bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Mixed Methods in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders Intervention Research
Authors: Conroy Maureen , Houchins David , Hitchcock John , Anderson Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Increasingly, mixed methods research (MMR) is used in special education, although the extent to which MMR is used in intervention research in the field of emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) remains unknown. The purpose of this article is to examine the use of MMR in EBD intervention research to describe its application within the field. We conducted a targeted review of two prominent journals to assess the use of MMR over the last 20 years in the field. Following the identification of MMR intervention studies, we applied several frameworks to describe the application of MMR across identified studies. Results of this targeted review indicate that very few EBD intervention studies used MMR. Most studies used singular quantitative approaches (e.g., group experimental or single case research design) and only a small portion used qualitative methods. We did find a number of studies using multimethods by combining two or more quantitative approaches. Our assertion is that researchers consider increasing their use of MMR to advance the science in the field of EBD and to gain a better understanding of the “why” and “how” interventions are or are not effective.
Founder-CEOS’ procedural fairness: How and when it matters to new venture ambidexterity
Authors: Huo Yuanyuan , Wei Li-Qun , Ling Yan , Chang Song , Lin Hao-Chieh
Published: March 2023

Different from the typical research about procedural fairness that focuses on lower level leaders and its influence on non-managerial teams, we pay particular attention to founder-CEOs’ procedural fairness. To investigate whether and how founder-CEOs’ procedural fairness could help to promote new ventures’ competitiveness, we first link this leadership quality to new ventures’ ambidexterity and propose new venture team members’ advice-seeking behavior as a mediator. We next predict that this indirect benefit is moderated by environmental dynamism, since the association between founder-CEOs’ procedural fairness and new venture teams’ advice-seeking behavior can be lessened when environmental dynamism is not high. Results based on a multi-sourced and time-lagged survey of founder-CEOs and all new venture team members in 92 Chinese new ventures support our predictions. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications.
Shielding performances of short carbon fibers and tungsten particles reinforced benzoxazine resin matrix composites
Authors: Daham Abbas , Zegaoui Abdeldjalil , Derradji Mehdi , Khan Gorar Athar Ali , Wang Jun , Tian Bo , Pan Zhong-Cheng , Liu Wen-Bin , Moussa Zaoui
Published: March 2023

This present investigation reports, for the first time, the properties of the polybenzoxazine bio-based furfurylamine reinforced using the hybrid short carbon fibers and tungsten particles. The results revealed good compatibility between the matrix and the filers using scanning electron microscopy, due to the use of the silane treatment that led to enhanced interfacial bonding. In addition, the mechanical data disclosed that the bending and impact values were respectively increased to 210 MPa and 9 KJ/m2 for the composites containing 20%wt of the short carbon fibers and 20%wt tungsten particles. The hybrid composite shielding properties were evaluated using the cobalt-60 as an irradiation source, and the nuclear results depicted that the half-value length and the tenth-value length were increased as compared to those of the pure polymers. Based on the thermal stability studies, the reinforced hybrid composites also showed excellent thermal resistance.
Feasibility of a Modified Otago Exercise Program for Older Adults With Cognitive Vulnerability
Authors: Mangione Kathleen K. , Darreff Hope , Welsh McKenna , Ni Weihong , Wolff Edward , Booth Julie T. , Glenney Susan S. , Fortinsky Richard H.
Published: March 2023

Cognitive vulnerability, that is, clinically significant symptoms of dementia, depression, or delirium, puts older adults at high risk for physical inactivity and falls. Programs addressing activity and falls are needed. The purpose was to determine feasibility of an in-home, modified, Otago Exercise Program (OEP) for those with cognitive vulnerability, based on acceptability (retention and adherence), safety (pain intensity and falls), and potential positive effects (change in short physical performance battery (SPPB)). This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial included 80 participants who received the OEP; 64 completed it, 48% had depression, 22% had dementia, and 30% had a combination dementia/depression/delirium. Adherence to home exercise was low to moderate; pain was stable over 16 weeks; 31% of participants reported falls unrelated to OEP. SPPB increased from 6.95 to 7.74 ( p < .01); age by time and diagnosis by time interactions were not significant. The modified OEP shows promising feasibility for older adults with cognitive vulnerability.
“How Am I Supposed to Act?”: Adapting Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to Understand the Developmental Impacts of Multiple Forms of Violence
Authors: Flynn Kalen , Mathias Brenda
Published: March 2023

