bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes Associated With Worsening Renal Function in Patients With Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial
Authors: Kong Jeremy , Zaroff Jonathan G. , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Fitzpatrick Jesse K. , Ku Ivy A. , Mishell Jacob M. , Kotinkaduwa Lak N. , Redfors Björn , Beohar Nirat , Ailawadi Gorav , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Abraham William T. , Mack Michael J. , Kar Saibal , Lim D. Scott , Whisenant Brian K. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: July 2023

Background

The incidence and implications of worsening renal function (WRF) after mitral valve transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) in patients with heart failure (HF) are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with HF and secondary mitral regurgitation who develop persistent WRF within 30 days following TEER, and whether this development portends a worse prognosis.

Methods and Results

In the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial, 614 patients with HF and severe secondary mitral regurgitation were randomized to TEER with the MitraClip plus guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. WRF was defined as serum creatinine increase ≥1.5× or ≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline persisting to day 30 or requiring renal replacement therapy. All‐cause death and HF hospitalization rates between 30 days and 2 years were compared in patients with and without WRF. WRF at 30 days was present in 11.3% of patients (9.7% in the TEER plus GDMT group and 13.1% in the GDMT alone group;
P
=0.23). WRF was associated with all‐cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.98 [95% CI, 1.3–3.03];
P
=0.001) but not HF hospitalization (HR, 1.47 [ 95% CI, 0.97–2.24];
P
=0.07) between 30 days and 2 years. Compared with GDMT alone, TEER reduced both death and HF hospitalization consistently in patients with and without WRF (
P
interaction
=0.53 and 0.57, respectively).

Conclusions

Among patients with HF and severe secondary mitral regurgitation, the incidence of WRF at 30 days was not increased after TEER compared with GDMT alone. WRF was associated with greater 2‐year mortality but did not attenuate the treatment benefits of TEER in reducing death and HF hospitalization compared with GDMT alone.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01626079.
Serum Metabolites Are Associated With HFpEF in Biopsy‐Proven Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wegermann Kara , Fudim Marat , Henao Ricardo , Howe Catherine F. , McGarrah Robert , Guy Cynthia , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Diehl Anna Mae , Moylan Cynthia A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) share common risk factors, including obesity and diabetes. They are also thought to be mechanistically linked. The aim of this study was to define serum metabolites associated with HFpEF in a cohort of patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD to identify common mechanisms.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective, single‐center study of 89 adult patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD who had transthoracic echocardiography performed for any indication. Metabolomic analysis was performed on serum using ultrahigh performance liquid and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. HFpEF was defined as ejection fraction >50% plus at least 1 echocardiographic feature of HFpEF (diastolic dysfunction, abnormal left atrial size) and at least 1 heart failure sign or symptom. We performed generalized linear models to evaluate associations between individual metabolites, NAFLD, and HFpEF. Thirty‐seven out of 89 (41.6%) patients met criteria for HFpEF. A total of 1151 metabolites were detected; 656 were analyzed after exclusion of unnamed metabolites and those with >30% missing values. Fifty‐three metabolites were associated with the presence of HFpEF with unadjusted
P
value <0.05; none met statistical significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The majority (39/53, 73.6%) were lipid metabolites, and levels were generally increased. Two cysteine metabolites (cysteine s‐sulfate and s‐methylcysteine) were present at significantly lower levels in patients with HFpEF.

Conclusions

We identified serum metabolites associated with HFpEF in patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, with increased levels of multiple lipid metabolites. Lipid metabolism could be an important pathway linking HFpEF to NAFLD.
Optical coherence tomography imaging can identify Merino lambs’ wool using automatic machine learning vision
Authors: Sabuncu Metin , Özdemir Hakan
Published: July 2023

Merino lambs’ wool fiber has a unique chemical structure that gives the wool many unique properties and technical benefits. For example, the small fiber diameters mean that Merino wool is soft, countering the scratchiness commonly associated with wool. It is also biodegradable, organic, and environmentally friendly, making it a popular choice of sustainable fabric material. Unfortunately, some fiber sellers unduly sell coarse wool tops to wool yarn factories as Merino wool tops. It is, therefore, an important task to identify the actual wool type for quality assurance in the textile manufacturing process.

