bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Crisis in Spotlight Increases Preference for Female but not Ethnic Minority Leaders: The Role of Signaling Theory for Glass Cliff Appointments
Authors: Takizawa Ruri , Iacoviello Vincenzo , Kulich Clara
Published: November 2024

In times of crisis, decision-makers often appoint atypical candidates (i.e., women or ethnic minorities) as leaders, a phenomenon known as the “glass cliff.” Two online experiments (N = 607) with employees in Switzerland and France investigated whether media and stakeholder (i.e., third-party) attention toward the organization drives these preferences given that atypical appointments may be used to signal change. As expected, we found that atypical candidates were more likely appointed during a high third-party attention crisis compared to a low third-party attention crisis and a no-crisis situation. Third-party attention, however, had varying effects on female and ethnic minority candidates, illuminating the complexities of atypical leadership selections during crises. Against expectations, candidate choice was unrelated to the perceived importance of signaling change. Although this research provides causal evidence of the impact of third-party attention on atypical leadership selection, the underlying psychological mechanisms postulated by signaling theory need to be further explored.
Associations of sibling relationship quality and emotion regulation with child functioning in families with parental cancer
Authors: Buist Kirsten L. , Egberts Marthe R. , Boelen Paul A.
Published: November 2024

In families facing parental cancer, children have an increased risk for impaired psychosocial functioning, such as lower quality of life and satisfaction with life, and increased posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These outcomes are likely affected by both dyadic and individual factors. The aims of the current study were to examine (1) the associations of sibling relationship quality (i.e., warmth and conflict) and emotion regulation problems with child functioning (i.e., quality of life, satisfaction with life, and PTSS) in families facing parental cancer; and (2) whether emotion regulation problems partially or fully mediate these associations. Our sample consisted of 161 children from 82 Dutch families facing parental cancer (84.6% maternal cancer). During home visits, children (mean age 12.1 years; 53.1% girls; 54.4% same-sex sibling pairs) filled out questionnaires about their sibling relationships and their own functioning. Mediation analyses showed no significant direct nor indirect effects of sibling warmth on quality of life, satisfaction with life or PTSS. Significant indirect (but not direct) effects were found for sibling conflict on quality of life and satisfaction with life and on PTSS, through emotion regulation problems. Children experiencing more sibling conflict reported more emotion regulation problems, which were linked to lower quality of life and satisfaction with life and more PTSS. Our study suggests that sibling conflict could be considered a risk factor for child psychosocial functioning in families facing parental cancer. The potentially beneficial effects of sibling warmth were not confirmed by our findings. Limitations and implications of the study and future directions are discussed.
The green libraries partnership and green libraries campaign
Authors: Morris Yvonne
Published: November 2024

The Green Libraries Partnership, rebranded as the Green Libraries Campaign in 2023, was established in February 2022 in response to the UN Climate Change Conference and the climate emergency declarations by local authorities in England. The initiative, led by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and supported by key organisations, aims to foster a sustainable future for libraries and their communities. Central to its mission are four key aims: enhancing sustainability efforts within libraries, facilitating community engagement, aligning with local environmental initiatives, and positioning libraries as vital contributors to climate action. Over its first eighteen months, the Partnership conducted research, launched a Green Libraries Manifesto, established a grant fund, and hosted the inaugural Green Libraries Conference, reflecting its commitment to environmental action. The Green Libraries Campaign seeks to expand the programme’s reach across the UK library sector, encouraging collaboration and innovation to address climate change effectively. This article outlines the objectives of the Partnership and Campaign, evaluates achievements thus far, and discusses future aspirations, emphasising the importance of libraries in promoting climate awareness and action. As the initiative evolves, it aspires to ensure financial sustainability while fostering an inclusive network of libraries dedicated to environmental stewardship. The programme is also committed to learning from global library initiatives to support diverse communities in their sustainability efforts and the measures being taken across the international library sector to work towards achieving new zero across library buildings and services.
Feasibility and acceptability of the brief patient-reported experience measure consideRATE within the hospital setting for patients with palliative care needs, their families/carers and clinicians
Authors: Virdun Claudia , Button Elise , Phillips Jane L , Saunders Catherine H , Yates Patsy , Luckett Tim
Published: November 2024

Background:

Supporting clinical teams to improve care for inpatients with palliative care needs and their carers is a known priority. Patient reported experience measures (PREMs) may assist in improvement work. Evidence about how to collect and feedback PREM data for this population and context is required.

Aim:

To determine the feasibility of implementing a brief, validated PREM, consideRATE and appraise its acceptability as perceived by inpatients with palliative care needs, their carers and clinicians.

Design:

A prospective study using: 1) PREM administration, screening log and field note completion; and; 2) a focus group with clinicians.

