bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productive Aging Lifestyles: A Latent Class Analysis of Work and Volunteer Patterns over the Retirement Transition
Authors: Carr Dawn C. , Kail Ben L. , Taylor Miles
Published: June 2022

Frank Caro and colleagues’ foundational work set the stage for a broad and multifaceted productive aging (PA) literature. Recent PA research has focused on health benefits associated with work and volunteering, respectively. However, these activities are often assumed to have independent associations with health and wellbeing. Less clear is whether and in what ways older adults participate in productive engagement lifestyles including multiple activities over a long period of time. This paper uses latent class analyses and the Health and Retirement Study to examine combined engagement in work and volunteer activities over 12 years between ages 56-68 to (1) identify patterns of work and volunteer activities across the retirement transition, (2) evaluate characteristics of individuals within these patterns, and (3) explore whether particular patterns are associated with markers of health and wellbeing. We describe how our findings inform successful aging by incentivizing socially and individually beneficial PA lifestyles.
Reforesting Native America with Drones: Rooting Carbon with Arborescent Governmentality and Decolonial Geoengineering
Authors: Fish Adam
Published: June 2022

The Confederated Colville Tribes collaborated with DroneSeed, a forestry drone start-up, to use drones to replant their tribal forest after a devastating fire. Using concepts from Bernard Stiegler to interrogate ethnographic data, this article argues that forestry drones are pharmaka: their biopolitics can be therapeutic, that is, negentropic, capable of reversing ecological simplification. Drone forestry is a type of arborescent governmentality, a tree-based computer-coded attempt to control the growth of a forest. For the Colville, this negentropy is also an act of sovereignty that protects culture and honors multispecies relationships. For DroneSeed, it is an experiment in negentropic geoengineering, an attempt to profitably leverage technologies and biological regeneration to sequester carbon and reduce global existential risk. Ultimately the project was not the success desired; the failure of technoliberal projects that blend ecological and economic liberalism shows that a more radical approach might be necessary to root carbon and slow capitalism.
Trajectories of coparenting quality across ethnically diverse and interethnic parents
Authors: Kil Hali , Robichaud Jean-Michel , Mageau Geneviève A
Published: June 2022

The Interracial Couples’ Life Transitions (ICLT) model proposes that: i) interethnic parents experience more coparenting difficulties upon the birth of a child compared to same-ethnicity parents; and ii) there exists heterogeneity in interethnic parents’ coparenting quality, thus the coparenting experience cannot be generalized across all interethnic unions. In the present work, we examined these two propositions using a large-scale database of elevated risk, fragile families. In Study 1, we compared the longitudinal trajectories of coparenting in interethnic parents ( n = 574 mother-father unions) and their matched same-ethnicity counterparts ( n = 574 each mothers and fathers) and found that interethnic parents of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White backgrounds consistently experienced lower and decreasing trajectories of coparenting compared to their counterparts across the first 9 years of a child’s life. In Study 2, we examined heterogeneity in coparenting trajectories for only interethnic mothers and fathers ( n = 1148) and found a three-trajectory profile in which the majority (75.5%) of parents fall into a contented (stable and high) coparenting profile. Our findings confirm and extend on the ICLT model, showing that most interethnic parents experience more coparenting difficulties across time compared to their counterparts, and although there is some heterogeneity in interethnic parents’ coparenting trajectories, most interethnic parents appear to experience stable and content coparenting across time.
Paraprotein associated heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Khuong Jacqueline N , Forsyth Cecily J , Manuel Lucy , Kingsford-Smith Kate , Srivastava Arpit , Bassin Levi
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass poses a significant intraoperative dilemma. Antithrombin deficiency related heparin resistance is well described, but less common causes are still poorly understood and inadequately managed.

Case report

We present a case of heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass in a gentleman with no previous haematological history or thrombotic risk factors. The patient required three times the regular dose of unfractionated heparin to achieve acceptable conditions to initiate and maintain bypass. The patient was found to have elevated serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) kappa paraprotein on post-operative investigation.

Discussion

Paraproteins may exhibit non-specific binding to long polymeric chains of unfractionated heparin and inhibits the interaction between heparin and antithrombin. As a result, excessive doses of heparin are required to overcome this, which increases the risk of perioperative bleeding and other complications.

Conclusion

Elevated serum paraprotein levels should be recognised as a cause of heparin resistance during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Factors associated with better treatment outcome of physical therapy interventions after shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Claes Anke , Mertens Michel GCAM , Verborgt Olivier , Baert Isabel , Struyf Filip
Published: June 2022

Objective

To summarize factors that are associated with a better treatment outcome after post-operative physical therapy in patients with shoulder arthroplasty.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science.

