bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal consistency and concurrent validity of the parental report instrument on language in pre-school-aged children – The Finnish Communicative Development Inventory III
Authors: Stolt Suvi
Published: April 2023

Few studies provide information on the reliability and validity of parental report instruments when assessing the language skills of pre-school–aged children. This study investigates the internal consistency and concurrent validity of the parental report instrument, the Finnish version of the Communicative Development Inventory III (FinCDI III), in children aged between 2;6 and 4;2 years (years;months, N = 155). One main aim was to analyze the validity of the information that parents can provide on different language domains (lexicon, phonology, morpho-syntax, metalinguistic skills) of their pre-school–aged children. In addition, the effect of age and background factors on the results of the FinCDI III was investigated. The FinCDI III was first adapted based on the Swedish version of the CDI III. Information on different language domains was gathered using the FinCDI III and respective tests. The internal consistency of FinCDI III was generally high (for the whole method: α = .91). Correlations between the sub-sections of the FinCDI III and respective test results varied from moderate to high ( r-values = .35–.70, p < .001). A high correlation ( r = .68) was detected between the total score of the FinCD III and that of the formal test focusing on general language competence. Age had a significant effect on the results of FinCDI III. Girls had generally higher FinCDI III scores than boys. The results underline the fact that parents can provide comparable information on the specific language domains of their pre-school–aged children as formal language tests when assessment is targeted to current behavior and when a recognition format is used. Findings broaden and strengthen earlier results regarding the validity of parental estimates on their child’s language, to now encompass older children aged between 2;6 and 4 years.
A Geometric Model of Ultrasound Backscatter to Describe Microstructural Anisotropy of Tissue
Authors: Santoso Andrew P. , Rosado-Mendez Ivan , Guerrero Quinton W. , Hall Timothy J.
Published: April 2023

Methods to assess ultrasound backscatter anisotropy from clinical array transducers have recently been developed. However, they do not provide information about the anisotropy of microstructural features of the specimens. This work develops a simple geometric model, referred to as the secant model, of backscatter coefficient anisotropy. Specifically, we evaluate anisotropy of the frequency dependence of the backscatter coefficient parameterized in terms of effective scatterer size. We assess the model in phantoms with known scattering sources and in a skeletal muscle, a well-known anisotropic tissue. We demonstrate that the secant model can determine the orientation of the anisotropic scatterers, as well as accurately determining effective scatterer sizes, and it may classify isotropic versus anisotropic scatterers. The secant model may find utility in monitoring disease progression as well as characterizing normal tissue architectures.
Deals and devolution: The role of local authority deals in undermining devolved decision making
Authors: Morphet Janice
Published: April 2023

The introduction of the devolved administrations (DAs) in the UK in 1999 was based on specific legal powers for this new scale of governance which included control of national and local priorities for expenditure within devolved matters. The legal powers conferred on these administrations included freedoms to determine expenditure within budgets which, in the case of DAs, included specific allocations linked to the Barnett Formula ensuring proportional allocations of UK state expenditure in a range of policy areas and later in the DAs, powers were provided to allow direct access to borrowing and raising funding through a range of means. In the period 1999–2014, DA powers were gradually increased, first in Scotland then in Wales and Northern Ireland. However, since 2014, in the DAs, UK Central Government has been using the provision of local and sub-regional ‘deal’ funding models, controlled by Whitehall, to gradually undermine this devolved decision making. This article discusses the role devolution and deals within the context of increasing EU principles of subsidiarity and the exercise of the UK Government’s de facto and de jure powers in response. It examines the role of deals in the DAs and their lack of accountability within the UK state.
Prediction of the Future State of Pedestrians While Jaywalking Under Non-Lane-Based Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions
Authors: Muduli Kaliprasana , Ghosh Indrajit
Published: April 2023

