bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and analysis of a novel and sustainable set-up for safe and economic hydrotherapy
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Rani Anchal , Sharma Deepak , Chaitanya Saurabh
Published: August 2024

Hot water immersion therapy has been found a promising therapy that offers several potential benefits to the human body, including pain relief, wound healing, improved blood circulation, stress relief, and improved sleep. However, the therapy is not widely used by the general population, especially the middle-class and lower-middle-class populations. The reasons for this could be the accessibility and cost of the therapy. This article introduces an innovative hot water immersion therapy set-up designed to increase the therapy's accessibility to a broader audience. The proposed set-up is engineered for easy home fabrication and installation without requiring special tools or skills, ensuring user safety through the use of electrically leak-proof components. A significant benefit of this set-up is its integration with a standard household geyser for water heating, which obviates the need for a dedicated geyser typically associated with commercial hot water immersion therapy systems, thereby reducing the overall initial, operational, and maintenance costs. The set-up has been successfully fabricated, installed, and tested, proving its effectiveness and efficiency. Among the four modes experimentally analyzed, Mode 4, a mix of regular and hot water with a combined flow rate of 8.06 L/min, leads to minimum waiting and geyser on-time of 19.85 min. In addition to the direct benefit of reduced liquid petroleum gas consumption, choosing Mode 4 contributes to an overall lower environmental footprint. This study aims to raise awareness of hydrotherapy and make it accessible to the general public.
The relationship between Rose Anna Shedlock (c1850–1878) and Emile Roux (1853–1933)
Authors: Murnane John P , Probert Rebecca
Published: August 2024

The famous French scientist, Emile Roux, was previously discovered to have been secretly married to an English woman, Rose Anna Shedlock, one of the first women medical school students in Britain and Europe. Emile and Rose most likely met while in medical school in Paris, although for very different reasons, neither graduated. It was previously suggested that Rose left medical school after only a few years, although we present new evidence that that she was still a medical student four years later when she would have been near completion. Regardless, Rose moved back to England prior to taking her qualifying exams, where we found she lived at a girl's boarding school where one of her sisters was head mistress. In the following year, Emile travelled to London where he and Rose were married in a quiet civil ceremony. Soon after the wedding, Emile returned to Paris where he began working as an assistant to Louis Pasteur. In a tragic twist of fate, Rose died a year later in Madeira, which we have now noted was within days of when Emile performed his breakthrough experiments that led to the creation of vaccines in the laboratory.
Levels of Unrelated Diversification and Firm Performance: A Conceptual Description of an S-Shaped Hypothesis
Authors: Gyan Kwaku Alex
Published: August 2024

This study reconceptualizes the so far inconclusive relationship between unrelated diversification and financial performance by explaining how coordination costs can shape the amount of free cash flow and related agency problems at different levels of unrelated diversification. The study builds upon the notion that coordination requirements and associated coordination costs will vary at levels of unrelated diversification to regulate the amount of free cash flow managers will have at their disposal at each level of unrelated diversification. Based on the agency costs associated with free cash flow, we conceptualize that at different stages of unrelated diversification, the degree of managerial misuse of free cash flow can create different performance implications of the unrelated diversified firm to explain a proposed S-shaped relationship.
Writing the past, writing the present: Abd al-Qadir Badauni’s narrative of the history of the Delhi Sultanate
Authors: Haque Ikramul
Published: August 2024

This article examines the historiographical practices of Abd al-Qadir Badauni, a sixteenth-century historian and intellectual who served in Akbar’s court. Badauni’s secret Persian chronicle, Muntaḵẖab al-tawārīḵẖ, compiled in three volumes in 1595–96, is regarded as one of the most important sources on the history of Akbar’s reign. The present article, however, is concerned with only the first volume, which narrates the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Unfortunately, the first volume did not receive much attention from scholars, because it was assumed to be offering no significant historical value as it was entirely based on the T̤abaqāt-i Akbarī of Niz̤ām al-Dīn Aḥmad and the Ta’rīḵẖ-i Mubārakshāhī of Yaḥyā Aḥmad Sirhindī. Scholars ignored the fact that Badauni also claimed to have ‘added something of his own’ to his narrative. This article analyses the ways in which Badauni narrated a history of the pre-Mughal past and what it can tell us about his historiographical practices as well as his views on kingship. A closer scrutiny of his narrative of the Delhi Sultanate along with his representation of Humāyūn, in comparison with that of his sources, suggests that his re-telling of the story was guided by his belief in a medieval Perso-Islamic theory of kingship that upheld the separation of power between the rulers as temporal sovereigns and the ‘ulamā as custodians of religion.
Can Ethnic Minority Political Parties Influence the Policy Process in Fragmented Societies? Insights from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ramasamy Ramesh
Published: August 2024

