bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better Together: 14-Month-Old Infants Expect Agents to Cooperate
Authors: Vizmathy Liza , Begus Katarina , Knoblich Gunther , Gergely György , Curioni Arianna
Published: February 2024

Humans engage in cooperative activities from early on and the breadth of human cooperation is unparalleled. Human preference for cooperation might reflect cognitive and motivational mechanisms that drive engagement in cooperative activities. Here we investigate early indices of humans’ cooperative abilities and test whether 14-month-old infants expect agents to prefer cooperative over individual goal achievement. Three groups of infants saw videos of agents facing a choice between two actions that led to identical rewards but differed in the individual costs. Our results show that, in line with prior research, infants expect agents to make instrumentally rational choices and prefer the less costly of two individual action alternatives. In contrast, when one of the action alternatives is cooperative, infants expect agents to choose cooperation over individual action, even though the cooperative action demands more effort from each agent to achieve the same outcome. Finally, we do not find evidence that infants expect agents to choose the less costly alternative when both options entail cooperative action. Combined, these results indicate an ontogenetically early expectation of cooperation, and raise interesting implications and questions regarding the nature of infants’ representations of cooperative actions and their utility.
On the status of Helicops wettsteini Amaral, 1929, a senior synonym of Hypsiscopus murphyi (SERPENTES: Homalopsidae)
Authors: DAVID PATRICK , VOGEL GERNOT
Published: February 2024

We redescribe the name-bearing types of Helicops wettsteini Amaral, 1929, a species described from central Costa Rica. However, while Helicops wettsteini has been considered in the literature a synonym of Hypsiscopus plumbeus (previously Enhydris plumbea), we present here morphological evidence for considering Helicops wettsteini a synonym of the recently described species Hypsiscopus murphyi Bernstein, Voris, Stuart, Phimmachak, Seateun, Sivongxay, Neang, Karns, Andrews, Osterhage, Phipps & Ruane, 2022, which hence becomes a junior subjective synonym of Hypsiscopus wettsteini (Amaral, 1929).
Concurrent Celiac Disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a Pediatric Cohort: More Than a Coincidence
Authors: Bergman Arielle , Greifer Melanie , Levine Jeremiah
Published: February 2024

Celiac disease (CeD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are immune-mediated disorders that can occur in the same patient. A retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital was conducted to determine the prevalence of EoE in a pediatric population with CeD and to compare characteristics of patients with both diseases to patients with CeD-only. Among the 148 patients with CeD identified in the study, 11 patients had both CeD and EoE (7.4%). Patients with both CeD and EoE had a higher absolute eosinophil count (per μL) at diagnosis compared to patients with CeD-only (454.1 ± 122.7 vs 231.9 ± 19.4, P = .003). In conclusion, there was a higher proportion of EoE in patients with CeD than would be expected in the general population, suggesting a potential pathophysiological overlap between the 2 diseases. An elevated peripheral absolute eosinophil count may help predict which patients with CeD may additionally have EoE.
Introduction to the special issue of the International Journal of Comparative Sociology on “National identity, nationalism, patriotism, and globalization”
Authors: Quandt Markus , Schmidt Peter
Published: February 2024

This editors’ introduction into the themed issue of IJCS dedicated to the analysis of comparative survey work on national identity and globalization presents a very brief overview of core hypotheses from the five articles collected in the issue. The articles offer a variety of new, rather differentiated insights into how individual-level national identity attitudes and sibling concepts like belief in national superiority, patriotism, and nationalist chauvinism are related to societal-level variables that tend to vary with exposure to aspects of globalization, such as migrant influx and economic competition. Aside from the focus on those new contributions, the introduction also offers a few observations on the challenges that the wider national identity research field still faces. Given that the field is dealing with several overlapping attitude concepts, this centrally concerns a partial lack of conceptual clarity, which sometimes translates into ambiguous operationalizations and incomplete or imprecise explication of theoretical mechanisms. We conclude that the contributions of the themed issue, with their careful attention to particular aspects of measures and multi-level processes, may serve as another stepping stone for overcoming at least some of those challenges in the future.
Morphology and properties of PC/ABS notebook computer shell prepared by a combined in-mold decoration and microcellular injection molding process
Authors: Lu Yuemei , Liu Jianren , Wang Liandeng
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the PC/ABS notebook computer shells with PET film were prepared using a combined in-mold decoration and microcellular injection molding (IMD/MIM) process. Then the surface quality, morphology, impact toughness and wear resistance were investigated. The results shown that the surface quality is improved by IMD/MIM technology. The three dimensional surface roughness value (Sa) was about 1/3 of that of MIM parts. The cross-section of IMD/MIM samples have three layers. The first layer is a PET film decoration layer with about 132 µm thickness, followed by skin layer (about 22 µm) and foam layer. The range of thickness of the foam layer for the different specimens is about 7803 µm–7820 µm.The cell diameter is between 0.532 µm and 0.638 µm, which is about 2 times than that of MIM parts. Compared with MIM parts, the shape of the bubbles of IMD/MIM parts is ellipsoid with thinner wall. Moreover, the impact toughness of IMD/MIM parts are higher. The best impact toughness is 21.02 KJ/m2 within the scope of this experiment, which is 74% higher than the corresponding MIM part under the same foaming process. This may due to the PET film and micropores could block the initiation of the tip crack. Meanwhile, the IMD/MIM parts have excellent wear resistance property. In most cases, the wear rate of IMD/MIM parts is about 36.6% of MIM part under the same condition.
Biological Properties of 3D-Printed Zirconia Implants with p-Cell Structures
Authors: Qin W. , Shen MH. , Gan N. , Xing BH. , Sun J. , Zhao Z. , Jiao T.
Published: February 2024

