bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driver-Automated Vehicle Interaction in Mixed Traffic: Types of Interaction and Drivers’ Driving Styles
Authors: Ma Zheng , Zhang Yiqi
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study investigated drivers’ subjective feelings and decision making in mixed traffic by quantifying driver’s driving style and type of interaction.

Background

Human-driven vehicles (HVs) will share the road with automated vehicles (AVs) in mixed traffic. Previous studies focused on simulating the impacts of AVs on traffic flow, investigating car-following situations, and using simulation analysis lacking experimental tests of human drivers.

Method

Thirty-six drivers were classified into three driver groups (aggressive, moderate, and defensive drivers) and experienced HV-AV interaction and HV-HV interaction in a supervised web-based experiment. Drivers’ subjective feelings and decision making were collected via questionnaires.

Results

Results revealed that aggressive and moderate drivers felt significantly more anxious, less comfortable, and were more likely to behave aggressively in HV-AV interaction than in HV-HV interaction. Aggressive drivers were also more likely to take advantage of AVs on the road. In contrast, no such differences were found for defensive drivers indicating they were not significantly influenced by the type of vehicles with which they were interacting.

Conclusion

Driving style and type of interaction significantly influenced drivers’ subjective feelings and decision making in mixed traffic. This study brought insights into how human drivers perceive and interact with AVs and HVs on the road and how human drivers take advantage of AVs.

Application

This study provided a foundation for developing guidelines for mixed transportation systems to improve driver safety and user experience.
Prediction of remaining useful life of rolling bearing based on fractal dimension and convolutional neural network
Authors: Ding Guorong , Wang Wenbo , Zhao Jiaojiao
Published: April 2022

In order to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of rolling bearings in complex environmental conditions, a bearing RUL prediction method based on fractal dimension and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) is proposed. This method uses fractal dimension to characterize the degeneration process of the rolling bearing and combines the features of time domain, frequency domain, wavelet packet domain, and entropy domain. Fractal dimension provides an analytical method for characterizing the complexity of vibration signals. The features extracted from different feature domains can complement each other’s advantages, reveal the degradation state of the bearing more comprehensively and achieve better performance. Then, the percentage of the remaining life of the bearing is used as the degradation tracking index of the rolling bearing. Based on the idea of stratified sampling, the training samples and test samples are constructed, and then a 6-layer CNN is constructed to train the model. Finally, three commonly used data sets of full-life bearings are used to verify the model, namely, IEEE prognostics and health management 2012 Data Challenge, IMS dataset, and XJTU-SY dataset. The experimental results show that, on the three experimental datasets, compared to the long short-term memory network (LSTM) and the extreme learning machine (ELM) methods, the prediction effect of the RUL of the bearing based on the fractal dimension and 1D-CNN proposed in our paper is better. Its mean absolute error and root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) have been reduced, and the correlation index ( R2), adjusted_ R2, and relative accuracy (RA) have been improved, which can predict the RUL of the bearing more accurately.
A lost opportunity of a grand bargain: Security architecture between NATO and Russia
Authors: Maitra Sumantra
Published: April 2022

Ukraine is existential to Russia, but peripheral to American interests. The “escalation dominance” advantage is with Moscow, and no amount of military aid or economic coercion, short of an actual war, will deter Moscow, given the asymmetry of interests and differing threat perceptions. American public opinion remains firmly opposed to risking a potential great power war. That said, a Ukraine—if it exists as a state after the war—at peace with its neighbours is in everyone’s interest, as is a decreased risk of a great power conflict. This policy brief identifies some confidence-building measures that might, in a similar situation in the future, result in a more realist grand bargain. A potential war might be a short punitive campaign by Russia, in which case the central thesis of this policy brief, a neutral zone in Ukraine, will remain intact. It might also be a war of occupation and conquest, in which case this paper might be considered a study in a counterfactual history of what could have been.
Delayed Access to COVID-19 Vaccines: A Perspective on Low-income Countries in Africa
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Al-Kassim , Aliyu Sani
Published: April 2022

The development of COVID-19 vaccines was a landmark in the current efforts to contain the global pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, vaccine rollout and inoculation campaigns continue to progress steadily across the globe. However, “skewed” rollout, or the inequitable or delayed access to the vaccines encountered particularly by low-income countries in Africa, remains a source of great concern. This may negatively affect the continent and could lead to increased transmission, travel restrictions, further economic disruptions, and increased morbidity and mortality. Ultimately, these negative consequences could directly or indirectly hamper global efforts to defeat the pandemic. Access to COVID-19 vaccines is a global priority and provides a source of hope to bring the pandemic under control. High-income nations, national governments, donor agencies, and other relevant stakeholders must support the World Health Organization's COVAX initiative to ensure fair, rapid and equitable distribution of the vaccines to countries, irrespective of income level. This effort will rapidly bring the pandemic under control and impact the recovery of the global economy. Low-income nations in Africa must significantly invest in research, health care, vaccines, and drug development and must remain proactive in preparing against future pandemics. This review examines the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines with a focus on Africa.
The association between social deprivation and the rate of identification of individuals at Ultra-High Risk for psychosis and transition to psychosis
Authors: Moore Danielle , Eaton Scott , Polari Andrea , McGorry Patrick , Nelson Barnaby , O’Donoghue Brian
Published: April 2022