This paper describes applying the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and automatic machine learning (AutoML) techniques for distinguishing Merino wool from coarse wool. We present the results of wool measurements that were performed by the OCT scans and AutoML algorithms. We conclude that OCT imaging and AutoML algorithms can be applied to distinguish Merino wool from coarse wool in a simple, non-destructive, and contactless manner.
Moderating role of meaning in life in the relationship of death anxiety, experiential avoidance and health-related quality of life among type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Aliche Chinenye Joseph , Ifeagwazi Chuka Mike , Ezaka Emmanual Sochukwuma
Published: July 2023

Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus may experience death anxiety and experiential avoidance, which may impact negatively on health-related quality of life. Meaning in life is a positive psychological resource that protects against negative psychosocial outcomes. Although a direct relationship between these variables exists, to our knowledge, previous research has not explored their interaction effect. The present study examined whether meaning in life moderates the relationship between (1) multidimensional death anxiety and health-related quality of life, and (2) experiential avoidance and health-related quality of life among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The pool of participants consisted of 311 type 2 diabetes outpatients drawn from a tertiary health care institution in South-East Nigeria. The participants completed several self-report measures, such as the short form of the Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire, Death Anxiety Inventory–Revised, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and the Presence of Meaning in life subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire. The results of a regression analysis showed that death anxiety in terms of death acceptance, death finality, and thoughts about death were independently associated with poor health-related quality of life at low, but not at average and high levels of meaning in life. Externally generated death anxiety was associated with poor health-related quality of life at low and average, but not at high levels of meaning in life. Finally, experiential avoidance was associated with poor health-related quality of life at low and average, but not at high levels of meaning in life. We concluded that psychological interventions geared towards promoting health-related quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients should consider integrating meaning in life for its protective nature in improving positive health outcomes and recovery.
A Grounded Theory of Credibility Work and Illness: Explication and Application to the Case of Women on Trial in Health Care
Authors: Thompson Charee M. , Babu Sara , Makos Shana
Published: July 2023

We make the communicative labor of illness credibility explicit by moving the concept of work into critical interpersonal theory to develop a grounded theory of credibility work. Synthesizing multi-disciplinary literature and drawing on interviews with 36 women in the United States whose health issues have been dismissed by health care providers, friends, and family, we forward a definition of credibility work, six postulates about its nature, and a broad typology of credibility work strategies. We then apply our theory to the data, contextualizing the strategies women engaged with their health care providers using the metaphor of a trial— building a case and presenting the case—and including the communicative double binds that accompanied their efforts. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research, namely attention to the cultural, material, and embodied significance of communication labor endured to be believed, understood, and taken seriously for health issues.
Correlation of Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Test with Nasal Provocation Test of House Dust Mite
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo , Min Hyun Jin
Published: July 2023

Objectives: Compared with the skin prick test, relationship between the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) and nasal provocation test (NPT) has rarely been evaluated. We evaluated the relationship between the results of the MAST and NPT against house dust mites in the Korean population. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent both MAST and NPT were reviewed. Positive MAST was diagnosed when the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) were ≥2 positivity or ≥0.70 IU/ml. During the NPT, changes in subjective symptoms, including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching, ocular discomfort, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), were measured. The correlation between NPT and MAST results was statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 96 participants were enrolled in this study: 26 were assigned to the MAST-positive group, and 70 were assigned to the MAST-negative group. Changes in subjective symptoms before and after the nasal allergen challenge were significantly associated with the MAST results. Changes in PNIF before and after the nasal allergen challenge were also significantly associated with the MAST results. We found that a cutoff value of “a subjective total nasal symptom change” of more than 17.5 had a sensitivity of 68.6% and a specificity of 69.2%, while a cutoff value of “a PNIF change” of more than 6.51 had a sensitivity of 67.1% and a specificity of 69.2%. Conclusion: NPT was significantly associated with MAST, and further studies regarding the relationship between NPT using various allergen conditions and MAST are warranted.
Has Corporate Efficiency Changed Over Time and With Change in Technology? A Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Chollete Lorán , Lu Ching-Chih , Ray Rina
Published: July 2023

Corporate efficiency matters to accountants and financial economists. Key management, legal, external stakeholder, and regulatory decisions often hinge on accurate assessment of efficiency. We compute efficiency for a large group of U.S. firms over six decades using traditional accounting-based and tangible measures of performance, or absolute efficiency. Then, we propose an alternative approach to compute relative efficiency based on a stochastic frontier method. This latter approach incorporates key internal inputs such as managerial incentives and investment in intangible assets such as R&D and advertising as well as external inputs such as industry competition and the disciplinary role of debt. We observe random changes and decline over time in traditional accounting-based performance for the average firm. The burst of the dot com bubble had the greatest impact on most traditional measures, with higher efficiency loss during that event than in the great recession. In contrast, the oil crisis, the burst of the dot com bubble, and the great recession—in that order—showed the steepest declines in efficiency estimated with the stochastic frontier. Ignoring these extreme shocks, the stochastic frontier method provides U-shaped curves, in which corporate efficiency declined between 1960 and 1990s and increased since then. This efficiency gain is contemporaneous with the explosion and continuation of mergers and acquisitions and reduced competition beginning in late 1980s.
Analyzing gender capital in Grand Theft Auto social media conversations
Authors: Dashiell Steven , Phelps Andy
Published: July 2023

