bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Psychodrama on Communication Skills of Adolescents with Hearing Loss
Authors: Nemati Ali , Demehri Farangis , Saeidmanesh Mohsen
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Adolescents with hearing loss face many communication problems and challenges due to their hearing impairment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychodrama on communication skills of adolescents with hearing loss.
Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest/posttest design using a control group. The study population consists of all adolescents with hearing loss aged 12–15 years studying at Naghme School for the Deaf in Yazd, Iran. A total of 24 adolescents were selected using a purposive sampling technique and were randomly assigned into groups of control (n=12) and intervention (n=12). The intervention group received psychodrama at nine sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group received no treatment. The Queendom Communication Skills Test (QCST) was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Psychodrama can improve communication skills of adolescents with hearing loss, which is verbal communication.
Conclusion: The mean and standard deviation of the pretest QCST score was 78.75±9.4 for the intervention group. After the treatment, the QCST scores was 105.08±6.28 for the intervention group. The results of ANCOVA showed an improvement in Queendom Communication Skills Test scores of adolescents after intervention (p<0.001).
Keywords: Hearing loss; communication skills; psychodrama
Consonant Production Skills in Children with Cochlear Implants and Normal-Hearing Children Aged 3–5 Years
Authors: Sohrabi Mitra , Jalilevand Nahid
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Consonant development plays a significant role in speech intelligibility which is impaired in children with profound hearing loss. Cochlear implant (CI) can facilitate the development of language comprehension and sound production in children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. This study aimed to compare consonant production skills in children with CI and normal-hearing (NH) children aged 3–5 years.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were 20 children with CI and 20 age- matched NH children. The consonant production skills were assessed using the speech intelligibility test in Persian.
Results: There were significant differences between CI and NH children (p<0.05), where   the highest percentage of correct production in both groups was related to the manner of articulation of stop and nasal consonants. NH children showed less accuracy only in /r/ and /ʧ/, while children with CI were less accurate in /q/, /x/, /ʤ/, /l/, /j/, and /r/.
Conclusion: Children with CI have lower scores compared to age-matched NH peers, but they have similar consonant production skills.
Keywords: Cochlear implant; consonant production; consonant accuracy
The Reliability and Equivalency of the Persian Version of Quick Speech-in-Noise Test in 7-12-Year-Old
Authors: Zeraatkar Atefeh Abolhasani , Fatahi Farzaneh , Farahani Saeid , Jalaie Shohreh
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: In a noisy environment, children struggle more than adults to understand speech. Various tests at different levels of cognition are available to evaluate children’s speech perception abilities in a noisy environment. The present study aimed at determining the reliability and equivalency of the Persian version of the quick speech-in-noise (P-Q-SIN) test in 7-12 years old school-aged children.
Methods: A total of 120 (60 girls) students with normal hearing were chosen from primary schools in district 2 of Kerman City, Iran. They were in five age groups ranging from 7 to 12 years (24 children per age group). Pure tone audiometry test was performed on the samples, then nine lists of P-Q-SIN of previous studies (Khalili et al. and Shayanmehr et al.) were administered on these participants. To obtain the test-retest reliability, three weeks later, the re-test was performed.
Results: In the test-retest reliability, lists 1 and 4 of Khalili et al. and list 2 of Shayanmehr et al. were highly correlated (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the scores of girls and boys (p>0.05). The participant’s performance improves as the age increases.
Conclusion: None of the lists of Shayanmehr et al. was reliable and equivalent. List 1 and 4 of Khalili et al. were reliable and equivalent; therefore, they can be used in clinical application for children in the age range of 7 to 12 years by considering the norm of signal-to-noise ratio loss.
Keywords: Children; equivalency; normal hearing; quick speech-in-noise test; reliability; signal to noise ratio loss
Auditory Processing Skills in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Habibi Mahsa , Farahani Saeid , Rouhbakhsh Nematollah , Zamiri Abdollahi Farzaneh , Negin Ehsan , Jalaie Shohreh
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is neurological disease of the central nervous system. Central auditory nervous system can also be affected by MS. The present study aimed to evaluate monaural and binaural auditory processing in patients with MS.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 patients with MS and 45 normal peers as controls aged 25–45 years. They underwent a central auditory processing test battery including the Persian versions of Buffalo model questionnaire (BMQ), staggered spondee word (SSW) test, quick speech in noise test (QSIN), phonemic synthesis test (PST), and two- pair dichotic digit test (DDT).
Results: The results of SSW test, QSIN test, PST, DDT and BMQ in the MS group were significantly different than in the control group (p≤0.001). The results showed the poor performance of patients compared to controls in some monaural and binaural auditory processing skills.