Research on 3-dimensional (3D) printed porous zirconia-based dental implants is still in its infancy. This study aimed to evaluate the biological responses of novel zirconia implants with p-cell structures fabricated by 3D printing. The solid zirconia samples exhibited comparable density, 3-point flexural strength, and accelerated aging properties compared to specimens prepared previously by conventional methods. Cell-based experiments showed that the p-cell structure promoted cell proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenesis-related protein expression. Mechanical tests showed that both p-cell and control implants could withstand a torque of 35 Ncm without breaking. The mean maximum breaking loads of p-cell and control implants were 1,222.429 ± 115.591 N and 1,903.857 ± 250.673 N, respectively, which were much higher than the human physiological chewing force and human mean maximum occlusal force. An animal experiment showed that the bone trabeculae around the implants were significantly thicker, more numerous, and denser in the p-cell group than in the control group. This work could provide promising guidance for further exploring 3D printing techniques for porous zirconia bionic implants in dentistry.
Asymmetries in Infants’ Vowel Perception: Changes in Vowel Discrimination in German Learning 6- and 9-Month-Old Infants
Authors: Götz Antonia , Krasotkina Anna , Schwarzer Gudrun , Höhle Barbara
Published: February 2024

Infants’ speech perception is characterized by substantial changes during the first year of life that attune the processing mechanisms to the specific properties of the ambient language. This paper focuses on these developmental changes in vowel perception. More specifically, the emergence and potential cause of perceptual asymmetries in vowel perception are investigated by an experimental study on German 6- and 9-month-olds’ discrimination of a vowel contrast that is not phonemic in German. Results show discrimination without any asymmetry in the 6-month-olds but an asymmetrical pattern with better performance when the vowel changes from the less focal to the more focal vowel than vice versa by the 9-month-olds. The results concerning the asymmetries are compatible with the Natural Referent Framework as well as with the Native Language Magnet model. Our results foster two main conclusions. First, bi-directional testing must be mandatory when testing vowel perception. Second, when testing non-native vowel perception, the relation of the stimuli to the native language vowel system has to be considered very carefully as this system impacts the perception of non-native vowels.
Challenges and expectations of international medical graduates moving to the UK: An online survey
Authors: Lane Jenni , Shrotri Nitin , Somani Bhaskar K
Published: February 2024

Introduction

International medical graduates (IMGs) account for 41% of the UK doctor's workforce but often work in isolated roles, receive minimal constructive feedback regarding their work and offered limited opportunities for career progression. We conducted a survey researching the views of IMGs or doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds on the support given to them.

Methods

A survey was carried out on physician demographics, grade and date of first NHS appointment, familiarity and support offered in NHS, induction and study leave, Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board exams and General Medical Council (GMC) referrals. It was drafted via surveymonkey.co.uk platform and circulated via relevant closed medical groups.

Results

A total of 173 IMGs and 16 British trained doctors (controls) took the survey. In the IMGs first job, there was no dedicated supervisor, mentor, induction, shadowing period and study leave for 56%, 86%, 52%, 59% and 52%, respectively. Suggestions given for improvements included teaching sessions, mentors, work orientation, supernumerary period and paid induction by 80%, 78%, 76%, 61% and 41% respectively. While 59% of participants knew of another IMG referred to the GMC, the primary reasons given were lack of knowledge of NHS, bias, communication difficulties and cultural differences.