Background:

There is a higher incidence of psychotic disorders in neighbourhoods of greater social deprivation. However, it is not known whether this represents a causal relationship, as the stage at which social deprivation exerts its influence on the development of psychotic disorders is yet to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the association between neighbourhood-level social deprivation and the rate of identification of individuals at Ultra-High Risk for psychosis (UHR), as well as the risk of transition to psychosis in UHR individuals.

Methods:

The cohort included all young people aged 15 to 24 identified as UHR attending an Early Intervention clinic in northwestern Melbourne over a 5-year period (2012–2016). Australian census data were used to obtain the at-risk population and social deprivation information according to the postcode of residence. Levels of social deprivation were arranged into quartiles. Poisson regression was used to calculate rate ratios and Cox regression analysis determined hazard ratios.

Results:

Of the 461 young people identified as UHR, 11.1% ( n = 49) lived in the most affluent neighbourhoods (Quartile 1) compared to 36.7% ( n = 162) in the most deprived neighbourhoods (Quartile 4). There was a 35% higher rate of identification of young people who were UHR from the most deprived neighbourhoods (aIRR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.98, 1.86]). Over a median follow-up of approximately 10 months (308 days (IQR: 188–557), 17.5% ( n = 77) were known to have transitioned to a full-threshold psychotic disorder. Residing in a neighbourhood of above average deprivation had a hazard ratio of 2.05 (95% CI [0.88, 4.80]) for risk of transition, when controlling for age, sex and substance use.

Conclusions:

These findings provide more support that EI services should be funded as per the expected incidence of psychotic disorders.
An experimental study on the flexural behaviour of symmetric and asymmetric marine composite sandwich beams
Authors: Balıkoğlu Fatih , Demircioğlu Tayfur K , Ataş Akin
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a rigorous study on the flexural behaviour of symmetric and asymmetric marine sandwich beams consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam core and glass fibre composite face-sheets. The sandwich beams have a shear-span-to depth ratio (a/d) ranging from 2 to 7.5 and loaded under three- and four-point static bending configurations. The effect of mid-plane asymmetry, stacking sequence, fabric weight, and core type on the failure mode, bending rigidity and strength of the sandwich composites were investigated. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis indicated that the effect of the a/d ratio and the loading type had a similar effect on failure load. The a/d ratio had a greater influence on the initial bending stiffness than the loading type for the asymmetric beams.
Book review: John E. Mary and Meena Gopal (Eds.), Women in the Worlds of Labour: Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Perspectives
Authors: Mondal Sristi
Published: April 2022

John E. Mary and Meena Gopal (Eds.), Women in the Worlds of Labour: Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Perspectives. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan Private Limited, 2021, 423 pp., ₹995 (paperback). ISBN: 978-81-949258-9-7.
Book review: A. K. Giri (Ed.), Practical Spirituality and Human Development: Creative Experiments for Alternative Futures
Authors: Prasad Shweta
Published: April 2022

A. K. Giri (Ed.), Practical Spirituality and Human Development: Creative Experiments for Alternative Futures. Palgrave Macmillan, 2019, 528 pp., ₹10,007.00 (hardcover). ISBN: 978-981-13-3686-7.
Elderly Forgotten? Digital Exclusion in the Information Age and the Rising Grey Digital Divide
Authors: Mubarak Farooq , Suomi Reima
Published: April 2022

Background: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is being spread at an unprecedented rate across the globe. Yet, new research suggests that digital divide is not only continuing but also deepening at the same time. After access to basic ICT equipment, it is now the lack of skills and quality of hardware and software that leads to a continuing digital divide. Digital divide which is specifically related to elderly is known as grey digital divide. Objectives: The focus of this paper is to review and analyze recent relevant research on grey digital divide which is fast emerging as a major challenge in the era of ageing. A side objective is to raise implications for theory and practice discourses to minimize grey digital divide. Method: Literature on digital divide and grey digital divide is reviewed to gather relevant knowledge on the grey digital divide. The articles were filtered according to the relevance for grey digital divide in the present age. Literature review spanned over a 5 years’ timeline to discuss the current trends on the topic. Results: Results indicate a rising problem of ageing, mainly in developed countries. Grey digital divide constitutes a major challenge for elderly to participate and benefit from the digital revolution. Elderly face problems for basic tasks such as booking tickets or renewing bus cards to claiming old-age benefits because most of the systems are digitized. Another challenge is the social exclusion faced by elderly because they cannot connect with peers through digital networks due to lack of digital skills. This situation is also observed in developing countries, although in developing countries elderly get immediate help from family members due to the family system of joint living. Implications and future directions: A practical implication of this research can be a full-scale fieldwork in different countries of the world to further understand the grey digital divide. Joint collaboration between ICT and healthcare industry may result in revolutionizing of ergonomic ICT products and services which are elderly-friendly. It would be interesting to know how culture impacts grey digital divide across various countries.
Child Feeding Practices of Childbearing Mothers and Their Household Food Insecurity in a Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Al Mamun Md Abdullah , Saha Shownak , Li Jianfeng , Binta A Ghani Ruhina , Al Hasan Syed Mahfuz , Begum Ayesha
Published: April 2022

