bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voice Quality Outcomes After Transoral CO2 Laser Cordectomy: A Longitudinal Prospective Study
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Crevier‐Buchman Lise , Circiu Marta P. , De Mones Erwan , de Pemille Grégoire Vialatte , Julien‐Laferriere Aude , Saussez Sven , Baudouin Robin , Remacle Marc , Hans Stephane
Published: August 2022

Objective

To evaluate the evolution of voice quality in patients after type I‐VI transoral CO2 laser cordectomy (TLC) by using validated voice outcome measures over a 12‐month period.

Study Design

Prospective uncontrolled study.

Setting

Monocenter study.

Methods

Patients with laryngeal carcinoma who were eligible for type I‐IV TLC were prospectively recruited from a tertiary medical center. The following outcomes were assessed throughout the 12‐month posttreatment period: Voice Handicap Index (VHI), GRBAS (grade of dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain), maximal phonation time, fundamental frequency (F0), F0 standard deviation, percentage jitter, percentage shimmer, noise‐to‐harmonic ratio, and speech fluency. Analyses were performed considering 2 groups of cordectomies: type I‐III vs IV‐VI.

Results

A total of 131 patients completed the evaluations, totaling 76 type I‐III and 55 type IV‐VI cordectomies. In type IV‐VI, breathiness and maximal phonation time significantly worsened from pretreatment to 1 month posttreatment (P < .05). In the type I‐III cordectomy group, VHI, shimmer, roughness, breathiness, and strain significantly improved from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment, while VHI, F0 standard deviation, shimmer, jitter, grade of dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, and strain improved from baseline to 6 months. Assessments at 12 months posttreatment revealed significant improvements for VHI, shimmer, jitter, noise‐to‐harmonic ratio, grade of dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, and strain. In the type IV‐VI group, VHI significantly improved from baseline to 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment. Strain improved at 6 and 12 months while roughness improved from baseline to 12 months. Maximal phonation time significantly worsened over the 12‐month evaluation period.

Conclusion

The effect of TLC on voice quality depends on its type. VHI was identified as the most indicative tool of voice changes irrespective of TLC type.
Patterns of Care and Outcomes of Carcinosarcoma of the Major Salivary Glands
Authors: Talwar Abhinav , Patel Evan , Tam Moses , Zhou Fang , Hu Kenneth , Persky Michael , Vaezi Alec , Jacobson Adam , Givi Babak
Published: August 2022

Objective

Carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland is a rare malignant biphasic tumor. The present study investigates the epidemiology and clinical behavior of carcinosarcoma of the major salivary glands using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

NCDB.

Methods

All tumors were selected between 2004 and 2018. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments, and survival were analyzed. Cox regression analysis was performed in surgically treated patients.

Results

We identified 154 patients in the NCDB with carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years (interquartile range, 55‐76). Most patients were male (n = 92, 60%). The majority of tumors were in the parotid (n = 122, 79%), followed by submandibular gland (n = 21, 14%). The majority were high grade (n = 93, 95%), and a significant portion had locally advanced disease (pT3‐4; n = 65, 62%). Nodal disease was present in more than one‐third (n = 35, 36%). The most common treatment was surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 75, 49%). With a median follow‐up of 36 months, the 3‐year overall survival was 57.6% (95% CI, 48.7%‐68.0%). In univariable analysis, advanced pT stage, pN+ disease, and positive margins were associated with worse survival. In multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.04; P = .03) and pT stage (hazard ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.27‐4.95; P = .008) remained significant.

Conclusion

Carcinosarcoma is a rare salivary gland tumor that frequently presents at a locally advanced stage. Despite multimodality treatments, the outcomes are poor. In the absence of clinical trial data, these data from the NCDB could guide clinicians in the management of this rare disease.
Do couple- and individual-level ambivalence predict later marital outcomes? The mediating role of marital conflict
Authors: Surjadi Florensia F , Wickrama Kandauda AS , Lorenz Frederick O
Published: August 2022

Ambivalence is common in close relationships, but the implications of marital ambivalence for later relationship outcomes have been less well known. Using five waves of data from 370 long-term married couples over 8 years, we investigated the influence of couple-level and individual-level ambivalence on marital satisfaction, marital instability, and divorce 7 years later. We also examined the couple-level process—whether marital conflict mediated the association between couple-level ambivalence and couples’ relationship outcomes. We found that couple-level ambivalence (i.e., couples’ shared perceptions of ambivalence toward one another) was associated with higher marital conflict, which in turn predicted divorce. Among continuously married couples, individuals who were initially more ambivalent toward their spouses tended to be less satisfied with their marriages and were more likely to consider divorce than those who initially had lower degrees of ambivalence. Altogether, the findings provide insights into the role of ambivalence in marriage at different levels and highlight the need for specific strategies to help couples resolve their ambivalence and strengthen their marriages.
Modeling Truck Parking Demand at Commercial and Industrial Establishments
Authors: Guerrero Sebastian E. , Pulikanti Shashank , Wieghart Bridget , Bryan Joseph G. , Strow Tim
Published: August 2022

