bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Role of Wind–Evaporation–SST Feedbacks in the Subseasonal Variability of the East Pacific ITCZ
Authors: Ganguly Indrani , Gonzalez Alex O. , Karnauskas Kristopher B.
Published: October 2023

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is a zonally elongated band of near-surface convergence and precipitation near the equator. During boreal spring, the eastern Pacific ITCZ migrates latitudinally on daily to subseasonal time scales, and climate models exhibit the greatest ITCZ biases during this time of the year. In this work, we investigate the air–sea interactions associated with the variability in the eastern Pacific ITCZ’s latitudinal location for consecutive days when the ITCZ is only located north of the equator (nITCZ events) compared to when the ITCZ is on both sides of the equator or south of the equator (dsITCZ events) during February–April. The distribution of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and surface latent heat flux (SLHF) anomalies during the nITCZ and dsITCZ events follow the classic wind–evaporation–SST (WES) positive feedback mechanism. However, an alternative mechanism, embracing the effect of SST anomalies on vertical stratification and momentum mixing, gives rise to a negative WES feedback. Our results show that in the surface layer, there is a general progression of positive WES feedbacks happening in the weeks leading to the events followed by negative WES feedbacks occurring after the ITCZ events, with an alternate mechanism involving air–sea humidity differences limiting evaporation occurring in between. Additionally, the spatial structures of the components of the feedbacks are nearly mirror images for these opposite ITCZ events over the east Pacific during boreal spring. In closing, we find that understanding the air–sea interactions during daily to weekly varying ITCZ events (nITCZ and dsITCZ) helps to pinpoint how fundamental processes differ for ITCZs in different hemispheres.
Prediction of Clausius–Clapeyron Scaling of Daily Precipitation Extremes over China
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Cui Huijuan , Zheng Jingyun
Published: October 2023

Observations and model simulations have confirmed that the higher percentiles of precipitation intensity of all wet days have increased with the local daily dewpoint temperature at the Clausius–Clapeyron (C-C) rate of 7% °C−1 using the binning technique over China. It is uncertain whether the binning scaling rates will remain constant in the future climate. Here, we use daily precipitation and dewpoint temperature (DPT) over China from 20 CMIP6 models to examine and project the change of binning scaling of precipitation extremes. The results of the study suggest that the multimodel ensemble median (MEM) generally captures the spatial distribution of binning scaling rates and binning curves in different climate zones across China. The binning scaling rates have stability in the future but with a large increasing trend (more than 30%) in southeast China in the far future (2061–2100) under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. CMIP6 models project that both the peak of extreme precipitation and the temperature for the plateau mountain zone will increase in the far future under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, implying that the peak structure does not provide an upper limit for future precipitation extremes.

Significance Statement

The binning scaling rates describe the relationship between precipitation extremes and temperature based on their day-to-day variations. However, it is still unclear whether the binning scaling rates of daily precipitation extremes with daily temperature will change in the future. We use 20 CMIP6 models to project the scaling rates of precipitation extremes with dewpoint temperature over China in the future. The results show that the sensitivity of precipitation extremes to dewpoint temperature will generally be stable, except that southeast China shows an increasing trend of up to 30%. Moreover, the peak of extreme precipitation and the temperature will increase with warming in the plateau mountain zone. Our results have implications for precipitation prediction and risk assessment.
The road corvée: The persistence of the use of unpaid labour for road maintenance in nineteenth and twentieth century Estonia
Authors: Muide Tambet
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the road corvée, a practice of using unpaid labour for road maintenance, in the nineteenth and twentieth century. I focus on the case of Estonia, where the road corvée, originating in the feudal economic system, persisted surprisingly long, being abolished only in 1959. Earlier studies on the road corvée have focused mainly on road construction and have therefore failed to recognise the use of the practice beyond absolutist Europe and colonial Africa. Focusing on maintenance reveals that the corvée was also widespread in twentieth-century Europe. I examine how the road corvée was organised and debated to reveal what inhibited and what accelerated its abolition. The study shows how maintenance practices can be deeply embedded in social and economic structures – like the agricultural system in this case – and ultimately be highly inert and resistant to change.
Harnessing the Power of Feedback to Improve Student Learning in Music
Authors: Matherne Nicholas , Blackwell Jennifer
Published: October 2023

What does effective feedback look like in the music classroom? In this article, we explore a prominent perspective on feedback proposed by scholar John Hattie and his colleagues and then provide practical examples for application in music contexts. We begin by defining what feedback is and then explore what makes it effective and provide strategies for teachers to develop more effective feedback skills. Using this understanding of what makes feedback effective for learners, teachers can help students be active partners in the learning process and to achieve their goals with greater musical understanding.
Creativity Is Instrumental: Instrument-Specific Strategies and Suggestions for Assisting Learners with Physical Disabilities and Differences in General and Instrumental Music
Authors: Culp Mara E. , Jones Sara K.
Published: October 2023