This study proposes a novel framework to predict jaywalkers' future state in non-lane-based heterogeneous traffic conditions by combining the effects of the surrounding dynamics with jaywalkers' poses. Different variables, such as the pedestrian pose, walking speed, location in the road environment, count and direction of approaching traffic, speed and type of closest approaching vehicle, and so forth, are used as input variables. The dataset for this study consists of 47,588 samples gathered by analyzing 1753 jaywalkers under non-lane-based heterogeneous traffic situations. Keypoint detection on the pedestrian body is made using MediaPipe. YOLOv4 and DeepSORT are used to detect and track road users to get trajectory data. Training and testing datasets are prepared for different prediction horizons to test the proposed models’ applicability for roads of varying design speeds. Four machine learning models based on ensemble techniques, namely random forest (RF), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), gradient boosting, and extreme gradient boosting, are trained and tested for different prediction horizons from 0.5 to 4 s. Up to the prediction horizon of 1 s, all models performed equally well with Area under the ROC curve (AUC) values above 0.95. At higher prediction horizons, the RF is found to outperform the other models. All models, except AdaBoost, maintained an AUC value of greater than 0.9 when predicting future states up to a maximum of 2.5 s. The proposed model performs well for both short-term and long-term predictions by combining the effect of surrounding dynamics with pedestrian stance and speed. The outcomes can be utilized to assist infrastructure-to-vehicle connectivity in empowering vehicles to navigate through jaywalkers safely, enhancing pedestrian safety.
Modeling the COVID-19 Travel Choices in Colombia and India: A Hybrid Multiple Discrete-Continuous Nested Extreme Value Approach
Authors: Vallejo-Borda Jose Agustin , Bhaduri Eeshan , Ortiz-Ramirez Hernan Alberto , Arellana Julián , Choudhury Charisma F. , Rodriguez-Valencia Alvaro , Wadud Zia , Goswami Arkopal K.
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many daily activities, primarily as a result of the perceived contagion risk and government restrictions to mitigate the spread of the virus. To this end, drastic changes in the trip choices for commuting to work have been reported and studied, mostly through descriptive analysis. On the other hand, modeling-based research that can simultaneously understand both changes in mode choice and its frequency at an individual level has not been much used in existing studies. As such, this study aims to understand the changes in mode-choice preference and the frequency of trips, comparing pre-COVID with during-COVID scenarios, in two different countries of the Global South: Colombia and India. A hybrid multiple discrete-continuous nested extreme value model was implemented using the data obtained from online surveys in Colombia and India during the early COVID-19 period of March and April 2020. This study found that, in both countries, utility related to active modes (more used) and public transportation (less used) changed during the pandemic. In addition, this study highlights potential risks in likely unsustainable futures where there may be increased use of private vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, in both countries. It was also identified that perceptions toward government responses had a significant impact on the choices in Colombia, though this was not the case in India. These results may help decision makers focus on public policies to encourage sustainable transportation by avoiding the detrimental long-term behavioral changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainability Impact of Bus Priority Treatments in Small-Scale Cities
Authors: Bagdatli Muhammed Emin Cihangir , Ipek Fatima
Published: April 2023

Bus priority treatments (BPTs) are among the effective alternative solutions that provide significant advantages to urban transport. The literature has revealed some of the benefits of BPTs in various aspects. In this study, the sustainability impact of BPTs on cities has been investigated with numerous interviews. The study has been conducted by considering the economic, social and environmental factors, which are the three main pillars of sustainability, in a balanced way. This study is unique because it focuses on cities with small population and considers the sustainability impact approaches that have not been applied for BPTs in previous studies. The study results show that BPTs have a high potential to positively affect cities, in social, environmental and economic aspects. It is thus concluded that they can provide significant advantages to cities in the three main pillars of sustainability. This study has also revealed that BPTs can contribute positively to the sustainability of small-scale cities as well as medium-/large-scale cities.
Development of Policy Guidance for Temporary Rumble Strips
Authors: Brown Henry , Edara Praveen , Sun Carlos , Zeng Qingzhong , Baek Ho Jun , Kim Sungyop , Bracy Jill Bernard
Published: April 2023

Temporary rumble strips are used by state departments of transportation (DOTs) to help reduce vehicle speeds in work zones and to alert drivers they are approaching a work zone. A research study was undertaken to develop policy guidance for the use of temporary rumble strips by DOTs. The research methodology included a review of existing literature, synthesis of DOT practices, and field observations of driver behavior and installation of temporary rumble strips. This paper presents the first known assessment of DOT practices for both long-term and short-term temporary rumble strips in the United States. Field observations noted minimal erratic driver behavior (1/8636) such as swerving to avoid the temporary rumble strips. A synthesis of 18 existing DOT practices found differences in levels of implementation and standards for temporary rumble strips among DOTs. Concerns noted by DOTs and installation personnel include the heavy weight of short-term temporary rumble strips, requirements for installation, worker exposure to traffic, potential for erratic driver behavior, and the need for maintenance of the temporary rumble strips. Suggested modifications to existing DOT practices were developed to address these concerns and potentially reduce cost, increase installation efficiency, enhance worker safety, and improve performance of temporary rumble strips.
Analyzing the Impacts of Intersection Treatments and Traffic Characteristics on Bicyclist Safety: Development of Data-Driven Guidance on the Application of Bike Boxes, Mixing Zones, and Bicycle Signals
Authors: Russo Brendan , Kothuri Sirisha , Smaglik Edward , Hurwitz David
Published: April 2023

