bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal beliefs regarding schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviors among patients with schizophrenia and family caregivers attending psychiatric clinics in Cambodia
Authors: Marutani Toshiyuki , Chhim Sotheara , Taing Sopheap , Nishio Akihiro
Published: July 2022

Schizophrenia often follows a chronic or recurrent course, placing an immense burden on patients and their families. Mental health services in Cambodia are still highly limited, thus there is a major treatment gap. It is common that people consult traditional healers ( Kru Khmer) and monks. In this culture, people who receive psychiatric medical treatment are expected to exhibit higher mental health literacy, but little is known about this factor. In this study, we interviewed 59 patients with schizophrenia and 59 family caregivers attending psychiatric clinics in Cambodia. Through qualitative analysis using a thematic analysis approach, we extracted eight themes of causal beliefs regarding schizophrenia: (1) spiritual beliefs, (2) cultural symptoms, (3) physical problems, (4) heredity, (5) substance abuse, (6) traumatic events, (7) stress in human relationships or in one's social environment, and (8) socioeconomic position. We found that “thinking too much” ( kit chroeun) and “worrying too much” ( prouy / barom chroeun), cultural idioms of distress, were recognized as causal factors of schizophrenia by both parents and family caregivers. Some participants were aware of the possible causal factors in light of the latest psychiatry findings, such as genetic factors and childhood trauma. Our data show that causal beliefs are not a decisive factor in shortening the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). In Cambodia, where the treatment for schizophrenia is pluralistic, we suggest that it is crucial to embed the meaning of psychiatric treatment into local meaning worlds for better help-seeking behaviors.
Responding to sociolinguistic change: New speakers and variationist sociolinguistics
Authors: Rodriguez-Ordoñez Itxaso , Kasstan Jonathan , O’Rourke Bernadette
Published: July 2022

Aims:

The goal of this special issue is to anchor an understanding of language variation and change in a relatively newly adopted framework for researching ‘new speakers’ of minoritized languages.

Approach:

This paper first reviews basic principles of variationist sociolinguistics as they apply to new-speaker contexts before critically engaging with the notion of speakerhood.

Conclusions:

We frame our discussion of new speakers as mobile bilinguals in contexts of sociolinguistics change. We call into question traditional ideals of speakerhood that have been couched in studies of bilingualism and language variation and change, and we emphasize the need to understand variation as part of the new social conditions that these speakers must navigate. This approach enriches approaches to measuring key factors in bilingualism (e.g. input, peer identity, language dominance), that are better adapted to the sociolinguistic ecologies of new speakers.

Originality:

This is the first special issue dedicated to the bi-/multilingual repertoires of minoritized language speakers that more readily encapsulates both a new speaker framework and standard principles of language variation and change. This introduction discusses important theoretical and methodological advancements in the field.
A tool or a social being? A dynamic longitudinal investigation of functional use and relational use of AI voice assistants
Authors: Xu Shan , Li Wenbo
Published: July 2022

This study integrates two lines of research: technologies as tools and technologies as social beings, under the theoretical framework of dynamic systems, to investigate the reciprocal dynamics between functional use and relational use of artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistants, and the mediating roles of self-disclosure and privacy concerns. A two-wave longitudinal survey was conducted among 354 AI voice assistant users across 2 months. Factor analysis results supported the conceptualization and operationalization of functional use and relational use of voice assistants. Results from the cross-lagged panel model confirmed that functional use and relational use reinforced themselves over time, respectively. Relational use increased subsequent functional use, and relational use reinforced itself through self-disclosure. Surprisingly, functional use did not increase subsequent relational use; instead, longitudinal mediation analysis showed that functional use reduced subsequent relational use due to the lack of self-disclosure. Furthermore, while self-disclosure increased subsequent privacy concerns, privacy concerns did not reduce subsequent self-disclosure.
Autism and the making of emotion AI: Disability as resource for surveillance capitalism
Authors: Nagy Jeff
Published: July 2022

This article uncovers how computers learned to recognize emotion from a neurological difference often conceived of as marked by a difficulty in recognizing it at all: autism. Developers of facial emotion recognition technologies have repeatedly mobilized autism to produce new kinds of knowledge at the interface of machine learning and human feeling, deploying it as a charismatic use-case, as a source for conceptual schemata for how emotion should be made computable, and as a testbed for development. The entanglement of emotion recognition and autism research shows how disability has been transformed into a rhetorical, conceptual, and material resource for the expansion of surveillance capitalism. This history has also underwritten a larger reconceptualization of emotional data, from a neglected variable in human–computer interaction to an exploitable corporate asset, a transformation that has allowed platform users’ emotional lives to be mined for new forms of knowledge, value, and power.
Bioinspired flapping wing UAV and its kinematic analysis—a novel approach
Authors: Dewangan Bhushan , Pradhan Debendra , Roy Haraprasad
Published: July 2022

