bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic feature segmentation in dental panoramic radiographs
Authors: Jagtap Rohan , Samata Yalamanchili , Parekh Amisha , Tretto Pedro , Vujanovic Tamara , Naik Purnachandrarao , Griggs Jason , Friedel Alan , Feinberg Maxine , Jaju Prashant , Roach Michael D. , Suri Mini , Garrido Michelle Briner
Published: October 2024

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to verify the diagnostic performance of an AI system for the automatic detection of teeth, caries, implants, restorations, and fixed prosthesis on panoramic radiography.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. A dataset comprising 1000 panoramic radiographs collected from 500 adult patients was analyzed by an AI system and compared with annotations provided by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists.

Results

A strong correlation (R > 0.5) was observed between AI perception and observers 1 and 2 in carious teeth (0.691–0.878), implants (0.770–0.952), restored teeth (0.773–0.834), teeth with fixed prostheses (0.972–0.980), and missing teeth (0.956–0.988).

Discussion

Panoramic radiographs are commonly used for diagnosis and treatment planning. However, they often suffer from artifacts, distortions, and superimpositions, leading to potential misinterpretations. Thus, an automated detection system is required to tackle these challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, including dentistry, by enabling the development of intelligent systems that can assist in complex tasks such as diagnosis and treatment planning.

Conclusion

The automatic detection by the AI system was comparable to oral radiologists and may be useful for automatic identifications in panoramic radiographs. These findings signify the potential for AI systems to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in dental practices, potentially reducing the likelihood of diagnostic errors caused by unexperienced professionals.
Self-governance of condominiums in urban China: A strategic action field perspective
Authors: Yip Ngai-Ming , Zheng Yang
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the impact of homeowners’ condominium self-governance on neighbourhood governance in urban China. The self-governance campaign, which advocates for the direct employment of property management personnel, signifies condominium owners’ endeavours to reassert control over their private living space against the intervention of the state and the exploitation of property management agents. Whilst self-governance is practised within specific walled neighbourhoods, homeowners’ efforts to amplify the influence of this campaign have brought it beyond the mere selection of a property management model. Employing the strategic action field approach, this paper identifies the key actors and specific forces that shape China’s condominium and neighbourhood governance. It also explores the potential political risks associated with the self-governance campaign and how it changes the power dynamics within the neighbourhood governance structure. The research findings not only illustrate the versatility of the strategic action field approach in analysing the various aspects of condominiums and private neighbourhood governance in urban China but also extend current understanding of the interplay among homeowners’ organisations, market agents and state actors and reveal relevant implications for neighbourhood governance in urban China.
The Associations of Sociocultural Pressure, Emotional States, Self-control, and Emotional Eating in Adolescents
Authors: Xiang Guangcan , Du Yiru , Du Xiaoli
Published: October 2024

The present study explored the associations of sociocultural pressure, emotional states (containing both negative affect and positive affect), self-control, and emotional eating in Chinese adolescents. Thousand three hundred forty-seven adolescents in China completed the Perceived Sociocultural Pressure Scale, the Trait Self-Control Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Serial mediation analysis was conducted to assess the direct and indirect effects of sociocultural pressure on emotional eating. Results revealed that negative affect and self-control independently mediated the association of sociocultural pressure and emotional eating. Moreover, sociocultural pressure could be linked to emotional eating through the chain mediating effect of “negative affect–self-control” and “positive affect–self-control.” These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the links between these factors and suggest that higher levels of sociocultural pressure may lead to emotional eating through the mediating role of emotional states and self-control.
Association Between Pharmacological Treatment Regimens and Quality of Life Among Rural Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Comparative Analysis in Eastern China
Authors: Li Sihan , Zhao Su , Wang Lizhu , Wu Xian , Zhang Zinan , Wang Zhonghua
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies have explored the relationship between pharmacological treatment regimens and the quality of life (QoL) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. However, there is a dearth of comparative studies focusing on the QoL among rural T2D patients in China across 3 distinct pharmacological treatments: oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), insulin therapy, and a combination of OADs and insulin. Additionally, the specific correlation between these treatment regimens and distinct dimensions of QoL remains unclear, necessitating further investigation. Data from a survey of rural T2D patients in eastern China were analyzed to calculate QoL scores for different treatment groups. Multivariate linear regression was then used to assess variations in overall QoL and specific dimensions among patients on OADs, insulin, and combined therapy. OADs were most commonly used (70.36%), followed by combined (19.47%) and insulin therapy (10.17%). Patients on OADs reported the highest overall QoL, with reduced physical discomfort, improved psychological well-being, enhanced treatment satisfaction, and fewer medication side effects. Conversely, those on combined therapy had the lowest overall QoL, primarily due to increased physical discomfort. Insulin users had moderately positive overall QoL but lower psychological well-being and treatment satisfaction, along with more adverse reactions. Disparities in QoL and its dimensions exist among rural T2D patients based on treatment regimens. Healthcare providers should prioritize support systems and interventions to help patients manage side effects of insulin and combined therapy, thereby improving their QoL.
Ownership Matters: Not-for-Profit Chain Nursing Homes Have Higher Utilization of Agency Nursing Staff
Authors: Pradhan Rohit , Ghiasi Akbar , Orewa Gregory , Gupta Shivani , Davlyatov Ganisher , Beauvais Bradley , Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: October 2024

