bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of prospective error reporting in home palliative care: A mixed methods study
Authors: Kurahashi Allison M , Kim Grace , Parry Natalie , Hung Vivian , Lokuge Bhadra , Goldman Russell , Bernstein Mark
Published: October 2024

Background:

Prospectively tracking errors can improve patient safety but little is known about how to successfully implement error reporting in a home-based palliative care context.

Aim:

Explore the feasibility of implementing an error reporting system in a home-based palliative care program in Toronto, Canada, and describe the possible factors that may influence uptake.

Design:

A convergent mixed-methods approach was used. Participants prospectively documented errors using a novel reporting tool and completed monthly surveys. Following the reporting period, we conducted a semi-structured interview exploring participants’ experiences and perceived factors influencing reporting behaviors. Error, survey, and interview data were analyzed separately, then integrated for comparison.

Setting and participants:

Thirteen palliative care physicians from a single home-based palliative care organization in Toronto, Canada anonymously reported errors between October 2021 and September 2022. Of these, six participated in the exit interview.

Results:

Participants reported 195 errors; one-third ( n = 65) involved internal staff or systems. Three themes describe the factors impacting the likelihood of reporting errors: (1) High levels of cognitive burden decreases the likelihood of error reporting; (2) Framing errors as opportunities to learn rather than reason for punishment improves likelihood of error reporting; (3) Knowing that error data will improve patient safety motivates individuals to report errors.

Conclusions:

Physicians are amenable to error reporting activities so long as data is used to improve patient safety. The collaborative nature of care in a home-based palliative care context may present unique challenges to translating error reporting to improved patient safety.
Prime Factors Influencing the Reluctance Expressed Toward Orthodontic Treatment Among a Tribal Population with No Prior History of Orthodontic Treatments in the Community: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Digumarthi Uday Kumar , Prakash R.
Published: October 2024

Background

Perceiving a need for orthodontic treatment is a heuristic process usually conditioned by the interplay between motivational factors and influencing factors in a community with orthodontic awareness and a history of already ongoing or completed orthodontic treatments. Using a verbally assigned index to elicit candid responses, the current study aimed at assessing reluctance toward orthodontic treatment in adolescents with clinically ascertained malocclusion in a community with no prior history of orthodontic treatment.

Objectives

Tribal adolescents from two regions with clinically ascertained malocclusion but no previous access to orthodontic treatment were evaluated for willingness or reluctance to undergo orthodontic treatment using a verbally assigned Simplified Malocclusion Index for Layperson Evaluation (SMILE index).

Methods

2,835 tribal adolescents belonging to the tribal regions of Paderu and Parvathipuram in Andhra Pradesh were questioned to analyze factors related to reluctance toward orthodontic treatment in those with malocclusion. Necessary permission and consent were obtained from the institutional ethical clearance committee, tribal authorities, school authorities, and parents or guardians. Clinical screening employing appropriate infection prevention protocol under natural daylight was used to determine the presence of malocclusion. A verbally assigned SMILE index in the vernacular language of the students with malocclusion was used to record candid responses to analyze possible reluctance toward treatment. Specific reasons for reluctance to undergo treatment were documented and tabulated separately. Pearson chi-square statistical analysis of the data was performed to determine if there was any gender bias.

Results

At Paderu, of the 68% of the tribal adolescents presenting with malocclusion, the verbally assigned SMILE index revealed that 84.03% of the adolescents were reluctant. The chi-square statistical analysis of the data indicated a gender bias ( X2 (1, N = 2,016) = 35.99, p < .0001). At Parvathipuram, of the 93% of the tribal adolescents presenting with malocclusion, the SMILE index assigned revealed that 93.05% of the adolescents were reluctant. The chi-square statistical analysis of the data indicated a gender bias ( X2 (1, N = 819) = 6.42, p = .11).

Conclusion

The use of the SMILE index allows for a qualitative analysis of reluctance based on the candid subjective inputs from each individual. The study reveals a high degree of orthodontic awareness among the tribal adolescents, and any reluctance toward orthodontic treatment is mainly related to difficulty in access to treatment.
The effect of non-uniform skelp temperature on X70 steel coil cooling
Authors: Raj Rishav , Wiskel J. B. , Gaudet Michael J. , Ivey D. G. , Henein H.
Published: October 2024

