bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective Improvement After Frenotomy for Posterior Tongue‐Tie: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Ghaheri Bobak A. , Lincoln Douglas , Mai Tuyet Nhi T. , Mace Jess C.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Infants with posterior tongue‐tie (PTT) can have substantial difficulty with breastfeeding and bottle‐feeding. This study aimed to address the dearth in investigational objective data surrounding PTT release to better quantify the postoperative impacts of frenotomy for ankyloglossia.

Study Design

Prospective randomized, controlled trial.

Setting

Private practice clinic.

Methods

In a prospective, randomized controlled trial, infants 3 to 16 weeks of age with PTT undergoing frenotomy were examined using a bottle‐feeding system capable of objectively measuring tongue function. Validated patient‐reported outcome measures were also obtained simultaneously.

Results

Forty‐seven infants with PTT were enrolled into an observational/control arm (n = 23) or interventional/surgical treatment arm (n = 24). The total cohort consisted of 29 (61.7%) male infants with a median age of 39 days. At the day 10 time point, the interventional arm demonstrated statistically significant improvement in 11 objectively obtained feeding metrics, indicating faster tongue speed, more rhythmic and coordinated sucking motions, and a tongue more capable of adapting to varying feeding demands. Significant improvement in breastfeeding self‐efficacy was reported in the interventional group while poor self‐confidence persisted in the observational group. Infant reflux symptoms improved in the interventional group while not in the control group. Nipple pain also persisted in the control group but improved in the surgical cohort.

Conclusions

When measured 10 days after frenotomy for PTT, infants improve feeding parameters using an objective bottle‐feeding system. Similar improvements are seen with patient‐reported outcomes when PTT is released. Posterior tongue‐tie is a valid clinical concern, and surgical release can improve infant and maternal symptoms.
Telemedicine in Otolaryngology During COVID‐19: Patient and Physician Satisfaction
Authors: Choi Janet S. , Kim James H. , Park Soyun , Lin Matthew , Abdur‐Rahman Faiz , Mack Wendy J. , Volker Courtney C.J.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine patient and physician satisfaction with telemedicine in otolaryngology during COVID‐19 and identify associated factors.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

Patient satisfaction was rated by patients (age ≥18 years) who had encounters from May to July 2020 (n = 407). Physician satisfaction was rated by 15 otolaryngologists for specific encounters delivered from May to June 2020 (n = 1011). Patient satisfaction was measured with a Press Ganey questionnaire and a Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire. Mean Press Ganey satisfaction scores of telemedicine encounters during COVID‐19 were compared with the pre−COVID‐19 Press Ganey scores from in‐person encounters (n = 3059) to test a noninferiority hypothesis. Physician satisfaction was measured with a Provider Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results

The mean Press Ganey patient satisfaction score for telemedicine encounters was 94.5 (SD, 8.8), no worse than that for in‐person encounters prior to COVID‐19 at 93.7 (SD, 15.5; Δ = 0.8 [95% CI, −0.5 to 2.1, excluding the noninferiority margin of −1]). Encounters with videoconference (vs telephone) and patients reporting higher income were associated with higher Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire scores. Physician satisfaction scores during COVID‐19 with telemedicine encounters were overall high at 83.3 (95% CI, 77.5‐89.1), slightly lower when compared with the scores with in‐person encounters at 88.4 (95% CI, 82.5‐94.3; Δ = −5.2 [95% CI, −6.6 to −3.8]). Encounters with videoconference (vs telephone) and patients with English as a preferred language and follow‐up visits were associated with higher Provider Satisfaction Questionnaire scores.

Conclusions

Telemedicine is a feasible alternative format in otolaryngology during COVID‐19 with overall high patient and physician satisfaction. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine encounters during COVID‐19 was no worse than in‐person encounters prior to the pandemic. Physician satisfaction with telemedicine was relatively lower in comparison with in‐person encounters.
Automated Registration‐Based Temporal Bone Computed Tomography Segmentation for Applications in Neurotologic Surgery
Authors: Ding Andy S. , Lu Alexander , Li Zhaoshuo , Galaiya Deepa , Siewerdsen Jeffrey H. , Taylor Russell H. , Creighton Francis X.
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study investigates the accuracy of an automated method to rapidly segment relevant temporal bone anatomy from cone beam computed tomography (CT) images. Implementation of this segmentation pipeline has potential to improve surgical safety and decrease operative time by augmenting preoperative planning and interfacing with image‐guided robotic surgical systems.

Study Design

Descriptive study of predicted segmentations.

Setting

Academic institution.

