bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Value of Single-Projection Angiography–Derived FFR in Noninfarct-Related Artery
Authors: Kwon Woochan , Choi Ki Hong , Lee Seung Hun , Hong David , Shin Doosup , Kim Hyun Kuk , Park Keun Ho , Choo Eun Ho , Kim Chan Joon , Kim Min Chul , Hong Young Joon , Ahn Sung Gyun , Doh Joon-Hyung , Lee Sang Yeub , Park Sang Don , Lee Hyun-Jong , Kang Min Gyu , Koh Jin-Sin , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Nam Chang-Wook , Joh Hyun Sung , Kyu Park Taek , Yang Jeong Hoon , Song Young Bin , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Jeong Myung Ho , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Hahn Joo-Yong , Lee Joo Myung ,   the FRAME-AMI Investigators
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

The Murray law–based quantitative flow ratio (μFR) is an emerging technique that requires only 1 projection of coronary angiography with similar accuracy to quantitative flow ratio (QFR). However, it has not been validated for the evaluation of noninfarct-related artery (non-IRA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) settings. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of μFR and the safety of deferring non-IRA lesions with μFR >0.80 in the setting of AMI.

METHODS:

μFR and QFR were analyzed for non-IRA lesions of patients with AMI enrolled in the FRAME-AMI trial (Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography-Guided Strategy for Management of Non-Infarction Related Artery Stenosis in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction), consisting of fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided percutaneous coronary intervention and angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention groups. The diagnostic accuracy of μFR was compared with QFR and FFR. Patients were classified by the non-IRA μFR value of 0.80 as a cutoff value. The primary outcome was a vessel-oriented composite outcome, a composite of cardiac death, non-IRA–related myocardial infarction, and non-IRA–related repeat revascularization.

RESULTS:

μFR and QFR analyses were feasible in 443 patients (552 lesions). μFR showed acceptable correlation with FFR (R=0.777;
P
<0.001), comparable C-index with QFR to predict FFR ≤0.80 (μFR versus QFR: 0.926 versus 0.961,
P
=0.070), and shorter total analysis time (mean, 32.7 versus 186.9 s;
P
<0.001). Non-IRA with μFR >0.80 and deferred percutaneous coronary intervention had a significantly lower risk of vessel-oriented composite outcome than non-IRA with performed percutaneous coronary intervention (3.4% versus 10.5%; hazard ratio, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.14–0.99];
P
=0.048).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with multivessel AMI, μFR of non-IRA showed acceptable diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of QFR to predict FFR ≤0.80. Deferred non-IRA with μFR >0.80 showed a lower risk of vessel-oriented composite outcome than revascularized non-IRA.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02715518.
Deciphering Mean Flow–Eddy Interaction in Pacific–North American Teleconnection Linked to Storm Tracks at Subseasonal Time Scales
Authors: Liu Chen , Chen Lei , Liess Stefan
Published: May 2024

The features of large-scale atmospheric circulations, storm tracks, and the mean flow–eddy interaction during winter Pacific–North American (PNA) events are investigated using National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) reanalysis data at subseasonal time scales from 1979 to 2022. The day-to-day variations of storm-track activity and streamfunction reveal that storm-track activity varies along the evolution of mean flow. To better understand storm-track variability with the mean flow–eddy interaction, further exploration is made by analyzing local energy energetics. The changes in horizontal and vertical baroclinic energy conversions from background flow correspond to the storm-track anomalies over the North Pacific, indicating that the anomalies in storm tracks are due to the anomalous mean flow associated with PNA patterns impacting energy conversion through mean flow–eddy interaction. Eddy feedback driven by vorticity and heat fluxes is analyzed. This provides a concrete illustration of how eddy feedback serves as a positive factor for the upper-tropospheric circulation anomalies associated with the PNA pattern.

Significance Statement

The background flow plays a crucial role in governing storm-track dynamics. Our emphasis is on the Pacific storm tracks (PST) and their relation to Pacific–North American (PNA) patterns at subseasonal time scales. We unveil the relationship between anomalies of PST and PNA patterns using local energetics and eddy feedback on a day-by-day basis. It is noteworthy that the evolution of anomalous storm tracks during PNA events is the manifestation of mean flow–eddy interaction. Additionally, we provide detailed confirmation of the impact of anomalous storm tracks on large-scale anomalies associated with the PNA pattern.
The Great Debate: Mesh or No Mesh in Contaminated Hernia Repairs?
Authors: You Yuchen , Kim So Un , Schweitzer Jeremy , Lee Tommy H.
Published: May 2024