Playing musical instruments represents an engaging and important feature of music-making for children. Music teachers can support students with physical differences and disabilities using inclusive mindsets and practices, such as making adaptations to the instruments or the playing style. If teachers are aware of the variety of options available, they will be better able help all players achieve their fullest potential. This article draws on relevant research and literature to describe who faces limitations in instrumental settings, conceptualize disability, outline music-specific options for accommodating learners’ physical differences, and offer instrument-specific strategies that may be useful to both general and instrumental music teachers. Focusing on students’ strengths, increasing teacher knowledge and awareness, and using instrument-specific adaptations can improve educational opportunities for all.
Police use of TASER: A systematic review of potential decision factors, including officer crewing levels
Authors: Elliott-Davies Mary , Glorney Emily
Published: October 2023

Police use of TASER can have serious consequences; therefore, it is important to examine any modifiable operational factors that impact an officer’s decision to use TASER. As previous research has identified a potential relationship between crewing and TASER use, a systematic review was undertaken to explore which factors might impact use of TASER by the Police Service of England and Wales, including officer crewing levels. Over 14,000 records were screened, resulting in a final sample of 20 studies; with findings indicating that further research is needed to better understand TASER use and ensure policy is well informed and appropriate.
Perceptions of student officers of the police constable degree apprenticeship
Authors: Andrews Tom
Published: October 2023

In 2016, policing in England and Wales became a degree-entry profession. The pathway for those entering the service without a pre-existing degree is the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). Due its novelty, there is little extant research surrounding its efficacy. This study gathered perceptions of PCDA officers through a mix of quantitative and qualitative data and thematic analysis, finding that the programme is viewed quite negatively, but this is improving over time. The negativity is largely influenced by a police culture and hierarchy both reluctant to change and facing significant operational pressures hindering students’experience.
When Checking a Box is not Enough: The (Un)Readability of PREA Messaging
Authors: Krienert Jessie L. , Walsh Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2023

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was implemented to prevent sexual assault within correctional facilities. To communicate PREA principles to inmates, written materials including handbooks, policies, and brochures are utilized. This research evaluates the readability of PREA messaging, employing three established metrics: Flesh Reading Ease Score, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Findings reveal significant deviation from recommended reading targets for both the general (7th–8th grade) and inmate (5th–6th grade) populations. Prison Rape Elimination Act policies averaged a 16th-grade level, raising concerns regarding the efficacy of PREA implementation and compliance in light of potential comprehension challenges.
Efficiency Analysis of Item Response Theory Kernel Equating for Mixed-Format Tests
Authors: Wallmark Joakim , Josefsson Maria , Wiberg Marie
Published: October 2023

This study aims to evaluate the performance of Item Response Theory (IRT) kernel equating in the context of mixed-format tests by comparing it to IRT observed score equating and kernel equating with log-linear presmoothing. Comparisons were made through both simulations and real data applications, under both equivalent groups (EG) and non-equivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) sampling designs. To prevent bias towards IRT methods, data were simulated with and without the use of IRT models. The results suggest that the difference between IRT kernel equating and IRT observed score equating is minimal, both in terms of the equated scores and their standard errors. The application of IRT models for presmoothing yielded smaller standard error of equating than the log-linear presmoothing approach. When test data were generated using IRT models, IRT-based methods proved less biased than log-linear kernel equating. However, when data were simulated without IRT models, log-linear kernel equating showed less bias. Overall, IRT kernel equating shows great promise when equating mixed-format tests.
The Mediating Role of Sense of Control in the Associations Between Remote Contacts and Loneliness Among Older Adults
Authors: Yoon Dokyung , Gallo Haley , Gassoumis Zachary D. , Joo Susanna
Published: October 2023

This study explored whether a sense of control over social life mediated the associations between using remote contact (phone calls, letters/emails, social media) and loneliness for socially isolated older adults. We used path analysis with the 2014 and 2016 Health and Retirement Study datasets ( N = 3767). Results showed that more frequent phone calls and letters/emails were associated with lower levels of loneliness through sense of control. However, sense of control did not mediate the association between social media and loneliness. Findings suggest that promoting sense of control over social life by remote contact, particularly phone calls and letters/emails, may be effective in alleviating loneliness for isolated older adults.
Technostress, burnout and job satisfaction Among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of literacy facilitation
Authors: de Oliveira Malaquias Fernanda Francielle , de Souza Júnior Renato César
Published: October 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of literacy facilitation on technostress, burnout and job satisfaction among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample is comprised of 372 teachers from Brazil. The data were collected through an online survey and were analyzed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. The results show that literacy facilitation in terms of training, instruction manuals and knowledge sharing encouragement presents a negative effect on the perception of techno-overload, techno-complexity and techno-invasion. Furthermore, the results indicate that literacy facilitation has an indirect effect on the perception of burnout and job satisfaction among teachers.
Treatment of syphilitic aortitis with coronary artery bypass grafting and “open” stent placement
Authors: Tang Tiansheng , Wu Changjuan , Wang Ziao , Wei Jun , Zhang Dafa , Sheng Weiyong
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular syphilis manifests many years after primary infection. Here, we report the successful treatment of a patient who developed syphilitic aortitis with bilateral coronary ostial stenosis and aortic insufficiency. The patient underwent right coronary artery bypass grafting, left main coronary ostial “open” stent placement, and mechanical aortic valve placement during open-heart surgery.
Effects of a Programming Course Using the GAME Model on Undergraduates’ Self-Efficacy and Basic Programming Concepts
Authors: Tsai Chun-Yen , Chen Yun-An , Hsieh Fu-Pei , Chuang Min-Hsiung , Lin Chien-Liang
Published: October 2023

