bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Sexual Violence Terms Used in Statutes Throughout the United States
Authors: Pinchevsky Gillian M. , Augustyn Megan Bears , Kennedy Alan H. , Rennison Callie Marie
Published: July 2023

The terminology used to describe sexually violent offenses vary, and how these labels are interpreted by the public remains unclear. This study explores the terms for the primary—legally most severe—offense of sexual violence in legal statutes across the United States and investigates how different terms evoke different perceptions about crime severity. Results indicate that nine different terms are used to identify the primary offense of sexual violence in state statutes, with significant differences in perceived severity for these terms. The findings have implications for the public's (mis)understanding of sexual violence and the treatment of survivors and perpetrators.
Evaluation of glycopeptide prescription in high-risk febrile neutropenia: A monocentric study of North Africa
Authors: Boufrikha Wiem , Rakez Rim , Laabidi Baraa , Laatiri Mohamed Adnene
Published: July 2023

Introduction

High-risk febrile neutropenia (FN) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in onco-hematology. The initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy is an emergency that can change the prognosis of some patients. Given the emergence of increasingly resistant Gram-positive bacteremia, glycopeptides, as an empirical treatment, have an important place in the management of high-risk FN. The aim of this study is to evaluate the appropriateness of glycopeptide prescription in high-risk FN patients.

Methods

This study was conducted in the Hematology Department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia. Patients with high-risk FN were enrolled during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020.

Results

Of the 29 patients included in this study, 88 FN episodes were noted of which 39 episodes treated with glycopeptides were evaluated. Twenty-four febrile episodes were empirically treated with glycopeptides (27.3%) of which 17 prescriptions (70.8%) were appropriate according to the European Conference on Infection in Leukemia and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommendations. A therapeutic escalation using glycopeptides was noted in 17% of cases and appropriately opted in 6 FN episodes (40%).

Conclusion

Prescriptions of glycopeptides were appropriate according to the international recommendations in 71% of the empirical prescriptions and in 40% of the therapeutic escalation using glycopeptides. In high-risk FN episodes, glycopeptides prescriptions should be rationalized and limited to the indications detailed in the international guidelines to control the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Development and Evaluation of a Blended Self-Management Program for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Im BoAe , Oh HyunSoo , Kim SooHyun , Jeong HyeSun , Seo WhaSook
Published: July 2023

Rheumatic diseases are known to be associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, which increases mortality rates due to cardiovascular complications. Although a variety of self-management programs for rheumatic diseases have been developed, few have concentrated on metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to develop and verify a blended (a mixture of telephone and online interventions) metabolic syndrome self-management program. The program was developed in four stages: analysis to identify program contents, website design, website development, and validity testing. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest–posttest design was adopted to verify the program effectiveness in 54 patients with rheumatic disease. The program was initially implemented via telephone for 4 weeks and then self-administered via a web-based platform for 20 weeks. Indices of metabolic syndrome and self-management and quality of life scores were measured as outcome variables. Data were collected three times: before intervention, after 4 weeks of telephone interventions, and after 20 weeks of online self-interventions. The devised program had a significant overall effect on metabolic syndrome indices, metabolic syndrome-related self-management behaviors, and quality of life. Detailed analysis showed the program effectively reduced body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and blood glucose levels and improved metabolic syndrome self-management behaviors. Based on our findings, it can be expected that the use of this program may retard or prevent the progression of metabolic syndrome by improving some metabolic syndrome indices and metabolic syndrome-related self-management behaviors, which are key components of care in rheumatic disease patients with metabolic syndrome. This web-based program appears to be beneficial in public health care settings because it is cost-effective, readily available, and may provide long-term support.
Maternal Labor Force Participation During the Child’s First Year and Later Separation Anxiety Symptoms
Authors: Garon-Carrier Gabrielle , Ansari Arya , Margolis Rachel , Fitzpatrick Caroline
Published: July 2023

Separation anxiety symptoms are frequent among preschool-aged children, but it is also a possible gateway for diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder. Early maternal employment after childbirth can increase the risk for the development of separation anxiety symptoms. From an economic perspective, however, securing employment is one effective strategy to ensure child well-being. This study investigated how mothers’ participation in the labor force (vs. maternal leave) and the financial state of families when the child was 5 months old was prospectively associated with separation anxiety symptoms. This study is based on 1,295 Canadian families with children assessed longitudinally from 17 months to age 6 on their levels of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety was measured during face-to-face interviews with the mothers. Maternal labor force participation, financial status, and risk factors were measured at 5 months. Results adjusted for propensity scores and for sample weight revealed that children of working mothers, despite having sufficient income ( n = 245, 18.9%), were at higher risk of separation anxiety during early childhood. In contrast, maternity leave was most beneficial for children’s separation anxiety, whether they were in a family with sufficient income ( n = 950, 73.4%) or temporary low income ( n = 100, 7.7%). Children of mothers in maternity leave were at risk of heightened separation anxiety only if they experienced chronic economic hardship. Therefore, maternity leave uptake could help prevent the development of separation anxiety. Providing families with opportunity to care for the baby as their main occupation during this sensitive developmental period could help improve children’s mental health.
Enablers and Barriers to the Scaling Up of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hora Rhythm , Ray Arindam , Mehra Rashmi , Priya Tanwi , Koshal Seema Singh , Agrawal Pankaj , Kaur Amanjot , Quadri Syed F , Deb Roy Arup
Published: July 2023

