bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental method for the planar landing of a three-legged asteroid probe: The effects of asymmetric configuration and element forces
Authors: Yin Canhui , Quan Qiquan , Tang Dewei , Schiavone Peter , Deng Zongquan
Published: September 2022

Focused on an asteroid probe with three-legged cushioning, this paper discusses the effects of the asymmetric configuration and the element forces form of the planarized cushioning mechanism on the method for developing the landing experiment. The main objectives are to present an accurate experimental analysis of the planar landing and to facilitate the construction of a micro-gravity experimental platform through the theoretical analysis in advance. Probe models based on the planar symmetric and asymmetric configurations of the cushioning mechanism were constructed and their parametric characterization was determined. Mathematical models of the element forces on cushioning legs were established and differences between each set of corresponding element forces were analyzed. Then, dynamics models explaining the landing process were established. On this basis, the maximum initial safe attitude angle and the change process of the attitude variables were researched. The results revealed that the asymmetric configuration greatly reduced the safety margin of the attitude angle and it was determined by the M-R(I) landing as 23°. In addition, the simplified version of the ground friction force could be employed for developing the experiment at the initial attitude angle of 20°, but it affected the results at the initial attitude angles of 0°, 5°, and 10°. At the initial attitude angle of 20°, which is more significant as the critical condition for dangerous landing, the normal footpad-ground contact of the merged leg could adopt the same stiffness coefficient as that of the real leg to facilitate the experimental design without affecting the experimental results.
Awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men using apps for sexual encounters in Turkiye
Authors: Nazli Arzu , Garner Alex , Gokengin Deniz
Published: September 2022

Background

New HIV diagnoses are rising in Turkiye. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are estimated to be the main driver of the epidemic. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was proven to be effective in reducing new HIV diagnoses and PrEP recently became available in Turkiye.

Objective

To assess awareness of and willingness to use PrEP and the level of off-licence use among MSM.

Methods

An anonymous self-completed questionnaire was sent out over the Hornet Gay Social Network from December 2019 to February 2020, available in Turkish and Arabic. It included 20 questions on HIV and STI testing, PrEP awareness, PrEP use, willingness to use, chemsex and sexual happiness level.

Results

Overall 4761 respondents who responded to more than 1/3 of the questions were eligible for analyses; 5.5% was Arabic speaking. The mean age was 30.5 years, 31.4% had never tested for HIV, 40.5% knew what PrEP was, the most common source of knowledge was the internet (44.5%), 2.5% (120) had used PrEP in the last 12 months and 1.7% (83) was current users. PrEP users had accessed drugs over the internet (47.6%), pharmacy (23%), and friends (13.8%). Almost 40% were willing to use PrEP in the following 6 months. Younger and Arabic speaking respondents had lower rates of HIV testing ( p = .001) and lower awareness for PrEP than comparators ( p = .004).

Conclusion

Awareness and willingness to use PrEP is high among MSM in Turkiye. The recent availability of PrEP in the country is a big step forward in terms of prevention.
Input-output finite-time stability of nonlinear descriptor systems
Authors: Li Yuanchang , Sun Liying , Yang Renming
Published: September 2022

This article discusses the input-output finite-time stability and stabilization problems of a class of nonlinear descriptor systems. Two classes of disturbance inputs which belong to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are considered. Under the impulse-free condition of the descriptor systems, the article first studies the input-output finite-time stability with respect to the nonlinear descriptor systems with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] disturbance inputs. Based on this, the design of the state feedback controllers ensures that the closed-loop descriptor systems are input-output finite-time stabilization. Finally, the results of simulation on a nonlinear descriptor circuit system verify the effectiveness of the controllers in this article.
Depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus and relationship with brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Baba Ozge , Kisaoglu Hakan , Bilginer Cilem , Ozkaya Esra , Kalyoncu Mukaddes
Published: September 2022

Background

The association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is controversial, and no study investigated the clinical associations of BDNF in patients with childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of BDNF in patients with cSLE and examine whether a relationship of BDNF exists among depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.

Methods

Thirty patients and age-sex matched healthy controls were included. Depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life were assessed by relevant questionnaires. Disease activity was assessed according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and serum BDNF level was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

Serum BDNF level was significantly lower in cSLE patients than healthy controls (21981 vs 29905 pg/mL, p = 0.001) and significantly decreased level was observed in active cSLE (SLEDAI >0), then those with SLEDAI = 0 (17110 vs 26852 pg/mL, p = 0.005). Although the scores of the depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life questionnaires were strongly correlated with each other, no correlation was observed with serum BDNF levels.