Conclusion

This paper reflects the views of doctors regarding the support given to IMGs during their first NHS appointment and subsequent jobs in the NHS. IMGs require a focused and detailed induction, mentorship, educational and clinical supervision throughout their transition to the NHS.
Causes & Consequences of Health Care CEO Turnover in Australia and Retention Strategies: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mathew Nebu Varughese , Liu Chaojie , Khalil Hanan
Published: February 2024

It has been highlighted the increasing CEO turnover is a major issue for Australian and international health care organizations. Some of the negative consequences of CEO turnover includes organizational instability, high financial costs, and affecting patient care. On average, CEOs leave their role within 1 to 2 years after commencement, which can be detrimental to the hospital’s overall functioning. Therefore, this study aims to identify the causes and consequences of increasing CEO turnover in health care, so retention strategies could be devised. Fourteen hospital CEOs across Australia were interviewed online to answer 5 open ended questions related to qualities of a CEO, challenges of the CEO role, Causes and consequences of increasing CEO turnover and recommendation for CEOs retention. Interviews followed a semi-structured schedule to prompt discussion in relation to the above. The study has identified that CEOs possess certain qualities such as self-awareness, leadership style, resilience that enable them to perform their role well. Challenges of this role such as COVID-19, managing organizational change staff management has been found and discussed. Broadly, causes have been divided into 5 major categories such as Organization, Performance, Pressure, Personal and Health reform. It was found that increasing CEO turnover can be damaging to the hospital, not just the staff and patients suffer but the surrounding community gets adversely affected. To minimize CEO turnover, it was suggested that the board needs to support their CEO by advocating and investing in organizational culture and leadership programs. The findings of this study aid, the board with certain strategies through which CEO can be supported. CEOs made certain recommendations in this study to minimize the turnover which can make such a big impact on health care as this may lead to better functioning hospitals in Australia. Moreover, these strategies could be used internationally to help them CEOs retain in their position.
The Rise in Cesarean Births and the Technocratic Medicalization of Childbirth in Late-Reform China
Authors: Santos Gonçalo D. , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2024

The surge in cesarean section (CS) deliveries in China over the past several decades has led to significant international discussion, yet critical social science inquiry remains limited. Drawing on insights from sociological and anthropological studies of childbirth, this article moves away from the premise that having a CS is a matter of individual choice. Instead, we treat childbirth as ground zero of a set of complex negotiations between multiple actors, and we show how the biopolitical and politico-economic reconfiguration of the process of childbirth governance from the 1990s onwards has contributed to a dramatic increase in cesarean deliveries. Combining ethnographic materials from China’s rural and urban areas with an analysis of documents and quantitative data, we argue that the surge in CS rates in post-1990s China is part of a larger globalized process of the technocratic medicalization of birth, which has had a profound impact on the normative procedures and conditions shaping the process of childbirth, including the methods and forms of knowledge guiding childbirth management. This has contributed to the increasing normalization of a highly medicalized and interventionist model of childbirth, which has in turn facilitated the routinization of cesarean procedures.
Mimicking myths of menopause. A critical phenomenological perspective on ageing and femininity in fiction TV shows
Authors: de Boer Marjolein , Halsema Annemie
Published: February 2024

This article offers a critical phenomenological analysis of prevailing myths of menopause. By drawing on Simone de Beauvoir's conceptions of myths that essentialize existence, we have analyzed contemporary TV series in which menopause is portrayed. We identified the following myths of menopause: the myth of the liberated woman, the unnesting (s)mother, the old, ugly, and sexless witch, the mild, wise, and uncarnal woman. We first describe these myths and analyze how they may be interpreted as marginalizing in various and sometimes ambiguous ways. Then, we trace out two distinct ways in which some TV shows expose these myths as essentializing myths, which is important for allowing us to take a distance from them, and thereby to resist them. The first one is in line with what Beauvoir herself suggested as a fruitful dealing with myths: replacing mythical thinking with actual experiences. The second way is conceptualized on the basis of Irigaray’s thinking about mimicking myths. Such dealings with myths of menopause, we argue, may open the road to less marginalizing and more pluriform thinking about menopause.
The use of menstrual cups among visually impaired woman
Authors: Dündar Tuğba , Özsoy Sevgi
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine whether a menstrual cup is a product that visually impaired women can use. The sample included 25 visually impaired women. They were given a menstrual cup and followed for 6 months. About 95.8% of the women were found to use the cup on each day of menstruation in the third follow-ups. The rate of the problems with placing the cup decreased from 60% in the first follow-up to 4.8% in the last follow-up. The rate of the problems with removal of the cup decreased from 40% in the first follow-up to 9.4% in the last follow-up.
Microstructure and properties of hypereutectic high chromium cast iron containing nitrogen
Authors: Yawei Liu , Liqiang Gong , Minqi Dong , Zhengyang Chen , Tounan Jin , Wenhang Yin , Hanguang Fu
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the effect of N content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance of hypereutectic high chromium cast iron (HHCCI). With the increase of N content, the primary carbides are obviously refined, the austenite content increases, and the dispersed granular Cr2N precipitates. After quenching at 1000 °C, secondary carbides are precipitated from the matrix, the matrix transforms into martensite + retained austenite. With the increase of N content, the corrosion resistance of HHCCI increases, and 0.3 wt.% N HHCCI shows the best corrosion resistance. With the increase of N content, the wear resistance of HHCCI increases. The wear resistance of HHCCI with 0.15 wt.% N is the best, which is 1.57 times that of HHCCI without N.
The Marketing Systems Approach for Designing Effective Marketing Interfaces and a Circular Economy
Authors: Leenders Mark A. A. M. , van Bueren Bart J. A. , Nguyen Ninh
Published: February 2024