Existing scholarship from developing countries explores the dynamics of identity/ethnocentric politics and finds that in fragmented societies, politicians’ identities tend to influence government policies to favour their own community or group. Against this backdrop, the article explores how the Hill Country ethnic minority community of Sri Lanka influences the policy process through electoral politics. Findings reveal that ethnic minority parties systematically use rational choice theory to influence policy processes to gain material and welfare benefits. The study highlights the fact that ethnic parties tend to induce strong ethnic feelings using ethno-populism to mobilize voters, provide unconditional support, maintain an ever-changing coalition with the ruling administration and have political bargaining based on ethnic headcounts to influence policies. The article informs that this pattern is harmful to post-conflict societies striving for sustainable peace and reconciliation and highlights the necessity of inclusive and impartial policies and institutions, political consolidation and inter-ethnic justice to accommodate ethnic minorities in the mainstream politics and development to prevent deepening ethnopolitical cleavages in the guise of electoral politics.
Beyond the Preamble: Legislating the right to self-determination in a NSW Human Rights Act
Authors: Kallinosis Isabel
Published: August 2024

This article examines the inclusion of the right to self-determination in existing models of state and territory human rights legislation and proposes its inclusion in a future human rights act in New South Wales (NSW), to advance the rights of First Peoples in the criminal justice system. I explore how this would provide a mechanism for state restraint and a legal framework for prioritising self-determined First Nations critique, research and service delivery in carceral systems. The role of courts in holding the state to account and developing legal pluralism in rights jurisprudence is also discussed.
Thrombosis in Critically Ill Influenza Patients: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Qiu Xianming , Liu Mingjie , Wang Quanzhen , Zhang Yuke , Kong Li , Zhou Lei
Published: August 2024

Influenza infection is associated with a risk of thrombosis. Whether factors associated with reduced thrombosis might also be associated with reduced risk in patients with severe influenza is unknown. To investigate risk factors associated with thrombosis in patients with severe influenza. We used a cohort data set to identify adults diagnosed with severe influenza. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models explored potential risk factors for thrombosis events in patients with severe influenza. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the risk factors for mortality in patients with severe influenza. A total of 854 patients with severe influenza were included in the analysis. The incidence of VTE was 9.37% (80/854). Multivariable regression analysis showed that previous aspirin medication (OR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.14-0.84; P = .029) could reduce the risk factor of thrombosis in patients with severe influenza. Compared with patients in the non-thrombosis group, patients in the thrombosis group required more mechanical ventilation ( P < .001), tracheostomy ( P < .001), ECMO ( P = .046), and high-frequency ventilation ( P = .004). The incidence of co-infection was higher in the thrombosis group compared to the non-thrombosis group ( P = .025). Univariable Cox regression analysis showed that previous aspirin medication (HR 0.52, 95%CI: 0.33-0.82, P = .005) and previous statin medication (HR 0.54, 95%CI: 0.34-0.87, P = .011) were risk factors for 60-day mortality in patients with severe influenza. Patients with severe influenza are at high risk for thrombosis. The effect of aspirin on thrombosis in patients with severe influenza needs further investigation.
A composite motion control method for quadruped robots in trot gait
Authors: Gong Chikun , Fang Honglei , Yuan Lipeng , Zhang Na
Published: August 2024