In urban areas, there exists a mismatch between where trucks need to park and the availability of spaces, forcing many truck drivers to park in undesignated locations that are unsafe, disrupt traffic, and cause a nuisance to the community. This mismatch also decreases the productivity of the sector, as drivers spend more time searching for spaces, take longer detours, and end their workday early. Most commercial and industrial establishments currently do not allow trucks to park at their facilities beyond the loading or unloading of cargo, which generates parking demand in the surrounding areas. This paper quantifies the truck parking requirements of different commercial and industrial establishments in Phoenix, AZ, to inform land use and development decision-making. GPS data were combined with land use and employment data to identify where, when, and for how long trucks are parking. Parking rates were calculated at 2-digit and 3-digit NAICS level, for three parking metrics: stops per weekday, cumulative stop duration per weekday, and peak occupancy. Linear and negative binomial models were estimated, along with other types of models, to improve the prediction of parking demand. Results show that parking demand is the highest for establishments that store trucks overnight, such as truck terminals, and establishments with large in-house fleets. Parking demand is also high for establishments moving bulky commodities or having significant transportation needs, like in warehousing and the wholesale trade. Manufacturing establishments have a wide range of parking demand rates, based on the bulkiness of products and use of in-house fleets.
A Critical Analysis of David and Goliath in Picturebooks
Authors: Sylvester Ruth , Brown Megan , Kerestes Sharon
Published: August 2022

The story of David and Goliath is a popular and often referenced narrative. This study examined how contemporary authors and illustrators depict this ancient narrative in children's picturebooks. Using selection criteria determined by the researchers, 26 picturebooks were compared with the English Standard Version (ESV) of the ancient text. Content analysis and a constant comparative coding process were employed which revealed many consistencies between the biblical passage and modern picturebooks. The analysis also revealed major modifications, omissions, and additions to the retelling of the ancient text. Suggestions for selecting picturebooks with faithful representation of the narrative are included.
Digital Media as Sites for Cultural Identity Development: The Case of Hmong American Emerging Adults
Authors: McKenzie Jessica
Published: August 2022

Although academic and popular interest in how digital media affect youth has exploded in recent years, research rarely addresses the roles of culture and cultural identity in youth digital media use. Especially conspicuous is the inattention to Asian Americans—the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the United States. This study explores how 17 Hmong American emerging adults’ ( Mage = 21.94 years) digital media use shapes, and is shaped by, their cultural identity development. To construct a nuanced portrait, this study draws from multiple data sources: (a) participant framings of their digital media use in relation to their cultural identity during in-depth interviews, (b) the type of cultural content that a selection of participants posted on their social media profiles, and (c) participants’ ethnic identity scores (included to contextualize qualitative results). Inductive thematic analysis revealed that participants use digital media to explore and express their cultural identities, and to escape and reshape Hmong values. Results further revealed that participants’ digital media use elicits awareness of—and for some, assists in reconciling—tensions between Hmong and American values. Altogether, findings highlight the complex role of digital media in the cultural identity development of Hmong American youth.
Rotate artificial potential field algorithm toward 3D real-time path planning for unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Wu Zeyan , Dong Shaopeng , Yuan Mei , Cui Jin , Zhao Longfei , Tong Chengbin
Published: August 2022

As one of the key technologies in the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the path planning method has an intuitive impact on the real-time performance of UAV. Most existing path planning algorithms have drawbacks in global optimization ability or optimization speed, and cannot meet the requirements of practical applications. To improve the effectiveness and practicability of the path planning algorithm for UAV obstacle avoidance, this paper proposes the Rotate Artificial Potential Field (R-APF) method based on the traditional artificial potential field method. By introducing a new potential field function and stimulating rotating repulsive force, the R-APF solves the problems of local minimum as well as inaccessibility to targets near obstacles, respectively. Convergence of the algorithm is discussed to demonstrate the feasibility of R-APF. This paper also designs and implements algorithm feasibility verification experiments, obstacle shuttle experiments, as well as running time, and efficiency comparison experiments. In addition, the improved Visual-Inertial Navigation System obstacle detection algorithm is introduced to carry out physical verification experiments. Theoretical proof and experimental results show the proposed R-APF method has higher obstacle avoidance capability, shorter running time, and higher success rate compared to other algorithms, and is promising in practical application.
Stress, mindfulness, and systemic lupus erythematosus: An overview and directions for future research
Authors: Molina Emily , Gould Neda , Lee Kristen , Krimins Rebecca , Hardenbergh Dylan , Timlin Homa
Published: August 2022

