bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal analysis by numerical simulations of a multilayered coating applied on a heavy-duty diesel engine piston
Authors: Luca Paul-Georgian , Poubeau Adèle
Published: July 2024

A methodology to numerically study the impact of a thin, multi-layer coating applied on the piston crown surface of an internal combustion engine is proposed. It relies on a loose thermal coupling between 3D-RANS simulations of the combustion chamber and 3D conduction simulations of the piston. The approach allows to characterize the transient thermal behavior of the piston, which is crucial to capture the thermal swing effect of the coating, as well as its potential impact on the combustion, heat transfer and engine efficiency. This methodology is used to simulate the impact of a 200-µm, 3-layer coating, applied on the piston crown surface of a single-cylinder, heavy-duty Diesel engine, for one operating point. No gain in terms of efficiency is observed with the coated piston (the decrease in heat losses through the piston surface due to the coating is counter-balanced by an increase in heat losses through the non-coated cylinder head). However, the methodology proves capable of predicting a coherent thermal behavior of the coated piston (decrease in piston body temperature of 5 K, average bowl surface temperature swing amplitude of 60 K, <5 K temperature swing at the interface between the metallic substrate and the coating) and is able to provide insightful information regarding the impact of coating on volumetric efficiency, heat losses, combustion but also on the coating reliability itself, for a reduced computational cost compared to a fully coupled approach. It can then be employed to evaluate the effect of a coating applied not only on the piston but also on the cylinder head, which would certainly have a more significant impact on the engine efficiency.
Improving the performance of the turbocharger turbine by changing its blade inlet angle experimentally and numerically
Authors: Sabahi Ali , Tabatabaei Hamidreza , Mollayi Barzi Yaser
Published: July 2024

Due to the variety of engines in volume, number of cylinders and power, turbochargers on the market are often generally made for a specific range of engine power. This research shows one of the ways to improve the performance of a turbocharger with a wide range of performance in a specific engine. In this article, by changing the inlet angle of the turbocharger turbine blade compared to the turbine blade inlet angle of a selected turbocharger and three-dimensional flow simulation inside it, the goal is to improve turbine performance. A real model of a turbocharger turbine, including a volute and blades, has been photographed by precise devices and an image has been prepared in the form of a cloud of points. This image is modified by the software and a three-dimensional model is prepared from it and edited in different software environments, and finally the three-dimensional flow inside the turbine is simulated. For validation, the engine and turbocharger assembly placed on the test bench and the performance parameters of the turbocharger turbine has been measured at different engine speeds and compared with the simulation results. The results showed that changing the inlet blade angle of the turbine to the value of 4.7° compared to the initial entry angle of the blade in all engine speeds leads to the optimization of the values of the performance parameters of the turbine. This angle change, improves the pressure ratio of the turbine by about 11% and the efficiency and power by about 18%. At high speeds, due to the surge phenomenon in compressor, this pressure ratio may not be practical, but at low speeds, when the energy of exhaust gases from the engine is not enough for good turbine operation, this increase in power can be very beneficial.
Human Resource Development (HRD) Meets Human Resource Management (HRM): A Skills Based Agenda for a FRAGILE World Order
Authors: Harney Brian , Gubbins Claire
Published: July 2024

Problem

HRD and HRM can sometimes operate in silos or at cross-purposes. The increasingly FRAGILE world order confronting business (i.e., Fragmenting boundaries; Resurgent populism; Accelerated digitalisation; Growing inequality; Inverted populations; Loss of Trust; and the Ecological crisis) mandates greater collaborative engagement across HRD and HRM.

Solution

Following a detailed review of the skills-based implications of the FRAGILE world order, the article unpacks the nascent skills-based agenda, detailing the transition from traditional job to task-based understanding, and outlining some examples of what it can look like in practice. Ultimately, to effectively navigate the FRAGILE world order organizations must have a clear understanding of both their current skill demands and deficiencies, and equally skills required of the future.

Stakeholders

This conceptual article will be of interest to HRD and HRM professionals, but equally hold broader insights for organizations and policy makers engaged in navigating the FRAGILE world order through a skills-based agenda.
Interviewing Asylum-Seeking Children: A Scoping Review of Research to Inform Best Practices
Authors: Chilliak Shayla , Musacchio Sabrina , Montreuil Tina , Williams Shanna
Published: July 2024

