bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the scrap pre-heating inside an EOF steel refining furnace
Authors: Paulo Azevedo Pedro , Neves Leonardo
Published: August 2024

In the present work a full-scale mathematical model of the gaseous flow and the thermal exchange of gases with the scrap were proposed in the exhaust system of an Energy Optimizing Furnace (EOF). The analysis of the flow and heat transfer of the gases in the exhaust system is fundamental to predict the thermal use in the pre-heating of the scrap and the best scrap allocation profile in the system to predict the continuity of the current industrial process. The objective of this work is to improve the overall energy efficiency of the EOF process, thereby reducing the direct and indirect emission of gases that contribute to climate change. Industrial tests were carried out to obtain the real values of the variables such as gas and scrap temperature. The results of the variables were used in the mathematical model. The results of the mathematical modelling demonstrated that the heat transfer between the gases and the metal scrap depends mainly on the previous preparation in the scrap yard and on the control of the size and compaction of the scrap. In this work it was possible to predict the variables of gas flow and scrap pre-heating during the steel production process in the EOF using mathematical simulation and validating with the results collected in the industrial furnace.
Effect of Policy Mix on Urban Road Network Capacity Assessment Considering Shared Mobility
Authors: Ju Ziyan , Du Muqing
Published: August 2024

In the context of the trend for green travel, the emergence of shared mobility, represented by e-hailing and ridesharing, provides behavioral richness for travelers. Consequently, the authorities that devote themselves to balancing supply and demand in multimodal networks are concerned with incorporating shared mobility into transportation planning and formulating reasonable policy measures. A novel capacity model incorporating a policy mix is developed here as a bi-level programming problem in which the lower-level model is a combined modal split and traffic assignment considering elastic demand (CMSTA-ED) problem, while the upper-level model maximizes the origin–destination (OD) demand multiplier. Integrating the capacity model (the effectiveness index) with social welfare (the implementability index) can account for the synergy, facilitation, and potential contradiction of policy mixes. Numerical experiments validate the characteristics of shared mobility as a supplement to poorly performing public transit under its poor performance. It also examines the policy mix between a public-transit priority subsidy, parking charging, and the shared-mobility subsidy to discover the positive coordination that any individual policy cannot satisfy. This study provides implementable insights for further formulating rational policy-mix strategies on shared mobility to promote the sustainable usage of shared mobility.
Prenatal Cannabis and Tobacco Co-Exposure and Its Association with Behavioural Outcomes in Middle Childhood: Co-exposition prénatale au cannabis et au tabac et son association avec les résultats comportementaux au cours de l'enfance intermédiaire
Authors: Nadler Emma , Jacobus Joanna , Rabin Rachel A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Cannabis legalization has triggered an increase in prenatal cannabis use. Given that tobacco is commonly co-used with cannabis, determining outcomes associated with prenatal cannabis and tobacco co-exposure is crucial. While literature exists regarding the individual effects of prenatal cannabis and tobacco exposure on childhood behaviour, there is a gap regarding their combined use, which may have interactive effects. Therefore, we investigated whether prenatal cannabis and tobacco co-exposure was associated with greater externalizing and internalizing problems in middle childhood compared to prenatal exposure to either substance alone or no exposure.

Methods

Baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (collected in children ages 9–11) were used to explore differences in externalizing and internalizing scores derived from the Childhood Behavior Checklist across four groups: children with prenatal cannabis and tobacco co-exposure (CT, n = 290), children with prenatal cannabis-only exposure (CAN, n = 225), children with prenatal tobacco-only exposure (TOB, n = 966), and unexposed children (CTL, n = 8,311). We also examined if the daily quantity of tobacco exposure modulated the effect of cannabis exposure on outcomes.

Results

Adjusting for covariates, a 2 × 2 ANCOVA revealed significant main effects for prenatal cannabis ( p = 0.03) and tobacco exposure ( p < 0.001), and a significant interaction effect on externalizing scores ( p = 0.032); no significant main effects or interactions were found for internalizing scores. However, interactions between daily quantity of cannabis and tobacco exposure significantly predicted both externalizing and internalizing scores ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that co-exposure is associated with greater externalizing problems than exposure to either substance alone, which did not differ from each other. Further, greater tobacco exposure may amplify the negative effect of cannabis exposure on both externalizing and internalizing behaviours in children. These findings underscore the need for interventions that target cannabis and tobacco co-use in pregnant women to circumvent their adverse impact on middle childhood behaviour.