Methods

We have developed a computational pipeline based on the symmetric normalization registration method that predicts segmentations of anatomic structures in temporal bone CT scans using a labeled atlas. To evaluate accuracy, we created a data set by manually labeling relevant anatomic structures (eg, ossicles, labyrinth, facial nerve, external auditory canal, dura) for 16 deidentified high‐resolution cone beam temporal bone CT images. Automated segmentations from this pipeline were compared against ground‐truth manual segmentations by using modified Hausdorff distances and Dice scores. Runtimes were documented to determine the computational requirements of this method.

Results

Modified Hausdorff distances and Dice scores between predicted and ground‐truth labels were as follows: malleus (0.100 ± 0.054 mm; Dice, 0.827 ± 0.068), incus (0.100 ± 0.033 mm; Dice, 0.837 ± 0.068), stapes (0.157 ± 0.048 mm; Dice, 0.358 ± 0.100), labyrinth (0.169 ± 0.100 mm; Dice, 0.838 ± 0.060), and facial nerve (0.522 ± 0.278 mm; Dice, 0.567 ± 0.130). A quad‐core 16GB RAM workstation completed this segmentation pipeline in 10 minutes.

Conclusions

We demonstrated submillimeter accuracy for automated segmentation of temporal bone anatomy when compared against hand‐segmented ground truth using our template registration pipeline. This method is not dependent on the training data volume that plagues many complex deep learning models. Favorable runtime and low computational requirements underscore this method’s translational potential.
Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish Adult Sensory Processing Scale
Authors: Bahadir Zeynep , Aran Orkun , Şahin Sedef
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Sensory processing is crucial to adaptive behavioural responses in occupational therapy. Nevertheless, information on sensory processing in adults is limited. The Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS) measures behavioural responses indicative of sensory processing in different sensory systems. The study aimed to examine the cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the ASPS-Turkish (ASPS-T).

Methods

The ASPS-T was administered to 405 individuals, who were aged 18 to 64 (38.5 ± 11.4) years. The cross-cultural adaptation and translation procedures were conducted following Beaton’s guidelines. Internal consistency was examined by Cronbach’s alpha. Criterion-related validity of the ASPS was determined by the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile using Construct validity and was examined by confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS.

Results

The study included 405 participants (271 female and 134 male). Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation determined 11 factors with 55.15% total variance. In confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), model fit indices showed an acceptable fit. The reliability of the scale was 0.834, and test–retest reliability changed from 0.94 to 0.99, illustrating high internal consistency and excellent reliability of the scale.

Conclusions

The ASPS-T is reliable and valid for analysing sensory processing patterns of adults in the Turkish population.
Trends in Vitamin B12 Supply and Prevalence of Inadequate Intake in Africa: Regional and Country-Specific Estimates
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson
Published: September 2021

Background:

In Africa, little is known about the epidemiological significance of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Objective:

To analyze regional and country-specific trends (1990-2017) in vitamin B12 supply in Africa and estimate the prevalence of inadequate intake.

Methods:

National food balance data compiled by Food and Agriculture Organization for 45 African countries were used. Per capita food supplies for 95 commodities were transformed into B12 contents (µg/capita/day) assuming no fortification and B12 density was determined per 1000 kcal. Estimated Average Requirement cut point method was used for estimating the prevalence of inadequate intake.

Results:

Over the period, the mean per capita B12 supply in Africa significantly increased by 12.7% from 2.02 to 2.27 µg/capita/day (z = 5.27, P < .001). However, the B12 density remained below the reference goal of 0.8 µg/1000 kcal. In 2017, the B12 supplies (µg/capita/day) in Northern (3.52), Central (3.15), and Southern Africa (2.99) were considerably higher than Western (2.10) and Eastern Africa (1.36) regions. The supply in upper-middle- or high-income countries (3.21) was also substantially higher than low- (1.58) and low-middle-income (2.58) countries. In 2017, the B12 supplies ranged from 5.95 in Mauritius to 0.66 in Ethiopia. Similarly, the nutrient density extended from 1.88 in Gambia to 0.28 in Ethiopia. In Africa, the estimated prevalence of inadequate intake declined from 48.1% in 1990 to 29.9% in 2007 and resurged to 40.6% in 2017. In 2017, the prevalence of inadequate intake was nearly universal (> 90%) in 4 countries and exceeded 50% in 8 more countries.

Conclusion:

Many African countries have major deficits in vitamin B12 supply.
How memory survives: Descendants of Auschwitz survivors and the progenic tattoo
Authors: Bloch Alice
Published: September 2021

The impact of the Holocaust on the descendants of survivors and the ways in which they embrace, embody and memorialise their family histories is the subject of this paper. The paper explores intergenerational storytelling and silences about the Holocaust through the lens of the number that was tattooed on the bodies of inmates in the Auschwitz complex and has been replicated on the bodies of some survivor descendants. The number has become a symbol of the crimes of the Holocaust though its meaning has changed during different periods of Holocaust remembrance. Using the genealogy of the tattoo, this paper explores its meaning in relation to private and public memorialisation for the descendants of survivors living in Israel who have replicated the number on their own body. An earlier version of this paper was presented in December 2020 at La Trobe University’s Agnes Heller Annual Sociology Lecture.
Current Status of Contrast Enhanced Mammography: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kornecki Anat
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed and updated review of the physics, techniques, indications, limitations, reporting, implementation and management of contrast enhanced mammography.