Experiences of and exposures to violence impact older adolescents and young adults in a myriad of ways. While typically conceptualized as interpersonal, other forms of violence, namely structural and symbolic, can be harmful to development for this population. This study utilized qualitative methodologies, including ethnographic field notes and interviews, to capture the ways in which 12 young persons aged 16 to 20 from Philadelphia experience and conceptualize multiple forms of violence across neighborhood contexts. In total, 85 interviews and over 100 hours of field observations were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from this study demonstrate that multiple forms of violence are experienced and impact how young adults make meaning of their life experiences. Importantly, our study explores how these forms of violence occur in tandem across contexts. Whereby, aspects of young adult development and well-being are shaped by violence across the micro, meso, and macro systems with which they interact. Implications of this work include adapting Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to include multiple forms of violence so that practitioners and researchers can better understand how forms of violence are enacted and the associated impacts on young adults.
For or Against Equal Pay? A Study of Common Perceptions
Authors: Sandnes Frode Eika , Örtenblad Anders , Bøhn Einar Duengen
Published: March 2023

The topic of equal pay usually sparks debates with diverse opinions ranging from those supporting equal pay to those that oppose equal pay. This study attempted to gather empirical data on how individuals perceive equal pay. A questionnaire was designed that probed the respondents’ perceptions of equal pay along 13 dimensions. The respondents were recruited in Norway and grouping analysis was performed according to several demographic factors. The results show that political affiliation, gender, and work union membership were the strongest predictors of standpoint regarding equal pay. The strongest associations with equal pay were observed for unfairness, communism, low realism, and demotivation. Small gender differences were also observed. We argue that data about common perceptions of equal pay is necessary to make informed adjustments to how work is rewarded, and resources distributed. How individuals are to be compensated for the cost of education was the most frequent reservation.
Educator Perspectives on Accessing Disability-Related Information and Resources
Authors: Lawrence Claire E. , Carter Erik W. , Lanchak Emily R. , McMillan Elise D.
Published: March 2023

Familiarity with local disability information and resources can impact the ways educators support students with disabilities and their families. We surveyed 462 educators regarding their awareness of and access to disability-related information and resources. Specifically, we examined (a) their familiarity with resources and services across multiple areas, (b) the sources of information they consider to be helpful in their work, and (c) the likelihood they would draw upon new resources designed to connect them to local information and resources. Overall, educators reported mixed familiarity with resources related to supporting important student experiences (e.g., having friends, being physically healthy, participating in recreational activities) and addressing key service needs (e.g., speech therapy, behavior supports, mental health care). Familiarity tended to be higher for resources related to student experiences than for service needs. Educators considered several sources of information to be most helpful in their work, including internet searches, fellow teachers or other school staff, and conferences or workshops. We address implications for teacher training programs, state-level educational leaders, and school districts.
Optimization of suspension of rail vehicles with coil springs using marine predators algorithm
Authors: Bižić Milan , Bulatović Radovan , Petrović Dragan
Published: March 2023

The topic of this paper is the usage of the algorithm of marine predator (MPA) in the optimization of the suspension of rail vehicles with coil springs. The aim is to reduce the mass of set of coil springs as the main parts of rail vehicles suspension. The optimized set of coil springs must satisfy the appropriate conditions related to the suspension characteristics, with the aim of achieving the required operation quality and running security of the observed rail vehicle. Starting from the bi-linear characteristic of rail vehicles suspension and the analytical description of its parameters, an optimization problem is formulated. It is composed of six optimization parameters, an objective function and 16 constraints (eight for each coil spring in the set). The developed approach is applied in two specific examples of suspension optimization of four-axled freight wagons, the first with axle load of 200 kN and the second with axle load of 225 kN. The optimization problem is resolved using MPA. The acquired results showed that the given optimization approach with MPA provide a significant mass decrease compared to conventional design method of rail vehicles suspension with coil springs. The mass decrease of one set of coil springs in both examples is about 15.5%. Given that each considered four-axled freight wagon has 16 sets of coil springs, the decrease of the total coil springs mass per wagon in both examples is more than 60 kg. Since certified rail vehicles are commonly produced in large series, the proposed approach can be very significant for increasing profitability in the rail vehicles industry.
Planar parallel manipulators: A review on kinematic, dynamic, and control aspects
Authors: Choudhury Rutupurna , Singh Yogesh
Published: March 2023