Plain Language Summary Title

Prenatal Cannabis and Tobacco Co-exposure and its Association with Middle Childhood Behaviours
Investigation of Kevlar and Basalt fiber hybridization on vibrational characteristics of composite plates
Authors: Salimiyan Mohammad , Kazemian Amir Hossein , Moeinkhah Hossein , Rahmani Hossein
Published: August 2024

The study of vibrational characteristics of plates, specifically composite plates, has gained significant importance in contemporary and cutting-edge industries involved in industrial plate manufacturing. This paper investigates the vibrational behavior of composite plates made of Kevlar, basalt, and a hybrid combination of Kevlar and basalt fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix. The investigation was carried out through experimental methods utilizing the D3560 analyzer device. Furthermore, in order to ensure the reliability of the findings, the experimental data were simulated and compared with finite element modeling using the ABAQUS software. The results demonstrate that hybridizing the fibers in the first and second modes leads to an increase in the natural frequency compared to pure Kevlar, while the hybridization effect compared to pure basalt has a negative impact. However, in the third to fifth modes, the layered arrangement shows an increase in the natural frequency compared to pure Kevlar and pure basalt. The experimental results obtained and the simulated ones in the finite element software exhibit a consistent trend.
Chronic aluminium chloride exposure induces redox imbalance, metabolic distress, DNA damage, and histopathologic alterations in Wistar rat liver
Authors: Shahabuddin Farha , Naseem Samina , Alam Tauseef , Khan Aijaz Ahmed , Khan Farah
Published: August 2024

Aluminium, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, is distinguished for eliciting a broad range of physiological, biochemical, and behavioural alterations in laboratory animals and humans. The present work was conducted to study the functional and structural changes induced by aluminium in rat liver. Twenty five adult male Wistar rats (150–200 g) were randomly divided into five groups; control group and four Al-treated groups viz: Al 1 (25 mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), Al 2 (35 mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), Al 3 (45 mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), and Al 4 (55 mg AlCl3/kg b.wt). Rats in the aluminium-treated groups were administered AlCl3 for 30 days through oral gavage. Aluminium significantly increased the serum levels of liver function markers (ALT, AST, and ALP), phospholipids, and cholesterol. The activities of hepatocyte membrane (ALP, GGT, and LAP) and carbohydrate metabolic (G6P, F16BP, HK, LDH, MDH, ME, and G6PDH) enzymes were significantly altered by AlCl3 administration. Prolonged Al exposure induced oxidative stress in the liver, as evident by significant hepatocellular DNA damage, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. The toxic effects observed in this study were AlCl3 dose-dependent. Histopathological examination of liver sections revealed enlargement of sinusoidal spaces, derangement of the hepatic chord, loss of discrete hepatic cell boundaries, congestion of hepatic sinusoids, and degeneration of hepatocytes in Al-intoxicated rats. In conclusion, aluminium causes severe hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the hepatocyte membrane enzymes and disrupting the liver’s energy metabolism and antioxidant defence.
Risk and Protective Factors in Children Bullying Perpetration: Application of the Multiple Disadvantage Model
Authors: Cheng Tyrone C. , Lo Celia C.
Published: August 2024

This secondary study examined bullying perpetration’s relationships with social disorganization, social structural factors, social relationships, mental health, and access to health insurance and care. A sample of 30,173 children age 6 to 17 years was extracted from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health for secondary data analysis. Logistic regression results demonstrated that these children’s likelihood of bullying perpetration was positively associated with racial discrimination, child age 6 to 10 years, child age 11 to 13 years, parent education level, employed parent, neighbor support, family violence, difficulty parenting the child, child difficulty with peers, child behavioral/conduct problems, family substance use problem, and child receipt of mental health services; such likelihood also had negative associations with safe neighborhood, Black, Asian, other non-Hispanic ethnic minority, parent age, and family cohesiveness. Implications included interventions to promote awareness of racial discrimination for families as well as bully prevention programs in schools and communities.
“We Have Two Engines, and We Must Keep Them Both Running”: The Combination of Institutional and Symbolic Resources in the “Socio-Emotional Organizing” of Solo Self-Employed Workers
Authors: Bottalico Andrea , Murgia Annalisa
Published: August 2024

The rise of solo self-employment has led to the emergence of increasingly broad categories of workers in search of collective representation, who find no support either in trade unions or in employer organizations. Based on the case of Redacta, an informal group founded in Italy and composed of solo self-employed (SSE) workers in the publishing industry, the article contributes to the debate on Resource Mobilization Theory and New Social Movements by showing that, along with other resources typically available to social movements and activist groups, it is mainly through the combination of institutional and symbolic-performative resources that a process of grassroots organizing—that we call socio-emotional organizing—can be successfully triggered, especially in the case of particularly underrepresented groups of workers, such as the SSE.
The Language of (Non)Replicable Social Science
Authors: Herzenstein Michal , Rosario Sanjana , Oblander Shin , Netzer Oded
Published: August 2024

