bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors associated with parasitic infections in captive wild mammals and birds in Indian zoos
Authors: Nikita Das  , Pawar P.D. , P.P. Mhase  , V.G. Nimbalkar  , R.V. Jadhav  , V.S. Dhaygude  , Gavin Furtado  , L.D. Singla
Published: July 2024

Present study was conducted to record the seasonal incidence and worm burden (eggs per gram of faeces) of helminthic infections and to evaluate the efficacy of deworming protocols followed for control of parasitic infections in captive animals (including birds) at the zoo. Freshly voided faecal samples were collected during winter, monsoon and summer from 150 captive animals including wild mammals (n = 95) and birds (n = 55) between 1–15 years of age kept at Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and Wildlife Research Centre Karaj, Pune (Zoo-I) and Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo, Pimpri Chinwad (Zoo-II) in Maharashtra, India. Samples were processed and examined by standard sedimentation and floatation methods to assess the prevalence of helminth infections. Faecal samples of positive animals were collected pre and post-treatment, and the efficacy of the drugs used was evaluated based on faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). The overall seasonal prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infection in mammals varied among seasons with the highest prevalence (29.50 %) in monsoon followed by winter (26.30 %) and lowest in summer (8.40 %), while the same was found non-significant in birds. Of 19 bird species screened, 25 % of peafowl were positive for Ascardia spp., 25 % of crested eagles for Capillaria spp., and 50% of brown fish owls for Strongyloides spp. Among mammals, 75 % of Black Buck, 50 % of Leopards and 25 % of Giant Malabar Squirrels were positive for Strongyloides spp., while all four Bonnet Macaques were positive for Balantidium coli. The range of eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces recorded was 50–300 in mammals and 100–350 in birds. At Zoo I (Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and Wildlife Research Centre Karaj, Pune), there was 85.89 and 77.36 per cent reduction in egg counts after treatment with fenbendazole @5 mg/kg in herbivores and birds, respectively. While in carnivoresthe reduction was 69.93 % after treatment with a drug combination@10 mg/kg (Praziquantel 50 mg + Pyrantelembonate 144 mg + fenbantel 150 mg). In Zoo II (Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo, Pimpri Chinwad) the reduction in EPG was 72.35 % in carnivores with drug combination @10 mg/kg (Praziquantel 50mg + pyrantelembonate 144 mg + fenbantel 150 mg) and 68.98% in birds with albendazole @10 mg/kg.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Heterozygous
RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys
Variant Carriers Diagnosed With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Kiko Takatoyo , Asano Ryotaro , Ishibashi Tomohiko , Endo Hiroyuki , Nishi Naruhiro , Hayashi Hiroya , Ueda Jin , Aoki Tatsuo , Tsuji Akihiro , Nakaoka Yoshikazu , Ogo Takeshi
Published: July 2024

Background

Ring finger protein 213 (
RNF213
)
p.Arg4810Lys
is a susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease, peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (PPS), and other vascular diseases and thrombosis. We investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of
RNF213
variant carriers diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed the prevalence of the
RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys
variant in patients diagnosed with CTEPH (n=112) and PPS (n=10). Clinical and angiographic characteristics were evaluated between
RNF213
variant carriers diagnosed with CTEPH and noncarriers with CTEPH and homozygous variant carriers with PPS. Eight heterozygous
RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys
variant carriers (7.1%) were identified among patients diagnosed with CTEPH, while 5 patients with PPS (50%) carried the homozygous variant. The clinical characteristics of heterozygous variant carriers with CTEPH were not remarkably different from those of noncarriers with CTEPH. All heterozygous variant carriers with CTEPH showed webs/bands lesions at the segmental/subsegmental level, with 75% showing distal tortuous vessels. None of the heterozygous variant carriers with CTEPH exhibited the string‐of‐beads pattern or elongated stenosis. Homozygous variant carriers with PPS showed the string‐of‐beads pattern, elongated stenosis, and distal tortuous vessels without webs/bands lesions.

Conclusions

A subset of patients diagnosed with CTEPH (7.1%) carried the heterozygous
RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys
variant. Clinical and angiographic characteristics of heterozygous variant carriers were not remarkably different from those of noncarriers of CTEPH. However, both heterozygous variant carriers with CTEPH and homozygous variant carriers with PPS showed tortuous vessels on angiography.
Successful Liver Transplant From a Donor With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Pardue Kaitlin , Timmerman Molly , Elgenaid Shaima , Hassell Lewis , Battula Narendra R. , Pitchaimuthu Maheswaran
Published: July 2024

Sickle cell disease patients have routinely been excluded from liver transplant donation due to patients historically manifesting liver disease themselves. Marginal donors have become increasingly more welcome given organ shortage. Our institution performed a liver transplant in a recipient with cholangiocarcinoma using a sickle cell disease donor liver. Postoperatively, patient progressed well and is now cancer free. Pathology indicated sickle cells, and hemosiderin present at time of transplant had largely resolved by repeat biopsy on postoperative day 5. We conclude that sickle cell disease patients should be considered as donors for liver transplant in the appropriate setting.
Differences in Patient Secure Message Volume Among Otolaryngologists: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hoerter Jacob E. , Debbaneh Peter M. , Jiang Nancy
Published: July 2024

Objective:

To identify differences in inbox and secure message burden among otolaryngologists based on demographics and subspecialty over 4 years.