In higher education, it is challenging to cultivate non-computer science majors’ programming concepts. This study used the GAME model (gamification, assessment, modeling, and enquiry) in a programming education course to enhance undergraduates’ self-efficacy and performance of basic programming concepts. There were 83 undergraduates taking part in this study, which adopted a quasi-experimental research design. Students in the experimental group ( n = 43) experienced a course in which the GAME model was used to design the block-based programming course. The control group ( n = 40) was given a general information education course covering similar learning concepts without the game-based learning strategy. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was adopted to investigate the effect of the GAME model on students’ learning outcomes for the quantitative data. In the qualitative analysis, students’ responses to the course perception questionnaire were coded and analyzed. The results showed that students in the experimental group outperformed their counterparts regarding self-efficacy and basic programming concepts. The experimental treatment resulted in a small to medium effect size difference between the two groups. The results showed that incorporating the GAME model into block-based programming teaching helped improve undergraduates’ self-efficacy and performance of basic programming concepts. In addition, these experimental group undergraduates also perceived the pedagogic GAME model positively. Several research suggestions are proposed based on the findings of the present study.
In the Shadows of the Commonwealth: Catholicism, Religious Tolerance, and Nineteenth-Century Polish Independence
Authors: Warren Jared N.
Published: October 2023

Polish intellectuals in the first half of the nineteenth century defended Polish independence in the European public sphere through the conscious invention of a tradition of religious tolerance. Because defenses of Polish independence in this period were often designed for a European public, the multi-religious heritage of Poland-Lithuania’s past provided resources to shape Polish politics for a variety of audiences and their differing political and religious values. European and Polish publics saw the Russian empire as religiously intolerant, and therefore Poles crafted histories of Poland that offered an explicit counterpoint to this perception of Russia: a Polish tradition of religious co-existence. As long as these international geopolitical appeals remained a dominant part of their political imaginations, Polish intellectuals conceived of Poland in a multi-confessional manner. Polish intellectuals in the first half of the nineteenth century did not conflate Polish national identity with Roman Catholicism but framed their ideas against the multi-religious legacy of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, by tying the question of Polish independence so strongly to the religious sphere, the figures in this article laid the groundwork for future developments in Polish nationalism in later (and more confessionally rigid) periods.
Innovation hubs in Australian public institutions: An exploratory study of their resilience in a time of disruption
Authors: Nnanna Justina , Charles Michael B , Noble David , Keast Robyn
Published: October 2023

Public universities have sought to leverage innovation hubs as physical environments to enable new collaboration models and partnerships between students, academics, budding entrepreneurs, and wider industry. In particular, innovation hubs have allowed public universities to position themselves as active participants in the entrepreneurial arena. These innovation hubs, however, experienced a tremendous degree of disruption because of COVID-19-induced lockdowns, social distancing, closed borders, and a reduced number of persons allowed in a given space. Thus, it is essential to gain an understanding of how innovation hubs in public institutions have responded to these issues, ascertain the degree to which such disruption has impacted them, and identify the strategies that have allowed hubs to stay operational in such a disruptive environment. To do this, personnel involved in the management and administration of such hubs were interviewed, together with a selection of industry experts. This qualitative interrogation allowed a thematic analysis to be undertaken, thereby resulting in several emergent themes that contributed to identifying key learnings that could assist the operation of these innovation hubs in times of future disruption.
A computational study of leading-edge wall cooling effect on shock wave–boundary layer interaction in forward-facing step
Authors: P Vinoth Kumar , Murugan Jayaprakash N
Published: October 2023