Using publicly available data from 299 preregistered replications from the social sciences, we found that the language used to describe a study can predict its replicability above and beyond a large set of controls related to the article characteristics, study design and results, author information, and replication effort. To understand why, we analyzed the textual differences between replicable and nonreplicable studies. Our findings suggest that the language in replicable studies is transparent and confident, written in a detailed and complex manner, and generally exhibits markers of truthful communication, possibly demonstrating the researchers’ confidence in the study. Nonreplicable studies, however, are vaguely written and have markers of persuasion techniques, such as the use of positivity and clout. Thus, our findings allude to the possibility that authors of nonreplicable studies are more likely to make an effort, through their writing, to persuade readers of their (possibly weaker) results.
Multivariate Poisson cokriging: A geostatistical model for health count data
Authors: Payares-Garcia David , Osei Frank , Mateu Jorge , Stein Alfred
Published: August 2024

Multivariate disease mapping is important for public health research, as it provides insights into spatial patterns of health outcomes. Geostatistical methods that are widely used for mapping spatially correlated health data encounter challenges when dealing with spatial count data. These include heterogeneity, zero-inflated distributions and unreliable estimation, and lead to difficulties when estimating spatial dependence and poor predictions. Variability in population sizes further complicates risk estimation from the counts. This study introduces multivariate Poisson cokriging for predicting and filtering out disease risk. Pairwise correlations between the target variable and multiple ancillary variables are included. By means of a simulation experiment and an application to human immunodeficiency virus incidence and sexually transmitted diseases data in Pennsylvania, we demonstrate accurate disease risk estimation that captures fine-scale variation. This method is compared with ordinary Poisson kriging in prediction and smoothing. Results of the simulation study show a reduction in the mean square prediction error when utilizing auxiliary correlated variables, with mean square prediction error values decreasing by up to 50%. This gain is further evident in the real data analysis, where Poisson cokriging yields a 74% drop in mean square prediction error relative to Poisson kriging, underscoring the value of incorporating secondary information. The findings of this work stress on the potential of Poisson cokriging in disease mapping and surveillance, offering richer risk predictions, better representation of spatial interdependencies, and identification of high-risk and low-risk areas.
Biafrans Everywhere: Diaspora Voices and Activism During the Nigerian Civil War
Authors: Bello Taiwo
Published: August 2024

How did Biafrans abroad respond to the civil war events, and how did their reactions shape the experiences of their relatives across Biafra? I argue that the active protests, mobilizations and transnational appeals by Biafrans in the diaspora helped bring the war and its destructive characters to the attention of the global audience. Although the locations of the Biafrans abroad were not shaken by violence, they shared in the wartime agonies of their relatives in Biafra, and the extent to which such impacted them is reflected in how they mobilized, campaigned and conducted their activism across the diaspora.
Dr Col McCowan OAM: 5 decades of contribution and service
Authors: Patton Wendy
Published: August 2024

This article documents the 50 years of contribution and service of Dr Col McCowan OAM to the career development field in Australia and in many other countries. Over 50 years, he has contributed to policy development and significant practice innovations based on his research. His work continues to influence in all areas of career development, especially in education settings from primary through to tertiary. It is written to not only acknowledge his work but to ensure the history of our pioneers is not forgotten.
Palliative Care Experiences Among Adults From Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Oduro Elisha Baafi , Jackson Amy , Fu Yunting , Carpenter Joan G.
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (URGs) in the United States (US) experience disparities in accessing palliative care (PC) at the end of life (EOL). Additionally, little effort has been made to understand their experiences with PC.

Objectives

To identify and synthesize existing literature on PC experiences among adults from URGs in nursing homes, community settings, and hospitals in the US.

Methods

Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological recommendation and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we conducted a scoping review. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global from inception to January 2024.

Results

We included five studies representing Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, African/Black American, and Chinese individuals. Data were organized around two themes: navigating PC pathway and choices and practices during PC. Navigating PC pathway theme highlights that despite the several barriers URGs face when accessing PC, they seek PC services due to their limited formal family assistance in managing their chronic conditions and pain. The choices and practices during PC theme emphasize the roles URG family members play in EOL care, the patient’s care preferences, and their spiritual practices and beliefs related to EOL care.

