and in the femoral nodes 2.27±1.74 ng/g versus 0.14±0.13 ng/g (p<0.001). Histological analysis revealed a trend for more marked intimal inflammation in the arteries stented with ZilverPTX® (p=0.063), especially after the 7th and 14th days.

Conclusion:

Such a difference in the concentration of paclitaxel in the plasma, muscles, and lymph nodes between the two stents was higher than expected based on differences in device design. The clinical consequences of these results remain to be elucidated, particularly regarding the concerning presence of paclitaxel in muscles and adjacent lymph nodes.

Clinical Impact

This experimental study compares 2 paclitaxel-coated stents. It demonstrates that differences in stent designs and drug features (coatings and concentrations) translate into differences in terms of concentrations of paclitaxel in the plasma, muscles, and lymph nodes. Our results favor the Eluvia® stent over the ZilverPTX® stent, although more studies are required to confirm this conclusion.
Mechanical properties of flexible composites reinforced with high-performance glass fiber multi-axial warp-knitted fabrics
Authors: Li Bing , Zhao Ziyu , Ma Pibo
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the quasi-static mechanical properties and damage behavior of flexible composites prepared from high-performance glass fiber-based multi-axial warp knitted fabrics as reinforcement and high tenacity environmentally friendly thermoplastic polyurethane as a matrix. The composites were produced by attaching thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to the top and bottom of the fabric using a vulcanization machine, followed by hot-pressing for different temperatures and time settings. Moreover, the effects of different preparation processes on the tensile strength, static puncture resistance, and tear strength of flexible composites were investigated in this paper. The results indicated that both hot-pressing temperature and vulcanization time had a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. With an optimum vulcanization temperature of 185°C and a vulcanization time of 10 min, the composite provides optimum tensile strength and puncture resistance. Tear strength is the worst and is related to the reinforcement’s organisational structure and the interfacial bond’s strength. The results of this study are of theoretical and practical significance for applying high-performance multi-axial warp-knitted flexible composites as raw materials in the construction field.
RBM25 induces trophoblast epithelial-mesenchymal transition and preeclampsia disorder by enhancing the positive feedback loop between Grhl2 and RBM25
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Wen-qi , Yang Kai , Wang Zhao-xi , Sun Dong-lan , Peng Yuan-yuan , Yu Mei , Wang Shao-xiong , Guo Qing
Published: September 2023

Defects in migration and invasion caused by dysregulation of trophoblast epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) are one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). RNA-binding motif protein 25 (RBM25) is an RNA-binding protein involved in a variety of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, and EMT. However, the expression and function of RBM25 in placental of PE remain unclear. In this study, we reveal that the expression of RBM25 is significantly elevated in PE placental tissue. RBM25 depletion and over-expression in trophoblast cells increase and decrease, respectively, cell migration and invasion by regulating EMT marker E-cadherin and Vimentin expression. Mechanistically, Grhl2 is involved in RBM25-regulated trophoblast cell migration, invasion, and EMT through RBM25-facilitated mRNA stabilization. Furthermore, the upregulation of Grhl2 enhances the expression of RBM25 through transcription and forms a positive feedback regulation in the progression of PE. These findings suggest that upregulation of RBM25 induces dysregulation of trophoblast EMT by enhancing positive feedback regulation of Grhl2 and RBM25, leading to defects in cell migration and invasion. Targeting this newly identified regulatory axis may provide benefits in the prevention and treatment of PE.
Social Networking or Social Isolation? A Systematic Review on Socio-Relational Outcomes for Members of Online Gaming Communities
Authors: Tushya  , Chhabra Dinesh , Abraham Betina
Published: September 2023

Recent technological advancements, increased access to gaming setups, and the emergence of free-to-play multiplayer games have contributed to a dramatic rise in the number of players gaming online and subsequently becoming a part of gaming communities. This systematic review explored the impact of being in an online gaming community on socio-relational outcomes, and variables that impacted the relation between gaming community membership and socio-relational outcomes. After screening PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, 24 articles (15,451 players) were included. Results showed a predominantly positive influence of community membership on socio-relational outcomes of friendship, social skills, and social capital. Community-related variables (community size, social interaction, aim of community formation) and game characteristics that interacted with the gaming community (collective play, cooperation, learning to achieve game objectives) impacted the relationship between community membership and social capital. For some players, however, online social capital increased at the expense of offline social capital.
The Proteus Effect: Overview, Reflection, and Recommendations
Authors: Liu Yansheng
Published: September 2023

