bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wear prediction of BTA drill based on finite element method for drilling laminated Inconel 625 deposited metal and FeCr alloy material
Authors: Guan Qinghe , Lu Yong , Li Qiushi , Li Jining , Wang Zhenchi
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the wear prediction of BTA drills for laminated Inconel 625 deposited metal and FeCr alloy materials using 3D finite element modelling. High interface temperature owing to increased cutting speed enhances the abrasive wear mechanism of Inconel 625, while FeCr alloy exhibits a predominantly adhesive wear mechanism. The interface temperature and normal pressure required as inputs for tool-wear prediction were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM), which was developed by combining the central composite design (CCD) with finite element method simulation. This approach significantly improved the computational efficiency and provides accurate predictions with the calibrated friction model. A modified Usui wear model was established considering the sensitivity of temperature to wear rate for Inconel 625. A significant improvement in prediction accuracy was observed compared with the original Usui equation. The proposed tool-wear prediction model was validated through experimental tests. The maximum predicted flank wear width deviations for the outer and intermediate edges of BTA drill were 2% and 7%, respectively. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed BTA drill wear-prediction approach for laminated materials with different wear characteristics, providing theoretical guidance for cutting-parameter optimisation and tool-replacement strategies.
Modelling of fire-suppressant injection into engine nacelle for various flight regimes
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed A , New Tze H , Ng Bing F
Published: June 2023

In this study, the injection of Halon 1301, an effective fire-suppressing agent, into a helicopter engine nacelle is modelled to provide insights into dispersion behaviour alongside complex flow physics. The injection velocity as well as the mass flow rate were retrieved via a 1-D pipe model to simulate nitrogen-pressurized flow of Halon 1301 in a four-branch pipe system. The Discrete Phase Model in ANSYS Fluent was then used to model the injection of Halon 1301 into an engine nacelle. To simulate engine operation conditions in forward flight and hover regime, external boundary conditions were prescribed to the pressure inlets in the nacelle. When Halon 1301 is injected into the engine bay via the first pair of injection points, the droplets immediately reach their boiling point of 215 K. This resulted in an explosive-dispersion behaviour with a cone angle in the range of 80°–90°. As the agent evaporates, the engine cools and another pair of injection points located at the rear of the engine is subsequently activated, helping to cool the engine further. The two flight regimes considered, namely, hover and forward flight, showed contrast in flow dynamics which affected the cooling of the engine as well as the spray dynamics. In particular, the forward flight case showed more recirculation zones compared to the hover case. The volume concentrations of Halon 1301 were plotted for 11 probe points within the nacelle, and it was observed that two locations showed traces of low concentration levels.
Understanding the properties of intermittent catheters to inform future development
Authors: Moore Jessica V. , Burns Jane , McClelland Nicola , Quinn James , McCoy Colin P
Published: June 2023

Despite the extensive use of intermittent catheters (ICs) in healthcare, various issues persist for long-term IC users, such as pain, discomfort, infection, and tissue damage, including strictures, scarring and micro-abrasions. A lubricous IC surface is considered necessary to reduce patient pain and trauma, and therefore is a primary focus of IC development to improve patient comfort. While an important consideration, other factors should be routinely investigated to inform future IC development. An array of in vitro tests should be employed to assess IC’s lubricity, biocompatibility and the risk of urinary tract infection development associated with their use. Herein, we highlight the importance of current in vitro characterisation techniques, the demand for optimisation and an unmet need to develop a universal ‘toolkit’ to assess IC properties.
Friction between human skin and incontinence pads in the presence of barrier protection products
Authors: Morecroft Rachel , Tomlinson Katherine , Lewis Roger , Carré Matt
Published: June 2023

This novel experimental work aims to bring further knowledge of frictional performance of common barrier products used in the treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis and determine how the skin-pad interface changes when a treatment is applied to the skin. Key data is reported and there is an in-depth analysis into friction profiles which reveals great differences between how different skin-pad tribosystems operate when exposed to commercially available barrier treatments. In a wet-pad state Barrier cream A (3M™ Cavilon™ Barrier cream) reduced friction and had much lower dynamic and static coefficients of friction than the other barrier treatments ( Barrier cream B (Sorbaderm Barrier cream) and the Barrier spray C (Sorbaderm Barrier spray)). Barrier cream A provided stable friction coefficients in reciprocating sliding, whereas the other treatments, and untreated skin, did not display this unique characteristic. The barrier spray gave rise to high static friction coefficients and exhibited the most stick-slip. All three candidate barrier protection products were found to reduce directional differences in the static coefficient of friction: indicative of reduced shear loading. Knowledge of the desirable frictional properties would drive innovation in product development, and benefit companies, clinicians and users.
“Their voice becomes my voice”: Understanding the development of the dialogical self through the internalization of voices in group psychotherapy
Authors: Viou Maria , Georgaca Eugenie
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the important issue of the social nature of self and the ways the different aspects of the self are being internalized through external dialogues. It presents a study that systematically explores the development of the clients’ voices during group psychotherapy from a narrative and dialogical perspective. Thematic narrative analysis was used to study 20 two-hour group therapy sessions of a systemic informed approach that was completed over 2 years. The analysis involved mapping of the voices of each group member, their categorization as compassionate and/or reflexive, and a sequential depiction of the group voices through timelines. The analysis reveals the ways in which voices, especially compassionate voices, that appear in the dialogue between clients and therapists and are rehearsed in the context of the group are gradually internalized by the clients, becoming clients’ voices, changing thus the dominance of voices of each client’s voice repertoire. This study empirically depicts the process of internalization of voices, providing support to the dialogical self theory and the social nature of the self.
Conceptual misunderstandings in mainstream scale construction: Suggestions for a better approach to concepts
Authors: Bergner Raymond M.
Published: June 2023