Background:

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in under-5 children in India. This led the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in India to decide for the nationwide roll-out of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). However, the introduction of PCV became more complex in the face of unprecedented challenges set forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to assess enablers and barriers to the introduction of PCV in India during the pandemic.

Methodology:

Qualitative research approach involving key-informant interviews from John Snow India (JSI), the lead technical agency that supported MoHFW in the PCV expansion was employed to delineate the enablers and barriers. Principle of saturation was employed to derive the sample size. Thematic analysis using inductive approach was based on the modified World Health Organization (WHO) framework for new vaccine introduction impact on the Immunization and Health Systems, using NVIVO 12 qualitative data analysis software.

Results:

A total of 11 key informants (4 national-level program managers and 7 state technical officers) were telephonically interviewed. The study found social acceptance, lower cost of the vaccine, and intensive communication activities as potential enablers. Other enablers for PCV introduction included a robust vaccine supply-chain system, ample cold-chain space availability, and strong political commitment, despite the ongoing second wave. Further, the identified barriers included poor physical access, insufficient social mobilization, and limited advocacy along with a stretched workforce.

Conclusion:

The study delineated several enablers and barriers to introducing PCV in the country during the pandemic. The existing barriers in the PCV roll-out prompted the need to address these gaps, making key program-based recommendations to improve future new vaccine introductions during the pandemic.
Assessing the Impact of the Massachusetts Temporary Flavor Ban on Licensed Tobacco Retailers
Authors: Nali Matthew C , Purushothaman Vidya , Li Zhuoran , Cuomo Raphael , Mackey Tim K
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In 2019, the state of Massachusetts signed into law the first statewide sales restrictions of flavored ENDS/tobacco products for both physical and online shops in response to a previous executive order to curb E-Cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) cases that were surging throughout the nation.

Methodology

This study obtained licensure data from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, to observe the changes in retail licensure comparing the pre ban (October 2018-August 2019) and post ban periods (October 2020- August 2021). A series of linear regression tests were conducted on both periods using census tract data to explore potential associations with sociodemographic covariates, including median age, median household income, and population proportion by gender, age, and race/ethnicity groups.

Results

Analysis of the Massachusetts post-ban period (October 2020-August 2021) found that new tobacco retail licenses issued decreased by 52.9% (n = 968) when compared to the pre-ban period (October 2018-August 2019) of 1831. A significant positive association was discovered between change in new retailer count and proportion male population (2.48 ± 1.05, P = .018) as well as proportion Hispanic population (1.19 ± .25, P < .001) at the census tract level.

Conclusion/Discussion

Our analysis indicates that, following the temporary MA flavor sales ban, the total number of licenses decreased, though decreases were more pronounced for new licenses when compared to continuing licenses. Higher increases in new tobacco retailer density were significantly associated with concentration of male and Hispanic populations.
Deep Learning Based Classification of Dermatological Disorders
Authors: AlSuwaidan Lulwah
Published: July 2023

Automated medical diagnosis has become crucial and significantly supports medical doctors. Thus, there is a demand for inventing deep learning (DL) and convolutional networks for analyzing medical images. Dermatology, in particular, is one of the domains that was recently targeted by AI specialists to introduce new DL algorithms or enhance convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures. A significantly high proportion of studies in the field are concerned with skin cancer, whereas other dermatological disorders are still limited. In this work, we examined the performance of 6 CNN architectures named VGG16, EfficientNet, InceptionV3, MobileNet, NasNet, and ResNet50 for the top 3 dermatological disorders that frequently appear in the Middle East. An Image filtering and denoising were imposed in this work to enhance image quality and increase architecture performance. Experimental results revealed that MobileNet achieved the highest performance and accuracy among the CNN architectures and can classify disorder with high performance (95.7% accuracy). Future scope will focus more on proposing a new methodology for deep-based classification. In addition, we will expand the dataset for more images that consider new disorders and variations.
A mixed-lubricated friction model of water lubricated bearing based on fractal theory
Authors: Wu Chuang , Wang Yinbo , Chen Feng , Long Xinhua
Published: July 2023

