bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Impact of Far-Infrared Technology on Quality of Life in Older Adults
Authors: Homan Melanie , Rath Shavonnye U. L. , Green Virginia L. S. , Hutson Jennifer , Myers Marcie J. , Guggenheimer Joshua D.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of far-infrared (FIR) heat on quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Participants were assigned to either a convective heat group (CON) or a convective and FIR group. Participants received six, 30-min heat sessions over the course of three weeks. Pre- and post-assessments included physical measures such as range of motion, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and hand grip strength. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine pain severity and its interference with daily life, and the impact pain had on overall QOL. Pain severity was significantly reduced (from 3.31 to 2.5, p < .05) in the FIR group from pre-to-post, and pain interference was significantly reduced (from 1.26 to 0.43, p < .05) in the CON group from pre-to-post testing. Findings suggest that heat therapy was successful in reducing pain over time.
Multidisciplinary study of the health and nutritional status of persons living in households at risk of poverty with children in Germany (MEGA_kids): Study design and methods
Authors: Simmet Anja , Ehret Janine , Schleicher Romy , Teut Michael , Hummel Gerrit , Bschaden Andreas , Stroebele-Benschop Nanette
Published: March 2024

Background: In Germany, the nutritional situation of adults and children living in households at risk of poverty has been insufficiently studied so far. Aim: The aim of the mixed-methods study MEGA_kids is to gain a deeper understanding of the nutritional situation including socioeconomic, behavioral, and attitudinal factors and health characteristics among persons living in families at risk of poverty. Method: MEGA_kids is a mixed-methods cross-sectional study consisting of four modules combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The first module (A) applies self-administered questionnaires to assess the individual's diet, household food insecurity, and several other factors among adults and children of 500 households. Cash receipts are used to assess household's food expenses. For the second module (B), a semistructured interview guide is used to identify factors influencing food security and nutritional quality from the perspective of a subsample of module A (n = 20). The third module (C) applies the participatory World Café technique to explore experiences and generate ideas for tailored support measures for a healthy diet from the perspective of 40 parents participating in module A. Finally, the fourth module (D) investigates the knowledge and usage of existing nutrition-related preventive measures among 200 parents at risk of poverty by using an online questionnaire. Conclusion: By providing a comprehensive picture of nutritional aspects of families living at risk of poverty, MEGA_kids will guide officials to target and prioritize public health nutrition measures, inform policy makers to implement and improve healthy policies and, finally, identify research gaps to be prioritized.
Microstructural-mechanical property evolution of AA7075 welds with different filler during heat treatment
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhou Zuyu , Ma Xiaoyu , Peng Qi , Zhang Guowei , Wang Yipeng , Li Zhuoxin
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc welded 7075 aluminum alloy joints using ER5356 and ER7150 filler wire subjected to post-weld heat treatment. The microstructure and mechanical property evolution of the welds was analyzed by both thermodynamics calculations and experimental methods. After welding, alloying elements segregated in the inter-dendritic regions, resulting in the formation of excessive intermetallic compounds. Within the welds of 7075 aluminum alloy with ER5356 filler material, the inter-dendritic region was primarily composed of the T-AlCuMgZn phase. In contrast, in the welds of 7075 aluminum alloy with ER7150 filler material, this region consisted of a eutectic mixture containing α-Al, T-AlCuMgZn, and η-MgZn2 phases. The α-Al matrix experienced limited supersaturation due to the presence of these inter-dendritic intermetallic compounds, which could not dissolve during the post-weld aging treatment. As a comparison, post-weld solutioning and aging treatment significantly improved the ultimate tensile strength of the joints. Among all the samples, the 7075 + ER7150 sample subjected to post-weld solutioning and aging treatment exhibited the highest strength and elongation, primarily attributed to the complete dissolution of the inter-dendritic intermetallic compounds and the formation of fine precipitates.
Direct aortic cannulation versus femoral arterial cannulation for early outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection: A study-level meta-analysis
Authors: Yamashita Yoshiyuki , Sicouri Serge , Kjelstrom Stephanie , Montone Georgia , Dokollari Aleksander , Ridwan Khalid , Clarke Nicholas , Rodriguez Roberto , Goldman Scott M. , Ramlawi Basel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the impact of direct aortic cannulation (DAC) versus femoral arterial cannulation (FAC) on clinical outcomes of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until August 25, 2023, to conduct a meta-analysis. Primary endpoints of the study were operative mortality and postoperative stroke. Secondary endpoints were cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemic time, hypothermic circulatory arrest time, temporary neurological dysfunction (TND), combined stroke and TND, re-exploration for bleeding, and need for renal replacement therapy. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled effect size, and a leave-one-out method was used for the primary endpoints for sensitivity analysis.