This study explored the effect of varying steel skelp temperature (500 °C–600 °C) on the subsequent temperature-time ( T- t) profile during and after coiling of low C (0.05 wt. %) X70 microalloyed steels. Three industrially produced steel coils with similar rough rolling temperatures (∼1050 °C) and finish rolling temperatures (∼850 °C) but different coiling temperatures (500 °C–600 °C) and different skelp thicknesses (19 mm and 25 mm) were studied. The surface temperature of each coil was measured using an infrared video camera. A three-dimensional heat transfer model was developed to predict the T- t profiles. A lower (∼60 °C) initial skelp temperature near the head and tail of the skelp led to a reduced coil temperature. A higher (∼50 °C) temperature near the head and tail region of the skelp resulted in a more uniform coil temperature (a difference of ∼10 °C instead of ∼50 °C).
“See me for who I am”: An exploratory study of undergraduate music major belonging
Authors: Knapp Erika J. , Brinkmann James , Calisesi Maidens Liza
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this exploratory instrumental qualitative case study with nested mixed methods was to examine undergraduate music majors’ perceptions of their sense of belonging within one public university music program. We surveyed undergraduate music majors within a single music program and completed purposeful and targeted follow-up interviews of selected respondents who represented a diverse cross-section of the student body. Quantitative analysis included descriptive demographic statistics and linear multiple regression with belonging as the dependent factor. There was a statistically significant relationship between faculty interactions and student sense of belonging ( p < .001). Qualitative findings suggested that student–faculty interactions were a primary contributor to a student’s sense of belonging, as well as the importance of a network of friends and the overall school culture. Implications of these results may assist music administration and faculty members in developing a culture of belonging within their respective studios or departments.
Factors affecting retention of occupational therapists in adult mental health service: A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Yan Wenting , Ohlsen Sally , Wood Emily
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

There are over 43,000 occupational therapists across the United Kingdom, with mental health occupational therapists being acknowledged as a main workforce of OT services. However, staff shortages are occurring, and urgent action is needed to retain this important workforce.

Methods:

The systematic literature search was conducted in the CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases to identify research literature published since 2008. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a narrative synthesis was utilized.

Results:

A total of 20 studies (21 papers) were included in the review. Five thematic factors – well-being at work, organizational work environment factors, job resources, supervision and staffing, along with various subtheme factors emerged from the synthesis. The findings suggest that retaining mental health occupational therapists is a complex issue, affected by many factors. The study emphasizes the triangular relationship among three aspects of well-being (job satisfaction, professional identity and burnout) at work and introduces the concept of a ’Retention Ecosystem’. This illustrates how subtheme factors interconnect and influence the retention of mental health occupational therapists.

Conclusion:

The retention of mental health occupational therapists is revealed to be a multifaceted challenge. There is a need for developing more targeted, meaningful and holistic strategies for retaining the current mental health occupational therapist workforce.
Disrupting the Reproductive Lives of Japanese American Families During Wartime: The Overlapping Histories of Removal, Incarceration, and Eugenic Sterilization, 1942–1946
Authors: Kaniecki Marie , Stern Alexandra Minna
Published: October 2024

The World War II mass incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans disrupted families, enacted intergenerational trauma, and characterized Japanese Americans as inherent racial threats. This federal exercise in biopolitical management intersected with state-sponsored eugenic sterilization in California institutions. Linking War Relocation Authority and California Department of Institutions records, we document 32 Japanese American sterilization survivors during the wartime incarceration period (1942–1946). We show how federal and state authority converged to deprive Japanese Americans of civil rights and reproductive liberty. We add original research and analysis to the intertwined histories of Japanese American incarceration, eugenics, and family in the United States.
The Dysregulation of the Glymphatic System in Patients with Psychosis Spectrum Disorders Minimally Exposed to Antipsychotics: La dérégulation du système glymphatique en présence de troubles psychotiques chez des patients peu exposés à des antipsychotiques
Authors: Korann Vittal , Panganiban Kristoffer J. , Stogios Nicolette , Remington Gary , Graff-Guerrero Ariel , Chintoh Araba , Hahn Margaret K. , Agarwal Sri Mahavir
Published: October 2024

Objective

The pathophysiological mechanisms influencing psychosis spectrum disorders are largely unknown. The glymphatic system, which is a brain waste clearance pathway, has recently been implicated in its pathophysiology and has also been shown to be disrupted in various neurodegenerative and vascular diseases. Initial studies examining the glymphatic system in psychosis spectrum disorders have reported disruptions, but the findings have been confounded by medication effects as they included antipsychotic-treated patients. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) as a technique to measure the functionality of the glymphatic system in a sample of antipsychotic-minimally exposed patients with psychosis spectrum disorders and healthy controls.

Methods

The study included 13 antipsychotic-minimally exposed (2 weeks antipsychotic exposure in the past 3 months/lifetime) patients with psychosis spectrum disorders and 114 healthy controls. We quantified water diffusion metrics along the x-, y-, and z-axes in both projection and association fibres to derive the DTI-ALPS index, a proxy for glymphatic activity. Between-group differences were analyzed using two-way ANCOVA controlling for age and sex. Partial correlations were used to assess the association between the ALPS index and clinical variables.