This research looks at the role of gender capital in sensitive topics in game studies. Grand Theft Auto is a game that has been linked to negative portrayals of women and glorification of violence. With the potential release of Grand Theft Auto 6, a rumor was leaked concerning the possibility of a woman as the main playable character. We examine posts on a tweet discussing the potential of the lead character in Grand Theft Auto 6 being a woman ( n=182). We note three ways how masculine gender capital is employed to manipulate masculinity via discourse. When used by men, linguistic gender capital is used to either affirm support or to lament the possibility. For women, masculine gender capital is used to diminish the masculinity of those men who have a problem with the potential of a woman as the lead character. Even those who support the idea utilize homophobic and belittling language to dismiss and ridicule others, weaponizing masculinity. In short, even attacks on a “toxic” masculinity are themselves harmful, demonstrating how the damaging utilization of masculine gender capital – from whatever source – is the crux of the problem.
An evidence-base for the implementation of hospital-based palliative care programs in routine cancer practice: A systematic review
Authors: Rizvi Farwa , Wilding Helen Elizabeth , Rankin Nicole M , Le Gautier Roslyn , Gurren Lorna , Sundararajan Vijaya , Bellingham Kylee , Chua Joyce , Crawford Gregory B , Nowak Anna K , Le Brian , Mitchell Geoff , McLachlan Sue-Anne , Sousa Tanara Vieira , Hudson Robyn , IJzerman Maarten , Collins Anna , Philip Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Background:

Despite global support, there remain gaps in the integration of early palliative care into cancer care. The methods of implementation whereby evidence of benefits of palliative care is translated into practice deserve attention.

Aim:

To identify implementation frameworks utilised in integrated palliative care in hospital-based oncology services and to describe the associated enablers and barriers to service integration.

Design:

Systematic review with a narrative synthesis including qualitative, mixed methods, pre-post and quasi experimental designs following the guidance by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (PROSPERO registration CRD42021252092).

Data sources:

Six databases searched in 2021: EMBASE, EMCARE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Ovid MEDLINE searched in 2023. Included were qualitative or quantitative studies, in English language, involving adults >18 years, and implementing hospital-based palliative care into cancer care. Critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality and rigour.

Results:

Seven of the 16 studies explicitly cited the use of frameworks including those based on RE-AIM, Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions and WHO constructs of health service evaluation. Enablers included an existing supportive culture, clear introduction to the programme across services, adequate funding, human resources and identification of advocates. Barriers included a lack of communication with the patients, caregivers, physicians and palliative care team about programme goals, stigma around the term ‘palliative’, a lack of robust training, or awareness of guidelines and undefined staff roles.

Conclusions:

Implementation science frameworks provide a method to underpin programme development and evaluation as palliative care is integrated within the oncology setting.
Gender Differences in Math and Science Academic Self-Concepts and the Association With Female Climate in 8th Grade Classrooms
Authors: Andersen Ida Gran , Smith Emil
Published: July 2023

Although women’s representation in STEM fields and occupations has increased, science and math continue to be stereotyped as male domains. This paper links psychological and sociological explanations for gendered disparities in STEM by examining the relationship between the local “micro-situational” female learning environment and the gender gap in academic self-concept in math and science. We applied hybrid models to TIMSS 2015 data comprised of a pseudo-panel of repeated measures for individual student and peer achievement, academic self-concept, utility value, and interest-enjoyment value in math/science (at age 14). We analyzed data from three countries, including a subsample of students who were taught by the same teacher in both math and science, thus eliminating unobserved teacher heterogeneity. Results indicate that female peer climate in the classroom is important for understanding how girls’ self-concept in math/science is formed, even though it was unrelated to the gender gap.
Robotic drilling for the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar sample-return mission
Authors: Zhang Tao , Pang Yong , Zeng Ting , Wang Guoxin , Yin Shen , Xu Kun , Mo Guidong , Zhang Xingwang , Wang Lusi , Yang Shuai , Zhao Zeng , Qin Junjie , Gong Junshan , Zhao Zhongxian , Tong Xuefeng , Yin Zhongwang , Wang Haiyuan , Zhao Fan , Zheng Yanhong , Deng Xiangjin , Wang Bin , Xu Jinchang , Wang Wei , Yu Shuangfei , Lai Xiaoming , Ding Xilun
Published: July 2023