The current condition of ensuring WHO-recommended newborn and young child feeding practice is becoming a challenge in many developing nations, particularly in places where family food security is threatened. Because many households in underdeveloped nations frequently face acute food shortage due to poverty, optimal child nutrition is jeopardized. The purpose of this study was to analyze the child feeding behaviors of mothers with children aged 0-24 months and to investigate their household food insecurity in a coastal region of Bangladesh, Suborno Char (one of Noakhali District’s coastal neighbourhoods) was studied from October 2019 to April 2020. In this study, a cross-sectional survey with multistage sampling technique was employed, and Suborno Char of Noakhlai district was purposely sampled of 400 women and their children aged 0-24 months. Data were obtained using a standard questionnaire and were analyzed using statistical functions in SPSS 20.0.0. Exclusive breastfeeding 53.5%, timely supplemental feeding 75.5%, and feeding children meals from homemade, canned/formula/fortified, both homemade and canned, milk these 4 food groups were at 22.2%. The moms' education level was strongly associated with their child feeding practices. Mothers from food insecure homes were less likely to exclusively breastfeed than mothers from food secure households after drawing interpretation of univariate & multivariate analysis of variables crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and confidence interval (CI) (COR .233 at 95% CI 0.083, .655 and AOR .478 at 95% CI 0.133, 1.713). Similar outcomes were seen for early complementary feeding and minimal dietary diversification of children. In conclusion, this study discovered a less dietary inclusion trend of child feeding practices among moms (0-24 months childbearing) in Bangladesh’s coastal region.
Constitutional Struggles and Polarised Identities in Thailand: The Constitutional Court and the Gravitational Pull of Thai-Ness upon Liberal Constitutionalism
Authors: Leelapatana Rawin , Asanasak Suprawee
Published: April 2022

This article interrogates Thailand’s struggle between two conflicting constitutional identities, the identities of Thai-ness and liberal democracies, by examining how the Constitutional court implicitly and explicitly formulates and utilises both identities in its decisions from 2014 to 2020. Our analysis of these decisions shows that, instead of negotiating or synthesising the competing identities as the literature on constitutional identity envisages, the Thai court adapts the generic liberal democratic identity to defend and reassert the incumbent dominant identity of Thai-ness. The court drains liberal constitutionalism of its intrinsic substance while tactfully preserving and then lending its global legitimacy to bolster the local identity of Thai-ness. As a result, the liberal democratic identity is manipulated and pulled to gravitate towards the opposite value of Thai-ness. This unequal co-option between the polarised identities, we argue, depicts the current constitutional struggle in Thailand and marks the unique identity of Thai-style constitutionalism.
Gender and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Widows and Widowers
Authors: Geng Jing , Calasanti Toni M.
Published: April 2022

Previous research on older adults who are widowed often focuses on the immediate subjective impacts of spousal loss, and how gender might influence this. Our interest here is on the factors that influence subjective well-being after a period of at least two years’ post-bereavement, and how this might differ for men and women. We draw on theoretical considerations from previous research on gender and on widowhood and use two different measures—life satisfaction and happiness—to assess possible differences in this subjective outcome. We used data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study on 692 widowed adults aged 65 and over (578 females and 114 males) and employed regression and postestimation analyses to examine whether and how gender influences their subjective well-being. Our findings show that gender did not affect overall levels of subjective well-being, regardless of measure. However, gender did influence the predictors, such as total household income, total wealth, and social support from children and friends, for life satisfaction and happiness somewhat differently. Our study highlights the importance of examining gender differences among older widows and widowers and also underlines the importance of introducing different measures of subjective well-being that might yield different yet valuable findings.
The late- and post-Soviet trials of Hamlet in song, ballet, and opera
Authors: Assay Michelle
Published: April 2022

With the (re-)tightening of censorship, a proliferation of subtexts and Aesopian messages may be detected in late-Soviet Shakespeare adaptations in general and Hamlet in particular. This article examines representative cases of responses to Hamlet in the late- and post-Soviet eras, taking the genres of song, ballet, and opera/theatre, and broadly mapping them on to the topics of, respectively, Individualism, Convention, and Politics. In setting forth a narrative of Hamlet adaptations in these periods, this article shows that the tension between individual creative activity and politico-cultural climate was and continues to be more complex and multifaceted than might be predicted.
Effect of Local Anesthetic Injections on Subjective Pain Scales in Pediatric Tonsillectomies: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Stramiello Joshua A. , Ortega Briana , Brigger Matthew , Nation Javan Jonathon
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess the effect of local anesthetic injection on subjective pain scores for pediatric tonsillectomies on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 1.