Conclusion: Central auditory processing disorder is common among patients with MS. The BMQ is a suitable screening tool for identifying affected people. Dichotic listening skills, phonemic processing and speech perception in noise are impaired in MS patients which can have significant impacts on their quality of life.
Keywords: Auditory processing; multiple sclerosis, central auditory nervous system; adults; speech perception
Long-Term Effect of Caffeine Intake on Speech and Sound Perception in People with Normal Hearing
Authors: Taghavi Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Geshani Ahmad , Rouhbakhsh Nematollah , Pourbakht Akram , Seraji Hossein
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Caffeine intake enhances concentration through affecting brain functions. It also improves attention to the signal which is believed to be associated with increased noise tolerance and improved speech perception. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of caffeine intake on simultaneous speech and sound perception in people with normal hearing.
Methods: This double-blind study was conducted on 90 people aged 18-34 years (45 males and 45 females), randomly assigned to two intervention groups (receiving 3 and 5 mg/kg caffeine) and a control group (receiving placebo). The acceptable noise level (ANL) test was conducted before and five hours after intervention.
Results: Comparison of ANL scores before and after intervention showed a significant difference in the 3 mg/kg caffeine group (p=0.002), but not in the placebo (p=0.497) and 5 mg/kg caffeine (p=0.146) groups. Between-group analysis showed a significant difference between the placebo and 3 mg/kg caffeine groups in the ANL five hours after (p=0.005), while the difference was not significant between the placebo and the 5 mg/kg caffeine groups (p=0.139). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the ANL between the 3 and 5 mg/ kg caffeine groups (p=0.148).
Conclusion: Caffeine intake affects noise tolerance, depending on the dose of caffeine. The ANL and speech tolerance improve five hours after consuming 3 mg/kg of caffeine.
Keywords: Caffeine; noise perception; normal hearing; acceptable noise level test
Prevalence of Hearing Loss Diagnosed for the First Time in Primary School Children in Damascus, Syria
Authors: Nawaf Mehrez Rodaina
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Hearing loss is considered a main cause of speech-language delay and academic performance retardation. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of hearing loss diagnosed for the first time in primary school children.
Methods: A cross-sectional study has involved 624, randomly chosen, primary school children. The children have undergone hearing screening using tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry screening in order to detect the children with undiagnosed hearing loss.
Results: Six hundred and twenty-four children underwent tympanometry which showed that 481 children have type A Tympanogram, 39 have type C, 16 have type A in one ear and type C in the other, 78 have type B, and 10 of them have type B in one ear and type C in the other. Then all children underwent pure tone audiometry screening and this showed that 565 children have responded to 20 dB for all frequencies, 42 have not responded to 20 dB at any frequency, 27 of them are from those children with type B Tympanogram, 10 children have not responded to 20 dB for frequencies >2000 Hz, 7 of them have not responded to 20 dB at any frequency in one ear with normal responses in the other.
Conclusion: School age hearing screening is an important procedure to detect hearing loss in children in order to manage hearing loss as early as possible and avoid its consequences.
Keywords: Hearing loss; sensorineural hearing loss; otitis media with effusion; pure tone audiometry; tympanometry; screening
Impact of Combined Bifrontal Transcranial Direct- Current Stimulation and Conflict Processing Training on Tinnitus: a Protocol for Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Emadi Maryam , Akbari Mehdi , Moossavi Abdollah , Jalaie Shohreh , Toufan Reyhane
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: The deficit in cognitive functions and central executive function is one of the popular hypotheses on the underlying cause of tinnitus. These factors are not only the complications of tinnitus but are also involved in the generation of it. In this study, bifrontal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and conflict processing will be used in the form of auditory Stroop training to improve cognitive performance and inhibition control for tinnitus management.
Methods: This study will be carried out on 34 chronic tinnitus patients. The initial evaluations include the tinnitus psychoacoustic evaluations, determination of the tinnitus handicap through tinnitus handicap inventory, and examining the annoyance and loudness of tinnitus through the visual analog scale after which the participants will be investigated in two groups. The first group will receive sessions of tDCS followed by six sessions of conflict processing training. The second group will first receive tDCS in the form of sham, to be followed by six sessions of auditory Stroop. The evaluations will be repeated after each intervention.
Discussion: Studies have shown that successive sessions of conflict processing training can enhance cognitive plasticity and inhibition function. As conflict processing training has not been addressed as rehabilitation training in the people suffering from tinnitus, these processes will be designed in four tasks as rehabilitation exercises in Farsi language and applied along with tDCS to the people with chronic tinnitus to decrease and control tinnitus by improving cognitive and inhibition control.
Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120215009014N366) on Sep 17th, 2020.
Keywords: Tinnitus; conflict processing; Stroop training; inhibition
Food safety requirements for the COVID-19 pandemic in bakery manufacturing: a review
Authors: Özçakmak Sibel , Molaee-Aghaee Ebrahim
Published: April 2022