To the water lubricated bearing, its mixed-lubricated friction model is generally established based on the traditional statistical model, whose accuracy is not high due to the inaccurate characterization of surface topography. Therefore, this paper employs the fractal theory that has scale-independent characteristics and high precision to characterize the surface topography of the bearing and journal, and then establishes the fractal contact model of asperity, combining the average Reynolds equation of the film, proposes a mixed-lubricated friction model based on fractal theory. The scanning experiments of surface topography are carried out to obtain the fractal parameters and measurements of the friction coefficient are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed mixed-lubricated model. Subsequently, the proposed mixed-lubricated friction model is employed to analyze the effects of the number of groove, the position of groove and the fractal parameters on the lubrication and friction characteristics of the water lubricated bearing. Results indicate when the grooves are in the non-main load-carrying regions, the friction characteristics of the bearing slightly changes, and the lower surface roughness is beneficial to improve the lubrication and friction properties of the bearing.
The More-Than-Human Micropolitics of the Dissection Assemblage: What Can a ‘Dead’ Body Do?
Authors: Burr Jennifer , Fox Nick J
Published: July 2023

Posthumanism offers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between dead and living bodies. In this article, we explore one setting in which matter – conventionally considered as ‘dead’, demonstrates its continued vitality: the anatomical dissection room. Using data from interview transcripts, we report on the affect (capacities to affect and be affected) within this space, to reveal the micropolitics of dissection. Analysis of the ‘dissection-assemblage’ reveals how interactions between the living – students, teachers, technicians – and dead bodies not only produce knowledge and understanding of human anatomy but also show how the dead body gains new capacities to affect living bodies psychologically, emotionally and physiologically. While conventional humanist discussions of dissection have addressed how these interactions ‘de-humanise’ and ‘re-humanise’ the cadaver in this particular setting, this analysis discloses a complex micropolitics in which the conventional distinction between ‘living’ and ‘dead’ ignores the multiple ways in which all matter is vitally affective.
Images that speak: A Portuguese Photovoice study on the psychosocial experience of a migrant population from Cape Verde after a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Xavier Salomé M. , Barbosa Sofia , Correia Ana Filipa , Dindo Vera , Sequeira Márcia , Maia Teresa , Goes Ana Rita
Published: July 2023

Several migrant populations have been identified worldwide as high-risk groups for psychosis because of their experience of social adversity. Recent evidence suggests that the local contexts in which these populations live should be addressed in their complexity to take into account individual and larger societal environmental aspects. This study aimed to assess the lived experiences of a group of migrant Cape Verdean patients, who had been recently hospitalized for a first episode of psychosis in a mental health service on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal. The study used Photovoice, a qualitative participatory research method in which people's experiences are documented through photography. Six individuals were recruited, and five weekly sessions were conducted to collect data that were analyzed thematically. Emergent themes addressed two main categories of well-being and illness. Participant concepts of well-being were rooted in a definition of freedom encompassing cultural expression, conveyed by familiar environments and supporting communities. Cultural differences may be experienced as important obstacles for well-being and can be associated with feelings of oppression and guilt. Participants’ accounts focused on positive aspects of life despite illness and on personal concepts of recovery. The study findings contribute to knowledge of the dynamics of migrants’ social experience and underscore the importance of socially and culturally informed mental healthcare institutions.
Stepwise liability: Between the preponderance rule and proportional liability
Authors: Lavie Shay
Published: July 2023

There are two familiar decision rules: the binary, preponderance of the evidence and the continuous, proportional liability rule. This article proposes a thought experiment. Instead of all-or-nothing or a continuous rule, the law can utilise a middle ground—assigning liability stepwise, according to the procedural progression of the case—stepwise liability. Stepwise liability relies on the gradual design of civil procedure. Under the current system, the plaintiff has to pass several procedural thresholds with increasing evidentiary requirements in order to proceed to trial. Examples are a motion to dismiss and then a summary judgment. I propose that, corresponding to the procedural progression of the case, after surviving each step the plaintiff will be entitled to a gradually increasing share of the damages. Stepwise liability offers several advantages relative to the traditional rules. It provides partial compensation where the defendant's liability falls short of the 50% threshold, hence restoring incentives to take care. Unlike the proportional rule, this outcome can be achieved without major modifications to the existing decision rules. Unlike both rules, the proposal enables plaintiffs to cash in with some award before trial. I analyse the foregoing advantages together with the potential pitfalls, such as over-deterrence, larger legal expenses, and the day-in-court ideal.
Between honorifics and non-honorifics: A study of the Korean semi-honorific style and a comparison with Japanese
Authors: Kim Minju
Published: July 2023