Data Sources

A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.

Review Methods

A 2‐researcher team following the PRISMA guidelines performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Studies with original data and a saline injection control arm were selected. Corresponding authors were contacted for missing data. The collated data were analyzed with RevMan version 5.4 (Review Manager; Cochrane Collaboration). Random effects modeling and standard mean difference were utilized to control for heterogeneity. Surgical technique subgroup analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 319 publications were identified, and 8 articles with 13 experimental arms (627 participants) were selected for meta‐analysis. Local anesthetic injection was compared with placebo with saline injection. The standard mean difference for POD 0 pain was −0.81 (95% CI, −1.16 to −0.46; P < .00001) in favor of local anesthetic. The standard mean difference for POD 1 was −1.13 (95% CI, −1.48 to −0.78; P < .00001) in favor of local anesthetic. Subgroup analysis by surgical technique showed a less robust effect for cautery excision (−1.01 [95% CI, −1.37 to −0.66]) vs cold excisional technique (−1.19 [95% CI, −1.64 to −0.74]), with or without cautery‐based hemostasis.

Conclusions

A local anesthetic injection during a pediatric tonsillectomy reduces postoperative pain on POD 0 and 1. Further analysis on total narcotic use and postoperative complications would benefit surgeon decision making.
Outcomes and Trends of Treatments in High‐Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Abiri Arash , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Torabi Sina J. , Kuan Edward C. , Armstrong William B. , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah M.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To analyze the variant‐specific survival benefits and usage patterns of standardized treatment combinations of surgery (S), radioactive iodine ablation (RAI), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone suppression therapy (THST) for high‐risk differentiated thyroid cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Cancer Database.

Methods

The 2004‐2017 National Cancer Database was queried for patients receiving definitive surgery for high‐risk papillary, follicular, or Hurthle cell thyroid cancer. Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan‐Meier analyses assessed for treatment‐associated survival.

Results

Of 21,076 cases, 18,214 underwent survival analysis with a mean ± SD age of 50.6 ± 17.1 years (71.3% female). When compared with surgery alone, S + RAI was associated with reduced mortality in papillary (hazard ratio [HR], 0.574; P < .001) and follicular (HR, 0.489; P = .004) thyroid cancer. S + RAI + THST was associated with reduced mortality in papillary (HR, 0.514; P < .001), follicular (HR, 0.602; P = .016), and Hurthle cell (HR, 0.504; P = .021) thyroid cancer. In papillary thyroid cancer, S + RAI (91.3%), S + THST (89.2%), and S + RAI + THST (92.7%) were associated with higher 5‐year overall survival rates than surgery (85.4%, all P < .001). Papillary thyroid cancer treatments involving THST were associated with higher 5‐year overall survival rates than corresponding regimens without THST (all P < .001). In follicular thyroid cancer, S + RAI (73.9%) and S + RAI + THST (78.7%) were associated with higher 5‐year overall survival rates than surgery (65.6%, all P < .05). In Hurthle cell thyroid cancer, S + RAI (66.5%) and S + RAI + THST (73.4%) were associated with higher 5‐year overall survival rates than surgery (53.7%, all P < .05). On linear regression, THST usage increased by 77.5% (R2 = 0.944, P < .001), while RAI usage declined by 11.3% (R2 = 0.320, P = .035).

Conclusions

High‐risk differentiated thyroid cancer exhibited varying susceptibilities to different treatment combinations depending on histology, with greatest responses to regimens that included RAI. Physician practices have trended toward decreased RAI and increased THST usage.
Indocyanine green-enhanced thoracoscopic localization of parasternal lymph node: How to do it
Authors: Yutaka Yojiro , Kawashima Masahiro , Toshi Menju , Toi Masakazu , Date Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Small, non-palpable, parasternal lymph nodes can be difficult to locate during minimally invasive thoracoscopy. We here present a simple technique for thoracoscopic localization of small parasternal lymph nodes using echo-guided injection of indocyanine green. This technique rapidly marks the whole chain of enhanced lymph nodes for radical resection, enabling accurate endoscopic resection of small parasternal lymph nodes.
Clinical effects of prophylactic transverse colostomy in patients undergoing completely laparoscopic transabdominal approach partial intersphincteric resection
Authors: Zheng Honghong , Li Zhehong , Su Rui , Li Jianjun , Zheng Shuai , Yang Ji , Zhao Enhong
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical effects of prophylactic transverse colostomy on gastrointestinal function recovery and complications in patients undergoing completely laparoscopic transabdominal approach partial intersphincteric resection (CLAPISR) of low rectal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 74 patients with low rectal cancer who were treated with prophylactic transverse colostomy (Group A, n = 34) or without prophylactic transverse colostomy (Group B, n = 40). Surgery-related indicators, nutritional status indicators, systemic stress response indicators, and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