This work aims to address the issues of instability in trot gait walking and poor terrain adaptability in rugged environments under conventional control strategies for quadruped robots by proposing a novel composite control strategy. During the support phase, a separated force-position mixing control method is employed, utilizing gravity-compensated PD (Proportional Derivative) control at the lateral swing and knee joints while employing position control at the hip joint. During the swing phase, VMC (Virtual Model Control) is used to construct three sets of virtual spring-damper components, guiding the foot to move along a predetermined trajectory and converting virtual forces into joint torques for the swinging leg. At the body, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) feedback data combined with PI (Proportional Integral) control is used to adjust leg length and maintain the robot’s posture stability. Finally, the proposed separated force-position hybrid control method is theoretically validated using the Lyapunov stability criterion, and simulation tests on flat and rugged terrains under the quadruped robot’s composite control method are conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, comparing it with the VMC and position control methods. The findings indicate that the composite control strategy leads to smaller changes in the attitude angles and reduced impact forces at the feet during the quadruped robot’s walk on flat ground while also demonstrating strong adaptability to rugged terrains.
Examination of Left-Right Differences and Intertrial Variability in Grand Jeté Among Professional Ballet Dancers
Authors: Kuromaru Ami , Ezawa Yuya , Maruyama Takeo
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Ballet demands diverse physical prowess, requiring dancers to execute movements symmetrically, irrespective of their dominant leg. Ballet often includes jumps, including the basic open-leg leap—the grand jeté—which requires uniform performance regardless of the leg on which the leap is initiated. However, no studies have simultaneously evaluated the effects of dominant leg or movement variation on jump height, leg split angle, jump time, and floor reaction forces during take-off and landing, which are related to the feeling of floating in the grand jeté. This study aimed to determine whether the high-level, stable, and beautiful performance required of professional ballet dancers in the grand jeté is affected by the dominant leg. Methods: Twelve female ballet dancers, all right leg dominant, performed the grand jeté 3 times on each side, distinguishing between dominant (right leg landing) and non-dominant (left leg landing) grand jetés. Utilising 3D movement analysis, we measured jump height, jump time, maximum leg split angle, and maximum vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during take-off and landing. Mean values and coefficients of variation were calculated for each analysed parameter. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to assess differences between left and right grand jetés, with a significance level set at P < .05. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in jump height ( P = .028) and jump time ( P = .001) when comparing the average of three trials for each side. However, no significant differences were found in maximum leg split angle ( P = 0.643), maximum VGRF at take-off ( P = .200), and maximum VGRF at landing ( P = .109). In addition, no significant differences in coefficients of variation were identified for all items. Conclusion: Ballet dancers showed consistent performance on dominant and non-dominant legs but higher and longer jumps for grand jetés landing on the dominant leg, which may have affected overall performance.
The Consumer−E-retailer−Intermediary Triad: Why and When Unfairness Perceptions Undermine Ethicality and Consumer Repurchase Intention
Authors: Nguyen Oanh Dinh Yen , Ngo Hoa Thi , Le Quoc Anh , Duong Trang Thi-Thuy
Published: August 2024

While there is considerable research on consumers and e-retailers; the relationships between the consumers, e-retailers, and their intermediaries—the ecommerce platforms are underexplored. The current research focuses on this triad and examines why and when price unfairness and product unfairness influence consumers’ perception of ethics of the e-retailer and their spillover effects on consumer repurchase intention from the ecommerce platforms. We adopted a mixed-method approach and conducted two studies. The qualitative study performed a content analysis based on 349 real comments of online shoppers. The quantitative study collected data from 632 existing customers of actual ecommerce platforms. The results show negative relationships between unfairness and consumer responses in the context of online retailing. Moreover, perception of e-retailer ethics explains the impacts of price unfairness and product unfairness on consumer repurchase intention from the ecommerce platforms. Besides, the salience of ethicality on repurchase intention depends on the level of prior shopping experience, such that this effect is lessened when shopping experience increases. This research offers significant implications for different stakeholders including e-retailers, ecommerce platforms, policymakers, and consumers to stimulate consumers’ perception of e-retailer ethics and repurchase intention from the ecommerce platforms.
Research on rapid stabilization of aero-engine casings subjected to shock loads using nonlinear energy sink
Authors: Liu Shen , Ma Yingqun , Zhao Wei , Hao Long , Bai Sujuan , Zhao Qingjun
Published: August 2024

In this study, we study the application of nonlinear energy sinks (NES) for targeted vibration energy transfer and absorption in aero-engine casings subjected to shock loads. A simplified single-degree-of-freedom model with an attached NES is characterized to understand the influence of control parameters such as damping and nonlinear stiffness on the NES. Using the complexification-averaging (CX-A) technique, we analyze the main dynamic characteristics of the vibration system, revealing nonlinear normal modes (NNM) and the energy localization phenomenon that enables targeted energy transfer. Then we establish a thin-walled casing model with an NES and calculate its vibration energy transfer under shock load. The results of this study are as follows: (1) NNMs are related to initial energy, with energy localization leading to targeted vibration energy transfer and dissipation; (2) NES operates optimally within a specific energy domain, exceeding this domain reduces its effectiveness, which is primarily influenced by the NES’s nonlinear stiffness; (3) Optimizing the NES’s nonlinear stiffness on the thin-walled casing achieves targeted shock energy transfer and dissipation, significantly reducing the casing’s vibration amplitude (from 0.008 m to 0.003 m, a 62.5% reduction) and stabilization time (from 0.007s to 0.002s, a 71% reduction). The study’s results are instructive for achieving rapid stabilization of aero-engine casings under shock excitation, providing insights into the mechanism of NES and the impact of damping and nonlinear stiffness on its performance. This research guides the optimized design of NES for thin-walled casings to effectively dissipate shock-induced vibrations.
Effect of multi-pass overlapping friction stir processing on fatigue behavior of Al-Cu alloy
Authors: Satyanarayana Marukurthi V N V , Yanda Sagar , Kranthi Kumar Kethavath , Suresh Bade Venkata , Venkatesh Durga Janaki , Kolagotla Rajani Kanthreddy , Gudaru Kumar Raja
Published: August 2024