Korean possesses a highly intricate honorific system with six speech styles, each indicating a different degree of respect, intimacy, and formality. While the two styles at the honorific level and the two at the non-honorific level are in daily use, the two styles at the middle level of the six have mostly disappeared due to the shift toward a less hierarchical and less formal society. In this study, using both diachronic and synchronic corpus data, I demonstrate that a new speech style, which I call the “semi-honorific style,” has emerged, partially filling the void created by the two disappearing ones, and I propose the mechanism of the new style’s grammaticalization. Constructed by combining honorific and non-honorific markers in a single sentence, the “semi-honorific style” occupies the space between the honorific and non-honorific levels. I compare this with the Japanese “semi-polite” form, whose rise has been noted by recent studies.
Who is a ‘true refugee’? Polish political discourse in 2021–2022
Authors: Tomczak-Boczko Justyna , Gołębiowska Klaudia , Górny Maciej
Published: July 2023

For many years, Poland was a country of emigration, not immigration and even the ‘refugee crisis’ of 2015 did not affect the reality on the ground in any real way. However, the situation changed as a result of the activities of the Belarusian regime backed by Russia, which in 2021 began to transfer migrants to the borders with the European Union as part of its hybrid operations. As a result, thousands of people have crossed the borders and hundreds have been stranded in the border zone. In response the Polish authorities reacted by introducing a pushback policy, a state of emergency in the border area and the construction of a border wall. The attack of the Russian Federation on Ukraine forced over 14 million people to leave their homes, about 6 million of whom fled to other countries, including Poland. In the face of the exodus of the Ukrainian population, Poles spontaneously rushed to help them, and the previous anti-immigrant discourse of the ruling party changed dramatically – these refugees became ‘poor’ and worthy of help. The article analyses two language corpora from scratch referring to the crises in question, which consist of speeches by members of the Law and Justice party (pol. Prawo i Sprawiedliwość) during the meetings of the lower house of parliament. A combination corpus linguistic and Critical Discourse Analysis methodologies was used. The results indicate the differences in the discourse of the ruling party in the face of each of these crises, as well as the political motivations related to them.
Comparative analysis of drilled and molded holes in short natural fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Rana Ram Singh , Kumar Jayant , Singh Inderdeep , Sharma Apurbba Kumar
Published: July 2023

Recently, the demand for natural fiber based composite products as compared to synthetic fiber based products has increased manifold due to their salient characteristics, such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and sustainability. Hole-making is an inevitable operation to ascertain the structural integrity of complex composite products. Thus, a comparative assessment has been reported between the molded and drilled holes in two types of composites, that is, aloe vera fiber and banana fiber based epoxy composites. The performance of fabricated composites was compared based on load bearing capacity under tensile loading conditions. The molded hole specimens recorded 10.7% (aloe vera based) and 17.2% (banana fiber based) higher failure load as compared to the drilled hole specimens of similar type of composites. The aloe vera fiber based composite specimens, such as, specimens without hole, molded hole, and drilled hole, recorded higher failure load (102%, 45.6%, and 54.1%, respectively) as compared to banana fiber based composites. The quality of molded and drilled holes (before and after fracture) was also assessed using stereomicroscope and field emission scanning electron microscopy images. The microstructural assessment helped to correlate the variation in the mechanical properties of tested specimens with the quality of the holes produced. This study also revealed that the molded hole specimens have better hole quality than the drilled hole specimens in case of both types of composites. The defects like sharp edges, burrs, cracks, and uncut fibers were found to be absent in case of molded hole specimens. Whereas, these defects create the stress concentration zone in drilled hole specimens which is responsible for their lower strength values.
International Collaboration in Times of Pandemics: An Urgent Need for Reforming our Global Financial System
Authors: Arsel Murat , Demena Binyam Afewerk , Floridi Andrea , Gómez Georgina M. , Haile Genet , Kalfagianni Agni , Mukhtarov Farhad , Murshed Syed Mansoob , Papyrakis Elissaios , Pellegrini Lorenzo , Rieger Matthias , Shigute Zemzem , G. J. Andrés Uzín P.  , Hoeven Rolph van der , Vos Rob , Wagner Natascha
Published: July 2023

Better, swifter and more responsive international coordination is needed within our global financial system for the containment of the pandemic and its effects. This requires better international tax coordination with a higher global minimum corporate tax, comprehensive coverage of sectors and firms, inclusion of all current tax havens and more generous redistribution of excess profits to developing nations based on user location. There also needs to be a more substantial and easier-to-access mechanism for debt relief and restructuring, one that generously suspends debt payments in periods of crises and provides financial support without strict and painful conditionalities.
Book review: Vaughn, S. E. Engineering Vulnerability: In Pursuit of Climate Adaptation
Authors: Shah Sameer H.
Published: July 2023

