bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences and Disparities Among Self-Referred and Physician-Referred Populations Undergoing Coronary Artery Calcium Scanning
Authors: Marzlin Nathan , Chapel Andrew , Adefisoye James , Garg Kritika , Zlochiver Viviana , Walczak Sara , Plautz Doreen , Peterson Michael , Muthukumar Lakshmi , Harland Daniel R. , Jain Renuka , Port Steven , Galazka Patrycja
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronary artery calcium computed tomography (CAC) is an important tool for identifying subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk stratification. Despite robust evidence and inclusion in current guidelines, CAC is considered investigational by some US insurance carriers and requires out-of-pocket expenses. CAC can be obtained via self-referral (SR) or physician referral (PR). We aimed to examine differences in patient, socioeconomic, and CAC characteristics between referral groups.

METHODS:

We evaluated demographic, medical history, and CAC results of consecutive patients with a CAC completed at one of multiple Wisconsin sites from March 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021. We separated patients into SR and PR groups. Through census data, we analyzed socioeconomic variables at the block level including race and ethnicity, median income, average household size, and high school completion in the areas where patients resided at the time of CAC.

RESULTS:

The final analysis included 19 726 patients: 13 835 (70.1%) PR and 5891 (29.9%) SR. Most patients in both groups were White (95.2% versus 95.1%), with the Black/African American population representing 2.7% (SR) and 2.3% (PR). The PR group had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. SR patients were more likely to have a score of 0 (41.2% versus 38.1%;
P
<0.001); PR patients had a higher prevalence of CAC >300 (16.8% versus 14.8%;
P
<0.001). SR patients were more likely to be women (55.1% versus 48.9%;
P
<0.001) and were found to live in higher income areas (19.5% versus 16.4%;
P
<0.001). Patients from low-income areas comprised the smallest proportion in both groups (7.5%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who obtain out-of-pocket CAC live predominantly in medium- and high-income areas, and patients from lower income locations are less likely to obtain CAC despite having more cardiovascular disease risk factors. Consideration should be made from a policy perspective to promote health equity and improve utilization of CAC testing among underrepresented groups.
Sex-Specific Association Between Perivascular Inflammation and Plaque Vulnerability
Authors: Kinoshita Daisuke , Suzuki Keishi , Yuki Haruhito , Niida Takayuki , Fujimoto Daichi , Minami Yoshiyasu , Dey Damini , Lee Hang , McNulty Iris , Ako Junya , Ferencik Maros , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Jang Ik-Kyung
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

It is not known whether there is a sex difference in the association between perivascular inflammation and plaque vulnerability. The aim of this study was to investigate the sex-specific association between perivascular inflammation and plaque vulnerability.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and optical coherence tomography were enrolled. All images were analyzed at a core laboratory. The level of perivascular inflammation was assessed by pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation on computed tomography angiography and the level of plaque vulnerability by optical coherence tomography. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to tertile levels of culprit vessel pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (low inflammation, ≤−73.1 Hounsfield units; moderate inflammation, −73.0 to −67.0 Hounsfield units; or high inflammation, ≥−66.9 Hounsfield units).

RESULTS:

A total of 968 lesions in 409 patients were included: 184 lesions in 82 women (2.2 plaques per patient) and 784 lesions in 327 men (2.4 plaques per patient). Women were older (median age, 71 versus 65 years;
P
<0.001) and had less severe coronary artery disease with a lower plaque burden than men. In women, it was found that perivascular inflammation was significantly associated with plaque vulnerability, with a higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma and greater macrophage grades in the high inflammation group compared with the low inflammation group (low versus moderate versus high inflammation in women: 18.5% versus 31.8% versus 46.9%,
P
=0.002 for low versus high inflammation; 3 versus 4 versus 12,
P
<0.001 for low versus high inflammation, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed among the 3 groups in men.

CONCLUSIONS:

Perivascular inflammation was associated with a higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma and more significant macrophage accumulation in women but not in men.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04523194.
Dr. Wolfram Mey’s Stonefly (Insecta: Plecoptera) Collection from Luzon, Philippines: Part I. Perlidae
Authors: PELINGEN ARTHIEN LOVELL
Published: February 2024