Conclusions

In patients with cSLE, serum level of BDNF was significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. Our results suggest that serum BDNF levels were not associated with the presence of anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality and might be dictated by the pathophysiological process of SLE rather than mood disorders.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Internationalization of Higher Education: Evidence from the Turkish Case
Authors: Bulut-Sahin Betul , Kondakci Yasar
Published: September 2022

The internationalization of higher education (IHE) has become a key policy issue for governments, a research field for scholars, a strategic priority for universities, and a career orientation for administrative staff. Yet, with recent social, political, and economic trends heavily embellished by globalization and neoliberalism, the term IHE has resulted in conflicting perspectives. Although there are numerous analyses on IHE, these analyses seldom focus on conflicts among different constituencies of the university (leaders, academics, administrative staff). This study aims at exploring the perspectives of key constituencies on the common conception and practice of IHE. The study was designed as basic qualitative research in which the data set was collected from four flagship universities in Türkiye. The results indicated a variety of academic, economic, political, and socio-cultural conflicts by different constituencies. These conflicts are mostly related to the association of IHE with neoliberal values while the progressive values remain invisible.
Applying Mixed Methods Research in Large-scale Programs – Tracing the Long-term Outcomes of Development Scholarship Alumni
Authors: Doyle Johanna (Jo) , Edwards Daniel , Haddow Amanda
Published: September 2022

Over the past 30 years, mixed methods research has become an increasingly popular tool in the social sciences. Mixed methods research can capture a diverse range of perspectives and levels of complexities not always possible with the use of a single methodological approach. It has been effectively implemented in a range of contexts to explore program outcomes and investigate research questions. This paper explores the application of a mixed methods approach in the evaluation of large-scale, long running international development scholarship programs. The particular focus is on a project implemented to consolidate evidence relating to the long-term outcomes of alumni who completed higher education in Australia as part of an Australian development scholarship. In reflecting on five years of implementation, the paper describes the benefits, complexities and challenges of this approach, with the aim of informing others embarking on large-scale, long-term program evaluations.
Rural Challenges in Social Work Regulation
Authors: Landsman Miriam J. , Rathman Denise
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Social work practice and its regulation pose special challenges in rural areas. The present study reports findings from a statewide assessment of the social work labor force in a midwestern state, focusing on workforce issues in rural communities. Methods: Researchers used a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data through sequenced study phases, conducting focus groups, key informant interviews, and surveys. Results: The statewide assessment identified challenges in rural communities that inform critical issues in recruiting and retaining social workers and in social work monitoring, including access to supervision, continuing education, licensure portability, and equity and justice. Conclusions: Study results suggest strategies for improving the recruitment and retention of rural social workers and areas for future research.
How Critical is Service-Learning Implementation?
Authors: Shea Lynne-Marie , Harkins Debra , Ray Sukanya , Grenier Lauren I.
Published: September 2022

Background: Service-learning is a pedagogical approach to teaching designed to create space for students to reflect critically on community service within an academic course of study with the aim of developing socially minded and actively engaged citizens. Purpose: As service-learning has moved away from the margins of educational practice, its potential as a high-impact practice has become increasingly well documented. This documentation speaks only to the theoretical potential of service-learning and does little to consider its practical impact on students and the communities with which they are asked to engage. Methodology/Approach: We conducted an exploratory mixed-methods study to examine the impact of the implementation of service-learning pedagogy in classrooms on students’ civic attitudes. Findings/Conclusions: Results show that endorsement of some key components of service-learning pedagogy on course syllabi are associated with increased changes in students’ reported civic attitudes, suggesting that implementation of pedagogy plays an important role in student experience and learning outcomes. Implications: These findings point to important differences in student outcomes between traditional and critical service-learning pedagogy implementation and point to the challenges inherent in shifting to implementation of critical pedagogy within a hierarchical structure of higher education.
In the flesh
Authors: González-López Gloria
Published: September 2022

The author incorporates her creative writing to share her untold experience of what Carole J. Sheffield would identify as sexual terrorism. She then engages in a candid dialogue with co-editor Patricia Richards, demonstrating the power of conversation as a feminist method. Inspired by their feminist imagination, they explore ways to construct meaning and produce knowledge beyond conventional, mainstream frameworks in sociology. In this intellectual praxis, they explore themes such as the aesthetics of resilience, poetry and creativity, non-mainstream epistemologies across disciplines (including but not limited to Anzaldúa’s theorizing on el corazón con razón and Fals Borda’s sentipensante sociology), authenticity and intellectual vulnerability.
VEGF and Neuronal Survival
Authors: Calvo Paula M. , Hernández Rosendo G. , Pastor Angel M. , de la Cruz Rosa R.
Published: September 2022

