bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process modeling and optimization of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-7Nb during WEDM using regression and ANN
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Misra Joy Prakash , Singhal Sandeep
Published: November 2023

Titanium alloys became multifunctional materials; initially created for the aerospace industry, they now have numerous applications in engineering and the medical field. In the present study, “Ti-6Al-7Nb” titanium alloy is machined using wire electric discharge machining (WEDM). This study investigates the effects of controllable machining variables such as Spark on-time (Ton), Spark off-time (Toff), Servo Voltage (Sv), and Peak Current (Ip) on productivity as measured by material removal rate (MRR) and surface integrity. Current research seeks to conduct a wire-electric discharge processing feasibility analysis for Ti-6Al-7Nb, a titanium alloy free from the catatoxic element vanadium. The performance of a process is evaluated based on the MRR and surface topography. After performing 81 experiments based on the Full factorial design of 3k, mathematical modeling and ANOVA analysis were conducted. The regression model is formed with a correlation coefficient (R) 0.94, which is further improved using artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The values predicted by the ANN model are in outstanding conformity with experimental findings. The correlation coefficient (R) value in this investigation is 0.9912, which is very close to 1. It is evident that the ANN model's prediction accuracy is high. Using scanning electron microscopy, the surface conditions of the machined surface are examined. In order to evaluate the postprocess effects, the tool wear characteristics and the formation of a white layer on the surface produced are analyzed. This study examines the formation of oxide layers, craters, spherical droplets, and microcracks on the processed surface at low- and high-energy conditions. Following a thorough analysis, the discovery was made that machined surfaces contain debris, fissures, craters, and spherical particles. Additionally, to determine the elemental composition of the surface, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis has been carried out.
A transfer learning-based machine learning approach to predict mechanical properties of different material types fabricated by selective laser melting process
Authors: Pashmforoush Farzad , Seyedzavvar Mirsadegh
Published: November 2023

The necessity for a massive dataset has limited the desirability of the machine learning approaches for industrial applications, especially in the metal additive manufacturing processes, where, collecting a large dataset is expensive and virtually ineffective. Concerning this restriction, an effective machine learning technique should be developed to bridge the gap between the academia and the industry. Hence, in this research, a transfer learning-based artificial neural network (TL-ANN) model was developed to predict the mechanical properties of different metallic specimens fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) process. This model was integrated with a Bayesian hyperparameters optimization algorithm to select the optimum training parameters of the model. The proposed model consists of a target network and a source network. The source network was trained based on the mechanical properties that were obtained experimentally for various materials, including pure and alloyed copper, steel, titanium, nickel, etc. The overall regression correlation coefficient ( R) of the TL-ANN model was about 0.99, with the mean square error of testing, validation, and training of datasets of about 2.031, 1.423, and 1.068, respectively, representing the successful execution of the source network in prediction of the mechanical properties of the SLMed parts. Using the achieved knowledge of the source network, the target network was trained to predict the mechanical properties of the target material (here SLMed pure and alloyed aluminum specimens). The obtained results revealed that with the help of the transfer learning, the hybrid neural network could predict the mechanical properties of SLM-fabricated aluminum parts with a high accuracy level, even with the small number of training dataset of the target material. To demonstrate the influence of transfer learning in the accuracy of the model, a separate network was developed from scratch, i.e. with random initial weights of the neurons. The R-values of the test dataset of the individual model for the output parameters of ultimate tensile strength, relative density, and yield strength of the fabricated aluminum samples were 0.787, 0.742, and 0.817, respectively, as compared with that of TL-ANN model of 0.966, 0.903, and 0.971, respectively, representing an average of 21% enhancement in the accuracy of the predictivity of the model by application of transfer learning algorithm.
A new cockroach-like compliant mechanism with SLA-3D printing for micromanipulation and micropolishing of biomaterials
Authors: Le Hieu Giang , Dang Minh Phung , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: November 2023

