bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Serum D-dimer Levels After Surgical Resection of Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Huang Yang-Yu , Liu Xuan , Liang Shen-Hua , Hu Yu , Ma Guo-Wei
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Thymic epithelial tumors are the most common mediastinal tumors. Despite the high survival rate after surgery, some patients still require postoperative adjuvant therapy and closer follow-up. Hematological indicators such as biochemical routines and coagulation indicators have been reported to be independently associated with the prognosis of various malignancies. Therefore, we included hematological indicators in the analysis.

Methods

The data of 105 patients with thymic epithelial tumors were retrospectively collected from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, and the patients with missing preoperative hematological indicators were excluded. X-tile software was used to obtain the best cutoff value of each preoperative hematological indicator, and COX regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to demonstrate statistically significant results.

Results

COX univariate regression analysis of all patients showed that Masaoka stage, T stage, WHO histologic types, D-dimer, albumin-fibrinogen ratio (AFR), Fibrinogen (Fbg) were associated with postoperative overall survival ( P < .05). T stage, WHO histologic types, D-dimer, and AFR were associated with postoperative recurrence-free survival ( P < .05). Finally, multivariate regression analysis showed that T stage, D-dimer levels were independently associated with postoperative overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with thymic epithelial tumors.

Conclusions

For thymic epithelial tumors, higher preoperative D-dimer levels predict poorer survival and shorter recurrence-free survival. This may help guide postoperative adjuvant therapy and follow-up patterns in patients with thymic epithelial tumors.
New criteria for predefined finite time synchronization of memristor-based neural networks
Authors: Lin Lixiong
Published: November 2022

The fast synchronization problem of memristor-based neural networks is studied in this article. Firstly, a novel predefined finite time stability of a class of nonlinear dynamical systems is investigated under the incomplete beta function, complete beta function, and inequality technology. Then, an active predefined finite time controller is designed that guarantees finite time stability of synchronization errors of two memristor-based neural networks with/without proportional delay. Some simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Experimental and numerical analysis of damping behavior of iron graphite composite in machine tool joint
Authors: Zhou Xin , Hutsch Thomas , Penter Lars , Rudolph Holger , Ihlenfeldt Steffen , Weißgärber Thomas
Published: November 2022

Iron graphite (FeGr) composite is a potential design material for machine tools to increase vibration damping without additional energy. Previous studies focused on the isolated composite’s properties rather than their damping effect as a passive damper to assembled components. There is currently no effective model using real mode superposition (RMS) method for demonstrating the damping behavior of FeGr composites in a multi-material structure. This paper presents a local damping description for a finite element model with RMS assuming constant loss factor for all modes to simulate the damping behavior of FeGr composites and their contribution to system damping and a test rig to identify the model parameters for typical machine tool boundary conditions. The influence of FeGr spacers with 0, 20%, 40%, and 60% graphite content on eigenfrequency and on damping of the test rig was measured, and the results were used to identify the damping model. The agreement of eigenfrequencies and damping ratio between measurement and simulation proves the effectiveness of the parameterized damping model predicting the mode-dependent damping behavior of FeGr in machine tool joints. The material analysis indicates that increasing the graphite content of FeGr composites from 0 to 60% amplifies the system damping from 0.03% to 0.6% at first bending mode. The interface pressure in a tightly fastened FeGr joint affects the system damping significantly. When designing machine tools, the surface condition of FeGr composite cannot be overlooked. FeGr dominates system damping and shows better damping performance at high vibration amplitudes.
Providing Care by Telephone to Refugees and Asylum Seekers: An Evaluation of Telephone Mode-of-Care in Monash Health Refugee Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Kunin Marina , Ali Razia , Yugusuk Chris , Davis Annette , McBride Jacquie
Published: November 2022

An evaluation of accessibility, appropriateness, acceptability and efficiency of telephone consultations, implemented at Monash Health Refugee Health and Wellbeing (MH RHW) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, was conducted. A convergent mix-methods design was used, with both patients (n = 50) and clinicians (n = 11) participating in a survey, and two focus groups (n = 14) involving clinicians being conducted. Service utilization data was sourced from the MH RHW database. During May to December 2020, 61% (n = 3012) of the consultations were conducted by telephone, 42% (n = 11) of these required interpreters in a 3-way conversation Most patients were satisfied with telephone as a medium for providing care and with the quality of telephone-based care. Similarly, clinicians considered telephone consultations to be an acceptable mode-of-care for most patients during the pandemic, however, expressed caution in relation to certain patient cohort. Finally, the provision of care by telephone was considered no more efficient than face-to-face service provision, as reflected in the time required for each consultation, with some clinicians reporting adverse workload outcomes. This study highlighted the benefits and challenges of telephone consultations from patient and clinician perspectives. It also highlighted the types of patients that may not be suited to telephone consultations. Overall, this study showed that telephone service delivery is a feasible option in providing care to people of refugee background and should be considered in future decisions as an ongoing Medicare (Australia’s universal healthcare insurance scheme) billing item. However, clinical discretion should prevail in determining the most appropriate means of delivering care.
Implementing a Machine-Learning-Adapted Algorithm to Identify Possible Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Mitchell Joshua D , Lenihan Daniel J , Reed Casey , Huda Ahsan , Nolen Kim , Bruno Marianna , Kannampallil Thomas
Published: November 2022