A rich development in the domain of flapping wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (FWUAV) is not yet entirely sufficient to implement the findings of real-life situations. Using the limited knowledge of this domain, this work enlightens the scientific community by introducing a homegrown, patented flapping mechanism of foldable wing aerial vehicle. The synchronized dual wing flapping mechanism consists of a crank slotted lever, a gear train and a special type of 4 bar kinematic chain. The entire sets are powered by a DC motor through crank connected motor shaft. Flapping cycle works on quick return principle generated by crank slotted lever mechanism and foldable wing structure by the special type 4 bar chain with gear train ensure the controlled flapping frequency, twist angle, altitude gain and attitude parameters (Pitch, roll, yaw). This work majorly focuses on the kinematics of the developed bio mimic mechanism by observing the variation of flapping wing orientation, angular velocity and angular acceleration with respect to the crank rotation as well as different crank speeds. These analytically obtained kinematic parameters are further validated after developing a three-dimensional model of the said mechanism as well as multibody analysis by MSC ADAMS. The patterns of the kinematic parameters such that angular displacement, angular velocity and angular acceleration between output and input links are similar and its validation guarantees the correctness of developed mechanism. The kinematic analyzes of linkages are also essential for dynamic study as well as fabrication of prototype.
Research on bearing capacity and sealing contact characteristics of the subsea wellhead connector
Authors: Li Yufang , Su Hongli , Wang Yanwei , Mou Liansheng , Wang Qi , Ren Yancong
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzed the bearing capacity of a subsea wellhead connector when exposed to external pressure and the bending moment in different operational modes and load conditions to determine the possible areas prone to failure. The contact between certain parts during the pre-tightening process impacts other areas, affecting the sealing performance. A symmetrical, three-dimensional periodic contact model was established via Finite Element Method (FEM) to simulate and analyze the sealing performance of the subsea wellhead connector. Furthermore, this study examined the variation laws governing contact form, preload, contact width, radial compression, and internal pressure, as well as their influence on the contact stress of the metal sealing ring. The results indicated that effective sealing was achieved at radial compression levels ranging from 0.1045 to 0.2089 mm. The preload contact stress was directly proportional to the preload and radial compression and inversely proportional to the contact width. The operational contact stress initially decreased, then increased at a higher internal pressure.
Influence of an active T-foil on motions and passenger comfort of a wave-piercing catamaran based on sea trials in oblique seas
Authors: Lau Chun-Yu , Ali-Lavroff Jason , Holloway Damien S. , Mehr Javad A. , Thomas Giles A.
Published: July 2022

In this paper the influence of a Ride-Control System (RCS) on the Response Amplitude Operator (RAO) of a full-scale high-speed catamaran was investigated using sea trials data. A T-foil and stern tabs were installed on a Wave-Piercing Catamaran (Incat Tasmania Hull 061) to improve ship motions and passenger comfort. More than 40 total effective hours of sea trials were conducted by the US Navy in 2004, encountering sea states 4–5 in the Atlantic Ocean near the United Kingdom. The reduction in Motion Sickness Incidence (MSI) was estimated in order to examine the effectiveness of the RCS in improving passenger comfort. By comparing the case of active RCS (T-foil plus stern tabs) with the case of active stern tabs only, it was found that the T-foil plays a vital role in the passenger comfort enhancement. Based on ISO recommended MSI calculation of a 2-h seaway, the percentage reduction in MSI was estimated, and hence the effectiveness of the T-foil deployment, along with the influence of speeds, headings, location on board and encountered wave height were analysed. A notable improvement in passenger comfort was observed in the real world bow quartering sea by deploying the RCS. An MSI reduction of 21% in high speeds (30–35 knots, [Formula: see text] 0.6) was observed, which was almost twice the MSI reduction (11%) in low speeds (15–20 knots, [Formula: see text] 0.3). However, in terms of MSI percentage reduction, the ability of T-foil in vessel motion control in oblique seas was found to be limited compared to the results in head seas.
Impact of advance light exposure on assembly-line workers’ subjective work alertness and sleep quality
Authors: He S , Yan Y
Published: July 2022

Underexposure to daylight in windowless factories puts assembly-line workers at risk of health problems. To investigate whether the advance light exposure in the early morning and during the lunch break benefits workers’ productivity and night-time sleep, a within-subject experiment was conducted in a factory. Four experimental lighting interventions were provided twice a day before work (8:30–9:00 and 12:00–12:30) for consecutive five workdays, covering two light levels (1440 lx vs. 70 lx), each with two correlated colour temperatures (CCTs) (5300 K vs. 3300 K), plus an additional benchmark dark exposure (4 lx). Participants’ subjective alertness and night-time sleep were measured daily, and the chronotype was monitored once a week. Results showed that a higher illuminance was correlated with increased subjective work alertness and higher sleep efficiency, while a lower CCT slightly improved alertness. The subjective work alertness and sleep efficiency under the two advance bright light exposures were higher than those under the dark exposure, and the responses of subjective alertness were more pronounced in the afternoon than those in the morning. Yet, the chronotype had no evident change in different lighting interventions. The present study indicated that the daily advance light exposure before work could have a delayed effect on participants’ alertness and sleep quality.
Is it time for a new meritocracy?
Authors: Tašner Veronika , Gaber Slavko
Published: July 2022