Review methods

Studies examining factors that are associated with a better outcome after post-operative physical therapy interventions in patients with shoulder arthroplasty were included. Two independent reviewers performed screening, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and level of evidence, using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool and Evidence-Based Guideline Development checklist. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Results

In total, 460 articles were found and 14 studies were included. Two of the included articles had a moderate risk of bias, 12 high. The overall number of patients in the included studies varied from 20 to 2053. Patients had either a reverse ( N = 1863), an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty ( N = 1029) or, a hemiarthroplasty ( N = 133). Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty patients with a neutral rotation sling position showed less night pain and greater range of motion, which was awarded moderate evidence. Other modifiable and non-modifiable factors such as telemedicine, immediate range of motion exercises, and pre-operative function were only awarded preliminary or conflicting evidence.

Conclusion

Mainly preliminary and conflicting evidence was found. The possible causes of the conflicting evidence were the different measurement methods, implant types, and follow-up times used. The methodological quality was low and physical therapy protocols differed greatly. More high-quality research with standardized protocols is needed to determine the association of various factors with treatment outcomes after post-operative physical therapy in patients with shoulder arthroplasty.
Do childhood adversity and sensory processing sensitivity interact to predict meaningful activity engagement in adulthood?
Authors: Kerley Lachlan , Meredith Pamela , Harnett Paul
Published: June 2022

Introduction

A core tenet of occupational therapy is that engagement in meaningful activities is integral for a person’s health and wellbeing. Childhood adversity can have lifelong impacts on physical and mental health; however, the effects of childhood experiences are dependent on the presence of susceptibility factors, including sensory processing sensitivity. To date, the effects of childhood adversity and sensory processing sensitivity have not been investigated for meaningful activity engagement. This study seeks to determine whether childhood adversity is related to engagement in meaningful activities in adulthood and whether this relationship is moderated by sensory processing sensitivity.

Method

Using convenience snowball sampling, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 328 adults. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Risky Families Questionnaire, Highly Sensitive Person Scale and Engagement in Meaningful Activities Scale.

Results

Correlational analyses found that childhood adversity was related to significantly less meaningful activity engagement in adulthood, but this relationship was not moderated by sensory processing sensitivity.

Conclusion

This study showed, for the first time, that a history of childhood adversity is linked to less engagement in meaningful activities in adulthood. While further research is needed, supporting meaningful activity engagement may be necessary for adults who experienced childhood adversity.
A history of International Headache Society grants and their impact on headache careers
Authors: Puledda Francesca , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Diener Hans-Christoph , Schytz Henrik Winther
Published: June 2022

Background

The International Headache Society has been offering multiple award opportunities for young researchers and clinicians for many years, with the aim of supporting the development of careers in headache science and medicine.

Methods

In order to assess the outcomes of the International Headache Society award grants, a questionnaire was sent to all previous recipients, investigating a series of aspects related to their work, both during and after award completion.

Results

Of 44 total questionnaires sent, 36 were returned. Eighty-one percent of the recipients reported to have remained in the headache field since the award, half of them held a current academic position and over three-quarters had stayed in contact with the host institution. The totality of questionnaire responders stated that the grant had had a significantly positive impact on their careers.

Conclusions

The International Headache Society grants have assisted many young researchers in building an academic and clinical career in the field of headache, throughout the years.
Balanced Mix Design and Benchmarking: A Case Study in Establishing Performance Test Thresholds
Authors: Bowers Benjamin F. , Diefenderfer Stacey D. , Moore Nathan , Lynn Tiana
Published: June 2022

A balanced mix design (BMD) approach for asphalt mixtures incorporates laboratory performance tests into the mix design acceptance process. However, test selection and subsequent performance thresholds must be selected, which is no easy endeavor when considering the number of promising tests and the variation in asphalt mix designs and components between states or regions. While the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) BMD specification has been circulated for multiple years now, this article presents the approach taken by VDOT to investigate the various tests, considerations taken in selecting tests, and the establishment of performance thresholds. Data and discussion of six different performance tests encompassing durability, rutting, and cracking for 11 common Virginia mixes are presented. The performance threshold selection process is outlined. Further considerations in the final test selection process are discussed. In conclusion, the initial draft specification for BMD is provided.
Train Operation Curve Optimization for an Urban Rail Interval With Multi-Parameter Adjustment
Authors: Deng Lianbo , Zhong Min , Xu Jing , Xu Guangming
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes an energy consumption optimization method of train operation by controlling multiple parameters for an urban rail interval. The parameters include the maximum operation speed, the ratio of the minimum coasting speed to the maximum speed, the maximum traction, and the braking force. Based on the mass belt model, an optimization model of train operation is built with these parameters as decision variables. The objective function is to minimize the energy consumption and the penalty on the running time delays for the observed rail interval. A simulated annealing algorithm is designed to solve the model, which adopts synergic adjustment of multiple parameters based on the influence of the running time with variation of each parameter. A numerical example of Guangzhou Metro Line 8 is adopted to test the method. The results show that the maximum operation speed has a decisive influence on the optimal train operation strategy, interval running time, and energy consumption; the train traction has a direct effect on energy consumption; the train braking force has multiple optimal solutions; moreover, the energy-saving strategy has a significant effect on energy saving in a longer running time.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Traffic Conflict at Signalized Intersections under Non-Lane-Based Traffic Condition
Authors: Shahana A , Perumal Vedagiri
Published: June 2022