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is well known for its angiogenic activity, but recent evidence has revealed a neuroprotective action of this factor on injured or diseased neurons. In the present review, we summarize the most relevant findings that have contributed to establish a link between VEGF deficiency and neuronal degeneration. At issue, 1) mutant mice with reduced levels of VEGF show adult-onset muscle weakness and motoneuron degeneration resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 2) administration of VEGF to different animal models of motoneuron degeneration improves motor performance and ameliorates motoneuronal degeneration, and 3) there is an association between low plasmatic levels of VEGF and human ALS. Altogether, the results presented in this review highlight VEGF as an essential motoneuron neurotrophic factor endowed with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of motoneuron disorders.
Degradation feature extraction of rolling bearing based on equalization symbol sequence entropy
Authors: Wei Wang , Wang Bing , Hu Xiong , Dejian Sun
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the problem of degradation feature extraction of rolling bearings, a degradation feature extraction technique based on the equalization symbol sequence entropy is proposed. Considering the uniformity of the symbolization standard, the technique takes the root mean square of the normal condition signal as the basis to establish a unified basic scale, and combines the information entropy theory to quantitatively measure the complexity of the signal symbol sequence. Instance analysis is carried out with the lifetime data of intelligent maintenance systems bearing. The results show that the proposed feature is able to characterize the complexity of the nonlinear time series, and sensitively describe the whole process of rolling bearing performance degradation. The calculation speed is fast, and it is resistant to noise; thus, this technique is suitable for application to online condition monitoring and degradation feature extraction.
Surge detection of magnetic suspension fluid machinery based on rotor axial displacement signal and normalized second-order generalized integrator-frequency locked loop with prefilter
Authors: Guan Xudong , Zhou Jin , Jin Chaowu , Lin Yingzhe
Published: September 2022

A surge detection method according to rotor axial displacement signal and normalized second-order generalized integrator-frequency locked loop with prefilter (SOGI-FLL-WPF) is proposed to solve the surge detection problem of magnetic suspension fluid machinery, which has important practical significance. To improve the anti-disturbance performance of surge detection, SOGI is introduced as a prefilter. As a prefilter, SOGI can eliminate the interference in the surge signal, and normalized SOGI-FLL can estimate the amplitude and frequency of the surge signal. Normalized SOGI-FLL and prefilter are combined to form normalized SOGI-FLL-WPF. First, the disturbance transfer model between rotor axial displacement signal and pressure signal is deduced. Then, the surge is detected by normalized SOGI-FLL-WPF. This method has the merit of fast response, small computation, and good disturbance resistance without additional detection units. Finally, the test is implemented on 105 kW and 150 kW magnetic suspension blowers. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can quickly detect surge signal after the surge occurs.
Use of an App With Embedded Video Modeling to Increase Eye Contact
Authors: Polychronis Shamby C. , Johnson Andrea , Thelin Russell J. , Eggett Dennis L. , Christensen Jaime
Published: September 2022

The use of mobile applications (apps) is popular among parents and teachers due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, and the number of apps with the specific aim to increase eye contact for children with autism is growing rapidly. However, research is limited to assess the efficiency of the majority of the apps available for educational purposes. This study was conducted to determine whether the addition of video modeling via an app to ongoing classroom instruction could increase eye contact with familiar and unfamiliar people in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An experimental pretest–posttest control group design was applied with a full intervention group, a partial intervention group, and a control group. Forty-four U.S. students diagnosed with ASD, in kindergarten through third grade, engaged with social skill modules using an iPad app called We Are Friends. The frequency and duration of eye contact were measured. A 3-month follow-up test was given to determine maintenance. Results suggest the addition of the app was effective in increasing eye contact in children with ASD with both familiar and unfamiliar individuals.
Impact of an IEP Goal Builder on Social Goals for Autistic Students
Authors: Müller Eve , Wood Caitlin , Cannon Lynn , Childress Deb
Published: September 2022

This pilot study examined (a) the perceived barriers to creating high-quality social and emotional learning (SEL) IEP goals for autistic students without intellectual disabilities, and (b) the impact of using a data-driven SEL IEP goal builder—a key component of the Ivymount Social Cognition Instructional Package (IvySCIP)—on the quality of SEL IEP goals. Based on data from 40 instructor/student dyads, we found the following: First, based on phone interviews, instructors identified a number of significant barriers to the creation of SEL IEP goals for this population, including lack of ability to reliably assess students’ SEL strengths and needs, lack of a goal builder/goal bank, and lack of comprehensive, data-driven support for generating SEL goals and tracking progress toward goal mastery. Interviewees agreed that IvySCIP effectively addressed these barriers. Second, based on a comparison of pre-intervention SEL IEP goals and those created using the IvySCIP goal builder, the quality of instructors’ IEP goals appeared to improve after introduction of the goal builder, with post-intervention goals significantly more likely to include settings, givens, specific/demonstrable behavior being targeted, and measurement criteria to ensure meaningful progress monitoring. Post-intervention goals also drew more equitably from a range of SEL domains.
Diffuse large b-cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexa with flow cytometry analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Mitamura Mizuho , Kase Satoru , Suzuki Yasuo , Sakaguchi Takatoshi , Suimon Yuka , Sinohara Toshiya , Shimizu AI , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Sakai Hajime , Kase Manabu , Ishida Susumu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features and flow cytometry (FCM) of tumor tissues in ocular adnexal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter case study was designed to evaluate the clinical and immunohistochemical features of tumors. DLBCL was diagnosed based on histopathology, immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain gene rearrangement, and FCM in all surgically removed periocular tumor tissues. This study involved assessing percentages (%) of B-cell/T-cell markers, a natural killer cell marker, and cell-surface Ig kappa/lambda (κ/λ) expression measured by FCM analysis in tumor tissues.