Conclusion

This scoping review reveals limited literature about URG experiences with PC and highlights the need for more studies to focus on making PC services more accessible to URGs and providing culturally sensitive care to meet the needs of the diverse growing US population.
Prognosis in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Reperfused by PHDP: 1-Year MACEs Follow-Up
Authors: Dou Jie , Gao Jie , Yang Hui-Hui , Guo Ruoling , Jiang Chao , Zhou Jiang , Yu Xiaomei , Guo Jingtao , Zhang Jinlong , Luo Donglei
Published: August 2024

This study explored 1-year follow-up of Parmaco-invasive strategy with half-dose recombinant human prourokinase (PHDP) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The follow-up endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) occurring within 30 days and 1 year, as well as postoperative bleeding events. The study ultimately included 150 subjects, with 75 in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) group and 75 in the PHDP group. This study found that the PHDP group had a shorter FMC-reperfusion time (42.00 min vs 96.00 min, P < 0.001). During PCI, the PHDP group had a lower percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) ( P = 0.021), intropin ( P = 0.002) and tirofiban ( P < 0.001) use. And the incidence of intraoperative arrhythmia, malignant arrhythmia, and slow flow/no-reflow was lower in the PHDP group ( P < 0.001). At the 30-day follow-up, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients in the PPCI group who were readmitted due to unstable angina ( P = 0.037). After 1 year of follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in MACEs between the two groups ( P = 0.500). The incidence of postoperative major bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and minor bleeding did not differ between the PHDP and PPCI groups ( P > 0.05). The PHDP facilitates early treatment of infarct-related vessels, shortens FMC-reperfusion time, and does not increase the risk of MACEs.
Theories on the Etiology of Deviant Sexual Interests: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schippers Eveline E. , Hoogsteder Larissa M. , de Vogel Vivienne
Published: August 2024

Not much is known about the etiology, or development, of deviant sexual interests. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a broad overview of current theories on the etiology of sexual deviance. We conducted a systematic search of the databases PubMed and APA PsycInfo (EBSCO). Studies were included when they discussed a theory regarding the etiology or development of sexual deviance. Included studies were assessed on quality criteria for good theories. Common etiological themes were extracted using thematic analysis. We included 47 theories explaining sexual deviance in general as well as various specific deviant sexual interests, such as pedophilia and sadism/masochism. Few theories ( k = 7) were of acceptable quality as suggested by our systematic assessment of quality criteria for good theories (QUACGOT). These theories indicated that deviant sexual interests may develop as the result of an interplay of various factors: excitation transfer between emotions and sexual arousal, conditioning, problems with “normative” sexuality, and social learning. Neurobiological findings could not be included as no acceptable quality neurobiological theories could be retrieved. The important roles of excitation transfer and conditioning designate that dynamic, changeable processes take part in the etiology of sexual deviance. These same processes could potentially be deployed to diminish unwanted deviant sexual interests.
Aerobic Training and Ointment Effect on range of motion, von Willebrand factor, vascular endothelial factor and Femoral Artery Hemodynamics in Joint Contracture: A Rat Model
Authors: Maimaiti Palida , Shu Jiaojiao , Miao Tianyu , Keqike Nuerbiya , Tuersun Asiguli , Ruiqi Yang  , Wang Ningning
Published: August 2024

Objective

Using a rat model, we investigated the effect of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, including aerobic training and ointment, on the ROM, vWF, VEGF content, and femoral artery hemodynamics in rats with joint contracture.

Methods

A total of 44 Wistar rats were divided into the normal control group (NC, eight rats) and the experimental group (EG). A joint contracture model was established for the rats in the EG group by an external fixator. After fixator removal, 32 rats are further divided into the MC, SC, RE, and SR groups ( n = 8). Before and after the 42 day intervention, the ROM, vWF, VEGF, PS, ED, and RI were measured using X-ray imaging, ELISA, and color Doppler ultrasound, respectively.

Results

After fixator removal, ROM for EG group was lower than that of the NC group ( p < .01). After the intervention, ROM for the SR, RE, and SC groups was improved. The ROM for the SR group reached a similar value for NC group. vWF and VEGF levels in SR group were lower than in the MC, SC, and RE groups ( p < .05), and had a similar value to the NC groups. PS value for SR and RE groups was higher than the MC and SC groups. The RI value for SR group was higher than that of NC and MC groups.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation used in this study can treat joint contracture synergistically. It improves the ROM of the joint, reduces the content of vWF and VEGF, and improves the femoral artery hemodynamics.
Multi-objective optimization of liquid metal bearing based on NSGA-II
Authors: Tang Siwei , Zhang Guohua , Zheng Yueqing , Xie Gongnan , Cui Hailong
Published: August 2024