Abdominal hernia surgeries are commonly performed with many different approaches, and mesh utilization has become a cornerstone in hernia repair, ensuring durable outcomes with minimal recurrence risk. However, managing contaminated hernia repairs presents unique challenges due to the heightened risks of mesh infection. Recent advancements in lightweight macroporous polypropylene meshes offer promising solutions. Studies have highlighted the superiority of macroporous polypropylene meshes compared to primary suture repair and other mesh types in terms of reduced surgical site infection rates and lower hernia recurrence rates. Moreover, utilizing macroporous polypropylene mesh in the retrorectus plane is associated with a favorable salvage rate, underscoring its efficacy in contaminated hernia repairs. At the same time, contrary evidence suggests higher postoperative complications with mesh use in settings of clean-contaminated or contaminated fields. Most significant complications are increased infection rates and similar recurrence rates compared to mesh-free repairs. New synthetic mesh that is being marketed as having better outcomes than other types of mesh and potentially primary repair need to be carefully assessed as biologic mesh once used to also be touted as the mesh to use in such fields, but more research is showing higher complication rates. The risk of infection and consequent morbidity might outweigh the benefit of less recurrence risk with mesh use. Further research, including prospective studies with long-term follow-up, is warranted to elucidate optimal hernia repair strategies in contaminated fields and inform evidence-based practice guidelines.
Calculation and Feedback of Risk-Adjusted Antibiotic Days as a Process Measure in a Statewide Trauma Collaborative
Authors: Sangji Naveen F. , Dougherty Jacob M. , Tignanelli Christopher J. , Maqsood Hannan A. , Cain-Nielsen Anne H. , Oliphant Bryant W. , Hemmila Mark R.
Published: May 2024

Background

Optimization of antibiotic stewardship requires determining appropriate antibiotic treatment and duration of use. Our current method of identifying infectious complications alone does not attempt to measure the resources actually utilized to treat infections in patients. We sought to develop a method accounting for treatment of infections and length of antibiotic administration to allow benchmarking of trauma hospitals with regard to days of antibiotic use.

Methods

Using trauma quality collaborative data from 35 American College of Surgeons (ACS)-verified level I and level II trauma centers between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2023, a two-part model was created to account for (1) the odds of any antibiotic use, using logistic regression; and (2) the duration of usage, using negative binomial distribution. We adjusted for injury severity, presence/type of infection (eg, ventilator-acquired pneumonia), infectious complications, and comorbid conditions. We performed observed-to-expected adjustments to calculate each center’s risk-adjusted antibiotic days, bootstrapped Observed/Expected (O/E) ratios to create confidence intervals, and flagged potential high or low outliers as hospitals whose confidence intervals lay above or below the overall mean.

Results

The mean antibiotic treatment days was 1.98°days with a total of 88,403 treatment days. A wide variation existed in risk-adjusted antibiotic treatment days (.76°days to 2.69°days). Several hospitals were identified as low (9 centers) or high (6 centers) outliers.

Conclusion

There exists a wide variation in the duration of risk-adjusted antibiotic use amongst trauma centers. Further study is needed to address the underlying cause of variation and for improved antibiotic stewardship.
Impact of Concomitant Traumatic Pancreatic and Colon Injuries on Outcomes
Authors: Lewis Richard H. , Jacome Tomas , Dooley Danielle , Carr Brian , Magnotti Louis J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Colon and pancreatic injuries have both long been independently associated with intraabdominal infectious complications in trauma patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of concomitant pancreatic injury on outcomes in patients with traumatic colon injuries.

Methods

Consecutive patients over a 3-year period who underwent operative management of colon injuries were identified. Patient characteristics, severity of injury and shock, presence and grade of pancreatic injury, and intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions were recorded. Outcomes including intraabdominal abscess formation and suture line failure were collected and compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then performed to determine the impact of concomitant pancreatic injury on intraabdominal abscess formation.

Results

243 patients with traumatic colon injuries were identified. 17 of these also had pancreatic injuries. Patients with combined colon and pancreatic injuries were clinically similar to those with isolated colon injuries with respect to age, gender, penetrating mechanism of injury, admission lactate, ISS, suture line failure, and admission systolic blood pressure. Both intraabdominal abscess rates (88.2% vs 29.6%, P < .001) and intraoperative PRBC transfusions (8 vs 1 units, P = .004) were higher in the combined pancreatic and colon injury group. Multivariable logistic regression identified both intraoperative PRBC transfusions (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.15; P < .001) and concomitant pancreatic injury (odds ratio, 14.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.92-96.87; P < .001) as independent predictors of intraabdominal abscess formation.

Discussion

Both intraoperative PRBC transfusions and presence of concomitant pancreatic injury are independent predictors of intraabdominal abscess formation in patients with traumatic colon injuries.
National Analysis of Clinical Outcomes Associated With Cirrhotic Blunt Trauma Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy Versus Non-operative Management: A Propensity Case-Matched Analysis
Authors: Elkbuli Adel , Bundschu Nikita , Nasef Hazem , Chin Brian , McClure David L. , Rhodes-Lyons Heather X.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes among severely injured trauma patients presenting with isolated blunt abdominal solid organ injuries with a pre-diagnosis of liver cirrhosis (LC) undergoing emergency laparotomy vs nonoperative management (NOM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Program Participant Use File (ACS-TQIP-PUF) dataset from 2017 to 2021. Adults (≥18 years) with a pre-existing diagnosis of LC who presented with severe blunt (ISS ≥ 16) isolated solid organ abdominal injuries and underwent laparotomy or NOM were included. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS), and in-hospital complications such as acute renal failure and deep vein thrombosis.