The present paper is about a detailed review of planar parallel manipulators. Planar parallel manipulators have three degrees of freedom, one linear motion along the X-direction, one linear motion along the Y-direction, and one rotation about the Z-axis (θ-motion). Planar parallel manipulators have gained huge popularity because of their larger payload capability, higher stiffness, and agility when compared to serial manipulators. Therefore, the application of planar parallel manipulators is exponentially increasing in various fields like manufacturing, medical, automobile, security surveillance, etc. This paper presents the history of the development of planar parallel manipulators till date and the numerous successful applications of planar parallel manipulators in different fields such as industries, academic institution, medical, etc. The theory of the development of the planar parallel manipulators are based on the major categories such as novel design, optimized design, redundant designs, kinematic and dynamic modeling aspects of the planar parallel manipulators, and control schemes used for the control of the planar parallel manipulators. The kinematic and dynamic performance analyses of the planar parallel manipulators used for different applications are discussed and presented here. The singularity analysis of the planar parallel manipulators, which are the very important aspect to define the working area of the manipulators, is discussed and presented here. Moreover, the present paper elaborated in details about the control schemes proposed, developed, and implemented by past researchers to control the planar parallel manipulators for the different application and presented its effectiveness, which can help the future control problems coming across the planar parallel manipulators. Furthermore, the present paper addresses the increasing demand for planar parallel manipulators in various fields and their in-depth research and extended applications, including intelligent control, smart actuators implementation, and reconfigurable and integrated design and development.
Research on internal flow characteristics of the labyrinth disc regulating valve
Authors: Jin Haozhe , Tang Kemeng , Duan Aaoqiang , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Chao
Published: March 2023

As a new type of multi-stage high-performance regulating valve, the labyrinth disc regulating valve takes advantage of the labyrinth channel on the sleeve disc to dissipate the high-pressure differential energy into the multi-stage throttling flow resistance. It can effectively prevent the failure problems such as erosion, cavitation, and noise caused by extreme working conditions such as the high-pressure differential, high-speed flow, and high temperature. In order to study the flow characteristics of the fluid inside a new type of labyrinth disc-type regulating valve in the thermal power process, an experiment on the pressure reduction characteristics of a double-entrance labyrinth flow channel was carried out. Firstly, an experimental device was designed and built, and then the pressure drop values of each horizontal flow channel were measured and compared with the numerical simulation results to verify the accuracy of the numerical model. Aiming at the actual working conditions of the labyrinth disc regulating valve in thermal power generation applications, the Realizable k-- turbulence model and the mixture multiphase flow model are combined with the Zwart-Gerber-Belamri cavitation model to clarify the flow characteristics and cavitation of the incompressible medium water in the labyrinth flow channel inside the labyrinth disc regulating valve and the flow characteristics of a double-entrance labyrinth flow channel under different opening degrees.
Factors associated with lifetime HIV testing among women in four Southeast Asian countries: Evidence from the demographic and health surveys
Authors: Khin Soe Ohnmar , Hone San , Lin Chunqing , Comulada W Scott , Detels Roger , Lee Sung-Jae
Published: March 2023

Background

Southeast Asian countries have been trying to increase HIV testing coverage of women since awareness of HIV status is essential to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This study determined factors related to lifetime HIV testing uptake among women aged 15–49 years in four Southeast Asian countries: Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from the 2015–16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), the 2014 Cambodia DHS, the 2017 Philippines National DHS and the 2016 Timor-Leste DHS. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with lifetime HIV testing among women aged 15–49 years who completed the surveys in each country and ran a fixed effects logistic regression model using pooled data.

Results

The proportions of lifetime HIV testing uptake among women aged 15–49 years were 42.1% in Cambodia, 19.5% in Myanmar, 4.6% in the Philippines, and 3.7% in Timor-Leste. Marital status, age, education, and wealth were significantly associated with lifetime HIV testing uptake among women in all four countries. Other factors (e.g., comprehensive knowledge of HIV, rural/urban residence, positive attitudes towards negotiation for safer sex) were also significant determinants of HIV testing uptake among women in some of these countries.

Conclusions

A multi-sectoral collaboration of related sectors and organizations is necessary to increase access to HIV testing and HIV knowledge of women to overcome the barriers to HIV testing. It is critical to make HIV testing services available and accessible to women, especially in rural areas.
Bayesian order constrained adaptive design for phase II clinical trials evaluating subgroup-specific treatment effect
Authors: Shan Mu , Guo Beibei , Liu Hao , Li Qian , Zang Yong
Published: March 2023