In this article, we argue that Layton's Marketing Systems approach is important to tackle the triple-bottom-line (TBL) of economic, social, and environmental challenges holistically. We discuss how this system approach can contribute to designing effective marketing interfaces for a more sustainable circular economy (CE). Marketing has a legacy of understanding and increasing consumption, but it is also an essential element to drive toward a more sustainable society, as demonstrated by cases on eco-communities and sustainable food marketing systems. The article concludes by encouraging (Marketing) scholars to utilize Layton's work on multi-level systems to its fullest potential to address the pressing TBL challenge and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) missions in a holistic way.
Apparent diffusion coefficient for differentiation between extra-nodal lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baba Akira , Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Rivera-de Choudens Roberto , Srinivasan Ashok
Published: February 2024

Background

Radiological differentiation between extra-nodal lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck is often difficult due to their similarities.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic benefit of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculated from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating the two.

Material and Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Forest plots and the pooled mean difference of ADC values were calculated to describe the relationship between extra-nodal lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic.

Results

The review identified eight studies with 440 patients (441 lesions) eligible for meta-analysis. Among all studies, the mean ADC values of squamous cell carcinoma was 0.88 × 10–3mm2/s and that of lymphoma was 0.64 × 10–3mm2/s. In the meta-analysis, the ADC value of lymphoma was significantly lower than that of squamous cell carcinoma (pooled mean difference = 0.235, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.168–0.302, P <0.0001). The Cochrane Q test (chi-square = 55.7, P <0.0001) and I2 statistic (I2 = 87.4%, 95% CI = 77.4–93.0%) revealed significant heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This study highlights the value of quantitative assessment of ADC for objective and reliable differentiation between extra-nodal lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck. Conclusions should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity in the study data.
Of monsters and men: Reading Daniel with the Liber de Morte (Metz Epitome)
Authors: Porter Paul A. , Porter Christopher A.
Published: February 2024

Daniel sees Antiochus IV Epiphanes as a latter-day Alexander. When interpreting Antiochus’s death, the author draws on a Ptolemaic court tale of an animal prodigy that foreshadowed Alexander’s own demise ( Liber de Morte Testamentumque Alexandri Magni). Extensive and specific commonalities between Daniel and Liber de Morte suggest that MT Daniel, no less than the OG version, originated in Egypt. Intended readers are the maśkîlîm who fled there during and after the Antiochene crisis. While the visions interpret the death of Antiochus, the tales speak to the maśkîlîm’s hopes for a new life under Ptolemy VI. This paper advances scholarship by proposing that inspiration for Daniel’s Babylonian court setting, and for its apocalyptic imagery, came to our author courtesy of the Ptolemies, a Greek dynasty who used a birth anomaly tale set in Babylon to drive their political agenda in Egypt.
Preparation of gallic acid-polydimethylsiloxane codeposited carbon fibers to improve interfacial properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Liu Lin , Xu Xin , Wu Jing , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2024

A novel method, drawing inspiration from the chemistry principle observed in mussels, has been recently developed to augment the wettability and adherence of carbon fibers (CFs) within epoxy resin matrix. This technique entails the concurrent application of gallic acid and aminopropyl double terminated polydimethylsiloxane on CF surfaces via a direct method. Advanced analytical techniques like scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirmed the effective simultaneous deposition of these agents, possibly via Michael addition or Schiff base reactions. Incorporation of these treated fibers into epoxy composites resulted in notable performance enhancements. The composites with gallic acid and polydimethylsiloxane modified fibers exhibited up to 14%, 13%, and 27% improvements in interlaminar shear strength, flexural modulus, and flexural strength, respectively, compared to their counterpart with untreated fibers. These results indicate that combining gallic acid and polydimethylsiloxane on CFs is a potent approach to boost the interface qualities of CF-reinforced epoxy resin composites.
“Call 911 - That’s my [Advance Care] Plan”: Factors that Inform Advance Care Planning Conversation Readiness Among Aging Persons Living With HIV
Authors: Pinto Taylor Emily , Halpin Sean N. , Marconi Vincent C. , Justice Amy C. , Johnson Theodore M. , McInnes D. Keith , Perkins Molly M.
Published: February 2024

Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically increased the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH), but advance care planning (ACP) and hospice services are underutilized in this population. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers and facilitators to ACP among this group. PLWH ( n = 25) were recruited from an HIV Clinic at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Atlanta, GA to represent a range of sociodemographic characteristics and experiences. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. More than half of participants (64%) indicated not engaging in ACP. We identified four key barriers to ACP: (1) a self-image among PLWH as “survivors” (and a reluctance to think about ACP); (2) a history of mistrust and mistreatment; (3) weak social ties and a desire to avoid disclosure of HIV status; and (4) a value for self-reliance. Findings have important implications for interventions to overcome these barriers.
Reexamination of Multi-level Representation and Critical Mass: The Roles of Black Leadership and Its Relationship With Street-Level Officers in Police Killings
Authors: Rhee Yong-Chan
Published: February 2024

The study’s goal is to examine the multi-level representation in the context of cooperation and support between black police chiefs and street-level officers. Another goal here is to re-examine and propose different critical mass models in policing. The study uses police killing data from 2014 to 2017 in the United States. Using multi-level modeling techniques, the existing critical mass model, which assumes a single threshold, is not supported. Instead, the study finds that the mutual support model is supported, showing that street-level black officers need support from the black chief, while the black chief also needs further support from street-level officers. Simultaneously, it finds that the presence of a black chief shifts the threshold of street-level representation to a lower level, showing a close relationship between mutual support and critical mass due to a similar mechanism. The findings suggest the importance of police leadership.
Applying Work Redesign Strategies in Chinese Government Reforms: Lessons for the Government Reform Study
Authors: Liou Kuotsai Tom
Published: February 2024

This study examines the application of work redesign strategies in Chinese government agencies to understand their contributions to the field of government reform. Work redesign strategies that improve the performance of government include redesigning jobs and positions, combining agency functions, merging units, and eliminating different layers of hierarchy. The study first provides a review of the background of Chinese government reforms and related issues about work redesign studies. The study then explains the research data and analytical techniques used to examine the importance and implementation measure of the four work redesign strategies, while also testing influential personal and organizational factors that impact the work redesign strategy. The study concludes with discussions about lessons derived from the Chinese government reform and implications for future studies on government reforms.
Comparison of Palliative Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Expectation of German Paramedics Between a Rural and an Urban Structured Emergency Medical Service Area
Authors: Chwallek Daniel , Schweda Adam , Neukirchen Martin , Risse Joachim , Hense Jörg , Teufel Martin , Tewes Mitra
Published: February 2024

Objective(s)

Differences in the German emergency medical service (EMS) can be seen in the countryside in contrast to the city with regard to travel distances to hospitals and in the access routes of EMS-physicians. In order to investigate the success of establishment of palliative crisis cards associated with training and the rural and urban EMS structures, two urban and two rural EMS areas were compared using the Paramedic Palliative Care Test (PARPACT). Methods: The PARPACT includes test items on palliative knowledge (PK, maximum score: 15 points) and palliative self-efficacy expectations (PSE, maximum score: 18 points), as well as items on palliative attitudes in dealing with palliative care patients. We used a 4-point Likert-type scale. For data analysis, nonparametric tests (χ-test and Mann–Whitney U test) were used in addition to descriptive analysis (frequencies, means, medians, standard deviations, and ranges). Results: In total, 291 out of 750 ambulance or EMS personnel participated in the voluntary survey. Rural ambulance or EMS personnel answered the PK-questions correctly more often on average (mean: 11.19, SD: 1.85) than urban ambulance or EMS personnel (mean: 9.18, SD: 2.39; Mann–Whitney U test: U=5040.000, P=.001). In addition, ambulance or EMS personnel with the highest level of training (3-year-trained paramedics) performed better in PK (mean: 10.38, SD: 2.31) than less intensively training ambulance or EMS personnel (mean: 9.58, SD: 2.43; Mann-Whitney U-test: U=8446.500, P=.004). In terms of PSE, rural ambulance or EMS personnel also achieved higher mean PSE-scores (mean: 12.55, SD: 2.60) than urban ambulance or EMS personnel (mean: 9.77, SD: 3.41; Mann-Whitney U-test: U=5148.500, P=.001). Conclusions: Better training in the EMS is associated with improved PK compared to less qualified nonphysician EMS staff. The establishment of palliative crisis cards and the structures in the city alone do not lead to improved knowledge and PSE.
Innovative nursing employment initiatives to strengthen and sustain the health workforce in Canada
Authors: Baumann Andrea , Smith Victoria , Crea-Arsenio Mary
Published: February 2024

Health systems worldwide are at a critical juncture due to an increasing demand for health services and a diminishing pool of health human resources. While COVID-19 exacerbated nursing deficits, the need to strengthen and sustain the health workforce in Canada was evident decades prior and supported by numerous studies that warned of significant shortages. Post pandemic, building health system capacity has become paramount. This article examines innovative nursing employment initiatives in Canada. It provides a snapshot of federal, provincial and territorial approaches, with a particular focus on Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) due to burgeoning interest in and competition for their skills and services. However, recognizing that health human resource planning is a persistent challenge, further initiatives are suggested. These include complementary policy development to improve retention and policy frameworks that support proactive long-term strategies to address the cyclical shortage of nurses.
Prognostic Implications of the Timing of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Development in Relation to COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Milošević Aleksandra D. , Polovina Marija M. , Jelic Dario D. , Simic Damjan D. , Viduljevic Mihajlo M. , Matic Dragan M. , Tomic Milenko M. , Adzic Tatjana N. , Asanin Milika R.
Published: February 2024

