bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mothers' Social Status and Children's Health: Evidence From Joint Households in Rural India
Authors: Coffey Diane , Khera Reetika , Spears Dean
Published: September 2022

The premise that a woman's social status has intergenerational effects on her children's health has featured prominently in population science research and in development policy. This study focuses on an important case in which social hierarchy has such an effect. In joint patrilocal households in rural India, women married to the younger brother are assigned lower social rank than women married to the older brother in the same household. Almost 8% of rural Indian children under 5 years old—more than 6 million children—live in such households. We show that children of lower-ranking mothers are less likely to survive and have worse health outcomes, reflected in higher neonatal mortality and shorter height, compared with children of higher-ranking mothers in the same household. That the variation in mothers' social status that we study is not subject to reporting bias is an advantage relative to studies using self-reported measures. We present evidence that one mechanism for this effect is maternal nutrition: although they are not shorter, lower-ranking mothers weigh less than higher-ranking mothers. These results suggest that programs that merely make transfers to households without attention to intrahousehold distribution may not improve child outcomes.
Narrative as Social Action: Making Rhetorical Narrative Theory Accountable to Context
Authors: Byram Katra
Published: September 2022

The current reckoning with systemic bias and discrimination calls for centering historical and social context in narrative theory, as in other domains of academic and public life. This article undertakes that centering in rhetorical narrative theory. Informed by genre theory, it argues for theorizing narrative occasion by focusing on two dimensions: 1) the social positions it entails and 2) the conceptual frameworks it engages. Readings of two German-language texts, Goethe's Sorrows of Young Werther (1774/1787) and Babak Ghassim and Usama Elyas's “Behind Us, My Country” (2015), establish continua for mapping these social positions and conceptual frameworks and for evaluating their thematic salience in the narrative. Crucially, these methods are applied not only to text-internal figures like narrators and characters but also to the real-world parties to narrative: authors and actual readers. In addition to providing a framework for describing narrative occasion, this socially attuned analysis highlights problems with rhetorical narrative theory's treatment of audience, particularly its idealization of the authorial audience. The article thus points the way toward dismantling the universal thinking embedded in other narratological categories and suggests that rhetorical and cognitive narrative theories could be combined to understand how cognitive frameworks shape narrative occasion.
Mixing Comics and Literature in Calvino's Castle of Crossed Destinies
Authors: Smyth Peter
Published: September 2022

Italo Calvino's Castle of Crossed Destinies is unique among his later novels for failing to uphold the rules and constraints that he was increasingly fond of imposing on his works of fiction. To explain the novel's structural failure, this essay puts aside the framework for analysis which is commonly adopted, a structuralist reading rooted in Saussure's linguistics and Propp's narratology, and suggests a framework stemming from the comics that Calvino would have read in newspapers as a child. An unlikely source of inspiration, these comics actually tell us a great deal about the novel, about its origin, its tone, and its unraveling, as well as help us pinpoint the problem in a clash of interpretative strategies, between one that treats images as changeable and another that treats them as stable points in a narrative continuum.
Superficial Temporal Artery to the Middle Cerebral Artery Anastomotic Aneurysm Treated With an Endovascular Approach: A Case Report
Authors: Benalia Victor H. C. , Cortez Gustavo M. , Aghaebrahim Amin , Hanel Ricardo A. , Sauvageau Eric
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Anastomotic aneurysms are widely described in the cardiac literature; however, they have been less frequently reported in the neurological field. Historically, neurosurgeons have been treating anastomotic aneurysms arising from the superficial temporal artery to the middle cerebral artery (STA–MCA) bypass with open surgery. We proposed an endovascular treatment for our patient using the stent-assisted coiling technique, achieving good outcomes.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A man in his late forties with symptomatic chronic carotid occlusion underwent direct STA–MCA bypass surgery. On follow-up images, an incidental anastomotic aneurysm was discovered. The risks and benefits of treatment or watchful waiting were addressed, and an endovascular approach was the chosen treatment technique. Such complication is widely described in the cardiac literature; however, it has scarce reports in the neurological field. Furthermore, stent-assisted coiling was performed achieving complete occlusion of the aneurysm maintaining good patency of the bypass.