Results

929 patients were included in this analysis, with 355 undergoing laparotomy and 574 managed nonoperatively. Laparotomy patients suffered greater in-hospital mortality (n = 186, 52.3% vs n = 115, 20.0%; P < .01), required significantly more blood within 4 hours (8.9 units vs 4.3 units, P < .01), and had a significantly longer ICU-LOS (10.2 days vs 6.7 days, P < .01). In the 1:1 propensity score matched analysis of 556 matched patients, in-hospital mortality was greater for laparotomy patients (52.3% vs 20.0%, P < .01).

Conclusion

Laparotomy was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality in propensity-matched trauma patients, longer ICU-LOS, and more blood products given at 4 hours compared to NOM. These findings illustrate that NOM may be a safe approach in managing severely injured trauma patients with isolated blunt abdominal solid organ injuries and a pre-diagnosis of LC.
First-Century Judaism and Polyphasic Culture: The Resurrection of Jesus
Authors: King Robert A.
Published: May 2024

The physical resurrection of Jesus is one of the primary tenets of Christianity. In modern times this doctrine has been questioned with a variety of different approaches. One of those approaches is the assertion that because the Jews in Palestine during the first century were part of a polyphasic culture, the resurrection was only a culturally-approved conceptualization of visionary experiences outside of time and space. This article discusses this position and explains the complications of such an assertion. This includes first defining and elucidating the characteristics of a polyphasic culture and then examining first-century Judaism within that framework. This paper will further argue that the Jews in first-century Palestine distinguished between different types of extraordinary experiences and exhibited high degrees of skepticism when warranted, especially in regards to the resurrection of Christ.
Critical engagement with digital health: A socio-material analysis of physical education teachers’ digital health mind maps
Authors: MacIsaac Sarah , Gray Shirley , Camacho-Miñano Maria José , Rich Emma , Kumpulainen Kristiina
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This paper forms part of a DigihealthPE project in which we have been working with physical education (PE) teachers to co-create critical and embodied digital health pedagogies. As part of the project, we invited PE teachers to mind map their personal engagements with digital health technologies. We aimed to explore the potential openings and opportunities (and limitations) within these maps for critical thinking and action.

Method:

Data were generated during a workshop with 12 PE teachers in Scotland. Informed by new materialism, we focus on the human and non-human factors and intra-actions evident within six narrative portraits generated from teachers’ mind maps.

Results:

Our findings suggest that teachers were engaging complexly and extensively with digital health technologies, which we considered an opening for further critical work. Importantly, experiences of strong (negative) affect had the potential to transform engagements with digital health technologies.

Conclusion:

We conclude by exploring how the process of mind mapping helped us to see further opportunities for supporting teachers to engage critically with digital health technologies. We also argue that new materialist-informed critical practices in education may have transformative potential for helping teachers and pupils to engage critically with the moving body, technology and health.
Beggaring Thy Co-Worker: Labor Market Dualization and the Wage Growth Slowdown in Europe
Authors: Lehner Lukas , Ramskogler Paul , Riedl Aleksandra
Published: May 2024

As temporary employment has become a pervasive feature of modern labor markets, reasons for wage growth have become less well understood. To determine whether these two phenomena are related, the authors investigate whether the dualized structure of labor markets affects macroeconomic developments. Specifically, they incorporate involuntary temporary workers into the standard wage Phillips curve to examine wage growth in 30 European countries for the period 2004–2017. Relying on individual-level data to adjust for a changing employment composition, their findings show, for the first time, that the incidence of involuntary temporary workers has strong negative effects on permanent workers’ wage growth, thereby dampening aggregate wage growth. This effect, which the authors name the competition effect, is particularly pronounced in countries where wage bargaining institutions are weak. The findings shed further light on the reasons for the secular slowdown of wage growth after the global financial crisis.
Anisotropic auxetic composite laminates: A polar approach
Authors: Vannucci Paolo
Published: May 2024

The problem of obtaining anisotropic auxetic composite laminates, i.e. having a negative Poisson’s ratio for at least some directions, is examined in this paper. In particular, the possibility of obtaining auxeticity stacking uni-directional identical plies is considered. It is shown that if the ply is composed by isotropic matrix and fibers, then it is impossible to obtain totally auxetic orthotropic laminates, i.e. auxeticity for each direction, unless at least one among matrix and fibers is auxetic itself. Moreover, it is shown what are the conditions, in terms of the mechanical properties of the constituents and of the volume fraction of the fibers, to fabricate uni-directional plies with which to realize laminates having a negative Poisson’s ratio for some directions. Several existing materials are also examined. All the analysis is done using the polar formalism, very effective for the study of plane anisotropic problems.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Phenomenology and Mindfulness
Authors: Ferrarello Susi , Hadjioannou Christos
Published: May 2024