Results

Eleven DLBCL patients (4 men and 7 women) with 11 tumors were enrolled in this study. The median age at the time of initial presentation was 73 years. The tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for cluster of differentiation (CD) 20, while CD5 was negative in all 8 cases tested. At the time of ophthalmic diagnosis, two cases already showed systemic dissemination of DLBCL throughout the body. FCM of tumor tissues detected a high percentage of B-cell markers including CD19 and CD20 in all 11 tumors. One case with high CD10 levels in FCM was histologic transformation from follicular lymphoma. One case with a relatively low CD20 population involved a history of systemic treatments including intravenous rituximab.

Conclusion

Although caution should be exercised when interpreting the data, FCM is useful for not only supportive diagnosis complementary to immunohistochemistry, but also facilitates a better understanding of immunopathology including histologic transformation of follicular lymphoma to DLBCL in the ocular adnexa.
Deep state phobia: Narrative convergence in coronavirus conspiracism on Instagram
Authors: Tuters Marc , Willaert Tom
Published: September 2022

Recent scholarship has established that conspiracist narratives proliferated in mainstream online discourse during the coronavirus pandemic. This proliferation has been provocatively characterized as a ‘conspiracy singularity’ in which previously divergent conspiracy narratives converged into a single, overarching narrative. Yet while the idea of narrative convergence has long figured in conspiracy theory research, empirical evidence has been scarce. The present article aims to address this gap by means of an investigation of an archive containing over 470,000 conspiracy-related Instagram posts from 2020. Given the size and conceptual complexity of the dataset, the paper introduces a ‘digital hermeneutics’ approach, which combines data science methods with qualitative interpretation and theorization. Operating across three levels of observation (hashtag analysis, text analysis, and image analysis) we identify patterns of convergence among different conspiracy narratives (including anti-vax, QAnon, anti-5G, and ‘The Great Reset’) over the year 2020 as well as the apparent role of protagonists and antagonists (notably Donald Trump and Bill Gates) in creating connections. In interpreting these findings we focus on the concept of ‘the Deep State’ as a bridge between various conspiracist narratives, which seems to cut diagonally across political ideologies.
Beyond global health: Redefining the ‘public’ in public health
Authors: Målqvist Mats
Published: September 2022

The world has seen unprecedented changes over the last 50 years, with enormous gains in human health and living standards. Global public health has been a part of this transition to an interconnected and interdependent world, evolving from a medically based international health perspective to a global health discipline focusing on the social determinants of health and systems thinking. As we now face global challenges such as climate change, the loss of biodiversity and antimicrobial resistance, global public health needs to be transformed yet again. Public health needs to redefine its focus. To expand the scope beyond the anthropocentric – and to include nature and our planet as subjects and not merely resources for human well-being – is of the essence.
Experimental study of the core role of GFRP and LDPE on the collapse behavior of absorbers printed with PLA and ABS
Authors: Deng Weiping , Xie Deqiao , Liu Fuxi , Shen Lida , Tian Zongjun
Published: September 2022

Since the advent of polymeric materials, many structures have always been built for engineering purposes. On the one hand, the emergence of composites containing glass fibers has had a significant impact on reducing the weight of structures in various industries. On the other hand, with the advent of 3D printers, many limitations for the geometry of engineering structures were removed. In this research, due to the wide application of these two sciences, a new type of composite absorbers has been introduced. The presented absorbers have glass fiber-reinforced polymer cores (GFRP) or low-density polyethylene cores (LDPE), the shells of each sample are made of PLA or ABS. In this study, 24 different samples were tested under quasi-static loading. The samples were examined in three different groups. In the first group, no cores were used, but in the second group, GFRP cores were used, and in the third group, LDPE cores were used. Triangular, trapezoidal, semielliptical, and square sections were studied, and the results showed that the lowest maximum force was related to samples with semielliptical cross section, then the maximum force increased by changing the cross section from triangular to trapezoidal and then to a square. In addition, the maximum force was higher in the GFRP core than in the LPDE core.
Future conceptual challenges of cross-border journalism
Authors: Hellmueller Lea , Berglez Peter
Published: September 2022