Immigration interviews with asylum-seeking youth have been largely understudied. In domestic legal settings, children interviewed about abuse and maltreatment provide more detailed, relevant responses when asked open-ended questions and when interviewed in a neutral environment, among other supportive practices. In asylum settings, guidance for interviews with youth derives from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is not clear to what extent best practices are employed during asylum interviews with youth. This scoping review was performed to (a) provide an overview of empirical literature on interviews with children in immigration settings, including border screenings, interviews with representatives, and asylum hearings, (b) explore whether best practices derived from forensic psychology and children’s rights are observed in asylum interviews, (c) identify unique interview needs of asylum-seeking youth, and (d) derive implications for research and practice. A scoping review of three databases conducted in October 2023 yielded titles, of which 29 articles met inclusion criteria. These comprised quantitative and qualitative studies in English from 2003 to 2023. Three articles identified were quantitative, and 26 were qualitative. While several articles touched on interview practices and youth’s experiences of interviews, only a few examined how asylum-seeking youth responded to different interview factors such as question type and interview setting. Key findings highlight inconsistent application of best practice principles, and several areas where best practices to support asylum-seeking children require clarification through further research.
A Poetic Inquiry Into Journalists’ Experiences of Covering Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Wilkinson Jessica L. , Waller Lisa
Published: July 2024

This article introduces a spectrum of poetic approaches that have emerged in the analysis of research interviews with journalists who covered Australia’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and related stories. Six poem excerpts, from two of the poets involved in the project, are presented to explore how engaging with a spectrum of approaches—from found poetry transcription to generative methods—can be used to shed light on the situated experiences of research participants. Considering the various functions of “poetry” in this context—as container or vehicle for data, as tool for analysis, or as artistic/affective expression—the article not only explores the multiple outputs and their roles for a variety of audiences but also how these poems can evoke/ provoke/ excavate alternative perspectives—both expected and surprising—on the data.
Proton Beam Range and Charge Verification Using Multilayer Faraday Collector
Authors: Yeap Ping L , Lew Kah S , Koh Wei Y C , Chua Clifford G A , Wibawa Andrew , Master Zubin , Lee James C L , Park Sung Y , Tan Hong Q
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A daily quality assurance (QA) check in proton therapy is ensuring that the range of each proton beam energy in water is accurate to 1 mm. This is important for ensuring that the tumor is adequately irradiated while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is also important to verify the total charge collected against the beam model. This work proposes a time-efficient method for verifying the range and total charge of proton beams at different energies using a multilayer Faraday collector (MLFC).

Methods

We used an MLFC-128-250 MeV comprising 128 layers of thin copper foils separated by thin insulating KaptonTM layers. Protons passing through the collector induce a charge on the metallic foils, which is integrated and measured by a multichannel electrometer. The charge deposition on the foils provides information about the beam range.

Results

Our results show that the proton beam range obtained using MLFC correlates closely with the range obtained from commissioning water tank measurements for all proton energies. Upon applying a range calibration factor, the maximum deviation is 0.4 g/cm2. The MLFC range showed no dependence on the number of monitor units and the source-to-surface distance. Range measurements collected over multiple weeks exhibited stability. The total charge collected agrees closely with the theoretical charge from the treatment planning system beam model for low- and mid-range energies.

Conclusions

We have calibrated and commissioned the use of the MLFC to easily verify range and total charge of proton beams. This tool will improve the workflow efficiency of the proton QA.
An XGBoost Machine Learning Based Model for Predicting Ki-67 Value ≥ 15% in T2NXM0 Stage Primary Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Clinical Data and Delta-Radiomic Features on Ultrasound Images and Overall Survival Analysis: A 5-Year Postoperative Follow-Up Study
Authors: Lu Yang , Yang Fei , Tao Yichao , An Pang
Published: July 2024

Objective: To establish a model based on clinical and delta-radiomic features within ultrasound images using XGBoost machine learning to predict proliferation-associated nuclear antigen Ki-67 value ≥ 15% in T2NXM0 stage primary breast cancer (BC). Method: Data were collected from 228 randomly selected BC patients who received ultrasound screening and postoperative pathologic assessment from April 2015 to September 2018. The patients were classified into the study group (n = 80) and control group (n = 148), and the data were apportioned into the training set and test set at a 7:3 ratio based on time intervals. In the training set, crucial factors were identified from clinical features and grayscale and delta-radiomic features within ultrasound images, by using the chi-square test, t-test, and rank-sum test. The clinical model, imaging model, and combined model were built using multivariate logistic regression, respectively. The model's predictive performance and clinical net benefit were assessed using DeLong's method and decision curve analysis. Meanwhile, an XGBoost algorithm is used to establish a prediction model to verify the above results. Results: The crucial factors affecting Ki-67 value ≥ 15% included BMI, lymph node metastases, BC volume, CA153, pathology type, tumor boundaries, tumor morphology, elastography score, and delta-radscore. The predictive performance of the combined model [AUC 0.857, OR 0.0290, 95% CI 0.793-0.908] was considerably improved on the training set than the clinical model [AUC 0.724, OR 0.0422, 95% CI 0.648-0.792] and the imaging model [AUC 0.798, OR 0.0355, 95% CI 0.727-0.857]. The decision curve analysis also confirmed that the combined model delivered a higher clinical net benefit, and the verification on the test set yielded similar results. The nomogram and the calibration curve plotted based on the combined model achieved satisfactory clinical effects. The SHAP value of the XGBoost algorithm also confirmed that lymph node metastasis, BC volume, elastography score, and delta-radscore are the best independent factors for predicting BC Ki-67 value ≥ 15%. Conclusion: The XGBoost machine learning-based combined model integrating clinical features and delta-radiomic features on ultrasound images was able to predict the Ki-67 value ≥ 15% in an efficient and noninvasive manner, providing important clues for clinical decision-making and follow-up in BC.
First-stage analysis for instrumental-variables quantile regression
Authors: Alejo Javier , Galvao Antonio F. , Montes-Rojas Gabriel
Published: July 2024