Although the pathogenesis of autoimmunity is not fully understood, it is thought to involve genetic, hormonal, immunologic, and environmental factors. Stress has been evaluated as a potential trigger for autoimmunity and disease flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The physiologic changes that occur with stress involve numerous catecholamines, hormones, and cytokines that communicate intricately with the immune system. There is some evidence that these systems may be dysregulated in patients with autoimmune disease. Mindfulness-based techniques are practices aimed at mitigating stress response and have been shown to improve quality of life in general population. This review will discuss pathophysiology of chronic stress as it relates to SLE, evidence behind mindfulness-based practices in these patients, and directions for future research.
Blockchain in Trust with Reputation Management for Financial Stock Market Using Distributed Ledger Technology and Bayesian Theory Based on Fault Tolerance Model
Authors: Bommisetti Ravi Kumar , Raj Bhavana K. , Subbalakshmi A. V. V. S. , Shehryar Muhammad , Hoang Sinh Duc
Published: August 2022

Blockchain, which is at the heart of bitcoin and other digital currencies, is a game-changing technology, particularly in the stock market and financial technology. These characteristics make blockchain adoption appealing for enhancing information security, privacy and reliability in a variety of scenarios. This article develops the trust with reputation-based management for the financial stock market. Here distributed ledger technology (DLT) has been integrated for implementing the ledger in which data is stored across a network of decentralized nodes. By this, proof-based ledger has been maintained with transparency, traceability and security. DLT here used is based on trust design in mitigating the malicious activities of the financial stock marketing technology. Then using Bayesian theory based on the fault tolerance (BDLT_FT) model has been used in improving the efficiency of DLT and financial technology. This acts as the protocol which reduces energy consumption and enhance network scalability and security in digital transactions like cryptocurrency The financial data related to blockchain cryptocurrency were collected between the time period 2000 and 2020. The dataset of the stock market is evaluated under the fault tolerance model with statistical analysis. The statistical evaluation of financial data with developed BDLT_FT expressed that there is no association between the fault tolerance and the classification error.
Adiposity Measures and Its Association with Blood Pressure Level Among a Group of School Going Sunni Muslims of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Chakraborty Arya , Mandal Gopal Chandra
Published: August 2022

The incidence of hypertension (HTN) is on rise across the globe. It is the highest in low-income countries and the obesity/adiposity have a great impact on that. The aim of the present study was to find out the association between some measures of adiposity with blood pressure (BP) levels and to identify the gold standard in determining HTN. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 adolescent school going children from a suburban area near Lucknow, India. T-test, correlation coefficient and the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were utilized to measure the potential predictors of HTN. Significant sexual dimorphisms were noticed in case of waist circumference (WC), systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial BP (MAP). The differences of hip circumference (HC) and body mass index (BMI) among the normotensive and hypertensive participants were statistically ( p < .05) significant. Considering the association of SBP, diastolic BP (DBP), MAP and pulse pressure (PP) with adiposity, indices were statistically ( p < .01) significant. In sex-combined situation, BMI (AUC = 0.632) had best predictive quality, followed by HC (AUC = 0.606), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; AUC = 0.598) and WC (AUC = 0.594). This study strongly suggests that abdominal adiposity may be considered as one of the important risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). And finally, ROC analysis tells us that in sex-combined situation, BMI had highest significant predictive ability for the detection of HTN.
COVID-19: Threat or Opportunity for the Portuguese Higher Education's Attractiveness for International Students?
Authors: Sin Cristina , Tavares Orlanda , Aguiar Joyce
Published: August 2022

The paper analyses the influence of COVID-19 on Portuguese institutions’ intake of international students and their responses to the pandemic. Two dimensions are considered: quantitative impact on international enrolments and higher education institutions’ strategies for the recruitment and support of international students. The first dimension is analysed through national statistics and comparison of enrolments over the past five years. Then, the institutional strategies implemented to encourage recruitment of new international students and to support existing ones during the lockdown are explored. Statistics show that COVID-19 had a negative impact on international enrolments, although less severe than expected. Growth has continued, but at a much slower pace than in the past few years. The slowdown in growth was much more pronounced in polytechnics than in universities. Additionally, the measures implemented by Portuguese higher education institutions suggest that these have coped with COVID-19 as an opportunity to rethink and redefine strategies.
Avoiding organismic asymmetries in ecological cognition: Analysis of agent-environment couplings with eco-physical variables
Authors: Seifert Ludovic , Araújo Duarte , Davids Keith
Published: August 2022