On postoperative day 5, the C-reactive protein concentration and white blood cell count were not significantly different between the two groups; however, the serum concentrations of total protein and albumin were higher in Group A than in Group B. Within 26 months postoperatively, the total incidence rate of complications was not significantly different, but the incidence rate of anastomotic leakage was lower in Group A than in Group B.

Conclusion

Prophylactic transverse colostomy based on CLAPISR can lead to faster recovery of gastrointestinal function, better improvement of postoperative nutritional indicators, and a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage. These characteristics are conducive to the rapid recovery of patients, making this procedure worthy of clinical application.
High-Intensity Light-Emitting Diode and Reduced Curing Times—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Saritha T. , Sunitha C. , Chanikya S. Sai , Kumar P. Kiran , Naveen R.
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the effect of high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit at different curing times on the shear bond strength (SBS), surface enamel loss, and degree of polymerization of a light-cure and dual-cure adhesive system.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and twenty extracted human premolar teeth were divided into 2 groups— group 1 (light cure) and group 2 (dual cure), depending on the adhesive system used. These groups were further subdivided into 3 subgroups with 20 teeth each, depending on the duration of curing. A high-intensity LED curing unit was used to bond metal brackets onto the teeth. The samples were tested on a universal testing machine to measure the SBS. The samples were then observed under a simple microscope and modified adhesive remnant index scores were assigned. The bracket bases were mapped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to evaluate the amount of enamel present. Cured adhesive was scraped and was subjected to Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to assess the degree of cure (%DC).

Results:

An increase in curing durations increased mean SBS values, %DC, and calcium-phosphorous ratios (Ca:P). Similarly, these parameters were higher for dual-cure subgroups when compared to light-cure subgroups.

Conclusion:

High-intensity LEDs can be used successfully for bonding orthodontic brackets with reduced curing duration. These LEDs help to reduce chairside time and can minimize damage to enamel without compromising bond strength.
Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of Surface-Treated and Untreated Machined Orthodontic Mini-Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Jain Shristy , Ponnada Swaroopa , Chandrasekhar Gandikota
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives:

The use of mini-implants has become more popular, and there has been a heightened focus on factors that contribute to their success. The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of various surface treatment methods of mini-implants on their bone cutting capacity, insertion torque required, and fracture resistance when compared with the untreated machined mini-implants.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 4 groups. Each group consisted of 10 orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs). The first experimental group contains titanium oxide coated mini-implants, the second group contains grit-blasted implants with aluminum oxide, the third group consists of mini-implants coated with hydroxyapatite crystals, and the control group is formed by untreated machined mini-implants. Each group is evaluated for cutting efficiency, maximum insertion torque, and fracture resistance using a customized torque testing gauge.

Results:

The results showed that surface treating OMIs with hydroxyapatite particles increases the surface roughness, thereby enhancing their stability without decreasing the bone cutting ability compared with OMIs without surface treatment.

Conclusion:

Roughened surface of OMIs with hydroxyapatite particles exhibited maximum fracture resistance without decreased corresponding bone cutting efficiency.
Grip strength, functional range and anthropometric dimensions, and indication on fulfilling occupations in the home and workplace: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hogarth Eliza , Bugden Benjamin , Liu Karen PY
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Little is known about the relationship between the types of grip strength, functional range, anthropometric measures, and function in the home and workplace. The study aimed to determine their relationships and explore their contributions to performing usual work duties and overall function in participants with and without hand and wrist injury.

Method

Forty-four participants were measured on Maximal Voluntary Isometric Grip Strength, Rapid Exchange Grip Contractions and Isometric Endurance, Forearm Length and Volumetry, and the Dart Thrower’s Motion (DTM) measure. They completed the Patient Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Work Module.

Results

The grip measures significantly correlated with Volumetry (r = 0.62–0.74) in participants with and without hand and wrist injury. The Isometric Endurance and DTM measure of the non-injured hand were found to be contributing factors for participants with hand and wrist injury when returning to usual work duties and overall function.