Results

Analyses revealed that antipsychotic-minimally exposed psychosis spectrum disorder patients had a lower DTI-ALPS index value than healthy controls in both hemispheres and the whole brain (all P < 0.005). Significant differences were also observed between the x and y projections/associations between patients and healthy controls ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, we did not find any significant correlations (all P > 0.05) between the DTI-ALPS index with age, body mass index, symptomatology, and metabolic parameters.

Conclusion

This study shows that the glymphatic system is dysregulated in antipsychotic-minimally exposed patients with psychosis spectrum disorders. Understanding the mechanisms that influence the glymphatic system may help to understand the pathophysiology of psychosis spectrum disorders as proper waste clearance is needed for normal brain functioning.
Barriers and Boundaries: How Residents Make Meaning of Segregating Built Environments
Authors: Korver-Glenn Elizabeth , Roberto Elizabeth , Binkovitz Leah , Mayorga Sarah
Published: October 2024

Built environments have structured urban space in racist and classist ways, contributing to residential segregation and related inequalities. Previous research has examined how perceivable built environment features become symbolic boundaries that structure both socio-spatial division and meaning-making, but little research has examined how physical barriers—features that carry symbolic meaning and limit connectivity between nearby areas—may promote both symbolic “othering” and inhibit contact between residents on either side. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, we examine how residents interpret and experience physical barriers and symbolic boundaries in race-, income-, and race-and-income distinct areas in Houston, Texas. We describe three typologies of barriers/boundaries (unremarkable, intrusive, and hyper-salient), demonstrating how the same barrier or boundary can have different meanings for people on either side. For physical barriers, these meanings were often mediated by residents’ actions. Our findings extend theorization of how the built environment shapes interpretations and experiences of segregation, and vice versa.
Determining method of optimal process parameters using Taguchi method and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution in plastic injection molding
Authors: Kim Ju Song , Yang Won-Chol
Published: October 2024

Many plastic injection molding (PIM) process optimization problems are multi-objective optimization problems that optimize multiple mechanical properties. This paper proposed a determining method of optimal process parameters and their effect ranks using Taguchi method and TOPSIS in the PIM. TOPSIS was used to convert multiple mechanical properties into single comprehensive response. It was selected as a reasonable multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method from among some well-known MADM methods based on mean rank correlation coefficient and mean absolute rank deviation. Taguchi method was used to design experiment and find the optimal process parameters. The proposed method was applied to determine the optimal values of the process parameters: melt temperature (MT), packing pressure (PP), cooling time (CT), and injection pressure (IP) for improving tensile strength, elasticity module, flexural modulus, and impact strength in the PIM with Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene compound as plastic materials and AISI 1020 as mold materials. The optimal values of the process parameters were MT of 280°C, PP of 28 MPa, CT of 22 s, and IP of 50 MPa, and their effect ranking was IP (51.941%), PP (32.280%), CT (9.045%), and MT (6.734%). The method could be widely applied to not only the PIM process optimization but also various manufacturing process optimization problems.
Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Cultural Attitudes Toward Healthcare and Mental Illness Questionnaire Among Latino Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Lozano Alyssa , Lee Tae Kyoung , Fernandez Alejandra , Prado Guillermo , Safren Steven A. , Jimenez Daniel E. , Harkness Audrey
Published: October 2024

Mental health disparities among Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) are exacerbated by un(der)treated mental health needs. This study sought to establish the factor structure of the Cultural Attitudes Toward Healthcare and Mental Illness Questionnaire (CAHMIQ) and examine measurement invariance across nativity (born in vs. outside the continental U.S.). Participants included 290 LSMM in South Florida. Confirmatory factor analysis examined the factor structure of CAHMIQ and measurement invariance examined equivalence across LSMM born outside (51.4%) and inside (48.3%) the continental U.S. The second-order factor model showed an acceptable fit (CFI/RMSEA = .91/.03) and consisted of first-ordered factors representing manifest indicators of causes and supports for mental health. Measurement invariance results suggest that the CAHMIQ performs equivalently across nativity groups (∆χ2(18) = 16.941, p = .5272). The CAHMIQ may be used among both nativity groups to understand attitudes toward healthcare and mental illness and inform LSMMs’ engagement in mental health treatment.
Outcomes Associated with the use of High Dose Corticosteroids and IL-6 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Secondary to SARS COV-2
Authors: Milic Tessa , Shah Kieran , Mitra Anish , Stabler Sarah
Published: October 2024

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment strategies evolved rapidly. The RECOVERY trial established corticosteroids as the standard care for reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients. However, some critical care clinicians began using doses higher than those recommended in RECOVERY.