Avatars are an integral element in most virtual environments including virtual reality and video games, and the Proteus effect initially proposed by Yee and Bailenson (2007) is a framework that explains the psychological effects of individuals’ digital self-representation, which theorizes that the traits of avatars would affect individuals’ behavior and cognition accordingly. Although research on the Proteus effect has been fruitful over the years, this line of research also showed inconsistencies over whether the effect is significant, the direction of how avatars affect individuals, as well as its theoretical explanations, which suggests a lack of elucidation on the cognitive processes underlying the Proteus effect. Hence, this paper provides an overview of the Proteus effect research and offers a reflection on the current literature regarding the theoretical basis, empirical evidence, and methodological approaches of the Proteus effect research. Finally, this study provides three recommendations for future research on the Proteus effect.
Diabetes Care in Romania: A Lesson on the Central Role of Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Hâncu Anca , Roman Gabriela , Bala Cornelia , Timar Bogdan , Roman Deiana , Păun Diana , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: September 2023

In this narrative review, diabetes care in Romania is discussed in terms of epidemiological data, lifestyle medicine, and research/knowledge/practice gaps. The principal drivers of cardiometabolic-based chronic disease—adiposity and dysglycemia—are manifest in Romania at concerning levels. Diabetes prevalence in Romania is 8.4%–11.6% of which 21.3% are unaware. Obesity prevalence in Romania is 31.9% and correlated with adverse lifestyle trends and cardiovascular risk. The large epidemiological studies conducted in Romania are highlighted to fully portray the magnitude of how lifestyle, diabetes, and cardiometabolic risk are related. Knowledge gaps among patients regarding this health risk are in large part due to low health literacy in the Romanian population. Educational programs and delivery of lifestyle medicine in structured centers are outlined as potential solutions to close knowledge and practice gaps. Understanding how lifestyle medicine issues affect diabetes and cardiometabolic care in Romania can prompt transformative management strategies in other ethnocultural settings across the globe.
Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, and Suicide Mortality Trends Stratified by Age, Gender, and Race for 2006–2019
Authors: Jaramillo Juan R. , Putzer Gavin J. , Cooper Alan
Published: September 2023

This study examined US mortality trends associated with modifiable risk factors during 2006–2019, stratified by age, race, and gender; with an emphasis on illicit drug misuse, alcohol consumption and suicide. Mortalities were calculated using a methodology employed by Dr Ralph Keeney which estimates mortalities from a single underlying cause of death. The findings show the effects of alcohol are larger among American Indians/Alaskan Natives and mortality attributable to alcohol increases with age. Suicide is more abundant among white citizens while illicit drug misuse has a larger impact on young African American and white citizens.
Harnessing Emotions for Embodied Reflexivity in Organizational Ethnography
Authors: Rosales Virginia , Babri Maira
Published: September 2023

Qualitative researchers experience a myriad of emotions during fieldwork. Yet, a reluctance to display and openly discuss emotions in relation to research practice means little insight on how these can inform the research process exists. In this paper, we explore the researcher’s emotions in an organizational ethnography of an emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identify three emotional triggers (uncertain field access, disrupted research practices, and researcher exposure) and discuss the researcher’s embodied experiences and reflexive responses. We present four ways in which the researcher’s emotions can be used as a resource for embodied reflexivity: (i) deepening field engagement through a focus on collective experiences, (ii) using the researcher’s agency to refocus data collection and enhance creativity, (iii) merging inward and outward focus to reframe the research project, and (iv) visualizing emotions throughout the research process to avoid mind-body dualisms. This paper joins recent discussions on qualitative methods and reflexivity and answers calls for making the researcher’s field presence visible in qualitative research. We contribute by delineating ways in which emotions, as a resource for embodied reflexivity, can inform qualitative research.
Reviews on the machining and measurement of large components
Authors: Guo Qin
Published: September 2023