This special issue collects papers that explore the relationship between phenomenology and mindfulness with the goal of creating a fruitful dialogue between these two traditions, so as to bring into relief the overlaps and incongruities, exploring historical as well as systematic connections. Both phenomenology and mindfulness are inclusively construed: the former (phenomenology) is understood as an umbrella term that includes philosophers and approaches that follow directly from Brentano’s and Husserl’s phenomenological discoveries. For this reason, the issue will focus on phenomenology as a method as well as a philosophical approach with a major emphasis on Husserl’s, Heidegger’s, and Merleau-Ponty’s approach. The latter (mindfulness) includes a wide range of conceptions of mindfulness, from Buddhist-inspired strands of meditation practices and theories to Stoic-inspired. The journal issue takes into consideration the potential benefits that such a theme would have to clinical psychology by exploring the existing connection between mindfulness, well-being, and self-exploration. In particular, in this special issue we will point out how the phenomenological approach to mindfulness can help to further the understanding of such notions as “attention,” “authenticity,” “time,” “dignity,” and more.
Addressing the Will Theory Challenge to Animal Rights
Authors: Rutledge-Prior Serrin
Published: May 2024

Participants in the long-standing interest/will theory debate, long in disagreement over the function of rights, are united on this point: while the interest theory can accommodate animals, the will theory cannot. Recent scholarship in animal political theory agrees, accounting for animal rights via the interest theory alone. This article offers the first sustained challenge to this position by exploring two interpretations of the will theory. It concludes that only a more moderate interpretation of what it takes to be a competent decision-maker allows us to interpret the will theory in a way that both retains its distinctiveness and conforms to current, mainstream rights discourse. Through a discussion of how we might regard at least certain animals, in certain contexts, as being capable of giving or withholding their consent, the article argues that they should no longer be categorically held as outside the domain of will theory rights-holders.
Exclusion, Violence and the Body: The Case of a Young Man with Disability due to Gunshot Wound
Authors: Moreira Jacqueline de Oliveira , Almeida Luciana Alves Drumond , Rodrigues Bianca Ferreira , Mariano Lívia de Oliveira , de Jesus Karinne Vieira
Published: May 2024

The present text presents partial results of the research “Young people with disability due to gunshot wounds: an exploratory study from the Memorialistic Narratives”, which aimed to problematize the effects of violence and criminality in the juvenile sphere by investigating, beyond the increase in mortality and incarceration rates, the transformation of these young people into people with disabilities, specifically, people in wheelchairs. To achieve this goal, we used as a method the Memorialistic Narratives and worked on the categories of exclusion, violence and a body marked by trauma. We will reflect on the case of Guilherme, a poor, marginalized young man with a disability and a wheelchair user due to a gunshot wound. The choice for his case relates to the different forms that violence can assume, influencing lives and leaving marks, besides, we believe that his life story can contribute to qualifying psychology’s look at young people in contexts of violence.
Changes in Probation Officer Behavior and Caseload Recidivism Following Training in Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques
Authors: Mitchell Damon , Tafrate Raymond Chip , Cox Stephen M. , Hogan Tom , Bourgon Guy , Rugge Tanya
Published: May 2024

Implementation of risk-need-responsivity principles in probation has fostered the development of programs that train probation officers (POs) to directly address clients’ criminogenic needs during office visits. This study examined changes in PO office visit behavior and changes in caseload recidivism rates, following participation in the Forensic Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CB t) training program. Training was delivered to 39 POs over 10 sessions. PO behavior and skills were assessed using pre- and posttraining audio-recorded office visits. Coders blind to the pre/post nature of the recordings rated them on multiple variables across three domains: (1) Use of CB t, (2) Office Visit Content, and (3) Communication/Relationship Building skills. At posttraining, POs demonstrated increased use of CB t, greater focus on criminogenic needs, and improved communication skills. Overall, caseload recidivism rates declined posttraining. Despite challenges, training programs like Forensic CB t are associated with more skilled interactions during office visits and reductions in recidivism.
Comparison of the physico-chemical behavior of two prepregs used for body armor
Authors: Zylberberg M. P. , d’Almeida J. R. M.
Published: May 2024