Transportation modes converge at intersections resulting in conflicts between bicyclists and motor vehicles. A common conflict and crash type involving bicycles at intersections is the right-hook, where a right-turning vehicle collides with a through bicyclist. While various geometric and signal control treatments have been used in attempts to mitigate bicycle–vehicle crashes and conflicts, agencies often face questions about optimal treatment selection. To date, limited research has been conducted to analyze how certain treatments (bike boxes, mixing zones, and bicycle signals) along with traffic characteristics (e.g., vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian volumes) affect the frequency of bicycle–vehicle conflicts, as well as the severity of such conflicts. To address this research need, this study provides an analysis of bicycle–vehicle conflicts extracted from field-collected videos at 12 intersections; three with bike boxes, three with mixing zones, three with bicycle signals, and three control sites with no specific bicycle treatment. From these videos, bicycle–vehicle conflicts were identified and their severity measured using post-encroachment time (PET), along with conflict-involved road user speeds and hourly road user volumes. From these data, a series of Poisson regression models were estimated to assess hourly predicted conflicts as a function of bicycle and vehicle volumes across different treatment types. Additionally, differences in conflict severity across treatments were analyzed, including use of a novel measure which incorporates both PET and vehicle speed. Ultimately, several differences in conflict frequency and severity were observed between the treatment types, providing new data-driven guidance to assist practitioners in treatment selection.
MRI Does Not Improve Inter- or Intrarater Reliability for Hip Arthritis Grading Systems
Authors: Pullen W. Michael , Pierre Kinsley , Wong Ivan , Aoki Stephen K. , Lynch T. Sean , Mather Richard C. , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Byrd J.W. Thomas , Safran Marc R.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and radiographs are often utilized in assessing for preoperative osteoarthritis in patients undergoing hip preservation surgery.

Purpose:

To determine if MRI scans improve inter- or intrarater reliabilities over radiographs for findings of hip arthritis.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Anteroposterior and cross-table lateral radiographs as well as a representative coronal and sagittal T2-weighted MRI scan were reviewed for 50 patients by 7 experienced subspecialty hip preservation surgeons, with a minimum experience of 10 years. Radiographs and MRI scans were assessed for joint space narrowing, subchondral cysts, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, Likert osteoarthritis grade (none, mild, moderate, or severe), and Tönnis grade. MRI scans were also evaluated for bony edema, heterogeneous articular cartilage, and chondral defects. Inter- and intrarater reliabilities were calculated utilizing the Fleiss method with a 95% CI.

Results:

The scans of 50 patients (28 female and 22 male) with a mean age of 42.8 years (SD, 14.2 years; range, 19-70 years) were reviewed. Radiographs revealed fair agreement for joint space narrowing (κ = 0.25 [95% CI, 0.21-0.30]), osteophytes (κ = 0.26 [95% CI, 0.14-0.40]), Likert osteoarthritis grading (κ = 0.33 [95% CI, 0.28-0.37]) and Tönnis grade (κ = 0.30 [95% CI, 0.26-0.34). Radiographs revealed moderate agreement for subchondral cysts (κ = 0.53 [95% CI, 0.35-0.69]). MRI scans demonstrated poor to fair agreement for joint space narrowing (κ = 0.15 [95% CI, 0.09-0.21]), subchondral sclerosis (κ = 0.27 [0.19-0.34]), heterogeneous articular cartilage (κ = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.00-0.14]), Likert osteoarthritis grade (κ = 0.19 [95% CI, 0.15-0.24]), and Tönnis grade (κ = 0.20 [95% CI, 0.15-0.24]). MRI scans demonstrated substantial agreement for subchondral cysts (κ = 0.73 [95% CI, 0.63-0.83]). Intrarater reliabilities were statistically improved compared with interrater reliabilities, but no differences were found between radiographs and MRI scans for joint space narrowing, subchondral cysts, osteophytes, osteoarthritis grade, or Tönnis grade.

Conclusion:

Radiographs and MRI scans had substantial limitations and inconsistency between raters in evaluating common markers of hip osteoarthritis. MRI scans demonstrated strong reliability in evaluating for subchondral cysts but did not improve the interobserver variability of grading hip arthritis.
Photojournalists’ visual framing of criminal jury trials in national U.S. digital news
Authors: Famulari Umberto , Hatley Major Lesa
Published: April 2023

A content analysis of U.S. digital news reveals that the visual coverage of criminal jury trials mainly focuses on defendants and law enforcement officials. The U.S. digital news still often use mugshots to portray Black/African American defendants, and law enforcement officials are significantly overrepresented as White and male. In partial contrast to past news coverage, Black/African American defendants are not depicted in handcuff at the crime scene or slovenly dressed more often than defendants from other ethnic groups.
The Goal Setting Challenge App: Promoting Self-Determination Through Technology
Authors: Mazzotti Valerie L. , Shogren Karrie A. , Stewart-Ginsburg Jared H. , Kwiatek Stephen M. , Hagiwara Mayumi , Wysenski Danielle C. , Chapman Richard A.
Published: April 2023