Setting/participants:

Eligible participants recruited from three wards (cancer care and internal medicine) of an Australian tertiary metropolitan hospital. Participants included patients screened to have palliative care needs (using the SPICTTM criteria), their carers and multidisciplinary clinicians (including clinical managers).

Results:

Feasibility: A 71% response rate was achieved ( n = 80 from 112 eligible patients approached). Mean screening time to inform eligible patients for PREM completion was 7.5 min. More than half of eligible participants ( n = 47, 59%) opted for electronic completion of consideRATE and mean completion time was 6.12 min. A third of participants required assistance for PREM completion ( n = 27, 34%). Score distribution varied across response options, albeit with a positive skew towards ‘very good’ and ‘good’. Two thirds of respondents ( n = 50, 62.5%) provided ⩾1 free-text response. Acceptability: Clinicians valued consideRATE data noting feedback needed to be: accessible, supported by free-text and responsive to local contexts.

Conclusions:

It is feasible to implement consideRATE for inpatients with palliative care needs. Clinicians note consideRATE data is acceptable in informing improvement foci.
Assessing Methods for Adjusting Estimates of Treatment Effectiveness for Patient Nonadherence in the Context of Time-to-Event Outcomes and Health Technology Assessment: A Simulation Study
Authors: Alshreef Abualbishr , Latimer Nicholas , Tappenden Paul , Dixon Simon
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We aim to assess the performance of methods for adjusting estimates of treatment effectiveness for patient nonadherence in the context of health technology assessment using simulation methods.

Methods

We simulated trial datasets with nonadherence, prognostic characteristics, and a time-to-event outcome. The simulated scenarios were based on a trial investigating immunosuppressive treatments for improving graft survival in patients who had had a kidney transplant. The primary estimand was the difference in restricted mean survival times in all patients had there been no nonadherence. We compared generalized methods (g-methods; marginal structural model with inverse probability of censoring weighting [IPCW], structural nested failure time model [SNFTM] with g-estimation) and simple methods (intention-to-treat [ITT] analysis, per-protocol [PP] analysis) in 90 scenarios each with 1,900 simulations. The methods’ performance was primarily assessed according to bias.

Results

In implementation nonadherence scenarios, the average percentage bias was 20% (ranging from 7% to 37%) for IPCW, 20% (8%–38%) for SNFTM, 20% (8%–38%) for PP, and 40% (20%–75%) for ITT. In persistence nonadherence scenarios, the average percentage bias was 26% (9%–36%) for IPCW, 26% (14%–39%) for SNFTM, 26% (14%–36%) for PP, and 47% (16%–72%) for ITT. In initiation nonadherence scenarios, the percentage bias ranged from −29% to 110% for IPCW, −34% to 108% for SNFTM, −32% to 102% for PP, and between −18% and 200% for ITT.

Conclusion

In this study, g-methods and PP produced more accurate estimates of the treatment effect adjusted for nonadherence than the ITT analysis did. However, considerable bias remained in some scenarios.

Highlights

Randomized controlled trials are usually analyzed using the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle, which produces a valid estimate of effectiveness relating to the underlying trial, but when patient adherence to medications in the real world is known to differ from that observed in the trial, such estimates are likely to result in a biased representation of real-world effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Our simulation study demonstrates that generalized methods (g-methods; IPCW, SNFTM) and per-protocol analysis provide more accurate estimates of the treatment effect than the ITT analysis does, when adjustment for nonadherence is required; however, even with these adjustment methods, considerable bias may remain in some scenarios. When real-world adherence is expected to differ from adherence observed in a trial, adjustment methods should be used to provide estimates of real-world effectiveness.
Awareness of Disease Incurability Moderates the Association between Patients’ Health Status and Their Treatment Preferences
Authors: Poco Louisa Camille , Balasubramanian Ishwarya , Chaudhry Isha , Malhotra Chetna
Published: November 2024

Background

With advancing illness, some patients with heart failure (HF) opt to receive life-extending treatments despite their high costs, while others choose to forgo these treatments, emphasizing cost containment. We examined the association between patients’ health status and their preferences for treatment cost containment versus life extension and whether their patients’ awareness of disease incurability moderated this association.

Methods

In a prospective cohort of patients ( N = 231) with advanced HF in Singapore, we assessed patients’ awareness of disease incurability, health status, and treatment preferences every 4 mo for up to 4 y (up to 13 surveys). Using random effects multinomial logistic regression models, we assessed whether patients’ awareness of disease incurability moderated the association between their health status and treatment preferences.

Results

About half of the patients in our study lacked awareness of HF’s incurability. Results from regression analyses showed that patients with better health status, as indicated by lower distress scores (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 0.862 [0.754, 0.985]) and greater physical well-being (1.12 [1.03, 1.21]); and who lacked awareness of their disease’s incurability were more likely to prefer higher cost containment/minimal life extension treatments compared with lower cost containment/maximal life extension.