Background:

Contrast enhanced mammography (CEM), is an emerging iodine-based modified dual energy mammography technique. In addition to having the same advantages as standard full-field digital mammography (FFDM), CEM provides information regarding tumor enhancement, relying on tumor angiogenesis, similar to dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). This article reviews current literature on CEM and highlights considerations that are critical to the successful use of this modality.

Conclusion:

Multiple studies point to the advantage of using CEM in the diagnostic setting of breast imaging, which approaches that of DCE-MRI.
The Effects of Mobile Social Media Use on Older Migrants’ Social Integration and Life Satisfaction: Use Types and Self-Esteem Perspective
Authors: Zhao Lei
Published: September 2021

With the development of society and economy, more and more elderly people migrate from rural to urban areas. Nowadays, mobile social media (MSM) is a very important tool for information search, social communication, and entertainment among older migrants, and it is necessary to clear how the self-esteem level and the use types of MSM contribute to older migrants’ social integration and life satisfaction. Based on the literature review, we constructed a research model and tested the model using sample data of 306 Chinese older migrants. The results show that self-esteem has a negative impact on the social use and entertainment use of MSM. Our study also confirms that social use and entertainment use have different effects on older migrants’ social integration and life satisfaction. Social use has a positive impact on social integration and life satisfaction, while entertainment use has a negative impact on social integration and has no significant impact on life satisfaction. Furthermore, the perceived social integration of older adults can significantly predict their life satisfaction.
Stocktake of Australasian Psychiatry’s training resources
Authors: Weightman Michael , Bui Tuan Anh , Robertson Oliver D’Arcy
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To identify all past publications from Australasian Psychiatry with subject matter particularly relevant for trainees. The results of such a search could then be collated into an easily accessible resource available to trainees and their supervisors.

Method:

An electronic search of the journal’s back catalogue was conducted.

Results:

Eighty-seven articles published on subjects particularly relevant for trainees were discovered from within Australasian Psychiatry. In particular, multiple useful resources were identified on the topics of the scholarly project and formulation skills.

Conclusions:

Australasian Psychiatry has published a wealth of literature that is likely to be of significant benefit for trainees as they work their way through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists training programme.
Non-Surgical Management of Malignant Bowel Obstruction in Advanced Ovarian Cancer patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Idaikkadar Praveena , Georgiou Athina , Skene Simon , Michael Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

Background:

Malignant bowel obstruction is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Many patients aren’t suitable for, or decline, surgical decompression. The outcomes for this frail group of patients are not well characterized.

Aim:

To evaluate survival outcomes of ovarian cancer patients who undergo non-surgical management of malignant bowel obstruction.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources:

Online literature search of Pubmed, Embase and Medline libraries up until December 2020. Searching abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacting experts in the field.

Selection Criteria:

Studies that investigated non-surgical management of confirmed bowel obstruction in advanced ovarian cancer patients were included. All levels of evidence including RCTs, cohort studies and case-series if they included greater than 5 patients.

Data Collection and Analysis:

The studies were independently chosen by two reviewers who extracted and analyzed the data separately through OpenMeta Analyst software. Study quality was assessed using the JADAD score and the Newcastle Ottawa Score.

Results:

24 studies met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review and 9 for the meta-analysis. Median survival of patients managed non-surgically for bowel obstruction was 44 days (95% CI 38-49 days, I 2 = 0%, P = 0.128).

Conclusion:

The quality of studies was relatively low, however the evidence shows that non-surgical management of bowel obstruction results in a short life expectancy but with controlled symptoms. Where quality of life is the main concern, this may be a feasible and effective strategy.
A continuum damage-based three-dimensional fracture simulation method for brittle-like materials
Authors: Sun Bin , Xu Zhao-Dong
Published: September 2021