On December 2, 2020, a 2-m class robotic drill onboard the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar lander successfully penetrated 1 m into the lunar regolith and collected 259.72 g of samples. This paper presents the design and development, terrestrial tests, and lunar sampling results of the robotic drill. First, the system design of the robotic drill, including its engineering objectives, drill configuration, drilling and coring methods, and rotational speed determination, was studied. Subsequently, a control strategy was proposed to address the geological uncertainty and complexity of the lunar surface. Terrestrial tests were conducted to assess the sampling performance of the robotic drill under both atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Finally, the results of drilling on the lunar surface were obtained, and the complex geological conditions encountered were analyzed. The success of the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar sample-return mission demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed robotic drill. This study can serve as an important reference for future extraterrestrial robotic regolith-sampling missions.
Comparing the benefits of parent–infant flute and singing groups for communication and parenting: A feasibility study
Authors: Hadar Tamar , Politimou Nina , Franco Fabia
Published: July 2023

There is growing evidence highlighting benefits of musical exposure and participation on several aspects of development and parenting. Aiming to establish a rigorous protocol allowing researchers to study different types of musical interactions and their benefits on the development of early communication, the present study explored parents’ experiences of musically engaging with their infants in different types of music groups. Twenty-five infants and their parents were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) singing, (2) flute playing, or (3) control group. Music sessions were held weekly for 14 weeks and were followed by the home use of the recorded routines specific of each group, for further 3 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the experimental groups’ participants, and pre/post quantitative developmental measures were collected from all groups, to assess participants’ compliance. Qualitative analyses of the interviews revealed both shared themes, (communication enhancement, enjoyment, and regulation); and unique themes (creativity and freedom in the flute group; familiarity and responsiveness in the singing group). The feasibility study was successful in establishing a workable protocol to use in RCT longitudinal interventions aiming to examine how specific aspects of the musical experience might differentially support developmental outcomes, in parent–infant groups.
Understanding How Personal Climate-Conscious Beliefs Influence Air Travel Behavior and Modeling Its Potential Impact on Air Travel Volumes
Authors: Fisher Mitchell , LaMondia Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2023

As concerns about the impacts of travel-related carbon emissions continue to grow, understanding how air travel volumes may change in response to public perceptions, industry actions, or governmental intervention is critical for forecasting impacts on the airline industry. This paper aims to determine: (a) how prevalent personal climate-conscious beliefs are in the United States; (b) whether these beliefs, specifically carbon emission-consciousness, are linked to air travel behavior; and (c) how carbon emissions-focused changes in the airline industry might influence air travel and expenditures. This was achieved by (a) collecting and analyzing a unique U.S. nationally-representative climate-conscious and long-distance travel survey and (b) conducting eight Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate how carbon emissions-focused changes in the airline industry could change air travel and expenditures on a subset of the U.S. population for simulated agents of Georgia, Nebraska, and Washington. This research’s findings suggest that increases in ticket pricing, absence of carbon emission-reducing actions by airlines, and/or increase in public concern for airplane emissions could reduce U.S. air travel volumes. While both work and vacation travel volumes—and associated expenditures—could reduce, vacation volumes could see a greater reduction on average than work travel. Overall, results suggest that carbon emissions concerns may reduce U.S. air travel volumes if certain actions, or inactions, are taken. It is thus suggested that further research be done on the influence of personal climate-conscious beliefs on air travel behavior to better inform the air travel industry, lawmakers, and other decision-makers.
Pediatric Martial Arts–Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States From 2004 to 2021
Authors: Madireddy Srividhya S. , McAdams Rebecca J. , Roberts Kristin J. , McKenzie Lara B.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Participation in martial arts has been increasing for several years, with millions of children and adolescents engaging in the sport annually. Yet, the most comprehensive examination of martial arts–related injuries was completed almost 2 decades ago.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of martial arts–related injuries presenting to US emergency departments (EDs) among pediatric patients.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for patients aged 3 to 17 years who were treated in US EDs from 2004 through 2021.

Results:

A total of 5656 cases were included in the analysis. An estimated 176,947 children (95% CI, 128,172-225,722) were treated for martial arts–related injuries in US EDs. The rate of martial arts–related injuries per 10,000 children increased from 1.43 in 2004 to 2.07 in 2013 (slope = 0.07; P = .005) and then decreased to 1.44 in 2021 (slope = −0.10; P = .02). The mean injury rates were 2.22 per 10,000 children aged 12-17 years and 1.15 per 10,000 children aged 3-11 years. The most common injuries occurred in children aged 6 to 11 years (39.3%), were strains/sprains (28.4%), and were associated with falling (26.9%). The mechanism of injury differed by the style of martial arts. Compared with other activity types (formal class, horseplay, and unspecified), competition carried a 2.56 times greater risk of head/neck injuries and a 2.70 times greater risk of traumatic brain injuries.