Conclusion

The non-injured hand function plays a role in the overall function for participants with hand and wrist injuries. Isometric Endurance and DTM measure could assist clinicians in determining suitable rehabilitation targets, resulting in a better function required for occupations in the home or workplace.
Intravenous lacosamide and phenytoin for the treatment of acute exacerbations of trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of 144 cases
Authors: Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , Teixidor Silvia , Sala-Padró Jacint , Campoy Sergio , Huerta-Villanueva Mariano
Published: April 2022

Background

Scant evidence is available on the use of intravenous pain treatment in acute exacerbations of trigeminal neuralgia. The aim of this descriptive study was to evaluate the effectiveness and security of intravenous lacosamide and phenytoin in the treatment of acute trigeminal neuralgia pain.

Methods

We reviewed patients who attended the emergency department of a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2020 for exacerbations of trigeminal neuralgia pain and were treated with either intravenous phenytoin or lacosamide for the first time. Primary endpoints were pain relief and adverse effects during the hospital stay. A comparative analysis between both treatment groups was performed.

Results

We studied 144 episodes in 121 patients (median age 61 years, 66.1% women). Trigeminal neuralgia etiology was secondary in 9.9%. Pain relief was observed in 77.8% of 63 patients receiving lacosamide infusions, and adverse effects in 1.6%. Pain relief was observed in 72.8% of 81 phenytoin infusions and adverse effects in 12.3%, all mild. No difference was observed in pain relief between groups, but the proportion of adverse effects was significantly different (p = 0.023). Statistically significant differences were also detected in readmissions within six months, time to readmission, and pain relief status at first follow-up visit.

Conclusion

Intravenous lacosamide and phenytoin can be effective and safe treatments for acute pain in trigeminal neuralgia. According to our series, lacosamide might be better tolerated than phenytoin and lead to lower readmissions and sustained pain relief.
Bridging the gaps of headache care for underserved populations: Current status of the headache field in Latin America
Authors: Lisicki Marco , Souza Marcio Nattan Portes , de Oliveira Arão Belitardo , Rubio-Beltrán Eloísa , Labastida-Ramirez Alejandro , Ashina Messoud , Peres Mario
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the current status of specialized headache care and research in Latin America.

Background

Latin America corresponds to about 9% of the global population. There is considerably limited access to headache services, and very few resources are allocated to headache research in this region.

Methods

The study consisted of two parts. First, in order to evaluate headache-related scientific output from Latin American countries we performed a 10-year bibliometric analysis and contrasted the results with a human developmental index–adjusted projection model. Secondly, we conducted a survey addressing different aspects of headache research, education, clinical practice, and awareness among members of the Latin American Headache Society.

Results

During the last 10 years 70% of Latin American countries published less than three articles regarding headache disorders. This contrasts with an average expected publication rate of 889 scientific papers. Indeed, none of the countries fulfilled their human developmental index – adjusted projected scientific output, with Brazil being the closest reaching 84.1% of what would be considered optimal according to the model. From the 86 headache-dedicated professionals that responded to the survey, most (64%) reported not having a headache specialization programme of any kind available in their countries. The biggest impediments towards conducting research observed by participants were the lack of time (39%), resources (22%), and training (21%).

Conclusions

Latin American countries have a considerable gap in headache-related scientific production, and also in formal education, research, and implementation of multidisciplinary services. Access to specialized headache care is particularly limited for patients with lower economic income.
Intravenous fosphenytoin as treatment for acute exacerbation of trigeminal neuralgia: A prospective systematic study of 15 patients
Authors: Andersen Anne Sofie Schott , Heinskou Tone Bruvik , Asghar Mohammad Sohail , Rossen Birgitte , Noory Navid , Smilkov Emil Andonov , Bendtsen Lars , Maarbjerg Stine
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Intravenous fosphenytoin is widely used for acute exacerbation of trigeminal neuralgia, however, few studies have investigated this treatment. We aimed to examine the efficacy and side effects of initial intravenous fosphenytoin plus oral tapering of phenytoin for exacerbation of trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods

Consecutive patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were included in this prospective observational 90-days follow-up study. Data were collected using standardized interviews before, at 24 hours, day 7, 30 and 90 post loading dose. The primary outcome was the proportion of responders defined as a 50% reduction in pain intensity 24 hours post loading dose.

Results

We included 15 patients. Nine patients (60%) were responders. Pain intensity 24 hours post loading dose was reduced by 5.00 points on the numerical rating scale (p < 0.001), and at day 7 by 5.5 points (p < 0.001). The most common side effects were hypotension and dizziness.