Three common mainstream scale construction practices are based on both a faulty conception of concepts and on erroneous logical/statistical assumptions: (a) two states of affairs (or item responses designating same) correlating means that they are indicative of the same concept; (b) one and the same concept cannot designate both of two mutually incompatible states of affairs (or item responses designating same); and (c) using measures consisting of a cloud of correlated, but not necessarily conceptually coherent, variables entitles one to report results about a target concept (e.g., “conscientiousness”) even though their referent is not real-world instantiations of this concept, and even though the resulting construct routinely fails to capture anything close to established consensual usage of this target concept, thus resulting in potentially misleading conclusions. Finally, and more positively, existing research methods and findings that capture the actual concepts that people employ when they think and act in their worlds, several of which are described in the article, are argued as vastly preferable ways to establish concept meanings for incorporation into psychometric measures.
Exploitation, Harassment and Violence: Lived Experiences of Women Paid Domestic Workers in India
Authors: Thakkar Shriya
Published: June 2023

Women paid domestic workers (PDWs) form an integral part of the informal labour population constituting two thirds of the total domestic workforce in contemporary India. The sector of domestic work is largely stigmatized and is often synonymous with low occupational prestige, servitude and being ‘dirty’ and menial. Thus, women PDWs are often exposed to unpleasant working conditions in their employers’ homes as well as social surroundings. Further, many of these women are also victims of domestic violence (DV) in their own homes. This study shares the lived experiences of work-employer relationships, hostile work conditions and DV through the lenses of women PDWs’ narratives. The article also chronicles the women’s hardships, suggesting the exploitative nature of domestic work and how it exposes women PDWs to additional adversities in the form of discrimination and harassment in employers’ homes and DV within their own domestic setting. It concludes by showing a pattern of survival among these women who endure countless challenges within both the workplace and home and employ coping strategies to navigate hostile domestic environments. The findings offer crucial insights into the limits and capacities of women PDWs’ struggles.
Does Social Media Exposure Shape Consumer Response in the Form of Panic Buying?
Authors: Dubey Archi , Sinha Somesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

This study took an effort to analyse the impact of social media exposure on the panic buying behaviour of people towards health and personal care products during COVID-19 times. The study also analyses the mediating role of anxiety between social media exposure and panic buying. This study attempts to explain the connection between social media exposure, anxiety, and panic buying using the social proof theory, the S–O–R model, and the behavioural inhibition system theory. The study includes a sample of 433 people. The data was collected from 24 items structured questionnaire distributed online. A total of 433 responses were collected online. The relationship between variables was analysed through structural equation modelling using Smart PLS-3. The results revealed that there is a direct effect of social media exposure on panic buying but when anxiety mediates the relationship between media and panic buying then a condition of partial mediation was observed. The result suggests that social media exposure directly affects panic buying among customers but it also affects generating anxiety among the customer. The study contributes by exploring the relationship between social media exposure, anxiety and panic buying. This study has a practical implication towards policymaking and the functioning of appropriate social media communication during an unstructured and disastrous situation.
Perceptions of Caregiver Burden and Living Arrangements of Adult Children With Autism
Authors: Marsack-Topolewski Christina N. , Samuel Preethy Sarah , Peterson Mark D.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the living arrangements of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contribute to caregiver burden. The sample included 320 aging parents of adult children with ASD who were living in their parents’ homes, independently, independently with assistance, or residential group homes. Aging parents completed a survey measuring four types of caregiver burden (time dependence, developmental, emotional, and financial). Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance was used to determine whether differences in caregiver burden by the living arrangements of adult children with autism were significant. Aging parents whose adult children lived in group homes tended to have the greatest caregiver burden, while those whose adult children lived independently had the least caregiver burden. Social workers can provide support for parents, adults with ASD, and the family unit as they explore the benefits and challenges of different living arrangements.
Endoscopically Assisted Percutaneous Harvesting of the Flexor Hallucis Tendon in Zone 2: An Anatomical Study
Authors: Winter Philipp , Najefi Ali-Asgar , Lambert Laura , Landgraeber Stefan , Tschernig Thomas , Wagener Joe
Published: June 2023