Promoting student self-determination is recognized as the best practice in secondary transition planning. Few self-determination interventions have utilized technology to provide individualized learning opportunities. The Goal Setting Challenge (GSC) App was developed to provide a technology-based instructional approach to support developing self-determination. The purpose of this single-case study was to evaluate the impact of the GSC App on self-determination knowledge outcomes for students with disabilities and explore the feasibility of students’ use of the App in transition planning over an academic semester. Results were significantly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, this created opportunities to explore feasibility during in-person instruction and the unprecedented shift to remote learning. Findings suggest mixed results related to outcomes for student use and feasibility but suggest the possibility of the App providing a student-friendly means for engaging in self-determination instruction during in-person and remote instruction. Limitations and implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Race, Gender, and Violence
Authors: Banerjee Pallavi , Hwang Maria Cecilia
Published: April 2023

In this introduction to the Special Issue on Race, Gender, and Violence, we go back to the roots of intersectionality and foreground an intersectional lens in our examination of violence against women and non-binary people of color. We argue that it is important to address the persistent “epistemic violence” resultant from silencing the most marginal, by featuring works that call attention to and examine violence against groups subjected to the “interlocking oppressions” of race, class, gender, and sexuality. The articles in the Special Issue re-directs the sociological analysis of violence to foreground scholarship that engages in the gendered and racial appraisal of violence. Studies included in the issue also foreground sexuality, which has largely been neglected in the intersectional analysis of violence. In so doing, we nod to both the past and the future of intersectionality in studies of violence.
How long does the past endure? ‘Continuing violations’ and the ‘very distant past’ before the UN Human Rights Committee
Authors: Baranowska Grażyna
Published: April 2023

The concept of ‘continuing violation’ allows reviewing applications concerning effects of violations that started before a treaty came into a force with regard to a state that allegedly committed the violation. This article analyses how the UN Human Rights Committee has recently approached two communications concerning continuing violations that occurred in the 1930s and 1940s (K.K. and Others v Russia; F.A.J. and B.M.R.A. v Spain). It critiques the fact that the Committee has introduced an additional qualification to its case law on continuing violations, namely that it has no jurisdiction over the violations with continuing effect, when underlying violations happened in the ‘very distant past’. The article argues that communications raising violations of the families of forcibly disappeared persons – at least these brought by their children – should not be ruled inadmissible because of time constraint since the disappearances. Lastly, the article reveals a tacit influence of the European Court of Human Rights on the Committee in the analysed case law.
Advanced exergoeconomics of a steam power plant based on double-tier splitting of exergy destruction rates
Authors: Azubuike Uchenna G , Njoku Howard O , Ekechukwu Onyemaechi V
Published: April 2023

The advanced exergy and exergoeconomic analysis methodologies excel over their conventional counterparts by quantifying endogenous/exogenous exergy destruction rates and related costs that reveal the interactions among system components. By quantifying avoidable/unavoidable losses, they also reveal the potentials for component improvements that are practically achievable. These data are imperative for improving the cost-effectiveness of thermal systems. This paper presents the performances of a complex gas-fired power plant obtained via an advanced exergoeconomic analysis. The study advances existing studies by undertaking second-tier splitting of exergy destruction cost rates and associated investment cost rates to determine avoidable endogenous, unavoidable endogenous, avoidable exogenous, and unavoidable exogenous cost rates of the plant’s components. Component exergy destruction cost rates were found to be predominantly unavoidable, while most of the component investment cost rates were avoidable. Except for the low pressure heater 3, exergy destruction cost rates are endogenous in all the plant components, contributing 84% of overall cost rates. The proportions of exergy destruction cost rates and investment cost rates of the plant that are avoidable endogenous were 21% and 28% respectively, while the respective portions that are avoidable exogenous were 4% and 27%. Furthermore, it was shown that as much as 96.3% improvements in overall plant cost-effectiveness were achievable by eliminating avoidable endogenous exergy destruction cost rates and investment cost rates for major components of the plant.
Consumer? Views and preferences of people receiving public mental health care in Australia on the terms used to refer to them
Authors: Lugg William , Levine Andrew , Boyd Robert
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To understand: a) whether adults receiving public mental health care were aware they were officially referred to as ‘consumers’ and, b) their views and preferences on the terms used to refer to them.

Methods

Single-page, anonymous survey conducted across two community mental health services in Northern New South Wales (NNSW). Ethics approval obtained from the local research office.

Results

108 people completed the survey with a response rate of approximately 22%. The vast majority (77%) of respondents were not aware that they were officially referred to as ‘consumers’. 32% of respondents disliked the term ‘consumer’ and 11% found it offensive. Half preferred the term ‘patient’, particularly when consulting a psychiatrist (55%). A small minority (5–7%) preferred the term ‘consumer’ for any care interaction.