Background:

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a frequently under-recognized cause of heart failure (HF) in older patients. To improve identification of patients at risk for the disease, we initiated a pilot program in which 9 cardiac/non-cardiac phenotypes and 20 high-performing phenotype combinations predictive of wild-type ATTR-CM were operationalized in electronic health record (EHR) configurations at a large academic medical center.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria were age >50 years and HF; exclusion criteria were end-stage renal disease and prior amyloidosis diagnoses. The different Epic EHR configurations investigated were a clinical decision support tool (Best Practice Advisory) and operational/analytical reports (Clarity™, Reporting Workbench™, and SlicerDicer); the different data sources employed were problem list, visit diagnosis, medical history, and billing transactions.

Results:

With Clarity, among 45 051 patients with HF, 4006 patients (8.9%) had ⩾1 phenotype combination associated with increased risk of wild-type ATTR-CM. Across all data sources, 2 phenotypes (cardiomegaly; osteoarthrosis) and 2 combinations (carpal tunnel syndrome + HF; atrial fibrillation + heart block + cardiomegaly + osteoarthrosis) generated the highest proportions of patients for wild-type ATTR-CM screening.

Conclusion:

All EHR configurations tested were capable of operationalizing phenotypes or phenotype combinations to identify at-risk patients; the Clarity report was the most comprehensive.
An opportunity to develop respect and responsibility through a socio-musical program in a primary school: A case study
Authors: Campayo-Muñoz Emilia , Cuervo-Calvo Laura , Cabedo-Mas Alberto
Published: November 2022

Group music making has the potential to develop socio-emotional competences. This study describes how responsibility and respect—both of which are socio-emotional competences—were developed through a socio-musical program, called Musiquem, in a Spanish primary school. The research consisted of a case study with students from Grades 3 to 5 (aged from 9 to 11) carried out over 1 school year (2018–2019). The program was developed as a specific music project to create a string orchestra and was implemented by two specialists in the violin and cello working in collaboration with the teachers in the primary school. The study describes the characteristics of the activities carried out to develop respect and responsibility and the results suggest they have a positive impact on students’ development of these socio-emotional competences.
Modelling the Tribological Performance of Palm mid olein in Cold Forging Test using DEFORM-3D
Authors: Yahaya Aiman , Samion Syahrullail , Abidin Ummikalsom , Musa Nor , Hamid Kameil
Published: November 2022

In the past, most metal-forming lubricants used mineral oils or other hazardous compounds as their primary foundation. Due to their non-toxic and biodegradable qualities, vegetable oils have the potential to replace mineral oil as a lubricant. Palm oil's byproduct is presently being researched as a biolubricant in order to expand its market beyond cooking oil. Modeling a finite element approach is one of the excellent predictions in tribological tests, notably in metal forming processes. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a modelling the metal forming process and demonstrate the use of palm mid olein as a biolubricant. The metal forming test is essential to the understanding of materials and engineering research because of the friction, wear behaviour, and deformation it produces. Utilizing aluminum (AA1100) as a specimen, this study compared the results of using palm oil-based metal forming oil to those of using commercial metal forming oil. In order to better understand the forging process, we analyse the material flow patterns of these parts at different die stroke levels. According to the findings, the friction of both tested experiment is slightly different where in ring compression test (RCT) test palm mid olein (PMO) has a higher friction ( m  =  0.20 and μ  =  0.0937) compare to commercial metal forming oil (CMFO) ( m  =  0.15 and μ  =  0.075) but in closed forging test, the friction PMO has found to be lower ( m  =  0.39/μ  =  0.159) compare to the CMFO ( m  =  0.42/μ  =  0.1675). From the investigated result also, PMO has a potential to be utilized as a metal forming lubricant.
Never forget? Memory maintenance on an aging platform
Authors: Corry Frances
Published: November 2022