Methods:

Inbox data were queried from January 2019 until December 2022. Otolaryngologists were categorized into cohorts by area of practice and gender. All inbox tasks, secure messages, and clinical encounters were collected and compared by gender, practice type, and years in practice. Means were compared using t-tests and chi-squared tests.

Results:

Of the 128 physicians, 45.7% were comprehensive otolaryngologists and 61.3% were male. The most common subspecialties were facial plastics (15.6%), oncology (8.6%), and otology (7.8%). Otolaryngologists had an average of 143.5 inbox tasks per month, with 97.2 (67.7%) of them being secure messages, resulting in an average of 1.14 inbox tasks and 0.80 secure messages per clinical encounter. The ratio of secure messages per clinical encounter was consistent across all specialties except oncology (1.10, P = .003). Otology (0.86, P = .032) and facial plastics (0.95, P = .028) had significantly lower ratios of inbox tasks to clinical encounters when compared to their colleagues, while oncology had a higher ratio (1.70, P < .001). No significant differences in inbox burden were observed between genders, years in practice, or languages spoken. Secure messages steadily increased over the study period.

Conclusion:

Inbox burden for otolaryngologists primarily stems from patient secure messages and varies across subspecialties. Considerations should be made to the inbox burden of head and neck oncologists. The implementation of support systems for inbox management could improve the imbalance between clinical and non-clinical responsibilities in otolaryngology.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study
The Role of Preoperative Imaging for Midline Congenital Upper Lip Sinus Tracts
Authors: Jung Christian , Gall Emily K. , Scott Andrew R.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

To describe 3 cases of midline congenital upper lip sinus (MCULS) and review current literature to inform risk of intracranial involvement in the context of this rare congenital facial anomaly.

Materials and Methods:

A limited case series with chart review is presented. A literature search was conducted to review proposed theories of the embryology of MCULS and to determine the relative frequency of cephalic extension.

Results:

Including the 3 new cases presented herein, there have been 42 cases of MCULS described in the literature over the past 53 years. Thirty-nine cases (93%) underwent surgical excision, with 2 of these cases (4.7%) demonstrating cephalic extension of the fistula tract beyond the maxillary crest with termination at the anterior skull base. However, 95% (37/39) of surgically excised MCULS cases demonstrated a more limited depth of extension, with termination of the tract at or below the anterior nasal spine.

Conclusions:

The MCULS anomaly is rare, with fewer than 50 cases reported in the literature. Only 2 cases have been described with extension of the MCULS superior to the anterior nasal spine and into the nasal septum. It is the authors’ opinion that preoperative neuroimaging is not routinely required for MCULS. However, if extension of the sinus tract beyond the anterior nasal spine is noted intraoperatively, the surgeon should consider aborting the case and obtaining appropriate neuroimaging.
Leflunomide-Associated Wound Complication After Cochlear Implantation: A Case Report
Authors: Munjal Vikas , Macielak Robert J. , Kaul Vivian F. , Dodson Edward E. , Ren Yin
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Cochlear implantation has become an increasingly common strategy for aural rehabilitation in patients with severe to profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from conventional amplification. In conjunction, immunosuppressive therapies (e.g. disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have become the keystone of management in numerous autoimmune conditions. Given the increasing prevalence of both, a greater proportion of patients will undergo cochlear implantation while on immune-modulating medications. While these medications are usually well tolerated, immunosuppression may put patients a higher risk for device infections. At present, this is not extensively studied within the cochlear implant literature.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review and review of the literature. Results: We present the case of an 81-year-old male who experienced wound dehiscence and infection secondary to leflunomide use for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Resolution of these issues was noted with a therapeutic drug holiday, and the patient has subsequently undergone re-implantation without issue. Conclusions: The case highlights a potential CI-associated wound complication in the setting of DMARD therapy. Given the increasing prevalence of both CIs and immunosuppressive therapy, future study on the potential for interaction is warranted to identify the best management strategy in the perioperative setting.
Distribution of biochemical and haematological parameters in an aging population from southern India: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Mallikarjun Divya N , Jain Shubham , Malo Palash Kumar , Kahali Bratati , Sundarakumar Jonas S. , Diwakar Latha , Ravindranath Vijayalakshmi ,   SANSCOG study team
Published: July 2024