Results

15 studies met our eligibility criteria, including a total of 7941 samples. Operative mortality was significantly lower in the DAC group with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.85)]. Incidence of postoperative stroke was also lower in the DAC group with a pooled OR of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66–0.94). However, after excluding one study with the greatest weight, the difference became nonsignificant. DAC was also associated with a lower incidence of postoperative TND, and re-exploration for bleeding with a pooled OR of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.37–0.73), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.47–0.77), respectively.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that patients who underwent ATAAD repair with DAC had a lower incidence of operative mortality, postoperative stroke, TND, and re-exploration for bleeding compared to those who underwent FAC.
Relationship between SIRI and android and gynoid fat related to obesity and cardiovascular risk: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Zhang Xuanchun
Published: March 2024

Objective

Inflammation has a crucial role in several metabolic diseases, such as obesity. The author aimed to investigate the relationship between the system inflammation response index (SIRI) and android fat composition and distribution.

Methods

Data for individuals aged 8–59 years, SIRI, android percent fat, and android-to-gynoid ratio from the 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Weighted multiple linear regression and smooth curve fitting were used to test for linear and nonlinear associations. Additional subgroup analyses were performed. Threshold effect analysis was performed using a two-linear regression model.

Results

Multiple linear regression showed a positive correlation between SIRI and android percent fat (β 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–1.59) and between SIRI and the android-to-gynoid ratio (β 0.01, 95% CI 0.00–0.03) in 3783 Americans aged 8–59 years. The results showed that the effect of factors, other than smoking status, on the relationship between SIRI and android percent fat and android-to-gynoid ratio was not significant. There was a nonlinear relationship between SIRI and both android percent fat and android-to-gynoid ratio.

Conclusions

Elevated SIRI levels were associated with an increased android percent fat and android-to-gynoid ratio. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate the findings.
Using Deep Neural Networks and Big Data to Predict Microscopic Travel Time in Work Zones
Authors: Morshedzadeh Yeganeh , Gargoum Suliman , Gargoum Ali
Published: March 2024

Traffic management in work zones is a challenging task that requires a balance between creating a safe environment for workers and minimizing traffic delays. Accurately predicting travel times through work zones is essential for dynamic traffic management and reducing congestion. However, complex interrupted traffic patterns in work zones (also known as construction zones) make this challenging compared with regular traffic congestion and free-flow conditions. To address this complexity, the paper develops a data-driven deep feed-forward artificial neural network to forecast under-construction travel times in work zones using an integrated data set of almost half a million observations. The variables considered in the neural network include the work zone characteristics, road design features, weather information, and traffic flow information. The raw data set comprised approximately 15 million travel time observations collected at 674 work zones. After cleaning and preprocessing the data and applying feature engineering techniques, the raw data set was reduced to 81 work zones spread along a 700 km corridor between the western borders of Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia. The data were split into training and test data using a 90:10 ratio. Training data were used to develop a 27-input neural network with four hidden layers. After validating the test data, the neural network achieved a root mean squared error of 0.150 min and an R-squared score of 0.945, indicating a high accuracy level in estimating the under-construction travel time.
Closing the Cycling Gap: Examining Equity Implications of Montreal’s Bikesharing Network Growth
Authors: Bligh Philip , Wachsmuth David , Bélanger De Blois Maxime , Manaugh Kevin
Published: March 2024

The worldwide growth of bike-sharing systems demonstrates their mass appeal and success. Montreal’s bike-sharing system, BIXI, opened in 2009, is now one of the largest in the world, and has drastically expanded since being taken over by the City of Montreal in 2014. The system now has over 750 stations up from 459 in 2014. This paper analyzes BIXI’s expansion through the lens of equity, revealing how factors including race and income can explain its growth. First, we mapped high-need equity areas that BIXI could have plausibly expanded to, and those that BIXI actually expanded to. We then created a logistic regression model with dissemination areas that gained new access to BIXI as the dependent variable, and income, race, the number of nearby trips, the population count, and the number of bus stops as independent explanatory variables, and controlled for distance from existing stations. Our regression findings demonstrated that race and income were statistically significant in explaining BIXI’s expansion, with a general trend that BIXI was expanding into lower-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with a greater proportion of visible minorities, as defined by Statistics Canada. Finally, we compared the same explanatory variables in areas that had gained access to BIXI stations, and those in areas that had not but plausibly could have to show the socioeconomic differences in areas gaining new access to service.
Evaluation of tadalafil supplementation on the neutrophil/lymphocyte and the platelet/lymphocyte ratios in patients with erectile dysfunction: A prospective study
Authors: GamalEl Din Sameh Fayek , Nabil Ismail Nashaat , Moawad Hanan Hosni , Adel Iten Mohamed , Motawi Ahmad , Foaad Hisham
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the effect of daily 5 mg tadalafil on the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Patients and methods:

30 subjects with ED were given tadalafil as well as 30 subjects with ED who were not receiving tadalafil were recruited. 30 healthy individuals served as controls.