Background: Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and COVID-19 infection have a worse clinical course and prognosis. The prognostic significance of the timing of STEMI in relation to COVID-19 infection was not investigated. Objectives: To assess whether the time of STEMI development in relation to COVID-19 infection (concurrent or following the infection) influenced the short-term prognosis. Methods: This was an observational study of consecutive COVID-19 patients with STEMI admitted to the COVID-hospital Batajnica (February 2021–March 2022). The patients were divided into the “STEMI first” group: patients with STEMI and a positive polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19, and the “COVID-19 first” group: patients who developed STEMI during COVID-19 treatment. All patients underwent coronary angiography. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Results: The study included 87 patients with STEMI and COVID-19 ( Mage, 66.7 years, 66% male). The “STEMI first” group comprised 54 (62.1%) patients, and the “COVID-19 first” group included 33 (37.9%) patients. Both groups shared a comparatively high burden of comorbidities, similar angiographic and procedural characteristics, and high percentages of performed percutaneous coronary interventions with stent implantation (90.7% vs. 87.9%). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the “COVID-19 first” group compared to the “STEMI first” group (51.5% vs. 27.8%). Following adjustment, the “COVID-19 first” group had a hazard ratio of 3.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.18–8.75, p = .022) for in-hospital all-cause death, compared with the “STEMI first” group (reference). Conclusion: Clinical presentation with COVID-19 infection, followed by STEMI (“COVID-19 first”), was associated with greater short-term mortality compared to patients presenting with STEMI and testing positive for COVID-19 (“STEMI first”).
Ten Influential Point-of-Care Ultrasound Papers: 2023 in Review
Authors: Millington Scott J. , Narasimhan Mangala , Mayo Paul H. , Vieillard-Baron Antoine
Published: February 2024

In an effort to help keep busy clinicians up to date with the latest ultrasound research, our group of experts has selected 10 influential papers from the past 12 months and provided a short summary of each. We hope to provide emergency physicians, intensivists, and other acute care providers with a succinct update concerning some key areas of ultrasound interest.
Women's High-Conflict Divorce Experiences and Access to Statutory Social Services in Turkey
Authors: Kelebek-Küçükarslan Görkem , Atasü-Topcuoğlu Reyhan
Published: February 2024

High-conflict divorce proceedings in Turkey typically span 2 years but can extend to 6, reinforcing the perception that institutional violence against women has been widespread under the conservative Justice and Development Party’s 20-year rule. This study poses two primary research questions: (1) What are the legal, sociocultural, financial, and psychological experiences of high-conflict divorced women? (2) Which statutory social services could women access during and after the high-conflict divorce process? Employing a feminist qualitative research approach, this study draws on 20 semi-structured interviews with women in Istanbul who have undergone high-conflict divorces. The goal is to understand these women’s experiences and pinpoint the disparities between their needs and the support available from statutory social services. The findings illuminate the challenges women face while dealing with patriarchal norms within societal, cultural, and financial realms amid the divorce process. Additionally, the study reveals the inadequacies of current family-oriented services and emphasizes the urgent need for women’s rights-based support, including psychosocial, legal, and financial assistance.
Pay Transparency Causing Major Impacts in Reward Strategies: New Research from Reward Leaders
Authors: McMullen Tom , Dahle Josh
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the results of a global Korn Ferry survey that assessed pay transparency-related market practices. Despite increased attention and pressure from internal and external stakeholders, organizations are still in the early stages of implementing pay transparency strategies. Organizations plan to overhaul their reward communication strategies, with manager training and employee education as the primary focus areas. Managers play a critical role as the first line of communication with employees on their team, and organizations recognize that a significant upskilling effort will be needed to enable them to communicate effectively about pay decisions and avoid unintended consequences. The authors provide considerations for organizations moving toward more transparent pay practices, including clarifying a pay transparency strategy, assessing their current practices, improving compensation programs, aligning their leaders and developing effective rewards communications strategies.
The Italian Validation of the Healthcare Professional Humanization Scale for Nursing
Authors: Angelone Arianna , Latina Roberto , Anastasi Giuliano , Marti Flavio , Oggioni Silvia , Mitello Lucia , Izviku Dhurata , Terrenato Irene , Marucci Anna Rita
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The Healthcare Professional Humanization Scale (HUMAS) is a measure of the evaluation of the humanization of care in nursing professions. Despite being validated for the Spanish language, there still needed validation in Italian, which seems essential considering the cultural differences. Aim: We aimed to test the validity and reliability of the HUMAS with an Italian sample of registered nurses. Methods: The present study used cross-sectional data from 300 nurses that completed the survey. The study's main phases were (a) construction of the Italian version; (b) testing and analyzing the psychometric properties of the scale. The exploratory factor analysis and the Content Validity Index (CVI) were performed. Cronbach's alpha and test–retest were used to determine the reliability. Findings: The final Italian version of HUMAS (HUMAS-I) comprised 19 items grouped into five correlated latent factors, accounting for 68.4% of the variance. Additionally, it exhibited a satisfactory Cronbach's alpha for each latent component and an average CVI for the entire scale of 0.68. Conclusions: The HUMAS-I shows acceptable psychometric proprieties as the original Spanish version. Therefore, it could be an advantageous instrument for use in nursing practice and research.
Intradental Displacement of a Deciduous Tooth Root in a Dog
Authors: Tewson Charlie , Kirby Simone
Published: February 2024