Current numerical methods cannot simulate well three-dimensional (3D) fracture process of solids. In order to study 3D fracture process of brittle-like materials and improve crack growth path prediction accuracy, a method is developed based on continuum damage mechanics and finite element method. In the developed method, damage is computed by homogenizing stress or strain in the preset characteristic field for reducing the spurious mesh sensitivity. Meanwhile, an additional procedure is used to consider the unstable and competing fracture process, which can be used to consider stress redistribution due to local damage evolution during the fracture process simulation. In addition, a damage model of concrete is also developed and used to describe material damage. Finally, 3D fracture process of two numerical examples, were simulated and compared with the experimental results by using the developed method. The 3D crack growth path and macroscopic mechanical behaviors can be predicted by the developed method coupled with a damage model. From the comparison, the effectiveness and modeling capability of the developed method are verified, which can be used to study 3D fracture mechanisms of concrete-like materials.
The Impact of Distress, Personal Meaning & Training on the Delivery of Support to Grieving Students by School Nurses
Authors: Demaria Thomas , Gilman Rich , Mazyck Donna , Schonfeld David
Published: September 2021

Supporting grieving students is part of a school nurse’s role which can provide meaning or special purpose in their career. This was verified by an online survey completed by 648 school nurse members of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). A majority of respondents felt personal distress as a result of their work with grieving students which was predicted by a lack of access to work/community resources available and a lower level of educational background of the school nurse. Training to support grieving students and a higher level of educational background of the school nurse, however, appeared to predict a greater level of personal meaning found in school nurses’ support of grieving students. Level of support by school leadership provided to school nurses in their support of grieving students was also found to be related to both the personal distress experienced and the personal meaning derived by school nurses.
The (Ir)Relevance of Audience Studies in Journalism Education
Authors: Nelson Jacob L. , Edgerly Stephanie
Published: September 2021

Journalism stakeholders increasingly believe that they need to better understand the news audience to accomplish their goals. Our study explores the extent to which this “audience turn” has unfolded in the education of future journalists. Drawing on data collected from course syllabi from leading journalism schools throughout the United States, we find that few journalism courses include aspects focused on news audiences. Those that include readings and/or assignments relating to news audiences maintain a narrow focus on audience metrics. We conclude by discussing what these trends mean for the future of journalism and the audience gap in journalism education.
A Quantitative Assessment of Mucosal Eosinophils in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Children Without Detectable Organic Disease
Authors: Hoofien Assaf , Oliva Salvatore , Karl-Heinz Auth Marcus , Brook Elena , Giordano Carla , Zouzo Vaia , Simmons William , Rossetti Danilo , Shukla Rajeev , Marderfeld Luba , Zevit Noam
Published: September 2021

Background

Accurate measurements of mucosal eosinophil concentrations in gastrointestinal tracts of healthy children are necessary to differentiate health and disease states in general, and better define eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases.

Study

We retrospectively reviewed gastrointestinal biopsies from children with macroscopically normal endoscopies, who, after a minimal follow-up of one year, were not diagnosed with any organic disease. Peak eosinophil concentrations and distributions were assessed from each segment of the gastrointestinal tract.

Results

Three centers (Italy, United Kingdom, and Israel) contributed 202 patients (median age 13 years IQR 9.5–15.5, range 1–18 years). Median (IQR, range) eosinophil concentrations (eos/mm2) were: esophagus 0 (0–0, 0–84), stomach 0 (0–4, 0–84), duodenal bulb 20 (13–30, 7–67), second part of duodenum 20 (13–29, 0–105), terminal ileum 29 (14–51, 0–247), cecum 53 (37–89, 10–232), ascending colon 55 (25–84, 0–236), transverse colon 38 (21–67, 4–181), descending colon 29 (17–59, 0–114), sigmoid colon 25 (13–40, 0–215) and rectum 13 (4–28, 0–152). Significant geographical variance was present, however, no differences in eosinophil concentrations were identified between children with resolving symptoms vs. those with functional diagnoses, nor across age groups.

Conclusions

Standardized eosinophil concentrations from the gastrointestinal tracts of children without organic disease will serve to better define both health and disease states. No differences were found between resolved symptoms vs. functional diagnoses nor between age groups in this pediatric cohort.
In search of alternatives for individualised workers: A comparative study of freelance organisations
Authors: Mondon-Navazo Mathilde , Murgia Annalisa , Borghi Paolo , Mezihorak Petr
Published: September 2021

This article contributes to the debate on the enterprise culture, which is characterised by the celebration of risk-taking and self-realisation, which in turn also implies self-responsibilisation and atomisation of the workforce. It does so by investigating organisations created with the aim of finding alternatives for freelancers, who epitomise the processes of individualisation typical of late capitalism. The organisations studied, both companies and cooperatives, aim to enable freelancers to combine autonomy in running their business with access to labour and social rights and inclusion in a collective. Drawing on a multiple case study conducted in France and Italy, the article investigates how organisations can counteract the processes of self-responsibilisation and atomisation of the workforce by enacting principles typical of alternative organisations. This study thus provides a twofold contribution to critical organisational theory and sociological literature on the individualisation of work and feasible alternatives to it. Our findings show, first, that the enterprise culture can be challenged through alternative organising even when freelancers – a category of workers embodying the contemporary processes of individualisation – are at stake. Second, the study of these emerging organisations also contributes to the flourishing debate on alternative organisations by adding an original empirical contribution to ongoing reflections on alternatives to market capitalism.
An integrative review of chronic illness mHealth self-care interventions: Mapping technology features to patient outcomes
Authors: Sockolow Paulina S , Buck Harleah G , Shadmi Efrat
Published: September 2021