Results:

Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the best cut off point of pre-treatment and post treatment NLR in the ED treatment group was found <1.51, <1.51, sensitivity of 68.3%, 58.3%, specificity of 53.3%, 53.3%, lower bound of 0.558, 0.517, upper bound of 0.789, 0.757, total accuracy of 67.4%, 63.7% and p 0.003, 0.0025, respectively. Additionally, the best cut off point of pre-treatment and post treatment PLR in the ED treatment group was found <5.89, <5.99, sensitivity of 65%, 63.3%, specificity of 63.3%, 53.3%, lower bound of 0.515, 0.435, upper bound of 0.755, 0.687, total accuracy of 63.5%, 56.1% and p 0.027, 0.341, respectively.

Conclusion:

Daily 5 mg Tadalafil supplementation significantly improves erectile function through decreasing these markers as well as depression and anxiety.
Forsaking an Organization in Favor of Another: Judgment Change in an Occupational Community
Authors: Yu Kyoung-Hee , Noh Sung-Chul
Published: March 2024

Understanding how occupations change their judgments about organizations has important consequences for occupations themselves, organizations, and ultimately for institutional change. Collectively held judgments about the value of specific organizational forms are difficult to change because occupations share normative understandings about what is good practice and discriminate across organizations based on this knowledge. Given the difficulty of changing collectively held judgments in occupational communities, the question asked in this article is: How does normative judgment change about organizations develop within an occupational community? We investigate how judgement change occurs in an occupational community in the context of the television broadcasting sector in South Korea. We study how producers in public broadcasters changed their respective judgments about public broadcasters and new commercial broadcasters. Producers found expressing judgment change difficult initially, yet judgment change among more experienced producers enabled it to spread among rank-and-file producers, ultimately leading to an “exodus” of producers from public broadcasters. Findings suggest that occupational members at different stages of their careers play distinct roles in bringing about collective judgment change in occupations. Our study highlights the importance of normative judgments by expert occupations as an impactful means by which occupations can withdraw cooperation or sever their relationship with organizations. The article also contributes to the study of occupational communities in creative industries.
Barriers and Benefits of Online Group Exercise Programs for Older Adults
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Frazier Mary C. , Harden Samantha M. , Lim Sol
Published: March 2024

Engaging in regular physical activity offers a myriad of benefits, including the improvement of mental health, social well-being, and cognitive function. Unfortunately, obstacles, such as transportation constraints, time limitations, and inadequate exercise facilities, hinder the regular participation of older adults in physical activity. Online group physical activity programs present a promising solution to enhance the involvement of older adults; however, several barriers impede their effective utilization. To explore these barriers and benefits, we conducted semi-structured interviews with participants and instructors of a community-based exercise program. Thematic analysis of interviews with 12 physical activity instructors and eight program participants unveiled key hindrances, including limited awareness and accessibility of online programs, challenges in assessing performance during exercise sessions, lack of social component, and technological difficulties. On the positive side, the benefits encompass convenience, wide accessibility, and enhanced social comfort. We also deliberate on future considerations to further bolster participation in these programs.
Study on the processing characteristics of aluminum honeycomb core by longitudinal torsional composite ultrasonic vibration-assisted cutting
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xu Yingshuai , Chen Xiaoyang , Zuo Yangyuan , Yan Hengxue , Xiong Shanli
Published: March 2024

Aluminum honeycomb has been widely used in various industrial sectors due to its exceptional physical properties. Ultrasonic vibration machining shows significant potential in reducing machining defects. Therefore, this study employs ultrasonic vibration assisted cutting (UVC) to process aluminum honeycomb core and compares cutting force, surface morphology, and cutting defects with the conventional cutting (CC). This investigation assesses the impact of processing parameters such as feed rate and cutting depth on both UVC and CC. The results indicate that, in comparison to CC, UVC can notably reduce cutting force, minimize tearing burrs and cell deformation defects, and achieve superior surface morphology. Furthermore, the study reveals that cutting force increases with higher tool feed rates and cutting depths. Cell deformation also escalates with increased tool feed rates and cutting depths, and tearing burrs become more pronounced with deeper cuts. Excessively shallow cutting depths can lead to a sudden increase in node defects. Simultaneously, tearing burrs and cell deformation exhibit different characteristics under CC and UVC.
Determination of GPS sampling interval for trip energy consumption estimation of electric buses: Analysis of real-world data
Authors: Ji Jinhua , Wang Linhong , Bie Yiming
Published: March 2024