CONCLUSION:

STA–MCA aneurysm at the site of anastomosis is a potential complication after a direct bypass. Traditional management has been reported using open surgery with clipping or wrapping of the aneurysm. However, we propose endovascular surgery as an alternative approach to such complication, achieving good clinical outcomes.
A magnetic pulse does not affect free-flight navigation behaviour of a medium-distance songbird migrant in spring
Authors: Karwinkel Thiemo , Winklhofer Michael , Janner Lars Erik , Brust Vera , Hüppop Ommo , Bairlein Franz , Schmaljohann Heiko
Published: September 2022

Current evidence suggests that migratory animals extract map information from the geomagnetic field for true navigation. The sensory basis underlying this feat is elusive, but presumably involves magnetic particles. A common experimental manipulation procedure consists of pre-treating animals with a magnetic pulse, with the aim of re-magnetising particles to alter the internal representation of the external field prior to a navigation task. Although pulsing provoked deflected bearings in caged songbirds, analogous studies with free-flying songbirds yielded inconsistent results. Here, we pulsed European robins (Erithacus rubecula) at an offshore stopover site during spring migration and monitored their free-flight behaviour with a regional-scale network of radio-receiving stations. We found no pulse effect on departure probability, nocturnal departure timing departure direction or consistency of flight direction. This suggests either no use of the geomagnetic map by our birds, or that magnetic pulses do not affect the sensory system underlying geomagnetic map detection.
Aerial maneuvering by plethodontid salamanders spanning an arboreality gradient
Authors: Brown Christian E. , Sathe Erik A. , Dudley Robert , Deban Stephen M.
Published: September 2022

Wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) inhabit the crowns of the world's tallest trees, taking refuge in epiphytic fern mats within these complex arboreal environments. These salamanders readily jump from the canopy when disturbed and maintain stable postures while falling via fine adjustments of the limbs and tail in lieu of dedicated aerodynamic control surfaces, thus reliably carrying out non-vertical descent. Here, we examined the aerial behavior and performance of A. vagrans and three other species of plethodontid salamander across a habitat gradient of arboreality by recording salamanders falling from short heights and moving within the jet of a vertical wind tunnel. Kinematic performance of aerial behavior in plethodontid salamanders was correlated with a gradient of arboreal habitats; moreover, salamanders from arboreal niches were more effective in slowing and redirecting descent compared with other salamanders. Aneides vagrans and the closely related Aneides lugubris consistently engaged in parachuting and gliding when falling; their trajectories were very steep, but were sufficiently angled to enable contact with either the home trunk or nearby branches during falls or jumps from great heights. Aerial maneuvering in arboreal salamanders is similar to that seen in other vertebrates capable of non-vertical and controlled descent, suggesting that the long limbs and active tail of these arboreal plethodontids (often cited as adaptations for climbing) may also contribute to parachuting and gliding when falling from trees. These aerial behaviors within the redwood canopy warrant further investigations into other canopy residents that lack conspicuous surfaces for aerodynamic control.
Effect of Weight Goals on Sitting and Moving during a Worksite Sedentary Time Reduction Intervention
Authors: Leonard Krista S. , de Brito Junia N. , Larouche Miranda L. , Rydell Sarah A. , Mitchell Nathan R. , Pereira Mark A. , Buman Matthew P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Purpose

Although many U.S. adults report trying to lose weight, little research has examined weight loss goals as a motivator for reducing workplace sitting and increasing physical activity. This exploratory analysis examined weight goals and the association with changes in workplace sitting, physical activity, and weight.

Methods

Employees (N = 605) were drawn from worksites participating in Stand and Move at Work. Worksites (N = 24) were randomized to a multilevel behavioral intervention with (STAND+) or without (MOVE+) sit–stand workstations for 12 months; MOVE+ worksites received sit–stand workstations from 12 to 24 months. At each assessment (baseline and 3, 12, and 24 months), participants were weighed and wore activPAL monitors. Participants self-reported baseline weight goals and were categorized into the “Lose Weight Goal” (LWG) group if they reported trying to lose weight or into the “Other Weight Goal” (OWG) group if they did not.

Results

Generalized linear mixed models revealed that within STAND+, LWG and OWG had similar sitting time through 12 months. However, LWG sat significantly more than OWG at 24 months. Within MOVE+, sitting time decreased after introduction of sit–stand workstations for LWG and OWG, although LWG sat more than OWG. Change in physical activity was minimal and weight remained stable in all groups.