Vaughn, S. E. Engineering Vulnerability: In Pursuit of Climate Adaptation (Durham: Duke University Press, 2022), 256 pp. US $99.95 (cloth), US $26.95 (paper), ISBN 978-1-4780-1548-2 (cloth), ISBN 978-1-4780-1810-0 (paper).
Book review: Cole, M. (ed.), Education, Equality and Human Rights: Issues of Gender, ‘Race’, Sexuality, Disability and Social Class
Authors: Hakimi Rohullah
Published: July 2023

Cole, M. (ed.), Education, Equality and Human Rights: Issues of Gender, ‘Race’, Sexuality, Disability and Social Class (5th Edition) (London: Routledge, 2022), 350 pp. £28.99 (paperback), £120.00 (hardback), ISBN: 9781032010991.
‘New Wine in Old Wineskins?’—Understanding the Framing of SDGs in the Local Government Context in Ghana
Authors: Annan-Aggrey Eunice , Arku Godwin
Published: July 2023

This study examines local government officials’ perspectives on framing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Ghanaian context. The emerging themes suggest a dualistic framing of the SDGs by local actors, with the SDGs framed, on the one hand, as part of ongoing development programming and, on the other hand, as a framework that facilitates local development and provides a standard for local development. Framing the SDGs as ‘new wine’ in the ‘old wineskins’ of existing local development programming risks watering down the SDGs’ ambition through localization. However, framing the SDGs as local development facilitators enables innovations embedded in the SDGs’ ‘new wine’, to enhance the ‘old wineskins’ of existing development.
Confrontational or ‘Statespersonlike’ Style? Examining Finnish and French Presidents’ Public Speeches and Messages, 2000–2020
Authors: Kujanen Maarika , Koskimaa Vesa , Raunio Tapio
Published: July 2023

Presidents can use public speeches for a variety of purposes from rallying support for their initiatives to attacking their opponents or building societal consensus. Contrary to general expectations regarding dual executive systems, this article suggests that presidents in semi-presidential regimes can benefit politically and in terms of popularity from ‘statespersonlike’ behaviour, and thus, they should generally refrain from negative and contentious statements. Examining the tone and content of formal speeches and informal messages of Finnish and French presidents from 2000 to 2020, the study shows that under varying constitutional frameworks and general practical expectations, the presidents in both countries by and large employ a ‘statespersonlike’ style in their speeches. Presidential speeches primarily express a positive tone, and they contain few references to other state institutions and economy and other governmental domains. Instead, presidents typically seek to portray themselves as guardians of national interest, with foreign policy and national unity emphasized in the speeches.
Effects of Moderately Rich Vocabulary Instruction on Literacy Performances of Students With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Lee Sung Hee
Published: July 2023

Students with reading disabilities generally know fewer words (breadth) with less in-depth knowledge of those words (depth) than typical students. The present study examined the effects of a “moderately rich vocabulary instruction” in which both breadth and depth of vocabulary are addressed. Nineteen U.S. 4th- and 5th-grade students with reading disabilities learned 12 words in the moderate-encounter condition, where students practiced the target words six times in the context of rich vocabulary instructional activities. The results showed that students with reading disabilities remembered more taught word definitions and understood more sentences that contained taught words than those from the control condition. The findings suggest that providing moderately rich vocabulary instruction with a moderate number of rich vocabulary practices can yield good word learning and sentence comprehension containing target words for students with reading difficulties.
The Use of Autologous Subcutaneous Fat Tissue to Embolize an Infected Iliac Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Reijnen M.M.P.J. , van Werkum M.H. , Frans F. , van Schaik P.M.
Published: July 2023

We describe a patient with a fistula between small bowel and a polyester patch of the common iliac artery. After emergency treatment with an endograft, the patch was replaced by a venous patch. Within 3-week a symptomatic pseudoaneurysm developed. It was decided to embolize the pseudoaneurysm using autologous subcutaneous fat, followed by a femoro-femoral crossover bypass using an allograft. Using this technique, the pseudoaneurysm was successfully excluded. This case shows that subcutaneous fat tissue can be used as an autologous embolic material, also in larger vessel pathology and in cases of ongoing infection, where regular embolization material cannot be used.
Evaluation of the Preoperative Slide Test in the Prediction of Intra-Abdominal Adhesions: A Single-Center, Double-Blinded, Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ozturk Ugur K. , Keles Esra , Akış Serkan , Alınca Cihat M. , Acar Sami , Ozyurek Sefik E. , Api Murat
Published: July 2023

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of the preoperative ultrasonographic sliding sign in predicting intra-abdominal adhesions.