Objective

To characterize the use of high-dose corticosteroids and IL-6 inhibitors in critically ill COVID-19 patients and examine their association with adverse drug events (ADEs).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 320 electronic health records (January 1, 2020 - June 30, 2022) was conducted on COVID-19 patients requiring high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Patients were categorized based on corticosteroid dose: “high dose dexamethasone” (daily dose greater than 12 mg and/or for longer than 10 days), “low dose dexamethasone” (daily dose 12 mg or less for 10 days or less), and “no dexamethasone” (no corticosteroid therapy). Subgroups were created based on IL-6 inhibitor use.

Results

High-dose dexamethasone was associated with increased odds of ADEs compared to low dose (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.45 to 4.49) and no dexamethasone (OR 6.29, 95% CI 2.08 to 19.03). No additional efficacy benefit was observed in patients receiving high dose corticosteroids when compared to low dose corticosteroids. Patients receiving both an IL-6 inhibitor and high-dose dexamethasone had further increased odds of ADEs. High-dose dexamethasone was also associated with increased mortality compared to low dose (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.97-7.25) and no dexamethasone (OR 15.22, 95% CI 3.27-70.74).

Conclusions

Acknowledging the risk for residual confounding, higher doses of dexamethasone were associated with increased ADEs and mortality. These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of the use of high-dose dexamethasone.
Dating Violence Continuity: The Protective Role of Self-Esteem Against Revictimization by Multiple Partners
Authors: Hébert Élizabeth , Théorêt Valérie , Piché Estelle , Hébert Martine
Published: October 2024

Dating violence is a deleterious relational dynamic that affects around one-third of adolescents. It is well documented that dating violence can persist over time, occurring within the same relationship or across multiple relationships. Self-esteem could be a key factor in understanding the mechanisms of violence continuity, potentially acting as a protective factor during adolescence. Exploring its role in the continuity of dating violence and the potential differences based on whether the violence occurs within the same relationship or across different relationships could inform interventions aimed at preventing repetitive violence and revictimization by multiple partners. This study aimed to (1) examine the association between dating violence measured at two distinct time points, (2) investigate the moderating role of self-esteem in this association, and (3) explore potential variations in the protective role of self-esteem based on whether the violence reoccurred within the same relationship or across different relationships. Sex differences were also examined. A subsample of 1,018 adolescents who reported being involved in a dating relationship at two time points completed self-reported questionnaires. A moderation analysis revealed that dating violence at Time 1 predicted dating violence at Time 2 (6 months later) for both boys and girls. Among girls, self-esteem acted as a protective factor when considering the effect of partner change. Hence, girls who experienced dating violence victimization at Time 1 but had higher self-esteem were more inclined to engage in a subsequent relationship devoid of dating violence at Time 2. However, self-esteem did not emerge as a significant protective factor among boys. Self-esteem appears to be a pivotal factor in promoting engagement in subsequent positive relationships following experiences of dating violence among girls. These findings offer valuable insight that can inform preventive measures and interventions, ultimately contributing to healthier relationship dynamics and improving the well-being of dating violence victims during adolescence.
“The Only Self-Defense I Have is My Wedding Band”: Doing Heterosexuality, Evading Gender Harassment, and Becoming Respectable in the Street
Authors: Lennox Rebecca
Published: October 2024

The field of critical heterosexualities studies invites sociologists to untether heterosexuality from biology. In this article, I leverage the findings of 113 interviews with a racially diverse sample of cis and trans women to examine how women maintain everyday dignity in the street despite widespread gender harassment and systemic, racialized sexual inequalities. Drawing on social constructionist theory and applying an intersectional framework, I examine heterosexuality as a performance, uncovering how gender identity, race, and sexual orientation intersect to shape both the costs and benefits of “doing heterosexuality” in the street. Through practices such as wearing wedding rings, holding the hands of men friends, and displaying affection for men in public places, straight, queer, cis, and trans women creatively resist heteronormativity’s regulation of their social-sexual lives and strive to enunciate sexual unavailability; communicate the existence of a protector; and signal respectability by demonstrating conformity with racialized, cisnormative ideals of gender and sexual normativity. Findings demonstrate that racialized, queer, and trans participants tend to experience greater emotional costs and fewer symbolic rewards associated with “doing heterosexuality” than white, straight-identified, and cis participants. This intersectional analysis enriches extant research on gender and sexuality, illuminating the utility of the “doing heterosexuality” framework for uncovering intersections between heterosexual accountability and gender inequality across diverse organizational and interpersonal contexts.
Risk of Urinary Tract Infections in Male Veterans With Diabetes Prescribed Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors Versus Sulfonylureas Across the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Mathis Alyson , Lane Matthew , Reid Jennifer Meyer
Published: October 2024