Conclusions

This study underscores the significance of patients’ awareness in disease incurability in shaping the relationship between their health status and treatment preferences. Our findings emphasize the need to incorporate illness education during goals-of-care conversations with patients and the importance of revisiting these conversations frequently to accommodate changing treatment preferences.

Highlights

The health status of patients with advanced heart failure was associated with their treatment preferences. Patients whose health status improved and who lacked awareness of their disease’s incurability were more likely to prefer higher cost containment/minimal life extension treatments.
Type II cryoglobulinemia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Bian Renjie , Yan Xiaojing , Zhang Chaoxu , Tao Yuan , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: November 2024

Type II cryoglobulinemia is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal immunoglobulins (Igs) precipitating in the blood at low temperatures and redissolving upon warming. Sjogren's disease (SjD) is an autoimmune disorder involving secretory gland malfunction that leads to persistent dryness of the mouth and eyes. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old woman with a 7-year history of SjD who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). However, her complicated clinical features could not be sufficiently explained by this disease alone. Immunofixation electrophoresis revealed monoclonal IgM-κ and polyclonal IgG-κ. The presence of precipitated cryoglobulin and elevated rheumatoid factor levels confirmed a diagnosis of type II cryoglobulinemia for this patient. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first report of a patient with CLL/SLL, SjD, and type II cryoglobulinemia, which increased our understanding of immune system-related disorders. Because certain similar mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of these three diseases, a combination treatment of rituximab, ibrutinib, and dexamethasone resulted in a favorable prognosis for this patient.
Achieving Inter-Rater Agreement and Inter-Rater Reliability to Assess Fidelity of an Occupation-Based Coaching (OBC) Clinical Trial Intervention
Authors: Abbott Amy Ann , Shin Julia , Carlson Kathryn , Russell Marion , Qi Yongyue , Storm Hannah , Jewell Vanessa Dawn
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Establishing inter-rater agreement and reliability ascertains that multiple raters consistently evaluate observed interventions to ensure that clinical research protocols are delivered as intended by the trial protocol.

Purpose:

Using the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies, we (a) exemplified the steps to establish inter-rater reliability and inter-rater agreement on the occupation-based coaching Video Evaluation Tool and (b) evaluated best practices that promoted high inter-rater reliability and inter-rater agreement between blinded raters prior to starting a pilot randomized controlled trial. The randomized controlled trial examined the preliminary effectiveness of occupation-based coaching via telehealth for rural families with children living with type 1 diabetes to improve family quality of life, participation, self-efficacy, and child health outcomes.

Method:

We created a library of 13 occupation-based coaching videos portraying a range of evaluations, scores, and ratings. The inter-rater agreement and reliability on the occupation-based coaching Video Evaluation Tool were established through the iterations of (a) blinded rater training, (b) data collection using the tool, and (c) statistical analysis using Cohen’s kappa and Cronbach’s alpha.

Findings:

Occurrence and Non-Occurrence Checklist (κ = 0.881, p < 0.001); “Caregiver Talk” and “Interventionist Talk Analysis” (ICC = 0.991–0.999, p < 0.001); Evidence of Independent Capacity Rating (ICC = 0.867 p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Strong inter-rater reliability and inter-rater agreement was established by engaging two blinded raters through multifaceted training, integrating real-life clients and contexts into the instrumentation and training, and precisely defined rubric criteria. By employing such practices, high inter-rater reliability and agreement can be achieved in clinical research involving interventions and instruments that are highly subjective and individualized. To ascertain greater scientific confidence in the intervention effect, developing a multidomain fidelity framework and establishing high inter-rater agreement and reliability in the instruments a priori to implementation of clinical trials are necessary.
Death dealers: Dynamics of Israel’s permanent war economy
Authors: Dana Tariq
Published: November 2024

This study critically explores Israel’s permanent war economy, examining its core principles and strategic impacts. It analyzes how the war economy is integral to Israel’s settler-colonial structures and functions, fulfilling various ideological, geopolitical, and financial goals through a sustained conflict footing, rather than being a transient occurrence. To this end, the study identifies and analyzes four key dynamics underpinning Israel’s war economy: First, acute societal militarism serves as an economic growth engine, nurturing skilled military capital and advanced technologies that feed the war economy system. Second, the role of American patronage is examined as a key enabler of the Israeli war economy. In the absence of a traditional colonial metropole, the United States functions as an imperial sponsor, providing extensive military aid, technological transfers, financial assistance, and diplomatic backing–without which Israel’s military posture would be inconceivable. Third, the article investigates Israel’s exploitation of the occupied Palestinian territories as a laboratory for testing, optimizing and marketing military systems’ performance to international clients. Fourth, examines how Israel’s arms export multiplies revenues for the Israeli war economy while also providing diplomatic leverage to advance Israel’s geopolitical agendas and foreign policy objectives.
An Exploratory Assessment of Driver Injury Severities in Large-Truck Crashes Involving Fatigued and Non-Fatigued Driving
Authors: Islam Mouyid
Published: November 2024