Conclusion:

Martial arts are a significant source of injuries for children aged 3 to 17 years. To continue decreasing the injury rate, the creation and implementation of standardized risk-mitigation rules and regulations that could be applied to all martial arts styles are recommended.
Dynamics of Employment and Accumulation of Capital in Colombia, 1965–2019: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Duque Garcia Carlos Alberto
Published: July 2023

Following Marx’s general law of capitalist accumulation, the present article seeks to evaluate the impact of fixed capital stock, labor productivity, and the mass of profits on the dynamics of employment in Colombia from 1965 to 2019 using a Vector Error Correction Model. The results show that the level of employment exhibits a significant long-term relationship with both the fixed capital stock and labor productivity. In line with Marx’s theory, employment expands with fixed capital stock and contracts with labor productivity. In turn, the mass of profits has positive effects on both the capital stock and labor productivity. The empirical findings also support the existence of Marx’s biased technical change as well as a negative feedback effect from employment to profits.

JEL Classification: J21, C21, C22, B51
Asian Americans and Income Inequality: Disparities Between and Within Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Groups
Authors: Vo Tiffanie , Schleifer Cyrus , Hekmatpour Peyman
Published: July 2023

Asian Americans nearing economic parity with White individuals is unique, particularly given the historical and contemporary disadvantaged position of other racial minorities in the U.S. labor market. While there is growing literature exploring how Asian Americans are reshaping the labor force, most of these studies categorize them as a homogenous group, failing to recognize social, cultural, and historical diversities within the community. Using the Current Population Survey, we investigate income disparity trends across ethnic groups and gender. Results show that Asian American men and women have high income levels compared to other racial minority groups. However, these perceived advantages reinforce racial stereotypes and mask income variations within these groups and across genders. We find a widening gender income gap over recent years for Asian ethnic groups, highlighting how race and gender interact to shape their labor-market experiences. We conclude by discussing the implications for future studies in labor-market research.
Examining Cases of Child Physical Abuse Evaluations to Identify Opportunities to Improve Intimate Partner Violence Screening in Pediatric Emergency Departments
Authors: Gregory Kelsey , Fingarson Amanda , Pierce Mary Clyde , Budde Stephen , Lorenz Douglas , Charleston Elizabeth , Rosado Norell
Published: July 2023

The association between child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) is well supported. Universal IPV screening has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Preventative Task Force, and many children’s hospitals have established screening protocols. However, the yield and best screening method in families undergoing a child physical abuse (PA) evaluation have not been fully explored. To determine if there is a discrepancy in IPV disclosures between universal IPV screening completed during pediatric emergency department (PED) triage (“triage screening”) and IPV screening by a social worker (“social work screening”) in families of children who were evaluated for PA. Caregivers of children who presented to an urban tertiary PED and underwent an evaluation for PA via a child abuse pediatrics consult. A retrospective chart review was completed. Data collection included: caregiver responses to both triage screening and social work screening, interview setting details and participants, the child’s injuries, and details of the family’s reported IPV experiences. Our study ( N = 329) revealed that social work screening produced significantly more positive IPV disclosures than triage screening (14.0% vs. 4.3%, p < .001). Additionally, non-IPV violence concerns were identified in 35.7% ( n = 5) of the positive triage screens, whereas social work screens had none. These results highlight the benefits of IPV screening by social work in high-risk scenarios, such as child PA evaluations, regardless of universal IPV screening results. Exploring differences between the two screening methods can inform decisions about screening protocols to improve IPV identification in high-risk populations.
Sex Trafficking in New York City and Vulnerabilities to Re-Trafficking
Authors: Chen Victoria H. , Beauchemin Esther L. , Cuan Isabella T. , Sadana Annum , Olulola-Charles Lolayemi , Leschi Julia E. , Ades Veronica
Published: July 2023