In this article, we develop a first-stage linear regression command, fsivqreg, for an instrumental-variables quantile regression (QR) model. The quantile first stage is analogous to the least-squares case, that is, a linear projection of the endogenous variables on the instruments and other exogenous covariates, with the difference that the QR case is a weighted projection. The weights are given by the conditional density function of the innovation term in the QR structural model, at a given quantile. An empirical application illustrates its implementation.
Multivariate random-effects meta-analysis for sparse data using smvmeta
Authors: Rose Christopher James
Published: July 2024

Multivariate meta-analysis is used to synthesize estimates of multiple quantities (“effect sizes”), such as risk factors or treatment effects, accounting for correlation and typically also heterogeneity. In the most general case, estimation can be intractable if data are sparse (for example, many risk factors but few studies) because the number of model parameters that must be estimated scales quadratically with the number of effect sizes. This article presents a new command, smvmeta, that makes estimation tractable by modeling correlation and heterogeneity in a low-dimensional space via random projection. This reduces the number of model parameters to be linear in the number of effect sizes. smvmeta is demonstrated in a meta-analysis of 23 risk factors for pain after total knee arthroplasty. Validation experiments show that, compared with meta-regression (a reasonable alternative model that could be used when data are sparse), smvmeta can provide substantially more precise estimates (that is, narrower confidence intervals) at little cost in bias.
Speaking Stata: The joy of sets: Graphical alternatives to Euler and Venn diagrams
Authors: Cox Nicholas J. , Morris Tim P.
Published: July 2024

Membership of overlapping or intersecting sets may be recorded in a bundle of (0, 1) indicator variables. Annotated Euler or Venn diagrams may be used to show graphically the frequencies of subsets so defined, but beyond just a few sets such diagrams can be hard to draw and use effectively. This column presents two new commands for graphical alternatives: upsetplot and vennbar. Each command produces a bar chart by default, but there is scope to recast to different graphical forms. The differences between the new commands reflect the divide in Stata between twoway commands and other graph commands. They also provide some flexibility in graph design to match tastes and circumstances. The discussion includes many historical details and references.
COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on CPA Examination Test Taking and Pass Rates of Hispanic Serving Institution Graduates
Authors: Huff Kendra , Krueger Thomas M. , Scalan Genevieve
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified concerns regarding the lagging proportion of Hispanic Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). This report contrasts the CPA exam success of candidates from the regional branches of one large university system’s Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) and non-Hispanic-serving institutions. Examination statistics during the first 27 months of the pandemic are compared to the prior 5 years. We find a statistically significant negative impact on candidates from HSIs, which will likely lead to continued underrepresentation of Hispanics within the accounting profession.
Medium vessel occlusion thrombectomy: Single center experience using the 3 MAX catheter
Authors: Ali Aizaz , Rao Rahul , Sharkey Brandon , Gega Alisa , Oliver Marion , Chen Tahao , Burgess Richard , Jumaa Mouhammad , Zaidi Syed
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Thrombectomy for medium vessel occlusion is a topic of great interest. We describe a single-center experience with the Penumbra 3-MAX aspiration catheter in stroke thrombectomy of medium vessel occlusion(MeVO). We investigated the use of 3-MAX as a de-novo first pass catheter and as a rescue aspiration device following attempted thrombectomy with other devices. This is the first description of the first pass effect and successful recanalization rate of the 3-MAX catheter in de-novo vs. rescue use of this catheter.

Methods

From January 2017 to January 2023, 84 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy with use of a Penumbra 3MAX aspiration catheter at our comprehensive stroke center. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. Primary efficacy outcome was successful recanalization following mechanical thrombectomy. Primary safety outcome was intracerebral hemorrhage.

Results

A total of 84 patients underwent MT with the 3MAX device. It was used as a de novo catheter in 27(32.1%) and as a rescue catheter in 57(67.9%) patients. 35(41.6%) patients achieved angiographic TICI grade ≥ 2c. De novo 3MAX use led to 68.18% successful recanalization and rescue use led to 72.22% recanalization (p = 0.67) as measured by TICI score of 2c or better. Parenchymal intracerebral hemorrhages (PH) were present in 8 patients (9.5%).