This article addresses the intersection between platforms, their sociotechnical process of aging and memory practice, by focusing on local social platform OakdaleTalk and its use in reflecting on September 11, 2001. Founded in 1997, OakdaleTalk serves the town of Oakdale in New Jersey, a place significantly affected by the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Situated in literature on digital memory work, this analysis draws on interviews with 15 OakdaleTalk members who have used the platform to reflect on September 11th. Asking how users maintain particular meanings of this date while negotiating sociotechnical changes to the site over time – including the loss of posts from 2001 – it discusses how users perpetuate hyperlocal interpretation and describes how community members grapple with lost content. The article concludes by proposing a ‘preservation paradox’, an emerging memory practice under platformized media conditions describing a contradiction in user preservation attitudes and behaviors toward posts of memory-related significance.
Gender, critical pedagogy, and textbooks: Understanding teachers’ (lack of) mediation of the hidden curriculum in the EFL classroom
Authors: Vu Mai Trang , Pham Thi Thanh Thuy
Published: November 2022

Gender contents, textual or visual, in instructional materials can be considered as a hidden curriculum, and may either hinder or advance equality. How teachers interpret and respond to this hidden curriculum in their classroom discourse, however, can play a crucial role in creating positive change. This research seeks to understand how teachers work with gender-sensitive contents in a newly-published English textbooks series for lower secondary education in Vietnam. To what extent are teachers aware of genderedness in textbooks, and how do they respond to it? Approaching gender as a social construct, using multi-dimensional methods, the study critically explores teachers’ experiences with the textbooks – their classroom practices and underlying perceptions – through 18 classroom observations and 12 follow-up interviews with 12 teachers in four lower secondary schools. Results indicate that neither the hidden curriculum of gender was recognized nor a critical mediation of it was practised. Gender content, whether ‘traditional’ or ‘progressive’, was largely absent from classroom discourse, as teachers prioritized transferring linguistic knowledge. Little space was allocated for promoting students’ critical thinking and self-reflections, including those about gender-related content. Teachers did not often pay full attention to different nuances and dimensions of gender issues, while sometimes their teaching design and interaction were found to be affected by their own bias – consciously and unconsciously. The study reveals that although teachers were later willing to reconstruct their perceptions and future practices, and were able to concretize their pedagogical intentions, enacting teacher agency in relation to critical pedagogy and gender equality in the contemporary English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom in Vietnam might remain a challenge. Based on the study’s findings, pedagogical implications that may enable teachers to be potential agents of change were suggested.
Information, influence, ritual, participation: Defining digital sexual health
Authors: Albury Kath , Hendry Natalie
Published: November 2022

This article draws on Epstein's theorisations of the ‘ideal’ of sexual health and wellbeing to argue that young people's access to digital sexual health content should not be understood primarily as a process of ‘information seeking’. Where digital practices are too narrowly viewed through a lens of information seeking and transmission, there may be an excessive focus on whether sexual health content is ‘factual’ – overlooking the question of whether it is meaningful in specific cultural contexts. We link contemporary digital sexual health cultures to the complex – and politicised – histories of popular mediated sexual health communication that underpin them. Exploring alternative theoretical frames – including pornographic vernaculars, influencer pedagogies, media as ritual, and situated peripheral learning in digital communities – we conclude that redefining and refocusing dominant understandings of ‘good’ sexual health content may generate new and productive strategies for engaging with marginal and disaffected digital sexual cultures.
City, Consumption and Interculturalism: How Cities Can Facilitate Consumer Acculturation
Authors: Sepehr Sorush , Holzmüller Hartmut , Rosenberger Philip J.
Published: November 2022

With the rise of interculturalism as an alternative paradigm to the dominant multicultural integration policies in immigration countries, the importance of cities, as landscapes of intercultural interactions and consumption has become more and more important. This study aims to investigate how cities and city-related consumption practices play a role in consumer acculturation, an area that is largely overlooked in previous research. A hermeneutic approach is used to analyse and interpret the data collected through semi-structured and unstructured go-along interviews with 18 Iranian immigrants who live in Dortmund, Germany. Beyond the dichotomy of the home and host countries, the findings of this study show how city-related activities and interactions can lead to the construction of a sense of belonging to the hosting society. We show how such a sense of belonging can be constructed through immigrant consumers’ involvement in city-related rituals, private appropriation of public space and reterritorialisation.
Actors, arenas and aims: A conceptual framework for public participation
Authors: Hofer Katrin , Kaufmann David
Published: November 2022