Mobile health (mHealth)—hand-held technologies to address health priorities—has significant potential to answer the growing need for patient chronic illness self-care interventions. Previous reviews examined mHealth effect on patient outcomes. None have a detailed examination and mapping of specific technology features to targeted health outcomes. Examine recent chronic illness mHealth self-care interventions; map the study descriptors, mHealth technology features, and study outcomes. (1) Information extracted from PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases for clinical outcomes studies published 2010–January 2020; and (2) realist synthesis techniques for within and across case analysis. From 652 records, 32 studies were examined. Median study duration was 19.5 weeks. Median sample size was 62 participants. About 47% of interventions used solely patient input versus digital input; 50% sent tailored messages versus generic messages; 22% augmented the intervention with human interaction. Studies with positive clinical outcomes had higher use of digital input. Software descriptions were lacking. Most studies built interventions: only two incorporated target audience participation in development. We recommend researchers provide sufficient system description detail. Future research includes: data input characteristics; impact of augmentation with human interaction on outcomes; and development decisions.
Modeling and dynamic characteristic analysis of dual rotor-casing coupling system with rubbing fault
Authors: Li Bingqiang , Zhou Honggen , Liu Jinfeng , Kang Chao
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of aero-engine manufacturing technology, the dual-rotor system has been employed in part of turbofan engine in order to improve the working performance of aircraft more efficiently. In this study, taking the counter-rotation dual-rotor as the research object, the dynamic model of dual rotor-casing coupling system is established by the aid of MATLAB. The dynamic frequency curves are in good agreement with the results in references and calculated by FEM method, that shows the validity and feasibility of the model. The local rub-impact dynamic model of dual rotor-casing coupling system is established, and rubbing analysis is carried out using Newmark- β method. The effects of rotating speed and speed ratio on local rub-impact response are deeply discussed. The results show that with the increase of rotating speed, combined frequencies and frequency multiplication components are more significant. In addition, speed ratio has a great influence on the periodic motion of the system. With the increase of the absolute value of the speed ratio, the whirl radius of the outer rotor and the normal rubbing force increase dramatically.
The rise and ongoing legacy of localism as collective identity in Hong Kong: Resinicisation anxieties and punishment of political dissent in the post-colonial era
Authors: Adorjan Michael , Khiatani Paul Vinod , Chui Wing Hong
Published: September 2021

China’s new National Security Law, enacted in Hong Kong on 30 June 2020, has amplified widespread concerns among the city’s population regarding the implications of this law. These concerns have at root anxieties related to Hong Kong’s resinicisation, referring to anxieties over Hong Kong's political and economic dependence on mainland China, including loyalty and patriotism towards the motherland. This paper explores these developments in relation to the ongoing legacy of localism, argued to be instilled as a colonial project to help secure the populations’ identification with Hong Kong. Seen as ‘criminals’ from the perspective of mainland Chinese authorities, many of those involved in today's protests (many of whom include young people) see themselves as engaging in legitimate forms of civil disobedience. First explicating the context of Hong Kong's colonial history in order to help make sense of present-day turmoil, we turn to recent trends in arrests related to the protests, as well as evidence of rapidly declining trust in the Hong Kong Police Force, seen by some as increasingly beholden to the interests of mainland China. Implications for these trends going forward are considered, with a discussion of the need for greater attention to colonial histories and post-colonial ramifications.
H is for Hurricane, M is for Maria: Supporting literacy in Vieques
Authors: Bryan-Silva Kutasha , Sanders-Smith Stephanie C
Published: September 2021

The case study, H is For Hurricane and M is For Maria explores the public Montessori System of Puerto Rico as an educational philosophy of resilience. The authors present a counternarrative to early literacy development on the island by focusing in on two public Montessori schools from Vieques, Puerto Rico. The study was conducted one year after the passing of Hurricane Maria. Data collected, highlights the strong effectiveness of combining children’s home life experiences together with foundational early literacy development. Through this piece, teachers and parents share how they teach early literacy by making the absolute most of what surrounds them physically and culturally. Puerto Rico is poorer than the poorest state yet has had the fastest growth of public Montessori schools, than anywhere else in the United States. Major conclusions state that access to public Montessori education in Puerto Rico offers children an advantage in early literacy development.
Do planning concepts matter? A Lacanian interpretation of the urban village in a British context
Authors: Wang Chuan
Published: September 2021