Background

Examining the distribution of biochemical and haematological tests in different age groups of rural population is necessary to ensure that health care facilities are equipped to address the prevalent health conditions and manage age-related illness effectively. Hence, this study is aimed at seeing the distributions of blood biochemical and haematological parameters in rural population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study investigated the distribution of 26 different haematological and biochemical parameters in longitudinal cohort study (Srinivaspura Aging, NeuoSenescence and COGnition - SANSCOG), from the villages of Srinivaspura, Kolar district, India. A total of 2592 participants (1240 males and 1352 females), aged ≥45 years who are cognitively healthy were included for the analysis. Mean, 2.5th, 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 95th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated for the entire sample. Additionally, median and percentiles were determined for both gender and age categories (45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years).

Results

We observed the distinct distributions of various haematological and biochemical parameters, with elevated levels of glycaemic, lipid, liver, and thyroid parameters.

Conclusion

Findings revealed the notable variations from the established reference ranges, indicating the potential undiagnosed cases and highlighting the gaps in health awareness and health seeking behaviour.
Burnout Profiles Among French Pediatric Health Care Professionals: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Ridremont Damien , Boujut Emilie
Published: July 2024

The aim of our study was to identify burnout profiles among pediatric nurses and physicians, and their specificities concerning sociodemographic characteristics, occupational stress, stress specific to pediatric caregivers, and coping. Conducted on a sample of 195 French pediatric health care professionals, a cluster analysis showed 2 endpoint profiles (Engagement, Burnout) and 3 intermediate profiles (Overextended, Disengaged, Ineffective). The Burnout profile showed the highest median scores on hours worked per week, occupational stress, stress related to working conditions, and relationships with colleagues and superiors. The Overextended profile reported more stress related to working conditions than did other intermediate profiles. The Disengaged profile showed the second lowest median score on stress related to relationships with colleagues and superiors and less social support–seeking than other profiles. The Ineffective profile used less problem-focused coping than the Engagement and intermediate profiles. Intervention for the well-being of these professionals should focus primarily on improving their working conditions.
Victim Participation in Sexual Assault Cases: The Importance of Investigative Actions and Victim Support
Authors: King Laura L. , Growette Bostaph Lisa M.
Published: July 2024

Victim participation has been found to be one of the most important predictors of sexual assault case progression. Previous research has identified a number of factors that predict victim participation in sexual assault cases. However, further research is needed to examine the effects of investigator actions and victim support on participation. A random sample of sexual assault reports was gathered from one police department in the western U.S. The results indicated that investigative actions were strong predictors of victim participation, in addition to victim age. However, victim support did not predict participation as hypothesized. These findings suggest that efforts to illustrate to victims that their case is being taken seriously may be particularly helpful for increasing victim participation.
White “Victim” Ideology and Online Aggression: A Look at Gender, Extremism, and the Dark Triad
Authors: Isom Deena A. , Hubbard Kaitlen
Published: July 2024

This study builds on previous works that ties perceptions of white “victimhood” to affiliations with extremist movements to assess the links between such feelings and online aggression. We further investigate the conditioning effects of dark triad traits, or the overlapping personality characteristics of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, on the associations between “victim” ideology and online aggression, generally and between white women and men. Utilizing secondary survey data, we find white “victim” ideology is significantly associated with online aggression and is conditioned by dark triad traits, though vary in gendered and nuanced ways. This study adds depth to our understanding of the complexities of white “victim” ideology. Policy and social implications are discussed.
The Costs of Mindfulness During a Crisis: The Moderating Effects of Mindfulness on the Relationship between Situational Anxiety, Loneliness, and Job Performance
Authors: Good Darren J. , Lyddy Christopher J. , Thompson Phillip S. , Becker William J.
Published: July 2024

While crises like the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impact well-being, understanding their impacts on employee work functioning remains nascent. To fill this gap, we develop and test a process model examining how situational anxiety leads to increased loneliness and reduced job performance during a crisis. We also observe if mindfulness strengthens these predicted effects. We investigated these questions using data from three samples of employee–supervisor dyads ( N = 795) collected at three time points among single employees living alone during the pandemic. Consistent with our predictions, we found that situational anxiety about the COVID-19 crisis resulted in lower performance, a relationship mediated through increased loneliness. Additionally, we found that mindfulness moderated this mediated relationship, as it was stronger for more mindful employees. These results clarify how situational anxiety shapes individual functioning at work, while also demonstrating that mindfulness can impose psychological and performative costs during a crisis.
Assessing Beliefs About Intrinsic and Extrinsic Determinants of SLD: Evaluating the Factor Structure of a Novel Instrument
Authors: Barrett Courtenay A. , Maki Kathrin E. , Chesnut Steven R.
Published: July 2024