The majority of accidents observed at signalized intersections comprise rear-end collisions resulting from a diversity of actions happening during signal change. This study explores the spatial and temporal variation of rear-end conflict in non-lane-based multi-class traffic conditions. Precise positions of the vehicles extracted from traffic video data collected from two major cities in India are utilized to identify critical vehicle interactions. Multiple surrogate safety measures (time to collision and deceleration rate to avoid crash) are used to identify the rear-end conflicts. More than 9,000 vehicle trajectories extracted from four signalized intersections were used to develop heat maps showing space-time variation of rear-end conflict at varying threshold values. Results showed that the majority of rear-end conflicts happened at the beginning of red time and green time at the upstream side of signalized intersections. Separate heat maps were developed to explore the variation in rear-end conflict caused by different vehicle types and lateral movement of vehicles. In addition, this study develops conflict-based safety models to investigate how changes in traffic parameters including traffic volume, vehicle speed, platoon ratio, queue length, and signal control affect the conflict hotspot (most intense conflict location) at the signalized intersections. The results showed that the higher the vehicle speed and queue length the greater the shift of the conflict hotspot away from the stop line in the upstream direction. The developed models can give insight into how changes in the traffic parameters and the signal cycle time affect the safety of signalized intersections.
A mini-review of biomethane valorization: Managerial and policy implications for a circular resource
Authors: D’Adamo Idiano , Sassanelli Claudio
Published: June 2022

The green transition requires renewable energy resources, especially the role of biomass is very crucial as it promotes resource circularity if sustainable substrates are used. This mini-review focuses on green gas derived from biomass called biomethane, which appears to be strategic in the face of soaring energy costs. Hence, combined Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats–Analytic Hierarchy Process analysis is used to compare and evaluate the critical factors. The results provide not only methodological insights through the application of the local–global priority method, but also managerial insights that see biomethane as a winning element for the green transition, fighting climate change and reducing dependence on external energy sources. Subsidies have played a key role in pursuing economic sustainability; however, their use should be reduced over time and measured to the actual contribution related to environmental and social improvement. The results of this work highlight that biomethane development is important to tackle climate change and to be self-sufficient from an energy perspective. This development plan, based on circularity of resources, includes subsidies for small-scale plants, substrates from neighbouring territories, citizen involvement in decision-making processes, valorization of suitable waste from an environmental perspective and stability of political choices.
Quantifying and managing plastic waste generated from building construction in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Hernandez German , Low Joanne , Nand Ashveen , Bu Alex , Wallis Shannon L , Kestle Linda , Berry Terri-Ann
Published: June 2022

Each year, construction and demolition (C&D) waste contributes at least 25,000 tonnes to the total amount of plastic landfilled in Auckland, New Zealand. The growing use of plastic in the packaging of building materials, use of polystyrene and products, such as building wrap, are contributing to this. Unlike countries such as the UK, most construction waste in New Zealand is not sorted on-site, and C&D waste is often co-mingled; therefore, minimal analysis on the recoverability of plastics has been attempted. This study identified and quantified the plastic waste stream produced from four construction sites, generated from various stages of construction in Auckland, New Zealand. Plastic waste was taken over three construction stages including demolition, exterior and weatherproofing and services and cladding, amounting to 112 kg (or 11.2 m3). The main types of plastic analysed were polyethylene, contributing 77% (by mass), and polyvinyl chloride, representing 31% (by mass). The main reason for the generation of plastic waste across the four sites was highly variable and dependent on construction stage. However, it was apparent that plastic packaging of materials was not the single area of concern, and plastic building componentry and protection materials should also be investigated for their contribution. This study supports the requirement for improved understanding and awareness around the composition and fate of plastic C&D waste. Long-term benefits to the construction industry are from raising awareness of the potential to make profits from valuable waste products and to improve environmental performance and reputation, for a competitive advantage in New Zealand.
Nanoarchitectured Graphene Organic Framework for Drug Delivery and Chemo-photothermal Synergistic Therapy
Authors: Xu Chengfeng , Yao Shuting , Jiang Peng , Wang Cui , Hu Jinhua , Wan Junmin , Hu Zhiwen , Wang Bing
Published: June 2022