The World Health Organization has published a guide for manufacturers on continuing production during the coronavirus pandemic that should be considered in the regulation of public health and social measures within the scope of COVID-19. Requirements intended by other government agencies or regulatory agencies should be included in the hygiene control applications. This will facilitate both food safety and control of pandemic measures and administrative sanctions. As far as seen that food business has not yet adopted completely the new control measures involving COVID19 requirements. It is thought that there is an urgent need for management of safety manufacture conditions taking into account pandemic rules and also official controls of the food manufacturers should be evaluated both food safety and COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Provided that all legislative conditions regarding food safety are valid, additional measures to be taken in Bakery Manufacturing against COVID-19 will be specified in this review. This study is a guide that will contribute to the bakery business operators by revealing which conditions should be included in the Prerequisite Program which was set out general measures and procedures by governments to ensure safe food production chains during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Mutton in Qatar: an example of application of One Health approach
Authors: Mohammed Hussni O. , Peter Kenlyn , Salem Ahmed , Doiphode Sanjay , Sultan Ali
Published: April 2022

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the risk of illness from the consumption of Mutton contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Qatar and to highlight intervention points that would contribute to mitigating its associated risk. The quantitative risk assessment (QRA) methodology was employed to address this objective. Our approach consisted of a combination of deterministic and stochastic approaches. Data on the probability of E. coli O157:H7 in animals, animal products, retail, and humans were obtained through repeat cross-sectional studies. Estimates of the adverse health effects were computed using risk characterization which integrated data on hazard characterization and exposure assessment, including dose-response models. The probability of illness for a healthy female from the consumption of mutton contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 eating at a restaurant ranged from 7×10-3 to 28×10-2 depending on the amount of food consumed. However, the risk for the same female eating at home is less (5×10-3 to 24×10-2). The estimates of illness are three times higher for immunocompromised females exposed either at a restaurant or at home. The risk of illness due to this pathogen could be significantly reduced for either gender under different scenarios by increasing the efficacy of roasting the mutton before consumption.
A study on the abundance of infection with Sarcocystis in goats slaughtered in the Tabriz slaughterhouse
Authors: Valizadeh Hadi , Ebrahimi Alireza
Published: April 2022

Sarcocystis is a mandatory intracellular parasite that is common between humans and animals, which causes huge losses in the livestock and meat industries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in goats slaughtered in Tabriz slaughterhouse. For this purpose, the carcasses of 240 slaughtered goats were examined for the presence of macrocysts by eye observation and then by microscopic by dob-smear and digestive methods. Based on the results, 2.5% of the studied carcasses were diagnosed with macrocytic observation. In the microscopic examination by dob-smear and digestion methods, 35.83% and 100% respectively of the cases were positively diagnosed. There is a significant relationship between contamination and the studied method (p<0.05), which has higher validity digestion than the dob-smear and macroscopic method. There was also a statistically significant difference between the contamination rate among different muscles (p<0.05). As well, the highest microcyst contamination was observed in diaphragm muscles and the lowest microcyst contamination was observed in the heart muscle. This study showed the necessity of microscopic observation of the Sarcocystis contamination in the goat carcasses.
Detection of Coxiella burnetii in raw milk samples collected from dairy farms in Mazandaran province, north of Iran
Authors: Kazemeini Hamidreza , Partovi Razieh , Nazaktabar Ahmad , Shokri Hojjatollah
Published: April 2022

Query fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular microorganism of Coxiella burnetii. Moreover, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii in bulk milk samples from dairy bovine herds using a nested polymerase chain reaction assay. During four seasons, a total of 100 samples of bulk milk from traditional, semi-industrial, and industrial dairy bovine herds located in six cities of Mazandaran province, northern Iran from May 2019 to February 2020 were collected. The samples were subjected to detect C. burnetii using a nested-PCR assay. Twenty - seven out of 100 bulk milk samples (27%, 95% CI: 18.3-35), 7% were infected with C. burnetii. The prevalence was 54.3% (19 samples) in traditional dairy herds and 12.3 % (8 samples) in semi-industrial industrial dairy herds. Furthermore, our results revealed that the chance of milk being infected with C. burnetii bacteria in traditional milk is 8.5 times higher than the milk of semi-industrial and industrial dairy herds. Based on the obtained results of the current study, the highest and lowest prevalence of C. burnetii were seen in Ghaemshar (66.7%) and Babol (0%), respectively (p<0.05). Spring season (37%) had the highest contamination of C. burnetii in bulk milk samples. According to the findings of this study, the clinically healthy dairy cows are important sources of C. burnetii infection in this area, amplified by the traditional herds of these animals. Because these animals can transmit the infection to humans, this common zoonotic bacterium can be a potential health problem in Mazandaran province, Northern Iran.
Evaluation of the Possible Effect of the Influenza Vaccine on the Severity, Mortality, and Length of Hospitalization among Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients; An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alizadeh Nafiseh , Tabatabaei Fatemeh Sadat , Borran Mina , Dianatkhah Mehrnoush , Azimi Amirali , Forghani Seyedeh Nafise , Akbarpour Samaneh , Alizadeh Mahboubeh , Torabi Sara , Faraji Neda
Published: April 2022