Schools conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations to identify students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) and determine whether they qualify for special education services. This decision-making process is complex and research has documented many factors influencing SLD identification decisions. One such factor may be decision-makers’ beliefs about the underlying causes of SLD, including intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, no studies to date have examined the underlying factor structure of the responses to prompts about the causes of SLD from intrinsic and extrinsic perspectives. This study was conducted with a sample of 521 school psychologists as part of a larger study examining decision-making during SLD identification. Using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to compare two theoretically plausible models, results suggested that a single latent factor best captured variability in responses to these prompts. Implications for assessing beliefs and how they impact the psychoeducational assessment process to identify SLDs are discussed, along with areas for future research.
The closure of the Turku Tramway in visual memory
Authors: Laine Silja
Published: July 2024

The tramway of Turku was closed in 1972. The last tram rides were memorable public events where the tramcars got a floral tribute and people came to say farewell. This article concentrates on the urban cultural memory of the tram after the closure and is now an integral part of the city's urban culture and identity. The Museum Centre of Turku holds many tram-related materials and has published research on the history of the tram, but it does not have premises for a continuing exhibition, so keeping the memory alive has been up to private citizens, civic activity, and political activism. The tram was photographed by professional and private photographers, which has enabled a rich visual heritage that has been used in various ways. At the present, the memories affect the planning of a possible new tram, although how the old tram relates to future plans, remains complicated.
Civil aircraft procurement and colonial ties: Evidence on the market for jetliners, 1952–89
Authors: Jopp Tobias A. , Spoerer Mark
Published: July 2024

We investigate the extent to which (quasi-)colonial ties played a role in the procurement of jet aircraft by airlines in the Global South. Because we do not have access to archival data on the sensitive issue of aircraft procurement, we take an indirect empirical approach. Our investigation is based on a dataset including all Western jet aircraft delivered between 1952 and 1989. We ask if, to what extent, and how long airlines from former British, French, Dutch, and US (quasi-)colonies tended to buy jets from their former or, respectively, most recent colonial master. We compare the (ex-ante) expected geographical distribution of politically unbiased jet deliveries to the (ex-post) actual historical and potentially biased distribution. We find that colonial ties to former colonial masters from Europe especially mattered until the early/mid-1970s when, triggered by the two oil price crises, pure economic motives gained more significance in informing procurement decisions.
The Importance of Frequent Engagement With Self-Assessment Resources in Online Learning: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Approach
Authors: Dinç Emre , Zhang Anna Y. , Millet April L.
Published: July 2024

This study explored online assessment and highlighted significant assessment strategies, such as capstone projects, quizzes, and self-assessments. Inquiry-based assessment, transformative assessment, and scaffolding with self-assessment resources formed the framework. Our goal was to determine the effects of certain self-assessment parameters on student achievement in online learning, including the frequency of answering online self-assessment questions, the points earned for correct answers, and the time spent answering questions. Data from undergraduate geoscience courses were analyzed using a hierarchical linear model, and the results showed that frequently answering online self-assessment questions is a strong predictor of higher final grades, capstone project success, and quiz results. The frequency of answering online self-assessment questions was a more significant factor than the amount of time spent on these questions and the total points earned. Educators are encouraged to redesign their courses to include self-assessment resources that promote frequent student engagement instead of just one-time interaction.
Lecture Capture Strategies with Embedded Retrieval Practices: Relationship with Academic Performance
Authors: Krautscheid Lorretta , King Randall , Lembke Kayly , McCormack Ciaran , Waldo Mary J.
Published: July 2024

Lecture capture (LC) has been implemented globally to enhance accessible resources supporting academic success. Little is known about the effects of teaching students how to effectively use LC to augment learning. This correlational pilot study used a 14-item Likert-like survey to examine relationships between undergraduate LC viewing practices and final course grade. No statistically significant findings were identified between LC use and course grades. However, the mean course grade was 3.29% higher among students ( n = 32) who implemented and maintained effective LC strategies (M = 90.61, SD = 5.68) compared with those who did not ( n = 18). Six of the 14 LC survey items revealed significant positive correlations and two of the 14 LC survey items revealed significant inverse correlations. These findings could help educators prioritize teaching students how to effectively and efficiently use LC resources to enhance academic outcomes.
Redirecting Slack Resources to Social and Environmental Issues: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Tourism Firms Post-Crisis
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Nageh , Ribeiro Manuel Alector , Nsom Kimbu Albert
Published: July 2024