Conclusion

Intravenous fosphenytoin relieves trigeminal neuralgia pain in most patients and provides a window for titrating prophylactic trigeminal neuralgia medications or planning neurosurgery. The decision to administer intravenous fosphenytoin should be taken with support from trigeminal neuralgia experts and involves considerations of co-morbidities and other treatment options for acute exacerbation of trigeminal neuralgia. Clinical Trial: Preregistered (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03712254
Croatian adolescents’ credibility judgments in making everyday life decisions
Authors: Kolarić Alica
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate how high school students judged the credibility of information obtained for help with making everyday life decisions. Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out to reveal what reasons lay behind their belief in the quality, accuracy and helpfulness of the information. The results reveal that the students preferred turning to interpersonal information sources. The information obtained was perceived to be credible in cases when the source had been characterized with attributes that expressed competence and trustworthiness (such as expertise, knowledge and precision). Other important indicators of information credibility in cases of interpersonal information sources were the characteristics that expressed personal trust and the quality of the relationship with the source. Information on social media was judged by socially generated cues that expressed reputation and popularity in the users’ community. Lastly, credibility was verified by checking the consistency of information from multiple sources.
Effect of endoscopic urethral procedures applied after robotic radical prostatectomy on urinary incontinence: A prospective cohort pilot study
Authors: Unal Selman , Kutluhan Musab Ali , Okulu Emrah , Ozayar Asim , Kayigil Onder
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

The most common complications after radical prostatectomy (RP) are erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI). After RP, patients may require endoscopic urethral procedures (EUP) for other urological diseases such as hematuria, urinary system stone disease, and suspicion of bladder tumor. In clinical practice we observed that EUP performed after robot assisted RP (RARP) can cause an increase in the UI level. In this study, we investigated whether there is a change in the UI level in patients that underwent EUP after RARP and whether this change was affected by the duration of the procedure and type of endoscopic device used.

Material and methods:

Twenty-six patients were included who underwent EUP after RARP in this study. The patients were divided into three groups based on the endoscopic device used: group 1 rigid cystoscopy ( n =  9), group 2 flexible cystoscopy ( n =  7), and group 3 semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) ( n =  10). The Turkish version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the number of pads used daily was questioned before the EUP and 1  month after the procedure.

Results:

While a significant increase in ICIQ-SF score was observed in group 1 ( p =  0.027), no significant increase was observed in group 2 and group 3 ( p >  0.05). No significant difference was observed between the number of pads used preoperatively and the postoperative first month in all groups ( p >  0.05). There was no significant correlation between increased operation time and both the pad usage and ICIQ-SF score ( p >  0.05).

Conclusion:

The use of small diameter endoscopic instruments and flexible instruments is important for patient comfort and to avoid damage to urethrovesical anastomosis in patients who need to undergo EUP after RP.
Leadership in Interventional Radiology – Fostering a Culture of Excellence
Authors: Brady Adrian P. , Uberoi Raman , Lee Michael J. , Müller-Hülsbeck Stefan , Adam Andreas
Published: April 2022

This invited article reviews the current status of Interventional Radiology (IR), in terms of its status as a speciality, and outlines the conditions needed for IR to function optimally within healthcare settings. Guidance is offered in terms of developing an IR department, ensuring high-quality practice, dealing with administrative and political challenges, dealing with industry and creating a legacy.
Categories of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse Among Young Women and Men: Latent Class Analysis of Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Victimization and Perpetration in a UK Birth Cohort
Authors: Herbert Annie , Fraser Abigail , Howe Laura D. , Szilassy Eszter , Barnes Maria , Feder Gene , Barter Christine , Heron Jon
Published: April 2022

Background

In the UK, around one-third of young people are exposed to Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA) by 21 years old. However, types of IPVA victimization in this population (psychological, physical, sexual), and their relationship with impact and perpetration are poorly understood.

Methods

Participants in a UK birth cohort reported IPVA victimization and perpetration by age 21. We carried out a latent class analysis, where we categorized IPVA by types/frequency of victimization, and then assigned individuals to their most probable class. Within these classes, we then estimated rates of reported: 1) types of negative impacts (sad, upset/unhappy, anxious, depressed, affected work/studies, angry/annoyed, drank/took drugs more); 2) types/frequency of perpetration.

Results

Among 2130 women and 1149 men, 32% and 24% reported IPVA victimization (of which 89% and 73% reported negative impact); 21% and 16% perpetration. Victimization responses were well represented by five classes, including three apparent in both sexes: No-low victimization (characterized by low probabilities of all types of victimization; average probabilities of women and men belonging to this class were 82% and 70%); Mainly psychological (15% and 12%); Psychological and physical victimization (4% and 7%), and two classes that were specific to women: Psychological and sexual (7%); Multi-victimization (frequent victimization for all three types; 4%). In women, all types of negative impact were most common in the Psychological and sexual and Multi-victimization classes; for men, the Psychological and physical class. In women, all types of perpetration were most common for the Mainly psychological, Psychological and physical and Multi-victimization classes; in men, the Mainly psychological and Psychological and physical classes.