Human trafficking occurs in a cycle of coercion and exploitation of vulnerable people; yet, little is known about those who are trafficked more than one time (re-trafficked). Our study sought to describe the trafficking experiences and explore vulnerabilities to re-trafficking in an urban, majority immigrant, population. This study is part of a parent cohort study that enrolls patients at the EMPOWER Center in New York City, which provides trauma-informed obstetric and gynecologic services to victims of sexual- and gender-based violence. Retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with a history of sex trafficking who were evaluated at the EMPOWER Center from February 2013 to January 2021. A total of 87 patients were enrolled in this study, 23 (26.4%) of whom had been re-trafficked. All were women. Most (88.5%) were victims of international trafficking, most often from Mexico or the Caribbean/Central America. Nine (10.3%) reported contraceptive use and six (6.9%) experienced forced substance use while trafficked. The most reported barriers that women faced in escaping trafficking were threat of violence (28.7%) and financial dependence (19.5%). Re-trafficked patients were more likely to have a history of being undocumented (odds ratio [OR] = 5.29; 95% confidence intervals [CI] [1.34, 20.94]) and experienced childhood sexual abuse (OR = 2.99; 95% CI [1.10, 8.16]), experienced childhood physical abuse (OR = 3.33; 95% CI [1.18, 9.39]), and lived with a non-parent family member (OR = 6.56; 95% CI [1.71, 25.23]). Although these vulnerabilities were no longer significant when analyzed in a parsimonious multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for the other significant variables, likely due to the limited sample size. Almost half (46.0%) reported ongoing emotional effects from being trafficked, which did not vary by re-trafficking status. Our study highlights potential pre-trafficking vulnerabilities, illustrates the complexity of the trafficking experience, and presents potential risk factors for being re-trafficked.
CTE Teachers and Non-Test Outcomes for Students With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Theobald Roddy , Goldhaber Dan , Mallett Moore Erica
Published: July 2023

The authors use data on high school students and teachers from Washington state to connect the observable characteristics and preparation of career and technical education (CTE) teachers to various non-test outcomes (absences, disciplinary incidents, grades, grade progression, and on-time graduation) of students with and without disabilities in their classrooms. The authors find that students participating in CTE tend to have better non-test outcomes when they are assigned to a CTE teacher from the state’s Business and Industry (B&I) pathway—designed for CTE teachers with 3 years of industry experience but no formal teacher preparation—relative to being assigned to a traditionally prepared CTE teacher. These relationships do not significantly differ for students with and without disabilities, despite survey data suggesting that CTE teachers from the B&I pathway receive little formal training in special education. These results suggest that content knowledge and experience may matter more than traditional preparation for CTE teacher effectiveness.
Ascorbic Acid for Methemoglobinemia Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Keats Kelli R , Robinson Rachel , Patel Mallika , Wallace Alexis , Albrecht Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Ascorbic acid has been proposed as an alternative treatment for methemoglobinemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. However, its efficacy has never been compared to that of methylene blue given the inability of patients with G6PD deficiency to receive methylene blue. We present a case of methemoglobinemia treated with ascorbic acid in a patient without G6PD deficiency who had previously received methylene blue. Summary: A 66-year-old male was treated for methemoglobinemia deemed to be secondary to benzocaine throat spray. He received intravenous (IV) methylene blue but had a severe reaction: diaphoresis, lightheadedness, and hypotension. The infusion was stopped prior to completion. Approximately 6 days later he presented with methemoglobinemia following an additional overconsumption of benzocaine and was treated with ascorbic acid. In both instances his methemoglobin levels were >30% on arterial blood gas on admission and decreased to 6.5% and 7.8%, respectively, after administration of methylene blue and ascorbic acid. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid had a similar effect on decreasing the concentration of methemoglobin compared to methylene blue. Further research into use of ascorbic acid as a recommended agent for treatment of methemoglobinemia is warranted.
Natural and human-induced ecosystem change in SE Europe since AD 1700 derived from a partially varved sediment record from Lake Vouliagmeni (Greece)
Authors: Koutsodendris Andreas , Brauer Achim , Friedrich Oliver , Tjallingii Rik , Putyrskaya Victoria , Hennrich Barbara , Kühn Robert , Klemt Eckehard , Pross Jörg
Published: July 2023

To reconstruct naturally and anthropogenically induced environmental change in SE Europe since the Little Ice Age, we have examined five partially varved sediment cores from coastal Lake Vouliagmeni, Greece. Our reconstructions are based on a multi-proxy approach including microfacies analysis, X-ray fluorescence core scanning, radionuclide dating (210Pb, 137Cs, and 241Am), and palynological analysis (pollen, spores, and dinoflagellate cysts). A 131 -cm-long composite record that encompasses the past c. 300 years reveals 181 varves of endogenic and mixed clastic-biogenic types. The formation of these varves was controlled by seasonal variability in clastic input and primary productivity. The non-varved intervals consist of homogenous lake sediments and turbidite deposits. Based on a chronology developed through radionuclide dating, varve counting and exclusion of turbidites from the sequence, we have compared our proxy data with meteorological data and historical records of earthquakes and human activities. Our results suggest that the surroundings of Lake Vouliagmeni experienced relatively wet conditions during the late solar Maunder Minimum (1645–1715 AD) and relatively dry conditions during the Dalton Minimum (1790–1830 AD), which highlights the hydroclimatic heterogeneity in SE Europe during the Little Ice Age. The evaluation of historical documentation suggests that the majority of the turbidites is related to lake-slope instabilities following earthquake shocks. Human impact on Lake Vouliagmeni includes (i) a change in aquatic biota following the artificial connection of the lake to the sea at c. 1880 AD, and (ii) expansion of agricultural areas and reduction of natural forests around the lake due to population growth over the past 300 years.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Intravesical Instillation of BCG by Modified Maintenance Method in Patients With High-Risk Ta and T1 Bladder Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shakhssalim Nasser , Dadpour Mehdi , Sharifiaghdas Farzaneh , Narouie Behzad , Askarpour Kabir Sajjad , Sepehran Ehsan , Borabadi Ramin , Borumandnia Nasrin , Rouientan Hamidreza , Basiri Abbas
Published: July 2023