Conclusion

Most respondents in this survey wished to be referred to as a ‘patient’ and a large proportion disliked being referred to as a ‘consumer’ or found it offensive. Further surveys should include broader sociodemographic and diagnostic/treatment variables. Official terms used to refer to people receiving public mental health care should be person-centred and evidence based.
Analyzing Eswatini’s National Disability Policy Reforms: Access to Health Care Implications for Citizens With Disabilities
Authors: Masuku Khetsiwe , Bornman Juan , Johnson Ensa
Published: April 2023

In 2012, the southern African country of Eswatini ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and in 2013 developed the national disability policy reform documents to implement the CRPD across different domains, including health care. The current study aimed to analyze these policy reform documents for the actors, context, and processes involved in the development and implementation of the national disability policy reform documents. It also examined the provisions made for access to health care for persons with disabilities by utilizing a novel disability policy analysis framework. In-depth interviews with key informants were conducted to substantiate the findings obtained from document reviews. Focus group discussions were then conducted with persons with disabilities, caregivers of persons with disabilities, and health care professionals as the end users of the policy documents. The goal was to establish their knowledge of these documents and to ascertain how effective they perceived these documents to be. Findings indicated that while the content of the policy documents mirror most of the CRPD’s principles, certain aspects related to geographical and financial accessibility should be reconsidered. There is evidence to suggest a gap in policy implementation, owing to the lack of disability conscientization in general and among policymakers in particular, and manifested through political, financial, and attitudinal factors. This implies a need for disability sensitivity programs, as well as clearer implementation guidelines and government’s commitment to disability rights and the process of implementing the national disability policy reform documents.
Prediction of Early Postoperative Pain in Infants Undergoing Primary Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Frawley Geoff , Wilkes Courtney , Hallett Ben , Chong David
Published: April 2023

Objective

Identification of at risk patients before surgery could facilitate improved clinical communication, care pathways and postoperative pain management

Design

A retrospective cohort study was performed in all infants who had undergone cleft palate repair.

Setting

Tertiary Institutional

Participants

Infants < 36 months of age who underwent primary repair of cleft palate between March 2016 and July 2022

Intervention

Requirement for analgesic intervention in the post operative care unit

Main outcome measure

Adverse perioperative event defined as pain or distress. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of airway obstruction, hypoxemia or unplanned intensive care admission.

Results

Two hundred and ninety one patients (14.6 months,10.1 kg weight) were included. Cleft distribution included submucous (5.2%), Veau I (23.4%), Veau 2 (38.1%), Veau 3 (24.4%), and Veau 4 (8.9%). Overall 35% of 291 infants undergoing cleft palate repair experienced pain or distress requiring opiate intervention in the first hour after surgery. Infants with a Veau 4 cleft palate had 1.8 times and Veau 2 cleft palate had 1.5 times the risk of postoperative pain compared to infants with Veau 1 cleft palate (relative risk 1.82, 95%CI 1.04−3.18 and 1.49, 95%CI 0.96−2.32 respectively). The use of bilateral above elbow arm splints was significantly associated with postoperative pain or distress (odds ratio 2.23, 95%CI 1.01−5.16).

Conclusions

Post operative pain requiring intervention in PACU is common despite adequate intraoperative multimodal analgesia, local anaesthesia infiltration and postoperative opiate infusions. Infants undergoing soft palate alone or submucous palate repair may require less perioperative opiates.
Facilitating Collective Free Improvisation Learning in Teacher Education
Authors: Ng Hoon Hong
Published: April 2023

Collective free music improvisation (CFMI) develops musicians’ relationships, identity, and communication skills and engages musicians from different cultures by tapping into their diversities in the music-making process. It also develops an open attitude toward working with children’s creative potential—by paving the way for open, egalitarian teaching approaches. However, teachers may not know how to incorporate it in their music classes due to the lack of teacher preparation in its practice and pedagogy. This interest article offers a theoretical basis for engaging preservice music teachers (PMTs) in CFMI learning in a teacher preparation course—by drawing on research and the author’s experiences facilitating CFMI classes. In combination with theory, pedagogical strategies that develop PMTs’ free improvisational skills based on a socio-communicative framework are described. These strategies offer practical pathways to introducing free improvisation to PMTs that could motivate and enable them to bring the practice into their future music classrooms.
Emergent Sonification: Using Computational Media to Communicate the Anthropocene in ByrdBot
Authors: Coleman Miles C. , Simon Brandon , Pierce Matt , Schutte Charles A.
Published: April 2023