The traditional compliant mechanisms often employ displacement amplification mechanisms to magnitude the workspace but their displacements are still smaller than 1 mm. Unlike previous studies, the present paper proposes a new conceptual design of compliant mechanism which is inspired from biomechanics of cockroach animal. The developed compliant mechanism for two specific functions, such as microgripper and micropositioner which can handle biomaterials. It can permit a large stroke over 1 mm. Modeling of the performances of the proposed mechanism are built by a couple of adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANIFS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) where PSO is to optimize the ANFIS. To enhance the performances of the mechanism, accelerated particle swarm optimization (APSO) is utilized to search the optimal design parameters. Lastly, the optimized mechanism is printed by Stereolithography (SLA) 3D technique, and the experimental verifications are performed. The results indicated that circumstance #1, the stroke is about 1.5279 mm, the frequency is 49.02103 Hz, the crosstalk error is 0.01108 mm, and the stress is 8.50514 MPa. In circumstance #2, the stroke is 1.44544 mm, the frequency is 54.51361 Hz, the crosstalk error is 0.0248 mm, and the stress is 8.35604 MPa. In last circumstance, the optimized results are achieved the stroke of 1.62369 mm, frequency of 51.62278 Hz, crosstalk of 0.028141 mm, and stress of 7.71713 MPa. The results indicated that the safety factor of three cases are over 2.5 to ensure a safe operation. The tested results are well satisfied with the simulated results.
The Role of Higher Education Institutions and Entrepreneurial Orientation in the Creation and Development of Academic Spinoffs
Authors: Pacheco Ana , Ferreira João J. , Simões Jorge
Published: November 2023

Academic spinoffs have received great attention in recent years as a means of transferring the knowledge generated by the research activities of higher education institutions (HEIs). Despite the contribution identified by the literature, there remains a lack of empirical evidence substantiating how the creation of academic spinoffs is enabled by entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and HEIs. This study theorises on the relevance of EO within the context of universities and how such an orientation may drive the founding and development of academic spinoffs. Based on a qualitative study, with 15 interviews from university rectors/presidents, faculty/school deans, degree program directors at Portuguese public HEIs, and founders of spinoffs, the results generate two relevant insights: (i) EO is relevant to the creation, growth, and performance of academic spinoffs, and (ii) personal fulfilment, the transfer of knowledge acquired in HEIs and the search for economic independence represent the main motivations for the creation of academic spinoffs. The findings are discussed to highlight their implications for theory, practice and policy-making.
Gender Portrayals and Perceptions in the New Age Society of India
Authors: Barthwal Sunil
Published: November 2023

There has recently been a shift in the portrayal of women in Indian media, from a domestic background and docile image to a more professional and empowered representation. This study explores whether such changed portrayals in the media are also positively perceived and if there is an impact on the status of women in the social reality of India. The study examined gender perceptions through focus group discussions with participants from Gen X and Gen Z cohorts. Gen Z, conditioned in an age of technology and liberalisation, was expected to have different gender perceptions than Gen X, conditioned in a pre-liberalised traditional India. The discussions revealed the participants’ complexities, dilemmas and compromises regarding gender stereotypes and the modern versus traditional portrayal of women in Indian media. While Gen X participants were bound to old gender structures and equations, the iconoclastic Gen Z participants appeared to be onsetting a change in gender perceptions of India.
A Business Acquisition Case on Jollibee Foods Corporation’s Purchase of Mang Inasal
Authors: Cortez Jaime V.
Published: November 2023

This case is about the largest quick-service restaurant (QSR) conglomerate in the Philippines, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), acquiring its fastest growing competitor Mang Inasal (MI). At a time when MI was on its best trajectory toward expansion and financial growth, its CEO, Edgar Sia, sold 70% of the company to the market leader for P3 billion in 2010 and the remaining 30% of the stake for P2 billion in 2016—whopping amounts which, in the eyes of JFC Management, were reasonable enough to fully acquire a highly prized company. Organizing information drawn from public sources, the author wrote this case to encourage intellectual discourse among students and professors of business as they critically analyse the acquisition decision, both from the standpoint of MI and JFC.
Nigeria in ECOWAS Politics: Major Contributions, Dividends and Setbacks
Authors: Oshewolo Segun , Azeez Ademola , Adesanya Olusegun , Oladipo Temidayo , Olaleye Oluseyi , Ade-Ibijola Opeyemi
Published: November 2023

This article examines Nigeria’s interventions in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Relying on data from key ranking bodies, memoirs of retired career ambassadors, general library materials and thematic data analysis, the study observes that Nigeria’s interventions in ECOWAS have not only been remarkable, they have also allowed the country to consolidate its position as the undisputed leader in West Africa. While the platform of ECOWAS has allowed Nigeria to pursue some noble objectives, there are some inconveniences associated with this policy orientation. These contradictions, which have sometimes constrained Nigeria’s diplomacy in West Africa and contracted the returns, include the anti-Nigerian sentiments from some Francophone members of ECOWAS, occasional unfriendly attitude of some small West African countries, and Nigeria’s worsening security challenges that are now spilling into neighbouring countries. Appropriate policy measures are also provided to counteract these contradictions.
Contemporary Adlerian Family Counseling
Authors: Devlin James M. , Birkey Janet , Smith Jade
Published: November 2023