This paper analyzes the effect of GPS sampling interval on the performance of the longitudinal dynamic model for estimating electric bus trip energy consumption based on real-world operational data. The performance of the estimation model under different sampling intervals is primarily evaluated by the MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and probability distribution functions. It is observed that the relationships between sampling intervals and the MAE, RMSE, and MAPE are all roughly S-shaped. The estimation accuracy is similar when the sampling interval is less than or equal to 13 s. The probability distribution functions of residuals are no longer stably consistent with that of the observed trip energy consumption when the sampling interval is larger than 16 s. In addition, the adaptability of the estimation model under different sampling intervals is analyzed from the perspective of bus operation management. Results indicate that the threshold value of the sampling interval is 16 s at the current battery rated capacity of 162.3 kWh. The threshold value of the sampling interval will become smaller with the decrease in battery rated capacity and increase in daily operation mileage.
Requirements for vibroacoustic methods of the quality assessment of vehicles traction electric motors
Authors: Migal Vasiliy , Arhun Shchasiana , Hnatov Andrii , Ulianets Olha , Shevchenko Igor
Published: March 2024

The progression and refinement of traction electric motors play a pivotal role in the enhancement of vehicles. With constant advancements in power efficiency, diagnostic tools, and reliability, electric traction motors are becoming more economical in terms of operational costs. This article underscores the significance of methods used in assessing the technical proficiency of traction electric motors, coupled with their testing techniques. The vibration characteristics of these motors serve as a prime criterion in assessing their quality throughout their lifecycle – from design and manufacturing to operation. A groundbreaking proposition made in this article is the evaluation of electric traction motors’ health based on their vibration acceleration within an expansive frequency range of 5 Hz to 10 kHz. This contrasts the conventional approach which focuses on vibration speed in a restricted frequency spectrum up to 1000 Hz, as outlined by current standards. Such permissible vibration classes are essential in ensuring the high-quality design, technical finesse, and dependability of traction electric motors. Exceeding these vibration thresholds can result in rapid wear and tear, diminishing the motor’s reliability and lifespan. Hence, motors that surpass these permissible vibrations are not advised for vehicular use. Additionally, the article sheds light on requisite equipment controls for accurately gauging vibrations and noise levels in electric motors. Delving deeper into the nuances, the methods for mounting vibration transducers and electric motors on testing platforms are elucidated. These methods are pivotal in obliterating any hindrances that could impede the precise measurement of vibrations induced by an electric motor.
Experiment and optimum of the asphalt paver’s parameters to ameliorate the working performance
Authors: Mei Yundong , Li Qian , Li Jianwei
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the experimental study of the asphalt paver is performed to assess the effect of the vibrational screed system’s operating parameters on the asphalt paver’s working performance. Then, the nonlinear dynamic models of the vibrational screed system and tamper system are built to assess in detail the effect of the working parameters of the vibrational screed system and optimise its working parameters to ameliorate the asphalt paver’s working performance. Both the vertical acceleration and angular acceleration of the vibrational screed system computed via their Root Mean Square ( RMS a) value have been selected as the evaluation indexes. Results showed that the acceleration at the measured points has been unevenly distributed on the vibrational screed system’s length, thus, the working performance of the asphalt paver is quite low. With the vibrational screed system’s working parameters optimised, the average value of RMS a with optimisation is increased by 7.67% whereas the average deviation of RMS a between the measurement points with optimisation is greatly reduced by 34.2% in comparison without optimisation. Consequently, the working performance of the asphalt paver has obviously ameliorated.
Data-based adaptive predictive bipartite consensus for nonlinear multiagent systems against DoS attacks
Authors: Halimu Yeerjiang , Zhao Huarong , Yu Hongnian , Ding Shuchen , Qiao Shangling
Published: March 2024

This article investigates a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack problem for nonlinear unknown discrete-time multiagent systems (MASs) to implement bipartite consensus tracking tasks with fixed and switching topologies. Firstly, an equivalent linearization data model of each agent is constructed using a pseudo partial derivative approach, where only one parameter needs to be estimated using input/output data of the controlled MASs. Meanwhile, the DoS attack behavior is described by a Bernoulli distribution process, and both cooperative and competitive relationships among agents are investigated. Moreover, an increment prediction compensator is designed to reduce the effect of DoS attacks. A data-based adaptive predictive bipartite consensus control algorithm is formulated. The corresponding theoretical analysis indicates that tracking errors of MASs with fixed and switching topologies converge to a small range around zero. Finally, several simulations and hardware tests further verify the proposed scheme’s effectiveness.
Near infrared spectroscopy for determination of moisture content in lyophilized formulation
Authors: Khanolkar Aruna , Pawale Pranita , Thorat Viraj , Patil Bhaskar , Samanta Gautam
Published: March 2024