Drawing on the cognitive micro-foundations of institutional theory, attention-based view, stakeholder salience framework, and threat-rigidity hypothesis, this study fills key gaps in our understanding of how tourism firms allocate their slack resources to social and environmental issues during crises. Our model was tested using survey data collected from the managers of tourism firms in Egypt and the UK after the last wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling-based results indicated that normative pressures, threats, and issue urgency are significant determinants of socially responsible slack allocation. Urgency mediated all institutional pressures with slack allocation. Multigroup analyses revealed variations in institutional receptivity, issue interpretation, and slack allocation among Egyptian and British managers. This study contributes to micro-foundational and cross-cultural research on corporate social responsiveness and resource management. Our findings guide tourism firms in making optimal socially responsible investments and help policymakers set sustainable tourism strategies aligned with crises and businesses’ capabilities.
Promises and Limits of Using Targeted Social Media Advertising to Sample Global Migrant Populations: Nigerians at Home and Abroad
Authors: Soehl Thomas , Chen Zhenxiang , Erlich Aaron
Published: July 2024

Survey research on migrants is notoriously challenging, especially if the goal is to collect data across a range of countries. Social networking sites’ ability to micro-target advertisements to migrant communities combined with their near-global reach makes them an attractive option. Yet there is little rigorous evaluation of the quality of data thus collected—especially for populations from developing countries. We compare samples of Nigerian emigrants in Canada and Italy and Nigerians (at home) in Nigeria recruited through targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram to population estimates. We find our samples contain varying degrees of bias in the case of age and gender and systematically miss those with little formal education. How much this affects our samples’ representativeness varies across contexts: discrepancies are much smaller for emigrant populations in Canada than in Italy and much larger in Nigeria, where a large share of the population has little formal education and limited literacy. Post-stratifying each sample on age, gender, and education does not ameliorate bias on other variables such as ethnicity, religion, period of migration, or political attitudes. We discuss the potential and limitations of social-media-driven sampling and highlight key considerations for implementing it to collect multi-sited data on migrants.
Decision-making associated with anxiety and depression among emerging adults
Authors: Davids Eugene Lee
Published: July 2024

Emerging adulthood is synonymous with high levels of stress and uncertainty, often resulting in anxiety and depression, which negatively impact mental health and well-being. Exploring the experiences of anxiety and depression symptomology in decisional situations enhances our understanding of their role in emerging adult mental health and well-being. This study examined whether decision-making styles predict anxiety and depression symptomology among emerging adults in South Africa. The cross-sectional study collected data using a secure, online platform. All data were analysed using R for descriptive and inferential statistics. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was performed using R seminr package. The sample consisted of 1411 emerging adults with a mean age of 21.81 years, who engaged in both adaptive and maladaptive decision-making. Among the participants, 74.2% were at risk of a clinical diagnosis for an anxiety disorder, and 37.3% for depression/mood disorder. Structural equation modelling indicated that adaptive decision-making led to a reduction in anxiety and depression symptomology, while maladaptive decision-making had the opposite effect. The findings highlight implications for emerging adult mental health, particularly how understanding the connections with decision-making can enhance intervention outcomes and improve mental health and mental health literacy among emerging adults in South Africa.
Relational Maintenance for Separated Latina/o/x/e Immigrant Parents and Their Children: A Focus on Primary Caregivers as Communication Gatekeepers
Authors: Mendez Murillo Roselia , Kam Jennifer A.
Published: July 2024

Latina/o/x/e families who experience migration-related separation face the heart-wrenching decision to live apart from each other, often to obtain better life opportunities for the entire family. In these situations, children live in a country separate from one or more parents, while a primary caregiver (e.g., the other parent, a grandmother, an aunt) looks after the children. Utilizing semi-structured interview data with 20 family triads (i.e., separated parent, separated child, primary caregiver) and drawing from the long-distance relational maintenance model (LDRMM), this study explores how primary caregivers help or impede separated parents and children’s relational maintenance, while living apart in two different countries. Prospectively, caregivers were usually tasked with the responsibility of informing the child and helping them understand the upcoming family separation. Introspectively, most primary caregivers facilitated relational maintenance by directly connecting the child with the parent, providing the resources for the two parties to communicate (e.g., cellphone, WIFI), and emphasizing the benefits of the separation. Retrospectively, primary caregivers helped the children understand the separated parents’ return; however, this often came at the expense of the primary caregiver feeling forgotten or overlooked by the child.
Risk Factors for Homelessness Among Post-9/11 Era Veterans
Authors: Metraux Stephen , Kolaja Claire A. , Crone Baylee , Byrne Thomas , Rull Rudolph P. , Porter Ben
Published: July 2024