Background:

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer is a well-established method for treating chronic Achilles tendon ruptures and tendinopathy. Harvesting of the FHL tendon in zone 2 results in greater length but is also associated with an increased risk of injury to the medial plantar nerve and requires an additional plantar incision. Because of the anatomic proximity of the FHL tendon to the tibial neurovascular bundle in zone 2, the purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of vascular or nerve injury with arthroscopic assisted percutaneous tenotomy in zone 2 of the FHL tendon.

Methods:

Endoscopically assisted percutaneous FHL transfer was performed on 10 right lower extremities from 10 cadaveric human specimens. The FHL tendon lengths and the relationship between FHL tendon and the tibial neurovascular bundle at zone 2 was analyzed.

Results:

We observed a complete transection of the medial plantar nerve in 1 case (10%). The mean length of the FHL tendon was 54.7 ± 9.5 mm and the mean distance from the distal stump of the FHL tendon to local neurovascular structures was 1.3 ± 0.7 mm.

Conclusion:

There is a risk of neurovascular injury after endoscopic FHL tenotomy in zone 2. The tenotomy site is within 2 mm of the local neurovascular structures in the majority of cases. The additional length gained from this technique is unlikely to be required for the majority of FHL tendon transfer procedures. If additional length is needed, we would recommend the use of intraoperative ultrasonography or a mini-open approach to minimize injury risk.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, expert opinion.
Integrated control method for path tracking and lateral stability of distributed drive electric vehicles with extended Kalman filter–based tire cornering stiffness estimation
Authors: Qi Gengxin , Yue Ming , Shangguan Jinyong , Guo Lie , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the lack of adaptability of vehicle parameters under extreme conditions, this paper proposes an integrated control method for path tracking and lateral stability of distributed drive electric vehicles based on tire cornering stiffness adaptive model predictive control (MPC) scheme. The control method integrates active front steering and direct yaw control to improve the path tracking and lateral stability performance of distributed drive electric vehicles. Firstly, considering the influence of vertical load transfer, the tire cornering stiffness is estimated based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm. Then, using this online updated tire cornering stiffness value, an adaptive MPC controller for path tracking and lateral motion stability of distributed drive electric vehicles is constructed. Meanwhile, a fuzzy sliding mode control (Fuzzy-SMC)–based longitudinal velocity controller is established to ensure the accuracy of velocity tracking. Also, according to the distributed driving characteristics of the controlled system, a tire torque distributor based on weighted pseudo-inverse (WPI) is designed with the minimum tire load rate as the optimization objective, where the road adhesion condition and the maximum output torque of the motor are considered as constraints. The simulation results show that the proposed integrated control method based on tire cornering stiffness adaptive model predictive control is robust and effective. Compared with constant cornering stiffness model predictive control–based control method, it can improve the vehicle path tracking accuracy and lateral motion stability under extreme conditions.
New trends in couple-stress hyperelasticity
Authors: Soldatos Kostas P
Published: June 2023

This communication reconsiders and reorganises parts of existing knowledge that refers to Cosserat-type hyperelasticity formulations in a manner that respects and pays tribute to the early development pattern of the couple-stress theory and, also, associates with it more recent findings and relevant discoveries related to a certain type of polar hyperelastic behaviour of fibrous composites. It further shows that these different branches of couple-stress theory can both emanate, as special cases, from a common, more general, advanced theoretical hyperelasticity framework. It thus reveals that proper completion of any relevant theoretical formulation requires in advance specification of a pair of kinematic parameters, each of which (1) is related, in a virtual or actual manner, to the observed global, macroscopic elastic deformation of the material, but (2) is principally relevant to the polar part of the observed material response. The first of these parameters represents a pseudovector field whose gradient is energetically reciprocal to the emerging couple-stress field, while the second represents either a vector or a pseudovector field that serves specific constitutional needs characterising the source of the anticipated polar material response. Different versions of couple-stress theory formulations, thus, are obtained by appropriately choosing or suitably tuning that pair of kinematic parameters. It is also seen that, regardless of the employed couple-stress theoretical model, full solution of a relevant well-posed boundary value problem is generally achievable with use of a two-step solution process. The first step includes determination of the deviatoric couple-stress and the actual spin vector of the global material deformation. In the second step, these initial findings enable formation of an additional differential equation whose solution leads to determination of the spherical part of the couple-stress.
The role of common ingroup identity in promoting social change among tribes in Nigeria
Authors: Cocco Veronica Margherita , Vezzali Loris , Kola-Daisi Tobiloba Ikeola , Çakal Huseyin
Published: June 2023