Nursing homes (NHs) have long struggled with nurse shortages, leading to a greater reliance on agency nurses. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of NH ownership on agency nurse utilization. Data were derived from multiple sources, including the Payroll-Based Journal and NH Five-Star Facility Quality Reporting System (n: 38,550 years: 2020-2022). A 2-part logistic regression model with 2-way fixed effects (state and year) was used to assess the association of ownership and agency nurse utilization. Model 1 compared facilities with and without agency nurse use, while Model 2 focused on NHs using agency nurses, examining high utilization (top 10%). The dependent variables were agency nurse utilization ratios for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The primary independent variable was ownership/chain affiliation: for-profit chain (FPC), for-profit independent (FPI), not-for-profit chain (NFPC), and not-for-profit independent (NFPI). Model 1 showed that NFPC facilities had higher odds of using agency RNs (OR = 1.65), LPNs (OR = 1.53), and CNAs (OR = 1.38) compared to NFPI facilities (all P < .001), while FPC facilities also had increased odds for RNs (OR = 1.43), LPNs (OR = 1.30), and CNAs (OR = 1.15) (all P < .001). Model 2 indicated that NFPC, FPC, and FPI facilities were more likely to be high utilizers (top 10%) of agency nurses, with NFPC facilities having the highest odds across all categories. Pairwise comparisons showed that NFPC had the highest utilization of agency RNs and LPNs compared to other ownership groups. These results highlight the significant impact of NH ownership on staffing practices, suggesting that ownership type influences agency nurse utilization.
Caught Within the Family System: An Examination of Emerging Adults’ Dilemmas in Navigating Sibling Depression
Authors: Salmon Jade , Afifi Tamara D.
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the dilemmas faced by emerging adults serving as supporting siblings (SS) for their sibling with depression (SWD). A thematic analysis of 49 interviews revealed the family system as central to sibling depression. Family histories of dysfunction contributed to SWDs’ lasting symptoms, prompting SSs’ felt obligation to their sibling. SSs managed mental health communication in the family by protecting their SWD against their parents and withholding their own mental health challenges. Additionally, this study revealed SSs’ double binds: They were caught between their loyalties to their SWD and parents, and between maintaining their family system and their own well-being. The importance of family systems, family history, and challenges related to navigating sibling depression are discussed.
COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in people with multiple long-term conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of over 4 million people
Authors: Salisu-Olatunji Shukrat O , Chudasama Yogini V , Kaur Navjot , Kayani Zara , Odugbemi Babatunde A , Bolodeoku Olasope Esther , Konnor Shirley Akua , Vounzoulaki Elpida , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Fahami Radia , Valabhji Jonathan , Banerjee Amitava , Zaccardi Francesco , Gillies Clare L , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To describe the direct impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on morbidity and mortality in people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs).

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis including observational studies.

Setting

Studies conducted between 1 January 2020 and 4 May 2023 across 51 countries were identified from five databases.

Participants

A total of 4,084,469 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Main outcome measures

Pooled risk ratios (RRs) for mortality, hospitalisation, severe disease, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation were estimated with random effect meta-analysis models.

Results

A total of 38,356 studies were identified and 111 included. In most (74%) of the studies, MLTCs referred to having two or more long-term conditions. Others described MLTCs by high weighted indices: the Charlson Comorbidity Index in 11% and the Clinical Frailty Score in 7%. Using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational studies, the risk of bias was judged as low and moderate in 86 and 25 studies, respectively. Having MLTCs was associated with increased mortality (RR: 2.61 [95% CI: 2.27 to 3.0]); hospitalisation (2.4 [1.92 to 2.99]); severe disease (2.61 [1.92 to 3.54]); ICU admission (1.22 [1.07 to 1.39]) and mechanical ventilation (1.83 [1.18 to 2.84]) compared with those with no MLTCs. Pooled RRs for adverse outcomes were higher in children and young people compared with all age groups. In meta-regression analyses, men were more likely to need ICU admission ( p = 0.013) and mechanical ventilation ( p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Public health policies, clinical and preventative interventions should prioritise people with MLTCs to minimise direct adverse outcomes from COVID-19 disease.
The idea of economic democracy in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s: Its proponents, predecessors, and critique
Authors: Sekerák Marián
Published: October 2024