Meritocracy is a rationality that has significantly shaped the lives of people in modern societies, and today we all more or less believe that those who are smart, capable and hardworking will succeed in life. This seems to be a rule that applies in more or less all areas of public life. In the Western world, evaluating and judging ourselves and others based on meritocracy has become an imperative that we rarely question and despite the problems associated with meritocracy, politicians, parents and teachers continue to promote it. In The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?, Prof. Sandel lays out the genealogy of the aforementioned prevailing rationality and, in particular, highlights the limits and problems of meritocracy that are often overlooked. However, he does not leave it at a mere critique, but also offers a reflection on ways out of the problems of meritocracy. We continue along the path taken by the professor. The first part of our article highlights the critique as reconsiderations of the concept, then continues with reflections on the future of education, merit and wage labour, and concludes with thoughts on the possibility of creating a new meritocracy.
Health Educators in State/Local Public Health Departments: Training Needs and Awareness of Emerging Areas of Public Health Practice
Authors: Cinnick Samantha , Gambatese Melissa , Auld M. Elaine , Escoffery Cam , Moon Tamira
Published: July 2022

Although great progress has been made to define the field of health education and provide a voluntary certification system for professionals, research about the governmental health educator and health education specialist workforce is limited. The 2017 PH WINS (Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey) provides valuable data on understanding the workforce demographics, attitudes, and training needs of governmental public health workers, including health educators, and informs future investments in workforce development efforts nationally. The purpose of this article is to examine demographics, job engagement and satisfaction, training needs, certification, and other characteristics of health educators and certified health education specialists (CHES) from PH WINS. We analyzed the data to describe the health educator workforce and compared it with the national governmental workforce across a range of variables. Compared with the national 2017 PH WINS sample, health educators were relatively younger, more ethnically diverse, more likely to be educated with an advanced degree, and were predominately employed in local versus state public health agencies. Health educators sampled were significantly more knowledgeable of all public health concepts compared with the national 2017 PH WINS respondent workforce. Comparison of CHES versus non-CHES professionals is also provided, along with practice and policy implications based on the data. This is the first detailed analyses of health educators in state and local health departments, with important findings and implications related to workforce composition, satisfaction, retention, and training. Further cross-sectional workforce research is needed to understand the current strengths and gaps in the health education workforce.
Health, Well-Being, and Health-Related Quality of Life Following COVID-19
Authors: Cavaliere Catherine , Damiao John , Pizzi Michael , Fau Lia
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 may have serious effects on health, well-being, and quality of life (QoL). This study explores the perceptions of health, well-being, and QoL in those who contracted the COVID-19 virus compared with those who did not. A convergent mixed-methods design with convenience sampling ( n = 41) was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. The outcome measures included the Short Form–36 and the Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment. There were no statistically significant differences in perceived health, well-being, and QoL. However, qualitative analysis revealed mental, physical, social, and family health impacts across both groups, with the COVID-19 survivors reporting greater feelings of isolation and fear, resulting in decreased social and family participation. The results indicate that all persons who have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced negative health-related impacts, but those who actually contracted the virus experienced greater impacts on QoL in areas related to occupational health and participation.
Exploring Variation in the Strength of Association of a Validated Recidivism Risk Score With Seven Common Measures of Juvenile Recidivism: A Research Note
Authors: Siennick Sonja E. , Pupo Jhon A.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the predictive strength of a previously validated risk score across seven different operationalizations of juvenile recidivism. Drawing on data from the Florida portion of the Measuring Juvenile Reoffending Study, the study examines two research questions. First, do recidivism risk scores significantly predict a variety of measures of juvenile recidivism? And second, do risk scores exert statistically different effects on different measures of juvenile recidivism? The findings revealed that risk score significantly predicted all seven measures of juvenile recidivism. In addition, the only evidence of statistically different associations across measures of recidivism came from marker event (i.e., types of system contact) comparisons. Total risk score was a significantly stronger predictor of referral than of adjudication/conviction and a stronger predictor of adjudication and commitment. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of validating risk assessment scores on multiple different operationalizations of juvenile recidivism.
Health Literacy in Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lans Amanda , Bales John R. , Fourman Mitchell S. , Borkhetaria Pranati P. , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Schwab Joseph H.
Published: July 2022