Fatigue poses a persistent safety challenge for long-haul truck drivers, significantly elevating the risk of highway crashes and compromising daily work performance. This study investigates the factors influencing driver injury severity in single-large truck crashes due to fatigued driving, compared with non-fatigued driving (normal driving). Using Florida crash data from 2011 to 2019 (inclusive), covering both fatigue and non-fatigue-related crashes, this analysis employs random parameters logit models to account for potential unobserved heterogeneity in means and variances. A comprehensive array of factors affecting driver injury severity, including spatial and temporal characteristics, vehicle and traffic attributes, roadway conditions, and driver-specific characteristics, are examined. Strikingly, different parameter estimates emerge for fatigue and non-fatigue-related crashes, indicating fundamental dissimilarities in unobserved heterogeneity in large truck crash data. The estimated model results unveil distinct marginal effects between fatigued and non-fatigued driving, particularly concerning severe injury crashes, suggesting significant variation in driver behavior based on fatigue levels. These findings contribute substantially to the growing literature on the intrinsic disparities between fatigued and non-fatigued driving behaviors. Moreover, this research underscores the potential ramifications of these distinctions on the safety performance of commercial trucks, highway safety technologies, and policy-related safety countermeasures. Understanding the unique characteristics of fatigued driving can inform targeted interventions to bolster safety within the commercial trucking industry and mitigate the impact of severe crashes resulting from fatigued driving.
Exploring Cool Pavement Technologies: A Lab-Based Experimental Analysis of Temperature and Reflectivity
Authors: Stüwe Sophie , Hofko Bernhard
Published: November 2024

Urban heat islands (UHI) have become an increasingly pressing issue owing to the global warming trend and a steady growth of urban areas. Revegetation, shading, or the reduction of sealed surfaces is not always possible in cities. Therefore, one way to fight UHIs is through adapting currently used pavements. This study assesses the thermal behavior of 12 different pavement materials in a custom-made test stand. The materials include mastic asphalt ( MA 8, MA 8 white), porous asphalt ( PA 4, PA 4 abraded, PA 4 white, PA 8, PA 8 abraded, PA 8 white), asphalt concrete ( AC 11 transparent, AC 8 yellow), and semi-flexible pavements ( SFP 8, SFP 8 zeolite). The albedo was assessed using pyranometer. Sensors and thermal imaging were used to measure temperatures during two simulated heat cycles. Both the temperatures underneath the test specimens and at the surface were considered, as well as the cooling times of the materials. The results showed high maximum temperatures for PA and MA, as well as low maxima for the white painted materials, with differences in maxima of up to 15°C. Porous asphalt, like PA 8, cools faster than MA 8 from roughly 47°C to 28°C, taking 3.7 h compared with MA 8’s 5.1 h. This highlights the importance of considering cooling times and regional solar phases in experimental setups. Through the wide range of tested materials, a significant linear correlation between the measured albedo and surface temperature was proven. Ultimately, a foundation for thermal comparability between these materials was established.
Assessment of the Production Variability and Composite Performance Index for Conventional and High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Balanced Mix Design Mixtures
Authors: Tong Bilin , Habbouche Jhony , Diefenderfer Stacey D. , Flintsch Gerardo W. , Boz Ilker
Published: November 2024

The balanced mix design (BMD) concept enables the design of engineered mixtures containing conventional and high reclaimed asphalt pavement (HRAP) contents, moving beyond the constraints of traditional volumetric design methodologies. During production, the designed mixture undergoes verification and potential modifications at the plant to accommodate actual production and field circumstances, regardless of the mix design method. This study assessed the impact of production and associated performance variability on a volumetrically designed control mixture and five mixtures designed with the BMD concept. This investigation showed relatively precise gradation control, but exceedances of volumetric property tolerances were observed in BMD-optimized mixtures during production. Performance, including durability, cracking, and rutting susceptibility, was evaluated using the Cantabro test, indirect tensile cracking test (IDT-CT), and asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) test, respectively. Test results uncovered that produced mixtures may become unbalanced. Observations from the Cantabro test and IDT-CT highlighted the necessity and effectiveness of employing the BMD for HRAP mixtures. The potential aging effect introduced during the reheating process may compromise durability and cracking resistance. In addition, a three-dimensional plot with a revised composite performance index (CPIR) was used to optimize the process of evaluating the mixture “balance” status among multiple primary performances. It revealed that almost all produced HRAP mixtures demonstrated a well-balanced status. Finally, agencies can use the CPIR as part of their acceptance program for BMD mixtures to determine a pay factor for possible bonuses or penalties.
Effect of Particle Shape on Cyclic Shear Behavior of Granular Mixtures–Geogrid Interface
Authors: Liu Fei-yu , Li Jing-ting , Ying Mengjie , Ge Miaomiao , Fu Jun
Published: November 2024