The study summarized the characteristics of large board and shaft components. The high-end large machine equipment and clamping devices should be developed in machining for high requirements. Additionally, some non-conventional methods have became a increasing for large components. For measurements, the developing and advanced methods were summarized, and the compensation methods were also complement to realize the high precision and efficiency. If that the component’s size has greatly exceeded the range of the current equipment, the mobile equipment are recommended for machining and measurement, and its detection technology is developed essentially for multiple mobile ones. Thus the study has guiding significance for achieving the high-precision and efficiency machining and measurement for large components, which is a great need in related industries.
Numerical simulation and experimental study on electrochemical milling of cemented carbide
Authors: He Yafeng , Xu Bo , Guo Hun , Zhou Xurong , Bai Jianhui
Published: September 2023

In response to the difficulties in machining cemented carbide, this paper proposes a new approach to electrochemical milling of cemented carbide. A composite rotating tool cathode for electrochemical milling is designed, and the electric field simulation calculation is conducted for the electrochemical milling process. The electric field results show that as the tool cathode continues to penetrate, the machining area of electrochemical milling continues to increase, and the current density in the machining gap increases. After the tool cathode enters the semicircle, if the processing area of electrochemical milling remains unchanged, the amount of material removed per unit time remains unchanged, and the current density also remains stable. At the same time, orthogonal experiments and process parameter optimization were conducted on the electrochemical milling of cemented carbide side edges. The results showed that the maximum material removal was achieved under the process parameters of processing voltage 14 V, feed speed 10 mm/min, spindle speed 3000 r/min, and duty cycle of 70%. Based on the optimized process parameters of side-edge electrochemical milling, full edge electrochemical milling of experiment was carried out. When the feed rate is 0.3 mm/min, the surface of cemented carbide electrochemical milling is relatively flat and has a roughness of 0.389 μm.
‘Living in a world that’s not about us’: The impact of everyday life on the health and wellbeing of autistic women and gender diverse people
Authors: Grove Rachel , Clapham Hayley , Moodie Tess , Gurrin Sarah , Hall Gabrielle
Published: September 2023

Background:

Autistic women and gender diverse people have specific needs related to their physical and mental health. They also experience more barriers to accessing services. While there are autobiographical accounts of the ‘invisible’ challenges that autistic women and gender diverse people face day-to-day, there has been limited research that explores how these experiences impact health and wellbeing.

Objectives:

This study aimed to understand the everyday experiences of autistic women and gender diverse people, and their impact on health and wellbeing.

Design:

Qualitative methods were used to elicit rich information about the unique experiences of autistic women and gender diverse people.

Methods:

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 autistic adults. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

We identified 3 themes and 10 subthemes. Our first theme described ‘all the stuff that you have to do to get through life’, including managing domestic tasks, parenting, unique health needs and co-occurring physical conditions. The second theme outlined the impact of ‘living in a world that’s not about us’, describing how navigating the neurotypical world, managing gender role expectations and trying to fit impacts on mental health. Our third theme outlined the positive impacts of ‘shedding all the layers and being myself’, including the importance of formal identification, exploring autistic identity and community, and including autistic people in research to support them to ‘have a good life on their own terms’.

Conclusion:

This study emphasized the importance of shifting the responsibility of health and wellbeing from the individual, and the importance of interpersonal, community, cultural, policy and societal factors in ensuring positive health outcomes for autistic women and gender diverse people. It also highlighted areas that enable autistic women and gender diverse people to flourish, including autistic community connectedness, positive relationships and autistic-affirming support from health professionals.
Insights into women’s experiences of giving birth during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic in Jordan, a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Muhaidat Nadia , AlQuabeh Batool , AbdulGhani Waed
Published: September 2023

Background:

Since 2019, the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic and its consequences from restrictions to risks have impacted our lives in all aspects. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the changes that were implemented as a result of the shift in healthcare priorities and the medical and social implications of the lockdown.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the experience of giving birth during the pandemic, how this is affected by acquiring coronavirus disease-19 infection, and its effect on postnatal mood.

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted which involved 490 women who gave birth during the pandemic across the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Methods:

An electronic questionnaire was distributed among women experiencing childbirth during this period in Jordan by advertising it on social media platforms targeting pregnant women and mothers. The sample size was statistically determined to be representative of the population. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows v.27.