Discussion

In this study of young people, we found categories of co-occurrence of types and frequency of IPVA victimization associated with differential rates of negative impact and perpetrating IPVA. This is consistent with emerging evidence of IPVA differentiation and its variable impact in other populations.
Prevalence and Predictors of Affirmations of Intimate Partner Violence in Germany: A First Nationwide Study on Victimization in Women and Men
Authors: Jud Andreas , Grafe Bianca , Meshkova Ksenia , Kavemann Barbara , Meysen Thomas , Hoffmann Ulrike , Ziegenhain Ute , Fegert Jörg
Published: April 2022

Large-size studies on the prevalence of female intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in Germany are rare and partly outdated; representative data on male IPV victimization are lacking altogether. The present survey addresses these gaps. For this study, the instrument of the WHO Multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence has been translated to German and adapted to be used with females and males. A random route procedure in selecting household addresses has been used to gather data on IPV in combination with an omnibus survey on (mental) health issues. A total 2,503 respondents with a minimum age of 14 years have participated (response rate=44.1%). The resulting distribution of age and gender was representative for the German population above the age of 14 years. A total of 57.6% of female participants and 50.8% of male participants have reported victimization by intimate partners during their lifespan; gender distribution differs significantly (Chi2=43.43; p<0.001). Out of the different documented subtypes, psychological IPV was most prevalent (53.6% in females, 48.0% in males). Other forms ranged between 15.2% (physical IPV) and 18.6% (sexual IPV) for females, and 5.5% (sexual IPV) and 10.8% (physical IPV) for males. All forms of victimization regularly coincided, both in females and males. Experiencing any IPV was not only significantly associated with female gender, but also with older age, periods of unemployment, poverty, and IPV perpetration. The findings highlight the still much needed global efforts to prevent IPV against women – and in general. They further support previous research in underlining that fighting poverty might also be instrumental in reducing the likelihood of IPV. The discussion further addresses the issues of reciprocity in IPV.
Comparative study of the mechanical properties of woven and unidirectional fibres in discontinuous long-fibre composites
Authors: Belliveau Réjean , Landry Benoit , LaPlante Gabriel
Published: April 2022

Discontinuous long-fibre (DLF) composites can be made with randomly oriented unidirectional pre-impregnated composite chips. High fibre volume fraction unidirectional fibre chips provide good mechanical properties to the DLF composite architecture, which enables this material to contribute to bridging the gap between continuous-fibre and randomly-oriented short-fibre composites. However, it is well known that unidirectional fibres have highly anisotropic in-plane behaviour, which causes weak points in the parts when chips are oriented at unfavourable angles. This can be problematic since chips are randomly oriented in DLF composites. To overcome this problem, this research utilizes woven fibre chips instead of unidirectional fibre chips to fabricate DLF composites. Woven fibres diminish the potential for weak points due to their more homogenized in-plane mechanical properties. For comparison purposes, compression moulded carbon/PEI samples were made from both unidirectional chips and 5HS woven chips. Bending and tensile tests following ASTM guidelines were performed to compare both types of fibre arrangement. The results show that woven fibre chips increase the mechanical properties of the DLF composites and reduce their variability.
Middle School, Middle-Skills: 8th Grader’s Interest in Middle-Skill Occupations
Authors: Masters Stephanie , Barth Joan M.
Published: April 2022

There is a workforce shortage in middle-skill occupations requiring some educational training but not a 4-year college degree, such as skilled trades (e.g., construction), transportation (e.g., drivers), and manufacturing. Identifying factors that promote adolescent interest in middle-skill occupations is crucial in combating this shortage. This study examined whether variables contributing to adolescent interest in STEM occupations, such as gender, occupation goal affordances, and occupational knowledge, extend to middle-skill occupations. Results from hierarchical linear models revealed that adolescents ( N = 502) were interested in middle-skill occupations for which they felt knowledgeable and perceived to afford agentic and communal goals. The effect of perceived knowledge on interest in construction and manufacturing occupations was stronger for boys than girls. Efforts to increase interest in middle-skill occupations should address the gender gap in perceived knowledge and highlight how these occupations fulfill agentic and communal goals.
Qualitative Job Insecurity, Negative Work-Related Affect and Work-to-Family Conflict: The Moderating Role of Core Self-Evaluations
Authors: Li Ziyi , Zou Hao-Yun , Wang Hai-Jiang , Jiang Lixin , Tu Yan , Zhao Yi
Published: April 2022

Job insecurity has become one of the most prominent job stressors for employees. This study focuses on qualitative job insecurity (QJI) and its spillover effects to the family domain. Despite a positive association between QJI and work-to-family conflict revealed in the literature, research on why and when QJI is related to work-to-family conflict is limited. Drawing from Conservation of Resources theory, this paper empirically examines the mediating role of negative affective process underlying the relationship between QJI and work-to-family conflict as well as the moderating role of core self-evaluations in this process. A four-wave survey study was conducted in a sample of 126 Chinese employees. The results showed that psychological contract violation and job dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between QJI and work-to-family conflict. Unexpectedly, core self-evaluations were found to strengthen (not attenuate) the positive relationships of QJI with employee psychological contract violation and job dissatisfaction.