The cyclic shear stiffness and damping ratio of angular and round particle geogrid interfaces is of much concern in reinforcement structure seismic analysis. In this study, various component percentages of crushed limestone and spherical granular medium mixtures were used to investigate the role of particle regularity in static and cyclic direct shear tests. The test results revealed that an increase in the proportion of round particles decreased cyclic shear strength and volume change. The phenomenon of shear softening was observed with a high amplitude of shear displacement when the proportion of round particles was increased in the mixture. As the percentage of round particles increased, the maximum interface shear stiffness decreased significantly from, 39.69 to 28.28 MPa/m, but a reverse trend in the maximum damping ratio was observed, from 0.308 to 0.37. The effect of cyclic shear history and proportion of round particles on interface strength parameters was also analyzed. A linear regression model was fitted to the data for quantifying the relationship between the proportion of round particles and friction angle. The results suggest that different percentages of round and angular particles can produce varying degrees of particle interlock between aggregate and geogrid, influencing the macro-mechanical behavior of the reinforced soil interface.
Self-Regulated Strategy Development With and Without Peer Interaction: Improving High School Students’ L2 Persuasive Essay Revisions
Authors: Li Albert W.
Published: November 2024

High school students for whom English is a second language (L2) often struggle with effective text revision because of limited ability to self-regulate their writing, that is, to manage the subprocesses of writing and to use writing-related knowledge and strategies. To help students in China acquire effective text revision skills for English persuasive essays, self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) revision instruction was applied both with and without peer interaction targeting knowledge of six writing dimensions. An experimental design involving 120 Chinese 11th-grade students in three conditions, that is, SRSD revision instruction with and without peer interaction (two treatment conditions) and conventional instruction without SRSD (control condition), was applied to examine the instructional effects on students’ writing and text revisions. Analyses of covariance revealed a statistically significant increase in text length and improvement in students’ text quality regarding higher-order content-level writing dimensions in both treatment conditions compared to the control condition in a post-intervention test. Notably, the most substantial improvement regarding both text length and text quality was observed in the SRSD plus peer interaction condition. Further, students in both treatment conditions made more text revisions involving longer text segments aimed at improving quality and changing meaning compared to those in the control condition. Among these, the students in the SRSD plus peer interaction condition exhibited the highest frequency of high-quality text revision during the posttest. The findings provide new insights into the effectiveness of SRSD revision instruction and peer interaction in developing L2 high school students’ self-regulation in revising English persuasive essays.
Evaluating ChatGPT Responses to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rhytidectomy
Authors: Ryu Je Dong , Haiavy Jacob
Published: November 2024

Importance:

Patient education is vital during the assessment process. By informing patients, they are better equipped to make well-informed decisions, potentially leading to greater satisfaction after surgery.

Objective:

The study aimed to assess accuracy and readability, providing a robust evaluation of ChatGPT 3.5’s ability to address medical inquiries and improve the understanding of the facelift for interested patients.

Method:

On February 2, 2024, an investigation evaluated ChatGPT 3.5’s performance in answering facelift surgery queries. Four commonly asked questions were posed to the model. Responses were collected in an unguided manner and evaluated for accuracy via a literature review. The responses were evaluated for the accuracy with the senior author. Readability was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score, Automated Readability Index, and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, calculated through an open-source platform.

Result:

The AI chatbot demonstrated its ability to generate comprehensive and accurate information, though some responses occasionally required clarification. The readability score and corresponding levels were consistently assessed at the college level.

Conclusion:

The study’s findings suggest that AI bots can serve as valuable tools for educating and preparing patients interested in getting a facelift.
Une approche expérientielle de la marque employeur : Une application aux vendeurs
Authors: Poujol Fanny Juliet , Pezet Eric , Wallace James , Tanner Jeff
Published: November 2024

Les conceptualisations de la marque employeur ont contribué à améliorer les pratiques de recrutement pour les employés. La littérature sur la marque employeur ne parvient cependant pas à intégrer une approche expérientielle et à considérer que le travail peut être consommé. Partant de la recommandation de Mosley (2007) d’adopter une approche expérientielle de la marque employeur, cette recherche identifie les dimensions spécifiques de la marque employeur expérientielle dans le domaine de la vente. La situation du commercial est unique de par son impact sur l’expérience du client et la réussite de l’entreprise. ainsi que de par sa nature frontalière et son fort turnover. L’absence d’adéquation entre l’expérience professionnelle promise et l’expérience réelle peut entraîner une rotation rapide des effectifs, en particulier chez les vendeurs avec des conséquences négatives sur la relation client.