Results:

The study demonstrated that getting infected with the virus throughout the pregnancy did not affect the childbirth experience with respect to the parameters measured, but other factors during the pandemic such as the type of hospital and mode of delivery did. Positive interaction with staff in the delivery suite was a major determinant of a positive birth experience. Women associated low mood post-delivery with giving birth in pandemic circumstances, and it affected first-time mothers more than multiparous women.

Conclusion:

Although the acquisition of coronavirus disease-19 infection did not have a significant impact on women’s childbirth experience, several pandemic-related factors did. Given the importance of a woman’s perception and evaluation of events surrounding her birth experience in determining her postnatal physical and psychological well-being, having to give birth during the pandemic circumstances, especially for first-time mothers, can have potentially detrimental consequences that may affect her health and reproductive choices in the future. The results of this study offer a better understanding of the effect of pandemic and lockdown circumstances on the perceived experience of mothers during childbirth and postnatally and factors that should be taken into consideration when planning healthcare provision to this population in future similar conditions.
Removal of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin by using a polyvinyl alcohol/agar/maltodextrin composite membrane: Optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Tran Huong Dieu , Hoang Bich Ngoc , Van Tan Lam , Nguyen Thi Nhu Dung , Thi Tuu Tran , Chi Sy Phung , Bach Long Giang
Published: September 2023

Polyvinyl alcohol/agar/maltodextrin composite membranes at different ratios are investigated for the removal of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin from water. The factors affecting the adsorption capacity of the as-synthesized membranes include time, pH, temperature, concentration, and dosage of film. The PAM244 and PAM433 membranes are subjected to optimization using response surface methodology model employing the Box–Behnken experimental design model. The optimal model has shown compatibility between the experimental value and the predicted value of the model. The correlation coefficients of PAM244 and PAM433 are recorded as R2 = 0.999 and R2 = 0.991, respectively. The model also proposes the optimal parameters. For PAM244, the adsorption capacity predicted from the model is 11.52 mg g–1 (42% of efficiency) at pH 5.89, a concentration of 41.28 mg L–1, over a time period of 19.87 min, and dosage of film 2.08 g L–1. For PAM433, the adsorption capacity predicted from the model is 10.46 mg g–1 (40% of efficiency) at pH 6.07, a concentration of 41.24 mg L–1, over a time period of 19.59 min, and dosage of film 2.16 g L–1. To enhance the potential of the material, the membrane reusability is also examined with the number of reuses being three times with the PAM244 membrane and twice with the PAM433 membrane.
Feasibility and acceptability of a new shoulder-specific warm-up programme to prevent injuries in community youth rugby union as compared to the FIFA 11+
Authors: Singh Vincent R. , Stokes Keith , Mckay Carly D.
Published: September 2023

Injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) are efficacious, though there is no IPEP specifically designed to reduce shoulder injuries in rugby. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Rugby Active Shoulder Injury Prevention (RASIP) programme. Three community rugby union clubs participated in a 12-week pilot study (players, n = 51; coaches, n = 7). Two teams were randomly allocated to the RASIP programme and one to the FIFA 11+ (IPEP) intervention. Feasibility was examined by players’ adherence to the IPEP, and acceptability was described by players’ and coaches’ perceptions of the IPEP. On average, more players were exposed to 11+ training sessions (100%) than the RASIP programme (19 out of 36 players, 53%). Higher percentage of exercises was completed over the season in the 11+ (97%) than the RASIP programme (58%). Across both groups, there were different approaches followed in delivering the allocated intervention. The coach-led, prescriptively followed 11+ IPEP was better at achieving higher adherence with exercises. Coaches were concerned of not having enough time in their sessions to include the IPEP. This pilot study has shown that the intervention is feasible to deliver and is acceptable with improvements recommended by community stakeholders, coaches and players in a community youth rugby setting.
Congenital brachial artery occlusion causing neonatal forearm compartment syndrome
Authors: Epanomeritakis Ilias Ektor , Li Lily , Treharne Linda , Grant Ian
Published: September 2023

Congenital brachial artery occlusion is rare. We report four patients who presented at birth with absent wrist pulses. We propose management recommendations that include anti-coagulation, duplex ultrasound assessment and fasciotomy surgery as early as is safe and possible.
Novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19
Authors: Zhan Kegang , Wang Luhan , Lin Hao , Fang Xiaoyu , Jia Hong , Ma Xiangyu
Published: September 2023

Background:

The central role of inflammatory progression in the development of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in severe cases, is indisputable. However, the role of some novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19 remains controversial.