Background: Based upon WHO (World Health Organization) Coronavirus Dashboard more than 5 million deaths worldwide have been attributed to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) till November 2021. The annual flu vaccination has raised many questions about the vaccine's effects on Covid-19 outcomes. Several possible mechanisms including cross-reactivity and cross-protection have been reported to be responsible for the potential protective effect of the flu vaccine on the COVID-19 infection. This study was performed to evaluate the possible effect of the influenza vaccine on the disease severity, the mortality rate, and the length of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. 
Methods: The data of 1300 patients were recorded from May 2020 to October 2020. Patients with a previous history of COVID-19, patients under 18 years old, and patients who did not have accurate information about their influenza vaccination history were excluded. 498 hospitalized unvaccinated COVID-19 patients with typical clinical manifestations and a positive PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test for COVID-19 were included in this observational, cross-sectional study. The participants were divided into two groups (vaccinated and unvaccinated) based on the history of influenza vaccination at the time of admission.
Results: The length of hospital stay was lower in the vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the mortality rate, the need for ICU (Intensive Care Unit) admission, and the severity of the disease between the two groups (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: Since the patients studied in this article did not receive any of the Covid-19 vaccines; Therefore, the effect of influenza vaccination on the clinical course of Covid-19 can be evaluated using the results of this study. A longer length of hospital stay was observed in the unvaccinated patients in our study, which may suggest the possible protective effect of the influenza vaccine against COVID-19.
Effects of Pulse Dose of Corticosteroids in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: An Observational Study
Authors: Nikpour Hadis , Heydarpour Fatemeh , Vaziri Siavash , Zamanian Mohammad Hossein , Shahbazi Foroud
Published: April 2022

Background: Although corticosteroids are commonly used for COVID-19 disease during the inflammatory phase, the effective doses and the best choice of corticosteroids are not yet known.
Methods: In the present study, the effects of non-pulse (30-250 mg/day of prednisolone equivalent) versus pulse equivalent (>250 mg/day of prednisolone equivalent) doses of corticosteroids are compared in terms of the patients’ oxygen saturation, hospital mortality, and side effects. In addition, the patients were followed for 2 months for readmission and mortality.
Results: 270 severe or critically ill patients with COVID-19 disease were included in the study. Diabetes and hypertension were the most common comorbidities. More than 80% of the patients received corticosteroids. Pulse equivalent doses of corticosteroids were used in 36.9 % of the patients. Treatment with pulse doses of corticosteroid significantly increased the oxygen saturation in the critically ill patients. However, the pulse doses significantly increased the in-hospital mortality rate [29 (20.3%) vs. 12 (10.6%), p=0.036] and the side effects. In addition, a trend toward higher 60-day mortality was observed in the pulse-based-treated patients [31 (21.7%) vs. 14 (12.4%), p=0.053]. The multivariate analysis showed that having comorbidities increased the mortality risk independently [OR 3.33, CI 1.148-9.647].
Conclusion: The results showed that the pulse doses of corticosteroids increase the oxygen saturation, but they also can increase mortality. Further randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.
Assessment of Pharmacists’ Confidence When Consulting Patients on Anticoagulants: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Ghadrdan Elliyeh , Mohammadi Mehdi , Namazi Soha , Daie Maryam , Ebrahimpour Sholeh
Published: April 2022

Backgrounds: The pharmacists have a crucial role in providing pharmaceutical care to patients who receive anticoagulants. This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacists’ confidence in pharmaceutical consultation in the field of anticoagulant therapy, identify their educational needs, and find their commonly used sources of medical information. In addition, their preferred method for future educations and specific areas of interest were assessed.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2018 and April 2019 among pharmacists involved in different areas of professional activity. They filled out an online questionnaire specifically developed to evaluate the aims of the study. The questionnaire was prepared in three parts including 6 questions about demographic information, 13 questions about confidence level, and 9 questions about the commonly used sources of medical information and educational needs of participants.
Results: At the end of the study, 229 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The pharmacists’ confidence was significantly higher when advising patients on warfarin versus non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (P=0.0001). More than 98% of participants acknowledged that additional education is required in the field of anticoagulation. Among the different educational methods, electronic learning (e-learning) was more attractive than others (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: Pharmacists’ confidence was lower in providing pharmaceutical support on NOACs compared with other anticoagulants. Our findings suggest that additional educational courses are needed to enable pharmacists on the provision of anticoagulation care, preferably via e-learning methods.
Five Nonprofit Leadership Challenges A Proposed Typology of Common Issues that Nonprofit Leaders Face
Authors: Clerkin Richard M. , Varkey Sapna , Sudweeks Jayce
Published: April 2022