Conclusion

The Penumbra 3MAX catheter is safe and effective when used as a first pass or a rescue device in mechanical thrombectomy. We found similar rates of successful recanalization and minimal hemorrhagic risk when comparing the 3MAX as a rescue or de novo aspiration catheter.
Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goertz Lukas , Hohenstatt Sophia , Zopfs David , Kottlors Jonathan , Pennig Lenhard , Schlamann Marc , Michael Arwed Elias , Liebig Thomas , A. Möhlenbruch Markus , Kabbasch Christoph
Published: July 2024

Objective

The Pipeline Vantage Embolization Device (PVED) is a novel coated flow diverter with reduced wire diameters to improve neoendothelialization and stent porosity. This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of the PVED based on the current literature.

Methods

Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a thorough literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane. The random effects model was used to calculate estimates with major neurological complications within 30 days of treatment as the primary safety endpoint and ≤1-year complete occlusion rate as the primary efficacy endpoint.

Results

Six single-arm studies (5 retrospective, 1 prospective) with 392 patients and 439 aneurysms (6.8% ruptured) were included. Antiplatelet regimens varied, but dual antiplatelet therapy was administered in the majority. The pooled technical success rate was 99.0% (95%CI, 98.0%–100%) with an average of 1.2 devices implanted per procedure. Balloon angioplasty was performed in 17.0% (95%CI, 6.4–27.6%) and adjunctive coiling in 28.0% (95%CI, 17.8–38.2%), with significant heterogeneity for both variables. Pooled estimates for major neurological complications were 3.5% (95%CI, 1.7%–5.2%) with total ischemic events in 4.1% (95% CI, 1.6%–6.6%) and hemorrhagic events in 1.0% (95% CI, 0.0%–1.9%). The rate of complete angiographic occlusion was 75.7% (95%CI, 70.7%–80.6%) at a mean follow-up of 7 months, with in-stent stenoses in 8.1% (95%CI, 4.5%–11.8%).

Conclusions

The safety and efficacy profile of the PVED appears comparable to competing devices, with potentially fewer complications than first-generation flow diverters. Long-term and comparative studies are needed to further confirm these results.
Evaluating the relationship between hepatitis B viral activity and gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Whyler Naomi , Pyle Anwyn , Krishnaswamy Sushena , Said Joanne M , Giles Michelle L
Published: July 2024

Background:

Hepatitis B infection has been associated with the development of gestational diabetes but the underlying mechanism is not known.

Objective:

To examine associations between viral activity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and insulin resistance in pregnant people with chronic hepatitis B infection (HBV).

Design:

Prospective cohort study across three tertiary maternity centres in Melbourne, Australia, between May 2021 and April 2023.

Methods:

Participants were followed prospectively through pregnancy to evaluate subsequent GDM diagnosis. Demographics, pregnancy outcomes, and markers of viral activity were compared between those with GDM versus those without. Logistic regression analysis was performed pre- and post-adjustment for known confounders. Sub-group analysis of participants from South East Asia (SEA) was performed. Outcome measures included GDM diagnosis, insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment Insulin Resistance score (HOMA-IR) score), HBV activity as measured by liver function tests, HBV viral load, hepatitis B e antigen, and quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (quantHBsAg).

Results:

A total of 113 women were recruited. One third (38/112, 33.9%) developed GDM, mostly diagnosed on isolated postprandial hyperglycaemia (25/38, 65.8%). Over half were born in SEA (66/113, 58.4%). Mean quantHBsAg was significantly lower in those with GDM ( p = 0.044). No other associations were identified between GDM or HOMA-IR and markers of hepatic activity on multivariate logistic regression analysis and on sub-group analysis of those born in SEA.

Conclusions:

QuantHBsAg was significantly lower in those with GDM; otherwise, no association between GDM and measures of HBV viral activity was found. QuantHBsAg may be useful as an early pregnancy marker for GDM risk and warrants further research.
Breaking the period product insecurity cycle: An observational study of outcomes experienced by recipients of free period products in the United States
Authors: Massengale Kelley EC , Bowman Kelsey M , Comer Lynn H , Van Ness Susan
Published: July 2024

Background:

The United States is increasingly recognizing period product insecurity, insufficient access to menstrual products and limited private spaces for managing menstruation due to financial constraints, as an issue impacting the well-being and dignity of Americans. One strategy to address period product insecurity has been distributing free period products via period supply banks. The outcomes of period product distribution outside the school setting are absent from the literature.

Objectives:

This study, a formative evaluation of the free period product distribution efforts of the Alliance for Period Supplies, aims to identify (1) characteristics of individuals receiving products from period supply banks and their experiences of period product insecurity and (2) health and social outcomes experienced by recipients of free period products.