A non-invasive near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic method was developed for the quantitative moisture determination in a lyophilized injection formulation. The calibration samples were prepared by exposing lyophilized samples at different temperatures and relative humidity. The samples from different scales and different process parameters were considered for adding robustness to the model. The NIR spectra were collected using a Fourier-transform (FT) NIR with a diffuse reflectance probe and the same samples were further analyzed by the Karl Fisher (KF) method for moisture content. The pre-treated NIR spectra were used for quantitative method development for moisture content. Partial least squares regression was used to develop calibrations in the 5600-4950 cm−1 region with calibration coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.96 and root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 0.149. The model was cross-validated internally using the Kernel algorithm with r2 = 0.96 and RMSECV = 0.15. The accuracy of the NIR method against the KF method, precision, and reproducibility were good and the model was robust in predicting different external validation samples. This work allowed NIR as an alternative measurement for moisture analysis as well as facilitate 100% monitoring before packaging and save the cost of sample and time of KF analysis.
A Shifting Paradigm Toward Family-Centered Care in Neuro-Oncology: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study
Authors: Piil Karin , Locatelli Giulia , Skovhus Stine Laegaard , Tolver Anders , Jarden Mary
Published: March 2024

Family-centered intervention can help families facing illness-related issues. We investigated the feasibility of Family and Network Conversations (FNCs) in high-grade glioma patients and their families. Quasi-experimental feasibility study with longitudinal mixed-methods design. Patients and families were invited to three FNCs over 1 year. They completed questionnaires at four time points and expressed their perspectives on the intervention through telephone interviews. Nurses’ perspectives were collected in a focus group. Twenty-one patients and 47 family members were included. On average, patients were 66 years old, mainly male, married, living with caregivers, with unifocal cancer. On average, caregivers were 47 years old, mainly female, being spouses or children of the patient. Quantitative and qualitative data did not always match and expanded each other. Nurse-delivered FNCs holistically addressed families’ needs while strengthening family’s dialogue and union. Nurses felt empowered, underling that advanced competencies were required. Nurse-delivered FNCs are feasible to provide family-centered care, but they should be tailored to each family’s needs.
Multimodal imaging of a case of retinal cavernous hemangioma
Authors: Guan Fanyu , Luo Wenting , Xia Guimei
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Herein, we reported a case of retinal cavernous hemangioma (RCH) and its multimodal imaging.

Case presentation

Many grape-like lesions were incidentally found along the distal portion of the vascular arcade in a 23-year-old man's superonasal quadrant of the retina. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. The fluorescein angiography showed saccular lesions that slowly filled with hypofluorescence in the early stage and clusters of aneurysms with hyperfluorescence and a special “fluorescein cap” appearance in the late stage. The optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) B-scan revealed multilocular cavernous spaces with different sizes in the inner retinal layers, varying signals, and an epiretinal membrane. The enface OCTA of retina showed grape-like changes and multiple highly reflective signal cavities with clear and complete boundaries.

Conclusion

Different multimodal images are better for understanding the characteristics of RCH and more convenient for its diagnosis and follow-up.
Interoceptive sensibility, intuitive eating, binge, and disordered eating behavior among individuals with obesity: A comparative study with the general population
Authors: Joshi Vrutti , Graziani Pierluigi , Del-Monte Jonathan
Published: March 2024

The present study assessed the links between interoceptive sensibility, binge, disordered (emotional, restrained, and external) and intuitive eating among individuals with obesity ( n = 57) and normal weight ( n = 29). Individuals with obesity presented lower “attention regulation,” “body-listening,” and “trusting” interoceptive dimensions. When age was controlled, group differences on “trusting” remained significant. Individuals with obesity showed lower intuitive eating, higher emotional, and binge eating compared to controls. Higher “body listening,” “eating for physical rather than emotional reasons,” and “reliance on hunger and satiety cues” predicted lower binge eating whereas “external eating” predicted higher binge eating among individuals with obesity. Eating for physical reasons and reliance on hunger and satiety had protective mediating roles in the relationship between external and binge eating in both groups. Interoceptive sensibility and intuitive eating should conjointly serve as psychotherapeutic targets for disordered eating, obesity, and weight management.
Men’s experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial-morphing, safer drinking intervention
Authors: Burgess Ian R , Owen Alison , Scholtens Keira , Grogan Sarah
Published: March 2024