The development of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers has resulted in continued improvement in ballistic protection, along with reduced weight in body armors. Prepregs from newly developed fibers are constantly available, although prepregs from older brands still remain on the market. In this work, the physicochemical properties of two successive generations of pre-impregnated materials are characterized to compare the two materials in the as-received condition and also after be consolidated in a ballistic plate. The results showed that fibers from the newer brand have a smaller diameter and greater tensile strength. This is an important result because the tensile strength of fibers is one of the variables that influence the ballistic performance of body armors. The smaller diameter of these fibers was associated with a greater degree of stretching during their manufacture, as revealed by the presence of two melting peaks in the DSC analysis.
Input-to-state stability of impulsive switched systems under mode-dependent event-triggered impulsive control
Authors: Xie Yufang , Gao Lijun , Yang Suo
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to investigate input-to-state stability (ISS) of nonlinear impulsive switched systems under mode-dependent event-triggered impulsive control (MDETIC) method. A novel mode-dependent event-triggered mechanism (MDETM) is devised, where triggering impulsive instants are determined by some predesigned event conditions. Different from existing MDETM, there are two types of impulsive behavior involved, including the impulsive behavior of system itself and event-triggered one. The novel MDETM not only reduces communication cost and energy consumption but also excludes “Zeno behavior.” Then, the ISS criteria of the closed-loop system are established based on MDETIC strategy, admissible edge-dependent average dwell time (AED-ADT), and admissible edge-dependent average impulsive interval (AED-AII) methods. Finally, two examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the main results.
Finite-time H∞ rate anti-bump control for a class of switched systems under state-dependent switching
Authors: Wang Ruihua , Sun Wenxu
Published: May 2024

This paper mainly investigates the finite-time rate anti-bump switching (RABS) control problem for switched systems. A novel multiple convex Lyapunov function is first proposed by constructing a convex combination of positive definite matrices for the RABS control problem of switched systems. By imposing a prespecified dwell time on state-dependent switching, a combined switching law is devised based on the new Lyapunov function to ensure that Zeno phenomenon is prevented. Then, a bumpless control scheme is proposed to reduce the big and undesired jump in the rate of system at switching instants while achieving the disturbance suppression in finite time. In the end, through an ingenious Simulink model to characterize the combined switching law and finite-time H∞ rate anti-bump controller, an actual engine model is used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.
STIMA: Submucosal Temporary Inferior Maxillary Antrostomy: A Modification of Conventional Antrostomy, A Retrospective Review
Authors: Alromaih Saud , Aloraini Nouf , Alrasheed Abdulaziz , Aloulah Mohammad , Alroqi Ahmad , Alotaibi Naif , Alqahtani Abdulaziz , Alsaleh Saad
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Maxillary sinus pathology is commonly approached through endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (MMA). However, MMA does not provide full exposure to certain aspects of the maxillary sinus, such as alveolar, zygomatic, and prelacrimal recesses. In these hidden maxillary sinus niches, a combination approach with MMA is required for better exposure and access. In this article, we present a modification of inferior maxillary antrostomy (IMA) to allow for a temporary intraoperative window with no significant postoperative consequences. Objectives: (1) To describe our modification of IMA. (2) To report the outcome of maxillary sinus disease, postoperative complications, and flap condition. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review study. It was performed on 20 patients where submucosal temporary inferior maxillary antrostomy (STIMA) was indicated in the period from January 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023. All patients were assessed for their demographics, diagnosis, indication for STIMA, maxillary disease outcome, presence of postoperative complications, and flap condition. Result: Total of 18 patients fulfilled our inclusion/exclusion criteria; of them, 13 were males while the remaining were females. Mean age of patients was 33 years; most common diagnosis was chronic sinusitis. Status of maxillary sinus mucosa was healthy in all except 4 patients having polypoidal mucosa while flap condition was intact in all patients except 2 patients with pinpoint defects. Postoperative complications assessment demonstrated no neural, orbital, lacrimal, or dental complications in all patients. Conclusion: This retrospective chart review showed promising technique to address challenging maxillary lesions in difficult-to-access locations where combined approaches are necessary.
Transseptal Suturing Septoplasty in Elderly
Authors: Eski Erkan , Koycu Alper , Yilmaz Ismail
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Assessing the effectiveness of transseptal suturing septoplasty in elderly individuals. Methods: The method used in this study involved the prospective separation of septoplasty candidates over 65 into 2 groups. The first group underwent nasal packing, while the transseptal suture technique was used on the second group. Postoperative pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and the effectiveness of the surgery was assessed using the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes–Obstruction scale. In addition, the patients’ oxygen saturation levels were monitored using a pulse oximeter, and the results of the 2groups were compared. Results: The study included 26 patients with an average age of 66 years, ranging from 65 to 74 years. Of these patients, 13 received nasal packing, and the transseptal suture technique was used on the other 13. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes–Obstruction scores ( P > .05). However, the oxygen saturation levels in group 1 were significantly lower, and the pain scores were significantly higher ( P < .05) than those recorded for the other group. Conclusions: We concluded that transseptal suturing septoplasty is an effective, safe, and more comfortable surgical option for the elderly.
A Large Asymptomatic Polyp Originating From the Nasal Septum: A Case Report
Authors: Wei Zhang , Na Wang , Yong-Gang Liu
Published: May 2024