This research note describes ByrdBot, a science communication tool that leverages bird songs to communicate data regarding human impacts on the environment. With ByrdBot, listeners can compare simulated soundscapes of 1970, 2017, and 2065 to immediately, and viscerally, experience decades of past or projected future environmental change. The communication tactic of ByrdBot—what we call emergent sonification—is discussed as one that capitalizes on computational media to facilitate attunement to nonhuman voices and, subsequently, to offer an affective grasping of the impacts of such phenomena as habitat destruction and climate change on wildlife displacement and loss.
Generalized fractional-order Legendre wavelet method for two dimensional distributed order fractional optimal control problem
Authors: kumar Nitin , Mehra Mani
Published: April 2023

This paper is concerned with a two-dimensional fractional optimal control problem whose governing equations are distributed order fractional differential equations in the Caputo sense. A generalized fractional-order Legendre wavelet method has been used to solve the two-dimensional distributed-order fractional optimal control problem. An exact formula for the Riemann–Liouville integration of generalized fractional-order Legendre wavelet has been derived by using regularized beta functions. This formula and the two-dimensional Gauss–Legendre integration formula have been used to solve the two-dimensional distributed order fractional optimal control problem. Moreover, an L2-error estimate in the approximation of an unknown function with a generalized fractional-order Legendre wavelet has been derived and the estimated order has been verified for a given function. Furthermore, convergence analysis for the proposed method has been presented. In the last, two test problems have been considered to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Trauma Exposure, Social Networks, and Suicide Risk Among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea
Authors: Nam Boyoung , Hong Ijun
Published: April 2023

Exposure to adverse life events renders North Korean (NK) refugee women vulnerable to mental health problems, suicide risk being one of the most concerning. We examined bonding and bridging social networks as potential moderators of suicide risk among NK refugee women ( N = 212). We found that exposure to traumatic events significantly increased suicidal behavior, but its impact was alleviated if they had a stronger bonding social network. The findings suggest that the negative impact of trauma on suicide can be reduced by strengthening bonding between people with similarities (i.e., family, individuals with the same country of origin).
Affordability with an Expiration Date: A Microsimulation for Estimating the Demographic Changes Caused by Deregulation of Assisted Housing
Authors: Yavo-Ayalon Sharon , Levine Daphna , Sussman Shai , Aharon Gutman Meirav
Published: April 2023

This research turns the spotlight to the deregulation of once publicly funded affordable housing. Through a microsimulation that follows the conversion from affordable to market-rate units on Roosevelt Island New York, we estimate the expected demographic changes each year between 1976 and 2070. The simulation combines information from the American Community Survey, the island's masterplan, the privatization agreements, and interviews with residents, to produce interactive graphs at three urban scales: the neighborhood, the project, and the building. We found that while the households of market-rate units are gradually becoming younger and more affluent, the households of affordable units are becoming older and more impoverished. Despite an individual agreement for each building, the demographic changes are similar, and that, those changes will affect low-income buildings first. Moreover, upon expiration, 30 percent of the existing protected tenants will be over 65 and at risk of being displaced. The simulation is available at http://ridigitaltwin.pythonanywhere.com/ .
Interaction between an edge dislocation and a circular elastic inhomogeneity with Steigmann–Ogden interface
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: April 2023

We propose an effective method for the solution of the plane problem of an edge dislocation in the vicinity of a circular inhomogeneity with Steigmann–Ogden interface. Using analytic continuation, the pair of analytic functions defined in the infinite matrix surrounding the inhomogeneity can be expressed in terms of the pair of analytic functions defined inside the circular inhomogeneity. Once the two analytic functions defined in the circular inhomogeneity are expanded in Taylor series with unknown complex coefficients, the Steigmann–Ogden interface condition can be written explicitly in complex form. Consequently, all of the complex coefficients appearing in the Taylor series can be uniquely determined so that the two pairs of analytic functions are then completely determined. An explicit and general expression of the image force acting on the edge dislocation is derived using the Peach–Koehler formula.
Clinical Leadership – An Important Precondition for the Success of Proactive and Interdisciplinary Follow-up of Frail Older Recipients of Home Healthcare
Authors: Næss Gro , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , Gjevjon Edith Roth
Published: April 2023

Early identification and follow-up of sub-acute and acute functional decline in older persons living with multimorbidity at home require integrated and proactive care by interdisciplinary health personnel. Yet, in the context of the task-oriented and fragmented home healthcare services, early identification is challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify preconditions for the success of a proactive and interdisciplinary follow-up of older recipients of home healthcare. We conducted a qualitative secondary analysis of data from 6 focus group interviews with registered nurses and nurse leaders. In addition, we performed and analyzed data from 2 new focus group interviews with general practitioners and RNs who had a role as super users in a developmental project which introduced a clinical instrument for early identification of sub-acute and acute functional decline (sub-acute functional decline in the elderly—SAFE). Their experiences with using SAFE constituted the backdrop for the study. In total, 41 representatives of the interprofessional primary care staff of 3 city districts participated. Having a common goal, sharing tasks and having reciprocal understanding of each health profession’s contribution, systems and tools and clinical leadership were all seen as important factors for succeeding in the proactive and interdisciplinary follow-up of older recipients of home healthcare. Clinical leadership was deemed the strongest precondition, and clear leadership which promotes integrative and proactive care by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration appears to be the main key for success.
The outcomes of postoperative eye patching after cataract surgery in patients with Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Gazit Inbal , Dubinsky-Pertzov Biana , Or Lior , Pras Eran , Einan-Lifshitz Adi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the influence of post-operative eye patching on corneal thickness, endothelial cells’ loss and visual acuity in patients diagnosed Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