The present research aims to probe the associations of one-group perceptions with collective action intentions among majority group members, by relying on a non-WEIRD sample, that is, from a tribal context in Nigeria. Considering their role in contact and collective action literatures, moral convictions, outgroup attitudes, and feelings were tested as parallel mediators. Participants were Yoruba adults ( N = 200; one of the most prominent tribes in Nigeria). Deviating from a binary logic, we considered two outgroups varying in social status. Specifically, outgroups were represented by other two Nigerian tribes, including both a minority (Edos) and a majority group (Igbos). Results showed that identification with the common Nigerian identity was positively associated with collective action intentions toward both groups via greater moral convictions. Outgroup feelings worked as mediator only toward the minority group (Edo tribe). We discuss results in terms of the importance that a relevant one-group identity can have in determining morality attributions and ultimately engagement in collective action to promote a more equal society.
Effect of geometrical parameters and additional mass on the acoustic and vibration control of the bilayer resonant metamaterials
Authors: Liu Bingfei , Hao Yangjie , Chen Ping
Published: June 2023

Due to the advantages of lightweight, small size, high stiffness, and adjustable parameters, plate metamaterials have shown great practical application value in the field of acoustic vibration control in engineering. For low-frequency vibration and noise control, an annular slotted bilayer plate metamaterial is designed, which can realize sound insulation and vibration reduction at 100–150 Hz (low-frequency range). By changing the geometric parameters of the annular slotted bilayer plate, the structural parameters of the additional mass, the material parameters, and its distribution position, the acting frequency band is reduced and the band gap of sound insulation and vibration reduction is widened. The integral metamaterial panels of circular and square PA12 were fabricated by 3D printing technology, and then, the acoustic and vibration characteristics were tested in the ZK1030 impedance tube system and Polytec full-field scanning laser vibration measurement system, respectively. The results show that the structure has the best performance by varying the resonant ring thickness of the lattice structure, controlling the wave incidence angle to 0°, and pointing force excitation in the X direction. However, when the mass of the additional mass block is certain, the distribution position of the mass block has less effect. The experimental result was reasonably consistent with the simulation analysis result. This work can provide a reference for the design of bilayer plate acoustic metamaterials with low-frequency broadband acoustic insulation and low-damping vibration based on periodic structures in engineering.
Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Father Participation in an Adolescent Obesity Prevention Program With Multiple Delivery Methods
Authors: Hurtado Choque Ghaffar Ali , Rodriguez Matthew R. , Soltani Darya , Baltaci Aysegul , Nagao-Sato Sayaka , Alvarez de Davila Silvia , Monardez Javiera , Peralta Reyes Alejandro Omar , Reicks Marla
Published: June 2023

Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables was a Latino family-based obesity prevention intervention implemented from 2017 to 2020 across eight programs in-person only, in a blended format (online/in-person), and online only. The intervention aimed to enhance father parenting skills to improve adolescent diet and activity behaviors. Mothers were encouraged to attend. Factors associated with participation were explored using a mixed-methods, qualitative (focus group/individual interviews by Zoom) and quantitative (process evaluation) design. Eleven focus group and 24 individual interviews were completed after participation with 24 fathers, 27 mothers, and 40 adolescents with responses not sorted by delivery method before analysis. Binomial logistic regression models examined associations between fathers’ program completion and predictor variables of delivery characteristics, father demographic characteristics, and family attendance patterns. Parents were married (96% fathers, 76% mothers), had low income, a high school education or less (68% fathers, 81% mothers), and had lived in the United States a mean of 19 years. Parents were motivated to participate to improve health, and to be involved with and improve communication with their child. Common barriers to participation were work and life priorities and programmatic factors including scheduling conflicts and technological issues. Participation was greater for fathers attending sessions in-person compared with online only (OR = 11.6). Fathers were more likely to participate if they attended sessions with family members vs. not attending with family members (OR = 7.2). To maximize participation, findings suggest involving multiple parents/caregivers and adolescents, addressing contextual and programmatic barriers, and promoting benefits of better health and relations with family members.
Measuring Arm and Hand Joint Kinematics to Estimate Impairment During a Functional Reach and Grasp Task after Stroke
Authors: Khanna Preeya , Oppenheim Tomas , Tu-Chan Adelyn , Abrams Gary , Ganguly Karunesh
Published: June 2023

Background

Current approaches to characterizing deficits in upper limb movements after stroke typically focus either on changes in a functional measure, for example, how well a patient can complete a task, or changes in impairment, for example, isolated measurements of joint range of motion. However, there can be notable dissociations between static measures of impairment versus those of function.