The combination of phototherapy and chemotherapy has received extensive attention in the field of cancer therapy. Hence, graphene organic framework (GOF) with a large d-spacing was prepared by solvothermal method, and a novel nanocomposite based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was developed, which effectively achieved a photothermal-chemotherapy synergistic treatment. When the feeding ratio was 1:1.6, the DOX loading capacity was 18.51%, and the GOF-BSA/DOX nanocomposite possessed unobvious pH response characteristic, as well as the cumulative release of DOX reached 54.17% at 42°C in the acidic environment (pH = 5.0). The nanocarriers also showed excellent photothermal property and photothermal stability in vitro. In addition, under 808 nm near-infrared laser (NIR) irradiation, the GOF-BSA/DOX nanocomposites generated a large amount of heat, which significantly enhanced the synergistic antitumor effect of in vitro photothermal-chemotherapy. Furthermore, the GOF-BSA/DOX nanocomposites exhibited significantly increased cytotoxicity in the NIR compared with chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone, suggesting that the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy has excellent antitumor capacity. Therefore, porous GOF nanocarriers may have great potential in combined anti-tumour therapy.
Synthesis of near-infrared-responsive hexagonal-phase upconversion nanoparticles with controllable shape and luminescence efficiency for theranostic applications
Authors: Choi Jongseon , Kim So Yeon
Published: June 2022

Over the past few decades, photodynamic therapy has been studied as a therapeutic method by generating singlet oxygen through activation of a photosensitizer (PS) to kill cancer cells. However, the light within the activating wavelength range of commercial photosensitizers has a low penetration depth. In this study, we designed multifunctional upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) that can emit high-energy light by absorbing low-energy near-infrared (NIR) light with excellent tissue permeability through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer procedure. This process can produce reactive oxygen species by activating the PS. We aimed to optimize the thermal decomposition synthesis procedure to produce lanthanide-doped UCNs with a uniform size and improve the photoluminescence efficiency for an NIR-regulated theranostic system. It was confirmed that the morphologies of UCNs can be controlled by varying the reaction time, reaction temperature, and feed molar ratio of the solvent and reactant. The crystalline morphology of the synthesized UCNs showed a thermodynamically stable hexagonal phase. The photoluminescence efficiency of the UCNs also was influenced by size, surface area, crystalline property, and stability in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the surface-modified UCNs with a folic acid-conjugated block copolymer and PS exhibited enhanced singlet oxygen generation and significantly improved aqueous solubility and photoluminescence efficiency.
A Family Imprinting Approach to Nurturing Willing Successors: Evidence From Centennial Family Firms
Authors: Marques Pilar , Bikfalvi Andrea , Busquet Francesc
Published: June 2022

A critical aspect for the continuity of family businesses (FB) is the existence of willing successors. In this article, we use the imprinting theory to ground an explanation of how the family imprinting process shapes siblings’ willingness to become a successor in the FB. We stylize three family imprinting types based mainly on different family motivations: the FB-centric, the entrepreneurship-centric, and the free-will-centric. The uniqueness of this approach is that it offers an imprinting-based process model capable of explaining the origins of homogeneity and heterogeneity in succession willingness at both the inter- and the intra-family levels.
A stress-based approach for considering the size effect on the mixed mode fracture behavior of rock
Authors: Aslani Maryam , Akbardoost Javad , Berto Filippo
Published: June 2022