Due to their exceptional static and dynamic properties along with high-temperature resistance, liquid metal bearings are extensively employed in challenging environments. This paper carried out a multi-objective optimization work for spiral groove journal liquid metal bearings (JLMB) by using a NSGA-II. The clearance of bearing C, spiral angle a, groove depth hg, groove ridge ratio β, groove number N, and groove spacing P were chosen as design variables to maximize the load-carrying capacity and the effective stiffness of liquid metal bearing. During optimization process, the Latin hypercube sampling was adopted to generate 41 sample points, and the Kriging surrogate model was used to establish the correlations between design variables and objective functions. The Pareto front with optimal structures was obtained after optimization. Subsequently, optimal parameters were determined from the Pareto front by using the TOPSIS decision method. Finally, a comparative analysis of bearing performance was conducted between the journal liquid metal bearings with optimal parameters and the original parameters. The results indicated that the optimal JLMB parameters are given as follows: C = 10 μm, a = 26°, hg = 5.2 μm, β = 0.7, P = 11.1 mm, N = 10. The static and dynamic performance of optimized JLMB has been significantly improved. Specifically, the load carrying capacity increased to 2781.2N, making a 1313% enhancement over the JLMB with original parameters. While the effective stiffness of the optimized JLMB surged to 1.86 × 108 N/m, a more than 20-fold increase.
Reaching the European 2030 Poverty Target: The Imperative to Balance the Eu Social Agenda
Authors: Akarçeşme Sümeyra , Aranguiz Ane , Lemmens Anna , Cantillon Bea
Published: August 2024

Reaching the three targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan is the litmus test for effective EPSR implementation. While the EPSR puts forward a prima facie balance between employment, equal opportunities and social protection, two important questions arise: a) whether and to what extent the resources available at EU level are sufficiently balanced across the different dimensions of the EPSR; and b) which implications this may have for achieving the 2030 poverty target. Analysing the three domains of the EPSR, its Action Plan and the wider EU legal framework of the principles contained in the EPSR, the paper argues that abundant EU resources are available for the areas of equality and employment, but fewer for social inclusion. The empirical evidence on poverty trends over the past decades, however, points to important successes in terms of employment and (gender) equality, but not with respect to social inclusion: a significant increase in employment and defeminisation of poverty have been accompanied by greater precarity for low-skilled men and women. Particularly striking is the rise in the risk of poverty among jobless households, linked with the weakening of the poverty reduction capacity of social protection for this group. Meeting the European social inclusion targets will thus require policies that duly focus on strengthening the framework for social inclusion and social protection.
Reckoning with truth globally: Decolonial possibilities
Authors: Barolsky Vanessa , Rodriguez Castro Laura , Paradies Yin
Published: August 2024

This Special Issue interrogates the limitations and possibilities of truth within global efforts to address historical injustice. Over the past 30 years truth commissions have become ubiquitous in response to authoritarian regimes and colonial legacies. However, their ability to facilitate meaningful transformation is increasingly contested. In this editorial we explore what a decolonial reckoning, rather than reconciliation, with the past and colonial logics of power, might mean. In doing so, we argue that the liberal, modernist imaginary of justice on which many truth processes have been premised, is constraining our imagination of more radical ‘fugitive’ forms justice. Drawing from contributions from Australia and other global contexts this special issue investigates these limitations and the transformative potential of truth as a decolonial, sovereign, embodied and relational praxis. Contributors engage with the pluriversality of truth in ways that trouble the nation-state and centre the sovereignty and onto-epistemology of racialised and First Nations peoples, often excluded from transitional justice processes, thus offering pathways for radical resistance, resurgence and prefigurative transformation.
Development of a home visit solution with a route- and appointment planning tool for patients with severe spasticity: A participatory design study
Authors: Petersen Lena Skovgård , Sorknæs Anne Dichmann , Nielsen Helle Hvilsted , Nielsen Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Objectives: This article describes how a home visit solution was developed in a co-design process between patients in treatment for severe spasticity, their caregivers and hospital nurses. The solution was developed using a participatory design approach and was based on the identified needs of the participants. Methods: We developed a home visit solution through an iterative process and a collective ‘reflection-in-action’ approach with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Results: The study revealed the complexities of establishing new routines around home visits. The solution included a new workflow for the nurses and a new route and appointment planning tool. Conclusion: Through a participatory design approach, the users developed a home visit solution that minimised disruption to patients’ daily lives and facilitated a dialogue between the nurses and the caregivers about the treatment and the patients’ spasticity, which helped to adjust the treatment in line with the patient´s needs.
Experiences reporting on mental illness and suicide: Findings from interviews with Australian news professionals
Authors: Ross Anna M , Dickson Kara , Morgan Amy J , Paton Elizabeth , McNaught Gayle , Reavley Nicola J
Published: August 2024