Objective

We develop a method to measure upper limb joint angles during performance of a functional task and use measurements to characterize joint impairment in the context of a functional task.

Methods

We developed a sensorized glove that can precisely measure select finger, hand, and arm joints while participants complete a functional reach-to-grasp task involving manipulation of a sensorized object.

Results

We first characterized the accuracy and precision of the glove’s joint angle measurements. We then measured joint angles in neurologically intact participants (n = 4 participants, 8 limbs) to define the expected distribution of joint angle variation during task execution. These distributions were used to normalize finger, hand, and arm joint angles in stroke participants (n = 6) as they performed the task. We present a participant-specific visualization of functional joint angle variance which illustrated that stroke participants with nearly identical clinical scores exhibited unique patterns of joint angle variation.

Conclusions

Overall, measuring individual joint angles in the context of a functional task may inform whether changes in functional scores over recovery or rehabilitation are driven by changes in impairment or the development of compensatory strategies, and provide a quantified path toward personalized rehabilitative therapy.
How should we measure physical activity after stroke? An international consensus
Authors: Fini Natalie A , Simpson Dawn , Moore Sarah A , Mahendran Niruthikha , Eng Janice J , Borschmann Karen , Moulaee Conradsson David , Chastin Sebastien , Churilov Leonid , English Coralie
Published: June 2023

Background:

Physical activity is important for secondary stroke prevention. Currently, there is inconsistency of outcomes and tools used to measure physical activity following stroke.

Aim:

To establish internationally agreed recommendations to enable consistent measurement of post-stroke physical activity.

Methods:

Stroke survivors and carers were surveyed online once regarding what is important in physical activity measurement. Three survey rounds with expert stroke researchers and clinicians were conducted using Keeney’s Value-Focused Thinking Methodology. Survey 1 identified physical activity tools, outcomes, and measurement considerations which were ranked in Survey 2. Consensus recommendations on tools were then formulated by the consensus group based on survey responses. In Survey 3, participants reviewed ranked results and evidence gathered to determine their support for consensus recommendations.

Results:

Twenty-five stroke survivors, 5 carers, 18 researchers, and 17 clinicians from 16 countries participated. Time in moderate-vigorous physical activity and step count were identified as the most important outcomes to measure. Key measurement considerations included the ability to measure across frequency, intensity, duration domains in real-world settings; user-friendliness, comfort, and ability to detect changes. Consensus recommendations included using the Actigraph, Actical, and Activ8 devices for physical activity intensity; ActivPAL for duration and Step Activity Monitor for frequency; and the IPAQ and PASE questionnaires. Survey 3 indicated 100% support for device and 96% for questionnaire recommendations.

Conclusions:

These consensus recommendations can guide selection of physical activity measurement tools and outcomes. Tool selection will depend on measurement purpose, user-knowledge, and resources. Comprehensive measurement requires the use of devices and questionnaires.
Uses and Considerations for Cinematic Virtual Reality in Health Care
Authors: Love Matthew , Williams Eric R. , Bowditch John
Published: June 2023

Background:

Through the combination of virtual reality (VR) technology with techniques from theater, filmmaking, and gaming, individuals from the Game Research and Immersive Design Laboratory (GRID Lab) at Ohio University have developed an approach to train soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and interpersonal skills which shows great promise.

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of VR and cinematic-VR (cine-VR). This article serves as a preface to the VR research included in this special issue.

Methods:

In this article, we define VR, review key terminology, present a case study, and offer future directions.

Results:

Prior research with cine-VR has demonstrated the effectiveness in improving provider attitudes and cultural self-efficacy. While cine-VR may differ from other types of VR applications, we have been able to leverage the strengths of cine-VR to create training programs which are user friendly and highly effective. Early projects on diabetes care and opioid use disorder were sufficiently successful that the team received additional funding to pursue series addressing elder abuse/neglect and intimate partner violence. Their work has gone beyond health care and is currently being leveraged for law enforcement training as well. While this article will explore Ohio University’s approach to cine-VR training, details of their research including efficacy can be found in McCalla et al, Wardian et al, and Beverly et al.

Conclusion:

When produced correctly, cine-VR has the potential to become a mainstay component of training for soft skill applications across a multitude of industries.
Comparative efficacy of different noninvasive brain stimulation therapies for recovery of global cognitive function, attention, memory, and executive function after stroke: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Yao , Liu Wan , Chen Jiu , Bai Jianling , Yu Hao , Ma Hongxia , Rao Jiang , Xu Guangxu
Published: June 2023

Background:

Which noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) treatment – transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – is more beneficial for stroke patients’ cognitive rehabilitation is still up for debate.

Objectives:

Our goal is to provide an overview of the research on the effectiveness and safety of various NIBS protocols.