The target article promotes an enactive approach to human behaviour, highlighting the phenomenology of agent-environment coupling, and is rooted in the course of experience from pre-reflective self-consciousness. In our comment we debate the idea that experience does equate with subjectivity. Such an equation reflects an organismic asymmetry locating behavioural organisation in the subjective mind, interacting with the objective world. In contrast, an ecological realist perspective considers that human behaviour and experience should be captured at the ecological level of analysis, requiring investigation of eco-physical variables. To achieve this aim, researchers need to avoid organismic asymmetries, and instead study performance variables that underpin the symmetry of the agent-environment system. We also debate the place of language and the fact that verbalisation does not equate with subjective experience. According to James Gibson, language focuses on ‘knowledge about the environment’ and not ‘knowledge of the environment’ needed by any autonomous, self-regulating organism, making their way in the world. Last, the target paper promotes the course of in-formation to complement the course of experience, without fully explaining how to deal with potential incongruence and divergence between findings emerging from verbalisation and behavioural aspects of realizing a given activity (the difference between ‘what we say, what we do’). We conclude by considering how our ecological perspective could offer pathways for the presented enactive approach to go beyond the course of in-formation.
Eutopia of Empire: Francis Bacon’s Short View and the Imperial and Colonial Background to the New Atlantis
Authors: Zeitlin Samuel Garrett
Published: August 2022

The present article considers Francis Bacon’s New Atlantis against the backdrop of Bacon’s Short View to be taken of Great Britain and Spain, one of Bacon’s least studied and most imperially audacious and bellicose texts. In the Short View to be taken of Great Britain and Spain, Bacon argues for a naval war and blockade of both the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish colonies in the Americas, advocating the British seizure of the latter. The article argues that the fulfillment of these imperials and colonial proposals is, in Bacon’s view, a prerequisite and presupposition of the action of Bacon’s New Atlantis.
The Subjective Impact and Timing of Adversity Scale: A Feasibility Study Using Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Data
Authors: McKay Michael T. , Healy Colm , Chambers Derek , Dodd Philip , O’Donnell Laurie , Cannon Mary , Clarke Mary C.
Published: August 2022

This study assessed the feasibility of a multi-domain measure of the occurrence, impact, and timing of childhood/adolescent psychological adversity exposure, the Subjective Impact and Timing of Adversity Scale (SITA). Participants were from among those who had previously participated in two waves of data collection when aged approximately 14 and 21 years. Internal consistency estimates at both online and interview stages were acceptable for all SITA domains (with the exception of parental loss). SITA domain scores correlated meaningfully with scores on other scales and psychological measures, supporting convergent validity. Those with lifetime psychiatric diagnoses scored significantly higher on SITA domains than those not meeting diagnostic threshold. There was evidence of the importance of both the subjective impact and timing of adversity with regard to psychiatric diagnoses. The study demonstrates the viability of the SITA; however, further studies are required to substantiate these findings in larger samples.
Getting High or Getting By? An Examination of Cannabis Motives, Cannabis Misuse, and Concurrent Psychopathology in a Sample of General Community Adults
Authors: Scarfe Molly L , Muir Candice , Rowa Karen , Balodis Iris , MacKillop James
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE:

Few studies have examined cannabis motives in adults and, although associations between cannabis use and psychiatric conditions are well documented, there has been limited investigation of the intersection of cannabis use, cannabis motives, and psychopathology. In a sample of community adults, the present study examined cannabis motives in relation to cannabis misuse, and investigated whether motives linked cannabis misuse with concurrent psychiatric symptoms.

METHOD:

Participants (N = 395; Mage = 34.8; %F = 47.6; % White = 81.3%) completed assessments related to cannabis misuse, cannabis use motives, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and somatic experiences. Bivariate correlations, hierarchical regressions, and indirect effect analyses were performed to examine associations between motives and cannabis misuse and to investigate mechanistic relationships between psychiatric symptoms and cannabis misuse.

RESULTS:

Regressions revealed significant associations between cannabis misuse and social (β = .13, P < .02), enhancement (β = .12, P < .02), and coping motives (β = .48, P < .001). Indirect effects were present such that coping motives consistently linked psychiatric and somatic symptoms with cannabis misuse (anxiety: unstandardized effect = 0.26,and 95% CI = 0.17-0.37; depression: unstandardized effect = 0.12, CI = 0.11-0.25; PTSD: unstandardized effect = 0.07, CI = 0.04-0.10; somatic symptoms: unstandardized effect = 0.20, CI = 0.11-0.30). In addition, enhancement motives exhibited an indirect effect (unstandardized effect = 0.02, CI = 0.002-0.04) between depressive symptoms and cannabis misuse.