Nonprofit leaders face many challenges and would benefit from a typology that helps highlight the core issues organizations experience. The Nonprofit Studies Minor at North Carolina State University identified five nonprofit leadership challenges, through a combination of practitioner experience and academic research, that could serve as a typology. The challenges identified are earning the public trust; aligning mission, methods, and resources; capitalizing on issues associated with diversity; balancing individual interests and the common good; and moving beyond charity to systemic change. This research revisits the academic literature to assess whether these challenges encompass the research agenda of nonprofit and voluntary action academic studies. Using qualitative content analysis, we examined abstracts from three major nonprofit journals from 2005-2017. Results indicate that the five leadership challenges were present in the abstracts of all three journals. Chi-squared analysis showed statistically significant differences in the presence of leadership challenges based on journal, location of the study, and unit of analysis. Validating this typology strengthens the Institute’s efforts and inform research and practice throughout the field.
Preparing Nonprofit Professionals: An Educational Needs Assessment from a Worker Perspective
Authors: Melville-Holder Jo'Ann L. , Lawrence Kara , Leight Matthew D. , Johnson Brad A. , Stewart Amanda J.
Published: April 2022

Nonprofit management education is informed by curricular standards and feedback from students and alumni on the utility of its curriculum components. In a professionalizing and diverse nonprofit sector, we were curious to ask nonprofit workers about the skills and competencies they need for their work. Applying a survey design, we asked nonprofit workers about the skills and abilities they used in their work relative to general professional and nonprofit curricular standards. In our findings, we explore differences according to the professional profiles to make sense of the sector’s diverse workforce. Our assessment supplies fresh insight into the competencies nonprofit education promotes, describing how nonprofit professionals view the skills needed for their work, and how they think about professional development. The findings inform those who teach or administer nonprofit degree programs, as well as those who work or want to work in the nonprofit sector.
Analysis of a Year-Round Mentoring Program for Youth with Physical Disabilities Attending a Medical Specialty Camp
Authors: Dawson Shay , McCormick Bryan , Knapp Doug , Piatt Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Residential medical specialty camps provide short-term psychosocial benefits to youth with health conditions during summer camp, yet extinguishing effects are commonly seen in followup data as campers return to home and school settings (Dawson, 2017; Knapp et al., 2015; Moola et al., 2014; Plante et al., 2001). Innovative year-round support approaches are needed to enhance existing residential medical camps to improve long-term psychosocial outcomes associated with the months following the summer experience (Dawson, 2017; Dawson et al., 2018). This study is a qualitative analysis of an online mentoring support program designed as a follow-up approach in the months after residential summer camp experience has ended. The mentoring support program matched adolescent campers with a physical disability to an adult mentor having a similar disability and was structured through an online support curriculum facilitated by a recreational therapist. Qualitative analysis yielded two major themes from mentors and mentees (a) mentor as a disability life coach providing psychosocial support and expanding life expectations, and (b) barriers and facilitators to the mentee-mentor relationship. Discussion centers on insights for further developing this mentoring support program as an adjunct to traditional medical specialty camps.
Applying Theory of Change to the Sustainable Financing of Protected Areas
Authors: O'Flynn Louise , Schweinsberg Stephen , Wearing Stephen
Published: April 2022

The sustainable financing of protected areas (PA) is a worldwide challenge and a barrier to the effective management of over 15% of global land area (Protected Planet, 2021). The purpose of the paper is to outline one approach that has been used to address the challenge of the sustainable financing of the publicly managed terrestrial PA estate in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Also, PA practitioners internationally may find the case study useful in addressing the challenge of insufficient funding for PAs under their care and control. The paper provides the Theory of Change (ToC) as a mechanism for the sustainable financing of the PA estate in NSW, identifying six pathways to change: government support, institutional effectiveness, appropriate business model, strategic planning and innovation, communication and advocacy, and collaboration and partnerships. It demonstrates how the success of each pathway depends on a suite of enabling conditions which help to dismantle the impediments to the sustainable financing of the PA estate. The ToC is intended to guide actions to address the sustainable financing of the PA estate and to achieve the overall impact of the effective management of PAs with respect to conservation and other aligned objectives. The ToC presented in the paper is focused on NSW, however it considers policy and management implications and lessons from the case study that can be applied to PAs in an international context.
Open Space Visitors’ Attitudes toward Ebikes on Natural Surface Trails
Authors: Xiong Lina , Vaske Jerry J. , Almstead Jennifer , Wiebe Zac
Published: April 2022