Setting

Public healthcare centre, Shamir Medical Centre, Israel.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included patients with FECD undergoing routine cataract surgery in a public medical centre. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the eye undergoing surgery was covered with a patch for 24 h in the first group (patched group), and a plastic shield was used in the second (non-patched group). Both groups received a unique dose of a local steroid and antibiotic post-operatively. The eyes were examined pre-operatively, and on days 1, 7 and 30 post-surgery . Examination included: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), comeplete slit lamp examination, intra ocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT) using the IOL Master 700 (Zeiss, Germany) and endothelial cell density (ECD) using Specular microscopy. Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and operation time were recorded for all cases.

Results

The study included 46 eyes of 46 patients diagnosed with FECD. Twenty-three eyes in the patched group, and 23 eyes in the non-patched group . Thirty days post-operatively the CCT in the patched group decreased by 60 ± 38 mµ (9%) compared to 92 ± 80 mµ (13.5%) in the non- patched group (p = 0.04). Seven days post-operatively the CCT in the patched group decreased by 31 ± 35 mµ (5%) compared to 58 ± 76 (8%) in the non-patched group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.081). There was no statistically significant difference in endothelial cells loss as well as BCVA at 1, 7 and 30 days post-operatively between the study groups.

Conclusions

Avoiding eye patch post-operatively after cataract surgery in patients with FECD results in better corneal clarity recovery and reduced corneal edema one month post-operatively. Visual acuity and endothelial cell's loss were not influenced by patching.
Parent reported barriers and facilitators to support services for autistic children in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Wallace-Watkin Carla , Sigafoos Jeff , Woods Lisa , Waddington Hannah
Published: April 2023

We surveyed New Zealand parents of autistic children to identify their perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing support services, including the influence of a family’s level of financial resourcing. A total of 173 completed surveys were analysed. Service pathway factors were the greatest barrier experienced by participants, whereas facilitators related to providers tended to be most helpful. Lower family income was associated with a higher number of reported barriers. Both lower family income and having a child who identified their gender as non-binary were predictive of rating the extent of barriers higher. Parents of younger or of non-speaking autistic children on average reported a greater number of facilitators. Implications of these results for support service delivery and potential areas for future research are discussed.

Lay abstract

Parents might have problems in getting support services for their autistic child due to certain barriers. However, there might also be things that can ease or facilitate parents’ access to support services. In this study, New Zealand parents were asked about their experiences in getting support services for their autistic child. We also looked at differences in reported barriers and facilitators based on several demographic factors with a focus on family level of financial resourcing. A total of 173 parents completed a survey. The results suggested that parents experienced several barriers, particularly related to service pathways. Facilitators were also experienced, predominantly related to providers. Financial resourcing predicted the number of parent-reported barriers. Both lower level of family financial resourcing and having a non-binary child predicted parents’ rating of the extent of barriers. Child age and level of speech were predictors for reports of experiencing a higher number of facilitators, with parents of younger children or of non-speaking autistic children reporting a greater number of facilitators. We discuss how these results may be useful to support service delivery and identify areas for future research.
Journeying with Ken Plummer through radical constructionism, critical humanism and intimate counterpublics
Authors: Klesse Christian
Published: April 2023

Ken Plummer’s life work has had a major impact on the development of the sociology of sexuality. While being firmly rooted in and committed to the traditions of pragmatism and symbolic interactionism – which chimes nicely with his philosophical stance of critical humanism – Ken Plummer openly engaged in a critical dialogue with many theoretical perspectives. This renders his work a rich resource for researchers working on sexualities from within different paradigms. This paper engages in a critical appraisal of some of Plummer’s most significant concepts through autobiographical reflection on my personal experience of working with Ken Plummer as a PhD student, further tracing the influence his work has had on my own writing on consensual non-monogamies, LGBTQIA + activism and queer film festivals. Using autoethnography and memory work, the essay highlights the powerful potential residing in Plummer’s path-breaking contributions to social constructionism (script theory and narrative power), methodology (personal documents), narrative sociology (sexual stories), critical humanism (dialogical ethics and cosmopolitan sexualities) and political sociology (intra-movement conflict, intimate citizenship, counterpublics and age standpoints). The essay argues that these ideas – and Plummer’s overall legacy as a scholar and theorist – bear a strong significance for future research in sexuality studies.
Outreach to farmworkers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Saldanha Kennedy
Published: April 2023