The following theoretical article presents a contemporary Adlerian Family Counseling model, which describes the salient elements of Adlerian Family Counseling as well as its implications for marriage, family, and couple counselors. The authors of the article cover areas of Adlerian Family Counseling and its integration into family systems. Specifically, the article represents contemporary Adlerian Counseling and its application to family systems as well as working with diverse family and couples’ contemporary issues. Lastly, the article pays special attention to working with cultural and LGBTQIA + areas of marriage, family, and relational counseling.
Different Types of Intimate Partner Violence Among Latinx Women: A Call for Expanded Measurement, Screening, and Safety Planning
Authors: Jiwatram-Negrón Tina , Cardenas Iris , Meinhart Melissa , Rubio-Torio Nathaly
Published: November 2023

Despite increased attention on intimate partner violence (IPV) among Latinx women in the United States, measurement often overlooks economic abuse, reproductive coercion, institution-related threats, and technology-facilitated abuse. Using a broad range of measures, this paper examines prevalence and correlations between different types of IPV among a sample of 38 Latinx women enrolled into a pilot study. Results indicate consistently high prevalence of IPV types and significant correlations between several types of abuse (including sexual abuse, technology-facilitated abuse, and institution-related threats). Findings emphasize the need for comprehensive IPV measurement, screening, expanded safety planning, and research on the impact of these types of abuse.
Te Whare Pora a Hine-te-iwaiwa: weaving tradition into the lives of pregnant Māori women, new mothers and babies
Authors: Te Huia (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga) Beverly , Brightwell (Ngāti Kahungunu, Taranaki, Muaupoko, Rongowhakaa Niwa , Cram (Ngāti Pāhauwera) Fiona , Tipene-Leach (Ngāti Kahungunu) David
Published: November 2023

Te Whare Pora a Hine-te-iwaiwa (Te Whare Pora), a Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand)) approach to the prevention of sudden infant death, posits that immersion in traditional knowledge and the weaving of the wahakura (woven flax bassinet) as a safe infant sleep space boosts the resilience of pregnant wāhine Māori (Māori women) and the post-neonatal safety of their infants. Our data are drawn from the observations, conversations and 24 months field-work of an embedded researcher, and formal interviews with 15 pregnant Māori women, their weaving tutor and six kuia (female elders). A rich description of the womens’ experiences demonstrates that Te Whare Pora bolsters the capability of those involved to stand tall in mana wāhine (status as Māori women). This reclaiming of the antenatal period and decolonisation of antenatal care demonstrates that the wahakura belongs within a Māori world, where health outcomes are achieved through Māori being Māori.
Negotiating cancer alone: A qualitative study exploring care experiences of racially and ethnically diverse women diagnosed with breast cancer during COVID-19
Authors: Martinez Leal Isabel , Acquati Chiara , Rogova Anastasia , Chen Tzuan A , Connors Shahnjayla K , Agrawal Pooja , McNeill Lorna H , Reitzel Lorraine R
Published: November 2023

COVID-19 has critically impacted cancer care services including reduced screenings, diagnoses, and surgeries; particularly among Black and Latina/x women who already suffer worse outcomes. This qualitative study explored the care experiences of a diverse sample of breast cancer survivors ( N = 21; 7 Black, 4 Hispanic, 10 White) undergoing treatment during the pandemic via online semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory analysis yielded the core category “ negotiating cancer alone,” that included: (1) psychological distress, negotiating the cancer trajectory in isolation; (2) provider/healthcare system diagnostic and treatment delays; (3) heightened anxiety about treatment delays causing cancer progression; (4) supportive care limitations; and (5) disparate experiences of cancer care disruptions. Black and Latina/x women described greater delays in care, financial challenges, treatment complications, and insurance limitations than White women. The study identifies cancer patients’ pandemic-related psychological, healthcare system, and health equity challenges and suggests recommendations to support their increased psychological needs during oncologic care disruptions.
Identifying benefits and concerns with using digital health services during COVID-19: Evidence from a hospital-based patient survey
Authors: Painter Annabelle , van Dael Jackie , Neves Ana Luisa , Bachtiger Patrik , O’Brien Niki , Gardner Clarissa , Quint Jennifer , Adamson Alexander , Peters Nicholas , Darzi Ara , Ghafur Saira
Published: November 2023