Methods

This was a single-center, double-blinded, prospective observational study undertaken from March and September 2021 on 110 patients with a history of previous abdominal surgery. All patients who were scheduled for laparoscopy underwent slide test in 5 zones of abdomen: right lower quadrant, left lower quadrant, previous operation site, vesicouterine pouch, and rectovaginal pouch. Adhesions were assessed by the same gynecologic surgeon using ultrasonography before the surgery and by gynecological surgeons during surgery, and by a third gynecologic surgeon to compare the preoperative slide test findings and laparoscopic findings after the surgery.

Results

Seventy-three (66.4%) patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 37 (33.6%) patients underwent laparotomy. The mean age of patients was 46.9 ± 1.0 years. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of preoperative ultrasonography in predicting adhesions were 89.5%, 91.7%, 97.5%, and 71.0%, respectively. The accuracy of the slide test was calculated as 90.0%. It was found that as the total number of cesarean sections increased the estimates of vesicouterine adhesions and actual adhesions increased ( P = .008). Also, the prediction of intra-abdominal adhesions and actual adhesions significantly increased as the total number of surgical operations increased ( P = .002).

Conclusions

Intra-abdominal adhesions can be detected with the slide test, which is a non-invasive and well-tolerated procedure. Slide test can guide the physician before the elective operation in patients with previous abdominal surgery and may assist in counseling patients.
A perceptual image prediction model of professional dress style based on PSO-BP neural network
Authors: Chen Daoling , Cheng Pengpeng
Published: July 2023

In order to understand consumers’ cognition of clothing style and design clothing products more in line with people’s emotional needs, a garment style perceptual image prediction model based on PSO-BP neural network was constructed by taking professional dress as an example. Firstly, the professional dress samples were screened and the style design elements were deconstructed and coded. The Kansei engineering theory and factor analysis method were used to determine the representative adjectives, so as to reduce the cognitive dimension of the target users for the style characteristics and perceptual image of the dress. Then, using the sample style design element code as the input layer and the user’s perceptual image evaluation score as the output layer, the PSO-BP neural network’s perceptual image prediction model for professional dress styles is constructed. Finally, the sample data were input into the PSO-BP model, BP neural network and GA-BP model for simulation and calculation, and the error analysis of the results proved that the PSO-BP prediction model is effective and advanced. Designers can use this model to quickly transform customers’ perceptual needs with dress style design elements, so as to improve the scientificity of design decision-making and better meet customer needs.
Rapid Functional Recovery After Thoracic Outlet Decompression in a Series of Adolescent Athletes With Chronic Atraumatic Shoulder-Girdle Pain, Scapular Winging/Dyskinesis, and Normal Electrodiagnostic Studies
Authors: Burton Jackson S. , Mackinnon Susan E. , McKee Paul B. , Henderson Karen M. , Goestenkors Danita M. , Thompson Robert W.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Spontaneous shoulder-girdle pain and scapular winging/dyskinesis can be caused by several neuromuscular disorders identifiable by electrodiagnostic studies (EDX). We describe a group of adolescent athletes with this clinical presentation but normal EDX, followed by later development of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS).

Methods:

We identified patients referred for evaluation of NTOS that had a history of chronic atraumatic shoulder-girdle pain, scapular winging/dyskinesis, and normal EDX. Each was refractory to conservative management and underwent supraclavicular decompression and brachial plexus neurolysis for NTOS. Functional disability was quantified by Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores.

Results:

There were 5 female patients with a mean age at symptom onset of 14.2 ± 0.4 years, including spontaneous severe pain in the shoulder, scapula, and arm, along with prominent scapular winging/dyskinesis, and normal EDX. Symptoms had persisted for 18.9 ± 4.0 months prior to referral, with pronounced upper extremity disability (mean QuickDASH, 54.6 ± 6.9). By 3 months after surgical treatment for NTOS, all 5 patients experienced near-complete symptom resolution, including scapular winging/dyskinesis, with markedly improved function (mean QuickDASH, 2.2 ± 1.3) and a return to normal activity.

Conclusions:

A subset of patients with chronic atraumatic shoulder-girdle pain, scapular winging/dyskinesis, and normal EDX may develop dynamic brachial plexus compression characteristic of NTOS, exhibiting an ischemic “Sunderland-zero” nerve conduction block for which surgical decompression can result in rapid and substantial clinical improvement. The presence of surgically treatable NTOS should be considered for selected patients with long-standing scapular winging/dyskinesis who fail conservative management.
FGF21 promotes angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Gu Xuefeng , Li Qi , Qian Tianwei , Hu Qi , Gu Jianfeng , Ding Wei , Li Ming , Wang Ming , Lu Huan , Tao Ke
Published: July 2023

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal vascular disorder with a high mortality rate. It was previously reported that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was highly expressed in AAA patients. Nonetheless, its underlying mechanism in AAA progression is unclarified.