This paper systematises knowledge of public participation by bringing together existing concepts and theories from planning literature to conceptualise the 3A 3 -framework of participation. The framework presents participation as an emergent phenomenon, shaped by the dimensions: actors, arenas and aims. Each of these dimensions consists of three interacting elements. The framework highlights interdependencies between these elements and reflects them in the light of their embeddedness in planning processes and the wider social, cultural, political, spatial and temporal context. The framework can be used to gain a better understanding of what constitutes the phenomenon of participation. It enables the reflection of different forms of participation and contributes to more nuanced, and context-sensitive conceptions of and approaches to public participation in planning.
Why algorithmic speed can be more important than algorithmic accuracy
Authors: Mainz Jakob , Munch Lauritz , Bjerring Jens Christian , Godtfredsen Sissel
Published: November 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) often outperforms human doctors in terms of decisional speed. For some diseases, the expected benefit of a fast but less accurate decision exceeds the benefit of a slow but more accurate one. In such cases, we argue, it is often justified to rely on a medical AI to maximise decision speed – even if the AI is less accurate than human doctors.
Community–Clinical Linkages: The Effects of the Healthy Here Wellness Referral Center on Chronic Disease Indicators Among Underserved Populations in New Mexico
Authors: Cruz Theresa H. , Boursaw Blake , Barqawi Yazan K. , FitzGerald Courtney A. , Enoah Natahlia , Hayes Amos , Caswell Leigh
Published: November 2022

The majority of U.S. adults are living with at least one chronic condition, and people of color bear a disproportionate burden of chronic disease. Prior research identifies community–clinical linkages (CCLs) as a strategy for improving health. CCLs traditionally use health care providers to connect patients to community-based self-management programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a centralized CCL system on health indicators and health disparities. Administrative health data were merged with referral system data to conduct a quasi-experimental comparative time series study with a comparison group of nonreferred patients. Interrupted time-series comparisons within referred patients were also conducted. Of the 2,920 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 972 (33.3%) received a referral during the study period (January 2019—September 2021). Hemoglobin A1c levels, used to diagnose diabetes, declined significantly among referred patients, as did disparities among Hispanic/Latinx participants compared with non-Hispanic White participants. No changes were observed in body mass index (BMI). Blood pressure increased among both referred and nonreferred patients. CCLs with a centralized referral system can effectively reduce markers of diabetes and may contribute to the maintenance of BMI. The observed increase in blood pressure may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and warrants further study. Practitioners can work with community partners to implement a centralized CCL model, either on its own or to enhance existing clinician or community health worker-based models.
Differences in Rural Built Environment Perceptions Across Demographic and Social Environment Characteristics
Authors: Baxter Samuel L. K. , Jackson Everett , Onufrak Stephen , Parisi Michelle A. , Griffin Sarah F.
Published: November 2022

The benefits of physical activity to health and obesity prevention are well established. However, attributes of the built environment influence participation in physical activity. The purpose of this study is to assess differences in perceptions of neighborhood walkability across demographic characteristics and social environment factors among rural residents. In a telephone survey, adult respondents ( N = 448) across nine rural counties in a southeastern state answered questions about perceived neighborhood walkability, demographic characteristics, and their neighborhood social environment. Study recruitment for a convenience sample occurred through collaborations with local community organizations. Prevalence of destinations and barriers were estimated according to demographic and neighborhood social environment characteristics. Multiple logistic regression models assessed the association of demographic and neighborhood social environment characteristics with neighborhood walkability and calculated adjusted prevalence. Relaxing places to walk were the most often reported destinations (62.0%), followed by retail destinations (45.7%), and communal destinations (42.6%). Traffic was the most reported barrier to safe walking (40.4%), followed by animals (37.5%), and crime (30.5%). Perceptions of retail and communal destinations varied by age and race. Perceptions of traffic and crime as barriers varied by race, weight status, and income. Community belonging and social cohesion were associated with lower perceptions of barriers. Study findings present demographic characteristics and social environment attributes as key factors that shape perceived neighborhood walkability. Findings can help inform programmatic efforts and environmental change strategies to improve walking in rural areas.
Impact of COVID-19 on a Community Health Coalition and Its Residents in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: Insights Into Adaptation From Focus Groups and Evaluation Reports
Authors: Christian Stephanie N. , Casas Andrea D. , Moehling Geffel Krissy , Gary-Webb Tiffany L. , Hardy Hannah E. , Harris Roderick , Mendez Dara D.
Published: November 2022

Live Well Allegheny: Lifting Wellness for African Americans (LWA2) is a coalition in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) initiative. LWA2 consists of partner organizations addressing chronic disease prevention in six Black communities through nutrition, physical activity, and community–clinical linkage strategies. This analysis focuses on qualitative data exploring the influence of COVID-19 on coalition functioning and communities. We conducted focus groups with residents in REACH communities and collected evaluation reports from partner organizations. Three focus groups assessed awareness of and participation in the REACH initiative, feedback, and the impact of COVID-19 when applicable. An additional focus group included questions related to flu vaccine messaging and the COVID-19 vaccine. These data sources provided insight regarding how COVID-19 affected planned tasks. Evaluation team members analyzed focus groups and collated summaries as part of a larger comprehensive evaluation. Partner organizations experienced an increase in food stamp applications, delays in opening farmers’ markets, a shift to virtual preventive health programs, canceled in-person events, and programmatic interruptions that shifted long-term goals. Community resident concerns included difficulty accessing public transportation, decreased physical activity, fear of in-person interactions, and increased wait times for mental health services. Coalition members developed methods to continue functioning and sustaining program activities. Residents were able to engage differently with chronic illness prevention techniques. Reports from the ongoing analysis will be used to adapt coalition functioning.
Using CDC’s Worksite Health ScoreCard to Evaluate Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions in Priority Communities in New York State, 2015–2020
Authors: Archibald Abbie , Murphy Megan , Cohen Theresa , Lowenfels Ann
Published: November 2022