Design:

Systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

This NMA compared any active NIBS versus sham stimulation in adult stroke survivors to enhance cognitive function, with a focus on global cognitive function (GCF), attention, memory, and executive function (EF) using the databases MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The NMA statistical approach was built on a frequency framework. The effect size was estimated by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). We compiled a relative ranking of the competing interventions based on their surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

Results:

NMA showed that high-frequency repeated TMS (HF-rTMS) improved GCF compared with sham stimulation (SMD = 1.95; 95% CI: 0.47–3.43), while dual-tDCS improved memory performance versus sham stimulation significantly (SMD = 6.38; 95% CI: 3.51–9.25). However, various NIBS stimulation protocols revealed no significant impact on enhancing attention, executive function, or activities of daily living. There was no significant difference between the active stimulation protocols for TMS and tDCS and sham stimulation in terms of safety. Subgroup analysis demonstrated an effect favoring activation site of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (SUCRA = 89.1) for enhancing GCF and bilateral DLPFC (SUCRA = 99.9) stimulation for enhancing memory performance.

Conclusion:

The HF-rTMS over the left DLPFC appears to be the most promising NIBS therapeutic option for improving global cognitive performance after stroke, according to a comparison of numerous NIBS protocols. Furthermore, for patients with post-stroke memory impairment, dual-tDCS over bilateral DLPFC may be more advantageous than other NIBS protocols. Both tDCS and TMS are reasonably safe.

Registration:

PROSPERO ID: CRD42022304865
Risk of lower limb amputation in diabetic patients using SGLT2 inhibitors versus DPP4 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists: a meta-analysis of 2 million patients
Authors: Lu Yang , Guo Caiyun
Published: June 2023

Background:

The objective of this review was to assess the risk of lower limb amputation (LLA) in type 2 diabetic patients based on the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1a).

Methods:

PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were referenced for articles published up to 5 February 2023. All types of studies comparing the drugs for LLA risk and reporting hazard ratios (HR) were included.

Results:

Thirteen studies with 2,095,033 patients were included. Meta-analysis of eight studies comparing SGLT2i with Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors (DPPi) showed that there was no difference in the risk of LLA between the two drug groups (HR: 0.98 95% CI: 0.73, 1.31 I2 = 89%). The outcomes were unchanged on sensitivity analysis. Another pooled analysis of six studies found no significant difference in the risk of LLA between SGLT2i and GLP1a users (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.60; I2 = 69%). The exclusion of a single study showed an increased risk of LLA with SGLT2i (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.60; I2 = 14%).

Conclusion:

The current updated meta-analysis found no significant difference in the risk of LLA between SGLT2i and DPP4i users. A tendency of increased risk of LLA was noted with SGLT2i as compared to GLP1a. Further studies shall increase the robustness of current findings.
Digital marketing in West Bengal tourism – A case study
Authors: Raja A Siluvai
Published: June 2023

‘Ignoring online marketing is like opening a business but not telling anyone’. The role of digital marketing is quite essential in the business world today. Raja, a consultant for DSMM agency, is given a task to assess and audit the digital handles of the website of WBTDCL, a government agency that promotes tourism and travel in West Bengal, an eastern state of India. This case study describes the tourism background, scenario, prominent destinations of West Bengal, expectations of the client, findings of the professional team and provokes the reader on how to create a web persona for the target audience, to chart out a customer journey map, to identify the top travel and tourism influencers and to develop an online customer experience pyramid.
Political Knowledge to Go: An Analysis of Selected Political Influencers and Their Formats in the Context of the 2021 German Federal Election
Authors: Sehl Annika , Schützeneder Jonas
Published: June 2023

This study provides insights into the role of political social media influencers (PSMI) as relatively new actors in political communication. It examines their content and motives in the context of elections. Considering the German federal election in 2021, it uses content analysis of 20 PSMI offers with 301 pieces of content and a supplemental online survey to explore how PSMI communicated on various platforms/formats (Instagram posts/videos, podcast episodes, TikTok, YouTube) in the 2 months before the election. The findings show that the PSMI in this sample, who were all nominated for an award, provided (basic) political knowledge for a broad target audience without significant prior knowledge. In line with this, the findings further reveal that while the content of the PSMI overall was characterized by a high density of information, their density of opinion or self-presentation was comparatively low, with platform affordances influencing these characteristics. This corresponds to the motives stated by the PSMI in the supplemental online survey. While the findings for the PSMI in our sample are to some extent in line with role conceptions of journalists in Germany—the sample spans from professional journalists to influencers without any connection to journalism—they diverge in other respects from routines of the profession. The findings of our country-specific contribution allow for a more systemic understanding of PSMI, especially in the context of elections, by highlighting that they can add to information sources available by offering (basic) political education, especially for a young target audience on social media.
Mapping the Russian Political Influence Ecosystem: The Night Wolves Biker Gang
Authors: Boichak Olga
Published: June 2023