C’est pourquoi nous explorons la marque employeur expérientielle (MEE) dans cinq études en appliquant le cadre expérientiel d’Holbrook. Nos cinq études révèlent les dimensions spécifiques de la marque employeur expérientielle. Deux étapes (focus group et analyse de 651 commentaires d’expérience professionnelle publiés sur glassdoor.com ) permettent de créer une échelle de la MEE, que deux études ultérieures (n = 234 et n = 210 vendeurs) testent. Cette approche de la marque employeur expérientielle peut aider les entreprises et les directeurs commerciaux à comprendre la nature expérientielle de leur marque employeur et à renforcer l’attrait de leurs offres d’emploi.
Considerations for emergency department virtual triage
Authors: Nasser Laila , Morris Emily , Mathias Irene , Hall Justin N.
Published: November 2024

Health leaders are increasingly interested in harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to remotely conduct virtual triage for Emergency Department (ED) patients. This study explores equity considerations and patient attitudes to virtual triage in a Canadian ED. A cross-sectional study surveyed 150 ED patients, with 32 additional patients interviewed in-depth. Descriptive statistics and qualitative descriptive methodology were employed: 84.7% of patients would consider virtual triage, 71.3% were comfortable following advice to seek alternate care, including their General Practitioner or virtual ED. Approximately 38.2% of patients >60 years would require assistance using virtual triage, with confidence in using technology to direct care decreasing with age. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: value of decision support; care access expectations; technological literacy demographics; trust in AI; and confidentiality. In conclusion, virtual triage is a viable and promising tool if barriers to technological literacy are addressed, and tools are endorsed by health providers and patients.
Low-cost bacterial cellulose production from agricultural waste for antibacterial applications
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Singh Mukesh Kumar , Singh Annika
Published: November 2024

Various carbon sources can be utilized for the biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC), with agricultural wastes being explored as sustainable options. In this study, glucose was extracted from bamboo dust via mild acid hydrolysis to prepare a modified medium combining extracted glucose with Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium for BC biosynthesis using Acetobacter xylinus NCIM 2526. Chitosan, a biopolymer, was incorporated into the BC synthesis medium at concentrations of 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1% (w/v) after 2 days of shaking incubation, producing chitosan-incorporated BC membranes through in situ synthesis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed cellulose in the BC produced from the modified medium and chitosan in BC membranes with 0.2% and 0.6% (w/v) chitosan. Changes in physical and crystalline morphology were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The purity of cellulose was validated through chemical solubility tests, while energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of chitosan in the BC membranes. The average yields were 5.8 ± 0.21 g/l for pure BC, 5.2 ± 0.21 g/l for BC with 0.2% (w/v) chitosan, and 4.6 ± 0.21 g/l for BC with 0.6% (w/v) chitosan after 7 days. The medium with 1% (w/v) chitosan did not produce BC membranes. BC synthesized with 0.2% chitosan exhibited similar physical and chemical properties to pure BC and demonstrated good antimicrobial properties, suggesting its potential use in bandages and wound dressings.
Pathways from Childhood Emotional Neglect to Traditional Victimization among Secondary Vocational School Students: The Roles of Family Functioning, Psychopathy, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Fang Xin , Tian Wenxiu , Liu Bo , Lei Li
Published: November 2024

Considering the high prevalence and detrimental developmental outcomes of traditional victimization, it is imperative to explore the influencing factors and mechanisms of traditional victimization to formulate targeted prevention interventions. Previous studies have shown a significant and positive association between childhood emotional neglect and traditional victimization. To our knowledge, there is a limited understanding of the mechanism of this association. To fill this gap, this study examined the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and traditional victimization, as well as the roles of family functioning, psychopathy, and socioeconomic status (SES) among secondary vocational school students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 605 secondary vocational school students from grades 10 to 11 ( Mage = 16.19, SD = 0.79). Participants provided data on demographic variables, childhood emotional neglect, traditional victimization, family functioning, psychopathy, and SES by answering anonymous questionnaires. The findings showed that childhood emotional neglect was not directly related to traditional victimization, but it was indirectly related to traditional victimization through the mediation of family functioning, the mediation of psychopathy, as well as the chain mediation of family functioning and psychopathy among secondary vocational school students. Additionally, SES could not moderate the relationships between childhood emotional neglect and family functioning, psychopathy, as well as traditional victimization among secondary vocational school students. These findings suggest that interventions for decreasing traditional victimization among secondary vocational school students should not only focus on reducing childhood emotional neglect but also target family functioning and psychopathy. Besides, these findings also imply SES cannot remediate the negative effects of childhood emotional neglect on secondary vocational school students.
Relations among the trifurcated narcissism domains at trait and state level: Two of a kind?
Authors: Bauditz Sophie C , Wright Aidan GC , Hess Ursula , Ziegler Matthias
Published: November 2024