This study examined the associations between a broad range of individual characteristics and homelessness among 49,323 post-9/11 era Veterans. Questions concerning the roles of premilitary, military and post military factors in Veteran’s vulnerability to homelessness have persisted despite the considerable attention given to Veteran homelessness, and has highlighted the absence of longitudinal studies that could contribute to the empirical understanding of risk and protective factors among this population. The Veterans in this study group completed Millennium Cohort Study surveys during their military service and subsequently, when they transitioned back to civilian life. Among these Veterans, 1,071 (2.2%) reported becoming homeless after separating from the military. Results from multivariate models provide limited empirical support for direct links between aspects of military service and homelessness that are widely used to explain why Veterans become homeless. Instead, many risk factors for homelessness found here mirror risk factors among the general population. We also find a persistent association between sexual orientation and risk for homelessness, and decreased risk for homelessness among female Veterans. These findings challenge popular conceptions of why Veterans become homeless and contribute to understanding the dynamics of becoming homeless among this current Veteran cohort.
Compensation adaptive robust control for a linear motor–driven stage system with state and input constraints based on gated recurrent unit architecture
Authors: Xiao Longxiang , Song Zhibao
Published: July 2024

Motion control of mechatronic systems with uncertainties and physical constraints, while ensuring robustness and achieving better performance, such as high tracking accuracy and fast response, has always been a hot topic. However, the most current related works only focus on how to guarantee system stability under constraints, and few consider comprehensive performance. This paper investigates gated recurrent unit (GRU)-based compensation adaptive robust control (ARC) for uncertain linear motor–driven stage system with state and input constraints. To achieve rapid and precise motion control, a dual-loop control structure is employed, where GRU and ARC are the outer loop and the inner loop, respectively. First, the ARC control law is used to deal with the parameters uncertainty and external disturbances in the system, which further improves the tracking accuracy. A GRU neural network is then constructed and capable of implementing precise prediction ahead of the actual system output. Through choosing suitable loss function and training model, it can effectively minimize prediction error under state and input constraints. Comparative experiment results demonstrate the superiority and validity of the proposed scheme on the basis of GRU and ARC.
Thermo diffusion and diffusion thermo effects on unsteady flow over a curved surface
Authors: Ullah Basharat , Rafique Duaa , Khan Umar , Wahab Hafiz Abdul , Emam Walid
Published: July 2024

Application, Purpose, and Methodology: The Soret and Dufour effects, which are also referred to as cross-diffusion gradients, are advantageous to the manufacturing of binary alloys, the transmission of groundwater contamination, the extraction of oil, and the separation of gas. These are an example of a gradient, which occurs when substances diffuse over one another. The Dufour effect is responsible for the transfer of heat, whereas the Soret effect is concerned with the movement of materials. Both effects are caused by differences in concentration. Temperature differences are the link between the two effects. The Soret and Dufour statistics, in conjunction with the joule heating process, are utilized by us. Through the use of the convergent series, solutions for temperature, speed, and concentration are ultimately found. Core Findings: The findings of these investigations may give researchers engineering and industrial solutions that are unique and advantageous. The computation that is being done right now demonstrates that the sense of radial velocity diminishes as the Hartman number increases. In addition, the temperature of the fluid drops when there is a greater quantity of Prandtl and Soret than before. Methodology: Using the proper transformations, the numerical solution to the micropolar fluid flow problem over a curved stretched disk entails simplifying the partial differential equation system into an ordinary differential equation. This is done to solve the problem. In the process of converting partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations, similarity transformations are utilized. During the shooting process, we use the Runge-Kutta method to solve coupled equations and obtain numerical solutions. By utilizing the nondimensional radius of curvature, we can determine the nondimensional radius of curvature and report the fluid. Future Work: When compared to flat sheets, curved stretched sheets exhibit differences that result in significant boundary layer strain. This is something that will be worked on in the future. Research in the future might concentrate on further investigating these distinctions and the practical ramifications they have, with the possibility of expanding the scope of the investigation to include a variety of engineering and industrial applications in which these effects play an important role.
A Quantitative Systematic Literature Review of Combination Punishment Literature: Progress Over the Last Decade
Authors: Ayvaci Asude Sumeyye , Cox Alison Dorothea , Dimopoulos Andreas
Published: July 2024

This review evaluated single-case experimental design research that examined challenging behavior interventions utilizing punishment elements. Thirty articles published between 2013 and 2022 met study inclusion criteria. Study quality was also assessed. Through multiple levels of analysis (e.g., descriptive statistics, non-parametric statistics), we examined (a) participant and study trends, (b) differential outcomes related to temporal reinforcement approaches (antecedent, consequent, or combined reinforcement) applied alongside punishment element(s), (c) differential outcomes related to the punishment type (negative, positive) applied alongside reinforcement, and (d) effect sizes associated with study rigor across peer-reviewed and gray literature. Our results may tentatively suggest that, for certain situations, concurrently applying punishment with antecedent reinforcement approaches may coincide with significantly larger effect sizes compared to combined temporal reinforcement approaches, while positive punishment applied concurrently with reinforcement may coincide with larger but non-significant intervention effects. Most featured articles met rigor criteria, but larger effects were seen in peer-reviewed literature.
Ultrasonic Imaging of Deeper Bone Defect Using Virtual Source Synthetic Aperture with Phased Shift Migration: A Phantom Study
Authors: Xie Linru , Jiang Chen , Han Shuai , Li Boyi , Liu Chengcheng , Ta Dean
Published: July 2024