More than half of mechanical breakdowns stem from fatigue failure, often occurring suddenly and without warning. Friction stir processing (FSP) enhances the material's toughness and resilience to fatigue by refining its grain structure. This study investigates how multi-pass overlapping technique impacts the fatigue crack growth rate of FSPed Al-Cu alloy. Microstructural analysis revealed that the stir region exhibited uniformly dispersed and fragmented precipitates and finely recrystallized ultrafine grains. The hardness and strength were reduced, and ductility was enhanced after FSP due to high thermal cycling. Fatigue testing demonstrated a significant increase in fatigue life and reduced fatigue crack growth rate attributable to the combined effects of precipitation and grain refinement during cooling-assisted FSP. SEM examination of fatigue fracture surfaces revealed dimples indicative of ductile failure in the rapid crack propagation zone, while the steady-state propagation region displayed striation markings and secondary fractures.
What is Known About Development-Oriented Performance Management Practices? A Scoping Review
Authors: Giamos Dimitris , Doucet Olivier , Lapalme Marie-Ève
Published: August 2024

Although a growing number of organizations now focus on the developmental aspect of their performance management practices to improve their effectiveness, little research has been conducted so far on these practices and their outcomes. To deepen our understanding of this phenomenon, we undertook a scoping review on development-oriented performance management practices (DOPMPs) within the employee development and performance management literatures. After mapping the literature on these topics, synthesizing their outcomes, and factors for implementation, we identified research gaps and proposed research avenues. Our review suggests that most of the literature on DOPMPs comes from the grey literature, that most practices are used for performance execution, but more attention needs to be given to strategic planning. By structuring the current knowledge on this topic, this review encourages researchers to produce new knowledge about DOPMPs, their synergies, and their outcomes through a systems approach.
Extremely uncommon torsion and communicating ruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy at third trimester: A case report
Authors: Solomon Thomas , Jemal Elias , Ahmed Kalid , Tesfaye Mebratu , Alemayehu Astawus
Published: August 2024

Torsion and rupture are life-threatening emergencies in rudimentary horn pregnancy, an extremely rare type of ectopic pregnancy. This case report aims to share the diagnosis and treatment of a patient, with torsion and ruptured horn pregnancy in a setting, with limited resources. It highlights the challenges faced and the strategies employed to ensure appropriate care. A 38-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, presented to the Obstetric and Gynaecology (OBGYN Department of Hiwot Fana University Hospital with a diagnosis of uterine rupture after she presented with a complaint of pushing down pain of 1 h, decreased fetal movement of 1-day duration, and with sudden and severe lower abdominal pain and distension. Conservative management was chosen, but deteriorating symptoms necessitated an emergency laparotomy, confirming a ruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy and surgically excising the horn. Ruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy with torsion is an extremely uncommon and perilous obstetric emergency that necessitates swift diagnosis and surgical intervention. For advanced primitive horn pregnancy, laparotomy combined with horn removal continues to be the gold standard of therapy. Healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and alleviate the burden of life-threatening conditions by promoting multidisciplinary collaboration and embracing innovative, technologically advanced techniques.
Comparison and use of explainable machine learning-based survival models for heart failure patients
Authors: Shi Tao , Yang Jianping , Zhang Ningli , Rong Wei , Gao Lusha , Xia Ping , Zou Jie , Zhu Na , Yang Fazhi , Chen Lixing
Published: August 2024

Objective

Explainable machine learning (XAI) was introduced in this study to improve the interpretability, explainability and transparency of the modelling results. The survex package in R was used to interpret and compare two survival models – the Cox proportional hazards regression (coxph) model and the random survival forest (rfsrc) model – and to estimate overall survival (OS) and its determinants in heart failure (HF) patients using these models.

Methods

We selected 1159 HF patients hospitalised at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. First, the performance of the two models was investigated using the C-index, the integrated C/D AUC, and the integrated Brier score. Second, a global explanation of the whole cohort was carried out using the time-dependent variable importance and the partial dependence survival profile. Finally, the SurvSHAP(t) and SurvLIME plots and the ceteris paribus survival profile were used to obtain a local explanation for each patient.

Results

By comparing the C-index, the C/D AUC, and the Brier score, this study showed that the model performance of rfsrc was better than coxph. The global explanation of the whole cohort suggests that the C-reactive protein, lg BNP (brain natriuretic peptide), estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin, age and blood chloride were significant unfavourable predictors of OS in HF patients in both the cxoph and the rfsrc models. By including individual patients in the model, we can provide a local explanation for each patient, which guides the clinician in individualising the patient's treatment.