In this study we argue that we are entering a period with increasingly complex and dialectical relations between cross-continental and national sentiments and actions. This situation—characterized by multiple centers of political power and conflicts—requires journalism studies to sharpen its skills when examining cross-border journalism using concepts such as foreign, international, global, and transnational journalism, and to be analytically sensitive to their differences and their potentially dynamic relations. This article examines the theoretical definitions and practical use of these four cross-border journalism concepts during the period 2010–2020 in a selected number of academic journals. We critically discuss their potential contribution to future research on global challenges occurring in a paradoxical world where globalization appears to be moving forward and backward simultaneously.
Time to Pass the Mic: Gender and race in Scotland’s news
Authors: Boyle Karen , House Melody , Yaqoob Talat
Published: September 2022

Pass the Mic is a project focusing on women of colour in Scottish news, established by Talat Yaqoob. In 2020, funding from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust enabled us to undertake original research to investigate the representation of women of colour in Scottish news, providing baseline evidence for Pass the Mic’s ongoing work with media partners and women-of-colour writers. Focusing on media produced in Scotland with a national audience, we conducted two periods of media monitoring (November 2020, May 2021) to investigate where and how women of colour are represented in Scottish news. Situating this study relative to existing media monitoring projects, we discuss the methodological challenges of codifying gender and race in news. Whilst our finding that women of colour are under-represented in Scottish news is not surprising, in considering how women of colour are represented we point to the tensions of visibility for women of colour, the limited construction of their expertise, and the marginalisation of women of colour’s opinions within stories about Scotland, including when these stories explicitly address racial in/equality.
Towards a model of word reading acquisition in children from low income backgrounds
Authors: Porta Maria E
Published: September 2022

The present study examined a six-component theoretical model of word reading acquisition in 449 Spanish-speaking children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Measures of phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), vocabulary, letter name-sound knowledge, and parent education were obtained at the beginning of kindergarten and a measure of word reading at the end of grade 1. A path analysis was applied to test specific hypotheses. The approach revealed a conditional dependence structure between the components as follows: (1) vocabulary depends on parent education; (2) PA depends on vocabulary; (3) letter name-sound knowledge depends on PA; (4) letter name-sound knowledge explained 76% of the variance in word reading; (5) vocabulary indirectly influences word reading through PA and letter name-sound knowledge. Plausible interpretations of the results regarding early reading acquisition among children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are discussed.
Alice in… buying: The consumption of experiences in the worldly experience and aspects of socialization
Authors: Macêdo Álison dL , Costa Flávia ZdN , Silva Bianca Gabriely F , Costa Marconi Fd
Published: September 2022

Supported by non-representational theories (NRTs), we focus on the atmosphere of consumption and use a creative method to carry out this research. We consider the details of everyday life not represented, highlighting the roles of the elements in this fluid network. In order to understand how the atmosphere emerges, intensifies, and affects the behavior and modes of consumption, we ask ourselves: How does narrative/participant observation help us to develop interpretations about the way in which the affective bodies of consumers navigate and move around this experience? We seek, in the resource of biographical tradition, to collect a life story linked to the experiences of consumption enjoyed and meant in a commercial point over the years. Our corpus was based on narrative interviews, observation, and documents. From the nine critical incidents retrieved in the temporal experience of the narrative, the analysis revealed eight syntagms that, when encoded, pointed to six constituent meanings of this mode of experience-based consumption, which is driven by everyday situational factors but operate as signifying elements of the sales environment. The consumption experience was found to be a social and affective form of experience emerging in the respondent’s everyday life, whereas the actual consumption was solely a means for the social reaffirmation of the actor in question and the strengthening of her relationships.
Music teachers’ self-reported views of creativity in the context of their work
Authors: Schiavio Andrea , van der Schyff Dylan , Philippe Roberta Antonini , Biasutti Michele
Published: September 2022

What are the main views and perceptions of creativity of a music teacher? By administering an open-ended questionnaire to 11 music teachers, we sought to elicit responses to clarify what are their self-reported understandings of creativity; how they think musical creativity can be facilitated in a teaching setting; and how they can differentiate between individual and collective forms of musical creativity in the classroom. A thematic analysis gave rise to five categories, each addressing one or more of these dimensions from different angles. Findings indicate that our respondents tended to associate the development of a creative musicianship with generally positive concepts, attributing to it several interrelated meanings. In particular, the music teachers who took part in the study mentioned how fostering creative attitude in their students may involve stimulating their curiosity, changing their perspectives, and helping them navigate both personal and social domains; finally, our participants indicated that both individual and collective forms of teaching may display important constraints when creativity is placed at the heart of the lesson.
Coping Strategies and Trauma-Related Distress of College Students During Covid-19
Authors: Straup Madison L. , Prothro Kalyn , Sweatt Abigail , Shamji Jabeen F. , Jenkins Sharon R.
Published: September 2022