The “one-size-fits-all’’ paradigm is inappropriate for phase II clinical trials evaluating biotherapies, which are often expected to have substantial heterogeneous treatment effects among different subgroups defined by biomarker. For these biotherapies, the objective of phase II clinical trials is often to evaluate subgroup-specific treatment effects. In this article, we propose a simple yet efficient Bayesian adaptive phase II biomarker-guided design, referred to as the Bayesian-order constrained adaptive design, to detect the subgroup-specific treatment effects of biotherapies. The Bayesian order constrained adaptive design combines the features of the enrichment design and sequential design. It starts with a “all-comers” stage, and subsequently switches to an enrichment stage for either the marker-positive subgroup or marker-negative subgroup, depending on the interim analysis results. The go/no go enrichment criteria are determined by two posterior probabilities utilizing the inherent ordering constraint between two subgroups. We also extend the Bayesian-order constrained adaptive design to handle the missing biomarker situation. We conducted comprehensive computer simulation studies to investigate the operating characteristics of the Bayesian order constrained adaptive design, and compared it with other existing and conventional designs. The results shown that the Bayesian order constrained adaptive design yielded the best overall performance in detecting the subgroup-specific treatment effects by jointly considering the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the trials. The software for simulation and trial implementation are available for free download.
Copula graphic estimation of the survival function with dependent censoring and its application to analysis of pancreatic cancer clinical trial
Authors: Jo Jung Hyun , Gao Zhan , Jung Inkyung , Song Si Young , Ridder Geert , Moon Hyungsik Roger
Published: March 2023

In this article, we consider a survival function estimation method that may be suitable for analyses of clinical trials of cancer treatments whose prognosis is known to be poor such as pancreatic cancer treatment. Typically, these kinds of trials are not double-blind, and patients in the control group may drop out in more significant numbers than in the treatment group if their disease progresses (DP). If disease progression is associated with a higher risk of death, then censoring becomes dependent. To estimate the survival function with dependent censoring, we use copula-graphic estimation, where a parametric copula function is used to model the dependence in the joint survival function of the event and censoring time. In this article, we propose a novel method that one can use in choosing the copula parameter. As an application example, we estimate the survival function of the overall survival time of the KG4/2015 study, the phase 3 clinical trial of the efficacy of GV1001 as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. We provide both statistical and clinical pieces of evidence that support the violation of independent censoring. Applying the estimation method with dependent censoring, we obtain that the estimates of the median survival times are 339 days in the treatment group and 225.5 days in the control group. We also find that the estimated difference of the medians is 113.5 days, and the difference is statistically significant at the one-sided level with size 2.5[Formula: see text].
Partisanship and anti-elite worldviews as correlates of science and health beliefs in the multi-party system of Spain
Authors: Spälti Anna Katharina , Lyons Benjamin , Stoeckel Florian , Stöckli Sabrina , Szewach Paula , Mérola Vittorio , Stednitz Christine , López González Paola , Reifler Jason
Published: March 2023

In a national sample of 5087 Spaniards, we examine the prevalence of 10 specific misperceptions over five separate science and health domains (climate change, 5G technology, genetically modified foods, vaccines, and homeopathy). We find that misperceptions about genetically modified foods and general health risks of 5G technology are particularly widespread. While we find that partisan affiliation is not strongly associated with any of the misperceptions aside from climate change, we find that two distinct dimensions of an anti-elite worldview—anti-expert and conspiratorial mindsets—are better overall predictors of having science and health misperceptions in the Spanish context. These findings help extend our understanding of polarization around science beyond the most common contexts (e.g. the United States) and support recent work suggesting anti-elite sentiments are among the most important predictors of factual misperceptions.
Stem Cells: Recent Developments Redefining Epilepsy Therapy
Authors: Alayli Adam , Lockard Gavin , Gordon Jonah , Connolly Jacob , Monsour Molly , Schimmel Samantha , Dela Peña Ike , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: March 2023

The field of stem cell therapy is growing rapidly and hopes to offer an alternative solution to diseases that are historically treated medically or surgically. One such focus of research is the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy, which is traditionally approached from a surgical or interventional standpoint. Research shows that stem cell transplantation has potential to offer significant benefits to the epilepsy patient by reducing seizure frequency, intensity, and neurological deficits that often result from the condition. This review explores the basic science progress made on the topic of stem cells and epilepsy by focusing on experiments using animal models and highlighting the most recent developments from the last 4 years.
Private Expenditure on Education in India: National Level Analysis Exploring NSSO Survey (CES and SCE) Estimates
Authors: Motkuri Venkatanarayana , Revathi E.
Published: March 2023

Education being a public good calls for higher public investment. In India, there is a growing trend towards private expenditure on education. The present article examines the trends of private expenditure on education based on the NSSO-Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) and Social Consumption on Education (SC-E) survey estimates for the period 1986–1987 to 2017–2018. The analysis reveals the rising share of private expenditure on education in GDP and total household consumption expenditure (HCE) indicating its faster growth over GDP and/or HCE. There is a positive association between income level and per capita private expenditure on education. In the case of bottom economic strata, per capita private expenditure on education and its share in their total HCE is rising faster. The ratio of per capita private expenditure on education of the top 10% to the bottom 10% is high but decreasing over time, indicating lower economic strata are spending a higher proportion of their income on education vis-à-vis upper economic strata.
Evaluation of Virtual Reality High-Fidelity Adult Mannequin-based Simulation of Real-Life Clinical Scenarios in Teaching Clinical Pharmacology to Medical Students
Authors: Gudadappanavar Anupama M. , Hombal Prashant , Benni Jyoti M. , Patel Sachin , Tubaki Basavaraj R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Presently, competency-based medical (CBME) curriculum challenges the medical educators to provide continuing education with new approaches to make learning more stimulating, motivating, and entertaining, fostering excellence in clinical practice. To address these issues, educators have advocated the use of virtual reality and mannequins to teach clinical pharmacology.