Improvements in the quality of news portrayals of mental illness and suicide can be attributed to the introduction of media guidelines, particularly the Mindframe guidelines in Australia. However, based on reports about problematic media content, there remains scope for improvement. This study sought to further investigate the experiences of Australian news media professionals in reporting on mental illness and suicide, including their experiences of using the Mindframe guidelines and developing news stories about people with lived experience. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 media professionals, including junior reporters, senior reporters, and news editors. Media professionals had an average of 10.1 years’ (SD = 9.4) experience and represented a range of work experiences. Three key themes were generated from participant responses about their experiences reporting on mental illness and suicide: 1. Awareness of responsible reporting guidelines and how to proactively increase this; 2. Newsroom processes, values and subjectivity in applying guidelines; and 3. The importance and challenge in sharing lived experience stories, and improving support for covering these stories. Further resources and education are needed across newsrooms and universities to increase awareness and use of the Mindframe guidelines, and ultimately improve the quality of Australian media portrayals of mental illness and suicide. Editors and managers should be targeted with this training to best influence organisational change. Media professionals require additional preparation and support to develop lived experience stories, particularly in working with people bereaved by suicide to ensure this is a safe engagement for both parties.
Basilar artery occlusion management: An international survey of gender influence on management
Authors: Peacock Meabh , Drumm Brian , Klein Piers , Raymond Jean , Huo Xiaochuan , Chen Yimin , Abdalkader Mohamad , Schonewille Wouter J. , Liu Xinfeng , Hu Wei , Li Chuanhui , Ji Xunming , Alemseged Fana , Liu Liping , Siegler James E. , Nagel Simon , Strbian Daniel , Sacco Simona , Yaghi Shadi , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Fischer Urs , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Yamagami Hiroshi , Michel Patrik , Puetz Volker , Mujanovic Adnan , Marto João Pedro , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Sandset Else C. , Demeestere Jelle , Hanning Uta , Novakovic Robin , Kenmuir Cynthia , Agid Ronit , Romoli Michele , Diana Francesco , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Roi Dylan , Masoud Hesham E. , Ma Alice , Zhu Yuyou , Sang Hongfei , Sun Dapeng , Ton Mai Duy , Raynald  , Li Fengli , Nasreldein Ahmed , Jesser Jessica , Kaesmacher Johannes , Weyland Charlotte S. , Meyer Lukas , Yeo Leonard L.L. , Yang Qingwu , Thomalla Götz , Yang Pengfei , Poli Sven , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Qureshi Adnan I. , Chen Hui-Sheng , Zaidat Osama O. , Qiu Zhongming , Nogueira Raul G. , Jovin Tudor G. , Miao Zhongrong , Nguyen Thanh N. , Banerjee Soma
Published: August 2024

Background

The superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical management was not established in two early basilar artery occlusion (BAO) randomized controlled trials. Despite this, many clinicians recommended EVT for acute BAO under certain circumstances. This paper aims to compare physicians’ diagnostic and management strategies of BAO according to gender.

Methods

From January to March 2022 an international survey was conducted regarding management strategies in acute BAO. We compared responses between clinicians by identifying gender. Questions were designed to examine clinical and imaging parameters influencing management of patients with BAO.

Results

Among the 1245 respondents from 73 countries, 311 (25.0%) identified as female. This figure was 13.6% amongst interventionists. Geographically, female respondents were lowest in Asia (14.5%) and North America (23.9%). The proportion of respondents identifying as female was consistent regardless of their years of experience. Female respondents were more likely to choose time of onset as time of first estimated stroke like symptom (48.0% vs. 38.5%, p < .01), were less likely to favor thrombectomy in the V4 segment of vertebrobasilar artery occlusions (31.5% vs. 43.3%, p < .01), and were less likely to find it acceptable to enroll all patients who met trial criteria in the standard medical treatment arm of a clinical trial (41.2% vs. 47.0%, p = .01). Male respondents were more likely to agree that thrombolysis would not alter their decision on proceeding with EVT (93.7% vs. 88.3%, p < .01).

Conclusions

Female clinicians appear to be significantly underrepresented in stroke medicine. This is most pronounced amongst interventionists and in Asia. Although male and female opinions were closely aligned on many aspects of BAO management, differences in opinion were observed in a number of significant areas which influence decision making.
Differential miR-195-5p and its potential role during the development of carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Gao Haining , Zhao Liansheng , Cao Xuemei , Zhang Guoxin
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a leading cause of cerebral ischemic events (CIE). Timely detection and risk assessment can aid in managing CAS patients and improving their prognosis. The aim of the current study is to identify a new biomarker for CAS and to further investigate the impact of miR-195-5p on cellular processes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods

This study involved 112 CAS patients and 65 healthy individuals. Serum miR-195-5p levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The ROC curve was then plotted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of miR-195-5p for CAS. The Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression were employed to determine miR-195-5p′s prognostic significance. In vitro, the effects of miR-195-5p mimic or inhibitor on VSMC proliferation and migration were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays.

Results

In CAS patients, serum miR-195-5p levels were elevated and correlated with the degree of CAS. The ROC curve had an AUC value of 0.897, with sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 95.4%. Higher levels of miR-195-5p indicated a higher risk of CIE occurrence and may serve as an independent predictor of CIE. The upregulation of miR-195-5p promoted VSMC proliferation and migration, while downregulation had the opposite effect.