Objective:

To assess the effect of some novel inflammatory biomarkers in the occurrence and prognosis of COVID-19.

Methods:

We systematically retrieved the studies related to COVID-19 and the inflammatory biomarkers of interest. The data of each biomarker in different groups were extracted, then were categorized and pooled. The standardized mean difference was chosen as an effect size measure to compare the difference between groups.

Results:

A total of 90 studies with 12,059 participants were included in this study. We found higher levels of endocan, PTX3, suPAR, sRAGE, galectin-3, and monocyte distribution width (MDW) in the COVID-19 positive groups compared to the COVID-19 negative groups. No significant differences for suPAR and galectin-3 were detected between the severe group and mild/moderate group of COVID-19. In addition, the deaths usually had higher levels of PTX3, sCD14-ST, suPAR, and MDW at admission compared to the survivors. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of endocan, galectin-3, sCD14-ST, suPAR, and MDW usually developed poorer comprehensive clinical prognoses.

Conclusions:

In summary, this meta-analysis provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive evidence for the role of the mentioned novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19, especially in evaluating death and other poor prognoses, with most biomarkers showing a better discriminatory ability.
Covid-19 and school education in India: A critical spatial and ‘meritocratic’ appraisal of emerging EdTech
Authors: Mishra Mayank
Published: September 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has radically induced the spaces of learning to the online medium, leading to a sharp impetus in EdTech companies. The Indian education sector is one of the largest E-learning sectors in the world, the market size of which is expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2031. The EdTech companies posit as an alternative to physical spaces and offer an array of learning tools from school education to coaching to qualify for top colleges and universities in India. The paper examines how such development may alter the nature of public goods like education as a ‘commodity’ subject to a competitive marketplace, potentially worsening socio-economic inequities. The paper has conducted a cluster random sampling survey for 10-18 years old school students about their online education experiences. Furthermore, it shall locate and theorise the stated hypothesis within Sandel’s framework of meritocracy and Harvey’s space and further study the socio-economic implications of online education in India already entrenched in socio-economic biases.
The intersection of casual work and platform work: Lessons learned from the casual work agenda for the labour protection of platform workers
Authors: Durri Ilda
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the advent of platform work, i.e. work activities channelled through web platforms or apps, has been at the centre of discussions for being ‘an opportunity-generating machine’, and its darker side, that is the poor quality of working conditions associated with it, has also been discussed. Work patterns inherent in platform work, such as unpredictable work schedules and work insecurity (even for the next minute or hour), the lack of a stable income, and exclusion from even basic protections, have long been detected. They can be traced back in the daily work of dock workers in the late nineteenth century, but also in more contemporary forms of casual work, such as on-call work or zero-hours work. Accordingly, history seems to repeat itself, and even go to extremes with platform work. Against this background, this article focuses on the intersection of casual work and platform work, and explains that as a result of it, platform work can actually fall within the scope of broader regulatory strategies applicable to casual work, hereinafter the casual work agenda. The regulatory challenges deriving from the insecure nature of the work have already been dealt with by national and supranational regulators in the context of casual work. This article evaluates an already-available blueprint - the casual work agenda - in light of reducing the working hours, job (work), income, and employment status insecurity associated with platform work. To this end, it observes that a rich legal landscape exists in the Netherlands for addressing these insecurities. At the EU level, there are also insightful legal tools, prominent examples being the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive, the Fixed-Term Work Directive, and the Working Time Directive. They provide for important legal safeguards, especially in countering working time and job insecurity. This article also looks at the proposed EU Directive on Platform Work and notes that it overlooks the legal safeguards contained in these instruments. Having regard to this, it calls on EU policymakers to redefine this legal initiative in light of the best regulatory practices offered by the casual work agenda.
Social reproduction, infrastructure, and the everyday
Authors: Tanyildiz Gökbörü Sarp
Published: September 2023