A computational study has been done to understand the effect of leading-edge wall cooling on shock wave–boundary layer interaction. Shock wave–boundary layer interaction is studied over a forward-facing step at supersonic Mach 2.5. The study was carried out using Ansys. The work aims to explore the implementation of wall cooling at the leading edge as a separation control strategy for supersonic forward-facing step-induced flow separation. We use a finite-volume method based on upwind flux difference splitting and second-order upwind flow discretization. The simulation results are validated with the available experimental data. Furthermore, using numerical simulations, we found that the separation bubble size was reduced by 18.36% when the walls were marginally cooled to 150 K, while the separation was reduced by 32.65% when the walls were strongly cooled to 100 K.
Book review: Usha Thakkar, Congress Radio: Usha Mehta and the Underground Radio Station of 1942
Authors: Poonacha Veena
Published: October 2023

Usha Thakkar, Congress Radio: Usha Mehta and the Underground Radio Station of 1942, (Penguin Random House, 2021), 353 pp., ₹699 (Hardback), ISBN 978-0-670-09566-7.
Accounting and the exploitation of the natural world: Studies from a historical perspective
Authors: Jack Lisa , Napier Christopher
Published: October 2023

This article introduces the Special Issue of Accounting History on the topic of accounting and the exploitation of the natural world. After exploring the ambivalent nature of the word ‘exploitation’, with both positive and negative senses, the article reviews some earlier contributions to the historical accounting research literature relevant to the Special Issue. The four substantive research papers in the Special Issue are discussed and put into broader contexts, and the article identifies some potentially fruitful avenues for further research into how accounting has been implicated in the exploitation of the natural world in the past. The article concludes with brief tributes to two recently deceased accounting academics, Professor Tom Schneider and Professor Mike Jones, whose contributions to the Special Issue and to stimulating research into accounting for biodiversity, respectively, are acknowledged.
Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma Involving a Submucosal Ectopic Lymph Node: A Case Report
Authors: Hein Ashley L. , Singh Natasha , Cohen Samuel M.
Published: October 2023

An 83-year-old male with a 55-year history of Crohn's disease, ileocecectomy 40 years prior, and naturopathic treatment for 25 years, presented with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis demonstrated partial small intestinal obstruction and a 4.4-cm solid left renal mass. After 3 months of recurrent intestinal obstruction and development of a pericolonic abscess, resection of the ileocolonic anastomosis, abscess, and partial nephrectomy were performed. Histopathology demonstrated chronic active enteritis with fistula tract formation, consistent with Crohn's disease, and moderately differentiated small intestinal adenocarcinoma extending from mucosa into subserosa. A submucosal intestinal lymph node-like structure containing adenocarcinoma demonstrated endothelial venules, open marginal and intermediate sinuses, multiple polarized germinal centers, and partial capsule, consistent with an ectopic lymph node, also called a tertiary lymphoid organ. Twenty mesenteric lymph nodes were negative for carcinoma. The renal mass was a papillary renal cell carcinoma, Stage I. Intestinal tertiary lymphoid organs form in chronic immune activation and have variable structures ranging from simple B and T cell clusters to organized groups with high endothelial venules and lymphatic vessels. Encapsulation of tertiary lymphoid organs is rare, with some sources claiming this entity is never encapsulated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of small intestinal adenocarcinoma involving a submucosal encapsulated tertiary lymphoid organ, the prognostic significance of which is uncertain. We suggest increased awareness of intestinal tertiary lymphoid organs as an entity and further studies to delineate the effect their involvement by adenocarcinoma imparts on survival.
Copper Chaperone Atox1 Protected the Cochlea From Cisplatin by Regulating the Copper Transport Family and Cell Cycle
Authors: Chen Xubo , Xiang Weiren , Li Lihua , Xu Kai
Published: October 2023

Antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1) may contribute to preventing DDP cochlear damage by regulating copper transport family and cell cycle proteins. A rat model of cochlear damage was developed by placing gelatin sponges treated with DDP in the cochlea. HEI-OC1 cells were treated with 133 μM DDP as a cell model. DDP-induced ototoxicity in rats was confirmed by immunofluorescence (IF) imaging. The damage of DDP to HEI-OC1 cells was assessed by using CCK-8, TUNEL, and flow cytometry. The relationship between Atox1, a member of the copper transport protein family, and the damage to in vivo/ vitro models was explored by qRT-PCR, western blot, CCK-8, TUNEL, and flow cytometry. DDP had toxic and other side effects causing cochlear damage and promoted HEI-OC1 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The over-expression of Atox1 (oe-Atox1) was accomplished by transfecting lentiviral vectors into in vitro/ vivo models. We found that oe-Atox1 increased the levels of Atox1, copper transporter 1 (CTR1), and SOD3 in HEI-OC1 cells and decreased the expression levels of ATPase copper transporting α (ATP7A) and ATPase copper transporting β (ATP7B). In addition, the transfection of oe-Atox1 decreased cell apoptosis rate and the number of G2/M stage cells. Similarly, the expression of myosin VI and phalloidin of cochlea cells in vivo decreased. Atox1 ameliorated DDP-induced damage to HEI-OC1 cells or rats' cochlea by regulating the levels of members of the copper transport family.
Tensile properties of transversely isotropic closed-cell PVC foam under quasi-static and dynamic loadings
Authors: Tang Yu , Li Yue , Jiang Xiongwen , Zhao Jiuzhou , Zhao Geng , Xie Wenbo , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2023