Conclusion

By comparison, we conclude that the model performance of rfsrc is better than that of coxph. These two predictive models, which address not only the whole population but also selected patients, can help clinicians personalise the treatment of each HF patient according to his or her specific situation.
Inventing a Nation: Envisaging Tamilised Saivism in Colonial Tamil Society
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu R.
Published: August 2024

This study seeks to analyse the complex and contentious relationship between Saivite revivalism and the nationalist aspirations of Tamils during the colonial period in India. One of the versatile faces of Saivite revivalism in modern Tamil society—Maraimalai Adigal, who engaged with the crises of colonial modernity, Brahminical Hinduism and Sanskrit supremacy, is celebrated to have offered nascent nationalist consciousness among non-Brahmin Tamils. Many scholarly works strongly approved his contributions as vital for the modern Tamil society as his passionate exegeses were believed to have laid the foundation for a nation to be imagined by non-Brahmin Tamils. This study disputes such a claim by delineating the inherent supremacy of ascriptive ideology in his Saivite revivalist paradigm. By invoking the conceptual framework of Ernest Gellner, who insisted that a nation is a self-conscious political community where some deep, permanent and profound changes take place in which society is organised. This article seeks to explicate how the contributions of Maraimalai Adigal and his Saivite revivalist fraternity firmly prevented the emergence of a new Tamil society to be organised with a reordered culture as a meta-local homogeneity or of power as a new political community.
Cuba and Chile: Revolutionary Dialogues for Latin America
Authors: Vasconcelos Joana Salém , Borges Elisa de Campos
Published: August 2024

This article analyses the structural challenges of the Latin American revolution in the early 1970s, which echoed from Fidel Castro’s extensive road trip around Chile during the Salvador Allende administration in November 1971. Castro’s presence promoted massive mobilizations of Chilean workers and peasants who came in droves to listen to his speeches. By then, an interesting dialogue between the Cuban and Chilean revolutionary paths had developed on a mass-collective basis, considering the dialogical skills of both leaders, Castro and Allende, who participated together in many mass demonstrations during the 24 days that the Cuban leader spent in Chile. While Cuba experienced an insurrection and guerrilla war, Chile was promoting a “peaceful road to socialism” through electoral victories. This article investigates the relations between the two revolutionary processes through the dialogues during this visit. This article is based on press materials from those days, Castro’s and Allende’s speeches and other primary sources. It concludes that the Cuban and Chilean Revolutions were more complementary than antagonistic, contrary to the historiography that emphasizes rivalry between them.
Influence of Technology Readiness in the Adoption of Augmented Reality Applications in Retailing
Authors: Sharma Diksha
Published: August 2024

Forget crowded aisles and unending product comparisons. Imagine yourself trying on clothes virtually, visualizing furniture in your living room before making a purchase, or even discovering information about products that are hidden behind interactive labels. Augmented reality (AR) promises to revolutionize the shopping experience, but widespread adoption depends on understanding user motivations. This study explores what motivates consumers to interact with this emerging technology to determine the “why” behind AR retail adoption. Although AR has the potential to transform many industries, consumer technology readiness is a critical factor that will determine how widely adopted AR becomes. This research investigates how a person’s ability, willingness, and confidence in their ability to use technology serves as a vital link between the potential for innovation and its practical implementation. The study investigates the effects of performance expectancy, price, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, and technological readiness on adoption behavior using a partial least squares-structural equation modeling analysis of data from 306 online survey respondents. The results show that price and performance expectancy are significant drivers, but hedonic motivation and effort expectancy have no impact on adoption behavior. Notably, one factor that strongly influences the adoption of AR apps is technological readiness. These findings provide retailers with insightful advice, telling them to prioritize app value, affordability, and user-friendly design while also realizing how crucial it is to accommodate different degrees of technological comfort. Retailers can effectively use AR technology to improve customer engagement and accelerate adoption in the retail space by knowing these key drivers.
Dentinal Crack Formation Induced by Ultrasonic Tips and Laser as Compared to Conventional Burs During Root-end Preparation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jitendra Khairajani Dipti , Borkar Anamika C. , Aras Sanket , Gambhir Apeksha , Nihalani Harsha , Humnabad Vamshi Krishna
Published: August 2024

Aim:

The objective was to evaluate and compare the crack formation induced by ultrasonic tips and lasers with conventional burs during root-end preparation.

Materials and Methods:

The PROSPERO registration code for this study is CRD42023470898. Both manual and electronic database searches were performed up to 2023, August in three databases, namely, the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar. In vitro or laboratory studies that employed the use of ultrasonic tips, LASER and conventional burs for root-end preparation on extracted teeth were collected. The data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a predesigned template. Information about the study design, year, full-text publications, inclusion and exclusion criteria were gathered. The PRISMA guidelines 2020 were followed in the reporting and execution of the systematic review and meta-analysis. To evaluate statistical heterogeneity, χ² values and I² values were employed in conjunction with a random-effects model for the meta-analysis.