Conclusions

Patterns of change in workplace sitting were more favorable in OWG relative to LWG, even in the absence of notable weight change. Expectations of weight loss might be detrimental for reductions in workplace sitting. Interventionists may want to emphasize nonweight health benefits of reducing workplace sitting.
A Preliminary Discussion on the Notion of Nationalism in Weber’s Thought: Max Weber and His Cogitation of Nationalism
Authors: Özay Mehmet , Saifuddin Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Nationalism is known as the product of the continuation of the Enlightenment in Western Europe. Although this ideology has an established place in studies on political science and has been a subject studied by political scientists, discussing whether the founding fathers of sociology had deliberated or not on this would be interesting. Max Weber seems to have developed an interest in the concept of nationalism after getting his professorship in economics. Once nationalism became a mainstream phenomenon among the world communities at the end of 20th century, Weber’s approach evoked interest among social scientists. This paper pays attention to Weber’s discussion of this notion in the context of German nationalism mostly based on the socio-political changes he witnessed. The basic question is what was Weber’s idea about nationalism and its place in his sociological and economic views? This paper tries to answer this question by comparatively going through sources. This preliminary work intends to review the ideas of Weber’s nationalism by engaging in the existing literature which is believed to be meaningful. This article limitedly addresses the reconstruction of Weber’s concept of nationality based on the availability of relevant data by revealing the academic discussion.
Türkiye’de ve Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde Engellilik ve Politikasını Şekillendiren Sosyokültürel Değerlerin Keşfi ve Makul Düzenleme Bağlamında Karşılaştırmalı Analizi
Authors: Kahraman Güloğlu Fatma
Published: September 2022

Toplumsal bir olgu olan engelliliğe dair sosyal politikaların aktif olarak hayata geçirilebilmesi için o toplumda engellilik ve politikasını şekillendiren sosyokültürel değerlerin bilinmesi gereklidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı; Türkiye’de ve Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde (ABD) engellilik ve politikasını şekillendiren sosyokültürel değerleri keşfederek bu değerlerin her iki toplumdaki engelliliğe dair çalışmalarla nasıl bir karşılıklı etkileşim içinde olduğunu tartışmak ve makul düzenleme bağlamında her iki ülkedeki çalışmaları karşılaştırmaktır. Tarihsel karşılaştırmalı araştırma türlerinden karşılaştırmalı örnek olay inceleme araştırması ile yürütülen bu çalışmada, tarihsel süreçte engellilik ve politikasını şekillendiren sosyokültürel değerler var olan araştırmalar ve uygulamalar üzerinden yorumlayıcı yaklaşımla karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucuna göre Türkiye’de engellilik ve politikasını “muhtaç olana yardım ve güçlü aile bağları” ile Avrupa Birliği’ne (AB) uyum ve Birleşmiş Milletler Engelli Haklarına İlişkin Sözleşme’nin (BM EHİS) uygulanma sürecinde “insan hakları ve ayrımcılığı önleme” sosyokültürel değerleri birlikte şekillendirmektedir. ABD’de ise engellilik ve politikasını “bireysellik, bağımsız yaşam, ayrımcılığa karşı olma ve yurttaş hakları” sosyokültürel değerleri şekillendirmektedir. ABD’de ortaya çıkan makul düzenleme kavramı ABD’nin engelliliği şekillendiren sosyokültürel değerlerinin tamamıyla uyumludur. Türkiye’ye BM EHİS’le giren kavram engelliliği şekillendiren insan hakları ve ayrımcılığı önleme sosyokültürel değerleriyle uyumludur. Her iki ülkede engelliliğe dair teorik arka plan ve uygulama çalışmalarının başarılı olabilmesi için bu sosyokültürel değerlerin farkında olunması gereklidir.
İletişim Araçlarında Hızlanma Olgusu: Telgraf ve Twitter’ın Dromolojik Çözümlemesi
Authors: Al Eyüp
Published: September 2022

Teknoloji, dünyayı belirli bir biçimde yaşamayı ve kavramayı sağladığı için toplumsal alandan soyutlanabilir bir nitelik arz etmemektedir. Gün geçtikçe toplum ve teknoloji arasındaki etkileşimin arttığı varsayımından hareket edildiğinde, toplumsal süreçlerin ve olguların teknoloji zemininde ele alınması kaçınılmaz bir durum yaratmaktadır. Bu nedenle çalışmada bir süredir tecrübe edilmekte olan “hız” olgusu telgraf ve Twitter özelinde ele alınmakta olup, söz konusu olgu Paul Virilio’nun kavramsallaştırdığı “dromoloji” ekseninde teknolojik determinist bir okumaya tabi tutulmaktadır. Öncelikli olarak seçilen araçların kullanıldıkları dönemlerde yaşamı nasıl ve hangi ölçülerde hızlandırdıkları neden sonuç ilişkisi bağlamında izah edilmektedir. Söz konusu nedensellik bağlamı açıklanırken formun, içeriğin yerini nasıl aldığı da incelenmektedir. Ayrıca makalede, telgraf ve Twitter arasında tüm tarihsel bağlamı aşan “ideolojik” bir ortaklığın hız ekseninde kurulabileceği iddia edilmektedir. Hızlanma olgusunun teknolojik determinizme ve Virilio’ya göre “araçların” doğal sonucu olarak ele alındığı bu makalede, Virilio’nun dromoloji kavramının ve teknolojik determinizmin sınırlarını aşmadan nitel karşılaştırmalı tarihsel bir analiz gerçekleştirilmektedir. Tüm bu analizler ve incelemeler çerçevesinde hızın iletişim araçları üzerinden gündelik hayatı belirlediği, içeriği akışkan hale getirdiği ve coğrafyayı önemsizleştirdiği iddia edilmektedir.
An optimized approach for class imbalance problem in heterogeneous cross project defect prediction
Authors: Goel Lipika , Nandal Neha , Gupta Sonam
Published: September 2022