Background: Limited health literacy has been associated with adverse health outcomes. Undergoing orthopedic surgery often requires patients to make complex decisions and adhere to complicated instructions, suggesting that health literacy skills might have a profound impact on orthopedic surgery outcomes. Purpose: We sought to review the literature for studies investigating the level of health literacy in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and also to assess how those studies report factors affecting health equity. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for all health literacy studies published in the orthopedic surgery literature up to February 8, 2022. Search terms included synonyms for health literacy and for all orthopedic surgery subspecialties. Two reviewers independently extracted study data in addition to indicators of equity reporting using the PROGRESS+ checklist (Place of Residence, Race/Ethnicity, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Social capital, Socioeconomic status, plus age, disability, and sexual orientation). Results: The search resulted in 616 studies; 9 studies remained after exclusion criteria were applied. Most studies were of arthroplasty (4/9; 44%) or trauma (3/9; 33%) patients. Validated health literacy assessments were used in 4 of the included studies, and only 3 studies reported the rate of limited health literacy in the patients studied, which ranged between 34% and 38.5%. At least one PROGRESS+ item was reported in 88% (8/9) of the studies. Conclusions: We found a paucity of appropriately designed studies that used validated measures of health literacy in the field of orthopedic surgery. The potential impact of health literacy on orthopedic patients and their outcomes has yet to be elucidated. Thoughtful, high-quality trials across diverse demographics and geographies are warranted.
Are Patient Demographics and Payor Status Associated With Practice Patterns in the Surgical Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Authors: Hudson H. Todd , Moore Reece , Elver Ashlie A. , Herrera Fernando A.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) are the 2 operative approaches used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study aims to identify whether differences between OCTR and ECTR rates exist, and, if so, are these differences associated with patient demographics or hospital characteristics.

Methods:

The 2018 Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) was filtered for patient encounters including either OCTR or ECTR operations. All patients undergoing either OCTR or ECTR were included, regardless of surgical specialty. Patient demographics and hospital characteristics data, provided and predefined by the NASS database, were collected and compared between the 2 treatment groups.

Results:

A total of 180 740 patient encounters were collected for both procedure types (OCTR: 62.4% women, mean age, 58 years; ECTR: 62.2% women, mean age, 58 years). Patients from lower income zip codes were more likely to undergo OCTR ( P < .001). Patients either self-paying ( P < .008) or covered by Medicare ( P < .001) or Medicaid insurance ( P < .001) were also more likely to undergo OCTR. In contrast, patients who received care at academic centers and centers with >300 beds were more likely to undergo ECTR ( P < .001). Patients <65 years old were more likely to undergo ECTR ( P < .001), and patients > 75 years old were more likely to undergo OCTR ( P < .001). In addition, ECTR was found to be more expensive, with average total charges $1568 greater than charges for OCTR ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Significant differences exist in treatment strategies for CTS and are related to patient income, location, and primary payor status. Differences in OCTR and ECTR rates are also present, and are related to the size and academic status of hospitals.
Incorporating Well-Being into Mentorship Meetings: A Case Demonstration at Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Surgery a Harvard Medical School Affiliate
Authors: Frates Beth , Cron David , Lubitz Carrie Cunningham , Boland Genevieve , Srivastava Sunita , Hodin Richard A. , Stephen Antonia E. , Carney Kelsey , Phitayakorn Roy
Published: July 2022

Surgeons have been under great pressure during the COVID pandemic. Their careers are filled with fast paced decisions, life and death situations, and long hours at work. The COVID pandemic created more tasks and even new responsibilities at times, but when the operating rooms were closed down, there was less work. The COVID experience invited the opportunity to rethink mentoring in the surgery department at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The leadership experimented with a new style of mentoring which involved a team approach. In addition, they tried something else that was new: adding a lifestyle medicine expert and wellness coach to the mentoring team. The program was tested on 13 early stage surgeons who found the experience to be beneficial, and they commented that they wished they had it even earlier in their careers. Including a non-surgeon who was a lifestyle medicine physician and wellness coach added an element of whole person health that was acceptable to the surgeons and even embraced as the majority of them elected to follow up with one on one coaching after the mentoring meeting. This team mentoring program with senior surgeons and a lifestyle medicine expert is one that can be explored by other departments and other hospitals given its success at the department of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Identifying risk factors for perioperative thromboembolic complications in patients treated with the Woven EndoBridge device
Authors: Javed Kainaat , Fortunel Adisson , Holland Ryan , Khatri Deepak , Ahmad Samuel , Haranhalli Neil , Altschul David
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a new endovascular treatment option for wide necked bifurcation aneurysms. Results from the WEB-IT trial showed a 0% risk of thromboembolic complications within 30 days post-op but the rate reported in the literature is as high as 10%. We are exploring potential risk factors associated with immediate thromboembolic complications in patients treated with the WEB device.