Present-day college students are particularly impacted by the disconcerting effects of Covid-19 because of their vulnerability towards mental health struggles. The current study identified coping strategies used by students in the United States and how those strategies are associated with trauma-related distress. Results showed acceptance, emotional processing, and social support were the most commonly used coping strategies. Furthermore, avoidance coping related to higher distress than more helpful approaches (e.g., humor). Demographic findings revealed that Black students used more religious coping than did White and Asian students. Additionally, older and upper-year students used substances to cope more than did other students, including those with higher grade point averages. Our discussion focuses on how the findings of the present study can be used to enhance student support, resiliency, academic performance, and retention.
Morphological Knowledge and Self-Efficacy of SLPs and Educators
Authors: Fumero Keisey , Wood Carla
Published: September 2022

The current study examines the morphological knowledge (MK) and self-reported MK self-efficacy of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and educators in an effort to inform professional development and preservice training related to MK and skills in implementing morphological instruction. This sample of 850 U.S. participants consisted of SLPs ( n = 406), English language arts teachers ( n = 178), special education teachers ( n = 201), and reading specialists ( n = 65). A survey elicited professional experience, self-efficacy related to the application of MK, and a MK measure. Correlations and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) between the groups that differed by disciplinary backgrounds were conducted to assess differences in MK and MK self-efficacy. The results yielded two key findings: (a) MK differs by profession, with SLPs performing with higher accuracy in morpheme counting and nonword derivation tasks and (b) MK self-efficacy differs by profession with reading specialists rating themselves significantly more confident than all other professions.
Impact of the Patency of Inferior Mesenteric Artery on 7-Year Outcomes After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Ide Toru , Shimamura Kazuo , Kuratani Toru , Shijo Takayuki , Sakaniwa Ryoto , Watanabe Yoshiki , Maeda Koichi , Masada Kenta , Yamashita Kizuku , Matsumoto Ryota , Miyagawa Shigeru
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

The impact of preoperative patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) on late outcomes following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the specific influence of IMA patency on 7-year outcomes after EVAR.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, 556 EVARs performed for true abdominal aortic aneurysm cases between January 2006 and December 2019 at our institution were reviewed. Endovascular aneurysm repairs performed using a commercially available device with no type I or type III endoleak (EL) during follow-up and with follow-up ≥12 months were included. A total of 336 patients were enrolled in this study. The cohort was divided into the patent IMA group and the occluded IMA group according to preoperative IMA status. The late outcomes, including aneurysm sac enlargement, reintervention, and mortality rates, were compared between both groups using propensity-score-matched data.

Results:

After propensity score matching, 86 patients were included in each group. The median follow-up period was 56 months (interquartile range: 32–94 months). The incidence of type II EL at discharge was 50% in the patent IMA group and 19% in the occluded IMA group (p<0.001). The type II EL from IMA and lumbar arteries was significantly higher in the patent IMA group than in the occluded IMA group (p<0.001 and p=0.002). The rate of freedom from aneurysm sac enlargement with type II EL was significantly higher in the occluded IMA group than in the patent IMA group (94% vs 69% at 7 years; p<0.001). The rate of freedom from reintervention was significantly higher in the occluded IMA group than in the patent IMA group (90% vs 74% at 7 years; p=0.007). Abdominal aortic aneurysm–related death and all-cause mortality did not significantly differ between groups (p=0.32 and p=0.34).

Conclusions:

Inferior mesenteric artery patency could affect late reintervention and aneurysm sac enlargement but did not have a significant impact on mortality. Preoperative assessment and embolization of IMA might be an important factor for improvement in late EVAR outcomes.