This article explores the concept of economic democracy, particularly as developed by Czech economists in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. During the Prague Spring, it emerged as a viable and promising economic concept within a brief timeframe, though it did not draw significant inspiration from similar concepts that had arisen in the region since at least the 1920s. The article introduces both these early ideas and the key proponents of the concept from the 1960s onward, including Ota Šik, Čestmír Kožušník, and others, along with their theoretical proposals scattered throughout their writings. Additionally, the article describes the harsh criticism directed at the concept of workplace participation during the ‘normalization’ era in Czechoslovakia. A similar concept of participatory economy, presented by Jaroslav Vanek in the USA independently of Czechoslovak economists, is also briefly introduced.
Endoscopic Cartilage Slice Reinforcement Technique for Anterior Perforation Repair with Anterior Canal Wall Protrusion
Authors: Hu Xionghui , MD Fang-Luo , MD Di-He , Jiang Wenlong
Published: October 2024

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of the endoscopic cartilage slice reinforcement technique used on anterior margins for anterior perforation repair with anterior canal wall protrusion. Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 38 cases of anterior perforation with anterior canal wall protrusion, treated using the endoscopic cartilage slice reinforcement technique from February 1, 2017 to August 29, 2023. The follow-up period was 6 months. Results: Of the 38 patients, medium perforations were present in 28.9%, large in 65.8%, and subtotal in 5.3%. The cause was mucosal chronic otitis media in 92.1%, traumatic perforation in 5.3%, and ventilation tube removal in 2.6%. The average operation time was 27.2 ± 4.6 minutes. The graft success rate was 94.7% (36/38) at 6 months postoperative. The average preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 19.8 ± 4.2 dB, and postoperative ABG was 8.6 ± 2.9 dB; this improvement was statistically significant ( P < .001; paired-sample t-test). The ABG gain was 11.8 ± 5.1 dB, and the rate of successful surgery (postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB) was 97.4% (37/38). No complications such as altered taste, vertigo, or tinnitus were reported, and no cases involved graft lateralization, significant blunting, graft atelectasis, graft adhesions, or effusion. However, myringitis was observed in 4 (10.5%) patients. Conclusion: The endoscopic cartilage slice reinforcement technique for anterior margins is a simple and effective method for repairing anterior perforations with anterior canal wall protrusion, achieving a high graft success rate, improved hearing, and minimal complications.
Praise Is for Actions That Are Neither Expected nor Required
Authors: Anderson Rajen A. , Nichols Shaun , Pizarro David A.
Published: October 2024

In six studies, we examined two foundational questions about moral praise. First, what makes an action praiseworthy? In Study 1, participants reported that actions that exceed duties (compared with dutiful actions) deserve greater praise and are perceived as less likely to happen. Second, what do observers infer from praise? Praise may communicate information about local norms. In Study 2, we found that—in general—participants expect praise to increase the likelihood of a behavior. However, in Studies 3–6, participants inferred that moral behavior that receives praise is less common and is less required and expected of people. These inferences led individuals to judge that someone would be less likely to perform a behavior that was praised. These studies provide insight into the lay beliefs and communicative function of moral praise.
This Is an Eventful Era: Exploring Event-Oriented Approaches to Organizational Research
Authors: Morgeson Frederick P. , Liu Dong , Cannella Albert A. , Hillman Amy J. , Seibert Scott E. , Tushman Michael L.
Published: October 2024

This special issue explores the transformative role of discrete events in fostering changes at different organizational levels, challenging traditional feature-oriented approaches that focus on stable attributes of individuals, groups, and organizations. Joining the growing body of event-oriented research in diverse settings, the nine published articles evoke a novel theoretical lens (i.e., Event System Theory) to examine a number of discrete events (e.g., everyday change events, organizational downsizing, merger, corporate scandal, technology implementation, the U.S.–China trade war, the Black Lives Matter movement). Their findings demonstrate the interesting ways discrete events disrupt routines, prompt adaptation, and impact individual and collective behaviors across various levels within organizations. Our further analysis underscores the importance of adopting an event-oriented perspective for a better understanding of management issues, offering new insights and directions for future research. We hope this special issue provides a robust foundation for integrating event-centric research approaches into organizational theory, emphasizing the need for continued empirical investigation and theoretical refinement in a variety of management research domains, such as strategic management, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, and human resource management.
After the Crisis: Explaining stories of professional identity growth from collective action
Authors: Kent Derin , Dacin M. Tina
Published: October 2024