The aim of our study was to evaluate a statewide obesity prevention program, designed to improve two social determinants of health (access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity) by changing worksite policies, systems, and environments. We used data on social determinants of health to identify priority communities and funded 25 contractors to recruit and engage worksites in those communities. We employed a pre/post quasi-experimental design and used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Worksite Health ScoreCard to assess implementation of nutrition and physical activity strategies. Contractors collaborated with partners to conduct pre- and postassessments at 313 worksites. Worksites were successful at implementing all except one strategy; implementation doubled for eight strategies and tripled for three. We used weighted scores to incorporate strength of the evidence-base and level of impact into our analysis; increases in strategy implementation were statistically significant in worksites that provided places to purchase food and beverages and in those that did not. Our study revealed several important recommendations for practice. Use available data to prioritize communities experiencing health disparities and identify PSE change strategies to increase access to nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities. Engage with reputable community-based partners from different sectors when designing and implementing programs. Use standardized tools, such as the Worksite Health ScoreCard, to evaluate public health initiatives.
Challenges and Successes in Health Communication Messaging With Asian Americans
Authors: Caboral-Stevens Meriam , Rainville Alice Jo , Ford Olivia , Yang Xining , Donnelly Jessica , Bessire Rachel , Jackson-Dyer Tameka , Sonnega John , Wu Tsu-Yin
Published: November 2022

Asians are the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States, and in Michigan, Asians represent 3.4% of the state’s population. Asians have long been aggregated as a homogeneous group and stereotyped as a “model minority.” Asians, however, are very diverse, and each subgroup has different values, histories, beliefs, and dialects. The diversity among populations and variations in chronic disease risks demonstrate the importance of disaggregating Asian American ethnicities with respect to health promotion, which must be culturally and linguistically tailored to make the biggest impact. This article describes our challenges and successes in health communication messaging with Asian Americans during the 4 years of our Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Cooperative Agreement.
From Evidence-Based Implementation Guides to Meaningful Action: Public Health Practitioners Use Readiness Assessments to Build Bridges to Successful Community Prevention Implementation
Authors: Walker Jamie Rae , Anding Jenna D. , Dudensing Rebekka M. , Lavinghouze S. René , Jauregui Valeria , Coats Kelsey
Published: November 2022

Readiness has been cited as a determining factor in whether a community can effectively implement, support, and sustain an initiative. Through readiness assessments and technical assistance, public health practitioners can be the bridge between the gap of reaching goals outlined in Healthy People 2030, or another funder’s guides, and actionable, successful, implementation. Readiness assessments are practical tools for implementing change in public health. Here we discuss three readiness assessment activities that we developed for four Texas counties: a partnership mapping tool, an Ease and Impact score, and a round table discussion. Through the assessments, we ascertained both readiness and the relevance of Policy, Systems and Environment opportunities. We used readiness assessments to translate our funder’s implementation guide to meet the needs of four counties. Data allowed us to determine whether communities were ready to move forward with minimal technical assistance, needed further assessment to better understand relevance and feasibility within the community to implement the initiative, or whether this opportunity was not a good fit at the time. We adapted readiness tools based on components of the R = MC2 framework so we could assess the readiness (motivation [M]; general organizational capacity [C]; and innovation-specific capacities [C]) of the participant groups and based on that assessment, we provided appropriate, tailored technical assistance. Public health practitioners and local supporters can use readiness tools and technical assistance to build a bridge from implementation guide(s) to effective community program implementation.
Collaboration With African American Faith-Based Organizations to Promote Physical Activity: Lessons Learned From a Process Evaluation of a Shared-Use Agreements Program
Authors: Foster Asia J. , Marshall Marsha L. , Jefferson Wendy K. , Ard Quantrilla Y. , Spivey Sedessie
Published: November 2022