This article examined visitors’ attitudes toward electric motorized bikes (ebikes) on natural surface trails and the reasons for support or opposition to ebikes. On-site survey data (n = 536) were obtained from visitors to Devil’s Backbone Open Space (DBOS) in Larimer County, Colorado in 2020. Findings suggested that visitors’ ebike attitudes differed by demographics (i.e., age, gender, residence), and trip characteristics (i.e., survey location, visits per year, primary activity). We also observed a positive correlation between perceived ebike familiarity and support. A content analysis of responses to an open-ended question revealed that concerns over safety, crowding, and beliefs that ebikes do not belong in natural environment were major reasons for opposing ebikes. The potential to expand trail access to people with mobility difficulties was the main reason for a supportive attitude. Visitors’ attitudes were also based on misperceptions about ebikes (e.g., ebikes are noisy), suggesting the need effective public communication. We suggested several practical recommendations managing ebikes in natural areas. First, correct information regarding ebikes (e.g., ebikes are generally quiet) needs to be disseminated. Ebike demonstration sites at popular trailheads would allow visitors to personally experience ebikes and better understand the technology. Information boards could describe ebikes’ mechanisms and environmental impact to clarify some misperceptions. Second, concerns with safety and speed could be addressed by developing comprehensive bike regulations (e.g., speed limits, trail etiquette education) for all bikers. Setting up speed limit signs and monitoring devices on trails might minimize some visitor concerns. Third, exceptions could be made for users with mobility disabilities; these exceptions should be advertised widely so all visitors were aware of and understand the exceptions.
ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКАЯ ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ РЕШЕНИЙ ПО РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЮ СЕМЕЙНОГО БЮДЖЕТА И ИХ МЕЖДУНАРОДНОЕ СРАВНЕНИЕ
Authors: Недоспасова Ольга Павловна , Кэфэн Юань
Published: April 2022

Актуальность. Демографическая трансформация, начавшаяся в середине XX в. в основном в экономически развитых странах, к настоящему времени стала важнейшим глобальным трендом. Снижение рождаемости, увеличение средней продолжительности жизни, изменение привычной структуры домашних хозяйств практически повсеместно в последние десятилетия происходили на фоне ускоренной урбанизации, повышения уровня образования граждан, изменения форм занятости, формирования цифровой экономики. Турбулентность социально-экономического пространства, вызовы и шоки последнего времени еще более существенно и в ускоренном режиме меняют привычные форматы различных сторон жизни домохозяйств; изменениям подвергаются традиционные подходы домохозяйств к использованию своих бюджетов. Цель исследования: опираясь на базовые положения актуальных для данной темы научных теорий, выявить основные направления эволюционных преобразований, характерные для разных стран, в подходах домашних хозяйств при использовании ими семейных бюджетов. Методы: анализ и обобщение научной литературы, проблемно сфокусированное сравнение теоретических концепций, анализ актуальных данных статистики ОЭСР о доходах и расходах домашних хозяйств в различных странах. Результаты: исследование показало, что современные научные теории рассматривают вопросы, связанные с формированием и использованием домашними хозяйствами семейных бюджетов, весьма неоднозначно и довольно противоречиво, акцентируя различные причины, формы проявления и ожидаемые последствия рассматриваемого явления. Выявлены общие и особенные черты, характерные для формирования и расходования семейных бюджетов в ряде стран ОЭСР (на примере Германии, США, Великобритании, Японии и Италии). Показано, что развитие финансового рынка в последние годы не только расширило инвестиционные возможности домашних хозяйств, но и увеличило риски, сопутствующие решениям о расходовании ими своих бюджетов. Выводы: для более глубокого исследования тенденций, характеризующих процесс принятия домашними хозяйствами решений о расходовании семейных бюджетов, необходима комплексная методология, включающая обоснованное сочетание идей, принципов и инструментов, предложенных представителями различных научных школ и направлений. На основе анализа статистических данных доказано, что оптимизация иституциональной среды на рынке капитала может стимулировать домашние хозяйства к принятию решений об увеличении доли своих инвестиций в сравнительно рискованные активы. Развитие рынка капитала в условиях высокой концентрации национального богатства, как правило, усиливает неравенство и поляризацию общества по доходу. В связи с этим эволюцию национальных финансовых рынков необходимо рассматривать в более широком контексте, включающем поиск новых подходов к решению ключевых социально-экономических проблем современного общества.
ФАКТОРЫ АДАПТАЦИИ СТУДЕНЧЕСКОЙ МОЛОДЕЖИ К ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОМУ ПРОЦЕССУ ВЫСШЕЙ ШКОЛЫ
Authors: Дегтярева Наталия Алексеевна , Григорьева Татьяна Евгеньевна
Published: April 2022

Актуальность. Получение образования в вузе является значимым этапом в жизни студенческой молодежи, что способствует формированию ее личностного роста, появлению новых взаимоотношений, культурных кодов и социальных форматов жизнедеятельности. Данный процесс актуализирует вопросы взаимодействия студентов с окружающим миром, применения педагогических систем, методов образования и воспитания, что помогает студенту сформировать профессиональные компетенции, тем самым адаптируя его к вузовской среде. В случае нарушения адаптивного функционирования личности происходит ее деформация, порождающая психосоциальные проблемы. Цель статьи − изучение факторов вузовской среды, способствующих процессу адаптации студенческой молодежи. Методы исследования: акмеологический, феноменологический и компетентностный подходы, метод группового стандартизированного анкетного опроса, методика мотивации Т.И. Ильиной и модифицированная социально-психологическая методика личностного роста Д.В. Григорьева, И.В. Кулешова, П.В. Степанова. Результаты характеризуют студента как пессимиста-реалиста, стремящегося к гедонистическим интенциям и социальному одиночеству, т. е. он хочет быстро стать богатым и успешным, но при этом не желает выходить из своей зоны комфорта и испытывать лишний стресс. Это свидетельствует о необходимости содержательной перестройки образовательно-воспитательной работы основных субъектов высшей школы, что поспособствует взаимосвязи трех компонентов социализации молодежи: «я хочу» (интересы и склонности личности), «я могу» (способности и потенциал к профессиональной деятельности), «надо» (социальный заказ, потребность общества в компетентных специалистах с определенным набором качеств, умений и навыков). Выводы заключаются в том, что в перспективе возникает необходимость разработки модели адаптации студентов, ориентированной на мотивационную и профориентационную деятельность по формированию их метакомпетенций и предполагающей при этом социально-психологическое сопровождение.
How secondary students develop the meaning of fractions? A hermeneutic phenomenological study
Authors: Isnawan Muhamad Galang , Suryadi Didi , Turmudi Turmudi
Published: April 2022