In this study, the Perlidae stonefly collections of Dr. Wolfram Mey from over 20 years ago have been examined. Neoperla jhoanae sp. nov. from Central Luzon Region and Neoperla nagaensis sp. nov. from Bicol Region are described herein. Additional records and information are also provided on Neoperla jewetti Sivec, 1984, Neoperla recta Banks, 1913, Neoperla pseudorecta Sivec, 1984, Neoperla oculata Banks, 1924, Neoperla nigra Sivec, 1984, Phanoperla bakeri (Banks, 1924), and Phanoperla flaveola (Klapálek, 1910).
First record of non-native Xylosandrus compactus and Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Slovenia
Authors: HAUPTMAN TINE , DEVETAK ZINA , GROOT MAARTEN DE , FACCOLI MASSIMO , PIŠKUR BARBARA
Published: February 2024

The introduction of non-native organisms into new areas may pose major threats to natural ecosystems. Therefore, continuous and careful national surveys for the interception of invasive non-native species are necessary. During the national survey of quarantine species in 2023, two new non-native ambrosia beetles, Anisandrus maiche (Kurentzov) and Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), were recorded in Slovenia. Anisandrus maiche was recorded in three locations in the eastern part of Slovenia, with a total of 386 individuals. Three individuals of Xylosandrus compactus were collected in one location near the port of Koper. We discuss the possible pathways of introduction and dispersal.
Populist Discourse and Public Support for Executive Aggrandizement in Latin America
Authors: Bessen Brett R.
Published: February 2024

What explains citizen support for executive aggrandizement? Previous work points to support for the president, showing that individuals who support the incumbent are more accepting of executive aggrandizement. Yet, the role of the president in shaping support for (and the meaning of) executive aggrandizement is unexplored. I argue that populist discourse increases support for executive aggrandizement by framing the president as the genuine representative of the people and by portraying institutional opposition as corrupt. Two studies support this argument: First, a multilevel analysis shows that a text-based measure of populist discourse is associated with increasing support for the president closing congress or the supreme court. The estimated effect of populist discourse is largest among presidential supporters. Second, a survey experiment conducted in Ecuador shows that populist and anti-elitist discourse increase support for a hypothetical executive closing the legislature. The findings indicate that populist discourse undermines public opinion as an executive accountability mechanism.
Addressing durability in collaborative organising: Event atmospheres and polyrhythmic affectivity
Authors: Resch Bernhard , Rozas David
Published: February 2024

Collaborative organising is known to burn like a rocket: it thrives on intense passion, relationality and creativity but quickly falls into pieces. This article explores the underestimated role of events and their affective atmospheres to sustain collaborative work. Drawing insights from two ethnographic field studies within an open-source software community and a network of impact entrepreneurs, we introduce the notion of ‘polyrhythmic affectivity’ at the core of polycentric governance. It encapsulates how frictional reverberances between three atmospherically experienced affective intensities – togetherness, dissonance and mutuality – are able to maintain emergent yet enduring order. We argue that the collective motivational force of collaborative organising, can be stabilised through a process of ‘affective commoning’ to sustain collaborative atmospheres as shared creative resources.
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Generative Conversations: Contrasting Futures for Organizational Change?
Authors: Oswick Cliff
Published: February 2024

To what extent are “generative AI” (as a machine-based form of decision-making) and “generative dialogue” (as a human-based form of decision-making) complimentary or competing? What takes precedence in generative change processes? More fundamentally, should generative artificial intelligence (AI) processes assist human decision-making or should human processes assist generative AI decision-making? The possible implications of these questions are explored. Moreover, it is posited that as generative AI evolves and gains more traction in organizational change initiatives, it is important that it is deployed in ways that support generative conversations rather than ways that undermine or replace them.
How cyber operations can reduce escalation pressures: Evidence from an experimental wargame study
Authors: Jensen Benjamin , Valeriano Brandon , Whitt Sam
Published: February 2024

Cyber operations ranging from deception and espionage to disruption and high-end degradation have become a central feature of modern statecraft in the digital age, yet we lack a clear understanding of how decision-makers employ and respond to cyber operations in times of crisis. Our research provides theoretical mechanisms and empirical evidence for understanding how decision-makers react to cyber triggers and utilize cyber responses during crises. Specifically, we argue that the availability of cyber response creates off-ramps for non-escalatory engagement. Based on experimental wargames involving rival states with power parity in militarized disputes and randomized cyber triggers and response options, we find the availability of cyber response options reduces escalatory behavior via a substitution mechanism. In the absence of cyber response options, however, participants pursue more conventional, escalatory actions, regardless of the triggering mechanism. Our findings underscore how enhancing the availability of cyber response options might reduce strategic escalation risks and offer the space to bargain during periods of conflict.
Spatial and economic dynamics of bean crops in an important production hub in Brazil
Authors: Mantovani Gabriela Gomes , Plassa Wander , Telles Tiago Santos
Published: February 2024