This study explored narcissistic states using a hierarchical, trifurcated structure, examining state variability and trait-state associations of agentic extraversion, self-centered antagonism, and narcissistic neuroticism. The primary objective was to investigate whether the structural composition of narcissism, well-established in trait data, could be replicated in state data. We examined this structure at both between- and within-person levels in state data, including situation-specific structures of narcissism. The study used data from an experimental study where participants ( N = 189) met in groups of up to four people weekly over six weeks. Multilevel confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the narcissism structure was largely the same at both levels. However, within-person compositions of narcissism differed across affiliative versus controversial situations. In affiliative contexts, grandiosity manifested exclusively through agentic extraversion, with no expression through self-centered antagonism. In controversial settings, agentic extraversion and narcissistic neuroticism exhibited a slight negative association, contrasting the positive association observed across all group meetings. Our results show that narcissistic states exhibited less variability compared to the Big Five and rarely varied above their corresponding trait levels. This research contributes to a refined understanding of narcissism, highlighting the interplay between trait tendencies and situational factors in shaping narcissistic state expressions.
Men at Work: How Are Masculinities Constituted and Performed in Work and Employment Settings?
Authors: Giazitzoglu Andreas
Published: November 2024

This collection addresses the question: how are masculinities constituted and performed in work and employment settings? Work, Employment and Society has published many studies which show people performing, engaging and resisting constitutions of masculinities in employment settings. This collection brings 11 of these publications together to show how and why masculinities – as culturally constructed constitutions and performances – are reproduced, consolidated and contested in work and employment contexts. Three categories are used to order the selected publications: (1) precariousness, (2) embodiment and (3) symbolic interactions. The collection provides a body of work showing what we know (and do not know) about how masculinities are constituted and performed in employment settings, which contemporary scholars can consult, engage with and build on as the sociological intersection of gender, masculinities and work evolves, especially at the empirical level.
Piezo resistance response prediction in multifunctional hybrid composites under dynamic loading conditions using machine learning methods
Authors: Lincon Mazharul Islam , Chalivendra Vijaya
Published: November 2024

Composite materials have garnered significant attention in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and defense due to their advantageous properties. However, concerns about the potential deterioration of mechanical performance over time have led to a growing interest in continuous structural health monitoring (SHM) during load-bearing applications. While there has been extensive research on damage sensing in composite materials under quasi-static conditions, limited attention has been given to dynamic impact loading conditions due to experimental challenges, particularly in measuring electrical resistance. In this study, the piezo-resistance response of hybrid composite materials is investigated under dynamic shear and mode-I fracture loading conditions, and machine learning models are applied to predict the piezo-resistance response. Two data training methods are implemented to train the models, and four widely used machine learning models are chosen for prediction. The results demonstrate that among the models, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Neural Network (NN) models show the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values and better prediction accuracy for all composite types under dynamic shear and mode-I fracture loading conditions. This research provides insights into the prediction of piezo-resistance response in multi-functional hybrid composites, offering guidelines for selecting appropriate machine learning models.
Evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of epoxy resin hybrid composites reinforced with date palm stem fibre and glass fibre
Authors: Rajamoni Rejikumar , Sreekumaran Mathu Kumar , Anand Mini Jose , Mohamed Basheer Mohamed Shebu
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the mechanical properties of epoxy resin hybrid composites reinforced with date palm stem fibres (DPSF) and glass fibres (GF). Natural fibres like DPSF offer numerous advantages, including low cost, renewability and biodegradability, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fibres. GF, on the other hand, is well-known for its high strength and lightweight properties, making it ideal for various industrial applications. In this research, DPSF and GF were combined to create hybrid composites, aiming to enhance mechanical properties and reduce production costs compared to pure GF composites. The study involved the preparation of DPSF and the fabrication of composites using a hand lay-up approach with varying fibre proportions, followed by mechanical testing that included impact, flexural, tensile test and as well as a water absorption test. The results show that both the flexural and tensile strengths of a composite with epoxy resin containing 10 wt%DPSF and 10 wt%GF improved significantly, resulting in a tensile strength of 17.75 MPa and a flexural strength of 48.13 MPa, along with a favourable reduction in water absorption. The impact strength was significantly increased by the optimal integration of a composite with epoxy resin containing 20 wt% DPSF and 10 wt% GF. These findings suggest that the hybrid composites demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties, revealing the combined benefits of DPSF and GF. This study underscores the potential of DPSF-GF reinforced composites as a cost-effective and mechanically strong alternative to conventional GF composites.
Raising the Bar: Progress in 3D-Printed Hybrid Bone Scaffolds for Clinical Applications: A Review
Authors: Khan Ahsan Riaz , Grewal Navdeep Singh , Jun Zhang , Tawfiq Ferdous M. O. , Tchier Fairouz , Muhammad Zulqarnain Rana , Zhang Hai-Jun
Published: November 2024