[English]: Understanding various meanings of fractions is a foundation to learn related fractions topics. However, students are struggling with this essential topic. This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to further investigate the meaning of fractions developed by secondary school students, the process of constructing the meaning using models, and factors that hinder the development of the meaning. It involved twenty-two students given fractions tasks, and some students of the different categories of mathematics ability were selected to be interviewed. A thematic analysis using NVivo-12 found that some students interpret fractions as a tool and integers. Most of the students in all categories tend to espouse fractions as ratio and quotient. However, they cannot use the models to represent the meanings. This study reveals that the students’ developed meanings of fractions are limited and different from what primary students have. In addition, there is an inconsistency between the espoused meanings and the use of models. The limitation and inconsistency are considered to be affected by teachers’ lack of content knowledge on the topic and less attention to using models in teaching fractions. This study implies that (mathematics) teachers education should pay more attention to the meaning of fractions and their related models in learning.
[Bahasa]: Memahami makna pecahan merupakan dasar untuk mempelajari topik-topik terkait pecahan. Namun, siswa masih mengalami kesulitan dalam topik penting ini. Penelitian fenomenologi hermeneutika ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji lebih lanjut makna pecahan yang dibangun oleh siswa sekolah menengah, proses mengkonstruksi makna menggunakan berbagai model, dan faktor-faktor yang menghambat pengembangan makna pecahan. Penelitian ini melibatkan dua puluh dua siswa yang diberikan tugas matematika dan beberapa siswa dari berbagai kategori kemampuan matematika dipilih untuk diwawancarai. Analisis tematik menggunakan NVivo-12 menemukan bahwa beberapa siswa memaknai pecahan sebagai alat bantu dan bilangan bulat. Sebagian besar siswa pada semua kategori kemampuan matematika cenderung memaknai pecahan sebagai rasio dan hasil bagi. Namun, mereka tidak bisa menggunakan model untuk merepresentasikan makna pecahan tersebut. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa makna pecahan yang dimiliki oleh siswa terbatas dan berbeda dari makna pecahan yang dimiliki siswa sekolah dasar. Selain itu, terdapat inkonsistensi antara makna pecahan yang diungkap siswa dengan penggunaan model. Keterbatasan dan inkonsistensi tersebut dianggap dipengaruhi oleh kurangnya pengetahuan konten guru tentang materi dan kurangnya penggunaan model dalam mengajar pecahan. Dalam hal ini, pendidikan guru (matematika) harus lebih memperhatikan makna pecahan dan penggunaan model pecahan dalam pembelajaran.
Review of cost and surgical time implications using virtual patient specific planning and patient specific implants in midface reconstruction
Authors: Lawless Michael , Swendseid Brian , von Windheim Natalia , VanKoevering Kyle , Seim Nolan , Old Matthew
Published: April 2022

Aim: Summarize the available data on midfacial virtual patient specific planning and patient specific implants, highlighting the financial costs and savings, and additionally emphasize the potential cost implications of transitioning to “in-house” virtual 3D modeling and printing. Methods: Review of current literature. Results: Current literature suggests cost benefits of virtual patient specific planning and patient specific implants in the form of improved ischemia time, better boney apposition between flaps, and reduced patient complications. This reduction of complications includes a reduction in blood loss and time spent in the intensive care unit from flap failure. Improved boney apposition results in a higher likelihood of boney union and a further reduction in failure and complications. Subjective benefits of virtual patient specific planning and patient specific implants are shown in the form of improved reconstructive surgeon mental energy. In-house production of 3D models and presurgical planning provides additional cost benefits for providers as they can produce viable models at a fraction of the price of that which is produced by industrial companies. Providers can also construct and use models in an expedient manner compared to industrial models, allowing for the opportunity to be utilized in more acute settings. The foundation of developing an in-house workflow is adequate funding, resources, and clinical volume. Facilities also must focus on appropriate quality and safety measures, as well as appropriate workflow development for adequate production of models. Conclusion: Virtual patient specific planning and patient specific implants show benefits in midfacial reconstructive outcomes, resulting in realized financial and temporal gains for both patient and provider. These gains may be enhanced by moving to in-house planning and printing.
Tackling bone loss of the lower extremity: vascularized bone grafting
Authors: Schaeffer Christine V. , Stranix John T.
Published: April 2022