Clinical Impact

The preoperative patency of the inferior mesenteric artery was significantly associated with a higher incidence of sac enlargement and reintervention with type II endoleak following endovascular aneurysm repair, even after adjustment for patient background. Preoperative assessment and embolization of inferior mesenteric artery might be an important factor for improvement in late EVAR outcomes.
Peripheral Lymphocyte Counts and Lymphocyte-Related Inflammation Indicators During Radiotherapy for Pelvic Malignancies: Temporal Characterization and Dosimetric Predictors
Authors: Xiang Xiaoyong , Li Ning , Ding Zhen , Dai Zhitao , Jin Jing
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To identify the dosimetric predictors of lymphocytopenia and retrospectively analyze the changing trend of peripheral lymphocyte counts and lymphocyte-related inflammatory indicators in patients with simple pelvic radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 188 patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. The absolute count of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets at each time point was collected, and lymphocyte-related inflammation indicators were obtained, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). The total pelvic bone (TPB) and the body within the 5 Gy coverage were retrospectively delineated for each patient. Dose-volume histograms corresponding to the delivered volumetric arc therapy plan were used to assess the dose volumes received by the TPB and body. A paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for matched pairs was applied for pairwise comparisons. We also established a stepwise multiple linear regression model for the peripheral lymphocyte count (PLC) value at the end of radiotherapy. Results: The PLC and lymphocyte-related inflammatory indicators changed significantly after the start of radiotherapy and persisted for 3-6 months after radiotherapy. The nadirs of PLC occurred at RT-End, and the PLC was still significantly lower than the baseline value at RT-3 months and RT-6 months. NLR, PLR, and SII at RT-End are about 3.5 times the value at RT-Baseline, while LMR is one-fourth of the basal value. In a further multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, the basal PLC (β = 0.156, p ≤ .001), gender (β = 0.096, p = .005), and TPB-V5 (β = −0.016, p ≤ .001) turned out to be the predictor of the absolute value of lymphocytes at the end of radiotherapy. Conclusions: The impact of pelvic radiotherapy on PLC and lymphocyte-related inflammatory indicators is considerable and long-lasting. Minimizing pelvic bone radiation exposure dose (5 Gy) may help to avoid severe cases of lymphocytopenia.
Policy gaps under the energy and infrastructure projects: Commercial capacity development in an economically struggling regime
Authors: Lu Yung-Pin , Rana Muhammad Ahsan
Published: September 2022

The policy gaps could easily appear in national projects of developing regimes when they lack local policy evidence during the decision and implementation stages toward economic development. We have identified collaborative governance (CG) literature and models as a strategy to bridge the policy gaps during the development of commercial capacities in Pakistan. Although frameworks exist to investigate CG practice for a national endeavor, the emerging nature of CG in a developing regime requires a specific theoretical framework to test the local implications. Therefore, we attempted to establish a new theoretical framework for CG. We have assigned collaboration elements that are more compatible to find out grassroots policy evidence in relation to economic measures from relevant stakeholders. Commercial capacity development depends upon the successful execution of energy and infrastructure portfolios in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) organizations gave their policy perspectives about the viability and gaps in the existing CPEC policies. The findings depict that collaboration structures are not advanced at all administrative levels in developing countries compared to the developed regimes. Marginalized representation is instrumental in conceptualizing the CG for developing contexts. It could also save the transactional cost and limitations of political and legal nature while exercising the CG in any national project of a developing regime, especially for long-run goals.
Violence Prevention Programs Are Effective When Initiated During the Initial Workup of Patients in an Urban Level I Trauma Center
Authors: Thomas Yalaunda M. , Regan Sheila C. , Quintana Elena , Wisnieski Elise , Salzman Steven L. , Chow Kevin L. , Mack Charles F. , Stone LeVon , Giloth Barbara , Smith-Singares Eduardo
Published: September 2022

This study represents the first attempt at evaluating the ability of the CureViolence Hospital-Response Intervention Program (previously CeaseFire) to disrupt the pattern of violent reinjury. The clinical data points of 300 African American men who presented to our trauma center with a gunshot wound and received intervention at the bedside between 2005 and 2007 (with a 48-month follow-up) were collected. This cohort was matched with a post hoc historical control group using hospital records from 2003 to 2005. The mean age for both groups was 23.9 years. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained. Using a binary logistical regression model, we assessed the performance of three variables of interest: age at the time of the initial injury, treatment group, and initial disposition group to predict recidivism. We utilized the Nagelkerke R square method, which described the proportion of the variance of the reinjury rate and validated our findings using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (for goodness-of-fit). Six percent ( n = 18) of subjects in the treatment group and 11% ( n = 33) in the control group returned with a new injury, yielding a total reinjury rate of 8.5%. Most patients returned only once with another violent injury. Individuals who did not receive CureViolence services were nearly twice as likely (odds ratio = 1.94; 95% confidence interval = 1.065, 3.522) to return with a violent reinjury. This finding suggests that Hospital-Response Intervention Programs (HRIP) have a protective effect in violently injured patients. We therefore conclude our HRIP positively affected at-risk patients and prevented violent reinjury.
Building Flavor and Confidence in the Kitchen: A Pilot Virtual Cooking Class on Healthy Snacking
Authors: Doxey Richmond S. , Wolferz Richard H. , Stewart Kelly L. , Goossen Rachel , Imber Lindsey
Published: September 2022