The uniaxial tensile mechanical properties of PVC foam considering the effects of strain rate ([Formula: see text]) and anisotropy ([Formula: see text]) have been investigated by quasi-static and dynamic (Split Hopkinson Tensile Bar, SHTB) tests. Combined high-speed camera system and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique, the real-time surface strain field of the specimen during the whole tensile process was obtained. On this basis, the macroscopic response and failure mode of PVC foam were investigated. The failure mechanism of PVC foam under tensile loading was revealed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images on fracture cross-section of loaded specimen. Finally, based on experimental data, a prediction equation on tensile strength of PVC foam considering the effects of strain rate and loading angle (anisotropy) is proposed. Furthermore, a nonlinear constitutive model is developed to describe the uniaxial tensile mechanical properties of PVC foam.
New forceps free injection technique for delivering descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty preloaded endothelium-in grafts
Authors: Gadhvi Kunal A. , Pagano Luca , Wallace Alexander , Posarelli Matteo , Parekh Mohit , Romano Vito
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To describe a new method for delivering DMEK grafts into the recipient's eye with endothelium inward configuration using a no-forceps injection technique

Methods

We retrospectively review 11 patients that underwent DMEK surgery at our institution using a no-forceps injection technique. The graft was preloaded into an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge and connected to an anterior chamber maintainer (ACM). A 5 ml non luer lock syringe was inserted into the other end of the ACM to create a one-flow system. The cartridge was inserted into the posterior end of an injector, and the graft was successfully delivered into the recipient's eye.

Result

Twelve eyes of 11 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 9.16 ± 1.3 months. At baseline, mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.76 ± 0.13 logMAr and mean endothelial cell density (ECD) was 2619.00 ± 115.89 cells/mm2. At follow-up, BCVA significantly improved to 0.22 ± 0.05 logMAR ( p = 0.003). Although we observed a significant reduction in ECD at follow-up (1688 ± 182.20, p = 0.002), our patients lost only 35.69 ± 6.36% of endothelial cells.

Conclusion

Our technique can help surgeons safely deliver an endothelium-in graft into the recipient's eye. The method doesn’t require the use of a forceps, minimizing the risk of endothelial cell loss or graft damage.
Double Trouble: Combined Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear
Authors: Stutsrim Ashlee , Albertson Benjamin , Waterman Brian , Freischlag Julie
Published: October 2023

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and superior labrum anterior posterior tears are usually treated in a staged manner due to different post-operative therapy needs. This case describes successful combined surgery with expedited physical therapy.
Case report: Relapsed disseminated cutaneous herpes zoster successfully treated with brivudine
Authors: Feng Mengdi , Zhang Jinfang , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: October 2023

A 64-year-old man presented with painful rash on the trunk and extremities for more than half a month. Nephrotic syndrome had been diagnosed 2 years ago and had been regularly treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. He developed herpes zoster 1 year ago. Laboratory investigation demonstrated varicella-zoster virus DNA (VZV-DNA), varicella-zoster virus IgM (VZV-IgM), and varicella-zoster virus antibody IgG (VZV-IgG) were all positive. After the clinical diagnosis of relapsed disseminated cutaneous herpes zoster had been confirmed, systemic therapy with brivudine 125 mg everyday was started.
Healthcare resource utilisation and economic burden attributable to back pain in primary care: A matched case-control study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Zemedikun Dawit T , Kigozi Jesse , Wynne-Jones Gwenllian , Guariglia Alessandra , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Marshall Tom , Roberts Tracy
Published: October 2023

Objective

Incremental healthcare costs attributed to back pain, and characterisation by patient and clinical factors have rarely been documented. This study aimed to assess annual healthcare resource utilisation and costs associated with back pain in primary care.

Methods

Using the IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD), patients with back pain were identified (study period: 01 January 2006 to 31 December 2015) using diagnostic records and analgesics prescriptions ( n = 133,341), and propensity score matched 1:1 to patients without back pain. The annual incremental costs of back pain associated with consultations and prescriptions were estimated and extrapolated to a national level. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by restricting the study population to the most recent diagnosis of back pain. Variations in cost were assessed stratified by gender, age-groups, deprivation, and comorbidity categories.