Methods

Retrospective study of forty-two patients with intracranial aneurysms who were treated with WEB at a single center from 2019–2021. Data was collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, and hospital course. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare patients who experienced a periprocedural ischemic stroke to those who did not. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to identify independent risk factors for thromboembolic complications.

Results

Of the 42 patients that were treated with WEB, 6 suffered an ischemic stroke (AIS). These patients were more likely to have an underlying diagnosis of arrythmias (p value = 0.007). Furthermore, they had a median angle of 32.0° in the true neck view on diagnostic angiogram compared to 19.5° (p value = 0.046). Lastly, they had a longer procedure length of 228 min compared to 178 min (p value = 0.002). Patients with thromboembolic complications had a longer length of stay in the hospital and worse outcomes at three months follow up. On logistic regression modeling, these risk factors did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Risk factors of thromboembolic complications after WEB placement include cardiac arrythmias, acute aneurysmal angle in the true neck view and a longer procedure length.
Applied Philosophical Hermeneutic Research: the unmethod
Authors: Hovey Richard B. , Vigouroux Marie , Noushi Nioushah , Pavate Veeresh , Amja Kristina
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this article is to provide insight into the philosophy and practice of Applied Philosophical Hermeneutics as a unique approach for research in the health sciences. While there are other research approaches grounded in hermeneutics, this article focuses on Gadamer’s modern philosophical hermeneutics. During my 18 years as a hermeneutic researcher, graduate students and I have engaged with people with a wide variety of experiences such as preventable medical error, Indigenous health, adult and adolescent chronic pain, social responsibility in higher education, oral health care for autistic children, and the experiences of people living with Thalassemia. Applied Philosophical Hermeneutics offers an approach to help bring researchers, clinicians, and patients together within a community of active partnerships in research. All these projects employed Applied Philosophical Hermeneutics as an approach to gain a deeper and personal understanding of the unique experiences of these diverse groups of people. Hermeneutics remains somewhat confusing as the unmethod which may lead to a dismissive attitude toward this research approach. Therefore, the intention of this paper is to present a risk-free insight into hermeneutics, which hopefully will open-up conversations and new learning experiences among researchers, students, patients, and colleagues.
Research on 6-DOF robot inverse kinematics based on blended optimization algorithm of ELM- SSA-SCA
Authors: Li Guanglei , Cui Yahui , Wang Lihua , Meng Lei
Published: July 2022

To enhance the resolution timeliness and accuracy of inverse kinematics of industrial robots, a robot inverse kinematics method based on ELM-SSA-SCA was proposed. The positive kinematic model of the mechanical arm with Six Degrees of Freedom was established using D-H method, and ELM (extreme learning machine) with fast training speed was used to predict the initial resolution of robot inverse kinematics. The blended optimization method of SSA (Sparrow Search Algorithm) and SCA (Sine Cosine Algorithm) was applied to optimize the obtained initial inverse solution. The position under the optimum fitness was used as the output, so as to obtain the optimum solution of inverse kinematics. It is shown from the experimental results that the algorithm based on SSA-SCA-ELM achieved inverse solutions with faster convergence rate, higher precision and better timeliness compared to the solution method based on PSA-BP neural network.
Psychosocial issues and coping mechanisms of pregnant and postnatal women diagnosed with COVID-19: A qualitative study
Authors: Kabwe Jane Chanda , Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Phiri Christabel Chigwe , Mulenga Mubanga , Siulapwa Ntungo , Kaonga Patrick , Price Joan T. , Phiri Selia Ng’anjo , Jacobs Choolwe
Published: July 2022

Objective

There is a paucity of data on the psychosocial issues and coping mechanisms among pregnant and postnatal women with COVID-19 infection. We, therefore, aimed to explore the psychosocial issues and coping mechanisms of pregnant and postnatal women diagnosed with COVID-19 at tertiary-level hospitals.

Methods

This was a qualitative phenomenological study conducted in 2021 with a sample size of 16 women admitted at two referral hospitals serving as COVID-19 admission facilities for pregnant and postnatal women in Lusaka, Zambia. In-depth interviews were conducted via telephone to understand what these women experienced when diagnosed with COVID-19. All the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using the six steps approach to develop emerging themes.

Results

Two major themes emerged: psychosocial issues and coping mechanisms. The primary psychosocial issues were worry and stigma. Women worried about infecting their unborn baby or neonate, being separated from the baby, the general safety of the baby, and the health of other family members. Women also worried about the attitude of health care providers and faced discrimination or stigma because of their infection. Thus, some coping mechanisms were developed that helped them, such as a positive attitude, keeping the disease secret, reliance on family members for support and using positive information from social media.