Background: Due to their mechanism of action, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) carry a presumed increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) which is reflected in current prescribing data. As SGLT2i prescribing trends increase, some retrospective studies confirm an increased risk of UTI while conflicting studies find no increased risk of UTI associated with this therapy. Objectives: This study aims to compare the odds of developing a UTI in male Veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on metformin taking a SGLT2i vs a sulfonylurea (SU) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified male Veterans with T2DM on metformin with a new fill of SGLT2i or SU between January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Patients were then assessed for UTI diagnosis. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was calculated. Results: The SGLT2i cohort had 5.2% of patients diagnosed with outpatient UTI and 1.6% of patients diagnosed with inpatient UTI. The SU cohort had 5.3% of patients diagnosed with outpatient UTI and 1.3% of patients diagnosed with inpatient UTI. A logistic regression analysis resulted in a decreased odds of diagnosis of outpatient UTI in the SGLT2i cohort vs the SU cohort ([AOR] = 0.91, 95% CI [0.86 – 0.96], P-value = < 0.001), and no difference in the diagnosis of inpatient UTI ([AOR] = 1.06, 95% CI [0.96 – 1.18], P-value = 0.234). Conclusion: This retrospective study of national VHA data adds to growing literature which finds no excessive risk of UTI associated with SGLT2i therapies.
Diversion of public criticism and the politics of blame avoidance in China
Authors: Chou Chelsea C. , Teng Chih-Sung
Published: October 2024

This article looks at how the Chinese government utilizes information control strategies to avoid taking responsibility for social problems. The authors argue that Beijing diverts public criticism by placing more responsibility for social problems on private enterprises, thereby benefiting itself and the public sector in the blame game. This approach differs from the tactics addressed in the existing literature, such as inciting nationalism to deflect criticism, diverting public attention to unrelated matters, or placing the blame on local-level governments. Through a comparative study of the criticisms on Weibo, censored posts accessible via Weiboscope, and opinions expressed on Twitter during the 2016 Wei Zexi Incident, this article demonstrates that the process of attributing blame to the private sector took some time to develop, but it was nonetheless successful in diverting public criticism away from state actors. The skewed attribution of responsibility to private enterprises served to reduce public criticism of the government and the public sector.
Research on position tracking control of electro-hydraulic actuator system combining feedforward inverse model controller and exponential functional link network adaptive controller
Authors: Liao Lianjie , Sang Yong , Chen Tao , Jiang Luming , Liu Jiakuo
Published: October 2024

The electro-hydraulic actuator system plays a crucial role in indoor high-frequency simulation experiments. Many components of the system exhibit unavoidable nonlinear characteristics, which reduce its dynamic position response capability. Additionally, most algorithms are unsuitable for practical high-frequency conditions due to either local instability or high computational complexity. To improve position tracking accuracy under high-frequency control, a novel combined control strategy is proposed, integrating an appropriate feedforward inverse model controller (FFIMC) with an exponential functional link network adaptive controller (EFLNAC). Initially, the system has reached a stable state under the action of the PID controller. Subsequently, the FFIMC estimates both the model and the inverse model of the PID system by applying the AIC technique developed through the DCT-VSSNLMS adaptive algorithm, which extends the system’s bandwidth. Following this, the EFLNAC, as the outermost loop, acquires the inverse model of the FFIMC system and updates internal parameters in real-time, thereby enhancing the system’s resistance to nonlinear disturbances. Finally, the combined controller is validated through simulations and experiments under various working conditions. The results show a significant increase in the PID system’s bandwidth and demonstrate that the tracking error of the signal is maintained within 0.079 mm. Therefore, the combined controller proves to be an effective solution for high-precision, high-frequency displacement tracking, offering the advantages of low computational complexity, high accuracy, and strong effectiveness.
Parametric analysis of electrical discharge machining on AA6061 with a WC–Cu composite electrode
Authors: Murugesan Bakkiyaraj , Siva M. , Ekantha Moorthy J. , Kumar R. Deepak Suresh
Published: October 2024

The AA6061 aluminium alloy surface characteristics presented in this study were obtained after it was machined using die sinking electro discharge machining (EDM) with a composite electrode developed through powder metallurgy. Machining was performed using negative polarity. In order to obtain optimum material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR), the research has been carried out, and EDM parameters like voltage, current and pulse on time were optimized using the response surface methodology that integrates the central composite design. The parameter interaction effects on EDM machined surface characteristics were studied with the aid of ANOVA. It was determined from model that the regression for MRR and SR were 98.6% and 98.3% respectively, means empirical model is considered sufficient. It was observed that increased MRR and SR were observed in the condition of increased current, but MRR and SR decreased at increased voltage and pulse on time. This could be due to strengthened ionization temperature that increased MRR with acceptable SR. The microstructure of the machine was assessed using microscopic evaluation. The increased current contributed to the formation of a recast layer and debris which hinders the machining process and reduces MRR. The experimental results show that the maximum MRR of 0.087 mg/min and minimum SR of 1.893 µm were achieved. Additionally, the use of WC–Cu composite electrodes led to an increase in hardness from 65 HV to 78 HV in the machined region. It is concluded that WC–Cu composite electrodes typically result in higher hardness, improved MRR and better SR for the AA6061 alloy compared to conventional Cu electrodes.
Bioconvective magnetohydrodynamic flow of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid across a stretched surface, with Arrhenius activation and convective heat and slip conditions
Authors: Das Utpal Jyoti , Majumdar Nayan Mani
Published: October 2024