Results

The mean age was 57 years, and 62% were females in both the case and control groups. The total incremental healthcare costs associated with back pain was £32.5 million in 2015 (£35.9 million in 2020), with per-patient cost of £244 (£265 in 2020) per year. On a national level, this translated to an estimated £3.2 billion (£3.5 billion in 2020). Eighty percent of the costs were attributed to consultations; and female gender, older age, higher deprivation, and higher comorbidity were all associated with increased mean healthcare costs of patients with back pain.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the substantial healthcare costs attributed to back pain, even with primacy care costs only. The data also revealed significant cost variations across socio-demographic and clinical factors.
Team Workload in Action Teams: Exploring the Impact of Interdependence
Authors: Johnson Craig J. , Lieber Christopher S. , Gutzwiller Robert S. , Cooke Nancy J.
Published: October 2023

Team workload is a team-level construct considered similar to, but not reducible to, individual workload and mediated by team coordination. Despite this, the conceptualization and measurement of team workload in action teams lags behind that of individual workload. In most empirical studies, team workload is often simply considered as the sum or average of individual team members’ workload. However, unique characteristics of action teams, such as interdependence and heterogeneity, suggest that traditional approaches to conceptualizing and measuring team workload may be inadequate or even misleading. As such, innovative approaches are required to accurately capture this complex construct. This paper presents the development of a simulation designed to investigate the influence of interdependence and demand levels on team workload measures within a 3-person action-team command and control scenario. Preliminary results, which suggest that our manipulations are effective, are provided and discussed.
Demonstration of a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Simulation and Use in Other Settings
Authors: Cornet Victor P. , Charles Michelle , Toscos Tammy
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a mass vaccination campaign that left health systems with little time to prepare. As a large health system, we were asked to deploy 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines in less than 26 days. We developed a vaccination clinic simulation to be able to accurately model patients coming in and out of our physical vaccination clinic. Rather than a model used once and shelved afterwards, we used it to run our largest clinic but also relied on it to deploy several smaller clinics at various sites thanks to the simulation’s flexibility. In this session, we will demonstrate our simulation through two real-world scenarios and discuss how it can be used to quickly deploy COVID and non-COVID vaccination clinics of all sizes.
Differences in kinematics and resulting lumbar spinal forces during repetitive lifting tasks: Simulation versus estimation of the effects of wearing a back-support exoskeleton
Authors: Kazemi Zeinab , Park Jang-Ho , Srinivasan Divya
Published: October 2023

We explored the feasibility of using biomechanical simulations to predict altered spinal forces resulting from wearing a back-support exoskeleton (BSE) during repetitive lifting tasks. Twenty (10M, 10F) young, healthy participants completed repetitive lifting task, while wearing a BSE (‘with EXO’) and without wearing a BSE (‘without EXO’). Spinal forces were estimated by applying the BSE torque profile to body kinematics measured in ‘with EXO’ condition, while spinal forces were simulated by applying the same torque profile to body kinematics measured in ‘without EXO’ condition. Simulated compression force was higher than estimated compression force, probably due to lower trunk flexion angle in ‘without EXO’ condition. Such differences were larger among women than among men. However, simulated shear force was comparable with estimated shear force. Future works further need to compare simulated and estimated spinal forces for different BSEs (e.g., soft BSE), asymmetric lifting tasks, and different age group.
Dual-Task Interference while Receiving Information on a Head Mounted Display, Visually on the Same Depth Plane, or Audibly
Authors: Ward Matt D. , Smith Samantha L. , Helton William S.
Published: October 2023

Wearable displays may enhance information access, but potential interference between device use and the primary operational task may result. Multiple Resource Theory (2002) helps predict which information modalities will interfere, but in the case of head mounted displays (HMDs), the importance of competition for focal attention versus central processing resources in determining dual-task interference remains unclear. We investigated the interference between manual tracking and a word memory task, where words were presented on a HMD, the same display as the tracking task, or audibly. Compared to single-task tracking, performance was impaired by both audio and HMD word presentation, but not by words presented on the same visual plane. This suggests some interference is due to demands on vison itself, not just central resources, and that bottom-up shifts in information seeking may also impair performance. Future research into the best methods of utilizing wearable aids and directing user attention is needed.
Cognitive Workload of Novice Forklift Truck Drivers in VR-based Training
Authors: Jamshid Nezhad Zahabi Saman , Shafiqul Islam Md , Kim Sunwook , Lau Nathan , Nussbaum Maury A. , Lim Sol
Published: October 2023

There is increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) to train forklift truck operators but a lack of sufficient understanding of how cognitive workload changes with respect to different task demands in VR-based training. In this study, 19 novice participants completed three forklift driving lessons with varying difficulty levels (low, medium, and high) using a VR simulator. To examine the effect of repeated training on cognitive workload, two sessions were repeated by participants using the same procedures. Cognitive workload was assessed with objective (electroencephalogram [EEG] activity) and subjective (NASA-TLX) measurements. EEG theta power and NASA-TLX (mental workload) scores were significantly higher for high than low difficulty levels. However, both EEG and NASA-TLX responses were reduced with repeated training in the second session. These findings highlight the effectiveness of EEG in continuous monitoring of workload variation caused by task difficulty and implementing training programs to moderate cognitive workload for forklift operators.
How much can we improve two-section watch bills? Sleepiness, Fatigue, and Psychomoter Vigilance Performance during naval operations in the 6/6 and 7-5-5-7 watch bills
Authors: Röttger Stefan , Giesche Melanie , Abendroth Johanna , Jacobsen Thomas , Matsangas Panagiotis , Shattuck Nita Lewis
Published: October 2023