Outreach is an important element of social care. It is an informal but planned form of on-site service delivery to vulnerable populations. Outreach affects some target populations, such as migrant farmworkers, immensely. Outreach staff demonstrate a unique capacity to navigate remote and hard to -to-reach areas, making contact with farmworkers who would otherwise not receive essential services. This ethnographic study describes how organizations make first contact with farmworkers in normal times, and the changes to outreach observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Outreach workers connect, interact, and provide services to farmworkers in unique settings and situations. The general components of farmworker outreach are planning, engaging, improvising, and initiating services. During the pandemic, the changes observed were a sense of urgency to serve farmworkers, and adaptations in the modality of outreach to include a focus on health, collaboration with health clinicians, and the use of social media to contact farmworkers.

Applications

Outreach matters to farmworkers and other groups that are secluded, isolated, and vulnerable to abuse. In crisis times, such as the pandemic, outreach is even more vital. Hence, outreach, including the skills required t o conduct outreach, should form part of social work curriculum. Different models and outreach components should be evaluated to assess whether organizations providing outreach services to target populations deliver results beyond immediate benefits and contribute to structural change and advocacy on behalf of them.
Speculative hybrids: Investigating the generation of conceptual architectural forms through the use of 3D generative adversarial networks
Authors: Pouliou Panagiota , Horvath Anca-Simona , Palamas George
Published: April 2023

The process of architectural design aims at solving complex problems that have loosely defined formulations, no explicit basis for terminating the problem-solving activity, and where no ideal solution can be achieved. This means that design problems, as wicked problems, sit in a space between incompleteness and precision. Applying digital tools in general and artificial intelligence in particular to design problems will then mediate solution spaces between incompleteness and precision. In this paper, we present a study where we employed machine learning algorithms to generate conceptual architectural forms for site-specific regulations. We created an annotated dataset of single-family homes and used it to train a 3D Generative Adversarial Network that generated annotated point clouds complying with site constraints. Then, we presented the framework to 23 practitioners of architecture in an attempt to understand whether this framework could be a useful tool for early-stage design. We make a three-fold contribution: First, we share an annotated dataset of architecturally relevant 3D point clouds of single-family homes. Next, we present and share the code for a framework and the results from training the 3D generative neural network. Finally, we discuss machine learning and creative work, including how practitioners feel about the emergence of these tools as mediators between incompleteness and precision in architectural design.
Are Perceived Benefits of Heated Tobacco Products Consumption Aiding Smoking Cessation?
Authors: Martinho Mafalda , Silva Susana C. , Duarte Paulo , Ferreira Marisa R.
Published: April 2023

Background

The tobacco industry has been facing several transformations, considering that technology has evolved and health concerns have increased. One way for this industry to meet the growing social and health concerns is to provide alternative solutions. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) were the solution found, but they nevertheless pose several challenges to regulators, companies, and consumers, since HTPs are advertised as a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes.

Focus of the Article

This study aims to analyze smokers' perception of HTPs to provide insights for social marketing campaigns targeting behavioral change.

Research questions

The main objectives of this research are: (1) to assess whether smokers and ex-smokers view HTPs as less harmful to health than traditional cigarettes; and (2) to determine to what extent HTPs can help increase the intention to quit smoking.

Methods

This study explores smokers’ perception of HTPs consumption using a modified version of the Health Belief Model (HBM). A survey study involving 250 smokers and ex-smokers was conducted to test the conceptual model using PLS-Path modeling to validate the research hypotheses. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 3.3 programs.

Results

The results suggest that the perceived benefits of heated tobacco consumption negatively influence the likelihood of quitting smoking. Therefore, HTPs do not work as auxiliary products with regard to the intention to quit smoking. In some cases, the effect is quite the opposite, as HTPs use increases tobacco consumption and dependence. Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity are not significant predictors of the decision to quit smoking.

Research limitations

Future research could use a sample that includes only HTPs smokers and ex-smokers, analyze HTPs benefits and understand the primary motivation behind replacing conventional cigarettes with HTPs.

Practical implications

Entities attempting to promote the reduction of tobacco consumption should equate HTPs to conventional tobacco and focus on campaigns targeting only HTPs smokers. Whenever studying perceptions on HTPs, it is important to consider smokers’ dependence on nicotine and the particularities of the devices used to consume HTPs.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

Considering the social relevance and growth of heated tobacco consumption, as well as the increase of the tobacco industry’s economic power, this research offers relevant insights into consumers’ perceptions toward HTPs.