Damage to bones resulting from trauma and tumors poses a significant challenge to human health. Consequently, current research in bone damage healing centers on developing three-dimensional (3D) scaffolding materials that facilitate and enhance the regeneration of fractured bone tissues. In this context, the careful selection of materials and preparation processes is essential for creating demanding scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. This is done to optimize the regeneration of fractured bones. This study comprehensively analyses the latest scientific advancements and difficulties in developing scaffolds for bone tissue creation. Initially, we clarified the composition and process by which bone tissue repairs itself. The review summarizes the primary uses of materials, both inorganic and organic, in scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In addition, we present a comprehensive study of the most recent advancements in the mainstream techniques used to prepare scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. We also examine the distinct advantages of each method in great detail. This article thoroughly examines potential paths and obstacles in bone tissue engineering scaffolds for clinical applications.
The Impact of Subjective Socioeconomic Status and Job Satisfaction on Psychological Symptoms of Economically Active People With Disabilities
Authors: Yun Il , Kim Bora , Kim Jae-Hyun , Moon Jong Youn
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms of economically active people with disabilities. Data from the Korean Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) from 2016 to 2018 were assessed using a longitudinal analysis. A total of 1591 individuals were included as the study population. To explore the impact of subjective SES and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms, a generalized estimating equation model was applied. People who were dissatisfied with their jobs and perceived themselves to have a low SES were 1.73 times more likely to have stress. Likewise, people with low job satisfaction and low subjective SES were 3.83 times more likely to have depressive symptoms, and even if subjective SES was high, those dissatisfied with their jobs were 4.24 times more likely to develop depressive symptoms. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that subjective SES had a greater influence on the psychological health of the economically active disabled population. These results highlight the importance of considering a disabled person’s subjective socioeconomic factors and suggest ways to help them achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Paternal Engagement for Black Fathers in Fulton County, Georgia
Authors: Shears Jeffrey , Bolar Cassandra L. , Hopper Lorenzo N. , Wilbon Matisa , Miller David C. , Rudd Carmen , Smith Aremu M.
Published: November 2024

The current study explores the experiences of nonresidential fathers and the potential barriers to engagement with their children. Using a phenomenological approach, we explored issues of perceived parenting supports, co-parenting, and self-efficacy, and how these might impact fathering behaviors and attitudes. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 12 self-identified Black fathers in Fulton County Georgia. The results indicate that co-parenting issues and lack of community support were viewed as barriers. Despite the challenges they faced as fathers, men often demonstrated resilience and persistence in being a positive presence to their children. This study highlights the need for social service organizations to increase services they offer to fathers paying close attention to nonresidential fathers.
Moms & Babies Feeling Better Together: Outcomes of a Technology-Assisted, Entertaining, CBT-Based Depression Treatment for Low-Income Perinatal People Served by a Rural Michigan WIC Clinic
Authors: Weaver Addie , Rubyan Marni , Holzworth Joshua , Hall Stephanie V. , Ross Danae M. , Felsman Peter , Landry Caroline , Whitted Rachael , Long Brooke , Al-Shamari Tahani , Zhang Anao , Himle Joseph A.
Published: November 2024

Rural Americans experience higher rates of perinatal depression (PND) than urban peers yet are less likely to receive treatment. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a potential setting for offering PND treatment. This pilot study examines the impact of Moms & Babies Feeling Better Together (MBFBT), a technology-assisted depression treatment, on perinatal WIC clients’ depressive symptoms, anxiety, and parenting self-efficacy. A one-group pre-/post-test design assessed changes in outcomes over time. Paired-samples t-test results show statistically significant decreases in depression and anxiety and increases in parenting self-efficacy between baseline and post-treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrates significant patterns of difference in expected directions across three timepoints for each outcome. Findings provide preliminary support for MBFBT’s effectiveness and its promise for delivery within rural WIC settings.
Reducing Digital Inequities: The Role of Helping Professionals in Designing Just and Inclusive Strategies
Authors: Anderson Steven G. , Feng Yali
Published: November 2024

This policy brief calls on social workers and other helping professionals to participate in efforts to address broadband internet access inequities. We first highlight continuing access inequities and their consequences for low-income persons, as well as older persons, minority group members, those with disabilities, and those living in rural areas. We then describe new initiatives to improve broadband access and digital literacy through state and local programs funded by the 2021 $65 billion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Finally, strategies are discussed for social worker engagement in such work, which include policy advocacy, contributing to the implementation of emerging programs, and serving as information conveyors to their clients concerning digital access and literacy training opportunities.