Numerous novel planning concepts have been developed in pursuit of better urban environments, while many are notoriously difficult to define. Lacan’s master signifier is widely employed to criticise these vague, fashionable concepts but lacks a specific examination tool. To fill this gap, this article develops an analytical framework based on Lacanian discourse analysis (LDA) to decipher the complex social relations in the process of applying new concepts to planning policymaking and practice. A comprehensive review of the UK urban village movement is used to demonstrate how this framework provides a deeper analysis, arguing that urban villages are understood differently depending on individual social positions, which, to some extent, determine their actions towards planning practice.
The Advent of Artificial Intelligence in Diabetic Foot Medicine: A New Horizon, a New Order, or a False Dawn?
Authors: Howard Theodore , Ahluwalia Raju , Papanas Nikolas
Published: September 2021

In a world where automation is becoming increasingly common, easier collection of mass of data and powerful computer processing has meant a transformation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The diabetic foot is a multifactorial problem; its issues render it suitable for analysis, interrogation, and development of AI. The latter has the potential to deliver many solutions to issues of delayed diagnosis, compliance, and defining preventative treatments. We describe the use of AI and the development of artificial neural networks that may supplement the failed networks in the diabetic foot. The potential of this technology, current developing applications, and their limitations for diabetic foot care are suggested.
Thinking Clearly About Biology and Childhood Adversity: Next Steps for Continued Progress
Authors: Pollak Seth D. , Smith Karen E.
Published: September 2021

In a previous Perspectives article, we described conceptual problems that pose challenges for research on the effects of childhood adversity and offered promising directions for future research on this topic. In a commentary on that article, McLaughlin et al. disagree with some of these criticisms and defend the utility of their current approaches. Here, we briefly summarize where these perspectives overlap and diverge, using the exchange of views to highlight pressing gaps in knowledge that can be addressed through continued empirical research.
Lexicality effects on orthographic learning in beginning and advanced readers of Dutch: An eye-tracking study
Authors: van Viersen Sietske , Protopapas Athanassios , Georgiou George K , Parrila Rauno , Ziaka Laoura , de Jong Peter F
Published: September 2021

Orthographic learning is the topic of many recent studies about reading, but much is still unknown about conditions that affect orthographic learning and their influence on reading fluency development over time. This study investigated lexicality effects on orthographic learning in beginning and relatively advanced readers of Dutch. Eye movements of 131 children in Grades 2 and 5 were monitored during an orthographic learning task. Children read sentences containing pseudowords or low-frequency real words that varied in number of exposures. We examined both offline learning outcomes (i.e., orthographic choice and spelling dictation) of target items and online gaze durations on target words. The results showed general effects of exposure, lexicality, and reading-skill level. Also, a two-way interaction was found between the number of exposures and lexicality when detailed orthographic representations were required, consistent with a larger overall effect of exposure on learning the spellings of pseudowords. Moreover, lexicality and reading-skill level were found to affect the learning rate across exposures based on a decrease in gaze durations, indicating a larger learning effect for pseudowords in Grade 5 children. Yet, further interactions between exposure and reading-skill level were not present, indicating largely similar learning curves for beginning and advanced readers. We concluded that the reading system of more advanced readers may cope somewhat better with words varying in lexicality, but is not more efficient than that of beginning readers in building up orthographic knowledge of specific words across repeated exposures.
Laryngotracheal stenosis: A more common problem in the COVID era
Authors: Sheehan Sebastian , Warrell Daniel , Kamhieh Yasmine , Harris Andrew S
Published: September 2021

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare cause of dyspnoea. It is associated with emergency or prolonged intubation and with tracheostomy. It is expected to increase in incidence following the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, due to the increased numbers of prolonged intensive care admissions. Presentation may be weeks or even years after the acute episode. A variety of symptoms may be present, and include dyspnoea, cough, dysphagia, stridor or voice change. LTS can be confused with commoner respiratory diseases such as asthma. Awareness of the condition is important to facilitate a timely referral to Otolaryngology for diagnosis and management.
The Punjabi New Testament in Persian Script
Authors: Sadiq Yousaf
Published: September 2021

This article discusses the Punjabi New Testament in Persian script. It explores different phases of its preparation and its translation features, as well as the individuals who contributed to its translation and revision.
Change in cardiometabolic risk factors among Asian Indian adults recruited in a mHealth-based diabetes prevention trial
Authors: Muralidharan Shruti , Ranjani Harish , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Gupta Yashdeep , Ambekar Samita , Koppikar Varsha , Jagannathan N , Jena Sidhant , Tandon Nikhil , Allender Steven , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: September 2021

Objective

India is experiencing an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health technology may be a strategy to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This paper reports on the effect of a mobile health intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

The mobile health and diabetes intervention was a 12-week reality television-based mobile health program application delivered via videos, short message service and infographics through a smartphone application followed-up weekly by health coach calls. mobile health and diabetes was conducted in a randomized control trial mode randomized controlled trial methodology in three Indian cities (Chennai, Bengaluru and New Delhi) with participants recruited via community screening events. This paper looks at the pre–post changes in cardiometabolic risks among the participants and the place of demography in influencing these.