Objectives

To study the effect, perception, and feedback of virtual reality high-fidelity adult mannequin-based (VHFM) simulation of real-life clinical scenarios over conventional tutorials in teaching clinical pharmacology to medical students.

Material and Methods

An interventional study was designed for 2nd year MBBS students for a period of 6 months. The enrolled students were randomly assigned to the test group (VHFM) or control group (tutorials). The CAE Healthcare Ltd. maestro, high-fidelity prehospital mannequin (APOLLO) was used in the test group. Three sessions consisting of six different cases were discussed, and multiple-choice questions (MCQs)-based pre-test, post–test, and retest after a month were conducted in both groups and compared. The perception and feedback of faculty and students were obtained by using a modified and revalidated questionnaire.

Results

The test group outperformed the control group ( p <.001) in all sessions based on pre-test, post-test, and retest scores, and within-group comparisons revealed significant improvements in both groups. Students’ perceptions and feedback regarding VHFM were more enthusiastic and promising than in the tutorial group.

Conclusions

VHFM is student-centered, provides an active learning environment, and aids in skill development. We strongly suggest VHFM-based learning as a complement to traditional teaching strategies in pharmacology, especially for teaching clinical reasoning to medical students.
Job search intentions and job attainment are self-regulated: Prospective analysis of the effects of self-efficacy, self-consciousness and core self-evaluations
Authors: Fort Isabelle , Lheureux Florent , Auzoult Laurent
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the present study was to extend the results of previous research exploring the paths between variables of the theory of planned behaviour and job attainment. The theory of planned behaviour assumes that attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy contribute to intention, which in turn determines behaviour and, finally, an outcome. Regarding job attainment, several moderators and several antecedents were identified, but the possible role of self-efficacy was neglected. In addition to examining its role, we also consider one of its possible antecedent (i.e. core self-evaluations) and whether private self-consciousness moderates the path between job search self-efficacy and job search intention. Scales measuring these variables were administered to a sample of 141 jobseekers, including 57 men and 84 women, most of them being between 45 and 54 years ( n = 42) or between 35 and 44 years ( n = 34). Results corroborate that core self-evaluations are related to job search self-efficacy and that private self-consciousness moderates the path between job search self-efficacy and job search intention, but in an unexpected way. Core self-evaluations are also directly related to job attainment. Results are discussed with reference to the literature and their practical implications.
The impact of future work self on perceived employability and career distress
Authors: Li Hui , Ngo Hang-yue , Chui Hazel
Published: March 2023

Future work self is a promising concept to understand how young people view and plan their careers in the contemporary workplace. In this study, we attempt to investigate its impacts on two career-related outcomes, namely, perceived employability and career distress. Informed by social cognitive career theory, we also explore the mediating role of career decision self-efficacy in the above relationships. Several hypotheses were developed and tested with a sample of 208 final-year undergraduate students (with a mean age of 21.5 and 145 of them are female) in China. The results of structural equation modeling and bootstrapping indicated that future work self has a positive relationship with perceived employability and a negative relationship with career distress, while these relationships are found to be mediated by career decision self-efficacy. Our study has advanced our understanding about how future work self contributes to career-related well-being among Chinese students.
Narrative potential and career counseling under quantity, quality, and mixed interventions: An emphasis on university students
Authors: Kaliris Andronikos , Issari Philia , Mylonas Kostas
Published: March 2023