Results:

A total of 689 articles were identified. After removing the duplicates in total 567 articles were screened. Finally, six articles were included in the meta-analysis. QUIN Risk of Bias tool showed an overall moderate risk of bias in the included studies. The pooled odds ratio for crack formation was 1.77 (0.82, 3.82) for ultrasonic tips and conventional burs suggesting higher odds of crack formation for ultrasonic tips.

Conclusion:

None of the included studies provided information on sample size calculation, sampling technique, randomization or blinding. The meta-analysis suggests higher chances of crack formation from ultrasonic followed by laser and conventional burs preparation. Therefore, efforts to standardize an acceptable procedure for root-end cavity preparation should be made in future study, along with encouragement of the clinical application of the same, taking into account issues like economic feasibility and convenience of usage.
Co-movement of Oil and Stock Markets During COVID-19: Evidence from the Gulf Corporation Council
Authors: Hanif Muhammad
Published: August 2024

This study aims to document the impact of oil price variations on generating stock returns in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets during the COVID-19 era. It documents the pandemic era results from January 2020 to October 2022 by employing cointegration, Granger causality, and time-varying coefficient-vector autoregression techniques on daily data. The findings suggest two-way causality between all stock indices and the oil market. Time-dependent relationships were observed during the review period. The findings (based on regression and variance decomposition) indicate that although the reliance of the GCC stock markets was not on oil alone, oil had a significant impact during the study period. It is recommended that investors not consider diversifying portfolios in GCC stocks and oil markets to optimize benefits. The findings are expected to enhance the understanding of academics, market players, regulators, and investors regarding relationships among GCC stocks and oil markets. This study contributes to the literature by documenting the impact of the oil market on stocks during an abnormal period of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering time-varying parameters in a net oil exporting region.
Comparative analysis among therapeutic modalities in ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma and identification of imaging predictors for survival
Authors: Nimitrungtawee Natthaphong , Phinyo Phichayut , Chalidapong Piemkamol , Inmutto Nakarin
Published: August 2024

Background

Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) poses a life-threatening complication with a mortality rate of 25–75%. Treatment aims at achieving hemostasis and includes options such as trans-arterial embolization, perihepatic packing, and hepatic resection. The optimal treatment remains a subject of debate. Our retrospective review evaluates these treatments and investigates imaging’s role in prognosis for rHCC patients.

Purpose

We aimed to compare survival outcomes among rHCC patients who received transarterial embolization (TAE), surgery (perihepatic packing, hepatectomy), or best supportive care (BSC), while also identifying predictive imaging factors in these patients.

Materials and methods

All patients diagnosed with rHCC and admitted to Maharaj Nakorn Chiangmai Hospital between January 2012 and December 2021 were included. We reviewed clinical features, imaging results, treatment modalities, and outcomes. In order to balance pretreatment confounders, inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was employed. Flexible parametric survival regression was utilized to compare survival outcomes and identify imaging factors predicting the survival of rHCC patients. Hazard ratios (HR) and the difference in restricted mean survival time (RMST) were reported.

Result

Among the 186 rHCC patients included, we observed 90-day and 1-year mortality rates of 64% and 84%, respectively. Both the TAE and surgery groups exhibited significantly lower 1-year mortality rates compared to BSC. The HR were 0.56 (95% CI 0.33–0.96) for TAE and 0.52 (95% CI 0.28–0.95) for surgery compared to BSC. Both the TAE and surgery also significantly extended the 1-yeaar life expectancy post-initial treatment when compared to BSC, with an RMST difference of + 55.40 days (95% CI 30.18–80.63) for TAE vs. BSC and + 68.43 days (95% CI 38.77–98.09) for surgery vs. BSC. The presence of active contrast extravasation and bleeding in both lobes were independent prognostic factors for 1-year survival.

Conclusions

TAE and surgical treatments provide comparable survival benefits for rHCC patients, extending survival time by approximately 2 months compared to best supportive care. We strongly recommend active management for all rHCC patients whenever possible.
Parental domestic violence and abuse, mental ill-health, and substance misuse and the impact on child mental health: a secondary data analysis using the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Allen Kate , Melendez-Torres G. J. , Ford Tamsin , Bonell Chris , Berry Vashti
Published: August 2024

Background

Parental domestic violence and abuse (DVA), mental ill-health (MH), and substance misuse (SU) can have a negative impact on both parents and children. However, it remains unclear if and how parental DVA, MH, and SU cluster and the impacts this clustering might have. We examined how parental DVA, MH, and SU cluster during early childhood, the demographic/contextual profiles of these clusters, and how these clusters relate to child MH trajectories.

Methods

We examined data from 15,377 families in the UK Millennium Cohort Study. We used: (1) latent class analysis to create groups differentially exposed to parental DVA, MH, and SU at age three; (2) latent growth curve modelling to create latent trajectories of child MH from ages 3–17; and (3) a case-weight approach to relate latent classes to child MH trajectories.