Emergent forms of collaboration are central to societies’ response to crises like natural disaster, refugee migration and pandemics. Even though individuals’ participation in such collective action may be short-lived, recent studies propose it can inspire enduring professional role change as people return to their everyday work post-crisis. Yet, previous research does not focus on the divergent stories participants tell about the crisis years afterward and what it meant for them professionally. Through a grounded study of healthcare workers involved in the 2003 Toronto SARS outbreak, we examine varied narratives of professional identity growth following collective action in crisis. Years after SARS, participants told diverse stories about the crisis as an event that suspended, affirmed or even expanded their professional identities. Participants with narratives of identity suspension saw SARS as an event lacking professional relevance. Narratives of identity affirmation and expansion, however, emphasized growth and inspiration for participants’ professional roles post-crisis. We theorize how interactions within collective responses can foster growth narratives, when they enhance meanings central to participants’ professional identities and by affording follow-on interactions that translate these meanings into role change. We contribute new insight on how collective action in crisis can lead to professional role change post-crisis, how fragmented perspectives affect capacity for collective action in intermittent crises, and the role of follow-on interactions in professionals’ narrative identity work.
The Framework of Human Resource Slack
Authors: Rashidi Mahboubeh , Naghavi Mir Ali Seyed , Rezaeemanesh Behrouz , Vaezai Reza
Published: October 2024

Human resources slack refers to more human resources than the organization needs, which can have different and even contradictory effects on organizational performance. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of this new concept on organizational performance. The methodology adopted was qualitative and fundamental, with a systematic review in the case of purpose. Therefore, the systematic search to identify and extract articles was limited to two databases, Elsevier (Scopus) and the Scientific Network Information Sciences Institute (Thomson Reuters). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programs standard checklist was used to assess the study validity, and a Cohen kappa index equal to 0.731 was applied in SPSS software to assess the study reliability, which was confirmed. Having investigated the existing articles, a model was suggested to clearly state the effect of human resources slack on the organization’s performance. Referring to the articles, the model introduces the different types of human resources slack, which could range from value-oriented to knowledge-oriented to surplus-oriented to accumulation-oriented (relative or absolute), and could also be knowledge-based or non-knowledge-based and short-term or long-term period. The model presented in the research can be the basis for future research that aims to optimize human resource slack in human resource management measures such as training, rewarding and compensating, evaluation and so on. In the proposed pattern, value-oriented and knowledge-based human resources slack with positive effects were evaluated. Surplus-oriented human resources slack and, to some extent, accumulation-oriented human resources slack with negative effects were also evaluated. It was concluded that having too many of each type can prove detrimental to an organization’s performance.
‘Ye la nuestra’: Exploring how proximity shapes public service media and public service news’ value perception
Authors: Rodríguez-Castro Marta , Cañedo Azahara , López-Golán Mónica
Published: October 2024

Amidst a global media landscape dominated by transnational conglomerates and tech giants, proximity media face the imperative to reassess their mission and relevance. As market dynamics may lead to news deserts, proximity public service media (PSM) are crucial in catering to underserved audiences with news and entertainment tailored to their nearby environment. This paper draws on insights from seven focus groups involving stakeholders of Radiotelevisión del Principado de Asturias (RTPA), a proximity PSM outlet in northern Spain, to delve into the perspectives of audiences, production companies and advertisers on RTPA's proximity focus and informational role. The findings reveal widespread appreciation for proximity among RTPA's stakeholders, delineated into three dimensions: physical, emotional and economic. Moreover, the expectations on and assessments of RTPA's informational role are rooted in general PSM values such as impartiality, quality and participation. It is concluded that there is a need to explore the values of PSM beyond normative approaches and including the insights of stakeholders, and that proximity PSM outlets must dynamically adapt their values to meet the unique needs of proximity communities.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Conceptualizing and exploring deviations from polls during public health app releases
Authors: Trang Simon , Trenz Manuel , Weiger Welf H
Published: October 2024

Policymakers often rely on pre-release polls to design and deploy public health apps. However, these apps often fail to realize their full potential because the actual size of the user population is significantly lower than expected, and the characteristics of those who use the app differ from those previously inclined to install it. This study aims to understand the success of public health apps by examining shifts between expected and actual user populations during app releases. Rooted in the context of public health apps, we identify factors that potentially intervene in the time between an initial poll of intentions and actual behavior. We delineate two deviations between stated installation intentions in polls and actual installations at an individual level, which have been commingled in literature thus far: inclined nonusers (Type I deviation) and disinclined users (Type II deviation). By introducing this distinction, we hypothesize that app releases can suffer from (1) a volume shift, which results in overly optimistic expectations of user numbers, and (2) a profile shift, which results in biased expectations of user profiles. Using data from a multi-wave survey, we find evidence for the postulated deviations. Our findings also unveil how contextualized factors from the health belief model can explain the occurrence and extent of these deviations. The findings contribute to information systems research that aims to predict technology adoption based on behavioral intentions. The results also offer actionable guidance for policymakers who rely on stated intentions in polls to tackle public health issues.
Lost in interpretation: Making sense of equivocalities and tensions in approaches to interoperability
Authors: Sloot Ruth NF , Voordijk Johannes T , Volker Leentje
Published: October 2024