CONCLUSION:

These results support a negative reinforcement motivational profile as the predominant pattern in adult cannabis users, albeit with links to enhancement and social motives. This motivational profile is especially pronounced with regard to comorbid psychopathology and cannabis misuse. These results support the importance of treatment strategies targeting maladaptive coping to address cannabis misuse and co-occurring psychopathology.
Hybrid feature selection method for SVM classification and its application for fault diagnosis of wear and peeling in journal bearing with a little muddy water using long-term real data
Authors: Yilin TU , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Yabui Shota , Katayama Keiichi , Tomimatsu Shigeyuki
Published: August 2022

Rotating machines are widely used as components of various industries around the world, and its normal operation of rotating machines is important. Thus, condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of rotating machines have considerable attention in recent years. Industrial statistics illustrate that 40% of total large machine breakdowns happened due to broken bearings, while for small machines, the analogous number reaches up to 90%. This study aimed at researching fault diagnosis of journal bearings using the support vector machine (SVM) method. The experimental systems of vertical and horizontal rotating shafts were developed. There was no adding any initial artificial failure in the bearing, and a little muddy water was used, and long-term vibration data in both systems were obtained in the normal operation of the machines until bearing damages occurred in the journal bearing (3-hour tests were conducted repeatedly and total 128 datasets for vertical shaft and 24 datasets for horizontal shaft were obtained). A feature selection method is focused, and a hybrid feature selection method by combining Fisher score (FS) and a sequential forward selection (SFS) method was proposed. Its accuracy and efficiency was proved experimentally with 97.14% and 100% for vertical shaft and 100% for horizontal shaft. Furthermore, as a result of the SVM model and hybrid feature selection method, the most important feature for journal bearing of horizontal rotor system was clarified as mean value of RMS, and only this feature can give good diagnosis result. It is useful suggestion in selecting the features for the fault diagnosis of horizontal rotating machines.
Cost Analysis of Endoscopic Conduit Harvesting Technique Using a Non-Sealed System for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Rosati Fabrizio , Pervez Mohammad Bin , Palacios Camila Mayorga , Tomasi Cesare , Mastroiacovo Giorgio , Pirola Sergio , Bonomi Alice , Polvani Gianluca , Bisleri Gianluigi
Published: August 2022

Objective: Endoscopic vessel harvest (EVH) is evolving as the standard of care for coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the increase in upfront equipment-related costs has resulted in reluctance of uptake globally. We investigated the costs involving a non-sealed technique for EVH versus open vessel harvesting techniques (OVH) for both the greater saphenous vein and radial artery with a 6-month follow-up. Methods: From September 2016 to December 2018, 226 patients underwent OVH while 251 patients underwent EVH using a reusable non-sealed system and a single-use radiofrequency sealing system. Cumulative costs for OVH versus EVH were calculated as a summation of total operative and in-hospital stay costs. Costs related to harvest site complication management were also analyzed for up to 6 months. Results: Total operative costs were greater in the EVH group (Can$2,283.70 [Can$1,377.60 to $4,183.50] vs Can$1,742.40 [Can$998.50 to $3,628.10], P < 0.001). Total length of stay was significantly shorter for the EVH group (5.9 [4 to 43] days vs 6.8 [4 to 55] days, P = 0.018). Cumulative costs were comparable at the end of the hospitalization period (EVH, Can$6,534.70 [Can$2,076.50 to $33,087.70] vs OVH, Can$6,112.50 [Can$3,322.30 to $45,503.50], P = 0.06). After discharge, harvest site–related complications occurred more frequently in the OVH group (27% vs 4.4%, P < 0.001), resulting in increased use of antibiotics (2.2% vs 0.8%, P = 0.02) as well as more frequent requirement for home nursing assistance in the OVH group (5.7% vs 0.8%, P = 0.002) at 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Cumulative costs did not show a statistical difference between OVH and EVH, with higher intraoperative costs for EVH being offset by higher harvest site management costs in the OVH group.
Simplifying Mitral Valve Repair: A Guide to Neochordae Reconstruction
Authors: Montanhesi Paola Keese , Ghoneim Aly , Gelinas Jill , Chu Michael W. A.
Published: August 2022

Mitral valve reconstruction techniques using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures are associated with high repair rates and excellent durability but are dependent on accurate neochordae length estimates. Current strategies to determine the appropriate length of artificial neochordae commonly rely on nonphysiologic saline testing on the arrested heart, with erroneous lengths resulting in residual mitral regurgitation. We present a guide for reproducible and accurate neochordae reconstruction based upon transesophageal echocardiographic measurements, which simplifies mitral repair for most patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation and can be used in conventional or minimally invasive approaches.
Nonresident Fathers’ Voice: Marginalized, Disempowered, and Silenced
Authors: Violi Dominic , Kwok Cannas , Lewis Peter , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: August 2022