Conclusions

miR-195-5p was demonstrated to have diagnostic and prognostic significance in CAS and may serve as a potential biomarker. It may contribute to the progression of CAS by promoting the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis for validating a distributed leadership inventory for secondary schools in Ethiopia
Authors: Emiru Eshetu Kibret , Gedifew Mateb Tafere
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to validate the Ethiopian version of the distributed leadership inventory (DLI-Eth) and evaluate its psychometric properties. The survey was administered to 714 randomly selected teachers. The data were subjected to data cleaning and preliminary analysis for normality and multivariate assumptions using SPSS version 23 with an extension of AMOS. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to identify the cluster of items and test model fit. The principal component analysis extraction method with varimax rotation revealed a significant four-factor solution. The four-factor structure accounted for 70.04% of the cumulative variance. The results showed that the proposed model met the acceptable model fit. The study concluded that the DLI-Eth is a good tool for measuring distributed leadership functions in Ethiopia. Moreover, this paper makes a practical contribution to future leadership investigators by providing a validated inventory to broaden our understanding of distributed leadership in a non-Western context.
What Good Are We Seeking? Child Soldiers and Thick Ethical Concepts
Authors: Souris Renée Nicole
Published: August 2024

In this paper, I show how a virtue ethics approach to child soldiering is centered on thick ethical concepts that seek to capture in a descriptively and evaluatively rich way how child soldiering affects children’s moral character development and their relationships with others. Virtue ethics thus provides a new perspective that departs from the standard ethical approach, which focuses largely on thin questions of the rights and responsibilities of children in war. The virtue ethics tradition reorients us toward a deeper concern for children’s moral good and thus provides an important and underexplored approach for thinking about child soldiers from an interdisciplinary perspective.
A rare presentation of bone cement implantation syndrome as hypertensive anaphylaxis: A diagnostic and management dilemma
Authors: Neeradi Vishal Kumar , Aluka Sandeep Kund Reddy , Katroth Chander , Bora Hemalatha , Sultana Tarannum , Maremanda Krishna Rao
Published: August 2024

Background:

Bone cement implantation syndrome characteristically involves acute alterations in the function of respiratory and cardiovascular systems. We present a case report of cement reaction with unusual presentation, that is, hypoxia, hypertension and tachycardia. A 74-year-old hypertensive male on regular medications sustained a slip and fall, presented with a right intertrochanteric neck of femur fracture, now posted for cemented hemiarthroplasty. Intraoperatively, after applying bone cement, the patient developed sweating, dyspnoea, bilateral wheezing and tachypnoea and desaturation of up to 80%–84%. Respiratory symptoms were associated with tachycardia (140–160 bpm) and hypertension (220/110 mm Hg). The surgeon was alerted about the event, the patient was reassured, and respiration was assisted with positive pressure ventilation with supplementation of 100% oxygen.

Discussion:

Several mechanisms have been proposed, such as the toxic effect of systemically absorbed methyl methacrylate, exothermic reaction, fat and marrow embolism, high marrow pressure during cementing and anaphylactic reaction. The administration of adrenaline, which can worsen the clinical picture, is the mainstay in managing anaphylaxis.

Conclusion:

The association of hypertension and tachycardia with bone cement implantation syndrome, previously not reported, can have distinct pathomechanisms and cause a diagnostic and management dilemma.
Zone-specific pitfalls in flexor tendon rehabilitation: management and prevention
Authors: Chinchalkar Shrikant J. , Larocerie-Salgado Juliana , Pipicelli Joey G.
Published: August 2024

Despite significant advancements in flexor tendon repair techniques and rehabilitation strategies, achieving complete restoration of digital motion remains a formidable challenge. The most prevalent complications associated with tendon repair are the development of tendon adhesions and joint contractures. Left unaddressed, these complications can further lead to secondary pathomechanical changes, resulting in fixed deformities significantly affecting hand function. This review of zone-specific considerations in flexor tendon rehabilitation provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of tendon motion after repair and strategies to minimize common secondary complications.
Sharing is caring: The positive role of smartphone co-use in social dynamics
Authors: Meeus Anneleen , Stevic Anja
Published: August 2024