Design:

Survey data collection occurred at two points: baseline and one-year follow-up. All study participants provided verbal consent.

Methods:

Between Fall 2018 and Spring 2020, 1863 baseline and 80 follow-up surveys were administered. Participants received free period products for themselves and/or a household member from one of 20 participating Alliance for Period Supplies period supply banks directly or from one of their 64 partner agencies.

Results:

At baseline, 72.4% of participants had to choose between buying period products and another basic need. One year after accessing a period supply bank, 36.3% of participants reported this experience ( p = 0.018). Participants reported at baseline, on average, 7.8 days in the past year of avoiding seeing others, canceling appointments, or skipping work or school because they did not have access to period products. At follow-up, this was reduced to 1.2 days, on average, t(68) = 2.214, p < 0.05.

Conclusion:

Period supply banks play an essential role in facilitating access to period products and the resulting benefits. Our study highlights the need for sustainable, well-funded policies and interventions to address period product insecurity effectively in society.
Exploring Digital/Non-digital Entanglements Through Everyday Practice Connections in Young People’s Gaming
Authors: Bengtsson Tea Torbenfeldt , Jensen Kristian Haulund
Published: July 2024

With the digitalization of everyday life, the distinction between online and offline life is less relevant. Thus, we suggest that researchers ask how the digital and the non-digital are entangled, rather than if they are. In this study, we explore how video gaming is a digitally saturated practice that is embedded in young people’s everyday lives. We analyse 56 qualitative interviews with young Danish video game players to investigate how their gaming connects to and is formed by other practices. By examining gaming’s linkage to friendship and family practices, we show how connections are preformed and sustained through both digital and non-digital social interactions of dialogue and exchange. Additionally, we show how the values of video gaming travel beyond the game and have an impact on the wider social and cultural positions of the young practitioners. Focusing on practice connections adds new perspectives to the complex relationship between digital and non-digital elements. Unravelling these practice relationships is important if we are to understand how the lives of contemporary youth are increasingly formed by digitalized practices.
Effectiveness of a postpartum vascular risk reduction clinic on behavioral change and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in women who had preeclampsia: a case-control study
Authors: Pihelgas Allison , Sevick Laura , Pelinska Gabriela , Sia Winnie W
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of our vascular risk reduction clinic for women who had preeclampsia, in improving patients’ cardiovascular outcomes, self-reported healthy behaviors, and knowledge about their long-term cardiovascular health.

Study Design

Retrospective case-control study where 470 surveys were mailed: half were patients seen in Postpartum Preeclampsia Clinic 2010–2019, and controls were patients who did not attend a scheduled clinic appointment or were seen in Obstetric Medicine clinic postpartum for preeclampsia. Primary outcome was a lack of postpartum weight gain. Secondary outcomes included new vascular diseases, smoking, exercise, and physician follow-up.

Results

Ninety-four (43.3%) of clinic attendees returned survey and 30.3% of controls. Fewer clinic attendees gained weight postpartum, and attendees had fewer hypertension and followed up more with family physicians. Most attendees found the clinic helpful.

Conclusions

Postpartum Preeclampsia Clinic was effective in affecting some vascular outcomes and in improving knowledge and follow-up behaviors.
String Teachers on the Challenges of Intonation: A Report From Sweden
Authors: Huovinen Erkki , Isabella Weng Sheng-Ying
Published: July 2024

Challenges of intonation derive from discrepancies between justly tuned intervals. In theoretical literature, string intonation is depicted as a balancing act between melodic and harmonic ideals, or between distinct tuning systems. However, practical string teachers’ and empirical researchers’ accounts sometimes appear to bypass such theory, focusing instead more informally on listening, kinesthetics, or tools and practice routines. In this survey study, our aim was to see how working string instructors approach questions of intonation, both as teachers and as musicians. A qualitative analysis of 95 Swedish professional string teachers’ responses reveals a rather intuitive approach to the topic, without any traces of intonation theory as such. The participants reported using a rich variety of teaching strategies, but teaching intonation was typically framed simply as helping the student find the right pitch categories. Regarding their own intonation as musicians, the emerging view was that finer pitch adjustments might succeed just by good posture, slow practice, and listening in ensemble contexts. Overcoming the constraints of this practice-based tradition remains an important challenge for string pedagogy in higher music education.
Turkish media coverage of children’s relation to the digital world: From “moral panic” to the recognition of opportunities and rights
Authors: Bilgiç Esra Ercan
Published: July 2024