A neoplasm was found in the left nasal cavity of a 45-year-old woman during electronic laryngoscopy for reflux pharyngitis. She reported experiencing an occasional slight headache in the left parietal region for 1 to 2 years, which she considered a migraine. Electronic laryngoscopy showed a gray, soft, smooth neoplasm in the left nasal meatus, located near the olfactory region blocking the olfactory clef and compressing the left middle turbinate. The neoplasm was resected at endonasal endoscopic surgery. Histological assessments indicated chronic mucus inflammation and cyst formation. This is a rare case because the polyp was large but asymptomatic and originated from nasal septum.
The Role of Capital Expenditure Forecasts in Debt Contracting
Authors: Ali Ashiq , Fan Zhongwen
Published: May 2024

This study examines whether the issuance of capital expenditure forecasts facilitates debt contracting by acting as a commitment to not engage in the expropriation of lenders through opportunistic investment activities. We find that firms with higher leverage and lower credit quality are more likely to issue capital expenditure forecasts. Furthermore, for firms that issue capital expenditure forecasts, loan spreads are lower and investment efficiency is greater, and these associations are stronger when the forecasts are more credible. We do not find similar results for earnings forecasts. When comparing the roles of capital expenditure covenant (which typically specify the upper limit of the allowed amount) with capital expenditure forecast, we find that the former reduces overinvestments and the latter reduces underinvestments. These results suggest that capital expenditure forecasts can be a commitment mechanism to reduce contracting costs with creditors.

JEL Classification: G31; M4
Contestation, negotiation, and experimentation: The liminality of land administration platforms in Kenya
Authors: Hoefsloot Fenna Imara , Gateri Catherine
Published: May 2024

This paper examines diverse infrastructural interventions in the making of Ardhisasa, the Kenyan state’s digital land information management platform, as a space of contestation, negotiation, and experimentation. We analyse the platformisation of governance through theories on liminality to explain the agency of various actors in shaping the digital state. We particularly zoom into the influence of two actors: the private actors in the land sector and the civil society organisations representing informalised residents, and how they exercise agency in the development of Ardhisasa. Drawing on interviews with state and non-state actors, secondary literature, and extensive experience within Kenya’s land administration system, we trace the overt and covert exercise of power in the platformisation of land administration of Nairobi. Our central thesis is that, despite its progressive development, Ardhisasa follows the tradition of a long line of large-scale infrastructural or developmental projects that rarely deliver on their promise for improvement but rather further entrench marginalised groups due to its exclusion of the already existing, albeit informalised, land administration and transaction practices that meet the needs of the urban poor. We argue that Ardhisasa’s perpetual state of becoming leads to the spatialisation of liminality itself.
Joint trajectories of self-esteem and neuroticism among newlywed couples: Associations with marital quality
Authors: Chen Ziyuan , Li Qingyin , Song Xinzhu , Fang Xiaoyi
Published: May 2024

The present longitudinal study investigates the development of both positive and negative personal traits (i.e., self-esteem and neuroticism, respectively) among newlywed couples. The aim is to identify distinct joint trajectories of self-esteem and neuroticism and then compare marital quality across different trajectory classes. A sample of 268 Chinese newlyweds completed self-esteem, neuroticism, and marital quality questionnaires at three time points. Dyadic Latent Class Growth Analyses were used to examine the joint trajectory of self-esteem and neuroticism. The study identified three trajectory groups: the adaptive couples group (c1), the stable couples and husbands more adaptive than wives group (c2), and the stable husbands and wives more adaptive than husbands group (c3). The adaptive couples group had the highest level of initial marital quality. The two other groups, characterized by initial differences between partners in self-esteem and neuroticism, had relatively lower baseline marital quality. In comparison, wives in the c3 group initially displayed higher levels of marital quality than those in the c2 group. This research improves our understanding of personal development in couples and sheds light on the complex associations between personal and relational development in the context of marriage.
Is unit cohesion a double-edged sword? A moderated mediation model of combat exposure, work stressors, and marital satisfaction
Authors: Frye-Cox Nick , Lucier-Greer Mallory , O’Neal Catherine Walker , Richardson Evin Winkleman
Published: May 2024