Beans are a traditional grain crop consumed by humans that is of great importance for food security and farmers in terms of income in Brazil. Paraná is one of the largest bean-producing states in the country, but the area needed for its production is being lost, changing the dynamics of bean cultivation, and generating social and economic impacts. The objective of this study was to verify the spatiotemporal and economic dynamics of bean production in Paraná. For this purpose, using mainly data from the 2006 and 2017 agricultural censuses, the location quotient, the Hirschman–Herfindahl Index (HHI), the Williamson coefficient ([Formula: see text]), exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied. From the results, it was possible to verify that there was a 13.95% reduction in the number of municipalities that specialized in bean production, from 98 municipalities in 2006 to 86 in 2017. Most specialized municipalities produced black beans or a combination of other colored beans. The HHI revealed that the specialized municipalities accounted for the most income from bean production. The [Formula: see text] indicated that the economic development of the central-eastern and southeastern Paraná mesoregions was related to bean production. Based on the ESDA, it was found a statistically significant and positive presence of spatial concentration in 2006 (Moran’ I = 0.36) and 2017 (Moran’ I = 0.51). Based on the PCA, it was possible to identify two main components that together explained 71.52% of the data variability. The reduction in the planted area, the decrease in the number of specialized municipalities, and the concentration of income from bean production in some municipalities make it difficult to reduce regional disparities in Paraná, and in addition, these factors increase concern about food security; thus, public policies are needed to reduce such impacts.
Language Assessment Literacy Development of a Novice University English Teacher in the Chinese Context
Authors: Gan Ling , Lam Ricky
Published: February 2024

To date, most studies on language assessment literacy (LAL) have focused on how to improve language teachers’ LAL through external inputs (e.g. assessment training, courses), but much remains unknown with regard to how individual teachers develop their LAL over time in their teaching contexts. To fill this void, the current study explored the lived experience of a novice university English teacher's LAL development over an extended period in the Chinese context. It was found that the teacher witnessed her LAL development throughout one academic year. Specifically, she developed more conceptual knowledge of language assessment, became more aware of the importance of learning in relation to assessment, accessed more assessment skills and became more student centred in assessment practices. This improvement, following an individualised developmental trajectory in a bottom-up way, was mediated by contextual (e.g. institutional support), experiential (e.g. assessment training or learning) and personal (e.g. agency and reflection) factors, in all of which the teacher's self-agency contributed substantially to her LAL development. Based on the findings, implications for university English teachers’ professional development in language assessment have been provided.
Exploring the Multidimensions of Wellbeing that Latinx Youth Experienced When they Engaged in Critical Action Toward Anti-Immigrant Politics
Authors: Casanova Carlos R. , Gómez Rachel F. , Domínguez Ashley D. , Cammarota Julio
Published: February 2024

Latinx youth are often engaged in critical action to transform social injustices, yet we know little about the wellbeing of Latinx youth activists. This study draws on critical ethnographic research to understand the multidimensions of wellbeing that Latinx youth experienced when they engaged in critical action toward anti-immigrant politics during the Trump Era. Data collected through open-ended interviews with Latinx youth who participated in social protests revealed that (a) concepts of wellbeing need to be extensively explored for a more nuanced understanding of its characteristics, and (b) when youth engage in critical action, they experience physical and socioemotional wellbeing in distinct ways. This research contributes to the critical consciousness and wellbeing scholarship by (1) adding to the dearth of research on Latinx youth physical wellbeing and critical action, (2) theorizing nuances of physical, mental, and socioemotional wellbeing as simultaneously present during critical action, and (3) centering the voices and experiences of Latinx youth, specifically Latina youth, who have historically been omitted from the literature.
Freezing from the heat: Building overcooling in Qatar
Authors: Alnuaimi Abdulla , Natarajan Sukumar , Kershaw Tristan , Guo Jiwei
Published: February 2024

Qatar has the unfortunate reputation of the country with the highest per-capita carbon emissions in the world, 15% of which is due to space cooling demand. We investigate the extent to which this demand is driven by ‘overcooling’ in non-domestic buildings, that is low indoor set-points resulting in wasted energy and cold thermal discomfort. Using a recently developed overcooling metric, ISO 7730 compliant sensors and occupant survey data comprising 2,472 responses from eight morphologically diverse office buildings, we find that 32% of occupants can be classed as uncomfortably cold. Our analysis implicates the application of the ‘international’ ASHRAE 55 thermal comfort standard in the observed overcooling. Using computer models of the studied buildings, we find that this overcooling is responsible for 27% of their cooling energy demand, translating to 4% of national cooling energy demand and 2% of carbon for all non-domestic buildings. Thus, a simple upward adjustment of set-point temperatures by ∼ 2°C in non-domestic buildings would greatly improve comfort and reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions without changing the building or its systems. This suggests an urgent need for a new localised thermal comfort standard, with wider regional applicability due to similar culture and climates.