Results

We identified three latent classes: high-frequency alcohol use (11.9%), elevated adversity (3.5%), and low-level adversity (84.6%). Children in the elevated adversity class had higher probabilities of being from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and having White, younger parents. Children exposed to elevated adversity displayed worse MH at age three (intercept = 2.274; p < 0.001) compared the low-level adversity (intercept = 2.228; p < 0.001) and high-frequency alcohol use class (intercept = 2.068; p < 0.001). However, latent growth factors (linear and quadratic terms) of child MH did not differ by latent class.

Conclusions

Parental DVA, MH, and SU cluster during early childhood and this has a negative impact on children’s MH at age three, leading to similar levels of poor MH across time. Intervening early to prevent the initial deterioration, using a syndemic-approach is essential.
The association between ibuprofen administration in children and the risk of developing or exacerbating asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baxter Luke , Cobo Maria M. , Bhatt Aomesh , Slater Rebeccah , Sanni Olutoba , Shinde Nutan
Published: August 2024

Background

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drugs in children. However, its potential causal role in childhood asthma pathogenesis remains uncertain. In this systematic review, we assessed the association between ibuprofen administration in children and the risk of developing or exacerbating asthma.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to May 2022, with no language limits; searched relevant reviews; and performed citation searching. We included studies of any design that were primary empirical peer-reviewed publications, where ibuprofen use in children 0–18 years was reported. Screening was performed in duplicate by blinded review. In total, 24 studies met our criteria. Data were extracted according to PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using RoB2 and NOS tools. Quantitative data were pooled using fixed effect models, and qualitative data were pooled using narrative synthesis. Primary outcomes were asthma or asthma-like symptoms. The results were grouped according to population (general, asthmatic, and ibuprofen-hypersensitive), comparator type (active and non-active) and follow-up duration (short- and long-term).

Results

Comparing ibuprofen with active comparators, there was no evidence of a higher risk associated with ibuprofen over both the short and long term in either the general or asthmatic population. Comparing ibuprofen use with no active alternative over a short-term follow-up, ibuprofen may provide protection against asthma-like symptoms in the general population when used to ease symptoms of fever or bronchiolitis. In contrast, it may cause asthma exacerbation for those with pre-existing asthma. However, in both populations, there were no clear long-term follow-up effects.

Conclusions

Ibuprofen use in children had no elevated risk relative to active comparators. However, use in children with asthma may lead to asthma exacerbation. The results are driven by a very small number of influential studies, and research in several key clinical contexts is limited to single studies. Both clinical trials and observational studies are needed to understand the potential role of ibuprofen in childhood asthma pathogenesis.
Evaluation of the impact of an online video game as an educational intervention on sexual health and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infection: A randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Martinez-Satorres Alba , Roca-Saumell Carme , Escale-Besa Anna , Arcarons-Marti Marta , Fernandez-Segura Francisco Javier , Wagner Carolina Allegra , Pires-Nuñez Pablo , Turmo-Tristan Nuria , Diez-Garcia Lorena , Maron-Lopez Andrea , Marti-Oltra Zulema , Vanrell-Nicolau Marta , Da Silva Torres Sonia , Ruiz-Torres Alvaro , Pino-Prieto Pablo , Pillay Dhyaanenshan , Casaldaliga-Sola Angels , Lazaro-Navarro Xavi , Lasagabaster-Uriarte Maria , Martin Maria Isabel Fernandez-San
Published: August 2024

Background

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, especially among young people. Tools are needed to increase knowledge about sex education and STI prevention and treatment. Gamification can be a good training tool for both young people and health professionals. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a training intervention on STI prevention, detection, and treatment in primary care professionals.

Methods/design

Multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial.

Groups of primary care professionals will receive an intervention (online video game on sex education and STIs [SEXIT]) and will be compared with control groups that will not receive the intervention. Group assignments will be randomized by clusters.

The study will consist of a pre-post evaluation of the intervention: a knowledge test will be administered before and after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. This test will also be carried out on the same time sequence in the control groups. The impact of the training intervention will be assessed over a 6-month period, focusing on various variables associated with the clinical management of STIs. This evaluation entails the clinical records of diagnostic tests and antibiotic prescriptions related to the clinical approach to STIs.

The required sample size is 262 (131 per group).

Discussion

Compared with those in the control group, improvements in knowledge and clinical behavioural outcomes after the intervention are expected for participants in the intervention groups. We plan to develop an educational video game to increase the knowledge about sexuality, STIs and violence.