Guided by the stress process perspective, this study examined if combat exposure was indirectly associated with marital satisfaction through work performance stress. Additionally, we tested whether unit cohesion served as a moderator of this indirect effect. Data were drawn from 1,122 married Soldiers who participated in the All-Army Study component of the Army STARRS study, a probabilistic sample of Army Soldiers. Indicative of stress proliferation and spillover, our results showed that combat exposure may negatively impact marital satisfaction through work performance stress, but the pathways of this indirect effect varied as a function of unit cohesion. Consistent with the stress buffering hypothesis, unit cohesion buffered the positive association between combat exposure and work performance stress for Soldiers reporting higher levels unit cohesion, such that this association was no longer statistically significant. However, for Soldiers reporting higher levels of unit cohesion, the negative association between work performance stress and martial satisfaction was exacerbated but was not statistically significant for those reporting lower levels of unit cohesion. The results underscore the importance of understanding the contextual nature of relational resources within the stress process framework.
Dosimetric and NTCP analyses for selecting parotid gland cancer patients for proton therapy
Authors: Camarda Anna Maria , Vincini Maria Giulia , Russo Stefania , Comi Stefania , Emiro Francesca , Bazani Alessia , Ingargiola Rossana , Vischioni Barbara , Vecchi Claudio , Volpe Stefania , Orecchia Roberto , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja , Orlandi Ester , Alterio Daniela
Published: May 2024

Purpose/Objective:

To perform a dosimetric and a normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) comparison between intensity modulated proton therapy and photon volumetric modulated arc therapy in a cohort of patients with parotid gland cancers in a post-operative or radical setting.

Materials and methods:

From May 2011 to September 2021, 37 parotid gland cancers patients treated at two institutions were eligible. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged ⩾ 18 years, diagnosis of parotid gland cancers candidate for postoperative radiotherapy or definitive radiotherapy, presence of written informed consent for the use of anonymous data for research purposes. Organs at risk (OARs) were retrospectively contoured. Target coverage goal was defined as D95 > 98%. Six NTCP models were selected. NTCP profiles were calculated for each patient using an internally-developed Python script in RayStation TPS. Average differences in NTCP between photon and proton plans were tested for significance with a two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

Seventy-four plans were generated. A lower Dmean to the majority of organs at risk (inner ear, cochlea, oral cavity, pharyngeal constrictor muscles, contralateral parotid and submandibular gland) was obtained with intensity modulated proton therapy vs volumetric modulated arc therapy with statistical significance (p < .05). Ten (27%) patients had a difference in NTCP (photon vs proton plans) greater than 10% for hearing loss and tinnitus: among them, seven qualified for both endpoints, two patients for hearing loss only, and one for tinnitus.

Conclusions:

In the current study, nearly one-third of patients resulted eligible for proton therapy and they were the most likely to benefit in terms of prevention of hearing loss and tinnitus.
A putatively novel papillomavirus associated with cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma in captive North American snow leopards (Panthera uncia)
Authors: Womble Mandy , Weingart Shaina , May Susan , Garner Michael , Luff Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are common in captive North American snow leopards (SLs) ( Panthera uncia). Our objective was to determine whether these lesions are potentially associated with papillomavirus(es). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on 3 cutaneous plaques using degenerate primers for papillomaviruses. A putatively novel papillomavirus was identified that shared 76% sequence identity to Felis catus papillomavirus 2. Specific PCR for this virus was performed on 5 cutaneous SCC samples and 7 normal skin samples, which were all positive. In situ hybridization for this putatively novel virus was performed, which revealed strong hybridization signals within hyperplastic cells in cutaneous plaques (n = 3) and within neoplastic cells in cutaneous SCC samples (n = 5). No hybridization signals were identified within normal skin. Ultimately, identification of a causal viral agent in the development of plaques and SCC in SLs will help guide therapeutic intervention and lay the foundation for development of prophylactic vaccines.
‘Liberty to bend a piece of wire into a space sculpture’: Stefan Themerson, Kurt Schwitters, and the rhetoric around rights and refugees
Authors: Chambers Matthew
Published: May 2024

PEN International's 1948 charter and its accession to NGO status made it one of the most globally recognisable institutions promoting and securing freedom of expression for writers and artists as a fundamental human right. PEN's transition from dinner club to NGO involved a post-war reckoning with how to respond to institutional abuses of power and how to secure rights for those who had lost the traditional protections of the state. George Orwell and Stefan Themerson, writing on the 1944 PEN conference, offer insight into the political challenges PEN faced after the Second World War regarding state power and the rights of refugees.
Assistive technology: Occupational therapy assessment and services for people with dementia
Authors: Curnow Eleanor , Maclean Fiona , McCormack Brendan
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Research suggests that services are not effectively providing suitable assistive technology for people with dementia. There is a need to understand the challenges facing practitioners to identify where service changes should be focussed to improve this situation.

Method:

This study used an online survey to explore the experiences of 41 occupational therapists working with people with dementia, and/or assistive technology. Eight participants subsequently agreed to participate in online discussion groups. Group discussions were transcribed and checked. Data responses from group discussions and open questions in the survey were analysed thematically using the person-centred framework to identify domains supporting or obstructing effective assistive technology service delivery.

Results:

Forty-one occupational therapist participants described challenges to providing person-centred assistive technology services. These included restricted access to assistive technology interventions, limited knowledge regarding developments in the field, variable funding, unsupportive systems, limited relevant training and difficulties working across health and social care sectors.