Ultrasound imaging for bone is a difficult task in the field of medical ultrasound. Compared with other phase array techniques, the synthetic aperture (SA) has a better lateral resolution but a limited imaging depth due to the limited ultrasonic energy emitted by the single emitter in each transmission. In contrast, the virtual source (VS) synthetic aperture allows a simultaneous multi-element emission and could provide a higher ultrasonic incident energy in each transmission. Therefore, the VS might achieve a high imaging quality at a deeper depth for bone imaging than the traditional SA. In this study, we proposed the virtual source phase shift migration (VS-PSM) method to achieve ultrasonic imaging of the deeper bone defect featured in the multilayer structure. The proposed VS-PSM method was validated using standard soft tissue phantom and printed bone phantom with artificial defects. The image quality was evaluated in terms of contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) and amplitudes of scatters and defects at different imaging depths. The results showed that the VS-PSM method could achieve a high imaging quality of the soft tissues with a significant improvement in the scattering amplitude and without a significant sacrifice of the lateral and axial resolution. The PSM was superior to the DAS in suppressing the background noise in the images. Compared with the traditional SA-PSM, the VS-PSM method could image deeper bone defects at different ultrasonic frequencies, with an average improvement of 50% in CNR. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the proposed VS-PSM method could image deeper bone defects and might help the diagnosis of bone disease using ultrasonic imaging.
The smart TV in low-income migrant households: Enabling digital inclusion through social and cultural media participation
Authors: Notley Tanya , Karanfil Gokcen , Aziz Abdul
Published: July 2024

This paper reports on an ethnographic study that examined smart TV use in low-income migrant households in Australia. We find that the smart TV is used by migrant families for diverse forms of social and cultural participation. In addition, we find that YouTube – which is often accessed using the smart TV – is reshaping family media practices. We argue that while digital inclusion scholarship has focussed on access to and use of mobile phones, laptops and computers, the smart TV, perhaps more than any other device in the home, enables digital inclusion through intergenerational media engagement. This paper presents insights for policymakers and offers a new area for investigation for digital inclusion and media scholars.
Factors Influencing Maternal Substance Use and Recovery in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Renbarger Kalyn M.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Substance use disorders (SUD) in the perinatal period have risen dramatically over the past 2 decades. Substance use disorders can have deleterious effects on maternal-infant health. Recovery can improve quality of life but can be challenging for women with SUD in the perinatal period. It is important for health care providers to have an understanding of factors associated with maternal substance use and recovery.

Objective:

The purpose of this qualitative review was to identify factors influencing substance use and recovery in women with SUD in the perinatal period.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted using the databases of CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed along with a manual search of Google Scholar. The studies were assessed using criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research.

Results:

Findings from 16 qualitative studies were synthesized. Six descriptive subthemes identifying factors influencing substance use and recovery were revealed: (1) Infant Care, (2) Stigma, (3) Social Settings Involving Substance Use, (4) Internalized Stigma and Mental Health Symptoms, (5) Addiction Concerns, and (6) Coping Abilities.

Conclusions:

Participants described external and internal factors that influenced their substance use and recovery. The findings suggest health care providers refer women to residential addiction treatment, use destigmatizing language, promote access to peer services, and provide trauma-informed care.
Austerity alive and well in Wales and UBI in intensive care
Authors: GWILYM HEFIN , BECK DAVID
Published: July 2024

There have been many Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilots worldwide and a large literature has emerged outlining mostly positive findings but also acknowledging that no government has implemented the policy. In June 2022 the Welsh Government launched the UK's most important UBI pilot to date with young adults who have been looked after by the statutory care system (referred to as ‘care leavers’). The pilot would be appraised by an ongoing rigorous evaluation process until 2025 with the results not fully known until 2027. However, even before the results of the evaluation are known, the Welsh Government has decided not to roll out a permanent UBI to care leavers after the pilot ends because of costs. We consider the implications of the Welsh pilot with special focus on continuing austerity and the cost-of-living crisis, and within the context of Welsh Government's commitment to the well-being of future generations. With another UBI-curious government deciding not to adopt it, it further undermines worldwide confidence in UBI as a credible policy.
Mode of contact and mood changes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A daily diary study during school closures and re-opened schools
Authors: Krüger Heike , Kroneberg Clemens , Kruse Hanno
Published: July 2024