Practical application

Eliminating building overcooling yields in a notable reduction of 8.5% of cooling energy demand for every 1°C increase in the indoor setpoint temperature. This reduction results in an average of 32.3 kW·h/m2/yr in a typical office building in Qatar. A comfort temperature of 24.9°C is suggested which is on average of 1.5°C warmer than the currently applied indoor temperature setpoint, resulting in substantial cooling reductions and increased thermal comfort. In practice, raising the indoor setpoint temperature by 2°C could prevent building overcooling, improve indoor thermal comfort and reduce cooling energy demand across in warm climates.
When Top Managers’ Temporal Orientations Collide: Middle managers and the strategic use of the past
Authors: Sasaki Innan , Kotosaka Masahiro , De Massis Alfredo
Published: February 2024

Use-of-the-past research has advanced our understanding of how top managers instrumentalize past knowledge, events and rhetorical constructions to advance their present-day interests. However, it is unclear how they use the past when they have divergent understandings of the past and different visions of the future. Temporal tensions can lead to a period of unsettlement in organizations, undermine the top management’s power base, and open up space for middle managers to take a central role in using the past. Through a longitudinal case study of a Japanese craft firm with a history of over 200 years, we examine how middle managers progressively take an active role in using the past through three processes: temporal mobility, temporal socialization and coalescing the past. Our findings challenge the somewhat linear conception of time in the use-of-the-past literature by elucidating the emergent, in-the-moment evolution of middle managers’ strategic use of the past. By adopting a process-analytic lens, our findings extend current understanding of the strategic use of the past as not undertaken by a few powerful individuals in a given moment, but a continually changing process enacted by multiple middle managers with different temporal orientations. Moreover, our findings contribute to the use-of-the-past literature by taking a relational perspective of temporality. Finally, we reconceptualize the strategic flexibility of middle managers from a temporality perspective, showing that they can alter the temporal orientations of those at the top and the bottom.
Assessing prevalence of misperceptions in agricultural activities of smallholder farmers in Tanzania
Authors: Magesa Mawazo Mwita , Jonathan Joan , Urassa Justin Kalisti
Published: February 2024

Misperceptions in agriculture are challenging the adoption of agricultural technologies in African developing countries. Incorrect beliefs such as agricultural inputs have effects on soil, crop yields and human health, have led some smallholder farmers conduct traditional agriculture, resulting in low yields, of poor quality. This research studied prevalence of misperceptions among smallholders in Tanzania when dealing with agricultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides and seeds). To accomplish this, agricultural extension officers in research areas were interviewed to learn inaccurate beliefs held by farmers which were then validated by agricultural experts through semi-structured interview to identify misperceptions; identified misperceptions helped to design a questionnaire with TRUE and FALSE statements, rated on a 5-point Likert scale, which was administered to 431 smallholders in four districts in Tanzania. Descriptive statistics helped to learn prevalence of misperceptions, regression analysis determined association of predictors on misperceptions. Results revealed respondents were confident with inaccurate beliefs while dealing with agricultural inputs which confirmed prevalence of misperceptions among smallholder farmers in pursuit of agricultural activities. To help smallholders adopt agricultural technologies, agricultural extension systems need to minimize associated misperceptions and adopt strategies that can help farmers access correct agricultural information. The essence is to improve yields, efficiency and profitability in agricultural sector.
Oxidation and electrical properties of nanostructured CeO2–Ni coating on solid oxide fuel cell interconnects
Authors: Zhu Huimin , Zhang Jun , Cao Wenbo
Published: February 2024

A nanostructured CeO2–Ni coating is prepared on a steel substrate via two-step electrodeposition. An oxide scale with a multi-layer structure of Cr2O3–(Mn,Cr)3O4–(Ni,Mn,Cr)3O4–NiO has developed on the coated steel after 1680 h of oxidation in air at 800 °C. CeO2 is uniformly distributed in the spinel and NiO layers. The synergistic effects originating from nanostructured CeO2 and NiO not only reduce the growth rate of Cr2O3 and suppress the outward diffusion of Cr, but also improve the electrical performance of the surface scale.
Effect of relaxation before quenching on microstructure and properties of the steel
Authors: Shi Jiaxin , Yu Wei , Yang Xiong , Wang Yide , Zhang Baozhong
Published: February 2024