This case study describes the diagnosis and treatment of a deciduous left maxillary canine tooth root that had been displaced into the pulp of the developing permanent left maxillary canine tooth in a 23-month-old female neutered Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The patient was initially presented for bilateral persistent deciduous maxillary canine teeth extraction. Seventeen months later the permanent left maxillary canine tooth was found to be non-vital and tooth development had ceased prior to apical closure. Radiographs revealed a radio-opaque dentine-like structure and straight line centrally within the pulp of the permanent tooth. The displacement of the deciduous tooth into the developing permanent tooth was confirmed. This unusual potential complication should be considered when performing deciduous teeth extraction.
Study on energy management strategy of fuel cell patrol vehicle hybrid power system
Authors: Jia Hekun , Li Hailong , Yin Bifeng , Xie Xuan , Pei Yixiao , Gu Hao
Published: February 2024

The slow dynamic response of fuel cells has limited the development of fuel cell vehicles to a certain extent, and reasonable energy management strategies are one of the critical issues that need to be resolved to promote the industrialization of fuel cell vehicle. Based on the complex operating conditions of fuel cell patrol vehicles, this paper establishes a model of the vehicle and the component, exploring the impact of energy management strategies on vehicle performance. The simulation results indicate that Fuzzy logic control (FLC) causes significant fluctuations in fuel cell output power under both light and heavy load conditions. Pontryagin minimum principle (PMP) and Adaptive Pontryagin minimum principle (APMP) maintain a constant lower output power near a fixed value and change slightly according to demand. Comprehensively analyzing the two operating conditions, PMP and APMP can stably maintain State of charge (SOC) around the reference value and converge toward the reference value, and the SOC of the FLC strategy is generally lower than the reference value. Under light and heavy load conditions, the average efficiency of the APMP fuel cell system reaches 50.44% and 49.58%, respectively, which is similar to the PMP strategy and is respectively improved by 0.67% and 0.32% compared to the FLC strategy.
Cooperative target estimation of strap-down missiles considering random measurement delay
Authors: Zhao Bin , Chen Jie , Jiang Ruimin , Zhou Min
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the problem of cooperative target estimation for multiple strap-down missiles, this paper is concerned with developing a distributed cooperative estimation fusion algorithm considering the random transmission delay of observation data. As a stepping stone, the random measurement delay system with multiple strap-down missiles is transformed into a delay-free system with correlation noise in finite time intervals using the random observation delay model for strap-down missiles. Then, the distributed fusion technique without feedback is proposed based on the design of the best local filter for each strap-down sampling subsystem; To further enhance the robustness and stability of the cooperative target estimation system, the distributed fusion algorithm with feedback is suggested. Simulation in various cases and comparison studies are conducted to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme.
Waist circumference and cardiometabolic parameters in people of African/Caribbean ancestry with HIV in South London (CKD-AFRICA study)
Authors: Cechin Laura , Dominguez-Dominguez Lourdes , Campbell Lucy , Hamzah Lisa , Fox Julie , Vincent Royce P , Dimitriadis Georgios K , Goff Louise , Post Frank A
Published: February 2024

Background

There are no validated waist circumference (WC) cut-offs to define metabolic syndrome in Black people with HIV.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses within the CKD-AFRICA study. We used Pearson correlation coefficients and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to describe the relationship between WC and cardiometabolic parameters including triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and to identify optimal WC cut-offs for each of these outcomes.

Results

We included 383 participants (55% female, median age 52 years) with generally well controlled HIV. Female and male participants had similar WC (median 98 vs. 97 cm, p = .16). Generally weak correlations (r2 < 0.2) between WC and other cardiometabolic parameters were observed, with low (<0.7) areas under the ROC curves. The optimal WC cut-offs for constituents of the metabolic syndrome, HbA1c and HOMA-IR ranged from 92 to 101 cm in women and 89-98 cm in men, respectively; these cut-offs had variable sensitivity (52%–100%) and generally poor specificity (28%–72%).