UN General Comment No. 25 (2021) emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children’s rights in the digital sphere. However, in Turkey, media coverage often focuses on the negative aspects of the relationship between digital media and children, overshadowing opportunities, and rights. This study aims to analyze news articles focused on digital media and children to address this issue. Key concepts such as moral panic, framing and discourse are incorporated. Initially assuming a perception of digital media as a threat to social norms and children’s interests, the study utilizes a discourse-historical approach (DHA) to contextualize and explore the discursive strategies employed by national daily newspapers. Conducting a cross-sectional study, textual data from national dailies between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2020, in Turkey are collected, resulting in a corpus of 187 news articles. These articles undergo discourse historical analysis guided by the research question: “How is children’s relationship with the digital world portrayed and discussed in public discourse?” The findings reveal a predominant focus on risks over opportunities and rights, contributing to moral panic and impeding children’s civic participation. In conclusion, this study advocates for the adoption of a child rights perspective in Turkish newspapers to better serve the interests of children.
Megaesophagus in an 8-month-old cat secondary to a laryngomucocele
Authors: Theron Marie-Laure
Published: July 2024

Case summary

An 8-month-old spayed female cat presented with a 7-week history of progressive dyspnoea, dysphagia and regurgitation. Plain radiography revealed megaoesophagus with a large, rounded, soft tissue opacity laryngeal mass. Endoscopic examination revealed a fluid-filled lesion, which was lanced and drained completely. As a result of recurrence of the mass and infection 2 days later, the mass was surgically excised. The mass was diagnosed as a laryngomucocele based on clinical and histopathological findings. Clinical signs resolved immediately after removal of the mass, the megaoesophagus resolved a couple of days postoperatively and no relapse was noted over the following 3 years.

Relevance and novel information

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first case of laryngomucocele described in a cat. This cause should be included in the differential diagnosis of respiratory obstruction and acquired megaoesophagus in cats. This report demonstrates that megaoesophagus resulting from a respiratory obstruction resolves spontaneously after removal of the obstruction; therefore, respiratory tract assessment should be recommended in cats with signs of megaoesophagus because the prognosis could be good compared with other causes of megaoesophagus.
Improving safety claims in digital health interventions using the digital health assessment method
Authors: Harrison Stuart , Maple Carsten , Epiphaniou Gregory , Arvanitis Theodoros N
Published: July 2024

Objective

Establish a relationship between digital health intervention (DHI) and health system challenges (HSCs), as defined by the World Health Organization; within the context of hazard identification (HazID), leading to safety claims. To improve the justification of safety of DHIs and provide a standardised approach to hazard assessment through common terminology, ontology and simplification of safety claims. Articulation of results, to provide guidance for health strategy and regulatory/standards-based compliance.

Methods

We categorise and analyse hazards using a qualitative HazID study. This method utilises a synergy between simplicity of DHI intended use and the interaction from a multidisciplinary team (technologists and health informaticians) in the hazard analysis of the subject under assessment as an influencing factor. Although there are other methodologies available for hazard assessment. We examine the hazards identified and associated failures to articulate the improvements in the quality of safety claims.

Results

Applying the method provides the hazard assessment and helps generate the assurance case. Justification of safety is made and elicits confidence in safety claim. Controls to hazards contribute to meeting the HSC.

Conclusions

This method of hazard assessment, analysis and the use of ontologies (DHI & HSC) improves the justification of safety claim and evidence articulation.
Computational methods in Chinese Internet studies— An overview and looking ahead
Authors: Chen Kaiping
Published: July 2024

This essay offers a perspective of the evolution and current landscape of computational methods in Chinese Internet studies, paralleled with a personal academic journey. Starting from a project at Columbia University in 2012, I discussed the challenges and advancements in studying online interactions between Chinese local governments and citizens. Examining existing publications about Chinese Internets, I highlight several key shifts in research topics, the adoption of computational methods ranging from content analysis to the application of Large Language Models, pinpoint several underexplored areas including leveraging video as data and longitudinal designs, and look ahead to future directions in computational methods, including the role of artificial intelligence and the importance of integrating computational studies of Chinese Internet with fieldwork and historical analysis.
The Buzz of Brisbane 2032: Themes of Online and Social Media Olympic Sentiment
Authors: English Peter , Fleischman David , Mulcahy Rory , Vance Lenny , Tham Aaron , Sherwood Merryn
Published: July 2024

Brisbane will stage a more regionally focused Olympics and Paralympics in 2032 when it follows in the footsteps of a series of mega-city hosts. In this new environment, in which there are challenges finding nations willing even to bid for the event, it is important to understand how sentiment is expressed towards this Games edition, which is being promoted as delivering a sustainable legacy while experiencing different demands, levels of buzz, and risks than previous hosts. This study examines audience emotions towards Brisbane 2032 across 60,929 messages and posts from Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and online media articles between 2021 and 2023. The results highlight positive sentiment overall and outline key themes that the community perceive to be important. However, the findings also indicate early concerns and levels of anxiety towards elements of the Games. The multi-layered analytical approach of this study ensures it progresses beyond general judgements on positive and negative sentiment, providing a more nuanced understanding of emotions towards Brisbane 2032.
Streamlining the Journey of Research Into Clinical Practice: Making Your Patients and Practice Flourish Understanding and Setting Treatment Expectations for Patients With Metastatic Spine Tumors
Authors: Reynolds Jeremy J. , Charest-Morin Raphaële , Versteeg Annemarie L. , Galgano Michael , Lubelski Daniel , Newman W. Christopher , Patel Shalin S. , Sullivan Patricia L. Z. , Dea Nicolas , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Lazary Aron , Rhines Laurence D. , Sahgal Arjun , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Fisher Charles G. , Laufer Ilya
Published: July 2024

Study Design

Literature review with clinical recommendation.