Conclusion

This study provides unique insights into the psychosocial experiences of pregnant and postnatal women diagnosed with COVID-19. Women were particularly concerned about the unborn baby’s well-being and discrimination. This study suggests the need for policy and clinical practice to consider the integration of effective mental health services into the provision of maternal health and COVID-19 services.
Consensus Goals in the Field of Visual Metacognition
Authors: Rahnev Dobromir , Balsdon Tarryn , Charles Lucie , de Gardelle Vincent , Denison Rachel , Desender Kobe , Faivre Nathan , Filevich Elisa , Fleming Stephen M. , Jehee Janneke , Lau Hakwan , Lee Alan L. F. , Locke Shannon M. , Mamassian Pascal , Odegaard Brian , Peters Megan , Reyes Gabriel , Rouault Marion , Sackur Jerome , Samaha Jason , Sergent Claire , Sherman Maxine T. , Siedlecka Marta , Soto David , Vlassova Alexandra , Zylberberg Ariel
Published: July 2022

Despite the tangible progress in psychological and cognitive sciences over the last several years, these disciplines still trail other more mature sciences in identifying the most important questions that need to be solved. Reaching such consensus could lead to greater synergy across different laboratories, faster progress, and increased focus on solving important problems rather than pursuing isolated, niche efforts. Here, 26 researchers from the field of visual metacognition reached consensus on four long-term and two medium-term common goals. We describe the process that we followed, the goals themselves, and our plans for accomplishing these goals. If this effort proves successful within the next few years, such consensus building around common goals could be adopted more widely in psychological science.
Driving, work, wound care and rehabilitation after carpal tunnel release: Consensus recommendations from a UK Delphi study
Authors: Newington Lisa , Madan Ira , Sandford Fiona
Published: July 2022

Introduction

There is variability in the information available for patients after carpal tunnel release (CTR). We aimed to establish (i) what advice should be provided regarding return to driving after CTR; (ii) how work activities should be categorised and defined in relation to CTR, and when patients should be recommended to return to these activities; (iii) what wound care and rehabilitation advice should be provided after CTR.

Methods

We developed consensus recommendations from an expert panel of hand surgeons, primary care surgeons and hand therapists using an electronic Delphi process. Participants were recruited from clinical organisations using pre-defined criteria. Delphi questionnaires included open text and tick-box responses. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement and summary feedback was provided after each round.

Results

There were 33 panellists (21 surgeons and 12 hand therapists), of which 27 (82%) completed all rounds. Expected return to driving was agreed as 5–14 days. Expected timescales were also agreed for return to seven selected occupational activities. Post-operative advice focused on using and moving the hand, rather than specific rehabilitation. While consensus was reached for most items, there were important areas of disagreement, including divergent views on driving with sutures in situ and the need to inform car insurers.

Conclusion

Recommendations from this study expand on existing advice by including functional descriptors for occupational activities and guidance timescales generated through a formal consensus process. Areas where consensus was not reached warrant further exploration to assess whether different practices impact clinical and functional outcomes for patients.
A near real-time electronic health record-based COVID-19 surveillance system: An experience from a developing country
Authors: Sheikhtaheri Abbas , Tabatabaee Jabali Seyed Mohammad , Bitaraf Ehsan , TehraniYazdi Alireza , Kabir Ali
Published: July 2022

Context

Access to real-time data that provide accurate and timely information about the status and extent of disease spread could assist management of the COVID-19 pandemic and inform decision-making.

Aim

To demonstrate our experience with regard to implementation of technical and architectural infrastructure for a near real-time electronic health record-based surveillance system for COVID-19 in Iran.

Method

This COVID-19 surveillance system was developed from hospital information and electronic health record (EHR) systems available in the study hospitals in conjunction with a set of open-source solutions; and designed to integrate data from multiple resources to provide near real-time access to COVID-19 patients’ data, as well as a pool of health data for analytical and decision-making purposes.

Outcomes

Using this surveillance system, we were able to monitor confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 in our population and to automatically notify stakeholders. Based on aggregated data collected, this surveillance system was able to facilitate many activities, such as resource allocation for hospitals, including managing bed allocations, providing and distributing equipment and funding, and setting up isolation centres.

Conclusion

Electronic health record systems and an integrated data analytics infrastructure are effective tools to enable policymakers to make better decisions, and for epidemiologists to conduct improved analyses regarding COVID-19.

Implications

Improved quality of clinical coding for better case finding, improved quality of health information in data sources, data-sharing agreements, and increased EHR coverage in the population can empower EHR-based COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Demographic Factors and Comorbid Conditions Related to Health Care Presentation Among Patients With Sinusitis
Authors: Salman Farhan M. , Dasgupta Raktima , Eldeirawi Kamal M. , Nyenhuis Sharmilee M. , Lee Victoria S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Social determinants of health (SDOH) and comorbid conditions (CMCs) influence the setting of presentation for care; however, few studies have explored this relationship in the context of sinus disease.