Background: In recent studies, Cross Project Defect Prediction (CPDP) has proven to be feasible in software defect prediction. When both the source as well as the target projects have the same metric sets, it is termed as a homogeneous CPDP. Current CPDP strategies are difficult to implement through projects with a variety of different metric sets. Aside from that, training data often has a problem with class imbalance. The number of defective/bug-ridden and non-defective/clean instances of the source class is usually unbalanced. To address this issue, we propose a heterogeneous cross-project defect prediction framework that can predict defects across projects with different metric sets.

Methods: To construct a prediction framework between projects with heterogeneous metric sets, our heterogeneous cross project defect prediction approach uses metric selection, metric matching, class imbalance (CIB) learning followed by ensemble modelling. For our study, we have considered six open-source object-oriented projects.

Results: The proposed model resolved the class imbalance issue and records the highest recall value of 7.5 with f-score value as 7.4 in comparison with other baseline models. The highest AUC (area under curve) value of 0.86 has also been recorded. K fold cross validation was performed to evaluate the training accuracy of the model. The proposed optimized model was validated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (WSR) with a significance level of 5% (i.e., P-value=0.05).

Conclusions: Our empirical research on these six projects shows that predictions based on our methodology outperform or are statistically comparable to Within-Project Defect Prediction (WPDP) and other heterogeneous CPDP baseline models.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chenna Deepika , Pentapati Kalyana C , Kumar Mathangi , Madi Medhini , Siddiq Hanan
Published: September 2022

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries.

Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model).

Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09–1.84); I2 = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8–82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762).

Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.
Student teachers' perceptions of the collaborative relationships between universities and inclusive elementary schools in Indonesia
Authors: Rasmitadila Rasmitadila , Humaira Megan Asri , Rachmadtullah Reza
Published: September 2022

Background: The collaborative relationship between universities and inclusive elementary schools has not been maximally practiced. The form of collaboration that universities with inclusive elementary schools have carried out is still limited to the need to complete lecture materials during the semester. There is a gap between the theory and practice obtained by student teachers at universities when they have to teach in inclusive elementary schools. As a result, they have not contributed to solving problems that occur in inclusive elementary schools. The collaborative relationship between inclusive elementary schools and universities directly implies that the success of inclusive education is determined by the competence of student teachers whose lecturers have successfully educated them in order to teach in inclusive elementary schools. Compared to the background that the inclusive education system is developing in Indonesia, the researchers investigated student teachers' perceptions at universities regarding inclusive university-inclusive elementary school collaborative relationships.

Methods: During data collection, an online survey and in-depth interviews of student teachers about individual experiences and their ideas about the form of inclusive elementary schools-university partnerships was conducted. The data analysis used was a thematic analysis technique.

Result: The result summarizes student teachers' statements, revealed three main themes: provision of inclusive education needs, research, and field practice. The student teachers revealed that the collaborative relationship between universities and inclusive elementary schools is essential in order to develop holistic, inclusive practices in a collaborative partnership based on input-needs, which has a two-way impact or benefit for both parties.

Conclusions: Furthermore, collaborative relationships must be in the form of long-term programs, such as continuous assistance, and adaptation to the development of inclusive education through lecture materials. To achieve successful inclusive education in Indonesia, we also recommended that the government make policies on multi-sectoral collaboration in order to support inclusive education.
Temporal distribution and clinical characteristics of the Alpha, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in Laikipia, Kenya: institutional and community-based genomic surveillance
Authors: W. Lambisia Arnold , H. Mudhune Godfrey , M. Morobe John , Said Mohammed Khadija , O. Makori Timothy , Ndwiga Leonard , W. Mburu Maureen , O. Moraa Edidah , Musyoki Jeniffer , Murunga Nickson , N. Waliaula Isaac , K. Mumelo Arthur , Bejon Philip , Isabella Ochola-Oyier Lynette , Githinji George , Nokes James , Agoti Charles
Published: September 2022

Background: Understanding the molecular epidemiology and clinical presentation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOC) in rural-urban populations in Kenya is important for informing future public health responses and clinical care.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation and phylogenetic relatedness of specimens from 97 SARS-CoV-2 cases collected between 24th April and 31st December 2021 in Laikipia county, Kenya. VOC were related to observed symptoms. Phylogenetic analyses included contemporaneous sequences from across Kenya and the globe, to contextualise local transmission dynamics.