Risky alcohol consumption behaviours remain commonplace, representing a major threat to health and safety, and are especially evidenced by young university students. Consequently, new interventions targeting this high-risk group are required. The current study investigated young male university students’ experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial morphing, safer drinking intervention. Twenty-five male student participants were recruited, aged 18–34 years. Inductive thematic analysis of data gathered whilst participants were immersed in the intervention, and thereby exposed to alcohol-aged images of their own faces, produced four primary themes: alcohol as a threat to appearance and health, motivations to protect appearance, motivational aspects of the intervention, and proposed improvements and applications. The results of the current study suggested that participants expressed intentions towards healthier consumption/maintenance of already non-risky intake, supporting the potential of the facial-morphing appearance-based approach to address risky alcohol consumption, even in high-risk groups.
Answering the call: An evaluation of the Educate to Innovate campaign’s efforts to increase and diversify science, technology, engineering, and mathematics college graduates
Authors: Peterson Elizabeth S , Taylor Joseph A
Published: March 2024

Increasing and diversifying STEM college graduates, and consequently the STEM workforce, remains a pressing national priority. As such, the purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the Educate to Innovate campaign within higher education. Using preexisting public survey data together with interrupted and comparative interrupted time series techniques, this inquiry aimed to determine whether STEM education has been rejuvenated and broadened or if there remains work to be done. Results ultimately showed that the campaign exerted a statistically significant positive effect on the trend of STEM college graduates. However, no significant difference in the trend between STEM college graduates who are women and STEM college graduates who are men or between minority and nonminority STEM college graduates was observed. Such comprehension is both timely and useful as individuals and organizations along with federal, state, and local policymakers continue to refine and tailor the development of future STEM education interventions.
Individual differences in representational gesture production are associated with cognitive and empathy skills
Authors: Canarslan Feride , Chu Mingyuan
Published: March 2024

Substantial individual variation exists in the frequency of gestures produced while speaking. This study investigated the associations between cognitive abilities, empathy levels, and personality traits with the frequency of representational gestures. A cartoon narration task and a social dilemma solving task were used to elicit gestures. Predictor variables were selected based on prior research on individual differences in gesture production and the cognitive and communicative functions of gestures in speech. Our findings revealed that an increased frequency of representational gestures was associated with higher empathy levels in the cartoon narration task. However, in the social dilemma solving task, a higher frequency of representational gestures was associated with lower visuospatial working memory, spatial transformation, and inhibition control abilities. Moreover, no significant relationships were found between verbal working memory, personality traits, and the frequency of representational gestures in either task. These findings suggested that predictor variables for representational gesture production vary depending on the nature of the gesture elicitation task (e.g., spatiomotoric vs. abstract topics). Future research should examine the relationship between individuals’ cognitive abilities, empathy and gesture production with across a broader range of topics and in more ecologically valid contexts.
Are central and systemic inflammation associated with fatigue in cerebral small vessel disease?
Authors: Jolly Amy A , Brown Robin B , Tozer Daniel J , Hong Young T , Fryer Tim D , Aigbirhio Franklin I , O’Brien John T , Markus Hugh S
Published: March 2024

Background:

Fatigue is a common symptom in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. It has been suggested that inflammation may play a role. We determined whether central (neuro) inflammation and peripheral inflammation were associated with fatigue in SVD.

Methods:

Notably, 36 patients with moderate-to-severe SVD underwent neuropsychometric testing, combined positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET–MRI) scan, and blood draw for the analysis of inflammatory blood biomarkers. Microglial signal was taken as a proxy for neuroinflammation, assessed with radioligand 11C-PK11195. Of these, 30 subjects had full PET datasets for analysis. We assessed global 11C-PK11195 binding and hotspots of 11C-PK11195 binding in the normal-appearing white matter, lesioned tissue, and combined total white matter. Peripheral inflammation was assessed with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and using the Olink cardiovascular III proteomic panel comprising 92 biomarkers of cardiovascular inflammation and endothelial activation. Fatigue was assessed using the fatigue severity scale (FSS), the visual analog fatigue scale, and a subscale of the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results:

Mean (SD) age was 68.7 (11.2) years, and 63.9% were male. Of these, 55.6% showed fatigue on the FSS. Fatigued participants had higher disability scores ( p = 0.02), higher total GDS scores ( p = 0.02), and more commonly reported a history of depression ( p = 0.04). 11C-PK11195 ligand binding in the white matter was not associated with any measure of fatigue. Serum CRP was significantly associated with average fatigue score on FSS (ρ = 0.48, p  = 0.004); this association persisted when controlling for age, sex, disability score, and depression (β = 0.49, 95% CI (0.17, 2.26), p = 0.03). Blood biomarkers from the Olink panel showed no association with fatigue.

Conclusion:

In symptomatic SVD patients, neuroinflammation, assessed with microglial marker 11C-PK11195, was not associated with fatigue. We found some evidence for a role of systematic inflammation, evidenced by an association between fatigue severity and raised CRP, but further studies are required to understand this relationship and inform whether it could be therapeutically modified to reduce fatigue severity.