Interoperability promotes data-driven practices by enabling the aggregation and sharing of data from distributed information systems. It thus offers potential benefits to organizations for delivering more efficient and sustainable services. Despite its potentials, achieving interoperability remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we shed light on the obscure landscape of organizational challenges that lead to low interoperability. Based on a 3-year longitudinal single-case study of a public agency’s attempts to enhance interoperability, we uncover how three major categories of equivocality – scope, needs, and priorities – hinder approaches to interoperability at the data, software, and IT levels. We also reveal that entangled organizational tensions explain why such equivocalities emerge. By analyzing interoperability challenges from the combined concepts of equivocality and tensions, this paper offers a unique perspective on their intricate nature, making sense of the obscure landscape of challenges in various approaches to interoperability.
A rapid review of the evidence for online interventions for bereavement support
Authors: Finucane Anne , Canny Anne , Mair Ally Pax Arcari , Harrop Emily , Selman Lucy E , Swash Brooke , Wakefield Donna , Gillanders David
Published: October 2024

Background:

Grieving is a natural process, and many people adjust with support from family and friends. Around 40% of people would benefit from additional input. Online bereavement support interventions may increase access to support. Evidence regarding their acceptability and effectiveness is emerging but needs to be synthesised.

Aim:

To synthesise evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, impacts and implementation of online interventions to improve wellbeing, coping and quality of life after bereavement.

Design:

A rapid review of evidence regarding online bereavement support. We appraised study quality using AMSTAR 2 and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Data sources:

English language articles published 1 January 2010 to 4 January 2024, using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and APA PsycINFO. Eligible articles examined formal and informal online interventions to improve bereavement outcomes.

Results:

We screened 2050 articles by title and abstract. Four systematic reviews and 35 individual studies were included. Online bereavement support was feasible, acceptable and effective in reducing grief intensity, stress-related outcomes and depression. Where reported, participant retention was typically >70%. Positive impacts included: access to a supportive community at any time, reduced isolation; opportunities to process feelings; normalisation of loss responses; access to coping advice and opportunities for meaning-making and remembrance. Negative impacts included upset due to insensitive comments from others via unmoderated online forums.

Conclusion:

Online interventions can widen access to acceptable, effective bereavement support and improve outcomes for bereaved people. National policies and clinical guidelines relating to bereavement support need to be updated to take account of online formats.
Attitudes and Abracadabra: How Do Skeptical, Superstitious, and Paranormal Beliefs Predict Enjoying Performance Magic?
Authors: Silvia Paul J. , Crasson Sara J. , Greengross Gil , Karwowski Maciej , Rodriguez-Boerwinkle Rebekah M.
Published: October 2024

The growing psychology of magic field explores how spectators understand, appreciate, and experience this ancient performing art. The present research explored how skeptical, superstitious, and paranormal beliefs predict the enjoyment of magic. A sample of American adults ( n = 292) completed a measure of magic attitudes (the Loathing of Legerdemain Scale) along with many measures of (1) skeptical and rational beliefs (e.g., critical thinking and trust in science), and (2) superstitious and paranormal beliefs (e.g., luck, conspiracy theories, and paranormal topics like astrology, psi, witchcraft, and spiritualism). Random forests identified the most important unique predictors of magic attitudes within this large, intercorrelated predictor set. Consistent with past research and with magicians’ experiences, enjoying magic was marked by seemingly opposing clusters of beliefs—one marked by higher critical thinking, and another marked by higher superstitious and paranormal beliefs—highlighting the variety of psychological underpinnings for the enjoyment of magic.
Fully automated measurement of noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio on chest CT images: feasibility and efficiency
Authors: Mei Bozhe , Ma Zhangman , Fu Wanyun , He Linyang , Ma Zhicheng , Gong Xiangyang
Published: October 2024

Background

Rapid and accurate measurement of computed tomography (CT) image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) is a clinical challenge.

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of intelligent measurement of chest CT image noise, SNR, and CNR.