Chronic diseases are disproportionately high among African Americans, often caused by social determinants of health (e.g., access to physical activity opportunities), as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several studies have examined practices and policies of shared-use in school-based and other settings. There is still a gap in the literature regarding how faith-based shared-use programs, practices, and policies are implemented in a virtual or hybrid setting. This evaluation reviewed program activities and partnerships and assessed program needs for quality improvement. Focus groups ( n = 2) were conducted with program participants and site coordinators from five faith-based shared-use sites. A 12-question discussion guide was developed based on topics of interest predetermined by the project team to understand participant perceptions about participation, satisfaction, and recommendations. Focus group audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and reviewed using thematic analysis. The evaluators reviewed transcripts separately to confirm final coding and ensured intercoder reliability. The analysis yielded six themes and eight subthemes. Findings indicated that the program was rewarding and achievable, with suggestions for improvement. Social support was developed as a result of the program, health improvements were observed by participants, and networked partnerships were formed to promote health and wellness. The virtual platform presented limited access; therefore, adopting a hybrid approach could offer greater flexibility and reach broader audiences. It may be helpful for public health agencies to partner with faith-based organizations to jointly open their facilities. Agencies, like local health departments, may consider establishing agreements to expand shared-use to local faith-based settings.
Putting the Political in Political Interest: The Conditional Effect of Politics on Citizens’ Interest in Politics
Authors: Miller Joanne M. , Peterson David A. M. , Saunders Kyle L. , McClurg Scott D.
Published: November 2022

Given that political interest is one of the best predictors of political participation, it remains curious that the causes of interest are undertheorized and understudied. Notably absent from much of the research on political interest is an exploration of how variations in the nature of politics itself might have an impact on individual-level political interest. We develop a theory and a set of testable predictions about how partisanship interacts with the presence of a presidential (vs. midterm) election, the party of the sitting president, and elite polarization, to affect political interest. We report multilevel models that use ANES measures of political interest and partisanship and the DW-NOMINATE Senate polarization measure (from 1960 to 2008) and discuss the implications of our findings for the long-term prospects of an interested electorate.
Promoting the Value of Discursive Psychology for the Field of Human Resource Development: A Pedagogical Guide for Qualitative Researchers
Authors: Nina Lester Jessica , O'Reilly Michelle , Steele Catherine
Published: November 2022

To date, the study of how health and wellbeing are actualized in organizations and how an organization’s interactional practices shape an environment that is potentially harmful to health is understudied. Much of the research around this topic has centered on personality and individual differences, as well as health and safety or ergonomics. Little understanding exists of how interactional practices might serve to prioritize health and wellbeing. In this paper, we introduce discursive psychology (DP) – a qualitative approach to studying talk and text that focuses on examining what is accomplished through people’s interactional practices. We provide an overview of DP and discuss its underlying assumptions, analytic process, and quality measures. To illustrate the application of DP to HRD, we include data extracts that highlight the impact of question design. To conclude, we point to how DP might afford HRD scholars opportunities to generate new theoretical understandings about organizational practices.
Simulation analysis of applicant scheduling and processing alternatives at a military entrance processing station
Authors: LaCasse Phillip M , Champagne Lance E , Escamilla Jonathan M
Published: November 2022

Eligibility for enlistment into the US military is assessed by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM), an independent agency that reports to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and not to any specific branch of military service. This research develops a discrete-event simulation for applicant processing operations at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to investigate the viability of potential alternatives to the current applicant arrival and processing operation. Currently, all applicants arrive to the MEPS at the beginning of the processing day in a single batch. This research models and compares two alternatives with the status quo: split-shift processing, by which applicant arrivals occur in two batches: one at 06:00 and one at 11:00 and appointment-based processing, by which applicants may arrive during one of three, four, six, or eight appointment windows. Express-lane processing is also explored, in which applicants are allowed to bypass select processing stations. Experimental results indicate that split-shift processing is not viable under the current processing model due to an unacceptable decrease in applicant throughput. Results from appointment-based scenarios are mixed, with the critical factors being the time between appointment batches and their associated arrival times.
Effects of Four Different EEG-Neurofeedback Reinforcement Types in Healthy Individuals – A Pilot Study
Authors: Mergl Roland , Karch Susanne , Henl Jennifer , Meindl Dorothea , Schöpf Felix , Szabo Szilard I. , Hallweger Paulina , Heiler Philipp , Maywald Maximilian , Tschentscher Nadja , Allgaier Antje-Kathrin , Pogarell Oliver
Published: November 2022