Methods

Angiotensin II (Ang-II) was used to induce AAA in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and mouse models. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized for measuring protein and RNA levels. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for detecting LC3B expression in HASMCs. Elastica van Gieson staining was conducted for histological analysis of the abdominal aortas of mice.

Results

FGF21 displayed a high level in Ang-II-stimulated HASMCs and AAA mice. FGF21 depletion ameliorated abdominal aorta dilation and Ang-II-triggered pathological changes in mice. FGF21 silencing hindered autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

FGF21 contributes to AAA progression by enhancing autophagy and activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Subih Maha M , Abu Saleh Fadwa , Malak Malakeh Z
Published: July 2023

Background:

Medication adherence has been recognised as one of the greatest areas to improve health outcomes and reduce health expenditure. Poor medication adherence has multifactorial causes that need to be understood.

Aim:

To determine the levels of medication adherence and examine the factors associated with medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Jordan.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was used to conduct this study. A convenience sample was used to recruit 250 patients with CVDs from outpatient clinics of Jordanian hospitals. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, in addition to sociodemographic and clinical-related factors during the period from June to September 2019.

Results:

It was found that the total mean score of medication adherence was 2.84 (standard deviation = 1.9), which reflected low adherence. A significant positive correlation was found between medication adherence and marital status and the number of diseases. However, smoking was negatively correlated with medication adherence. Smoking was the predictor of medication adherence.

Conclusions:

Medication adherence among patients with CVDs needs to be improved. Thus, healthcare professionals should develop strategies and interventions based on identifying factors to enhance medication adherence among those patients.
Systematic review of access to healthcare and social services among US women Veterans experiencing homelessness
Authors: Flike Kimberlee , Byrne Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background:

Studies suggest female Veterans are under-identified as homeless in the VA healthcare system, which may impact their ability to access necessary services. In addition, the increasing number of female Veterans experiencing homelessness requires a better understanding of their access to necessary healthcare and social care.

Objectives:

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the barriers and facilitators for access to healthcare and social care among women Veterans experiencing homelessness.

Design:

A mixed methods systematic review was conducted and includes quantitative and qualitative primary research studies.

Data sources and methods:

Seven databases were searched for quantitative or qualitative research studies. Studies which addressed access or use of healthcare or social services, which were focused on female Veterans or allowed for comparison between male and female Veterans were included. Data were synthesized using a convergent integrated approach.

Results:

Thirty-five studies met inclusion criteria; 27 quantitative, 6 qualitative and 2 mixed methods studies. Three main themes resulted: (1) the comparison of access and use of healthcare and social services between women and men; (2) female specific barriers to access or use of social and health services; (3) female specific facilitators to access or use of social and health services.

Conclusions:

Results showed although women Veterans had similar or better outcomes with permanent housing programming compared to men, gaps remain in the provision of emergency and short-term housing accommodations. In addition, many studies found that homeless women Veterans were unaware of the healthcare and social services available through the VA. Programs and policies need to ensure they are maximizing their reach to women Veterans experiencing homelessness by providing outreach and education, so they understand the benefits available when they discharge from the military and to understand the unique healthcare and social needs of women Veterans.
Psychological AI: Designing Algorithms Informed by Human Psychology
Authors: Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: July 2023

Psychological artificial intelligence (AI) applies insights from psychology to design computer algorithms. Its core domain is decision-making under uncertainty, that is, ill-defined situations that can change in unexpected ways rather than well-defined, stable problems, such as chess and Go. Psychological theories about heuristic processes under uncertainty can provide possible insights. I provide two illustrations. The first shows how recency—the human tendency to rely on the most recent information and ignore base rates—can be built into a simple algorithm that predicts the flu substantially better than did Google Flu Trends’s big-data algorithms. The second uses a result from memory research—the paradoxical effect that making numbers less precise increases recall—in the design of algorithms that predict recidivism. These case studies provide an existence proof that psychological AI can help design efficient and transparent algorithms.
Planning a ‘negligible risk’ national health service survey? Counting the cost and strategies for success: a short report
Authors: Cooper Laura , Johnston Kylie , Williams Marie
Published: July 2023

Many countries, including Australia, have established a national scheme that supports the recognition of a single ethical review for multi-centre research conducted in publicly funded health services. However, local site-specific governance review processes remain decentralised and highly variable. This short report describes the ethics and governance processes required for a negligible risk national survey of physiotherapy-led airway clearance services in Australia. We detail inconsistencies in research governance document preparation and submission (platforms, processes, forms and signatories) and report the time cost and likely impact of these inconsistencies on health services research outcomes. Processes and strategies that facilitated success in this project are identified and summarised as helpful hints to other researchers looking to embark on negligible risk research in public health facilities.
Consumers perception on green marketing towards eco-friendly fast moving consumer goods
Authors: Reddy K Pradeep , Chandu Venkateswarlu , Srilakshmi Sambhana , Thagaram Elia , Sahyaja Ch. , Osei Bernard
Published: July 2023