Data access statement:

Data for this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Updates in diagnostic tools for diagnosing nerve injury and compressions
Authors: Bourke Gráinne , Wade Ryckie G. , van Alfen Nens
Published: March 2024

Predicting prognosis after nerve injury and compression can be challenging, even for the experienced clinician. Although thorough clinical assessment can aid diagnosis, we cannot always be precise about long-term functional recovery of either motor or sensory nerves. To evaluate the severity of nerve injury, surgical exploration remains the gold standard, particularly after iatrogenic injury and major nerve injury from trauma, such as brachial plexus injury. Recently, advances in imaging techniques (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and MR neurography) along with multimodality assessment, including electrodiagnostic testing, have allowed us to have a better preoperative understanding of nerve continuity and prediction of nerve health and possible recovery. This article outlines the current and potential roles for clinical assessment, exploratory surgery, electrodiagnostic testing ultrasound and MRI in entrapment neuropathies, inflammatory neuritis and trauma. Emphasis is placed on those modalities that are improving in diagnostic accuracy of nerve assessment before any surgical intervention.
Long-term survivorship of the Herbert ulnar head prosthesis: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Maling Lucy C. , Smith Andrew M. , Williamson Mark
Published: March 2024

Despite being in use for over 25 years, long-term data regarding the Herbert ulnar head prosthesis remain scarce. The aim of the present multicentre observational study was to describe the survivorship of this implant in the UK. Retrospective data were collected from clinical records and via telephone consultation. Data were submitted for 227 primary and five revision ulnar head prostheses. Indications for surgery included distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis and failed ulnar head resection surgery. The mean follow-up was 5.5 years (range 1 month–21 years) with 91% ( n = 108) and 87% ( n = 44) survival at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Indications for reoperation included pain, instability, aseptic loosening and distal impaction. In total, 12 patients had implant removal, eight had revision arthroplasty and five underwent soft tissue stabilization. Overall, reassuring mid- to long term survivorship data for the ulnar head prosthesis were found. We recommend the use of arthroplasty registries for implant surveillance.

Level of evidence:

IV
Long-term outcome of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure in patients with post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint disorders
Authors: Debeij Gijs P. , Hannemann Pascal F. W. , Ten Bosch Jan A.
Published: March 2024

The aims of this study were to retrospectively assess the occurrence of complications or need for secondary wrist procedures after the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure, and to prospectively assess patient-reported outcomes at long-term follow-up. All patients treated with the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure in our tertiary referral hospital between January 2008 and September 2021 were identified and contacted to complete the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation outcome measures. In total, 30 patients, with a median follow-up of 82 months, were included in this study. Complications occurred in 6 of 30 patients, which resulted in six secondary wrist procedures. Mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation scores were 30.1 and 33.6, respectively. We conclude that in respect of long-term outcomes, the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure can still be deemed to be a useful procedure, especially in patients with few other reconstructive options.

Level of evidence: IV
Supporting the health, education and wellbeing of children and families: A priority-setting study with the service system in Logan, Queensland
Authors: Krahe Michelle A. , Stuart Jaimee , Branch Sara , Gibson Mandy
Published: March 2024

Priority-setting is a collective responsibility centred around inclusive engagement and alignment with the needs and desired outcomes of the community. In this study, we leveraged the collective expertise of stakeholders from the child and family service system, to identify priorities for supporting the health, education and wellbeing of children and families living in Logan, Queensland. A pragmatic approach combining a modified nominal group technique and consensus methodology was undertaken. Key system factors were identified and consolidated into 10 priority areas, which were ranked via an online questionnaire. The top three priority areas were identified by the service system as (i) early family and child support programs, (ii) support and resourcing of existing services, and (iii) recognition and support of a diverse community. These results present an opportunity to leverage the local knowledge and expertise of the service system to design solutions that address the greatest challenges for children and families in place.
Unequal Access to the Mathematics Course Ladder for Rural Students in the Southern States
Authors: Lee Jin , LaHaye Charlotte
Published: March 2024

A lack of access to a sequence of introductory to top-level curricula in rural schools has widened the achievement disparity between rural and urban students and influenced the number of college degree holders in rural areas. Recently, surging diversity and differentiation in income levels across nonurbanized areas can serve as determinants of the development of academically rigorous course pipelines in rural schools. This study examines differentiation in spatial access to the curriculum ladder for rigorous mathematics in three southern U.S. states during the 2017–18 school year: Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Policy variations in these states yield different effects on the sequence of rigorous mathematics courses in rural high schools. Given that the mathematics course pipeline reinforces college access, access to academically challenging courses likely outweighs the rural disadvantages of college readiness in non-urban students and the persistence of inequality in public education.
Community Renewable Energy Ecologies (CREE): Rhizomatic renewable energy development and experimental–experiential emancipation
Authors: Siamanta Zoi Christina
Published: March 2024