Although robust evidence has been accumulating over the last decades supporting the effectiveness of career counseling in various populations, yet there are scarce conceptual or empirical studies investigating the impact of distinct approaches, such as traditional-“psychometric,” narrative, or a mixed (integrative) one. The primary aim of this paper is to make a contribution in the field, providing a synthetic overview of contemporary research findings regarding the effectiveness of narrative and mixed career counseling approaches with a special focus on university students. The recent trend of utilizing mixed approaches in career assessment and intervention is also emphasized in the article, suggesting they may have a great potential in helping young adults advance meaning-making about career and life design. Finally, a discussion of both benefits and challenges relating to narrative and mixed interventions along with recommendations for extending research in the area of assessing career interventions’ effectiveness for university students is provided.
Computerized Suicide Prevention Clinical Training Simulations: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bornheimer Lindsay A. , Li Verdugo Juliann , Humm Laura , Steacy Chris , Krasnick Julie , Goldstein Grumet Julie , Aikens James E. , Gold Katherine J. , Hiltz Barbara , Smith Matthew J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Mental health providers are well-positioned to engage in suicide prevention efforts, yet implementation depends on skill acquisition and providers often report feeling underprepared. This pilot study explored the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of three suicide prevention-focused simulations with virtual clients. Method: Students ( n = 22) were recruited from a Master of Social Work program, completed pre- and post-test surveys, and engaged with three simulated trainings: (1) suicide risk assessment, (2) safety planning, and (3) motivating a client to treatment. Results: Simulations were reported to be acceptable and feasible, with strong student desire and need for greater suicide prevention training. We observed significant improvements over time in clinical skills via simulated training scores and perceptions of clinical preparedness. Discussion: Preliminary findings indicate simulated training with virtual clients is promising and suggest the three suicide prevention simulations may be useful, scalable, and effective in social work training programs and beyond.
Perspectives on How to Implement Developmental Screening and Intervention for Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hoyt Catherine R. , Erickson Jeni , Luo Lingzi , Varughese Taniya , Han Tara , Housten Ashley J. , King Allison A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder, are at increased risk of developmental delays but are not routinely referred to Early Intervention (EI). The study aimed to understand the need for and acceptability and feasibility of screening and providing EI services to children with SCD. Methods: Eleven EI partners and eight caregivers of children aged 3 to 5 years with SCD completed semi-structured interviews and short surveys. Results: Three main themes emerged from interviews and surveys: (a) awareness of disparities and moderate caregiver knowledge of child development, (b) high acceptability of screening for EI, and (c) the need for partner education to increase buy-in and feasibility of potential programming. Conclusion: Partners identified a clear need for EI screening and referral for children with SCD and indicated that a future program would be acceptable and feasible. However, education and incentives are needed to encourage providers to change current practice patterns.
Impact on Caregiver Burden Experienced by Informal Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia When Supported by a Palliative Care Doula
Authors: Lentz Judy
Published: March 2023

The incidence of dementia is increasing rapidly with nearly 7 million currently and projected to triple by 2050. As of 2020, there are 53 million informal caregivers. Twenty-four percent of these informal caregivers are caring for persons living with dementia. Informal caregivers experience an exorbitant amount of stress and strain causing decreased quality of life and less energy to provide the care needed as well as personal health issues. Predictions of increased incidence of dementia, as well as concerns for shortages of informal caregiver availability make the concern for caregiver burden a critical issue. Decreasing caregiver burden is a goal of intervention. The palliative care doula (PCD) provides one possible intervention. This paper examines the psychometric measures of five different instruments intended to quantify the level of caregiver burden experienced with and without the intervention of a relationship with a PCD. The most appropriate tool to utilize is the Zarit Burden Interview-12 for this population. Further research is needed to provide pragmatic, patient centered outcomes that will address this public health caregiving crisis.
Screening for Sexual Health Concerns in Patients with Gynecologic Malignancy
Authors: Vetter Valerie J.
Published: March 2023

Individuals living with gynecologic cancer frequently experience sexual health problems, although these issues are often not addressed by the medical team. This article offers an overview of different tools available to evaluate sexual health in patients with cancer, and more specifically, gynecologic cancer. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed® search engine. Article titles and abstracts were reviewed for relevancy, with four screening tools ultimately selected for further evaluation. Tools discussed include the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Sexual Health Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SH22), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual function – Vaginal Changes Questionnaire (SVQ), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System ® Sexual Function and Satisfaction (PROMIS ® SexFS). While all measurement tools reviewed offer strengths and limitations, this article posits that the PROMIS ® SexFS offers the most promise for both research and clinical use in this population.
Classification of the Os Calcis Subtalar Morphology in Symptomatic Flexible Pediatric Pes Planus Deformity Using Weightbearing CT and Distance Mapping
Authors: Efrima Ben , Barbero Agustin , Ovadia Joshua E. , Indino Cristian , Maccario Camilla , Usuelli Federico Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Background:

The etiology of symptomatic pediatric pes planus (PP) deformity is unclear. Reduced os calcis subtalar joint (OCST) anterior facet morphology has been suggested to result in less support to the talar head and a higher propensity to develop PP deformity. Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) and distance mapping (DM) offer new opportunities to investigate PP deformity in general and the OCST specifically. The purpose of this study is to investigate the OCST morphology using DM and to classify PP subtalar subtypes with DM using Bruckner’s A-D classification system.