The current study investigates mixed convective flow of an unsteady MHD tangent hyperbolic nanofluid due to a stretching surface with motile microorganisms via convective heat transfer and slip conditions. The flow analysis's governing equations were converted into a nondimensional relation by using the proper alteration. The pertinent similarity transformations are utilized in the main equations, and the solutions are obtained using the integrated bvp4c software. A good agreement with previously published data indicates the efficacy of the numerical technique. The following are the main findings: increasing the magnitude of the radiation and mixed convection parameters improves the velocity profile, whereas the Weissenberg number and magnetic field demonstrate the opposite influence; improvements in heat transfer occur due to the thermal radiation parameter, Brownian movement, and thermophoretic effects; activation energy improves concentration profile, whereas Lewis number shows opposite effect; bioconvection Lewis number and Peclet number declines the Motile microorganism density. Additionally, a tabular analysis of the skin friction, motile microorganism density, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number is also provided.
Graphical methods to illustrate the nature of the relation between a continuous variable and the outcome when using restricted cubic splines with a Cox proportional hazards model
Authors: Austin Peter C
Published: October 2024

Restricted cubic splines (RCS) allow analysts to model nonlinear relations between continuous covariates and the outcome in a regression model. When using RCS with the Cox proportional hazards model, there is no longer a single hazard ratio for the continuous variable. Instead, the hazard ratio depends on the values of the covariate for the two individuals being compared. Thus, using age as an example, when one assumes a linear relation between age and the log-hazard of the outcome there is a single hazard ratio comparing any two individuals whose age differs by 1 year. However, when allowing for a nonlinear relation between age and the log-hazard of the outcome, the hazard ratio comparing the hazard of the outcome between a 31- and a 30-year-old may differ from the hazard ratio comparing the hazard of the outcome between an 81- and an 80-year-old. We describe four methods to describe graphically the relation between a continuous variable and the outcome when using RCS with a Cox model. These graphical methods are based on plots of relative hazard ratios, cumulative incidence, hazards, and cumulative hazards against the continuous variable. Using a case study of patients presenting to hospital with heart failure and a series of mathematical derivations, we illustrate that the four methods will produce qualitatively similar conclusions about the nature of the relation between a continuous variable and the outcome. Use of these methods will allow for an intuitive communication of the nature of the relation between the variable and the outcome.
Modelling Multivariate Return Volatilities by Independent Components Using Johnson SU Likelihood
Authors: Kar Tapan , Meka Sesha , Mohanty Shiba Prasad , Krishnan Kaveri
Published: October 2024

Time-varying volatility modelling is crucial in financial econometrics. For multivariate data, time-varying correlations across securities are important to explain the co-movement of the data. Therefore, we need to estimate the covariance matrix. Estimating a large conditional covariance matrix requires the estimation of a large number of parameters, which is a hard task and often leads to convergence difficulties in the estimation algorithm. We introduce a framework for forecasting the conditional covariance matrix of a large data set by employing a factor model to reduce dimensionality, with the factors estimated using independent components. The main contribution of our article is the estimation of the unobserved independent components using Johnson SU likelihood, which captures the skewness and excess kurtosis—stylized facts in stock returns. First, we extract the independent components using the Johnson SU distribution, maximizing their non-Gaussianity. Second, we sorted the independent components in terms of their explained variability and fit a univariate GARCH process on a few common independent components. Next, we approximate the conditional covariance matrix of the data through a linear combination of the conditional variances of those select few independent components. We apply this procedure to 50 stock returns data (listed in Nifty 50) that exhibit excess kurtosis and skewness, and the findings show that our methodology dominates other algorithms in extracting the independent components. This method enables fund managers to accurately forecast a large conditional covariance matrix, facilitating effective risk management and portfolio construction.
Elucidating the Non-Performing Assets in Indian Banking Sector: Does Macroeconomic Factor Matter?*
Authors: Mishra Bhabani , Padhan Purna Chandra
Published: October 2024