The effect of different relaxation time before online quenching on mechanical strength and toughness of high-strength medium-thickness martensitic steel plate was analysed in this work. Increasing the relaxation time from 15 s to 135 s resulted in an increase in the impact energy at −20 °C from 33 J to 148 J. However, the yield strength was decreased from 1050 MPa to 1002 MPa. Dislocation density and martensitic lath width are the main factors causing the strength change. Moreover, the dislocation density caused by deformation drops first sharply and then gently during the relaxation, resulting in an inverse trend of martensitic lath width. Additionally, there appears to be a linear relation between impact energy at −20 °C and dislocation density−1/2.
Family Perceptions of Virtual Family-Centered Rounds in a Quaternary Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ramirez Paolo , Mueller Ariel , Shelton Ken , Dudzinski David M. , Colbert Annie , Jacobsen Juliet , Greenwald Jeffrey L. , Ludmir Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Background: Family-centered rounds (FCR) reduce the risk of psychological comorbidities of family members and improve the quality of communication between providers and families. Materials and methods: We conducted a pilot quality improvement study analyzing family perceptions of virtual FCR. Family members of previously admitted cardiac ICU patients who participated in at least one session of virtual FCR between April 2020 and June 2021 at Massachusetts General Hospital were surveyed post-ICU discharge. Results: During the study, 82 family members enrolled and participated in virtual FCR with 29 completing the post-admission telephone survey. Many cardiac ICU patients were male (n = 53), and a majority were discharged home (43%) with the patient's wives being the most common respondents to the questionnaire (n = 18). Across all questions in the survey, more than 75% of the respondents perceived the highest level of care in trust, communication, relationship, and compassion with their provider. Participants perceived the highest level of care in trust (96%), explanation (88%), as well as care and understanding (89%). Conclusions: Family members of cardiac ICU patients positively rated the quality of communication and perceived a high level of trust and communication between their providers on the virtual format.
Optimization of process parameters of cold metal transfer welding-based wire arc additive manufacturing of super Duplex stainless steel using response surface methodology
Authors: Meena Rajendra Prasad , Yuvaraj Narayan , Vipin
Published: February 2024

The parameter selection is essential to achieving the desired bead geometry and minimizing the various defects such as discontinuous weld beads, cracks, porosity, and waviness during the fabrication of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) samples. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of three input process parameters (current, welding speed, and gas flow rate) at three distinct levels on the properties (weld bead width, bead height, and dilution) of samples fabricated using super Duplex 2507 stainless steel through the cold metal transfer (CMT)–WAAM process using response surface methodology (RSM). To create a design of experiment involving three process parameters, a central composite design (CCD) matrix was utilized, and adequacy was checked by ANOVA analysis. The maximum values for weld bead width and bead height were 6.57 mm and 3.43 mm, respectively; the minimum dilution observed was 31.30%. The predicted optimal input parameters were 190.46 A current, 8.94 mm/s welding speed, and 15 l/min shielding gas flow rate. The results indicated that current was the most influential factor in determining the multiple responses, followed by welding speed and gas flow rate. The microstructures were characterized by optical microscopy, and results indicated that the microstructure of weld bead region consisted of ferrite and austenite. The microhardness of the CMT-based WAAM fabricated samples was also evaluated. This study holds significant potential for the fabrication of stainless-steel additive manufacturing products using a CMT-based arc welding process.
Verbal Aggressions Against Major League Baseball Umpires Affect Their Decision Making
Authors: Guérette Joël , Blais Caroline , Fiset Daniel
Published: February 2024

Excessively criticizing a perceived unfair decision is considered to be common behavior among people seeking to restore fairness. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains unclear. Using an ecological environment where excessive criticism is rampant—Major League Baseball—we assess the impact of verbal aggression on subsequent home-plate umpire decision making during the 2010 to 2019 seasons ( N = 153,255 pitches). Results suggest a two-sided benefit of resorting to verbal abuse. After being excessively criticized, home-plate umpires ( N = 110 adults, employed in the United States) were less likely to call strikes to batters from the complaining team and more prone to call strikes to batters on the opposing team. A series of additional analyses lead us to reject an alternative hypothesis, namely that umpires, after ejecting the aggressor, seek to compensate for the negative consequences brought on by the loss of a teammate. Rather, our findings support the hypothesis that, under certain conditions, verbal aggression may offer an advantage to complainants.
Disciplinary welfare and the punitive turn in criminal justice: Parallel trends or communicating vessels?
Authors: Starke Peter , Wenzelburger Georg
Published: February 2024