The embodied multispecies injustices of the so-called renewable energy development foreground the vital need for radically different forms of forming renewable energy. However, very few specific alternative approaches have been proposed in literature, in line with a deficit of post-critical or post-humanist research on ‘renewable energy’ within, and outside, human geography. This paper concerns, delves deeper in, expands and refines an approach for post-capitalist renewable energy development published, called Community Renewable Energy Ecologies (CREE). It advances an ontological reframing of ‘renewable energy’, arguing that renewable energies need to be rethought as affective spatiotemporal relations between humans and the rest of the web of life that affirm and enable difference, autonomy and more flourishing socio-natural assemblages. Also, inspired by Deleuze and Guattari, it sketches rhizomatic renewable energy development for CREE, focusing in more detail on, amongst other things, relationships, alliances, the state's role, learning, scaling out and politics. Rhizomatic renewable energy development consists in a rhizome-like form of forming renewable energies and new socio-ecological arrangements, facilitating deterritorialization in existing socio-natural assemblages and their reterritorialization in new forms. It is constituted by three key features: rhizomatic alliances, minoritarian becomings and emancipatory experimental ethico-politics and rhizomatic learning. Community Renewable Energy Ecologies are re-envisioned as nomadic multiplicities involved in open and immanent post-capitalist experiments of rhizomatic renewable energy development able to nourish emancipation and broader socio-ecological transformation. Finally, the paper invites discussion and debate for imagining alternative renewable energy development futures beyond capitalism and how to facilitate them, in the spirit of ‘staying with the trouble’.
Simultaneous multiple cervical vessel dissection manifested as pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Nilton Nunes Mendes George , Letourneau-Guillon Laurent , Deschaintre Yan
Published: March 2024

A previously healthy 43-year-old woman with Wallenberg syndrome, stemming from a left vertebral artery dissection and resulting in a left lateral medulla oblongata infarct, was later diagnosed with simultaneous bi-carotid and right V3 dissection. Seven days post-admission, she experienced sudden right-sided pulsatile tinnitus and exhibited a right-sided carotid murmur. High-resolution vessel wall MR imaging confirmed the new dissections. While spontaneous cervical vessel dissections involving more than two arteries are rare (less than 2% of cases), the prognosis is generally favorable. This case is noteworthy for presenting pulsatile tinnitus as a rare post-stroke dissection recurrence symptom, as documented in medical literature.
Virtual assessment and management of chronic cough: A scoping review
Authors: Pommer Alexa , Sarmento Antonio , Singer Alexander , Loewen Hal , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Sanchez-Ramirez Diana C
Published: March 2024

Background

Chronic cough is a frequent reason for seeking consultation with primary care providers. The recent widespread adoption of virtual care offers a promising alternative that can be used to optimize the assessment and management of this condition. The objective of this review was to map and identify the strategies used to assess and/or manage chronic cough virtually, and to explore their impact on cough severity and patient satisfaction with virtual care.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL in May 2023. Research questions were defined based on the Population, Concept, Context mnemonic, and literature search was conducted using a three-step approach. Study selection involved the steps of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. A descriptive synthesis was performed, and quantitative variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies.

Results

A total of 4953 studies were identified and seven met the inclusion criteria. The following mHealth and telehealth strategies were identified: diagnostic website, specialized online clinic, online speech language therapy, and remote follow-up to assess the effectiveness of in-person interventions. Results indicated that these virtual strategies can be useful to assess chronic cough, treat, and track chronic cough symptoms. Overall, patients were satisfied with the approaches.

Conclusion

Although literature is scarce, evidence suggests that virtual strategies for the assessment and management of chronic cough may be effective and are well-received by patients. However, further research is needed to identify the type and characteristics of virtual approaches leading to optimize and facilitate the care of patients with this condition. This will also help develop a strong body of evidence to support their incorporation into guidelines and clinical practice.
Why do Chinese High School Graduates Choose Sino-Foreign Cooperative Universities? A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Zhou Nan , Li Qiang , Zhang Yanbo
Published: March 2024

Sino-foreign cooperative universities (SFCU) represent the advanced manifestation of transnational education in China and has profoundly shaped the country’s higher education landscape. Despite the tremendous development of SFCUs, there is limited research on the motivations and driving factors of students choosing to study at SFCUs. To bridge this research gap, this study employs the grounded theory approach to examine why Chinese high school graduates choose SFCUs as study destinations. This study reveals that Chinese students’ choice of SFCUs results from personal considerations, institution-level characteristics, and social contexts. A theoretical framework is further proposed to better understand Chinese students’ motivations behind their choice to SFCUs. We also draw theoretical contributions on students’ mobility and marketing strategies that attract Chinese students to study at SFCUs with the findings.