Using the system generalized methods of moments on panel data set of 45 selected Indian commercial banks from 2005–2006 to 2019–2020, the study investigates the determinants of non-performing assets (NPAs), taking into account macroeconomic and bank-specific factors. The study finds evidence of a persistent effect in stressed assets. The profitability ratio, operational capacity, cost efficiency and aggressive lending negatively and significantly affect the NPAs. The negative impact of the profitability ratio implies that less efficient banks are more exposed to bad loans. While cost efficiency discourages the NPAs, on the other hand, higher credit deposit ratio (operational capacity) suggests that a well-diversified portfolio leads to lesser probability of loan defaults. The probability of loan default is high when more advances are released to the economy’s weaker and vulnerable sectors (high-priority sector lending). Small-sized banks are more efficient in NPAs management than large-sized banks. Various macroeconomic variables, such as lending rates and credit growth in the banking industry, significantly affect the NPAs. The higher lending rate adversely affects borrowers’ repayment capacity, leading to more stressed assets. Therefore, to maintain bad assets within a bearable limit, policymakers should take macroeconomic determinants into consideration.
The Application of Ficus Species in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders
Authors: Alam Adib , Mazumder Papiya Mitra
Published: October 2024

Background

Neurological diseases represent a pressing global health concern; the World Health Organization reports that neurological conditions rank as the second leading cause of death worldwide. In the last quarter century, we have witnessed a remarkable 36% surge in global neurological mortality rates. Several factors, including oxidative stress, genetic variability, natural aging process, inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, chemical exposures, endocrine disorders, and dietary supplements, are implicated in the initiation and progression of various neurological diseases.

Purpose

This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the neuroprotective attributes of distinct Ficus and their phytoconstituents that have been harnessed for treating neurological diseases and demonstrating neuroprotective effects.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to obtain information about the study of neurological disease and their treatment using database and search engine like Google Scholar, Research gate, monograph, reference book, SciFinder, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Science Direct.

Results

Ficus species have exhibited remarkable neuroprotective qualities through various mechanisms of action. Moreover, these plants contain a diversity of bioactive such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, sterols, and vitamins that proven effective in enhancing memory, reducing anxiety, increasing neurotransmitter levels, mitigating neurodegeneration, and playing pivotal roles in neuroprotection.

Conclusion

This review consolidates the promising potential of Ficus species in the treatment of neurological diseases, paving the way for future scientific research in the development of novel herbal neuroprotective medications.
The construction of esports careers in France: Are there gender-based inequalities right from the start?
Authors: Borkowski Julien , Besombes Nicolas , Cabagno Geneviève
Published: October 2024

This article examines the construction of esports careers for French esports players, emphasizing gender-based socialization. We used an online questionnaire administered to both men and women recreational and amateur esports players ( n = 343) to understand and identify potential barriers or levers to participation by men and women, especially for the stage of “Commitment” which is embodied in participation in esports competitions. The theoretical approach centred around the concept of career is mobilized to sequence the careers of men and women esports players and identify the differences between men and women within the different stages of an “esports career.” Key findings reveal that male figures often introduce players to video games, with men generally experiencing more “autonomous” and diversified” initiations than women. They also lag behind men players in terms of years of experience, and they face negative criticism from their peers, impeding their “commitment.” These insights underline the barriers women face at the onset of their esports careers and call for further research into social mechanisms to enhance women's inclusion in esports.
Impact and Policy Implications of Transition Education Practices on IDEA Indicator 13 Scores and Indicator 14 Outcomes
Authors: Hennessey Maeghan N. , Martin James E. , Portley Juan C.
Published: October 2024

Federal special education policies require state departments of education to collect data to measure progress in attaining state performance plan goals, with Indicators 13 and 14 measuring the Individual Education Program (IEP) transition process and post-high school student outcomes. Research suggests that higher transition indicator scores result in better post-school outcomes, but no research has yet demonstrated the impact transition education practices have upon indicator scores. This study identified transition education practices that impacted one state’s transition Indicators 13 (transition IEP process compliance scores) and 14 (post-high school outcomes). Eighty-three secondary special educators from 36 districts identified the extent their students engaged in various evidence-based transition practices. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified five transition education themes. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed few statistically significant results and several meaningful effect sizes indicating specific transition education practices that impacted Indicator 14 outcomes. Districts with students actively involved in IEP meetings had higher Indicator 13 scores and 14 outcomes. Districts with high to moderate number of students with paid jobs and money management experience had higher Indicator 14 outcomes. Districts that taught students to set postsecondary goals had higher Indicator 14 outcomes. Other results are described and policy implications discussed.
Multisystemic Therapy for a Child in Difficult Circumstances With Disruptive Behavior in China: A Single-Case Design
Authors: He Qiaoli , Gao Yunjiao
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aims to address concerns about the ability of Chinese social workers to collaborate with multiple systems and effectively implement multisystemic therapy (MST), given their low professional status. Based on the first MST practice in Mainland China, the study evaluates the effectiveness of MST in addressing disruptive behaviors in a child in difficult circumstances (CDCs), assesses its fitness within the Chinese context, and explores strategies for social workers to collaborate within the contexts of the specialized protection system for CDCs and the establishment of social work service stations. Method: A single-case AB research design with repeated measures across multiple contexts was adopted. Results: The study suggests MST's potential effectiveness and cultural and political compatibility in China, and identifies three strategies for social workers to intervene across multiple systems. Conclusion: MST could be a valuable tool in social work practice with proper integration into local systems in China.
“Without IPS I Think I Would Really Fall Apart”: Individual Placement and Support as Experienced by People With Mental Illness—Phenomenological Peer Research Study
Authors: Borowska Marianna Agata , Ørjasæter Kristin Berre , Borg Marit , Stenvall Barbara , Silbermann Alexandra , Rinaldi Miles , Killackey Eóin , Mykletun Arnstein , Moe Cathrine
Published: October 2024