Computational propaganda—the use of political bots and trolls for orchestrated interventions in online political discourse—is not the only means through which nefarious actors assert political influence in democracies around the world. In the context of influence operations, a significant—yet, understudied—phenomenon is the so-called “boots on the ground”—political communities with ties to state actors that aptly use digital tools to engage in framing and contestation of political events, narratives, and agendas. This article defines political micro-influencers as strategic communicative actors who perform authentic political identities with the goal of influencing public attitudes and behaviors. Situating the inquiry in the context of Russian influence operations, this article investigates the case of the Night Wolves Motorcycle Club by mapping the narratives associated with the movement and examining their structural and functional characteristics. Findings demonstrate how migrant counterpublics and historically nonconforming social groups get co-opted to propagate Russian geopolitical influence in Western democracies. On the basis of this case, the study provides guidelines and suggestions for future work on identifying political micro-influencers and tracing their narratives across the digital ecosystem.
Delegitimizing the Egyptian Regime: Negative Campaigning and Strategic Framing as Techniques to Demobilize Antagonists
Authors: Koa Moeen
Published: June 2023

Islamist social movements are vital players in MENA’s political arena. This study explores how these movements attempt to delegitimize their rivals and the frames they assign to them in hotly contested situations. For this purpose, this study used content analysis to analyze the entire range of Arabic language communiqués issued by the Muslim Brotherhood from July 2013 to January 2019. The theoretical framework is based on negative campaigning literature and two concepts of social movements theory; legitimacy as a crucial moral resource and strategic framing as a technique to demobilize antagonists. This article demonstrates that the Brotherhood conducted a negative campaign to incriminate and undermine the post-2013 order and damage its image, credibility, and reputation. As part of this campaign, the movement deployed many strategies and negative frames to give harmful meaning to the regime, its institutions, ideas, and leaders. This study contributes to research in political communication by deepening the understanding of strategic framing as a technique to demobilize antagonists and demonstrating how moral resources lie at the heart of negative political communication campaigns. It argues that the Brotherhood uses strategic framing to raise doubts about the regime’s authenticity and sincerity.
Partnership and Higher Education: Do a Partner’s Educational Aspirations Influence a Student’s Dropout Intention?
Authors: Brömmelhaus Ana
Published: June 2023

In almost all OECD countries, a significant proportion of students drop out of their studies and, despite a long tradition of research, the influence of a partnership has hardly been analyzed in this context. This paper examines whether the expectations and demands (the realistic and idealistic aspirations) of the partner influence the student’s dropout intention. In a first step, relationships are investigated on the basis of a pooled data set. The results clearly show that there is a negative correlation such that when the partner has higher realistic aspirations the student is less likely to have high dropout intentions. In a second step, possible dynamics associated with the course of studies are considered. By means of fixed-effects regressions it can be shown that when the partner’s realistic aspirations increase, the dropout intention decreases. This effect proves to be stable. With regard to idealistic aspirations, however, none of the models show negative effects. The analysis shows that the partner is important for the course of studies and should also be considered.
Research on the Relationship Between Rural Volunteering and Career Expectations of College Students: The Mediating Effect of Role Identity
Authors: Ou Li , Ni Jianchao , Qiu Xiao , Li Dongchen
Published: June 2023

With the increasing employment pressure of college students and the steady promotion of China’s rural revitalization strategy, attracting college students to participate in rural revitalization has become an important issue. This study explores the relationship between rural volunteering, role identity, and career expectations of college students’ rural volunteers, and provides a theoretical basis for improving college students’ rural career expectations. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 266 college students, and the structural equation modeling and bias-corrected self-sampling methods were used to explore the logical relationship between college students’ rural volunteering and career expectations, and to examine the mediating role of role identity in them. The results show that: (1) College students’ rural volunteering helps to raise their career expectations in rural revitalization; (2) College students’ rural volunteering can promote their role identity; (3) College students’ volunteer role identity can positively influence career expectation; (4) College students’ rural volunteering positively influences career expectations through the mediation of role identity.
Determinants of undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months during the COVID-19 pandemic: A hospital-based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Debela Sisay Abebe , Sisay Dereje , Negassa Moti , Daba Chala , Mesfin Tefera Yonatal , Debela Endashaw Abebe , Goyomsa Girma Garedew , Luke Amana Ogeto , Benayew Shiferaw Mengistu , Asmare Melese , Gebrehiwot Mesfin
Published: June 2023

Background:

The public health problem of undernutrition is common in Ethiopia, particularly among children aged 6–59 months. However, determinants of undernutrition among children in this age group are not well investigated particularly within the context of COVID-19 pandemic. This study was, therefore, designed to assess the magnitude and determinants of undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months at Tirunesh Beijing general hospital, Ethiopia.