Cooking meals at home is associated with more healthful eating and even other healthy behaviors, such as increased physical activity, but for many there are numerous barriers to making this a reality. Healthy teaching kitchen interventions aim to help patients overcome these barriers. Our pilot program worked to address this issue by demonstrating the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual culinary medicine session designed for outpatient clinic patients. Participants were recruited from a single community primary care clinic for a virtual culinary medicine session. Of the 29 subjects who attended the class, 13 (45%) filled out the pre-course survey, and 8 (26%) filled out the post-course survey. Average participant confidence in preparing snacks at home from fresh ingredients increased from 3.62 to 4.38 out of 5 after attending this session, though the results were not statistically (OR .47; P = .172; 95% CI .16 to 1.3). Post-participation comments were overwhelmingly positive. This study showed that a virtual cooking class is feasible in a community clinic setting and is positively received. In addition, a culinary class teaching healthy cooking techniques paired with nutrition training may improve patient’s confidence in the kitchen.
Endovascular repair of an intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysm with a single-branched thoracic endograft in a hostile anatomy
Authors: Bonvini Stefano , Spadoni Nicola , Tasselli Sebastiano
Published: September 2022

Objective

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAA) are rare and usually involve the proximal segment of the artery. In this setting traditional surgical treatment or hybrid procedures are associated with significative morbidity rate so that new endovascular solutions are preferred.

Methods

Authors report a case of a patient with an intrathoracic left SAA involving the aortic arch’s outer curve. Patient’s comorbidities contraindicated open surgical treatment while anatomical issues were not favourable to hybrid or standard endovascular solutions. Thus a single-branched custom-made thoracic stent-graft (Castor, MicroPort Medical, Shanghai, China) was implanted.

Results

Technical success was achieved with no intra-operative complications and technical steps of the procedure are accurately described. A pre-discharge CT scan showed the correct position of the endograft, complete aneurysm exclusion and branch patency.

Conclusion

Single-branched thoracic stentgrafts could be a good option in unfavourable anatomies with supra-aortic vessels disease involving the aortic arch, with good results in terms of morbidity and early outcomes.
Perceived publication pressure and research misconduct: should we be too bothered with a causal relationship?
Authors: Yeo-Teh Nicole Shu Ling , Tang Bor Luen
Published: September 2022

Publication pressure has been touted to promote questionable research practices (QRP) and scientific or research misconduct (RM). However, logically attractively as it is, there is no unequivocal evidence for this notion, and empirical studies have produced conflicting results. Other than difficulties in obtaining unbiased empirical data, a direct causal relationship between perceived publication pressure (PPP) and QRP/RM is inherently difficult to establish, because the former is a complex biopsychosocial construct that is variedly influenced by multiple personal and environmental factors. To effectively address QRP/RM by tackling the sources of PPP would also be difficult because of the competitive nature of the reward and merit system of contemporary science. We might do better with efforts in enhancing knowledge in research ethics and integrity among the practitioners, as well as institutional infrastructures and mechanisms to fairly and efficiently adjudicate cases of QRP/RM.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of N, N’-bis([1,2,4]triazole[4,3-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazine-6-yl)alkylamine derivatives as potent c-Met antagonists
Authors: Ke Zhonglu , Pei Tianyun , Yang Zhenzhen , Zhang Xuanhe , Xu Feng , Xu Zihang , Ding Jixiang
Published: September 2022

A series of N, N’-bis([1,2,4]triazole[4,3- b][1,2,4,5]tetrazine-6-yl)alkylamine derivatives is designed, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition activities against three tumor cell lines and c-Met kinase activity in vitro. These compounds are fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, IR and elemental analysis. Antitumor experiments indicate that some of these compounds exhibit significant inhibition activities against A549, Bewo and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Among them, the IC50 values of 4a indicate better antitumor activities against the A549 (1.21 μM), Bewo (0.68 μM) and MCF-7 (3.74 μM) cell lines than the positive agent cisplatin (9.97 μM for A549, 10.46 μM for Bewo, and 15.03 μM for MCF-7), respectively.
Journalism education, research, and practice in Africa: Toward a transformative approach
Authors: Obijiofor Levi , M’Balla-Ndi Oelgemoeller Marie
Published: September 2022

Western conceptualisation of journalism as a profession and an academic discipline fundamentally represents systemic challenges to how journalism could be theorised, researched, and practised in ways that address and reflect the specificities of non-Western contexts such as Africa. It is in this context that calls for recognition of locally relevant epistemologies of journalism have generated vigorous debates among journalists, journalism educators, and communication academics. The authors argue that, in a rapidly changing world that recognises diverse perspectives, communities, cultures, national differences, and various ways of doing things, journalism education and practice should no longer be viewed through the linear and dominant lens of Western theoretical and practical ways of knowing. The comparative analysis presented in this paper provides critical insights into new approaches to theoretical and methodological developments that inform the discipline, with the aim to inspire and encourage wider debate in international communication field across cultures.