One of the main preoccupations of contemporary (feminist) urban theory is to conceptualize social reproduction, infrastructures, and everyday as the constitutive elements of the processes of urbanization. In this commentary, I engage with McFadden's contribution to these efforts from the standpoint of the study of concept formation. This commentary dwells on McFadden's theoretical object of knowledge (i.e. ‘infrastructures of social reproduction') within the empirical context of ‘educational landscapes’ both in terms of the method of its construction and the political consequences of this method. I argue that while it is important to insist on the inseparability of social reproduction and infrastructures within the spatiotemporal unfolding of urbanization, our theoretical attempts must go beyond asserting this inseparability to be able to produce transformative social knowledge of the (non-)urban. A way in this direction, I suggest, is the method of recuperation of the specificities that produce social reproduction and infrastructures as both indivisible and individual under concrete socio-spatial histories, conditions, and principles.
Finding a home in or through mobile phones: Access and usage patterns among homeless women in shelter-homes of India
Authors: Chakraborty Debjani , Garg Chhavi
Published: September 2023

With the number of mobile phone subscribers increasing across all sections of society, this paper aims to understand if homeless women in shelter-homes of India have access to mobile phones and, if so, what are their usage patterns. Facilitated by issues ranging from domestic violence to lack of employment to forced migration and even to human trafficking and rape, women residing in the shelter-homes of India have a myriad of stories to tell. Not all of them have been on streets forever and many have the basic literacy to understand how to use a mobile phone. For the purposes of the study, the researchers engaged with women above 18 years of age up to the age of 45 in a series of open-ended interviews to understand their access to mobile phones and contextualize their homelessness within an affordances-based framework for mobile phone access. This paper takes into account the dual barriers of gender and the lack of a home to study the digital divide experienced by homeless women in India, expanding on how both these factors shape their access and usage, eventually bridging the digital divide, and whether mobile phones are required/desired by the women themselves. The study found that the women staying in shelter-homes see a window of hope in their use of mobile phones in the form of an independent financial future or an independent marital life, but the biased perception of using a mobile phone among women hinders women’s access to and use of these devices, which ultimately results in the loss of any kind of opportunity before it has even been explored, perhaps leading to the loss of a chance at a bright future.
Bureaucracy and policymaking: Evidence from a choice-based conjoint analysis
Authors: Batista Mariana
Published: September 2023

Bureaucrats are a fundamental part of the functioning of the modern state and democracies. However, there is still much disagreement about the ideal profile of bureaucrats to deliver quality and responsive policies. Bureaucrats can be meritocratically recruited or politically appointed, creating the dilemma between autonomy and accountability. This article explores this dilemma, identifying the profile of bureaucrats perceived as having the best performance in the different policymaking dimensions. The study explored the form of recruitment, the level of experience, and the bureaucrat’s gender as characteristics of interest. Using data from an original survey with high-ranking bureaucrats in Brazil, we implement conjoint analysis to identify the most valued profile. The results indicate that the bureaucrat recruited through the merit system is more valued in the dimensions of “transparency,” “evidence,” “political coordination,” and “general preference of respondents.” This result is independent of the bureaucrat’s experience, so the effect is related to the recruitment form. However, the politically appointed bureaucrat is more valued in the dimension of “effort.” Gender did not generate significant effects. The article brings experimental evidence to increase understanding of how bureaucratic autonomy and accountability connect to deliver better government performance.
Expert opinions and negative externalities do not decrease support for anti-price gouging policies
Authors: Klofstad Casey , Uscinski Joseph
Published: September 2023

During disasters, citizens call for “anti-price gouging” policies. However, majorities of economists oppose such policies. For democracy to function, citizens should be responsive to policy-relevant information—especially from experts. What impact does exposure to the potential negative externalities have on public support for anti-price gouging policies? We hypothesize that if the public were exposed to such information, they would be less supportive of anti-gouging policies. We employ two survey experiments: one administered in Florida ( n = 2085), a state prone to hurricane activity, and the second in the United States ( n = 2023) at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both show that the public overwhelmingly supports anti-price gouging policies, regardless of exposure to information about negative externalities, even when it comes from experts.
Comparing the #StopTheSteal Movement across Multiple Platforms: Differentiating Discourse on Facebook, Twitter, and Parler
Authors: Chen Bin , Lukito Josephine , Koo Gyo Hyun
Published: September 2023