Material and Methods

A total of 300 chest CT scans were included in the study, which was divided into research dataset, internal test dataset, and external test dataset. Based on the research dataset, automatically segment and measure the average CT values and standard deviation (SD) of CT values for background air and lung field under different thresholds to obtain noise, SNR, and CNR results. Using the results of manual measurements as the reference standard, we determine the optimal threshold with the highest consistency. Using internal and external test datasets, validate the consistency of automated measurements of noise, SNR, and CNR at the optimal CT threshold with reference standards.

Results

With background air set at −900 HU and lung field at −800 HU as thresholds, the automated measurements of noise, SNR, and CNR demonstrate the highest consistency with the reference standards. At the optimal threshold, the noise, SNR, and CNR measured automatically on both the internal (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.85–0.96) and external (ICC = 0.75–0.85) test datasets exhibit high consistency with their respective reference standards.

Conclusion

The method we explored can intelligently measure the noise, SNR, and CNR of chest CT images, exhibits high consistency with radiologists, and offers a novel tool for image quality evaluation and analysis.
Decrypting the EU’s Good Governance Promotion Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Through Development Cooperation
Authors: Dipama Samiratou
Published: October 2024

This paper critically examines the principal instruments employed by the European Union to promote good governance in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through development cooperation. The main research question is: To what extent do the EU’s development cooperation instruments contribute to good governance promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa? To address this question, the paper begins with a brief overview of EU-SSA relations from a historical perspective. It then reviews the various financial and political development cooperation instruments utilized by the EU to promote good governance in SSA. Next, by analyzing relevant data on EU governance aid towards SSA, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of EU governance aid policies in the region in order to unpack their merits and limits. Finally, the paper critically analyzes the underlining factors behind the mixed outcomes of the EU’s good governance promotion instruments using policy documents, academic articles and various data sources.
Co-design of an outcome measure for hand burn injuries
Authors: Mc Kittrick Andrea , Gustafsson Louise , Hodson Tenelle , Di Tommaso Amelia
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Measurement of postburn injury is important to assess impact of interventions, monitor symptoms, and direct treatment. Outcome measures are important to enable patients’ views to be incorporated into their clinical care and direct healthcare. To date, there are few patient-reported outcome measures specific for the burn’s population, only one specific patient reported questionnaire exists for hand burn injuries. For outcome measures to be person focused, it is important to have individuals who have experienced the injury join the development team to consult and advise on properties for inclusion. The aim of this study was to co-design a specific outcome measure for severe hand burn injuries.

Methods:

Participatory Action Research was used to co-design the outcome measure with experienced allied health professionals, individuals with hand burn injuries, and researchers. Participatory Action Research acknowledges the depth and breadth of experience of all co-researchers. Content analysis was used to systematically analyze meaning and relationships from each cycle.

Results:

In cycle 1—the constructs for measurement and activities for inclusion in the outcome measure were selected over a series of virtual meetings. The 18 activities included measure patterns of hand movement, pinch, and grip strength, which can be repeatedly measured over time across recovery. In cycle 2—two rating scales were developed one for clinicians and one for patients.

Conclusion:

The newly developed outcome measure will require further testing to determine psychometric properties.
Book review: Ranjan Chakrabarti (Ed.), Critical Themes in Environmental History of India
Authors: Singh Vipul
Published: October 2024

Ranjan Chakrabarti (Ed.), Critical Themes in Environmental History of India. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2020, xxii + 476 pp., ₹1,495, ISBN: 978-9353883140 (Hardback).
Prognostic value of miR-190a-5p in renal cell cancer and its regulatory effect on tumor progression
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Lili , Wang Zhancheng , Li Hu , Wang Bo , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

As a usual malignant tumor in urinary system, renal cell cancer is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). This study revealed the prognostic value and regulatory effect of miR-190a-5p in renal cell cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 253 renal cell cancer patients were included for prognostic value analysis. The target gene of miR-190a-5p was detected by luciferase reporter assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 analysis and Transwell analysis were performed to explore the proliferation, removal capability, and invasiveness of 786–0 and A498 cells. Prognostic value was calculated by Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression analysis.

Results

miR-190a-5p was more down-regulated in tumor tissues than in adjacent tissues. Renal cell cancer cases were differed as low and high groups ground on mean miR-190a-5p expression in tumor tissues. Overall survival probability was obviously high in patients with high miR-190a-5p level (log-rank test P = 0.011). Cox regression analysis revealed that miR-190a-5p expression (relative risk (RR) = 1.751, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.057–2.900, P = 0.030) and tumor node metastasis stage (RR = 1.719, 95% CI = 1.059–2.792, P = 0.028) were specialty indicators for poor renal cell cancer prognosis. GDF11 was directly targeting miR-190a-5p. Overexpressed miR-190a-5p could reduce the GDF11 expression, proliferation, removal capability, and invasiveness of renal cell cancer 786–0 and A498 cells. Elevated GDF11 could lead to a changeover of proliferation, removal capability, and invasiveness inhibition, which is induced by miR-190a-5p.