Background:

It is estimated that 75% of urothelial bladder cancers are non–muscle-invasive cancers (NMIBCs). The development of more effective methods for optimizing the management of this subset of patients is of paramount importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of modified maintenance Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy in patients with high-risk NMIBC.

Methods:

A total of 84 patients with NMIBC who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 2 groups of 42 patients after receiving intravesical BCG weekly, 1 month after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURT) for 6 weeks as the induction. In group I, patients continued monthly intravesical instillation of BCG for 6 months as maintenance, whereas group II patients did not. All patients were followed up for recurrence and progression for 2 years.

Results:

Although the recurrence rate was lower in group I (16.7% vs 31%), there was no significant difference among groups (P = .124). Pathology progression was also lower in group I (7.1% vs 11.9%) with no significant difference among groups (P = .713). Complications were not statistically different among groups (P = .651). A statistically significant difference was not observed between the groups in the acceptance rate of patients (97.6% in group I vs 100% in group II).

Conclusions:

The recurrence rate and progression rate in NMIBC patients with maintenance-free induction therapy after TURT were almost twice as high as those with 6-month maintenance therapy; however, it was not statistically significant. Modified BCG maintenance protocol made favorable compliance for patients.

Trial registration:

This study was retrospectively registered at Iranian Registery of Clinical Trials with the code IRCT20220302054165N1.
Balancing being a ‘good teacher’ and a ‘motivating teacher of English’: Analysing the sense of professional responsibility of pre-service EFL teachers
Authors: Barahona Malba , Darwin Stephen
Published: July 2023

The professional responsibility of teachers has been primarily understood in international literature in terms of external obligations, primarily from an accountability perspective. Alternatively, more recent approaches have begun to propose that teacher responsibility is more appropriately understood as an internal drive toward their work and its contribution to broader social development, which is seen as crucial to the design of effective pedagogical practices. However, within this continuing dialogue, limited attention has been given to how professional responsibility develops and is nurtured within the unique contexts of English language teacher education. This mixed-method study investigated the sense of professional responsibility held by pre-service teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) context, framed by an online survey ( n = 611) based on a teacher responsibility scale and a series of semi-structured interviews ( n = 17). Results demonstrated that there was a comparatively higher sense of responsibility felt in two critical areas: building positive student relationships and ensuring an equitable classroom and society. However, lower levels of responsibility were demonstrated toward the discipline-specific issues of encouraging student engagement, student motivation or success in learning English. This suggests a critical tension that develops in the sense of pre-service teacher responsibility between the abstract and affective notion of being the ‘good teacher’ and the more concrete objectives of building learning environments for language development.
Nonlinear controller supported by artificial intelligence of the rheological damper system reducing vibrations of a marine engine
Authors: Yang Mingyin , Ren Xiaonan , Cho Joung Hyung
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a semi-active nonlinear artificial intelligence compound controller for marine engines was developed to improve vibration reduction characteristics across a wide frequency range. A mathematical model was developed and investigated for two-stage vibration isolation systems (Virgin IslandsS) considering vertical, roll, and pitch motion. The passive mathematical model of the magnetorheological damper was also developed and integrated with the two-stage VIS. The passive numerical analysis was validated through the experimental investigation. Force transmitted from the engine to the base was evaluated on the validated model using four different strategies, that is, conventional passive, semi-active low, semi-active high, and semi-active controlled damper. In a semi-active–controlled damper, a mathematical model is developed for controlling the force by developing a nonlinear artificial intelligent compound controller (NAICC) using the algorithm of chaotic fruit fly and fuzzy logic control. The results show that the application of NAICC has a better isolating effect than the passive VIS over a broad spectrum of frequencies. By strengthening the control effect in the low-frequency resonance zone, marine engine vibration reduction performance was significantly enhanced.
An active learning method for crack detection based on subset searching and weighted sampling
Authors: Xiang Zhengliang , He Xuhui , Zou Yunfeng , Jing Haiquan
Published: July 2023