Despite large-scale adoption during COVID-19, patient perceptions on the benefits and potential risks with receiving care through digital technologies have remained largely unexplored. A quantitative content analysis of responses to a questionnaire ( N = 6766) conducted at a multi-site acute trust in London (UK), was adopted to identify commonly reported benefits and concerns. Patients reported a range of promising benefits beyond immediate usage during COVID-19, including ease of access; support for disease and care management; improved timeliness of access and treatment; and better prioritisation of healthcare resources. However, in addition to known risks such as data security and inequity in access, our findings also illuminate some less studied concerns, including perceptions of compromised safety; negative impacts on patient-clinician relationships; and difficulties in interpreting health information provided through electronic health records and mHealth apps. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Mechanically induced temperature oscillations in the coupled thermo-elasticity analysis of articulated dynamical systems
Authors: Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: November 2023

This article discusses a new approach for predicting and quantifying mechanically induced temperature oscillations in the coupled thermo-elasticity analysis of articulated mechanical systems (AMS). In this approach, the constrained equations of motion are solved simultaneously with discrete temperature equations obtained by converting heat partial-differential equation to a set of first-order ordinary differential equations. Dependence of the temperature gradients and their spatial derivatives on the position gradients, spinning motion, and curvatures is discussed. The approach captures dependence of the temperature-oscillation frequencies on the mechanical-displacement frequencies. The temperature field can be selected to ensure continuity of the temperature gradients at the nodal points. To generalize the AMS coupled thermo-elasticity formulation and capture the effect of the boundary and motion constraints (BMC) on the thermal expansion, the proposed method is based on integrating thermodynamics and Lagrange-D’Alembert principles. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is used to describe continuum displacement and obtain accurate description of the reference-configuration geometry and change of this geometry due to deformations. A thermal-analysis large-displacement formulation is used to allow converting heat energy to kinetic energy, ensuring stress-free thermal expansion in case of unconstrained uniform thermal expansion. Cholesky heat coordinates are used to define an identity coefficient matrix for the efficient solution of the discretized heat equations. The approach presented is applicable to the two different forms of the heat equation used in the literature; one form is explicit function of the stresses while the other form does not depend explicitly on the stresses. Because of the need for using ANCF finite elements to achieve a higher degree of continuity in the coupled thermomechanical approach introduced in this article, the concept of the ANCF mesh topology is discussed.
Endovascular and Surgical Venous Arterialization for No-Option Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ucci Alessandro , Perini Paolo , Freyrie Antonio , Schreve Michiel A. , Ünlü Çağdaş , Huizing Eline , van den Heuvel Daniel A. , Kum Steven , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Ferraresi Roberto
Published: November 2023

Background:

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is known for its high rates of major amputation and mortality. Conventional revascularization techniques often fail in CLTI patients due to the heavily diseased arteries. Foot vein arterialization (FVA) has been proposed as an alternative technique to provide arterial blood to the foot by using the disease-free venous bed.

Objectives:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine outcomes of surgical FVA (sFVA) and percutaneous FVA (pFVA) at 6 and 12 months post-procedure.

Data sources:

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify papers reporting clinical outcomes of sFVA and pFVA published between January 1966 and March 2023.

Methods:

Databases were searched for eligible studies. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the limb salvage rate, overall survival rate, and wound healing rate at 6 and 12 months.

Results:

A total of 27 studies were included, with 753 patients and 793 limbs. Of the included studies, 16 analyzed the sFVA technique and 11 the pFVA technique. Of the included patients, 86.3% were Rutherford 5/6 in the sFVA group versus 98.4% in the pFVA group. The pooled limb salvage rate at 6 and 12 months was 78.1% and 74.1% in the sFVA group and 81.7% and 78.6% in the pFVA group, respectively. Wound healing rates were not reported in the sFVA group. In the pFVA group, the pooled wound healing rates were 48.1% and 64.5% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study showed promising results after FVA among a large population of CLTI patients. In high-risk patients, pFVA is a feasible option with favorable limb salvage and wound healing rates.
Examining the Qualitative Experiences of Latinx Nurses During the First Wave of COVID-19
Authors: Sandoval Jennifer , Aquino Elizabeth , Piñeros-Leaño María , Domínguez José , Simonovich Shannon D.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The world has been impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since March of 2020. Latinx nurses have been some of the most underrepresented in being studied during this time and have been greatly affected by it. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies that focus on the qualitative experiences of Latinx nurses during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: Data analysis included thematic analysis to identify main themes experienced by Latinx nurses. A qualitative descriptive study design was employed to conduct a parent study with 100 nurses across the United States reflecting on their experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, data collected from May to September 2020. Formal coding of the interview data was conducted utilizing Dedoose cloud-based software. Results: Five main themes emerged, including (1) connection to patients’ personal touch and empathy, (2) connection to Latinx nurses, (3) connection to family and friends, (4) connection to food as care, and (5) coping. Within the theme of coping, subthemes of (5.1) faith, (5.2) maladaptive behaviors, and (5.3) self-care activities emerged. Conclusion: These experiences can help shape the pathway to be better prepared for any emergency or future pandemic.
A simulation analysis method for strength and fatigue design of prestressed wound ultra-high pressure vessels
Authors: Che Lida , Wang Peng , Ma Liliang , Feng Yuqi , Zhao Jie , Li Xiangyang
Published: November 2023