Results: These sequences fell into three VOC; Alpha (n=8), Delta (n=52) and Omicron (n=37). We estimated 75 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions into the county. The Alpha and Delta VOC were commonly detected in persons aged 31 to 45 years, 50.0% and 30.8%, respectively. The Omicron VOC was mostly detected in 16 to 30-year-olds (51.4%). Whereas relative to the other VOCs, Omicron was associated with mild upper-respiratory tract symptoms (cough, OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.1 – 16.74, p= 0.026) and sore throat, OR 22.42; 95% CI 7.11 – 81.40, p<0.001), Delta was associated with moderate to severe lower-respiratory tract symptoms (shortness of breath, OR 26.8; 95% CI 3.89 – 1158.14, p<0.001) and fever (OR 6.11; 95% CI 1.57 – 35.35, p= 0.004). Post-acute phase neurological complications were suspected in four Delta infected cases (neuralgia, neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, numbness of hand and tinnitus).

Conclusion: We highlight the distinctive clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, as observed in Laikipia, Kenya, to support evidence-based clinical decisions. Multiple introductions of the VOCs were recorded despite the public health measures that were in place questioning their effectiveness during the study period.
Real-Time Integrated Learning and Decision Making for Cumulative Shock Degradation
Authors: Drent Collin , Drent Melvin , Arts Joachim , Kapodistria Stella
Published: September 2022

Problem definition: Unexpected failures of equipment can have severe consequences and costs. Such unexpected failures can be prevented by performing preventive replacement based on real-time degradation data. We study a component that degrades according to a compound Poisson process and fails when the degradation exceeds the failure threshold. An online sensor measures the degradation in real time, but interventions are only possible during planned downtime. Academic/practical relevance: We characterize the optimal replacement policy that integrates real-time learning from the online sensor. We demonstrate the effectiveness in practice with a case study on interventional x-ray machines. The data set of this case study is available in the online companion. As such, it can serve as a benchmark data set for future studies on stochastically deteriorating systems. Methodology: The degradation parameters vary from one component to the next but cannot be observed directly; the component population is heterogeneous. These parameters must therefore be inferred by observing the real-time degradation signal. We model this situation as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) so that decision making and learning are integrated. We collapse the information state space of this POMDP to three dimensions so that optimal policies can be analyzed and computed tractably. Results: The optimal policy is a state dependent control limit. The control limit increases with age but may decrease as a result of other information in the degradation signal. Numerical case study analyses reveal that integration of learning and decision making leads to cost reductions of 10.50% relative to approaches that do not learn from the real-time signal and 4.28% relative to approaches that separate learning and decision making. Managerial implications: Real-time sensor information can reduce the cost of maintenance and unplanned downtime by a considerable amount. The integration of learning and decision making is tractably possible for industrial systems with our state space collapse. Finally, the benefit of our model increases with the amount of data available for initial model calibration, whereas additional data are much less valuable for approaches that ignore population heterogeneity.

Funding: This work was supported by the Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg [Grant AFR-12451704] and Philips. The work of C. Drent is supported by the Data Science Flagship framework, a cooperation between Eindhoven University of Technology and Philips. The research of M. Drent is supported by the National Research Fund of Luxembourg. J. Arts thanks the Netherlands Foundation for Scientific Research for funding this research. The work of S. Kapodistria is supported by the NWO Gravitation Project NETWORKS of the Dutch government.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1149 .
The Phenomenology of Indonesian Coastal Students: Are They Ready for Online Blended Learning?
Authors: Tatang Fitriani*, , Herman Tatang , Fatimah Siti
Published: September 2022

The pandemic case has shifted away from face-to-face teaching to online blended learning. This phenomenon certainly causes various problems in the world of education. The online blended learning is good when applied with good internet connections and complete facilities. However, it differs from Indonesian coastal students who do not have supporting facilities. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the experience and readiness of Indonesian coastal students. It determines the facilities of the process using qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 25 students living in coastal areas in Aceh, Indonesia. Furthermore, in-depth interviews were used to obtain instruments and techniques for data collection, observations, field notes, and audio-visuals. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively by reducing, displaying, drawing conclusions, and verifying data. The data processing was conducted using NVivo 12 plus software. The kappa coefficient is used to check the accuracy of the data since there was no bias during coding. The analysis results show that Indonesian coastal students are not ready to conduct the online blended learning process. Furthermore, it is recommended that future research focus on coastal students’ development. A Hypothetical Learning Trajectory design should be created to assist in independent learning and lessen their readiness.
Teaching and Student Evaluation Tasks: Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of Work Tasks Motivation Scale for Teachers
Authors: Zewude Girum Tareke , Hercz Maria , Duong Ngan Thi Ngoc , Pozsonyi Ferenc
Published: September 2022