Objective

This study aims to characterize the relationship of SDOH and CMCs with acuity of health care presentation setting in adults with sinusitis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis based on medical records (demographics, visit types, and ICD-10 codes) of 1842 adult patients presenting with sinusitis to an urban academic medical center was conducted. Chi-square analysis was used to assess bivariate associations of SDOH (age, race/ethnicity, sex, insurance type, and employment status) and CMCs (depression, body mass index [BMI], allergy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]) with high-acuity visit types—including emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to examine the adjusted associations between SDOH and high-acuity visits.

Results

The sample's mean age was 46.8 years, with 68.5% females and 31.5% males. In adjusted models, the odds of high-acuity visit presentation was higher for males than females (odds ratio [OR]: 1.57; confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–2.01); non-Hispanic Blacks (OR: 2.21; CI: 1.58–3.09) as well as Hispanics/Latinos (OR: 2.10; CI:1.43–3.08) than Whites; unemployed (OR: 1.90; CI: 1.47–2.46.) than employed. Age was positively associated with high-acuity presentation. While GERD was associated with increased odds of high-acuity presentation (OR: 2.80; CI: 1.64–4.78), BMI, allergy, and depression did not have a statistically significant association with these visit types. These associations were independent of insurance coverage, which was not statistically associated with high-acuity visits.

Conclusion

SDOH and CMCs were associated with high-acuity healthcare presentation in adults with sinusitis. While this study highlights how SDOH affect healthcare usage patterns among people with sinusitis, further investigation is needed to identify and address the causes of these patterns.
Unsupervised Clustering of Olfactory Phenotypes
Authors: Schlosser Rodney J. , Dubno Judy R. , Eckert Mark A. , Benitez Andreana M. , Gregoski Matthew , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan , Matthews Lois , Soler Zachary M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Current clinical classifications of olfactory function are based primarily upon a percentage of correct answers in olfactory identification testing. This simple classification provides little insight into etiologies of olfactory loss, associated comorbidities, or impact on the quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Community-based subjects underwent olfactory psychophysical testing using Sniffin Sticks to measure threshold (T), discrimination (D), and identification (I). The cognitive screening was performed using Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Unsupervised clustering was performed based upon T, D, I, and MMSE. Post hoc differences in demographics, comorbidities, and QOL measures were assessed.

Results

Clustering of 219 subjects, mean age 51 years (range 20-93 years) resulted in 4 unique clusters. Cluster 1 was the largest and predominantly younger normosmics. Cluster 2 had the worst olfaction with impairment in nearly all aspects of olfaction and decreased MMSE scores. This cluster had higher rates of smoking, heart disease, and cancer and had the worst olfactory-specific QOL. Cluster 3 had normal MMSE with relative preservation of D and I, but severely impaired T. This cluster had higher rates of smoking and heart disease with moderately impaired QOL. Cluster 4 was notable for the worst MMSE scores, but general preservation of D and I with moderate loss of T. This cluster had higher rates of Black subjects, diabetes, and viral/traumatic olfactory loss.

Conclusion

Unsupervised clustering based upon detailed olfactory testing and cognitive testing results in clinical phenotypes with unique risk factors and QOL impacts. These clusters may provide additional information regarding etiologies and subsequent therapies to treat olfactory loss.
A simulation-based analysis of the effects of variable prosthesis stiffness on interface dynamics between the prosthetic socket and residual limb
Authors: McGeehan Michael A , Adamczyk Peter G , Nichols Kieran M , Hahn Michael E
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Loading of a residual limb within a prosthetic socket can cause tissue damage such as ulceration. Computational simulations may be useful tools for estimating tissue loading within the socket, and thus provide insights into how prosthesis designs affect residual limb-socket interface dynamics. The purpose of this study was to model and simulate residual limb-socket interface dynamics and evaluate the effects of varied prosthesis stiffness on interface dynamics during gait.

Methods: A spatial contact model of a residual limb-socket interface was developed and integrated into a gait model with a below-knee amputation. Gait trials were simulated for four subjects walking with low, medium, and high prosthesis stiffness settings. The effects of prosthesis stiffness on interface kinematics, normal pressure, and shear stresses were evaluated.

Results: Model-predicted values were similar to those reported previously in sensor-based experiments; increased stiffness resulted in greater average normal pressure and shear stress ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These methods may be useful to aid experimental studies by providing insights into the effects of varied prosthesis design parameters or gait conditions on residual limb-socket interface dynamics. The current results suggest that these effects may be subject-specific.
Risk of Dysphagia and Dysphonia in Patients With Prior Thyroidectomy Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Alsoof Daniel , Perry Justin , Yang Daniel S. , Zhang Andrew S. , McDonald Christopher L. , Kuris Eren O. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: July 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study using PearlDiver database.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of prior thyroidectomy on complications of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery.