Methods and materials:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 283 children aged 6–59 months in March 2022. The data were collected using structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Undernutrition was defined as a Z-score value of weight for height (WFH), height-for-age (HFA), and weight-for-age (WFA) <2SD as calculated by the world health organization plus software. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the independent factors associated with undernutrition. p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

The response rate in this study was 97.9%. The overall magnitude of undernutrition was 34.3%, of which 21.2%, 12.7%, and 9.5% were stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively. Occupation of mothers [AOR = 13.64, 95% CI (4.21–14.77)], amount of meal [AOR = 14.68, 95% CI (4.09–52.81)], feeding by caregivers [AOR = 8.96, 95% CI (2.81–18.60)], and breastfeeding [AOR = 0.06, 95% CI (0.02–0.22)] were significant predictors of undernutrition.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of undernutrition among children under the age of five remains high. Therefore, promoting breastfeeding and motivating children to feed adequate amount of meal are recommended. Besides, counseling and/or guiding caregivers on how to feed children shall be suggested. The findings could help inform the design and prioritization of effective intervention strategies at early life stage.
Unexplained Vision Loss Associated With Intraocular Silicone Oil Tamponade in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair
Authors: Pakravan Parastou , Shaheen Abdulla , Patel Veshesh , Villalba Maria F. , Dib Bernard , Lai James , Rohowetz Landon , Chau Viet , Patel Nimesh A. , Tzu Jonathan H. , Wang Angeline L. , Alhoyek Sandra , Scott Nathan , Samara Wasim A. , Goduni Lediana , Jung Jesse J. , Russell Jonathan F. , Mantopoulos Dimosthenis , Hajrasouliha Amir R. , Savoie Brian T. , Haddock Luis J. , Berrocal Audina M. , Sridhar Jayanth , West Matthew R. , Yannuzzi Nicolas A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcomes with unexplained vision loss during or after silicone oil (SO) tamponade. Methods: This multicenter retrospective case series comprised patients with unexplained vision loss associated with SO tamponade or its removal. Eyes with other clear secondary identifiable causes of vision loss were excluded. Results: Twenty-nine eyes of 28 patients (64% male) were identified. The mean age was 50 ± 13 years (range, 13-78 years). The mean duration of SO tamponade was 148 ± 38 days. Eighteen eyes (62%) developed unexplained vision loss while under SO; 11 (38%) had vision loss after SO removal. The most common optical coherence tomography (OCT) finding was ganglion cell layer (GCL) thinning (55%). Eyes with vision loss after SO removal had a mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.6 ± 0.7 (Snellen 20/85) before SO tamponade and 1.2 ± 0.4 (20/340) before SO removal. By the last follow-up after SO removal, the BCVA had improved to 1.1 ± 0.4 (20/235). In eyes with vision loss after SO removal, the BCVA before SO removal was 0.7 ± 0.7 (20/104), which deteriorated to 1.4 ± 0.4 (20/458) 1 month after SO removal. By the last follow-up, the BCVA had improved to 1.0 ± 0.5 (20/219). Conclusions: Unexplained vision loss can occur during SO tamponade or after SO removal. Vision loss was associated with 1000-centistoke and 5000-centistoke oil and occurred in macula-off and macula-on retinal detachments. The duration of tamponade was 3 months or longer in the majority of eyes. Most eyes had GCL thinning on OCT. Gradual visual recovery can occur yet is often incomplete.
The nature of the non-Chinese writings discovered in Southern China
Authors: Sun Bojun
Published: June 2023

Several non-Chinese writings have been discovered in Southern China, including the Poya Songbook, the Babao Songbook, and the Pumo script of Puyai, which are usually called “living fossils” because they show a primitive stage of writing significantly different from the mature scripts in their form and the precision of recording language. The present article intends to demonstrate that these writings belong to the system of mnemonic symbols like Lesui script. As living fossils of scripts, they provide important samples for understanding their origin, showing the evolution from early writing forms to mature scripts. The most remarkable feature of the graphs is that they are merely symbols for the purpose of inspiring the reader to recall the speech that is already memorized, and not for the purpose of recording any details of language. There are three important reasons for defining them as scripts: (1) they are perfect in shape, in sound, and in meaning, which accord with the nature of scripts; (2) they are auxiliary tools for transmitting information as the mature scripts; and (3) they are the germination and predecessor of mature scripts and show an evolutionary relationship with them. At the same time, the differences between mnemonic symbols and mature scripts in their appearance and social properties are discussed, namely, mnemonic symbols are based on visual images, while mature scripts are audio-visual symbols based on language communication. The mnemonic symbols are hardly conventional or universal, but rather esoteric writings.