Post-traumatic lower extremity bone loss in the setting of high-energy trauma can occur acutely as a result of an open fracture and surgical debridement, or secondarily as a result of nonunion or infection. Several techniques have been described in the literature for the management of these bony defects, including non-vascularized bone grafts, vascularized bone grafts and distraction osteogenesis. Herein, the authors review the role of vascularized bone grafts in the management of post-traumatic bone loss in the lower extremity.
Soft tissue reconstruction of the lower extremity in the pediatric population
Authors: Gimenez Alejandro R. , Ferry Andrew M. , Pederson William C.
Published: April 2022

Lower extremity defects are a source of significant functional and psychosocial morbidity for pediatric patients and require complex reconstructions to restore form and function. The advent of microsurgical reconstruction along with advances in wound care techniques and technologies have empowered reconstructive surgeons to perform limb salvage surgery in patients that would traditionally require amputation; however, the indications for performing reconstructive surgery for complicated cases are not ironclad. While this is the case, applying the principles of lower extremity reconstruction in adults to the pediatric population is often sufficient to achieve a satisfactory outcome. This overview discusses the evaluation and management of soft tissue defects of the leg in pediatric patients.
Advancement flaps
Authors: Schopper Heather , Kriet J. David , Humphrey Clinton
Published: April 2022

Local advancement flaps are a key tool in the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon. They can be used to repair small and large defects on all areas of the face with excellent skin color and texture match, limited donor site morbidity, and flexibility to hide scars. In this review, we outline common categories of advancement flaps and discuss common situations for their use.
Thymic carcinoma: review and update
Authors: Karlin Kirill , Michaels Phillip D.
Published: April 2022

Thymic carcinoma (TC) is a rare thymic epithelial neoplasm with an aggressive clinical course. There are many recognized histologic subtypes as described by the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Thoracic Tumors; however, given the rarity of this tumor group, diagnosis remains a challenge, especially on limited tissue samples. Additionally, rare variants of TC are continuing to be established, particularly in the era of molecular diagnostics. Herein, histologic subtypes are described as the rare subtypes of TC in the context of their immunoprofile, cytogenetic or molecular features, clinical presentation, and ensuing challenges.
Safety and efficacy of DEM-TACE performed with drug-eluting microspheres smaller than 300 μm in patients with HCC and TIPS
Authors: Lucatelli Pierleone , De Gyurgyokai Simone Zilahi , De Rubeis Gianluca , Argirò Renato , Ciaglia Simone , Rocco Bianca , Ferri Flaminia , Parisse Simona , Forlino Mariana , Cannavale Alessandro , Basilico Fabrizio , Nardis Pier Giorgio , Corona Mario , Cantisani Vito , Catalano Carlo
Published: April 2022

Aim: Safety and efficacy evidence of drug-eluting-microspheres trans-arterial chemoembolization (DEM-TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is lacking. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the safety and efficacy of DEM-TACE procedures performed with microspheres smaller than 300 μm in patients with HCC and TIPS in a high-volume transplant center. Methods: Embolization was standardized by initiating DEM-TACE with microspheres smaller than 100 μm, and if stasis was not achieved, adjunctive embolization with 100-300 or 200 μm microspheres was administered. With regards to efficacy, the oncological response was evaluated and categorized according to mRECIST criteria at 1, 3-6, 9-12, and 15-18 months. Reporting the safety profile, detailed laboratory analysis was performed before, at 36-48 h, and 30-60 days after the procedure. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded; post-embolic syndrome was defined as the onset of fever/nausea/pain after the procedure. Late onset hepatobiliary complications were evaluated by follow-up imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance (CT/MR). Results: From December 2007 to November 2020, 17 HCC patients (25 HCC nodules) with patent TIPS underwent 20 DEM-TACE. Embolization was performed only with microspheres smaller than 100 μm in 3/20 DEM-TACE (15%); adjunctive embolization with 100-300 or 200 μm microspheres was required in 17/20 DEM-TACE (85%). Reported early AEs were post-embolic syndrome (9/20; 45%) all of grade 1-2, late AEs were asymptomatic acute liver bile duct injury (2/20; 10%), and in one case we observed hepatic abscess (1/20; 5%) resulting in death due to sepsis. With regards to efficacy, the oncological response was evaluated and categorized according to mRECIST criteria. Complete response (CR) at 1, 3-6, 9-12, and 15-18 months was 52%, 50%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. Objective response (CR + partial response) at 1, 3-6, 9-12, and 15-18 months was 95%, 71%, 70%, and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: DEM-TACE with drug-eluting-microspheres smaller than 300 μm can be performed in appropriately selected patients with TIPS.