When it comes to the relationship between social policy and penal policy, existing scholarship often focuses on the penal–welfare tradeoff, according to which countries with large and generous welfare states tend to have lower incarceration rates and less harsh treatment of offenders. We know much less about the relationship between the punitive turn in criminal justice and the use of discipline within social policy. Has there been a parallel trend of law-and-order policies and stricter benefit conditionality, a kind of ‘criminalization’ of welfare beneficiaries, as critical scholarship suggests? We test this idea for the first time with quantitative data, using public spending on public order and safety and unemployment benefit conditionality data for 18 rich democracies between 1990 and 2012, that is, the period when a punitive turn as well as the rise of activation and workfare is said to have taken place. Contrary to the critical literature, we do not find evidence of parallel trends toward more discipline in both areas, but rather a negative relationship of ‘communicating vessels’, where a greater use of disciplinary tools in social policy is associated with stagnating or even shrinking spending on police and prisons. Moreover, this pattern tends to emerge under conditions of higher welfare state generosity. These findings have important implications about the role of state ‘discipline’ in contemporary policymaking.
Developing Meaningful Internationalisation that Impacts Students’ Outcomes in Higher Education: A Scoping Review of the Literature 2011–2022
Authors: Mittelmeier Jenna , Lomer Sylvie , Al-Furqani Said , Huang Daian
Published: February 2024

Research about the internationalisation of higher education has expanded rapidly in recent decades with few attempts to map available evidence. This scoping review provides a synthesis of articles about how internationalisation practices specifically impact students’ outcomes and experiences. We identified 967 articles in 21 thematic categories, spread across 493 journals and 27 disciplines. Of these, only 233 (22.8%) were categorized as ‘designed to highlight impacts on students’. We characterise research as scattered and primarily descriptive, with limited efforts to build on previous research. However, we have synthesised five key principles that underpin practice with the most demonstrable impact on students: (1) embedding internationalisation holistically across the institution; (2) centering inclusion and connection; (3) developing active and creative learning approaches; (4) providing opportunities for reflection and personal connection; and (5) explicitly scaffolding intercultural skills. We call for researchers to design more research that builds on this maturing subfield, centring evidence to inform critical practice.
Reported Decreases in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices in Environmental Education Organizations
Authors: Justin Hougham Robert , Burgess Sarah , Bauer Jody
Published: February 2024

Background: STEM achievement gaps affect marginalized students nation-wide. Environmental education (EE) does not currently nor historically represent a wide range of demographic backgrounds, and increasing concerns demonstrate the effects this can have on pedagogy of the field and the success of its students. Purpose: This research focuses on measures being reported by EE organizations in Wisconsin, and nearby regions, in their work to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with consideration to inclusive practices, instructional materials, and overall pedagogy of EE. Methodology/Approach: In 2021, a web-based survey was emailed to 140 EE organization leaders and an updated version was emailed to 112 EE organization leaders in 2023. Responses were analyzed to determine the status of EE across the state and trends across years. Findings/Conclusions: The data does demonstrate a need for equity in EE, specifically supporting students with different learning needs or from underrepresented backgrounds. DEI initiative importance versus resources allocated is disjointed. Lack of consistent collection of demographic data leads EE organizations to fall short of DEI action. Implications: In order to better support learning and positive outcomes, it is significant that environmental educators reevaluate their practices to meet the needs of the growingly diverse students across the country.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease Based on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Wang Hongmin , Wang Yi , Wei Qingmin , Zhao Liyan , Zhang Qingjuan
Published: February 2024

As a major global health concern, coronary artery disease (CAD) demands precise, noninvasive diagnostic methods like cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for effective assessment and management, balancing the need for accurate disease severity evaluation with improved treatment decision-making. Our objective was to develop and validate a nomogram based on CPET parameters for noninvasively predicting the severity of CAD, thereby assisting clinicians in more effectively assessing patient conditions. This study analyzed 525 patients divided into training (367) and validation (183) cohorts, identifying key CAD severity indicators using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. A predictive nomogram was developed, evaluated by average consistency index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA), confirming its reliability and clinical applicability. In our study, out of 25 variables, 6 were identified as significant predictors for CAD severity. These included age (OR = 1.053, P < .001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, OR = 0.440, P = .002), hypertension (OR = 2.050, P = .007), diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.435, P < .001), anaerobic threshold (AT, OR = 0.837, P < .001), and peak kilogram body weight oxygen uptake (VO2/kg, OR = 0.872, P < .001). The nomogram, based on these predictors, demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracy for assessing CAD severity, with AUC values of 0.939 in the training cohort and 0.840 in the validation cohort, and also exhibited significant clinical utility. The nomogram, which is based on CPET parameters, was useful for predicting the severity of CAD and assisted in risk stratification by offering a personalized, noninvasive diagnostic approach for clinicians.
“Never Give Up. The Creator Has Good Things in Store for You”: Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Evidence of Resilience for Canadian Indigenous Women Abused by Intimate Partners
Authors: Ogden Cindy L. , Tutty Leslie M.
Published: February 2024