Pre-stressed steel wire-wound ultra-high-pressure vessels (PSWUPV) are commonly used in engineering to transport ultra-high-pressure media. However, the complex structure of these containers and the frequent pressure changes pose challenges in designing their structural and fatigue strength. Three simulation design methods were compared and analyzed: the two-dimensional force method, the two-dimensional cooling method, and the three-dimensional force method. The results showed that all three methods met the stress analysis requirements. The three-dimensional surface mass force method was chosen as the preferred method for engineering applications, specifically for the process of steel wire-winding loaded with mass force. The combined load case method was used to examine the influence of steel wires on the stress of the thick-walled cylinder when wound layer-by-layer. The study also focused on the changes in stress relaxation within the steel wire layer. The results demonstrated that the residual stresses of the core cylinder and the winding layer exhibited quasi-linear superposition during the winding and preloading process. The preloading effect of the steel wire weakened with increasing friction coefficient. Simulation results showed larger errors with excessively large or small normal stiffness coefficients. Based on theoretical solutions and verification studies, the optimal friction and normal stiffness coefficients were determined to be 0.02 and 1, respectively. By achieving a reasonable distribution of residual stress in the thick-walled cylinder of the ultra-high-pressure vessel through fatigue analysis, the fatigue life of the cylinder was significantly improved.
‘There is more than one sort of prison, Captain’: A popular criminology of prisons and penal regimes in Star Wars
Authors: Atkinson Colin , Brangan Louise
Published: November 2023

In this paper we emphasise how science fiction, as a projection of the possible, can forewarn of dystopic dangers in emergent and future penal regimes. In this popular criminology we explore three archetypes of the prison as they have appeared across the Star Wars franchise: the panoptic prison; the labour camp; and the smart prison. The panoptic prison of the Galactic Republic invokes reflective nostalgia; prompting critical discussion of the deficiencies of the modern prison. Under the Galactic Empire prisons become labour camps, recalling the horrors of the Gulag as violent and cruel manifestations of underpinning ideology. Whilst the fall of the Galactic Empire signalled a return to governance based on democratic values, the representation of the smart prison in the New Republic continues to resonate as a techno-Gulag, reading as an allegory for a deeper crisis of liberal democracy. Analysed as such, prisons in Star Wars exist at the intersection of the past, present and possible futures of penal regimes, and in our current political climate can be a resource for resistance to technological trends and dystopic dangers. Star Wars, we conclude, and science fiction more broadly, is well-positioned to inform a radical re-imagining of future prisons and penal regimes.
Addressing the class imbalance in tabular datasets from a generative adversarial network approach in supervised machine learning
Authors: Sánchez-Gutiérrez Máximo E , González-Pérez Pedro P
Published: November 2023

One common issue with datasets used for supervised classification tasks is data imbalance or the unequal distribution of classes within a dataset. The class imbalance may cause biased machine learning models to favor the dominant class, misclassifying the minority class. Specific techniques can be employed to deal with the issue of class imbalance, including resampling by oversampling or undersampling and ensemble approaches. Besides, generative adversarial networks, a deep learning technique for building generative models, offer an alternative machine learning technique that is particularly well suited to address the class imbalance problem. This work introduces a machine learning-based approach to deal with the class imbalance in a cancer intracellular signaling dataset produced by a verified and validated computer simulation. Specifically, we use synthetic data generation to increase and balance the dataset generated by the computational simulation. The used approach simulates the oversampling method by employing a generative adversarial network to produce new examples for the minority class. Subsequently, we applied supervised machine learning methods, such as the K-NN algorithm, to assess whether or not the classification accuracy improved relative to the unbalanced dataset. The results presented in this work have shown an accuracy increase in the classification of patterns belonging to the minority class, with an improvement of [Formula: see text].
Will a desirable apparatus always return a desirable end? My hope for Snapshots from Home: Mind, Action, and Strategy in an Uncertain World (Bristol University Press, 2022)
Authors: EUN Yong-Soo
Published: November 2023

Will a desirable apparatus always return a desirable end? This short engagement expresses my hope for Karin M. Fierke’s Snapshots from Home: Mind, Action, and Strategy in an Uncertain World (Bristol University Press, 2022).
Quality of patient- and proxy-reported outcomes for children with impairment of the lower extremity: A systematic review using the COnsensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement INstruments methodology
Authors: Saris Tim FF , Kalle JP Ruben , Sierevelt Inger N , Eygendaal Denise , van Bergen Christiaan JA
Published: November 2023

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures have become crucial in the clinical evaluation of patients. Appropriate selection, in a young population, of the instrument is vital to providing evidence-based patient-centered healthcare. This systematic review applies the COnsensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement INstruments methodology to provide a critically appraised overview of patient-reported outcome measures targeted at pediatric orthopedic patients with lower limb impairment.