Nonresident fathers, following separation/divorce, are more likely to experience multiple forms of family types simultaneously than any other sociodemographic group. Although there is considerable writing on the factors and issues surrounding nonresident fathers from academics, the Family court, the Child Support Agency, and women’s and welfare groups, the voice of nonresident fathers themselves is rarely heard. This is due to nonresident fathers being marginalized, disempowered, and silenced by these same entities. The voice of nonresident fathers is routinely minimized, dismissed, and labeled as anti-feminist or a backlash to feminism. This opinion piece argues that there is a need for qualitative research to be undertaken to investigate, document, and explore nonresident fathers’ voices from their own perspective to hear what they have to say of themselves so that a better understanding of the dynamics that impact and influence them can be achieved. This would mean that actions can be identified and undertaken to better understand nonresident fathers’ situation while providing insights for the development of social policies by Government and Welfare agencies together with support care for nonresident fathers highlighting their desires and needs.
Uzbekistan and South Korea relations in the contests of transregional and global perspectives
Authors: Rakhimov Mirzokhid
Published: August 2022

The main objective of the paper is analyzing bilateral and multilateral relations in the economy, policy, migration, security, technology, transport communication, and cultural exchange between Central Asia and Uzbekistan with Republic of Korea. Based interdisciplinary approach and comparative study it was elaborated status, challenges, and perspectives of South Korean–Uzbekistan relations. The Central Asian partnership with the Republic of Korea has been strengthened and the countries of the region consider South Korea as a highly developed state, occupying one of the leading places in the Asia-Pacific region. Central Asia for Korea, in turn, is an important region with huge natural and energy resources, potential for mutually beneficial investment projects and a large export market. Over years, the directions of partnership between the Republic of Korea and Uzbekistan have significantly expanded both within the framework of bilateral and multilateral formats, and today they cover almost all major areas. However, there are also many problems including the lack of land transport links between them, which affects the cost and timing of delivery of transported goods. South Korea has a strongly positive image in Central Asia. Like other countries of region, Uzbekistan strongly support South Korean aim at preserving and strengthening peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. Implementation of joint projects aimed at the formation of common transport and communication, energy and production networks on the Eurasian continent, can contribute to the revival of the Great Silk Road in modern realities with the restoration of direct railway and road connections of the Korean peninsula with the countries of Central Asia and other states of the continent. Also, it is necessary to develop optimal models for connecting the Korea-Central Asia with other projects and mechanisms of multilateral cooperation operating in the region, such as TRACECA and the EU Strategy, Belt and Road, Central Asia + Japan, India-Central Asia etc.
A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework of Biophilic Design Parameters in Clinical Environments
Authors: Tekin Bekir Huseyin , Corcoran Rhiannon , Gutiérrez Rosa Urbano
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To provide a live-experience knowledge base about biophilic design parameters and environmental features to inform policy and design in clinical therapeutic environments.

Background:

It is increasingly important to review hospital design to make the best use of the affordances of natural elements in supporting both patients’ and staff’s physical and psychological well-being. The biophilic design theory provides an appropriate design approach. However, current biophilic design frameworks fail to provide efficiently standardized guidance. This systematic review aims to examine the experience of hospital users (patients and staff) with a view to informing a standardized biophilic design framework to improve future design in this context.

Methods:

This study performed a review and synthesis of nine studies identified using systematic procedures focusing on biophilic design features in healthcare environments.

Results:

The study identified a selection of biophilic parameters specifically relevant to this building typology, according to three different user groups: outpatients (fresh air, light-daylight, thermal comfort, welcoming and relaxing), inpatients (feeling relaxed and comfortable, prospect refuge, security and protection, light-daylight, view), and staff (privacy-refuge, quietness).

Conclusions:

The systematically identified studies helped to identify and rank the biophilic design parameters that appear the most critical for promoting and supporting human health and well-being in clinical therapeutic environments from the user’s perspective. It also provides an up-to-date compilation of crucial design interventions related to biophilic parameters and as such provides benchmark information for future research and design guidance in these environments.
Practical microscopic neuroanatomy of the limbic system and basal forebrain identifiable on clinical 3T MRI
Authors: Vattoth Surjith , Mariya Sheza
Published: August 2022

Microscopic neuroanatomy of limbic system and basal forebrain on MRI is complex and is a terra incognita for many radiologists, clinicians, and neuroscientists. Interestingly, most of the important structures/at least anatomical regions containing these structures demonstrable on cadaveric and surgical dissections can be identified on clinical MRI, with 3T being much better than 1.5T. This article teaches the practical MRI identification of these structures which will greatly help in evaluating complex ailments like temporal lobe epilepsy, Alzheimer dementia, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. This knowledge will also aid in accurate reporting of tumor spread along the white matter fasciculi in the temporal stem/basal forebrain region. Limbic system includes the mesial temporal structures and their connections, piriform cortex including “area tempestas,” and the septal area comprising of subcallosal area and paraterminal gyrus. Basal forebrain includes structures like substantia innominata with basal nucleus of Meynert, diagonal gyrus/diagonal band of Broca, and nucleus accumbens lying in between the anterior perforated substance inferiorly and the anterior commissure superiorly.
Spatial heterogeneity and differential treatment response of acute myeloid leukemia and relapsed/refractory extramedullary disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Kunadt Desiree , Herold Sylvia , Poitz David , Wagenführ Lisa , Kretschmann Theresa , Sockel Katja , Ruhnke Leo , Brückner Stefan , Sommer Ulrich , Meier Frieder , Röllig Christoph , von Bonin Malte , Thiede Christian , Schetelig Johannes , Bornhäuser Martin , Stölzel Friedrich
Published: August 2022