Protocol registered at ISRCTN with reference number ISRCTN17783607.
Cost-consequence analysis of computer vision-based skin prick tests: implications for cost containment in Switzerland
Authors: Uwitonze Jean Pierre
Published: August 2024

Background

Skin prick tests (SPTs), or intraepidermal tests, are often the first diagnostic approach for people with a suspected allergy. Together with the clinical history, SPTs allow doctors to draw conclusions on allergies based on the sensitization pattern. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential cost consequences that would accrue to a Swiss University hospital after the adoption of computer vision-based SPTs.

Methods

We conducted a cost-consequence analysis from a hospital’s perspective to evaluate the potential cost consequences of using a computer vision-based system to read SPT results. The patient population consisted of individuals who were referred to the allergology department of one of the five university hospitals in Switzerland, Inselspital, whose allergology department averages 100 SPTs a week. We developed an early cost-consequence model comparing two SPT techniques; computer vision-based SPTs conducted with the aid of Nexkin DSPT and standard fully manual SPTs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis and additional univariate sensitivity analyses were used to account for uncertainty.

Results

The difference in average cost between the two alternatives from a hospital’s perspective was estimated to be CHF 7 per SPT, in favour of the computer vison-based SPTs. Monte Carlo probabilistic simulation also indicated that SPTs conducted using the computer vision-based system were cost saving compared to standard fully manual SPTs. Sensitivity analyses additionally demonstrated the robustness of the base case result subject to plausible changes in all the input parameters, with parameters representing the costs associated with both SPT techniques having the largest influence on the incremental cost. However, higher sensitization prevalence rates seemed to favour the more accurate standard fully manual SPTs.

Conclusion

Against the backdrop of rising healthcare costs especially in Switzerland, using computer-aided or (semi) automated diagnostic systems could play an important role in healthcare cost containment efforts. However, results should be taken with caution because of the uncertainty associated with the early nature of our analysis and the specific Swiss context adopted in this study.
Casein kinase 1α mediates estradiol secretion via CYP19A1 expression in mouse ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Luo Xuan , Zhang Di , Zheng Jiaming , Liu Hui , Sun Longjie , Guo Hongzhou , Wang Lei , Cui Sheng
Published: August 2024

Background

Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), expressed in both ovarian germ and somatic cells, is involved in the initial meiosis and primordial follicle formation of mouse oocytes. Using in vitro and in vivo experiments in this study, we explored the function and mechanism of CK1α in estrogen synthesis in mice ovarian granulosa cells.

Methods

A CK1α knockout (cKO) mouse model, targeted specifically to ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), was employed to establish the influence of CK1α on in vivo estrogen synthesis. The influence of CK1α deficiency on GCs was determined in vivo and in vitro by immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot assay. Transcriptome profiling, differentially expressed genes and gene functional enrichment analyses, and computation protein–protein docking, were further employed to assess the CK1α pathway. Furthermore, wild-type female mice were treated with the CK1α antagonist D4476 to elucidate the CK1α's role in estrogen regulation.

Results

Ovarian GCs CK1α deficiency impaired fertility and superovulation of female mice; also, the average litter size and the estradiol (E2) level in the serum of cKO female mice were decreased by 57.3% and 87.4% vs. control mice, respectively.

This deficiency disrupted the estrous cycle and enhanced the apoptosis in the GCs. We observed that CK1α mediated the secretion of estradiol in mouse ovarian GCs via the cytochrome P450 subfamily 19 member 1 (CYP19A1).

Conclusions

These findings improve the existing understanding of the regulation mechanism of female reproduction and estrogen synthesis.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Positive end-expiratory pressure management in patients with severe ARDS: implications of prone positioning and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Boesing Christoph , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Luecke Thomas , Krebs Joerg
Published: August 2024

The optimal strategy for positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration in the management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients remains unclear. Current guidelines emphasize the importance of a careful risk–benefit assessment for PEEP titration in terms of cardiopulmonary function in these patients. Over the last few decades, the primary goal of PEEP usage has shifted from merely improving oxygenation to emphasizing lung protection, with a growing focus on the individual pattern of lung injury, lung and chest wall mechanics, and the hemodynamic consequences of PEEP. In moderate-to-severe ARDS patients, prone positioning (PP) is recommended as part of a lung protective ventilation strategy to reduce mortality. However, the physiologic changes in respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics during PP may require careful re-assessment of the ventilation strategy, including PEEP. For the most severe ARDS patients with refractory gas exchange impairment, where lung protective ventilation is not possible, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) facilitates gas exchange and allows for a “lung rest” strategy using “ultraprotective” ventilation. Consequently, the importance of lung recruitment to improve oxygenation and homogenize ventilation with adequate PEEP may differ in severe ARDS patients treated with V-V ECMO compared to those managed conservatively. This review discusses PEEP management in severe ARDS patients and the implications of management with PP or V-V ECMO with respect to respiratory mechanics and hemodynamic function.