Results

The mobile health and diabetes intervention group experienced a small reduction in waist circumference (1.8 cm) compared to the control group (0.5 cm, p < 0.05) and a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (2.7 mmHg) compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). The improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors were more pronounced in individuals with obesity, although overall effects were very modest

Conclusions

Cardiometabolic risk factors can be reduced with a mobile health application using human coaching, especially in obese individuals, but the improvements are small. To be more effective and clinically meaningful, intensive engagement with the participants is probably required.
The Limited Influence of Right-Wing Movements on Social Media User Engagement
Authors: Schwemmer Carsten
Published: September 2021

This article generates new insights into the dynamic interplay between social media content generated by right-wing movements, user engagement, and the public attention movements receive. I argue that movement leaders seek to achieve high user engagement for utilizing mechanisms of information diffusion to increase both online and on-site mobilization. In a case study, I analyze the German right-wing movement Pegida, which uses Facebook for spreading its anti-Islam agenda online. Data from Pegida’s Facebook page are combined with news reports over a period of 18 months to measure activity on Facebook and in the public sphere simultaneously. Results of quantitative text and time series analysis show that Pegida cannot influence user engagement by simply creating more posts. Instead, it is the content of posts that matters. Moreover, findings highlight a strong connection between Facebook activities and the public sphere. In times of decreasing attention, the movement changes its social media strategy in response to exogenous shocks: Pegida resorts increasingly to radical mobilization methods by posting xenophobic content that is more likely to incite users to engage on Facebook.
The Queer Experience of School Counselors: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Tucker Jeff D. , Nelei-Nunnemaker Caitlyn G. , Scanlan Kelsey L.
Published: September 2021

Although a vast amount of research now exists concerning the provision of competent counseling services to LGBTQ+ clients and students, a gaping aperture remains in the literature regarding the experiences of counselors who identify as LGBTQ+. This gap in the literature is especially evident for the profession of school counseling. In this study, we employed the qualitative research design of interpretative phenomenological analysis to delve into the lived experiences of six school counselors who self-identify as LGBTQ+ and the meanings they ascribed to their experiences. Although each participant provided a unique voice and perspective, several common themes emerged that could help provide a better understanding of these populations. Data analysis yielded four superordinate themes: systemic, historical, and cultural context; experiencing queerphobia; personal and professional identity and expression; and enhanced counseling abilities. The results illuminate both the forces operating against these school counselors and the unique strengths that they bring to the counseling profession.
Medical Advisability of Youth Pitching Recommendations on the Internet
Authors: Painter David F. , Dove James H. , Monteiro Kristina , Kriz Peter K. , Owens Brett D.
Published: September 2021

Background:

As the incidence of youth pitching injuries and surgical procedures attributed to overuse has drastically increased, there are quality concerns about popular internet resources regarding arm care for youth pitchers.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To assess the medical advisability of online arm care recommendations for youth pitchers. It was hypothesized that websites contain misleading arm-care information that is discordant with medical advice.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

We reviewed the first 100 websites populated after a Google search for youth pitching recommendations. Websites were categorized by type (athletic organization, commercial, or educational) and content quality (medically advisable, discordant, or neutral), the latter with respect to the Pitch Smart guidelines used by Major League Baseball. Chi-square tests of independence and z tests of independent proportions were used to compare column proportions among categories of website content quality for each type of website source. Given the small sample sizes in some instances, the Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test was performed to assess the relationship between website source type and quality of information.

Results

Of the 99 qualifying websites, 76 were categorized as medically advisable, 16 as discordant, and 7 as neutral. In addition, 92% of educational websites and 94.7% of athletic organization websites featured exclusively advisable content, whereas only 54.8% of commercial websites were advisable. Of the 16 discordant websites, 15 were commercial sites. Educational websites were significantly more advisable and neutral in content when compared with discordant information, while commercial websites were significantly predictive of discordant content. Among the first 50 websites populated according to Google, 42 (84%) were advisable, 6 (12%) discordant, and 2 (4%) neutral. The remaining websites (n = 49) featured 34 (69.4%) that were advisable, 10 (20.4%) discordant, and 5 (10.2%) neutral.