Having a job is an important component of recovery from mental illness and a source of economic, social, and health benefits. Most people experiencing severe mental illness (SMI) want to work but are excluded from employment opportunities. Employment specialists (ESs) working in individual placement and support (IPS) teams help persons struggling with SMI obtain competitive employment. This study is a qualitative phenomenological study of 10 IPS participants in the Norwegian context, serving to develop a deeper understanding of the IPS phenomenon as it is experienced in the everyday life of IPS participants. The study was designed as a peer research project including four members of a competence group with experience in IPS and SMI. The results, analyzed using the reflective lifeworld research approach, revealed four constituents: “Having a safety net along the way toward employment,” “Feeling more like a person, not just a patient,” “Brighter future,” and “Going above and beyond employment support.” IPS functions as an anchor in participants’ journey toward employment. Strong and meaningful relationships with an ES seem crucial for IPS participants to gain the strength and confidence essential to engage in the job search. IPS participants experience various challenges in everyday life, resulting in ESs exceeding their vocational role to cover the unmet needs that health services seem unable to fully address. Closer coordination between vocational and health services, as well as a deeper focus on everyday life issues, will positively affect IPS participants’ vocational outcomes and quality of life.
Revisiting Four Conversations in Technical and Professional Writing Scholarship to Frame Conversations About Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Hart-Davidson Bill , Ristich Michael , McArdle Casey , Potts Liza
Published: October 2024

This article explores four different topics of conversation in technical and professional communication (TPC) scholarship that overlap and connect with contemporary issues in generative artificial intelligence (AI): process and iteration, theory and power, actors and activity, and the social justice turn. The authors offer four nonexhaustive reviews of these conversations, offering insight into key issues and texts that have animated discourse in the field and can directly or indirectly address the complex relationship between TPC work and generative AI.
Confronting Craniosynostosis: Maternal Concerns, Challenges, and Coping for their Children
Authors: Paliwoda Ethan D. , Torres Alejandro , Dema Elma , Gajjar Avi A. , Horne Mason J. , Trandafirescu Mathew , Adamo Matthew A. , Schalet Benjamin J. , Bray Stephanie M.C.
Published: October 2024

Objective

The study objective was to characterize shared online experiences surrounding craniosynostosis.

Methods

Isolated and syndromic craniosynostosis-related consecutive posts (N = 700) made by patients and caregivers were extracted from TikTok and Instagram between 2017-2024. A cross-sectional qualitative analysis following guidelines for practical thematic analysis was performed.

Results

The majority of posts were by caregivers (96%) and by females (97%). Forty categorical subthemes from social media posts were synthesized into 4 predominant themes. Overarching thematic trends included Emotional and Psychological Support (47%), Medical Information and Treatment (27%), Family and Social Dynamics (15%), and Awareness, Education, and Advocacy (12%).

Conclusion

Social media is used by caregivers, primarily mothers, for emotional support, processing health information, sharing experiences, raising awareness, and celebrating “cranioversaries.” Male and patient perspectives were underrepresented. Physicians may use social media to gain insights, disseminate quality health information, and connect with patients.
Perceived Convenience, Social Influence and Household Waste Sorting Behavior of Young Residents: An Empirical Study From a Developing Country
Authors: Vu Thi Hanh
Published: October 2024

Waste management remains a challenge, especially for developing countries and effective waste separation plays a critical role of reduction in the amount of waste to ensure sustainable development goals. Aiming to investigate the waste sorting behavior of young residents in the second most populous city such as Hanoi, hosting numerous universities and colleges in Vietnam, we conducted an online survey with students from 10 universities in Hanoi via online platform and a sample size of 331 valid responses have been collected. Since we wish to provide insights into young residents’ awareness, knowledge, and behavior about environmental protection and waste separation, the convenience sampling method is employed. The result suggests that five influential factors positively affect young residents’ sorting behavior among which environmental attitude and perceived convenience have a greater impact on young residents’ sorting behavior. The underlying reasons are then discussed to provide policy implications which include environmental science courses as well as regulations on waste sorting at source.