The emotional consequences of online social contact in adolescents are a controversial topic. Social interactions and membership in social groups have been identified as essential protection against negative mood. However, different modes of online and offline communication differ in their ability to satisfy the individuals’ need for social closeness. Using a daily diary study, the current work investigated how in-person contact, text messaging, and (video) phone calls were related to adolescents’ mood. Study 1 was conducted during strict school closures in the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany in February 2021 ( N individuals = 290; N observations = 1796; M age = 14.47; 59% girls and 41% boys) and Study 2 in November 2021 after schools had reopened ( N individuals = 160; N observations = 1061; M age = 15.21; 66% girls and 34% boys). Hybrid mixed-effects regression models showed that while in-person contact had the most consistent mood effect, text messaging, and (video) phone calls were also at least partially associated with more positive mood.
Marital and life satisfaction in Eastern Himalayan Foothills: Role of partner responsiveness
Authors: Thargay Tsering , Giri Vijai Nath
Published: July 2024

Perceived Partner Responsiveness (PPR) is vital in establishing a sense of well-being within marital relationships. However, the existing corpus of research primarily relies on Western samples, thus limiting its generalizability. Therefore, the current study, focusing on 152 couples from Northeast India, explores the role of PPR in explaining the relationship between marital and life satisfaction through the lens of interpersonal flourishing and psychological needs fulfilment. Simultaneously, employing the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model extended to Mediation (APIMeM), we analyse the mediating role of PPR, uncovering significant actor effects. Our analysis considers covariates such as marital duration, income, number of children, family structure, and positive affect. The mediation results are explained under the framework that PPR is essential for fulfilling psychological needs and allowing for individual thriving. Consequently, the study’s findings underscore the importance of prioritising PPR in relationship interventions. Tailored strategies should guide couples in aligning their life and marital satisfaction goals to bolster individual well-being.
A review on wear resistance of Mg alloys: the influence of common rare earth alloying elements and general modification techniques
Authors: Wang XueYi , Liu JunRu , Huang Miao , Zheng Yu , Yang Jun , Li Na , Dong Xiongbo
Published: July 2024

The poor wear resistance of magnesium (Mg) alloys has hindered their widespread application. Therefore, researchers have focused on how the addition of rare earth (RE) elements to Mg alloys and the modification methods affect their tribological behaviour. This overview reflects the research on the wear of Mg alloys. Several treatments and modification methods have been utilised to improve the wear behaviour of Mg alloys, including cryogenic treatment, deep cryogenic treatment, precipitation hardening, surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) and laser surface melting. Accordingly, except for SMAT, the other processes positively affected the wear resistance. Therefore, adding RE elements to Mg alloys and applying modification processes improve the wear resistance, especially at high temperatures.
Icon Arrays for Medical Risk Communication: Do Icon Type and Color Influence Cardiovascular Risk Perception and Recall?
Authors: Blase Rebecca , Meis-Harris Julia , Weltermann Birgitta , Dohle Simone
Published: July 2024

Background

Icon arrays have been shown to be an effective method for communicating medical risk information. However, in practice, icon arrays used to visualize personal risks often differ in the type and color of the icons. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of icon type and color on the perception and recall of cardiovascular risk, as little is known about how color affects the perception of icon arrays.

Methods

A total of 866 participants aged 40 to 90 years representative of the German population in terms of gender and age completed an online experiment. Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects design, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental groups. They received their hypothetical 10-year cardiovascular risk using an icon array that varied by icon type (smiley v. person) and color (black/white v. red/yellow). We measured risk perception, emotional response, intentions of taking action to reduce the risk (e.g., increasing one’s physical activity), risk recall, and graph evaluation/trustworthiness, as well as numeracy and graphical literacy.

Results

Icon arrays using person icons were evaluated more positively. There was no effect of icons or color on risk perception, emotional response, intentions of taking action to reduce the risk, or trustworthiness of the graph. While more numerate/graphical literate participants were more likely to correctly recall the presented risk estimate, icon type and color did not influence the probability of correct recall.

Conclusions

Differences in the perception of the tested icon arrays were rather small, suggesting that they may be equally suitable for communicating medical risks. Further research on the robustness of these results across other colors, icons, and risk domains could add to guidelines on the design of visual aids.

Highlights

The use of different icons and colors did not influence the perception and the probability of recalling the 10-year cardiovascular risk, the emotional response, or the intentions to reduce the presented risk. Icon arrays with person icons were evaluated more positively. There was no evidence to suggest that the effectiveness of the studied icon arrays varied based on individuals’ levels of numerical or graphical literacy, nor did it differ between people with or without a history of CVD or on medication for an increased CVD risk.