Conclusions

In this cohort of Black people with HIV, WC cut-offs for cardiometabolic risk factors in male participants were in line with the recommended value of 94 cm while in female participants they vastly exceeded the recommended 80 cm for white women.
Evaluating the waste management greenhouse gas emissions effects of domestic material biomass and raw material productivity consumption in Denmark
Authors: Beton Kalmaz Demet , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday
Published: February 2024

The planet is currently grappling with ecological upheaval as a consequence of the relentless surge in global warming. In response, the Danish government has undertaken a commitment to environmental decarbonization, setting a goal for the year 2030. This study contributes to these efforts by assessing the extent to which domestic material biomass and raw material productivity consumption impact ecological sustainability in Denmark. This assessment is based on data spanning from 1990 to 2020. Furthermore, the study takes into consideration the additional effects of economic advancement and domestic consumption of fossil fuels. These factors are addressed using a nonlinear auto-regressive distributed lag approach, which captures their respective positive and negative influences. The outcomes of the study affirm that positive (negative) shifts in domestic consumption of biomass and raw materials productivity contribute to increased (decreased) ecological sustainability in Denmark. Similarly, positive (negative) shifts in economic growth and domestic consumption of fossil fuels lead to decreased (increased) environmental sustainability. These conclusions are further substantiated by the causality results in the frequency domain. Drawing from these empirical findings, the study presents various strategies aimed at advancing diverse sustainable development goals, offering potentially beneficial avenues for Denmark's progress.
Supporting stoma patients’ self-efficacy with a mobile application - a focus group interview study
Authors: van der Storm Sebastiaan L. , van Knippenberg Samira E.M. , Eskes Anne M. , Schijven Marlies P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Being able to care for and cope with one’s stoma adequately may significantly impact patient’s wellbeing. A well-designed mobile application (app) may improve and solve some of the difficulties patients encounter. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the problems patients face in ostomy care and to determine how to improve these problems by an app.

Method

A qualitative study using six focus group interviews was conducted between March and April 2020. Patients with a stoma, representatives of patient associations and stoma-related healthcare providers participated to provide insights. A thematic content analysis method was used to analyse the transcripts.

Results

Participants indicated that perioperative information could be improved, information should be applicable for all patients and the amount of stoma materials to be overwhelming. Moreover, the contact with fellow peers could be utilised more and it was unclear which healthcare provider should be contacted. All participants expected an app would be beneficial. The app should provide reliable and up-to-date information which is presented in a visually attractive manner, and facilitate peer contact in which patients can support each other.

Conclusion

Adequate self-care and coping is essential for patients’ quality of life. A personalised, mobile app may be promising to overcome some of the problems related to adequate self-provision of stoma care at home, improving self-efficacy and overall well-being.
Prognostication Tools in Older Hospitalized Adults for Identification of Patients with Potential Palliative Care Needs: A Review of Three Instruments
Authors: Hagiwara Yuya
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the critical role of prognostication tools in identifying high-risk hospitalized older adults who may benefit from palliative care. With an ageing population and increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, the demand for patient-centered healthcare is paramount. The study evaluates three key tools—the Palliative Performance Scale, CARING criteria, and Palliative Care Rapid Emergency Screening tool. Each tool is analyzed for its psychometric properties, advantages, and limitations. Despite their strengths and limitations, these tools emerge as crucial screening tools for identifying older adults at heightened mortality risk within one year of hospital admission. Our paper calls for ongoing research to adapt and validate existing tools, ensuring their applicability across diverse clinical settings and patient populations.
Social Determinants of Health and Cancer Pain in the US: Scoping Review
Authors: Youn Nayung , Sorensen Jamie , Howland Chelsea , Gilbertson-White Stephanie
Published: February 2024

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are structural factors that yield health inequities. Within the context of cancer, these inequities include screening rates and survival rates, as well as higher symptom burden during and after treatment. While pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms, the relationship between SDOHs and cancer pain is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe and synthesize the published research that has evaluated the relationships between SDOH and cancer pain. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted to identify studies in which cancer pain and SDOH were described. In all, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 14 studies reported a primary aim related to SDOH and cancer pain. Demographic variables including education or income were used most frequently. Six specific measurements were utilized to measure SDOH, such as the acculturation scale, the composite measure of zip codes for poverty level and blight prevalence, or the segregation index. Among the five domains of SDOH based on Healthy People 2030, social and community was the most studied, followed by economic stability, and education access and quality. The neighborhood and built environment domain was the least studied. Despite increasing attention to SDOH, the majority of published studies use single-dimension variables derived from demographic data to evaluate the relationships between SDOH and cancer pain. Future research is needed to explore the intersectionality of SDOH domains and their impact on cancer pain. Additionally, intervention studies should be conducted to address existing disparities and to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer pain.