Objective

A concise curation of the latest spine literature exploring the relationship between expectations and satisfaction for patients with metastatic spinal disease (MSD). Deliver recommendations to practicing clinicians regarding interpretation and utilisation of this evidence.

Methods

The latest spine literature in the topic of factors affecting the expectations of patients with MSD was reviewed and clinical recommendations were formulated. Recommendations are graded as strong or Conditional.

Results

5 articles were selected. Article 1: risk factors for the development of dissatisfaction from a cohort of 362 MSD patients. Strong recommendation to incorporate risk factor assessment when considering treatment. Article 2: systematic review assessing the relationship between pre-operative patient expectations and subsequent satisfaction in allied disciplines. Conditional recommendation to optimize patient expectation to positively modify patient satisfaction. Article 3: qualitative study of how clinicians, from different specialties, counsel patients with MSD pre-treatment. Strong recommendation to use a multidisciplinary approach. Article 4 qualitative study of how MSD patients experience their pre-treatment counselling and how that affected their appreciation of treatment success. Conditional recommendation to furnish patients with tailored, expected outcomes in the context of systemic progression. Article 5 Design and validation of a pre-treatment questionnaire specific to MSD. A conditional recommendation to incorporate this questionnaire in clinical and research MSD practice.

Conclusion

Patients with MSD are approaching end of life care and high levels of treatment satisfaction are crucial at this juncture. The role of expectation management and comprehensive counselling is critical.
Editorial: Improving education for a more equitable world: Chinese and East Asian perspectives
Authors: Li Jun , Shi Jinghuan , Ji Xue , Coates Hamish
Published: July 2024

This editorial first introduces the theme underpinning a large-scale conference and publishing project of which an IJCE Special Collection is part, ‘Improving Education for a More Equitable World’, introduces five papers in the Special Collection, and then locates this work in the growing contributions of the International Journal of Chinese Education (IJCE).
Sustaining a Workforce: Reflections on Work from Home and Community Care Nurses Transitioning out of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nizzer Sonia , Baliga Simran , McKay Sandra M. , Holness D. Linn , King Emily C.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on nurses’ well-being and desire to practice; however, the experience of Canadian home and community care nurses remains less well understood. As the health human resources crisis in this sector persists, understanding these nurses’ experiences may be vital in creating more effective retention strategies.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the working experiences, motivations, and attitudes of home and community care nurses in the Greater Toronto Area.

Methods

Using an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach, 16 home and community care nurses participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using collaborative thematic analysis. Participants shared their reflections on work by detailing their experiences prepandemic, during crisis, transitioning out of crisis, and regarding pandemic recovery.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic inadequate staffing resources during and beyond the crisis period disrupted many desirable facets of work for home and community care nurses such as stable, balanced, and flexible work conditions, and exacerbated the unfavorable aspects such as isolation and inconsistent support. Many nurses were reevaluating their careers: for some, this meant stronger professional attachment and for others, it meant intentions to leave. Improved sector preparedness, wages, and workplace support were identified as strategies to sustain this workforce beyond the pandemic.

Conclusion

Home care organizations must consider ways to address the root cause of concerns expressed by nurses who wish to practice in a supportive environment that is sufficiently staffed and sensitive to workload expectations.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern Sudan: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Hassan Ahmed A. , Omar Saeed M. , Abdelbagi Omer , Adam Ishag
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the world's major public health problems. There are few published data on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations and DM, and these studies showed different results.

Objectives

The current study aimed to compare 25[OH]D concentrations between patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) and healthy controls in eastern Sudan.

Methods

A case–control study of two groups matched for age and gender (88 in each group) was conducted in eastern Sudan from March to May 2022. The cases were patients with T2DM, and the controls were healthy participants. Sociodemographic data were collected, and serum 25(OH)D levels were assessed. A univariate analysis was performed.