Methods

Forty feet in 25 patients in a national referral center were evaluated for symptomatic PP deformity that failed nonoperative treatment. A WBCT scan was performed as part of the preoperative evaluation. Visualization of the distance distribution between the articulating surfaces of the subtalar joint was based on a DM technique. Intra- and interobserver agreement of the subtalar morphology was assessed using Bruckner’s classification system.

Results:

The mean age was 10.7 ± 1.4 years. The following mean ± SD and median ± ranges were semiautomatically measured for this group: Meary angle −21 ± 8, calcaneal inclination 15 ± 4 degrees, talar coverage angle 39 (range 32.6-49) degrees, and hindfoot moment-arm 16 ± 5 mm. Classifying subtalar morphology using DM yielded an excellent intra- and interobserver agreement. The individual percentages of each individual subtype were calculated: type A 5%, type B 48%, type C 4%, and type D in 44%.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreement in classifying the OCST using DM. A higher prevalence of types B and D was observed compared to types A and C in this PP cohort.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective study.
Information Architects: Using Community-Engaged and Qualitative Methods to Design a Technology-Based Nutrition and Cancer Risk Intervention for Rural Adults
Authors: Vilaro Melissa J. , McAlindon Kathryn , Mertens Gillian , Ashley Taylor , Zalake Mohan , Cooks Eric J. , Krieger Janice L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Nearly half of all cancer deaths are preventable through modification or avoidance of key risk factors. As such, there is a growing urgency to identify effective, low-resource, and scalable technologies that support clinical care and patient self-management of health behaviors.

Purpose

Informed by theories of cognitive load and user-centered design approaches, we develop a culturally tailored, multicomponent digital intervention to engage rural adults between 50-73 years old with their personalized nutrition risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention.

Method

A total of 48 adults tested a Virtual Health Assistant (VHA) prototype during focus groups in individual think-aloud interviews to facilitate iterative adaptations to a web-based CRC prevention intervention. Qualitative data was analyzed to identify user needs and preferences related to information and with a focus on avoiding cognitive overload.

Results

The VHA serves as a conceptual pre-training for users helping them understand CRC prevention key concepts and engendering motivation to act on the promoted behavior. A website was identified as a strategy to fill information gaps and present actionable information, after the VHA interaction. Cognitive load reducing strategies were used including segmenting where information is presented in learner-controlled segments rather than continuously.

Conclusions

Findings indicate potential benefits of designing CRC prevention information technologies with the rural older adults. Integrating patient-centered needs before launching health information web content will be important as the rapid growth of telemedicine aims to reach traditionally marginalized and underserved populations. Theoretically informed considerations for potential adverse outcomes (eg, information overload) are discussed.
Performance evaluation of an improved non-singular sliding mode attitude control of a perturbed quadrotor: Experimental validation
Authors: Hassani Hamid , Mansouri Anass , Ahaitouf Ali
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new control scheme, that combines the Super-Twisting (ST) algorithm with the Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control (NTSMC), is adopted to robustly stabilize the quadrotor attitude while compensating for the impact of uncertainties/perturbations. The main merit of the proposed ST-NTSMC is to take advantage of the robustness and chattering avoidance allowed by the ST algorithm and the finite-time convergence, the fast transitions, and the high trajectory tracking accuracy allowed by the NTSMC algorithm. Lyapunov criterion is used to analyze the closed-loop stability of the proposed ST-NTSMC controller. Experimental tests are conducted on a quadrotor prototype under various flight conditions in order to test and evaluate the performance of the new controller. Comparisons with multiple linear and nonlinear controllers are also performed to highlight the outperformance of the suggested approach. Experimental results demonstrate the high performance of the developed controller in terms of tracking accuracy, robustness, and chattering reduction.
CT measurements of tracheal diameter and length in normocephalic cats
Authors: Zimmermann Jeannette , Brunner Anna , Underberg Julius , Vincenti Simona
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to measure the tracheal dimensions of normocephalic cats using CT.

Methods

CT images of 15 client-owned normocephalic cats were retrospectively evaluated to measure the length of the feline trachea. Transverse and vertical inner diameters were measured in five different tracheal regions, and the cross-sectional area of the tracheal lumen was calculated for each point of measurement. Descriptive statistics were applied using a two-tailed t-test.

Results

The mean ± SD length of the trachea was 125.13 ± 14.41 mm. Male cats had significantly larger tracheas than female cats. The transverse diameter first increased by 0.94 mm between the most cranial point of measurement and the middle of the trachea. It then decreased by 1.38 mm between the middle of the trachea and the most caudal point of measurement. The vertical diameter decreased by 1.16 mm between the first point of measurement and the penultimate point, and then increased by 0.06 mm between the penultimate point of measurement and the end of the trachea. The two different diameters resulted in an elliptical trachea shape.