Canadian Indigenous women often experience severe partner violence and child abuse, but few studies holistically examine risk and protective factors and evidence of resilience that affect their well-being. This mixed-methods secondary analysis explored the experiences of 40 Canadian Indigenous abused women. Risk factors included intimate partner violence (IPV), childhood abuse, poverty, colonization, and disability. Protective factors included formal and informal support, community support, spirituality, and childhood residence. Evidence of resilience is from interview quotes and none of the measures of depression, mental distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder was in the clinical range. Despite significant IPV and childhood abuse, the women's resilience is highlighted.
Co-designing an Outreach Intervention for Women Experiencing Street-Involvement and Gender-Based Violence: Community–Academic Partnerships in Action
Authors: Bungay Vicky , Dewar Linda , Schoening Mary , Guta Adrian , Leiper Wendy , Jiao Sunny
Published: February 2024

Outreach is an important approach to improve health and social care for women experiencing street involvement (SI) or gender-based violence (GBV). Few studies have examined outreach approaches that incorporate SI and GBV. Drawing on feminist theories and principles of community-based research, we detail an inclusive co-design approach for an outreach intervention considering these interrelated contexts. Women with lived experience, researchers, and service leaders drew on research and experiential knowledge to define outreach engagement principles: tackling GBV, personhood and relational engagement, trauma-informed engagement, and harm reduction engagement. The resulting intervention integrates these principles to enable building and sustaining relationships to facilitate care.
Students’ perceptions of physical education teachers’ (de)motivating styles via the circumplex approach: Differences by gender, grade level, experiences, intention to be active, and learning
Authors: Diloy-Peña Sergio , Abós Ángel , Sevil-Serrano Javier , García-Cazorla Javier , García-González Luis
Published: February 2024

Grounded in self-determination theory, an integrative and fine-grained circumplex model, based on teachers’ autonomy support, structure, control, and chaos, has been proposed. The present study aimed to examine possible differences in students’ perceptions of physical education (PE) teachers’ motivating and demotivating styles and the eight different approaches, respectively, regarding students’ socio-demographic variables, and different affective, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. A sample of 669 Spanish secondary students aged 12–17 years (mean age ( Mage) = 14.65; standard deviation ( SD) = 1.47; 52% girls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Boys reported significantly higher values in the chaotic style and the domineering approach than girls. Second- and third-cycle students (Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12) reported significantly higher values in autonomy-supportive and structuring styles, and significantly lower values in the domineering approach than first-cycle students (Year 8 and Year 9). Second-cycle students (Year 10 and Year 11) reported significantly higher values in the demanding approach than first-cycle students (Year 8 and Year 9). Third-cycle students (Year 12) reported significantly lower values in the awaiting approach than the first-cycle students (Year 8 and Year 9). Finally, as a whole, students who reported positive experiences in PE, high learning, and high intention to participate in physical activity reported significantly higher values in autonomy-supportive and structuring styles, as well as the demanding approach, and significantly lower values in the chaotic style. The results highlight the importance of PE teachers adopting motivating styles and avoiding demotivating styles, especially with boys and lower grade levels, to promote meaningful experiences in PE and an active lifestyle.
Unemployment protection for self-employed and platform workers: A study of the Spanish case
Authors: Salas Porras María
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to offer a snapshot of the level of unemployment protection provided in Spain to self-employed workers and platform economy workers, compared to employed workers affiliated with the general regime. This allows us to reflect on the convergent and divergent aspects of the protection provided to the two groups, as well as the greater or lesser proximity to the levels of protection indicated by the EU. Thus, the study is structured in three points: the protection afforded to the various groups and the differences in terms of the cessation of activity and unemployment benefit; some of the most characteristic aspects of these two types of unemployment protection; the financing of the cessation of activity benefit and the creation of an alternative protection mechanism as key points in the current Spanish political debate. Our final thoughts are presented in the conclusions.
Experimental and numerical studies on mechanical properties of hot-stamped tailor welded AA7075-T6
Authors: Jalil Alireza , Bani Mostafa Arab Nasrollah , Naderi Malek , Asl Yaghoub Dadgar
Published: February 2024