Active learning is an important technology to solve the lack of data in crack detection model training. However, the sampling strategies of most existing active learning methods for crack detection are based on the uncertainty or representation of the samples, which cannot effectively balance the exploitation and exploration of active learning. To solve this problem, this study proposes an active learning method for crack detection based on subset searching and weighted sampling. First, a new active learning framework is established to successively search subsets with large uncertainty from the candidate dataset, and select training samples with large diversity from the subsets to update the crack detection model. Second, to realize the active learning process, a subset searching method based on sample relative error is proposed to adaptively select subsets with large uncertainty, and a weighted sampling method based on flow-based deep generative network is introduced to select training samples with large diversity form the subsets. Third, a termination criterion for active learning directly based on the prediction accuracy of the trained model is proposed to adaptively determine the maximum number of iterations. Finally, the proposed method is tested using two open-source crack datasets. The experimental comparison results on the Bridge Crack Library dataset show that the proposed method has higher calculation efficiency and prediction accuracy in crack detection than the uncertainty-based and representation-based active learning methods. The test results on the DeepCrack dataset show that the crack detection model trained by the proposed method has good transferability on different datasets with multi-scale concrete cracks and scenes.
Failure diagnosis and physical interpretation of journal bearing for slurry liquid using long-term real vibration data
Authors: Daiki Goto , Tsuyoshi Inoue , Takekiyo Hori , Shota Yabui , Keiichi Katayama , Shigeyuki Tomimatsu , Akira Heya
Published: July 2023

Pumps are important machines used in rivers, social infrastructure, and industrial facilities. During long-term operation, journal bearings that support the pump shaft are subject to wear and peeling caused by liquids, including slurry. Wear and peeling can change the characteristics of journal bearings and cause abnormal shaft vibration. If wear and peeling progress, it can severely damage the pump. Thus, periodic maintenance and replacement are required. However, the frequency of periodic maintenance should be reduced as much as possible from a cost standpoint. Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the condition of the machine and perform maintenance only when necessary. In this study, the long-term vibration of a submerged journal bearing with slurry-containing water was monitored and recorded to identify the features that are important for condition monitoring and diagnosis and to interpret their contributions. First, an experimental test rig for a rotating shaft system was developed and long-term vibration data and changes in wear were recorded. A machine learning model (support vector machine (SVM)) was trained to predict the wear and damage conditions of the bearings, and its effectiveness was verified. In addition, two important features were selected as major contributors to the wear and peeling phenomena of journal bearings. These important features were interpreted using partial dependence (PD), Individual Conditional Expectation (ICE), and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), and the degree of contribution and characteristics of these features were clarified. Later, a reduced SVM model was trained using only these important features, and its effectiveness was clarified using another bearing’s data of wear and peeling processes.
An Analysis of the Rehabilitation Service Administration 911 Supported and Customized Employment Outcome Data for Fiscal Years 2017–2020
Authors: Riesen Tim , Juhasz Audrey C. , Remund Corban
Published: July 2023

Supported employment ( SE) and customized employment (CE) are vocational rehabilitation services designed to assist job seekers with significant disabilities to find meaningful competitive integrated employment. We conducted an analysis of Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA-911) data for fiscal years 2017–2020 to determine the outcomes at the exit for individuals receiving SE and CE services. Specifically, we examined (a) what occupations, according to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, are individuals obtaining after exiting from state vocational rehabilitation SE and CE services, (b) if there is a difference in occupational types at the exit for individuals who receive SE and CE services, (c) if there is a difference in hourly wages and hours worked at the exit for individuals who receive SE and CE services, and (d) if there are differences in wages, after controlling for sex and race at exit for SE and CE service recipients. Results indicated most individuals receiving SE and CE services exit into three broad SOC code categories: Food preparation and servicing related, office and administrative support, and building grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations. Proportional differences suggest that individuals receiving CE are exploring a wider range of occupations compared with SE. There was a significant difference in wages between SE and CE but no difference in hours worked between SE and CE service recipients.
Nutrition and sport
Authors: Fleming Dr Jo , Al-Zubaidi Dr Hussain
Published: July 2023

Food has a varied and powerful impact on our physical and mental health. There are some extra considerations for those taking part in sport, for example, with energy requirements going up and increased strain being put on the body. GPs and their teams should embrace patients who lead a physically active life, while giving due consideration to the type of activity being undertaken by patients, diet, other relevant lifestyle factors and any symptoms they may be experiencing. There are benefits in good nutrition for sport, not only for performance, but also to reduce the risk of illness and injury and to aid recovery from injury. The nutritional guidance for athletes is relevant to patients undertaking higher levels of recreational exercise or seeking to improve health and lifestyle.