A traditional two-section watch bill (6 hours on / 6 hours off, starting at midnight – “6/6”) and a two-section watch bill better adapted to the human circadian rhythm (watches of 7, 5, 5, and 7 hours duration, starting at 3 a.m. – “7-5-5-7”) were trialed on two vessels of the German Navy with 67 study participants in a crossover design. Questionnaires were used to assess subjective sleepiness (ESS, KSS) and subjective fatigue (FSS). The psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) was self-administered with wearable devices before and after each watch. Over the course of seven days at sea, PVT performance worsened significantly with the 6/6, but not with the 7-5-5-7 watch bill. In the 6/6 watch bill, number of participants with excessive sleepiness and high levels of fatigue was higher than in the 7-5-5-7 watch bill although not at a statistically significant level. Marked differences between watch bills in crew performance started to emerge after 6 days.
The Use of Social Forums to Train Users About Shortcomings of Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD)
Authors: Mamun Tauseef Ibne , Mueller Shane T.
Published: October 2023

In the past decade, consumer adoption of commercial semi-autonomous vehicles has increased, and along with it user concerns about the shortcomings of these systems, especially regarding safety. Users often turn to social media forums to discuss these shortcomings, find workarounds, and confirm their experience is common. We suggest that these forums may provide some of the best training for users to understand the limitations of AI, as they are not controlled by the vendor who has a vested interest in hiding the limitations of their systems. In two laboratory experiments, we examined how information from Tesla FSD forums impact participants' ability to detect and predict hazardous driving situations in simulated scenarios. Drivers who received the training were better at anticipating and recognizing dangerous driving conditions, suggesting that exposure to user-generated explanations of the shortcomings of the system may in fact improve safety and acceptance of the systems.
Development of an Emergency Braking Training Research Program Using a Driving Simulator with Haptic Pedal Feedback
Authors: Mims Lauren , Brooks Johnell , Gangadharaiah Rakesh , Jenkins Casey , Melnrick Ken
Published: October 2023

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) was designed to assist drivers in emergency braking situations. Though this technology is common to today’s vehicles, not all drivers have knowledge and experience with ABS, especially the haptic brake pedal feedback. To educate drivers, a new training method was developed using an emergency braking interactive exercise, Pedals Emergency Stop©, and simulator with haptic brake pedal feedback. The exercise prompts drivers to press the brake in a motion consistent with emergency braking and feel the haptic feedback. During the exercise, if a driver presses the brake quickly, to the maximum travel and held the pedal position, the driver “passes” the trial. Drivers are presented with immediate feedback on their performance, and suggestions are presented to drivers who do not “pass” a trial.This new exercise is currently being used to educate novice teen drivers about emergency braking assist features during high school drivers’ education classes.
Older Adults Disproportionately Hindered by Touch Screen Interfaces in Driving Tasks
Authors: Baringer Kathryn , Souders Dustin , Mintz Alan
Published: October 2023

Touch screens have become increasingly used for many personal technologies. However, older adults have trouble using touch screen interfaces. The general assumption is that older adults struggle with touch screen devices because they are unfamiliar with the technology and that with practice, they will become proficient. This study provides evidential support of a probable physiological barrier contributing to some older adults’ touch screen difficulties. In our study, participants (7 older adults, 10 younger adults) had to press a touch screen button to get information while driving. Older adults disproportionately failed attempts to hit this button. Video analysis showed that even when older adults hit the target button correctly while driving with an appropriate amount of force and duration of touch, the screen sometimes failed to register their command. This suggests that a minimally documented but present age-related physiological reason likely contributes to older adults’ reduced ability to successfully interact with touch screens.
Experienced Users’ Strategies to Address Challenges with Internet Protocol Caption Telephone Services
Authors: Urqueta Alfaro Andrea , Pfaff Mark S. , Ybarra Vincent T. , Browning Nancy M. , McHugh Julia A. , Malloy James E. , Edell John D.
Published: October 2023