Method:

A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify original studies reporting the development and/or validation of patient-reported outcome measures evaluating children with impairment of the lower extremity. Data extraction, quality assessment, and risk of bias evaluation were performed following the COnsensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Results:

A total of 6919 articles were screened. Thirty-three studies were included, reporting evidence on the measurement properties of 13 different patient-reported outcome measures and 20 translations. Four studies reported on content validity and patient-reported outcome measure development. The methodological quality of studies on structural validity, content validity, or patient-reported outcome measure development was mostly rated as “doubtful” or “very good.” The quality of evidence on measurement properties varied noticeably, with most studies needing to perform improve their methodological quality to justify their results.

Conclusion:

This review provides an extensive overview of all available patient-reported outcome measures for patients with lower extremity impairment within pediatric orthopedics. We cautiously advise the use of four patient-reported outcome measures. However, the scarce availability of research on content validity and patient-reported outcome measure development highlights an area for future research endeavors to improve our knowledge on the currently available patient-reported outcome measures.

Level of evidence:

Diagnostic level 1
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric spinal care: A multi-centric study
Authors: Otremski Hila , Dermott Jennifer , Page Kira , Ipp Lisa S , Blanco John S , Studer Daniel , Sigal Amit , Kim Dorothy , Hasler Carol C , Lebel David E , Widmann Roger F , Ovadia Dror
Published: November 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare worldwide since December 2019. We aimed to identify the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient clinic and surgical volumes and peri-operative complications for pediatric spinal deformities patients.

Methods:

In this multi-center retrospective study, outpatient visits (in-person and virtual care) and pediatric spine surgeries volumes in four high-volume pediatric spine centers were compared between March and December 2019 and the same period in 2020. Peri-operative complications were collected and compared in the same periods. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and comparative analyses were performed.

Results:

During the 2020 study period, the outpatient visit (in-person and virtual care) volume decreased during local lockdown periods by 71% for new patients (p < 0.001) and 53% for returning patients (p = 0.03). Overall, for 2020, there was a 20% reduction in new patients (p = 0.001) and 21% decrease in returning patients (p < 0.001). During the pandemic, there was also 20% less overall surgical volume of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients undergoing primary posterior spinal fusion, with a 70% reduction during lockdown times (p < 0.001). Complication rate and profile were similar between periods.

Conclusion:

There was a significant decrease in outpatient pediatric spine outpatient visits, particularly new patients, which may increase the proportion of pediatric patients with spinal deformities that present late, meeting surgical indication. This, in combination with the reduction in surgical volume of AIS over the first year of the pandemic, could result in an extended waitlist for surgeries during years to come. Complication rate was similar for both periods, suggesting it is safe to continue elective pediatric spine surgery even in a time of a pandemic.

Level of evidence:

level IV.
New orientations: Incoherence
Authors: Adeniyi-Ogunyankin Grace
Published: November 2023

In this commentary, I engage with Simone et al.'s article, ‘Inhabiting the Extensions’, by reflecting on its connections to my work on uncertainty and urban change in Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria, and to my recent turn to queer theory to better understand the urban. In doing so, I highlight how youth think a new orientation towards a luxurious lifestyle is their answer to instability and consider the importance of embracing incoherence as a way of having a more nuanced understanding of everyday life and challenging teleological timeframes.
The effectiveness of telehealth interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Heidari-Soureshjani Reza , Daneshvar Mojtaba , Mohammadi Tayeb , Negarandeh Reza , Sayadi Leila
Published: November 2023

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Telehealth interventions (TIs) have emerged as a promising avenue for providing healthcare services remotely, potentially improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for people with MS. This systematic review aims to assess the impact and efficacy of TIs on outcomes of people with MS by synthesizing and comparing outcomes from related randomized controlled trials.

Methods

The systematic review protocol will involve searching electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, CENTRAL), gray literature resources, and key journals from 1997 to June 2023 for keywords related to Telehealth and MS. The collection of research-related articles will be followed by the removal of duplicates before they are included in the study. During the screening stage, the titles and abstracts of the articles will be reviewed, and irrelevant articles will be excluded. The full text of relevant articles will be independently evaluated by two researchers, and data will be extracted from the final articles. The findings will be classified and recorded in an extraction table. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The data will be analyzed using STATA version 14.2. The PROSPERO ID for this study is CRD42023450081.