It is aimed in this research that a new approach is represented for justifying the influence of specimen size on the mixed mode I/II fracture behavior of rock. The new approach, namely, the MTS-FEM criterion, is an extension of the maximum tangential stress (MTS) criterion in which the finite element method (FEM) is employed for characterizing the tangential stress at the critical distance. Also, two points exist in the MTS-FEM approach for the critical distance. First one is that the critical distance is obtained directly from finite element analysis corresponding to results of mode I fracture test. The second point is that the critical distance from the crack tip is considered as a function of specimen size. The experimental results carried out in the previous studies on cracked Brazilian disks (CBD) with four different radii and under mixed mode loading are utilized with the aim to evaluate the new size effect criterion. It is illustrated that the MTS-FEM criterion is able to predict the mixed mode fracture resistance of rock considering the size effect well without calculating any parameters related to the stress or strain series expansion.
Analysis of transient longitudinal dynamic behavior of tire on μ-step road
Authors: Ye Shengyong , Lu Jianwei , Wei Heng , Lu Hangyu , Shi Lei , Wu Bofu
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the variation of tire longitudinal force and vehicle motions is studied when vehicle passing through the boundary of two road surfaces with different friction coefficient. The critical longitudinal slip of total sliding on the front and back roads is obtained by theoretical analysis. Then the variation of longitudinal force in different range of longitudinal slip is analyzed and a mathematical model is established to describe the transient force characteristics of tire. The longitudinal force, the longitudinal slip, the forward speed, and the angular velocity of the wheel on μ-step road are tested experimentally for different initial longitudinal slips, compared the tested results with those calculated by mathematical model. The results show that the initial longitudinal slip before passing through the road boundary is directly related to the change of longitudinal force and vehicle motions. The larger the initial longitudinal slip is, the more obvious the transient characteristics of the tire will be. For the vehicle driving from high-adhesion-road to low-adhesion-road. When the initial longitudinal slip is small, the longitudinal force decreases rapidly at first, and then quickly returns to the original value and remains constant on the low-adhesion-road. When the initial longitudinal slip exceeds the maximum recoverable longitudinal slip, the reduced longitudinal force cannot be recovered or can only be partially recovered on the low-adhesion-road. For the case of low-adhesion-road to high-adhesion-road, the longitudinal force will continue to increase as the tire passes through the boundary, and then gradually decrease to the original value when contact area passes through the boundary completely. In generally, the increased initial slip rate will not cause the longitudinal force irrecoverable. The relevant conclusions can provide theoretical references for vehicle dynamics and ABS control.
Site-specific considerations for aerodynamic design upgrade of a wind turbine operating in a saharan environment
Authors: El-Din Ahmed Hossam , Diab Aya
Published: June 2022

Sand erosion and dust deposition may induce surface irregularities of the blades of a wind turbine deployed in the Sahara, causing performance deterioration. In the current work a multi-objective optimization algorithm is developed to upgrade the aerodynamic blade profile of wind turbines operating in a Saharan environment. As a case study, the rotor of the Nordtank 300 kW horizontal axis wind turbine operating in Hurghada, Egypt is customized for lower sensitivity to surface roughness. The goal is to achieve a high lift-to-drag ratio while simultaneously maintain high resistance to dust deposition and sand erosion. The optimization algorithm is developed in MATLAB using C-language and coupled via ANSYS-ICEM to ANSYS-FLUENT computational fluid dynamics software for a particle-laden flow simulation until the optimization objectives are iteratively met. The optimization process yields a blade with lower sensitivity to surface roughness issues not only offsetting the 10.58% loss in Annual Energy Production (AEP) using the original profile, but actually boosting the AEP by 10.87% for the optimized blade. It is believed that this research may draw attention to the need for site-specific blade design to avoid environmental surface degradation as a result of dust deposition and sand erosion that may be unavoidable in the Saharan environment of countries in the MENA region.
A two-dimensional method for radial turbine volute design
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Yu , Li Xiangjun , Chen Hua , Wei Yi , Wu Guitao
Published: June 2022

In this work, a new two-dimensional method is presented for turbine volute design. In this method, the continuity equation, energy equation, free vortex equation, and streamline equation are employed to solve the velocity field and to generate the volute profile. The physical model and mathematic solution to the governing equations are described in detail. A new volute for a turbocharger turbine is generated using this method and compared with the original, well-designed baseline volute. Different turbine operating conditions, including equal and unequal admission cases, were studied by CFD to compare turbine aerodynamic performance using the new and baseline volutes. The simulation results show that the efficiency of the new volute is about 0.4%–0.6% higher than the baseline under equal admission conditions. It is found that the improvement in turbine performance is mainly due to the more reasonable A/R distribution, which reduces the losses in the turbine. This work demonstrates that the proposed new method provides an effective way for radial turbine volute design, and can quickly create high performance volutes.
Moving towards fairer regional minimum income schemes in Spain
Authors: Hernández Adrián , Picos Fidel , Riscado Sara
Published: June 2022