Conclusion:

There is a need to revise the systems surrounding the provision of assistive technology for people with dementia. Occupational therapists need access to training relative to this field, and systems need to be adapted to support the provision of person-centred care by widening access to assistive technology.
Voluntary carbon assurance and the cost of equity capital: International evidence
Authors: Datt Rina , Luo Le , Segara Reuben
Published: May 2024

We examine the impact of voluntary carbon assurance on a firm’s cost of equity capital (COE). Based on 6500 firm-year observations across 44 countries covering a period of 8 years (2010–2017), we find that the adoption of carbon assurance is negatively associated with the COE. Cross-sectional analyses show that the negative relationship is stronger for firms with poor emissions reduction performance and for firms that do not participate in an emissions trading scheme. We also find that a country’s legal institutions and economic development have significant moderating effects on this relationship. Furthermore, the scope and the percentage of carbon emissions assured, the level of carbon assurance, and the auditing standards adopted have varied effects on the COE. These findings should be useful to regulators, managers, and investors looking to improve the credibility of voluntarily reported information.

JEL Classification: M41, M42, Q56, G32
CTFNet: Coarse-to-Fine Segmented Lane Line Detection in Complex Road Conditions
Authors: Fan Chao , Wang Xiao , Chen Zhixiang , Peng Bincheng
Published: May 2024

To maintain robustness in complex and uncontrollable real-world driving scenarios, this paper proposes a new segmentation-based coarse-to-fine lane line model (CTFNet). Which embeds dual-pathway attention (DPA) in the coarse segmentation encoder-decoder architecture to fuse high and low-level features with dual inputs, taking the strengths and complementing the weaknesses, and at the same time being able to capture more spatial detail information. However, the extracted lane line cues are limited in extreme conditions. As a result, a feature localization module (FLM) is proposed which extracts the global contextual information of the occluded region along the vertical and horizontal axes and determines lane line location by predicting the confidence of the lane lines based on the extracted information. Additionally, some regions of the initial feature map of the coarse segmentation network are difficult to distinguish between classes, the uncertain region refinement module (URRM) is designed in the fine stage to gradually refine the uncertain pixels using the relationship between adjacent features. Finally, the model is extensively tested on the tvtLANE data set, and the results show that CTFNet outperforms most state-of-the-art methods with an F1-measure of 91.48%, which not only reduces false detection but also maintains good robustness in extremely difficult scenarios.
Linking Chemical Structure to the Linear and Nonlinear Properties of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Salehfard Reza , Yeganeh Sadegh , Dalmazzo Davide , Underwood B. Shane , Santagata Ezio
Published: May 2024

The study described in this paper aims to establish the relationship between the chemical composition and rheological properties of asphalt binders in both the linear viscoelastic (LVE) and nonlinear viscoelastic (NLVE) domains. Two asphalt binders with different penetration grades were subjected to four distinct aging treatments of varying severity, resulting in changes in their chemical fingerprints. Chemical characteristics of the asphalt binders were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Frequency sweep tests were conducted to evaluate the LVE behavior of the asphalt binders, while multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests were employed to assess their NLVE properties. With regard to the LVE properties, rheological index ( R) and zero shear viscosity (ZSV) derived from the Christensen-Anderson-Marasteanu (CAM) model exhibited high correlations with FTIR and molecular weight distribution (MWD) parameters. Additionally, the polydispersity index (PDI) displayed a stronger correlation with LVE-based parameters. Findings from the MSCR tests revealed that the sensitivity of the percentage recovery ( %R) to chemical composition, as opposed to nonrecoverable creep compliance ( Jnr), can be largely attributed to the degree of nonlinearity. Furthermore, it was observed that lower molecular weight molecules exert a greater influence on %R in the nonlinear domain. Finally, it was found that Jnrslope is a more reliable parameter than Jnrdiff for assessing the effects of chemical makeup on stress and temperature sensitivity.
Estimating and Implementing a Vehicle-Type Model in an Activity-Based Travel Model Framework
Authors: Erhardt Greg , Hensle David , Bradley Mark , Imarah Michelle , Freedman Joel , Gardner Max , Stabler Ben
Published: May 2024

Characteristics of household vehicles can influence daily travel behavior and can vary greatly by vehicle type. Vehicle type is defined here as a combination of body type, fuel type, and age. Using data compiled primarily from the National Household Travel Survey, a multinomial logit model was developed to predict vehicle type based on characteristics of the household that owns the vehicle. The model was then implemented for the San Francisco Bay Area in the ActivitySim activity-based modeling framework and validated against observed data. The ActivitySim project’s goal is to create and maintain advanced, open-source, activity-based travel behavior modeling software, based on best software development practices, for distribution to the public, free of charge. A naïve 2030 scenario was analyzed to show model response to changes in the vehicle fleet.