EEG neurofeedback (EEG-NFB) is a promising tool for the treatment of depressive disorders. However, many methods for the presentation of neurobiological reactions are available and it is widely unknown which of these feedback options are preferrable. Moreover, the influence of motivation on NFB training success is insufficiently studied. This study analyzed the efficacy of a novel EEG protocol (FC3/Pz) based on findings for NFB in depression. The role of four feedback options (Rumination, Anxiety, Meditation Master, Moving Art) from the NFB software “Brain Assistant” and motivation in EEG-based NFB performance was studied. Regarding “Anxiety” and “Rumination” visual feedback was used to evoke emotions; reinforcement (both negative and positive operant conditioning) was continuous. Regarding “Meditation Master” visual feedback was combined with continuous positive reinforcement. Regarding “Moving Art” 20-min calm nature films with neutral character were used; both visual and auditive feedback were applied. The reinforcement was positive and continuous. 13 healthy participants completed 15 EEG sessions over four months combining simultaneous frontal (aims: reduction of theta-, alpha- and high beta-activity, increase of low and mid beta-activity) and parietal training (aims: reduction of theta-, alpha 1-, mid and high beta-activity, increase of alpha 2- and low beta-activity). We observed significantly more pronounced percentage change in the expected direction for Anxiety than Moving Art (mean difference = 3.32; p = 0.003). The association between motivation and performance was non-significant. Based on these results we conclude that feedback with both negative and positive operant conditioning and emotion evoking effects should be preferred.
Robot-Assisted Surgery of an Iliac Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Hoffmann Grischa , Rusch Melanie , Berndt Rouven , Beckmann Jan , Becker Thomas , Cremer Jochen , Rusch Rene
Published: November 2022

Robot-assisted surgery has not yet been able to establish itself for vascular surgery. However, the preconditions for robot-assisted vascular interventions have changed fundamentally over the past years because of technological advances and extensive experience in other surgical disciplines. Hence, we describe a robot-assisted repair of an iliac artery aneurysm using a late-generation robotic platform. A 63-year-old male patient was diagnosed with an asymptomatic 30 mm aneurysm of the right common iliac artery. The operation was performed with the Da Vinci Xi system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) using a direct transperitoneal approach to repair the aneurysm by interposition of a Dacron vascular prothesis. The total operating duration was 304 minutes without perioperative need for blood transfusion. The patient was discharged on the eighth postoperative day after an uneventful postoperative course. The case presented shows that robot-assisted surgery in the iliac axis can be performed safely with reasonable operating times.
Playing in the yard: The representation of control in train-graffiti videos
Authors: Hannerz Erik
Published: November 2022

During the last 10 years, the mobile phone and the emergence of websites, such as Youtube, which facilitate user-generated content, have enabled an explosion of pictures and video clips posted on the internet by civilians documenting the activities of authority figures. This “sousveillance” is a kind of inverse surveillance, reciprocal to surveillance, where members of the grassroots monitor those in power. Initially, sousveillance was primarily seen as an inverse form of surveillance in which citizens monitor their surveillors in order to challenge the surveillance state. The individuals filmed were originally thought to be aware of being sousveilled by others, and it was assumed that every watcher would voluntarily give free access to all information recorded. This article, drawing from an analysis of selfdocumented graffiti videos, aims to further the understanding of sousveillance through showing how graffiti writers—the supposed target of surveillance—use documentation of surveillance in order to present themselves as superior in terms of control and knowledge. Through analyzing the narrative structure and composition of these videos, I will demonstrate that sousveillance, for the graffiti writer, becomes less a matter of resistance and more a means for the symbolic representation of subcultural emotions, activities, and identities. The documentation and dissemination of the movements and activities of anti-graffiti officers, as well as the graffiti writers’ successful attempts to outsmart them, are analyzed as a part of a subcultural play, centered on the establishment of an equilibrium or a dance where key roles and rules are assigned.
Contextualizing Gender Disparity in Editorship in Psychological Science
Authors: Lin Zhicheng , Li Ningxi
Published: November 2022

Discourse on gender diversity tends to overlook differences across levels of hierarchy (e.g., students, faculty, and editors) and critical dimensions (e.g., subdisciplines and geographical locations). Further ignored is its intersection with global diversity—representation from different countries. Here we document and contextualize gender disparity from perspectives of equal versus expected representation in journal editorship, by analyzing 68 top psychology journals in 10 subdisciplines. First, relative to ratios as students and faculty, women are underrepresented as editorial-board members (41%) and—unlike previous results based on one subfield—as editors-in-chief (34%) as well. Second, female ratios in editorship vary substantially across subdisciplines, genres of scholarship (higher in empirical and review journals than in method journals), continents/countries/regions (e.g., higher in North America than in Europe), and journal countries of origin (e.g., higher in American journals than in European journals). Third, under female (vs. male) editors-in-chief, women are much better represented as editorial-board members (47% vs. 36%), but the geographical diversity of editorial-board members and authorship decreases. These results reveal new local and broad contexts of gender diversity in editorship in psychology, with policy implications. Our approach also offers a methodological guideline for similar disparity research in other fields.
How concentrated disadvantage moderates the built environment and crime relationship on street segments in Los Angeles
Authors: Hipp John R , Lee Sugie , Ki Dong Hwan , Kim Jae Hong
Published: November 2022