Minimum income schemes aim at providing citizens with a minimum living standard. In some EU countries, their regulation and provision takes place at the subnational level. This is the case in Spain, where minimum income schemes are a heterogeneous and complex collection of regional benefits designed and implemented at the regional level, by the Autonomous Communities. In June 2020, a complementary nationwide minimum income scheme was implemented. In this context, we use the European microsimulation model EUROMOD, together with microdata from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, to comprehensively assess the performance of the whole minimum income system. We simulate a sequence of theoretical scenarios, considering different degrees of coverage and adequacy of these benefits and show that extending the coverage of the regional schemes would significantly alleviate poverty. However, it would not be sufficient to eliminate it and further increases in the benefit amounts would also be required. Furthermore, the new nationwide minimum income can potentially reduce the shortfall in income from the poverty line, if cost-shifting practices from the regional to the national budgetary level are limited. We discuss the importance of this case study in light of the decentralization of minimum income policies and derive some general policy implications. JEL classification: H53, H75, I38.
Identifying and mapping professional identities among Swedish ambulance nurses: A multiple qualitative case study
Authors: Grimell Jan , Holmberg Mats
Published: June 2022

Research on ambulance culture and identity is globally scant and nonexistent within a Swedish context. This study on Swedish ambulance nurses serves as a first step and an important entry point into this topic. The purpose was to describe professional ambulance identities among four participants who had served between several years and decades in the ambulance services. Qualitative data was obtained through initial in-depth interviews and follow-up data gathering at a later stage. The theoretical underpinnings adhered to both narrative psychology and dialogical self theory, strengthening the capacity to develop new knowledge about professional identities. The findings present four distinct types of identities among the participants. Individuality and diversity amongst the development of core identities is shown to be cultivated by the dialogue between professional and personal identities. This dialogical process began at a stage in the ambulance career when the strict demarcation line between professional and personal identities was crossed.
‘Nobody Ever Thinks What It Is Like to be a Guy Like Me’: How Arthur and the Story Are Developed in Joker (2019)
Authors: Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2022

The way people interact with space appertains to the idea of territory. Territory is claimed by people all the time in communication. This article will explore how the lead actor, Joaquin Phoenix, of Joker (2019) develops Arthur Fleck and the story with the support of Method Acting, territorial theories and film techniques. More specifically, the study will consider (a) how Arthur interacts with other characters and narrative space in different territories naturalistically and (b) how Method Acting, territorial theories and film techniques facilitate Arthur’s characterisation and the story development. The study of Arthur reveals that he undergoes a metamorphosis during resisting his tormentors in the story. The study of Arthur also shows that it is meaningful to introduce territorial theories to film analysis and Method Acting.
Communicating During COVID-19 and Other Acute-Event Scenarios: A Practical Approach
Authors: Vukasovich Christian A. , Kostic Marko N.
Published: June 2022

Successfully adapting to organizational changes during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis necessitated the effective deployment of technical communication texts delineating the expectations and structures for guiding behavior and interactions. A dearth of system-wide familiarity with changes in modalities has disrupted expectations and impacted engagement. During acute events, business and technical communicators will probably not be the initial source of transition messaging. Instead, this task will fall on managers, faculty, and other front-line communicators. The authors present pragmatic recommendations for adapting familiar discourses, semiotics, and mental scripts so that communicators can more effectively intervene during crises to ease organizational transitions and decrease uncertainty.
Teaching Students in the Technical and Professional Communication Classroom Practices for Innovation Rhetoric
Authors: Moreau Craig
Published: June 2022

Initiating and continuing rhetorical invention is an important practice for teams seeking to innovate. Workplace professionals demonstrate one potential model of rhetorical innovation by instantiating four rhetorical moves that make up a broader practice of difference-driven inquiry (DDI). But it remains unknown how DDI, as a model of innovative rhetoric, can be taught in the technical and professional communication classroom. Over the course of two studies, the author investigated a pedagogy attempting to teach practices for innovation rhetoric. The results show that the pedagogy can be effective but that more scaffolding is needed.
The Effect of Holistic Birth Support Strategies on Coping With Labor Pain, Birth Satisfaction, and Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Akbaş Pınar , Özkan Şat Sultan , Yaman Sözbir Şengül
Published: June 2022

The current study was aimed to evaluate the effects of interventions conducted in line with the coping with labor pain algorithm (holistic birth support strategies) on women’s coping with labor pain, birth satisfaction, and fear of childbirth. The study is a single-center, parallel-group randomized, three-blind, controlled trial. The study was completed with 33 women in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. The mean score of the women in the experimental group from the Birth Satisfaction Scale (128.57 ± 5.83) was statistically significantly higher than that of the women in the control group (81.80 ± 7.73). The mean score of the women in the experimental group (61.96 ± 9.78) from the Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale, Version B scale was statistically significantly lower than that of the women in the control group (148.64 ± 14.62). It was found that the women in the experimental group were able to better cope with labor pain, had higher birth satisfaction, and had less fear of childbirth.
Disability and Quality of Life After Talectomy for Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Authors: Sevencan Ahmet , Akdogan Ahmet , Ucpunar Hanifi , Ozyalvac Osman Nuri , Akpinar Evren , Bayhan Avni Ilhan
Published: June 2022

Background:

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is one of the causes of rigid and resistant clubfoot. Talectomy is considered as a primary or salvage procedure for recurrent equinovarus deformity in these patients. We conducted this study to assess patients with AMC who underwent talectomy for the correction of foot and ankle deformities in terms of health-related quality of life and disability.