Discussion

This study aims to address the current knowledge gap by investigating the comparative effectiveness of TIs. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights and evidence regarding the effectiveness of these interventions, assess their feasibility and accessibility, examine patient outcomes, identify research gaps, and offer guidance for clinical practice and policy-making.
Supportive Policies of Government as the Drivers of SMEs’ Export Performance: A Study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Vo Quy T. , Nguyen Tho V. , Ho Tin H. , Bui Hien T. T. , Le Khoa N. A.
Published: November 2023

The Vietnamese government has advocated developing an export-based economy. In fact, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 2471/QD-TTg dated December 28, 2011, approving the strategy of import and export of goods for the period 2011 to 2020, with a vision to 2030 formulating policies on development of logistics services, credit, and investment to develop export production, and customs clearance places for import and export goods. That fact prompted us to conduct the research investigating the impact of export support policies on export performance of firms locating in Ho Chi Minh City. The combination of qualitative and quantitative research method was applied. The netnography method and in-depth interview were used to explore support policies influencing export performance, and found Tax Incentives, Credit Incentives, Trade Promotion Support, and Custom Procedures Reform are four policies significantly explaining firms’ export performance. To measure the impact of these policies on export performance, we surveyed 141 firms in HCMC. The quantitative study confirmed that four policies impact positively significantly on export performance. The best explanatory factor is Trade Promotion Support, the second is Customs Procedure Reforms, followed by Tax Incentives. Credit incentives have the lowest effect on export performance. The findings asserted the positive effectiveness of policies promoting export performance implementing in Vietnam, and provided empirical evidence to support institutional theory.
Environmental Intervention Evaluation to Support Motor Planning of Wheelchair Movements: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tabattanon Kamolnat , Nakisher Emily , Koca Ekim , J. Bernard
Published: November 2023

Environmental interventions provide a promising opportunity to support inclusive mobility in our rapidly changing society and workforce. Concurrently, the trends for aging into mobility disability, working into older age, and health and economic burdens of unpaid caregiving continue to rise. Hence, providing equitable mobility for all is an urgent need. In the context of manual wheelchair control, a novel method investigating the impact of environmental interventions on individual’s internal representation of motor actions is proposed. In addition to measuring objective and subjective performance metrics, we propose that an understanding of how internal representations of tasks are influenced by user perception of the environment has promising potential towards informing effective and inclusive task-environment interactions. The application explored in this pilot study aims to facilitate mobility.
Justice and Judicial Education: An Unbreakable Bond Cemented by the Rule of Law
Authors: Sharma Swarna Kanta , Batra Bhavna
Published: November 2023

The importance of judicial training and education has been recognized time and again by judges and legal professionals not only in India but across the globe. Judicial education and training serve the critical purpose of preserving the rule of law in the country. Judicial education fosters the administration of justice by equipping judges with the skills needed in courtrooms. They develop sensibilities to look beyond their personal preferences and choices and give judgments that suit the dynamic socio-economic realities. Judicial education creates a speedy and impartial justice delivery system that enhances public confidence in the working of our constitutional democracy. However, the judicial education system of our country is not free from challenges. There is a multitude of problems relating to the implementation of judicial pedagogy and the institution itself. These conundrums specifically signal a dire need to revamp our judicial education system by drawing an appropriate curriculum, methodology and action plan that treat participant judges, not as ‘students or trainees’ but as ‘people of knowledge and skill’ that have come to the learning centres to create better solutions to a potential legal issue they may encounter in their profession later in life.
Effects of Arthroscopic Atelocollagen Insertion in High-Grade Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion Lesions: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Ji Jong-Hun , Choi Changrak , You Hwangyong , Parikh Darshil , Oh Seungbae
Published: November 2023

Background:

This study sought to evaluate the effect of atelocollagen insertion into the bone–tendon interface of the repaired tendon after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for high-grade partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions.

Purpose:

To compare clinical and radiological outcomes of atelocollagen-inserted rotator cuff repair and atelocollagen-noninserted rotator cuff repair in the high-grade PASTA lesions.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The data from 301 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of PASTA lesions between January 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with minimum 2-year follow-up data were included and divided into 2 groups: those treated with transtendon suture-bridge repair without additional augmentation (group 1) and those with atelocollagen-inserted transtendon suture-bridge repair (group 2). Patients in group 2 were matched 1:1 to patients in group 1 using propensity score matching (n = 68 per group); and pain visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California, Los Angeles, Korean Shoulder Scoring System, Simple Shoulder Test, and range of motion scores were compared between these groups. Also, repaired tendon integrity and thickness were compared immediately, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the vertical distance from the midpoint footprint of the greater tuberosity.