Smartphones are increasingly present during the exchanges we have with others in real life. Such co-present smartphone use has mainly been examined from a negative perspective, and research has insufficiently recognized the positive role these behaviors may play in social relationships. The main goal of the current study was therefore to offer insight into the processes by which smartphone co-use may be related to positive social dynamics during in-person interactions. Data were collected through two cross-sectional studies among 1) in Austria ( N = 257, Mage = 32.84, SDage = 13.97, 55.9% female) and 2) in Belgium ( N = 180, Mage = 10.79, SDage = 0.66, 54% female) in 2022. Results from Study 1 indicated a significant indirect relationship between co-use and friendship satisfaction mediated through emotional support and companionship. Only for male participants, the relationship between smartphone co-use and perceived companionship was evident. Study 2 further indicated that this relationship was mediated through increased companionship and perceived emotional support for male participants, but not for female participants. As such, the current study offers an important first step in exploring the positive role co-present smartphone use can play in social relationships among different generations.
Comparing remote versus in-person assessment of learning skills in children with specific learning disabilities
Authors: Lampis Valentina , Dondena Chiara , Mauri Chiara , Villa Martina , Salandi Antonio , Molteni Massimo , Cantiani Chiara , Mascheretti Sara
Published: August 2024

Background

Interactive telemedicine applications have been progressively introduced in the assessment of cognitive and literacy skills. However, there is still a lack of research focusing on the validity of this methodology for the neuropsychological assessment of children with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).

Methods

Seventy-nine children including 40 typically developing children (18 males, age 11.5 ± 1.06) and 39 children with SLD (24 males, age 12.3 ± 1.28) were recruited. Each participant underwent the same neuropsychological battery assessing reading accuracy, speed, and comprehension, writing, numerical processing, computation, and semantic numerical sense, twice (once during an in-person session (I) and once during a remote (R) home-based videoconference session). Four groups were subsequently defined based on the administration order. Repeated-measure-ANOVAs with assessment type (R vs. I testing) as within-subject factor and diagnosis (SLD vs. TR) and administration order (R-I vs. I-R) as between-subject factors, and between-group t-tests comparing the two assessment types within each time of administration, were run.

Results

No differences emerged between I and R assessments of reading accuracy and speed, numerical processing, and computation; on the contrary, potential biases against R assessment emerged when evaluating skills in writing, reading comprehension, and semantic numerical sense. However, regardless of the assessment type, the scores obtained with I and R assessments within the same administration time point overlapped.

Discussion

These results partially support the validity and reliability of the assessment of children's learning skills via a remote home-based videoconferencing system. Implementing telemedicine as an assessment tool may increase timely access to primary health care and to support research activity.
The positive predictive value of MOG-IgG testing based on the 2023 diagnostic criteria for MOGAD
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Singh Sumit , Feltrin Fabricio S , Tardo Lauren M , Clarke Rebekah L , Wang Cynthia X , Greenberg Benjamin M
Published: August 2024

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disease (MOGAD) is a relatively new disease entity in the field of demyelinating disorders. Its first diagnostic criteria have recently been published.

Objectives

We evaluated the positive predictive value (PPV) for MOG-IgG testing and report the clinical and radiologic features with respect to the recently published criteria.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at three centers in Dallas, Texas. Patients with positive MOG-IgG testing on cell-based assays at any time were included. Positive cases were reviewed by at least two neuroimmunologists for fulfillment of the criteria.

Results

We included 235 patients. The PPV of seropositivity at any time was 78.3% overall, 52.6% for low titer, and 90.1% for high titer. Children had a higher PPV than adults (93.9% versus 67.2%). Positive predictive value was 6.3% in those without a core clinical demyelinating attack. Children more often have the typical imaging features of MOGAD in optic neuritis than adults.

Conclusions

We report a PPV of 78.3% for MOG-IgG testing using the 2023 MOGAD diagnostic criteria. Children had higher PPV and frequency of supporting imaging features. Careful consideration is necessary when assigning patients with no core demyelinating event and low titers a MOGAD diagnosis.
Impact of a Multi-Component Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Zhanjia , Giordani Bruno , Chen Weiyun
Published: August 2024

While the positive effects of physical activity (PA) on mental health are well documented, limited research has explored its influence on the positive psychological well-being in elderly individuals. This study examined the effects of a multi-component PA intervention on various facets of psychological well-being among older adults residing in retirement homes. Fifty-eight elderly individuals (mean age = 83.8 years, 76.3% female) residing in retirement homes participated either in either a 12 week multi-component PA intervention program or in an attention control group. Those in the intervention group engaged in supervised group exercise lessons for 45 min, three times per week, and used wearable activity monitors during weekdays over 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention to measure happiness, life satisfaction, eudaimonic well-being, and depressive symptoms, which are four components of psychological well-being. On average, those in the intervention group attended about 86.9% of group exercise sessions and used the activity trackers for 97.5% of the designated days. Results from linear mixed models indicated that the intervention had a positive effect on happiness in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Nonetheless, no significant differences were found in terms of changes in eudaimonic well-being, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms between the two groups. This selective impact on different dimensions of psychological well-being implies that subsequent research could explore the integration of more comprehensive components in PA interventions targeting all dimensions of psychological well-being, as each of them is a key aspect of healthy aging and independently related to a range of health outcomes amongst older adults.