Conclusion

miR-190a-5p was reduced in renal cell cancer tissues, and predicted worse outcomes of renal cell cancer cases. Overexpressed miR-190a-5p could restrain the proliferation, removal capability, and invasiveness of renal cell cancer cells via suppressing GDF11.
Differential Longitudinal Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Status by Living Situation in Older Adults
Authors: Stephan Abigail T. , Chai Hye Won , McVey Ava , Sprague Briana N. , Wolf Annamaria V. , Phillips Christine B. , Ross Lesley A.
Published: October 2024

This study explores whether living situation modifies longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and changes in cognitive status across ten years in generally healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Participants ( N = 687, Mage = 73.92 years) from the no-contact control condition of a multisite longitudinal study completed the Mini-Mental State Examination, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, and self-reported living situation. Multilevel models revealed that for older adults living alone, having clinically meaningful depressive symptoms was associated with greater decline in MMSE over ten years. However, reporting clinically meaningful depressive symptoms was not associated with decline in MMSE for adults who were living with others. These results suggest that living situation may be a modifying factor of cognitive change over time for older adults with clinically meaningful depressive symptoms. This highlights the need for targeted interventions for adults who may be at a greater risk of cognitive decline across older adulthood.
Exploiting inter- and intracontinental markets: The business of transporting convicts to the Australian colonies in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century
Authors: Darwin Lauren
Published: October 2024

This article explores the pivotal role played by convict transports in the expansion and redirection of British maritime trade to the East. Through an investigation into the business of transporting prisoners across the seas in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, it reveals that contractors, shipowners and captains connected to convict transportation were at the forefront of exploiting new trading opportunities in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. By analysing the voyages of convict ships within the prism of long-haul trading ventures, this work reveals the often overlooked business acumen of those who organized and executed convict transportation as they participated in inter- and intra-continental maritime trade.
Imposter Syndrome: A Reflective Discourse into the Experiences of Canadian Black Nurses through Art
Authors: Prendergast Nadia , Obewu Ola Abanta Thomas
Published: October 2024

Impostor syndrome is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals when entering new ranks in the workplace. Although women experience greater feelings of imposter syndrome than men, Black individuals report a prolonged experience of imposter syndrome when compared to their white counterparts, which negatively impacts their everyday experiences, health, and overall well-being. With growing studies showing the pervasive nature of anti-Black racism on the health of Black people, there remains a paucity of studies showing the connection between anti-Black racism and imposter syndrome. Within nursing, anti-Black racism can be seen to foster imposter syndrome through discriminatory practices that affect the career development, recruitment, and retention of Black nurses. Anti-Black racism is prevalent, and, in this paper, two Black nurses share insight through their own encounters with imposter syndrome and its relationship with anti-Black racism. Guided by Black feminist thought, they use art to navigate their reflective discourse as a means of reclaiming their identity and positionality as leaders in their rights. Reflective discourse is ideal for transformative learning to occur through dialogue. In addition, it promotes the use of art for deeper discussions when understanding the Black experience. Together, these nurses explicate how adopting Afrocentric knowledge and practices through their reflective discourse can affirm their identity, promote a sense of belonging, and assist in dismantling the effects of anti-Black racism and imposter syndrome within nursing.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Suboptimal Self-Rated Health in Adulthood: Exploring Effect Modification by Age, Sex and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Osibogun Olatokunbo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examined whether the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and self-rated health among adults in a nationally representative population is modified by age, sex, or race/ethnicity.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

United States.

Sample

Data from the 2020 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were obtained from 185 731 (weighted N = 47 862 016) persons 18 years or older.

Measures

The ACE cumulative score (range: 0-11) was calculated using 11 questions about childhood emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and household dysfunction before age 18 and classified as 0 (reference), 1, 2, 3, or ≥4. Self-rated health was divided into (excellent/very good/good [reference]) and suboptimal (fair/poor) categories.

Analysis

Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to test for the interaction with age, sex, and race/ethnicity with ACEs. After adjustment for potential confounders, an increasing number of ACEs had statistically significantly higher odds of suboptimal self-rated health in a graded manner except for 1 ACE (1 ACE: aOR:1.09; 95% CI: 1.00-1.20, 2 ACEs: 1.16; 1.03-1.30, 3 ACEs: 1.17; 1.03-1.32 and ≥4 ACEs: 1.39; 1.26-1.53). There was a significant interaction between ACEs and age. Younger age (18-24 years) had the strongest association for ≥4 ACEs compared to the older age groups. There was no effect modification by sex or race.