The present research aimed to test an Amharic version of the multi-dimensional Work Task Motivation Scale for Teachers (WTMST), which measures the five pillars of university instructors’ motivation toward teaching and student evaluation tasks based on self-determination theory (SDT). Therefore, the WTMST offers the first instrument to measure all five motivational elements, and today it is one of the most applicable instruments to assess teachers’ motivation. An Amharic version of the WTMST for teaching and student evaluation tasks was adopted and assessed in large-scale data (N=1,117). Our findings demonstrate excellent reliability and construct validity (convergent, discriminant, divergent and factorial). Besides, the results of the model comparisons provided that out of the four theoretically competing models (single-order factor, correlated factor, higher-order factor and bi-factor models), the bi-factor model was the most-fitted one used for measurement invariance across various groups. Results also suggest that the factor structure of the WTMST for both teaching and student evaluation tasks demonstrate consistency across gender (men, women), university types (research, applied, and general university), age and experience in teaching. Therefore, the WTMST for teaching and student evaluation tasks may be valid in Ethiopian higher education settings.
Academic Failure and Dropout: Untangling Two Realities
Authors: Gutiérrez-de-Rozas Belén , Molina Elvira Carpintero , López-Martín Esther
Published: September 2022

Academic failure and school dropout, or early school leaving, are two of the situations that most concern countries and educational institutions worldwide, because of their prevalence and also their economic and social implications. Despite this prominent role that academic failure and school dropout have in societies, there seems to be no consensus on the literature on their conceptualization, definition, and relationship. Moreover, it is frequent to observe how both concepts are confused or overlap in the scientific literature and how many authors avoid defining these constructs, using them indistinctly. Therefore, this work analyses whether educational research considers them as two different concepts or if they are used indistinctly. For this purpose, 2,051 keywords from 450 articles were subjected to a systematic review and classified into the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) thesaurus´ descriptors. The results reveal statistically significant differences in the descriptors according to the type of paper to which they correspond (academic failure or dropout). Thus, academic failure is associated with sociocultural, personal, and academic factors, while dropout is linked to employment and educational trajectories. These differences evidence that, although academic failure and school dropout refer to closely related educational problems, there are remarkable differences between them and between the treatment given to each of them in the scientific literature. Therefore, they should be considered as two different concepts. For all this, keyword analysis has proved to be a relevant element for the study of the structure of knowledge, allowing to clearly establish the differences between the two closely related concepts.
Perspectives of Preschool Children’s Parents on Early Childhood Education During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: GÜNGÖR Burcu
Published: September 2022

This study examines the parents’ perspectives on the adaptability and suitability of distance education for preschool children, distance education experiences at earlier ages and child-parent interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the data collection tool, the study used the questionnaire titled The perceptions of Parents regarding their Preschool Children’s Adaptation to the Pandemic and Distance Education Practices during COVID-19 Crisis. A total of 146 parents replied to the questionnaire, which consists of three parts and 49 items. This descriptive study was conducted through quantitative data analysis. The results of the study showed that parents believe distance education practices are not efficient enough regarding improvement in children’s learning processes and development areas. In addition, they believe that, despite the presence of various activities, the contribution of distance education to their children’s development is quite limited when compared to face-to-face education in old normal. Also, parents opine that increasing amount of screen watching time, insufficient interaction and communication in distance education trigger some behavioral and emotional reactions in children. The findings highlight the re-examination of the functionality of distance education approaches and implementations in early childhood and the determination of their content and target audience intently.
Low cross talk homogeneous few-mode multi-core fiber with a suspended air-trench and V-type index core
Authors: Li ZengHui , Li ShuGuang , Guo Ying , Meng XiaoJian , Wang Yan , Wang LuYao , Li MengQiang , Ma LiLing , Shao Peng Shuai , Wang Chun
Published: September 2022

We propose a homogeneous 13-core 4 linear-polarized modes fiber based on a suspended air-trench V-type index core (SA-VC) structure that can suppress inter-core cross talk (ICXT) and inter-mode cross talk. The SA structure is used to control ICXT, and the VC structure is used to control inter-mode cross talk. Cross talk and other properties of the fiber are calculated by coupled power theory and the finite element method. The numerical results demonstrate that the SA-VC structure has stronger cross talk suppression ability compared with traditional trench structure, the ICXT meets the requirement of lower than