Methods:

Patients under 10 years of age with a primary diagnosis of AMC who underwent talectomy and attended follow-up for at least 5 years were included in this study. We also formed an age- and gender-matched control group consisting of 20 individuals without any foot-ankle problem in order to compare the measurements between the AMC and healthy groups. Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (OxAFQ) was administered as a health-related quality of life instrument to objectively measure the disability of the pediatric patients.

Results:

Twenty patients (10 girls, 10 boys) who underwent a total of 35 talectomy operations with an average follow-up of 7.2 years and a control group of 20 similarly aged unaffected children were included in the study. The mean OxAFQ scores were significantly lower in the AMC group than in the controls for all domains (physical, emotional, and school and play), especially for the one concerning satisfaction with footwear The presence of plantigrade foot and absence of forefoot supination were significantly associated with the physical and footwear domains of the OxAFQ scores. The presence of hindfoot varus, midfoot adductus, dorsal bunion, and having less than 10 degrees of dorsiflexion had no effect on the OxAFQ scores.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that the major driving factors for satisfaction after talectomy for AMC were plantigrade foot and absence of forefoot supination. The mean OxAFQ scores were universally lower in the AMC group than controls. Finding comfortable footwear is a major concern for the AMC patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
The Effect of Computerized Adaptive Testing on Motivation and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Akhtar Hanif , Silfiasari  , Vekety Boglarka , Kovacs Kristof
Published: June 2022

Although many studies have been carried out on the psychometric aspects of computerized adaptive testing (CAT), its psychological aspects are less researched. Early studies claimed that CAT can be more motivating and induce less anxiety than traditional fixed-item tests (FIT). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of CAT on motivation and anxiety in comparison to traditional fixed-item testing. Seven databases were examined. Articles were eligible if they employed an empirical study containing a direct comparison between CAT and FIT. Meta-analytical results showed no overall effect of test type on anxiety and motivation when comparing CAT with FIT ( k = 11, g+ = 0.06, p = .28). However, easier CAT had positive effect compared with FIT ( k = 2, g+ = .22, p < .001). Certain modifications in CAT administration can provide positive psychological effects for test-takers.
COVID-19 Infection in Patients with Comorbidities: Clinical and Immunological Insight
Authors: El-Badawy Omnia , Elsherbiny Nahla M. , Abdeltawab Doaa , Magdy Doaa M. , Bakkar Lamees M. , Hassan Shimaa A. , Hassan Elham A. , Thabet Ahmed M. , Ashmawy Ahmed M. , Moustafa Ehab F. , Abbas Wael A. , Ahmad Ahmad Bahieldeen , Rayan Amal , Saad Khaled , Elhoufey Amira , Hussein Hosni A. M. , Thabet Ali A. , Zahran Asmaa M.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Our study's objectives were to study the clinical and laboratory characteristics that may serve as biomarkers for predicting disease severity, IL-10 levels, and frequencies of different T cell subsets in comorbid COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Sixty-two hospitalized COVID-19 patients with comorbidities were assessed clinically and radiologically. Blood samples were collected to assess the T lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry and IL-10 levels by ELISA.

Results

The most common comorbidities observed in COVID-19 patients were diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and malignancies. Common symptoms and signs included fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, and sore throat. CRP, ferritin, D dimer, LDH, urea, creatinine, and direct bilirubin were significantly increased in patients than controls. Lymphocyte count and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were significantly decreased in comorbid COVID-19 patients, and CD25 and CD45RA expression were increased. CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased in patients.