Conclusion

ACEs should be considered when creating health-promoting interventions to improve health.
Tool path modification based on deformation mapping relationship for the adaptive machining of aero-engine blade
Authors: Chuanhui Cui , Yun Zhang , Yimeng Master Li
Published: October 2024

The machining efficiency of blade plays an extremely important role in the aero-engine manufacture, especially demanding on the adaptive machining for near-net shape blade. However, the deviation between the actual blade and nominal model can raise serious problems for NC tool path generation. There is a significant demand for directly modifying the nominal tool path based on measurement data in on-site adaptive machining condition. To this end, this paper proposes a tool path direct modification method based on deformation mapping relationship. Decomposing complex blade deformation calculation into the establishment of mapping relationship, including rigid and non-rigid deformation. And parametric modifying each tool axis and center points based on the mapping between tool path contact points and measurement data. The proposed method avoids the tedious model reconstruction process, the topological discontinuity of modified tool path caused by the misaligned error, and the insufficient modification information of tool axis caused by single displacement deformation. A test case of near-net shape blade is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and convenience of the proposed method, and these results shows that the contour error of the adaptive machining area is less than 0.031 mm, and the machining junction of the adaptive machining area and net-shape area could possess a smooth blending.
Numerical springback prediction for high-strength aluminum alloys based on the sheet metal upsetting test
Authors: Hetz Peter , Merklein Marion
Published: October 2024

Springback prediction continues to play a special role in the process design of sheet metal forming processes. During the forming process, elastic energy is stored in the sheet metal, which is released after the tool is opened. The dimensional accuracy and the function of the component in particular can be negatively affected by this. For this reason, the springback is predicted by means of numerical modeling in order to improve the process design. The simulation accuracy depends primarily on the used material model to map the stress-dependent material behavior and the quality of the experimental input data. High-strength aluminum alloys, which have a distinctive springback behavior, have a slightly pronounced tensile-compressive asymmetry. Since tensile and compressive stresses often occur in sheet metal forming processes, the consideration of this effect can lead to an improvement in springback prediction. Besides modeling the yield locus curve for describing the yield strength in the plane stress area, the yield curve data is also relevant for determining the strain hardening behavior. The work hardening is usually characterized by the tensile test or the hydraulic bulge test, which is used to describe the material behavior in the tensile stress state. A promising experimental method for the analysis of the material in the uniaxial compressive stress state is the sheet metal upsetting test. In addition to a local characterization of sheet metal materials, this test also enables the investigation of the material behavior at significantly higher plastic strains than in the tensile test. Thus, in this contribution it is examined to what extent the sheet metal upsetting test is suitable for improving the springback prediction quality of material models in sheet metal forming processes.
Numerical analysis of hydraulic properties of bionic nozzles and structural optimization based on CFD–FEA
Authors: Shengqun Jiang , Jixiang Yue , Yancong Liu
Published: October 2024

The bionic nozzle was designed based on earthworms’ non-smooth surface structure and the properties of auxiliary jet holes. The drag reduction mechanism and hydraulic characteristics of convex structure-auxiliary jet hole inner wall nozzle (SG), convex structure inner wall nozzle (VS), concave structure inner wall nozzle (CS), and smooth inner wall nozzle (S) were simulated and analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The simulation results show that the maximum instantaneous velocities of the four nozzles are SG (29.2 m/s) > VS (28.79 m/s) > CS (28.55 m/s) > S (28.35 m/s). The biomimetic nozzle's convex structure generates a reverse velocity field, and this causes the low-speed fluid to cluster along the vertical direction of the jet, generating a low-speed turbulent band and enabling the low-speed field to constantly rise toward the jet's center area, thus reducing fluid resistance. The auxiliary jet holes can further reduce the intensity of turbulent processes and achieve the goal of reducing drag. Therefore, the SG-shape has the most significant drag reduction effect. Based on the coupling of CFD and finite element analysis (FEA), the relationship between input parameters (auxiliary jet hole diameter P1, convex structure diameter P2, and auxiliary jet hole length P3) and output response (maximum principal elastic strain and maximum principal stress) was determined. Response surface methodology was used to optimize P1, P2, and P3 parameters of SG-shape, resulting in the optimal combination of P1 = 1.45 mm, P2 = 2.71 mm, and P3 = 9.27 mm. Through CFD simulation and water jet impact test verification, the maximum velocity of the optimized biomimetic nozzle is 31.2 m/s, which is 6.8% higher than before optimization. The maximum impact force generated by the optimized water jet is 8.61 KG, a significant increase of 7.5% compared to before optimization.