Conclusion:

Study findings indicated that websites of an educational nature are predictive of medically advisable content, while commercial websites (eg, blogs) are associated with discordant information. The abundance and availability of inaccurate internet information should be appreciated by medical professionals and parents/coaches of youth baseball players.
Inferential narrative comprehension ability of young school-age children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Westerveld Marleen F , Filiatrault-Veilleux Pamela , Paynter Jessica
Published: September 2021

Background and aims

The purpose of the current exploratory study was to describe the inferential narrative comprehension skills of young school-age children on the autism spectrum who, as a group, are at high risk of significant and persistent reading comprehension difficulties. Our aim was to investigate whether the anticipated difficulties in inferential narrative comprehension in the group of children with autism could be explained by the children’s structural language ability as measured using a broad-spectrum standardized language test.

Methods

The participants were 35 children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aged between 5;7 and 6;11, who attended their first year of formal schooling, and 32 typically developing (TD) children, matched to the ASD group for age and year of schooling. Children on the autism spectrum were divided into below normal limits (ASD_BNL, standard score ≤80; n = 21) or within normal limits (ASD_WNL, standard score >80; n = 14) on a standardized language test. All children participated in a narrative comprehension task, which involved listening to a novel story, while looking at pictures, and answering eight comprehension questions immediately afterwards. Comprehension questions were categorized into factual and inferential questions, with further categorization of the inferential questions into those tapping into the story characters’ internal responses (mental states) or not. Children’s responses were scored on a quality continuum (from 0: inadequate/off topic to 3: expected/correct).

Results

Our results showed significantly lower scores across factual and inferential narrative comprehension in the ASD_BNL group, compared to the ASD_WNL and TD groups, supporting the importance of structural language skills for narrative comprehension. Furthermore, the TD group significantly outperformed the children in the ASD_WNL group on inferential comprehension. Finally, the children in the ASD_WNL group showed specific difficulties in answering the internal response inferential questions compared to their TD peers.

Conclusions

Results from this exploratory study highlight the difficulties children on the autism spectrum may have in inferential narrative comprehension skills, regardless of sufficient structural language skills at word and sentence level. These findings support the importance of routinely assessing these narrative comprehension skills in children on the spectrum, who as a group are at high risk of persistent reading comprehension difficulties.

Implications

In this study, we demonstrate how narrative comprehension can be assessed in young school-age children on the autism spectrum. The scoring system used to categorize children’s responses may further assist in understanding children’s performance, across a quality continuum, which can guide detailed goal setting and assist in early targeted intervention planning.
In pursuit of diverse energy futures: The political economy of electricity in Senegal
Authors: van den Bold Mara
Published: September 2021

In recent years, Senegal has proactively pursued the expansion of renewable energy generation, particularly from solar and wind. In addition to starting exploration of offshore liquefied natural gas, the expansion in renewable energy is posited as a way to help the country move toward low(er) carbon development, reduce dependence on volatile oil markets, and improve reliable (and especially rural) access to electricity. To achieve these objectives, the electricity sector has continuously undergone structural reforms to improve its financial viability and to achieve objectives around universal access to electricity, particularly by increasing private sector participation in electricity generation. Through the lens of “electricity capital,” this paper examines the implications of reforms in the electricity sector for processes of accumulation, in a context of efforts to improve environmentally sustainable development. It asks how capital in the electricity sector is constituted and operates in the Senegalese context, who has power in shaping how it operates, and how this has influenced the potential for achieving a fair and equitable transition to a low(er) carbon energy system. This paper draws on recent work in political ecology on energy transitions and emerging literature on the political economy of electricity, as well as on analysis of policy and technical documents and semi-structured interviews carried out with those involved in the energy sector between 2018 and 2020. Findings suggest that even though the Senegalese government has set clear objectives for the electricity sector that are based on principles of equity, environmental sustainability, and justice, the current power relations and financing arrangements taken on by the state and other actors active in the sector has, paradoxically, led to an approach that risks undermining these very principles.
Adsorption of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant for organophilization of palygorskite clay
Authors: Silva Rhaul P. , Gois Alisson G.B. , Ramme Michele O. , Castro Dantas Tereza N. , Barillas Jennys L.M. , Santanna Vanessa C.
Published: September 2021

This work determines the optimal palygorskite (Plg) content (maximum surfactant adsorption point) to achieve organophilization using the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) at various concentrations. Adsorption assays were carried out in a finite bath after varying the content of Plg and CTAB in solution. In those assays, the effects of time, temperature, pH and thermodynamic characteristics were studied. The results were analysed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Tempkin adsorption models. The increase in clay content in the dispersion leads to a decrease in adsorption of surfactant on the clay. It was possible to obtain the optimal Plg content to achieve organophilization at various concentrations of CTAB surfactant. The experimental data fitted well to the Freundlich model. The Dubinin–Radushkevich and Tempkin isotherms confirmed the chemical adsorption of CTAB on Plg clay.