Results

Of the total 176, 82 (47%) were males, and 94 (53%) were females; the median (interquartile range [IQR]) of age, body mass index (BMI), and 25(OH)D concentration were 55 (50–61) years, 27 (23–31) kg/m2, and 13 (10–19) ng/mL, respectively. Of the 176, 137 (78%) were vitamin D deficiency cases. Compared with the controls, age, gender, educational level, marital status, or BMI were not different in the circumstances. Moreover, the median (IQR) for serum 25(OH)D concentrations showed no difference between patients with T2DM and the healthy controls (12 [10–18] ng/mL vs. 13 [10–20] ng/mL). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D level < 20 ng/mL) was not different between patients with T2DM and the healthy controls (66/88 [75%] vs. 71/88 [81%]). There was no association in the serum 25(OH)D levels between diabetic and nondiabetic participants (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.97–1.06) or in vitamin D deficiency between diabetic and nondiabetic participants (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.35–1.47).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D levels between diabetic and nondiabetic participants in this study. Further studies investigating the mechanisms of association between 25(OH)D levels and DM are needed.
Policy insights into Aotearoa New Zealand's energy transition
Authors: Mirza Zuhaib Tayar , Anderson Timothy , Brent Alan , Seadon Jeff
Published: July 2024

The transition from fossil fuels to low or zero-carbon alternatives needs to consider factors such as energy security, affordability, and sustainable development. While renewable energy is often said to be the way forward, the pathway for the transition is not clear. In response, this paper analysed the various dimensions that influence the energy transition in Aotearoa New Zealand. The study used qualitative tools, including expert interviews, to provide an interpretative perspective on renewable energy policy. It was observed that Aotearoa New Zealand has a positive outlook with its commitment to a just energy transition. The major strength includes a renewable energy-centric electricity sector and a holistic approach beyond fuel replacement. The analysis identified opportunities such as reductions in energy consumption, rapid decarbonisation of agriculture and awareness initiatives. Nevertheless, weaknesses such as coordination issues, and overreliance on subsidies have been identified as well. Policymakers need to find ways to balance economic growth, a just transition and overall energy consumption reduction. The paper strongly advocates for informed and collective decision-making to solve complex issues to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
Effect of Aromatherapy on Perceived Mental Health Parameters for Academic Department Workers Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cutshall Susanne M. , Mallory Molly J. , Noehl Shelley M. , Soderlind Jennifer N. , Fischer Karen M. , Nanda Sanjeev , Bauer Brent A. , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical staff and academic department workers reported increasing levels of stress and burnout because of strain on the health care system. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this strain and introduced several novel stressors, which included transitioning to remote work. Safe and scalable strategies are needed to help health care workers cope with these stressors. Aromatherapy may help address this need.

Objectives

To assess the effect of 2 aromatherapy interventions (essential oil blends termed STILL and FOCUS) on perceived mental/psychological health parameters for academic department workers working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants were advised to use STILL for 5 days (Monday through Friday). After a 2-day washout period (Saturday and Sunday), participants were instructed to use FOCUS for 5 days (Monday through Friday). Participants completed a visual analog scale survey evaluating restlessness, fatigue, anxiety, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and well-being before and after each of the 2 intervention periods.

Results

Twenty academic department remote workers participated in the study. Mental/psychological health surveys were completed by 6 participants before and after using STILL and by 10 before and after using FOCUS. Five participants answered all survey questions before and after both interventions. Although mean (SD) perceived stress scores improved after both the STILL (4.3 [2.3] vs 1.8 [1.7], P = .03) and FOCUS (2.9 [2.3] vs 1.5 [1.4], P = .02) interventions, this improvement was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (adjusted α = .006). Most participants (73.3%) reported that participating in the study was worthwhile, and 81.3% indicated that they would recommend aromatherapy to others.

Conclusions

The STILL and FOCUS aromatherapy interventions did not significantly improve mental/psychological health parameters for remote academic department workers, although perceived stress was marginally improved and participants reported a perceived benefit from using aromatherapy.
A Pharmacy-Based Observational Study of Digest-8 Dietary Supplement in a Consumer Healthcare Context
Authors: Brodsky Marc , Hartnett Josette , Houston Kaly , Rose Suzanne J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), a frequent cause of gastrointestinal (GI) symptomology, impact 40%–69% of the United States population. People who suffer from FGIDs often self-manage their symptoms using consumer healthcare products such as dietary supplements.

Objective

To investigate use of Digest-8 dietary supplement by people who purchased the product from pharmacies for their FGID symptoms.

Methods

This pharmacy-based observational study included a convenience sample recruited by flyers at 2 pharmacies upon purchase of Digest-8 dietary supplement to assess symptoms, satisfaction, tolerability, and side-effects through 7 weekly voluntary surveys completed by consenting participants.

Results

Twenty-two participants completed an initial survey and a collective total of 59 follow-up surveys. Analysis of follow-up surveys compared to baseline provided pilot data on symptom improvement, satisfaction, tolerability, and low side effect profile.

Conclusion

Preliminary findings of the study warrant a follow-up prospective randomized clinical trial to address the study limitations.