Internet Protocol Caption Telephone Services provide access to telecommunication for persons who are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing as users can listen to and read captions of what the other speaker says. This paper presents the results of Applied Cognitive Task Analyses with d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing users to uncover the strategies experienced caption phone users deploy to address communication challenges. Results indicate that users learn strategies that involve adapting their communication behaviors, obtaining the collaboration of the other speaker, selecting the best technology for specific settings, and disclosing hearing loss. Some situations are particularly challenging, e.g., higher caption error when the other speaker has an “accent” or the conversation includes technical language; having to disclose hearing loss and thus risking negative consequences due to biases against disability. Findings can help accelerate novice users’ learning of strategies and inform the development of sociotechnical solutions for caption phones’ current shortcomings.
Cognitive Empathy within Patient-AI Communication for Diagnostic Reasoning
Authors: Alam Lamia , Mueller Shane T.
Published: October 2023

Empathy is an essential part of communication in healthcare. For artificial intelligence (AI) to be successfully incorporated as an integral part of healthcare systems, it may need to incorporate cognitively empathetic interactions with patients, meaning it uses the reasoning, the perspectives, and the information of patients as much as possible. In this paper, we discuss four lab experiments in which we tested different aspects of empathy using the AI Cognitive Empathy Scale (AICES). Overall, cognitive empathy elements show promise to create a shared understanding in patients-AI communication that may lead to increased patient satisfaction and willingness to use AI systems for initial diagnosis purposes.
Perceptibility of programmable softness displays using magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Li Bingxu , Lee Jaeyeon , Gerling Gregory J.
Published: October 2023

While often focused on our visual system, adding touch to VR/AR environments can help render more immersive, richer user experiences. One important touch percept to render is compliance, or ‘softness.’ Herein, we evaluate the perceptibility of soft, magnetorheological elastomers (MRE) in bare-finger interactions. Such materials can be reprogrammed to distinct states of compliance. We fabricated MRE samples over elastic moduli from 23–173 kPa and measured that small 0.25 T magnetic fields increased modulus by 10–60 kPa. MRE interfaces less and more compliant than finger skin were evaluated in discrimination experiments with and without a magnetic field. The results indicate changes in modulus of 11 kPa are required to reach a 75% threshold of discrimination, although greater differences are required when an MRE’s elasticity is about the same as skin. The perceptual results with these magnetically-induced materials are similar to those with non-actuated, solid silicone-elastomers that mimic naturalistic interactions.
Design Considerations for a Socially Assistive Robots in the Home to Support Older Adults
Authors: Mois George , Trinh Mimi U. , Afsar Ali Afnaan F. , Vergara Lizandra Garcia Lupi , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: October 2023

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing segments of the world population. However, many of the communities in which older adults live lack the infrastructure, resources, and services needed to support their diverse needs. Assistive technologies, such as socially assistive robots, present unique opportunities to support individuals with everyday activities and remain connected to the community. To understand the potential of socially assistive robots, we deployed a mixed methods exploratory study that evaluated perceptions of older adults toward socially assistive robots for home use. Furthermore, we engaged the older adults in a participatory design exercise to explore design considerations for applying socially assistive robots. Our findings provide meaningful insights for the implementation and design of socially assistive robots for home use by older adults.
Examining the Effect of Income-Based Inequalities and Dental Service Provision on Dental Service Utilization among Older Australians: A Multiple Mediation Analysis
Authors: Ghanbarzadegan A. , Sohn W. , Wallace J. , Brennan D.S. , Jamieson L.M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Public service provision is one of the keys to reducing inequalities in the utilization of dental services. Given the increase in the aging population, there should be a focus on older adults’ oral health. However, this is often overlooked.

Objectives:

This study investigates the effectiveness of public services in reducing income-related inequalities in dental service utilization among older South Australians.

Methods:

A multiple counterfactual mediation analysis using the ratio of mediator probability weighting approach was used to explore the proposed mediation mechanism using a South Australian population of older adults (≥65 y). The exposure variable in the analysis was income, and the mediators were concession cards and the last dental sector (public or private). The outcome variable was the time of last dental visit.

Results:

Half of the older adults with high income (≥$40,000) owned a concession card, and 10% of those who attended public dental services belonged to this group. Interestingly, only 16.3% of the study participants had visited the public dental sector at their last dental appointment. Results showed a negligible indirect effect (odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–1.05) and a significant direct effect (OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 2.24–4.87). By changing the potential outcome distributions to the counterfactual exposure distributions and taking the mediators’ distribution as a counterfactual exposure distribution, the odds of dental visits occurring before the past 12 mo approximately tripled for low-income compared to high-income individuals.

Conclusion:

Income inequalities were associated with relatively delayed dental visits in older South Australians, and provision of public services could not improve this pattern. This might happen due to inequitable access to concession cards and public services. A review of policies is required, including addressing income inequalities and implementing short-term approaches to improve service utilization patterns in older South Australians.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The findings of this study can enable policymakers for informed decision-making about the provision of public dental services for older Australians. This study emphasizes the importance of reviewing the current public dental services and subsidies and implementing short-term approaches to reduce income inequalities for older Australians.