Conclusions and relevance

The feline trachea was circular only at its cranial and caudal ends, and elliptical with a dorsoventral flattening along the rest of its length. Vertical and transverse diameters varied along the entire length. Tracheal shape differences should be considered when performing permanent tracheostomy, tracheal anastomosis or stenting in cats.
Micropolar lubricant effects on the performance of partial journal bearings
Authors: Sharma Sanyam , Lambha Sanjeev , Mittal Vinod , Verma Rajiv
Published: March 2023

Present work deals with the computation of static performance of partial journal bearing, operated with micropolar lubricant. The non-dimensional Reynolds equation governs the lubricant flow in clearance space and finite element method is used to solve it. Static characteristics including bearing load capacity, attitude angle, friction force, friction factor, and side flow are presented. Input parameters are chosen such as partial angles 120° and 180° and a width-diameter ratio (1.0), for a range of micropolar fluid parameters. The numerically simulated results show that the bearing geometry and lubricant micropolar parameters on higher side, provide an improved static performance of partial journal bearing system.
The Role of Dehumanization in Legitimation and Delegitimation of State Violence in Colombia
Authors: Tutkal Serhat
Published: March 2023

This article examines tweets about state violence targeting student protesters at the University of Cauca in December 2018. Its objective is accounting for the role of dehumanization of actors in legitimizing and delegitimizing state violence. It analyzes 8421 tweets to unravel specific mechanisms of dehumanization based on following sub-categories: (a) animalization, (b) classism, (c) racism, (d) religious discrimination, (e) sanitation, (f) sexism, (g) wishing for or celebrating injuries, and h) other. It shows how dehumanization a) attributes lack of rationality, morality, or agency to social actors; (b) trivializes their lives; and (c) defines them as sources of contamination. After arguing that dehumanizing discourse makes it extremely difficult to establish dialogue and promote nonviolence, it suggests future research on possible ways of re-humanization of dehumanized actors.
On the oscillations in a nonextensive complex plasma by improved differential transformation method: An application to a damped Duffing equation
Authors: Aljahdaly Noufe H , Alharbi Maram A , Alharbi Abrar A , Alharbey RA , EL-Tantawy SA
Published: March 2023

In this study, the nonlinear damping oscillations in a complex non-Maxwellian plasma are investigated. For this purpose, the set of fluid equations of the present plasma model is reduced to the Burger-modified Korteweg De Vries equation (BmKdV) equation using a reductive perturbation technique. Using the traveling wave transformation, the BmKdV equation can be reduced to a damped Duffing equation. The numerical solutions to the damped Duffing equation are obtained using multistage differential transformation method (MsDTM). Also, we compared the obtained results to the semi-analytical approximations using the Padé differential transformation (PDTM) method and numerical solution, by the 4th-order Rung Kutta (RK4) method and analytical solution by He’s frequency method. The impact of relevant plasma parameters, namely, negative dust concentrations and ion kinematic viscosity on the profile of dust ion-acoustic oscillations are examined. The suggested mathematical approaches can help many authors for explaining the mystery of their laboratory results. Moreover, the suggested numerical method can be applied for solving higher order nonlinearity oscillations for a long domain.
Governing diversity in the multilevel European public space
Authors: Fossum John Erik , Kastoryano Riva , Modood Tariq , Zapata-Barrero Ricard
Published: March 2023

The issue of working out a viable relationship between accepting and/or living with diversity on the one hand and fostering integration on the other has occupied public debates, political agendas, and social sciences for decades. Our point of departure is that the contemporary European context provides distinct challenges. We need to understand how postmigrant integration is shaped and conditioned by the European public space understood as a geographical space; a composite of legally and institutionally constituted entities; covering nations, regions, and cities mainly within but also beyond the EU; and a site of interaction, and public expression of contestation and cooperation. In so doing, we have to contend with the fact that such important perspectives for handling diversity as multiculturalism, interculturalism, transnationalism and cosmopolitanism occupy distinct roles within the European public space whose governance is multi-levelled yet not reducible to a single tiered system. The European public space is more encompassing than the EU even while that level of governance has some important regulative functions upon member states and to some extent even on non-EU states such as Norway and the UK, especially in what we refer to as the outer circle. While the national level is the most powerful normatively and by most other measures on the inclusion of difference (our inner circle), municipalities also contribute to the constitution of this space. We explore the logics of our four ‘isms’ and of the tiers of governance and their interaction with each other, both the isms in tensions and syntheses with each other and differentially in relation to the levels of governance. This is an exercise that has not been done before. Our purpose is to suggest a new normativity that might feasibly achieve a broader degree of support and success than any of the isms have achieved alone.