Criminological theories have posited that the built environment impacts where crime occurs; however, measuring the built environment is difficult. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the built environment differentially impacts crime in high-disadvantage neighborhoods. This study extracts features of the built environment from Google Street View images with a machine learning semantic segmentation strategy to create measures of fences, walls, buildings, and greenspace for over 66,000 street segments in Los Angeles. Results indicate that the presence of more buildings on a segment was associated with higher crime rates and had a particularly strong positive relationship with robbery and motor vehicle theft in low-disadvantage neighborhoods. Notably, fences and walls exhibited different relationships with crime. Walls, which do not allow visibility, were strongly negatively related to crime, particularly for robbery and burglary in high-disadvantage neighborhoods. Fences, which allow visibility, were associated with fewer robberies and larcenies, but more burglaries and aggravated assaults. Fences only exhibited a negative relationship with violent crime when they were located in low-disadvantage neighborhoods. The results highlight the importance of accounting for the built environment and the surrounding level of disadvantage when exploring the micro-location of crime.
The GENICA project – a prospective cohort of heart failure patients with a comprehensive ambulatory approach aiming better outcomes: study protocol
Authors: Martins Carla Sofia de Almeida , de Carvalho João Abranches Figueiredo Simões , Vaz da Silva Manuel , Martins Luís
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome increasing worldwide, and literature shows that the hospitalizations are associated with greater mortality rates. A patient-centered method combined with optimized medical treatment and palliative care may improve HF outcomes, and some advocate a multifaceted approach to achieve a perfect management of chronic HF (CHF).

Objective:

The objective of this study was to present the study protocol of GENICA project which aims to optimize the ambulatory approach of CHF patients, and reduce their re-hospitalization, emergency readmission, and global death rate.

Design:

Prospective cohort including patients referred to HF consultation and collecting sociodemographic, clinical, and analytical variables among others. The outcomes will be mortality, re-hospitalization, and emergency readmission rates. The association between the independent variables and outcomes will be assessed by logistic regression. Comparison between GENICA patients and controls will be made by χ2 test. Significance at p level of less than 0.05.

Results:

GENICA will offer a wide range of longitudinal data with evidence that will influence future healthcare of CHF patients at an ambulatory basis.

Discussion:

GENICA will provide practical evidence of real HF patient’s profile and develop workable decision algorithms, which will influence future ambulatory care of CHF. HF patients will be safer at home and will keep stability for longer periods, consuming less health resources and slow the progression of the disease. Being a matched cohort, GENICA benefits from an accuracy similar to that of randomized controlled trials, without the need to perform a rigorous allocation of the intervention. Being prospective there’s no problem about response bias.

Conclusion:

CHF should be approached with a multidisciplinary and multifaceted strategy privileging the outpatient setting, including home monitoring, and GENICA is the paramount protocol enabling this. GENICA may come to show health policy makers that the asset is not to divide and rule, but to converge strategies, therapies, and knowledge.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors plus chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: a multicentric real-world study
Authors: Zhou Fei , Guo Haoyue , Zhou Xiaolong , Xie Huikang , Tian Tian , Zhao Wencheng , Gao Guanghui , Xiong Anwen , Wang Lei , Li Wei , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhang Yan , Fan Jue , Wu Fengying , Zhang Yongchang , Zhou Caicun
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated promising efficacy as monotherapy in patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC). We performed the current multi-institutional, real-world study to assess the efficacy of ICIs plus chemotherapy in patients with PSC.

Methods:

All consecutive patients with locally advanced or metastatic PSC from three centers treated with ICIs between January 2018 and July 2021 were enrolled. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was stained and evaluated using immunohistochemical with 22C3. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed in two patients with PSC and two patients with adenocarcinoma to understand the cell-type-specific transcriptome landscape of cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) of PSC.

Results:

A cohort of 42 PSC patients was identified. In the overall population, the objective response rate (ORR) was 73.8%, median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 10.3 months and median overall survival was not reached and 2-year survival rate was 51.2%. For 34 treatment-naïve patients who received first-line ICIs plus chemotherapy, the ORR was 70.6%, mPFS was 10.3 months and 2-year survival rate was 57.8%. In patients with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) < 1%, 1–49%, and ⩾50%, the ORR was 33.3%, 72.7%, and 85.7% and mPFS was 6.0, 6.7, and 10.3 months, respectively. Notably, two patients with transformed PSC from lung adenocarcinoma after epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment also responded well to ICIs plus chemotherapy. scRNA-seq revealed immune-cell-inflamed TME, lower intratumoral heterogeneity, and activated immune response pathway in PSC.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated remarkable efficacy of ICIs plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for patient with locally advanced or metastatic PSC.