Conclusions

Many parameters were found to be predictive of severity in the comorbid patients in our study. Significant reductions in the levels and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were found. In addition, CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs were significant decreased in patients, probably pointing to a prominent role of CD8+ Tregs in dampening CD4+ T-cell activation.
Spiderly Sympoiesis: Tensegral Tentacularity and Speculative Clews
Authors: Price Erin Kindlund , van Eeden-Wharton Adrienne
Published: June 2022

With Spider(s) as our guide, we tentatively prod and turn felt concepts of situatedness and entanglement; stickiness and attachment; plasticity and pliability; precarity, uncertainty, and leaps of vulnerability. Inspired by multitudinal spiderly threads, we turn to spinning—not as a rote practice, self-serving tidy manipulation or fabrication, but rather as a working-with-world in care-full tending and continual creation of a supportive mesh. The figure of the web allows a transdisciplinary, heterogeneous, and generative weaving-together through which to gather seemingly disparate theoretical threads, not only to consider Spider(s) anew but also to spin-with as a performative thinking-with in scholarly becomings. We follow and carry with us many Æffective encounters with tentacular companions and sticky traces. In Æsthetic (re)turning, we find value in the space for attentive, collaborative tending and response with/in the tensions of inquiry in a more-than-academic world.
Participatory Relationships Matter: Doctoral Students Traversing the Academy
Authors: Mitchell Veronica , Gredley Susan , Carette Lieve
Published: June 2022

In this article, we take our thoughts for a walk through our three different doctoral journeys and experiences with the Post Philosophies and the Doing of Inquiry Webinar Series (2020–2021). The webinars presented an example of Slow scholarship, enabling us to think deeply and differently from others and develop new ideas to take further. The online connections offered opportunities for extending learning spaces beyond traditional bounded structures. Here we explore the rich learning gained from each other’s experiences of research, learning, and teaching in different higher education settings and ways in which these intersected with the webinars during the global COVID-19 pandemic. We contend that the generosity of senior academics in leadership positions who embraced global networks of communication, connected students with experts, and learned with and from their students through communal egalitarian spaces has enormous potential to support students as they traverse often demanding and challenging doctoral journeys.
Effects of text messaging using digital Pinyin input on literacy skills of elementary school Chinese immersion learners
Authors: Harvey Robin E. , Brooks Patricia J.
Published: June 2022

Children learning Chinese must cope with an opaque orthography lacking transparent relations between oral pronunciations and written characters: a challenge heightened for L2 learners. Use of digital Pinyin input may facilitate connections between oral and written language by allowing learners to access vocabulary they cannot yet write. We assessed the effects of promoting digital Pinyin writing by engaging students in text messaging in digital chat rooms as part of the 4th grade Chinese language arts curriculum at an American Chinese immersion school. Students in two classes engaged in text messaging over eight weeks while a matched group of students in other classes taught by the same teachers ( N = 28 per condition) completed their regular pencil-and-paper word work, which emphasized morphological and orthographic analysis of meaning- and sound-based radicals and sets of related characters. Post-intervention, children who engaged in text messaging showed lesser gains in Chinese writing as compared to the children who completed word work, though within texting groups children who did well at texting showed greater gains in writing as compared to children with lesser success at texting. Given the urgent need for effective online learning, the findings indicate that care should be taken when introducing digital Pinyin input into the Chinese language arts curriculum as it should supplement, but not replace, multi-component word work exercises that promote awareness of orthographic patterns, meaning, and Pinyin.
The impact of autism-related training programs on physician knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice behavior: A systematic review
Authors: Clarke Lauren , Fung Lawrence K
Published: June 2022

One in 44 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Despite this, physicians receive little clinical training, inclusive of autistic patients. It is therefore not surprising that physicians report low levels of confidence in their ability to provide care to autistic individuals. This review examines the impact of specialized training programs on physicians’ knowledge of autism and their self-efficacy and practice behavior related to caring for autistic patients. A search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed to identify studies evaluating specialized autism training programs for physicians or physician trainees. Seventeen studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument was utilized to objectively measure the quality of the included studies. Based on the results reported in these studies, specialized autism training programs were associated with positive changes in physician knowledge and self-efficacy related to the care of autistic patients. Other than short-term increases in screening for autism, no other changes in physician behavior were studied. These results call for the development and evaluation of autism training programs that focus on improving physician behavior and patient outcomes.

Lay abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is estimated to impact 1.5 million children and almost 5.5 million adults. However, most physicians do not receive training on how to provide care to this increasingly large group of people. After performing a systematic review of the literature and screening over 4,500 unique articles focused on the effectiveness of autism-specific training programs designed for physicians and physician trainees, we determined that 17 studies met the pre-determined criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. The results reported by these studies suggest that by completing specialized training programs related to autism, physicians were more knowledgeable on topics related to the condition, more confident in their ability to provide care to autistic individuals, and more likely to screen their patients for autism spectrum disorder. However, further studies with higher quality data are needed to validate these findings and provide additional insight on the ability of these programs to improve physician behavior and patient outcomes. We are therefore advocating that medical educators develop and evaluate specialized autism training programs with an increased focus on improving physician behavior related to all aspects of providing care to autistic people.