In today’s commercial world, ecological concerns have become increasingly essential. A lot of governments care about environmental issues. Sustainable development that doesn’t harm the environment is a major concern for companies today. The term “green marketing” describes the strategy of promoting and selling goods and services because of their positive impact on the natural world. Either the product or service itself is environmentally friendly, or the manufacturing process, packaging, and marketing are modified to be more eco-friendly. Concerns about how products harm the environment have recently been expressed by both manufacturers and consumers. Lead-free paint, organic foods, and low-power (or “energy-efficient”) electrical equipment are examples of products that consumers and manufacturers are focusing on as being “green” or ecologically friendly. Additionally, the importance of the green marketing idea is becoming more and more apparent to marketers. Though numerous green marketing studies have been conducted globally, there hasn’t been much academic research on consumer perception and preferences in India. This study explores consumer green ideals, environmental knowledge, green behaviours, and green products in addition to providing a brief review of environmental challenges. This article emphasises consumer views of and favorites for green marketing tactics and goods through the use of a planned questionnaire. To study was lead on 702 respondents. Customers demonstrated a high level of knowledge about eco marketing tactics and products. The respondents also showed strong environmental values. Research has offered helpful insights for green product marketers owing to the great perceived eco cost amongst customers, and it emphasises essential for creating marketing communication campaigns promoting green products.
Autocratic Electoral Management: Lessons From Thailand
Authors: Alderman Petra
Published: July 2023

How can we ensure quality elections when the key institutions responsible for the organisation of polls are openly partisan and anti-democratic? In their 2017 paper, Birch and van Ham suggest that partisan electoral management bodies (EMBs) do not matter for the quality of polls so long as effective alternative oversight institutions exist, are active and independent. These institutions can make up for the EMBs’ shortcomings and ensure that a relatively high-quality election is still achieved. I argue that the notion of active and independent alternative oversight institutions leaves us guessing under which conditions it works. Adopting James’s network-based approach to electoral management, I show on the example of the 2019 Thai election that electoral governance networks that are characterised by high levels of political polarisation, the presence of entrenched authoritarian elites and formally independent EMBs that are too powerful make substitution untenable.
Essential Oils of Juglans regia Green and Yellow Leaves
Authors: Djapic Nina
Published: July 2023

Background/Objective: Juglans regia trees grow all over the Balkan peninsula and their fruit is used in human nutrition. The essential oil of J. regia leaves depends on seasonal and vegetational development. The objective of this study was to analyze the essential oil of J. regia green and yellow leaves and to determine the differences in chemical composition. Methods: The essential oils of green and yellow J. regia leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the obtained essential oils was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The essential oil yield from green leaves was 0.02% and the yellow leaves yielded 0.01%. The essential oils obtained had different chemical composition. The main components of the essential oil of the green leaves were: sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (38.5%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (23.3%), and monoterpene hydrocarbons (22.5%). The principal components of the yellow leaves essential oil were oxygenated sesquiterpenes (75.2%). Conclusion: The results obtained indicated a significant difference in the essential oil chemical composition of green and yellow leaves due to the irreversibility of senescence.
How Visibility May Reduce Security Issues in Community Hospitals’ Emergency Departments
Authors: Gharaveis Arsalan , Hamilton D. Kirk , Pati Debajyoti , Shepley Mardelle McCuskey , Rodiek Susan , McCall Denise
Published: July 2023

This research explored the relationship between visibility and the level of security risks as perceived by nurses and physicians in emergency departments (EDs). Security in EDs has been reported as a major global concern, and visibility has been identified as a design factor impacting behavior. However, few previous studies have rigorously investigated the role of visibility in reduction of ED security risks with evidence-based design approach. There is a lot of significant questions about how visibility impacts the reduction of security issues in EDs.

Methods:

How visibility may influence ED security was explored via qualitative methods in five EDs using semi-structured one-on-one interviews with 17 clinical staff and 48 hr of field observations. The coding process for both interviews and observational notes followed the principles of naturalistic inquiry.

Results:

The findings suggest security risks can be decreased by improving visibility. Medical staff (registered nurses and physicians) felt more secure in the EDs with higher visibility.

Discussion:

This study provides a framework to identify preferable levels of visibility in EDs and proposes design strategies to minimize security issues. Registered nurses and physicians can improve their team’s sense of security by considering visibility throughout their daily practices.