Although extramedullary manifestations (EMs) are frequent in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), they are often not detected during clinical workup and neither imaging- nor molecularly based diagnostic strategies are established to reveal their existence. Still, the detection of EM is essential for therapeutic decision-making, as EM present with aggressive and resistant disease and since mutational profiling might render patients within a different risk category, requiring personalized therapeutic strategies. Here, we report the case of an AML patient presenting with AML bone marrow (BM) infiltration and molecularly distinct EM at time of diagnosis followed by multiple EM relapses while undergoing several intensive chemotherapies including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantations (alloHCTs). 18Fluorodesoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET)-imaging revealed EM sites in the mediastinum, duodenum, skin, and in retroperitoneal tissue, whereas recurrent BM biopsies showed continuous cytomorphologic and cytogenetic remission after alloHCT. To investigate the molecular background of the aggressive character of extramedullary disease and its differential treatment response, we performed amplicon-based next generation sequencing. An exon 4 (c.497_498insGA) frameshift RUNX1 mutation was exclusively found in all of the patient’s EM sites, but not in the BM or in peripheral blood samples at time of EM reoccurrence. In addition, we detected an exon 13 (c.3306G>T) ASXL1 point mutation only in the retroperitoneal tumor tissue at the time of the fourth relapse. In contrast to the patient’s intermediate-risk BM AML at diagnosis according to ELN2017, EM sites showed molecular adverse-risk features implicating intensified strategies like cellular therapies. Notably, disease relapse could only be detected by imaging throughout the course of disease. This case demonstrates both the necessity of continuous molecular profiling of EM to reveal differential molecular composition of EM and BM-derived AML, supposedly leading to divergent susceptibility to established therapies, as well as recurrent 18FDG-PET-imaging for detecting residual disease and assessment of treatment response in case of EM AML.
Ankle brachial indices and anaerobes: is peripheral arterial disease associated with anaerobic bacteria in diabetic foot ulcers?
Authors: Cheong J.Z. Alex , Irvine Jessica M. , Roesemann Shane , Nora Anna , Morgan Courtney E. , Daniele Christopher , Kalan Lindsay R. , Brennan Meghan B.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Lower extremity amputations from diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are rebounding, and new biomarkers that predict wound healing are urgently needed. Anaerobic bacteria have been associated with persistent ulcers and may be a promising biomarker beyond currently recommended vascular assessments. It is unknown whether anaerobic markers are simply a downstream outcome of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and ischemia, however. Here, we evaluate associations between two measures of anaerobic bacteria—abundance and metabolic activity—and PAD.

Methods:

We built a prospective cohort of 37 patients with baseline ankle brachial index (ABI) results. Anaerobic bacteria were measured in two ways: DNA-based total anaerobic abundance using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and resulting summed relative abundance, and RNA-based metabolic activity based on bacterial read annotation of metatranscriptomic sequencing. PAD was defined three ways: PAD diagnosis, ABI results, and a dichotomous definition of mild ischemia ( versus normal) based on ABI values. Statistical associations between anaerobes and PAD were evaluated using univariate odds ratios (ORs) or Spearman’s correlations.

Results:

Total anaerobe abundance was not significantly associated with PAD diagnosis, ABI results, or mild ischemia (ORPAD = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.023–7.23, p = 0.60; Spearman’s correlation coefficientABI = 0.24, p = 0.17; ORmild ischemia = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.005–5.86, p = 0.42). Anaerobic metabolic activity was not significantly associated with PAD diagnosis, ABI results, or mild ischemia (ORPAD = 1.99, 95% CI = 0.17–21.44, p = 0.57; Spearman’s correlation coefficientABI = 0.12, p = 0.52; ORmild ischemia = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.03–15.16, p = 0.94).