−

30

d
B

/

100

k
m

, the effective refractive index difference (

Δ

n

e
f
f

) between modes is greater than

1.52

×

10

−
3

, the maximum intrinsic loss is 0.189 dB/km, and the relative core multiplicity factor reaches 49.09. Based on the current optical fiber fabrication technology, a manufacturing scheme for this fiber preform is proposed. This design structure aims to be applied to communication systems to increase the transmission capacity of optical fibers.
Fast algorithm for the simulation of 3D-printed microoptics based on the vector wave propagation method
Authors: Wende Marco , Drozella Johannes , Toulouse Andrea , Herkommer Alois M.
Published: September 2022

In this work, we propose the Fast Polarized Wave Propagation Method (FPWPM), which is an efficient method for vector wave optical simulations of microoptics. The FPWPM is capable of handling comparably large simulation volumes while maintaining quick runtime. This allows for real-world application of this method for the rapid development process of 3D-printed microoptics. By comparison to established routines like the rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) or the Richards-Wolf-Integral, accuracy and superior runtime efficiency of the FPWPM are demonstrated by simulation of interfaces, gratings, and lenses. By considering polarization in simulations, the FPWPM facilitates the analysis of optical elements which employ this property of electromagnetic waves as a feature in their optical design, e.g., diffractive elements, gratings, or optics with high angle of incidence like high numerical aperture lenses.
Maximizing Archimedes spiral packing density area
Authors: Almutairi Dhaifallah , Alshamrani Naif , Ingram Andrew , Grieco Andrew , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a broadband Archimedes spiral delay line with high packing density on a silicon photonic platform. This high density is achieved by optimizing the gap between the adjacent waveguides (down to sub-micron scale) in the spiral configuration. However, care must be taken to avoid evanescent coupling, the presence of which will cause the spiral to behave as a novel type of distributed spiral resonator. To this end, an analytical model of the resonance phenomenon was developed for a simple spiral. Moreover, it is demonstrated that this distributed spiral resonator effect can be minimized by ensuring that adjacent waveguides in the spiral configuration have different propagation constants (β). Experimental validations were accomplished by fabricating and testing multiple spiral waveguides with varying lengths (i.e., 0.4, 0.8, and 1.4 mm) and separation gaps (i.e., 300 and 150 nm). Finally, a Linear Density Figure of Merit (LDFM) is introduced to evaluate the packing efficiency of various spiral designs in the literature. In this work, the optimum experimental design with mitigated resonance had a length of 1.4mm and occupied an area of 60 × 60µm, corresponding to an LDFM of 388km-1.
Coordination of agricultural informatization and agricultural economy development: A panel data analysis from Shandong Province, China
Authors: Sun Yu , Zhao Zhe , Li Mingquan
Published: September 2022

With the continuous development of the world economy, science, and technology, the era of intelligence and information is upon us. Through the implementation of the digital rural construction project in China, agriculture is developing rapidly in the direction of informatization. As a major agricultural province in China, Shandong Province has been ranked first in China for many years in terms of gross agricultural product and the import and export of agricultural products. According to the current situation of agricultural informatization in Shandong Province, this study uses relevant evaluation index data of Shandong Province from 2011 to 2019 and applies the entropy value method, coupling degree analysis model, and coupling coordination degree analysis model to deeply evaluate the mutual influence and coordination degree between the agricultural informatization level and agricultural economic development in Shandong province in each year. We identify the possible problems in the development of agricultural informatization in Shandong province. Finally, in terms of talent construction, infrastructure construction, the main role of government, policies, and farmers’ awareness of informatization, we propose some countermeasures and suggestions that are conducive to the coordinated development of agricultural informatization and the agricultural economy.
Factors affecting patient satisfaction in refugee health centers in Turkey
Authors: Zikusooka Monica , Hanna Radysh , Malaj Altin , Ertem Meliksah , Elci Omur Cinar
Published: September 2022

Background

Turkey hosts an estimated 3.7 million Syrian refugees. Syrian refugees have access to free primary care provided through Refugee Health Centers(RHC). We aimed to determine factors that influence patient satisfaction in refugee health centers.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional quantitative study. A patient survey was administered among 4548 patients attending services in selected 16 provinces in Turkey. A quantitative questionnaire was used to collect information on patient satisfaction and experience in the healthcare facility. Information on “overall satisfaction with health services” was collected on a 5-point Likert scale and dichotomized for analysis. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors that influenced patient satisfaction.

Results

We found that 78.2% of the participants were satisfied with the health services they received. Factors related to service quality and communication were significant determinants of patient satisfaction. The strongest predictors of satisfaction were having a sufficient consultation time (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.76–3.21; p< 0.0001), receiving a comprehensive examination (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.49–2.70; p < 0.0001) and being treated with respect by the nurse (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.52–2.85; p< 0.0001).