Methods

PearlDiver was used to identify patients without prior dysphagia or dysphonia undergoing ACDF between the years 2010-2020Q1. Patients with and without prior thyroidectomy were matched by levels of fusion, alcohol use, and gastroesophageal reflux disease in a 1:5 ratio. Postoperative outcomes were assessed for each cohort with multivariable logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

Results

Between 2010 and 2019, matched cohorts of 792 ACDF patients with prior thyroidectomy and 3960 ACDF only patients were included in the study. Of patients with previous thyroidectomy undergoing ACDF, 16.3% experienced dysphagia at 1-year compared with 10.6% for patients undergoing ACDF only (aOR=1.39, P=.004). Patients with previous thyroidectomy also had higher odds of dysphonia at 1-year following ACDF, as compared to patients with ACDF alone (2.7% vs 1.2%, aOR=1.74, P= .048). Patients undergoing ACDF with prior thyroidectomy did not have increased risk of revision at 1 year (aOR=1.10, P=.698), 2 years (aOR=1.16, P=.457), or 5 years (aOR=1.20, P=.255) following surgery. There were no differences in postoperative opioid utilization rates at 1 month (aOR=2.07, P=.138), 3 months (aOR=2.45, P=.095), 6 months (aOR=1.34, P=.520), and 12 months (aOR=1.69, P=.202). Prior thyroidectomy was not associated with reintubation following ACDF (P=.995).

Conclusions

Patients with prior thyroidectomy undergoing ACDF surgery experience increased odds of dysphagia and dysphonia at 1-year follow-up compared to those without prior thyroidectomy.
Practice of Disciplinary Methods and Factors Associated With Belief for Physical Punishment Among Malaysian Parents: Findings From NHMS 2016
Authors: Ganapathy Shubash Shander , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Mohammad Nik Mazlina , Abdul Manaf Rosliza
Published: July 2022

The belief in the effectiveness of physical punishment is an important predictor for its use. The objectives of this study was to describe the factors associated with the belief for physical punishment toward children 1 to 5 years of age among Malaysian parents. Data was collected as part of the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2016. The respondents were asked if they believed that physical punishment is needed to raise a child properly. A total of 60.0% of Malaysian parents believed in the need for physical punishment, with 54.3% practising it. Parents who believed in physical punishment had more than 2 times a higher likelihood of practising it (odds ratio 2.57) than those who did not. Parents need to be taught to respond positively to children’s behavior and anger management strategies in difficult parenting situations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Intensive Care Unit Nurse Duty of Care and Professional Roles: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Christianson Jacqueline , Guttormson Jill , McAndrew Natalie Susan , Calkins Kelly
Published: July 2022

Background

Nurse duty of care, the balance between nursing occupational obligations to provide care, the personal costs for providing such care, and the reward for providing care, has been significantly altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. ICU nurses are increasingly burdened with higher personal costs to fulfill their jobs, but little additional reward for continuing to provide care.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the duty of care balance among ICU nurses who manage COVID-19 patients.

Design

This was a descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Methods

Nurses were recruited for a parent study on ICU nursing during COVID-19; this is a secondary analysis of the interviews that took place during the parent study. Content analysis was utilized to identify themes from interview transcripts.

Results

Thirteen nurses participated in interviews. Nurses reported betrayal at perceived breeches in their duty of care agreement by their employers, the general public, and national health authorities. They described alterations to previous standards of care such as significantly increased workloads, worsening understaffing, and changes to patient care expectations that were implemented for reasons other than betterment of patient care. Nurses reported they felt a moral obligation to provide care, however they experienced disempowerment and burnout that affected them both in and out of the workplace.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several aspects of the duty of care balance, resulting in a duty of care balance that is inequitable to nurses. Imbalance in the effort, risks, and rewards for nursing professionals may contribute to nurse burnout.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This research highlights the need for healthcare administrators to consider resource allocation, nurse appreciation, and commensurate compensation for professional nurses.
The Impacts of a Blended Entrepreneurship Course on Secondary Students' Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Entrepreneurial Intentions
Authors: Hershmann Toi E. , Yuan Jiangmei , Follmer Jake , Kale Ugur , White Carrie
Published: July 2022

This mixed-methods study examined the impacts of a blended entrepreneurial course on secondary students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and intentions, which were measured with pre- and post-surveys. The artifacts students created (elevator pitches and business canvas models) were collected. Survey results revealed no improvement in ESE, but significant improvements in two dimensions of intentions: professional attraction and entrepreneurial capacity. Artifact results showed that students could identify problems and generate solutions, but they could not project revenues. These findings suggest that blended courses can increase students’ professional attraction of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial capacity and enable them to identify problems and generate solutions.