Results:

In most comparisons, there were no significant differences in outcome measures and range of motion between groups. However, less residual discomfort at the final follow-up was also documented in group 2 ( P = .043). Also, the difference in forward flexion was 3.7° at 1 year and 5.4° at final follow-up, and the difference in abduction was 2.2° at final follow-up, which were all significantly greater in the experimental group. Group 2 showed significant greater tendon thickness of the repaired tendon immediately, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery on MRI ( P≤ .001).

Conclusion:

Addition of atelocollagen did not improve outcome scores. However, there was slightly greater flexion and abduction at final follow-up. Also, there was less residual discomfort at final follow-up.
Effects of Compression Intervention on the Thigh Using Elastic Bandage on Lateral Femoral Pain After Trochanteric Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kawanishi Kengo , Fukuda Daisuke , Miyashita Toshinori , Kitagawa Takashi , Niwa Hiroyuki , Okuno Taisuke , Kinoshita Takashi , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Kudo Shintarou
Published: November 2023

A trochanteric fracture is one type of hip fracture. Management of postoperative pain after trochanteric fracture that is caused by decreased gliding between tissues in the lateral thigh is not established. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of compression of the thigh using an elastic bandage on trochanteric fracture after surgery. Multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in collaboration with the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (sub-acute rehabilitation Unit) in two hospitals. Eligible volunteers ( n = 34) with trochanteric fractures after surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In the treatment group, participants practiced standing and walking under compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. The control group was blinded to the intervention and practiced standing and walking under non-compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. Both groups underwent a standard physical therapy program 2 times a day, daily. Two-way repeated measures of ANOVA showed significant main effect between the groups for gliding between tissue ( p < .001), lateral femoral pain ( p < .001), subcutaneous tissue thickness ( p = .044). Compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage significantly improved subcutaneous tissue thickness, gliding between tissues, lateral thigh pain. Gait velocity improved with these functional improvements.
Health Disparities in Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Role of Social Strain, Depression, and C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Malatyali Ayse , Sagna De Main Atami , Cidav Tom , Komalasari Renata , Xie Rui , Thiamwong Ladda
Published: November 2023

We investigated the association of social strain from friends, depression, and systemic inflammation (C-Reactive Protein [CRP]) with cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) and dementia among 9,262 participants (age ≥ 65). We analyzed data from the Health Retirement Study (HRS), performing Chi-squared and logistic regression analyses. Measures included the 27-point HRS cognition scale, social strain scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, and dried-blood CRP levels. Black and Hispanic participants had a significantly increased dementia risk (OR = 2.69 and OR = 2.54). Black participants also had a high risk of CIND (OR = 2.80), but no association of Hispanic participants with CIND. Increased social strain from friends and depression were significantly associated with CIND (OR = 1.50 and OR = 1.44) and dementia (OR = 1.57 and OR = 1.78). Elevated CRP levels were only linked to CIND risk (OR = 1.03), not dementia. Early detection and interventions targeting social strain, depression, and CRP levels may help promote cognitive functioning in older adults.
Aging is Associated With Constipation in Japanese Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Yagi Sen , Furukawa Shinya , Miyake Teruki , Yoshida Osamu , Shiraishi Kana , Tange Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Yu , Kitahata Shogo , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hanayama Masakazu , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shibata Naozumi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Tomida Hideomi , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: November 2023

Aim: Age is a risk factor for constipation. Constipation is common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been positively associated with disease activity, but evidence is limited. This study aimed to assess the association between disease activity and constipation in patients with UC. Methods: The study subjects consisted of 290 Japanese UC patients. The definition of constipation was based on Rome I criteria and/or medication for constipation. Information on and lifestyle habits was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Mucosal healing (MH) was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore 0. Clinical remission (CR) was defined as both the absence of rectal bleeding and no abnormally high stool frequency (<3 times per day). Results: The prevalence of constipation is not associated with MH, CR, duration of UC and disease extent of UC. The prevalence of constipation among age groups, <40, 40–49 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years, and >70 years was 10.0%, 5.8%, 15.7%, 11.8%, and 25.6%, respectively. >70 years was independently and positively associated with the prevalence of constipation (adjusted odds ratio 3.64 [95% confidence interval 1.26, 10.95], p for trend: .001). Conclusions: Aging was independently and positively associated with the prevalence of constipation in UC.