Given that political groups are dispersed across platforms, resulting in different discourses, there is a need for more studies comparing communication across platforms. In this study, we compared posts about #StopTheSteal from three social media platforms after the 2020 US Presidential election and preceding the January 6 Capitol Riot. To do so, we utilized Snow and Benford’s typology of social movement frames—diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames—in the context of far-right movements and an additional frame device: violence cues. This study focused on the following three social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Parler. We built three corpora of social media data: 26,093 Facebook posts, 248,643 tweets, and 400,600 Parler posts. Using Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) classifiers, dictionary methods, and qualitative text analysis, we find that the use of these frames varies by platform, with users on the alt-tech platform Parler using violence cues such as “smash” and “combat,” suggesting a greater call to action relative to the mainstream platforms.
A New Strategy for Rejuvenating Primary Healthcare: The Government-Society Partnership Model
Authors: Kasi Siddarth S.
Published: September 2023

Primary healthcare systems worldwide are under stress as increased demands during pandemic surges have exposed deficiencies in the system. Primary healthcare centers have significant responsibilities but are often underfunded and understaffed. Recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the importance of a strong primary health center network to promote community health and save lives. Most governments have multiple competing financial needs for scarce resources, ultimately limiting the advancement of government primary healthcare systems. Hence, various models involving collaboration and outsourcing have been evaluated and employed to improve primary health services. We propose and describe a sustainable and scalable government-society partnership model to bridge the gulf and rejuvenate primary healthcare with a focus on the Indian healthcare system. The involvement of key stakeholders, including society, non-government organizations, and corporate sponsors, is essential to rebuild the network.
Teacher Education Students’ First-Time Experiences of Video-Recording Their Teaching and Analyzing it
Authors: Lepp Liina , Leijen Äli , Küüsvek Anni , Kalk Karmen
Published: September 2023

Video-supported reflection supports the professional development of student teachers and is a natural part of teacher education. The study aims to find out teacher education students’ opinions about recording their teaching and analyzing it, to describe the experiences of recording and analyzing the videos, and to systematize their main areas of learning and development. Based on this, future video-based analysis tasks in teacher training could be planned more effectively. One hundred thirty-six teacher education students carrying out their teaching practicum participated in the study. Data was collected via a questionnaire after the teaching practicum (practical teaching course). The answers to the open questions were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method, and the results of the answers to the closed questions are described using frequency indicators. The results show that the teacher education students who participated in the study expressed neutral opinions and positive expectations, as well as hesitation, uncertainty, discomfort, and fear before the first-time recording of their lesson and its analysis. For most of the study participants, the experience of recording and analyzing their lesson and observing a fellow student’s lesson video was helpful and increased their self-confidence. The discussion highlights the possibilities of making the experience of video reflection more supportive and useful for teacher education students.
Effect of Preoperative Marijuana on Patient Outcomes and Opioid Use after Lumbar Decompression
Authors: Trenchfield Delano , Lee Yunsoo , Brush Parker , McCurdy Michael , Lambrechts Mark , Narayanan Rajkishen , Christianson Alex , Deez Azra , Wiafe Bright , Kaye Ian David , Canseco Jose , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher , Schroeder Gregory
Published: September 2023

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives

Our study aims to analyze the effect of preoperative marijuana use on outcomes and postoperative opioid use in patients who have undergone lumbar decompression without fusion.

Methods

All patients >18 years of age who underwent lumbar decompression from 2017-2022 with documented preoperative marijuana use at our academic institution were retrospectively identified. A 3:1 propensity match incorporating demographics, procedure type, and levels decompressed was performed to compare preoperative marijuana users and non-users. 1-year preoperative and postoperative opioid consumption in milligrams of morphine equivalents and postoperative outcomes including readmissions, reoperations, and complications, were obtained. A multivariate regression model was performed to measure the effect of marijuana use on the likelihood of a spine reoperation.

Results

Of the 340 included patients, 85 were preoperative marijuana users. There were no significant differences in medical complications, 90-day readmissions, or opioid consumption preoperatively or postoperatively ( P > .05). We identified a trend towards patients who used marijuana having more reoperations for any cause (20.0% vs 11.37%, P = .067). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that preoperative marijuana use was a significant predictor of all-spine reoperations (OR = 2.06, P = .036).

Conclusions

In lumbar decompression patients, preoperative marijuana use does not impact opioid consumption, readmissions, or medical complications, but is a significant predictor of future postoperative reoperations. Additional research is necessary to further explore the role of marijuana use in spine surgery.