Conclusion

Providing integrated, culturally and linguistically sensitive health services is important in refugee settings. The quality of service and communication with patients influence patient satisfaction in refugee health centers. As such, improvements in aspects such as consultation time and the quality of physician-patient interaction are recommended for patient satisfaction.
The moderating role of sociodemographic and work-related variables in burnout and mental health levels of Mexican medical residents
Authors: Dominguez-Espinosa Alejandra del Carmen , Montes de Oca-Mayagoitia Sandra Irma , Sáez-Jiménez Ana Paola , de la Fuente-Zepeda Javier , Monroy Ramírez de Arellano Lilia
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore the moderating effects of sociodemographic and work-related variables on levels of burnout and mental health among medical residents.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey was administered at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 at different public teaching hospitals where medical residents practiced in Mexico City. A total of 201 medical residents of different years completed the survey.

Results

Different univariate inferential analyses on the level of burnout and mental health indices showed significant differences between sex, marital status, previous reports of physical illness or psychological conditions, and residency ranking. However, the effect sizes of those differences were of low to medium size. A predictive path analysis revealed that the three stages of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and achievement dissatisfaction) negatively affect psychological wellbeing and positively affect psychological distress. Finally, even though sociodemographic variables showed some significant variation, the effect sizes were small and did not moderate the direct effect of burnout on mental health indices.

Conclusions

Medical residents deling with every day medical situations, will be exposed to stressors that might increase the probability to experience emotional exhaustion. This would negatively affect levels of wellbeing and positively affect distress, despite their sociodemographic characteristics.
Bacterial concentration and Campylobacter spp. quantification differ when fresh or ultra-frozen samples are analysed over time using molecular biology and culture-based methods
Authors: Khattak Farina , Galgano Salvatore , Houdijk Jos
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to delineate the robustness of the culture-based and molecular biology methods to assess the total bacterial concentration and Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) quantification in caecal content, analysed as fresh or after being stored immediately at ultra-low (-80°C) temperature at different time points (for 3, 7, 14, 28 and 62 days post collection). The caecal content was collected from birds that were artificially colonised with C. jejuni (in-vivo), and quantification was performed using both colony-forming unit (CFU) and qPCR. The results showed that storage time affected the output of culture-based analyses but mostly did not alter concentration retrieved via qPCR. After an initial ~4.5 log10 reduction in CFU observed from fresh (day 0) to frozen samples, bacterial concentration retrieved with culture-based methods seemed to be constant in samples frozen for 3 to 62 days, indicating a possible threshold for C. jejuni loss of viability due to effect of storage temperature. Ranking order analyses, revealed that the molecular biology technique was able to attribute somewhat the same relative C. jejuni concentrations to the samples analysed via qPCR. However, day 0 measurements from culture-based methods were associated with the absence of or negatively weak correlations with the rest of the time points, but ranking order was maintained from day 3 onwards. On the other hand, ranking order correlations were less constant when measuring total bacterial concentration through qPCR. The study suggests that if biological samples can’t be analysed as fresh (immediately after collection) and have to be stored prior to analysis, then storage at -80°C samples be recommended to avoid the temporal-dependent effects on C. jejuni concentrations. In addition, irrespective of the method of analysis, an initial loss of CFU must be factored in when interpreting the results obtained from frozen samples.
Impact of ultrasonographic blind spots for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma during surveillance
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Park Su Bee , Byun Soyoung , Kim Ha Il
Published: September 2022

Background

Abdominal ultrasonography (US) is the backbone of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance. Although previous studies have evaluated clinical factors related to surveillance failure, none have focused specifically on US blind spots.

Methods

This study included 1,289 patients who underwent 6 months intervals surveillance using US and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and were eventually diagnosed with single-nodular HCC. Patients were divided into US-detected group (n = 1,062) and US-missed group (HCC detected only by AFP ≥ 20ng/mL; n = 227). Blind spots consisted of four locations: hepatic dome, caudate lobe or around the inferior vena cava, <1 cm beneath the ribs, and the surface of the left lateral segment. Both groups were compared by HCC location, proportional distribution, treatment method, and overall survival.

Results

A higher proportion of HCCs were located within blind spots in the US-missed group than in the US-detected group (64.3% vs. 44.6%, P < 0.001). HCC ≥ 2 cm detected in blind spots was higher than in non-blind areas (60.3% vs. 47.1%, P = 0.001). Blind spot HCCs were more treated with surgery, whereas those located in a non-blind area were more treated with local ablation. Patients with an HCC located within a blind spot in the US-detected group had better overall survival than the same in the US-missed group (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Using the current surveillance test, blind spots affected the initially detected HCC tumor size, applicability of the treatment modality, and overall survival. Physicians should pay attention to US blind spots when performing US-based HCC surveillance.