Conclusion:

Neither anaerobic abundance nor metabolic activity was strongly associated with our three definitions of PAD. Therefore, anaerobic bacteria may offer additional prognostic value when assessing wound healing potential and should be investigated as potential molecular biomarkers for DFU outcomes.
Digitization in health-related self-help – Results of an online survey among self-help organizations in Germany
Authors: Nickel Stefan , Bremer Katharina , Dierks Marie-Luise , Haack Marius , Wittmar Silke , Borgetto Bernhard , Kofahl Christopher
Published: August 2022

Background

Nowadays, much hope and expectations are associated with digitization in the health sector. The digital change also affects health-related self-help. A nationwide survey of self-help organizations (SHOs) aimed to show chances and limitations in the use of interactive IT tools like webforums, online meetings or social media as well as digital infrastructures for their organizational management. In this survey, we also determined whether SHO staff themselves have support and qualification needs with regard to this topic.

Design

The online survey was conducted between 14 November and 8 December 2019, i.e., immediately before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions consisting of 180 single items which could be answered in 30–40 min. After two reminder letters, 119 questionnaires of the SHOs were gathered and analysed.

Results

SHOs already have a lot of experience with digital media/tools (e.g., own homepage, social media, cloud computing). Some tools are attested a “high” or “very high” benefit by more than 80% of users. Perceived benefits, however, are also facing a number of problems, ranging from lack of resources to data protection issues. Despite, or even because of the limits of digitization, there is great desire and need for support and further training in SHOs (and self-help groups).

Conclusions

At many points in the survey it was shown that digital media can be a useful extension of “traditional” collective self-help. Taking into account the risks and limitations associated with digital tools, SHOs can be central stakeholders in digitization in health-related self-help.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study was financially supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany. A detailed representation of the results is publicly available at: https://www.uke.de/dish .
Toward Symmetry: An Assessment of Stockholder Communication Practices in South Africa
Authors: Makwambeni Blessing , Matsika Brighton
Published: August 2022

Investor Relations (IR) has gained prominence globally and is now considered to be a major contributor to corporate value. For companies to thrive in the global environment, they need to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with their primary stakeholder, the stockholder. Consequently, scholars have argued that for IR to maximize its benefit to companies, the profession needs to shift from one-way asymmetrical communication to two-way symmetrical communication with stockholders. Although scholars have recommended this shift, there is a paucity of studies that have explored whether two-way symmetrical communication has been embraced in IR practice. Using the two-way symmetrical model of communication as its framework, and a qualitative methodology consisting of in depth interviews, documents analysis, and qualitative content analysis, this paper assessed how Investor Relations professionals in South Africa use communication to maintain relationships with stockholders. The findings of the study show that most IR professionals in South Africa are using what we term a bridged approach, consisting of one-way and two-way symmetrical communication, to maintain relationships with stockholders. Evidence gleaned from the study further indicates that the nature of communication between IR practitioners and stockholders has broadened beyond financial issues to include engagement on non-financial issues. These findings do not only show the existence of a paradigm shift in IR practice in South Africa, they also suggest the need by IR as a field to maintain constant dialogue with Public Relations theory.
The Status and Limits to Aspirations of Minorities in the South Caucasus States
Authors: Bishku Michael B.
Published: August 2022

This is an examination of the historical background and demographic composition of minorities in the three South Caucasus states—Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia—as well as a survey of their current status and limits to aspirations of those ethnic groups. It utilizes Sammy Smooha’s concept of ethnic democracy: “a system in which two contradictory principles operate: ‘the democratic principle,’ making for equal rights and equal treatment of all citizens, and ‘the ethnic principle,’ making for fashioning a homogenous nation-state and privileging the ethnic majority.” All of the countries examined fit that category in principle given their respective Constitutions, but Azerbaijan unlike its two neighbors has an autocratic system of government eliminating itself in terms of practice. Armenia is the most homogenous of the three states, while Georgia has the most diverse population. Yet all have numerous minorities living within their borders as well as having ethnic brethren in neighboring countries; dealing with those groups has been problematic to various degrees. Georgia has lost territory—Abkhazia and South Ossetia—to secessionist minorities aided by Russia, while Armenia and Azerbaijan have engaged in war over Nagorno-Karabakh, while driving out of their respective countries either Azerbaijanis or Armenians.
Income Inequality in College Enrollment and Degree Attainment During and After the Great Recession Years
Authors: Klugman Joshua , Arteta Genesis D. , Lee Jennifer C.
Published: August 2022

Prior research using the Current Population Surveys (CPS) documents a dramatic equalization in U.S. college enrollments based on family income starting in 2014. However, the measurement of income for independent young adults is problematic; we correct for this by imputing their incomes. We complement our reanalysis of CPS data with data from the Panel Study for Income Dynamics-Transition into Adulthood (PSID-TA). Both data sets show moderate, nonsignificant reductions in the income gap in college enrollments for cohorts coming of age during and after the Recession. Extending the CPS analysis to examine inequalities during the COVID pandemic, we show more or less unchanged inequalities for the cohort coming of age in 2020. Using the PSID-TA to examine degree attainment, we again find stable income inequalities in obtaining any degree and a bachelor’s degree for pre-Recession and Recession-era cohorts.