AA7075-T6 sheets with 1, 1.5, and 2 mm thicknesses were tailor-welded using the gas tungsten arc welding process. The welded blanks were solution heat treated, hot stamped, and simultaneously quenched to produce U-shaped components, and finally artificially aged. A finite element model using the ABAQUS software was developed to simulate the forming process. The experimental and numerical results showed no rupture in the components. Tensile and hardness tests revealed that the maximum tensile strength, yield strength, and microhardness of the aged specimen were approximately 96%, 93%, and 107% of the initial material, respectively. Maximum and minimum microhardness of 196 and 145 HV were observed in the heat-affected and fusion zones of the specimens, respectively. Increasing the tailoring ratio increased the strengthening behavior of the components. With a tailoring ratio of 1, the maximum and minimum elongations at break were 70% and 40% of the original aluminum sheet for 2 mm and 1 mm thick sheets, respectively.
Effect of hydrogen on the pitting corrosion of 2205 duplex stainless steel welded joints
Authors: Zheng Qing , Zhang Houwei , Wang Dengyun , Xu Lining , Li Gang , Qiao Lijie
Published: February 2024

The effect of hydrogen on the pitting susceptibility of 2205 duplex stainless steel welded joints was investigated using metallographic characterisation, electrochemical techniques and immersion experiments. The results show that the diffusible hydrogen content in the welded joints is approximately twice that of base material (BM). Hydrogen significantly decreases the pitting potential (Epit) of the welded joints, while increasing the carrier density in the passive film, suggesting that hydrogen weakens the protective properties of the passive film and increases the pitting susceptibility of the welded joints. According to immersion experiments, the pitting susceptibility of the welded joint from high to low is heat-affected zone (HAZ), BM and weld metal (WM), the HAZ tends to be more prone to the formation of larger and more stable pits, and the number of inclusions at the HAZ is significantly greater than that at the BM and WM. For BM under hydrogen charging, austenite phase is usually corroded first, because hydrogen tends to be enriched in the austenitic phase of BM. However, in some regions of WM, ferrite phase corroded first, which is related to the enrichment of hydrogen in the ferrite in the weld area.
Stacked Up Against Us: Using Photovoice and Participatory Methods to Explore Structural Racism’s Impact on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities
Authors: Dixon Saharra L. , Salerno Valdez Elizabeth , Chan Jazmine , Weil Mira , Fisher Tiarra , Simoun Alya , Egan Justine , Beatriz Elizabeth , Gubrium Aline
Published: February 2024

While structural racism has profound impacts on adolescent health, little is known about how youth synthesize racialized experiences and work to dismantle systems of oppression. This article provides an overview of a Youth Participatory Action Research study that used Photovoice and community mapping to explore how structural violence, like racism, impacts the sexual and reproductive health of historically excluded youth as they navigate unjust socio-political landscapes. Youth participants used photography and community maps to identify how the experience of bias, profiling, and tokenism impacted their ability to navigate complex social systems. With youth voices prioritized, participants explored ways to address structural racism in their lives. The importance of co-creating opportunities with and for youth in critical reflection of their lived experience is emphasized. Through an Arts and Cultural in Public Health framework, we provide an analysis of the ways structural racism functions as a gendered racial project and fundamental cause of adolescent sexual and reproductive health inequities, while identifying pathways toward liberation in pursuit of health and well-being.
Evaluation of a New Method for CyberKnife Treatment for Central Lung and Mediastinal Tumors by Tracheobronchial Tracking
Authors: Suzuki Toshihiro , Saito Masahide , Takahashi Hiroshi , Suzuki Hidekazu , Makino Koji , Ueda Koji , Mochizuki Koji , Mochizuki Zennosuke , Nemoto Hikaru , Sano Naoki , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Background

CyberKnife treatment for central lung tumors and mediastinal tumors can be difficult to perform with marker less.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate a novel tracheobronchial-based method (ie, tracheobronchial tracking) for the purpose of minimally invasive CyberKnife treatment for central lung and mediastinal tumors.

Methods

Five verification plans were created using an in-house phantom. Each plan included five irradiation sessions. The reference plan irradiated and tracked the simulated tumor (using the target tracking volume, TTV). Trachea plans tracked the simulated tracheo-bronchus and irradiated the simulated tumor and included two types of subplans: correlated plans in which the displacement of the simulated tracheobronchial and the simulated tumor were correlated, and non-correlated plans in which these factors were not correlated. Moreover, 15 mm and 25 mm TTVs were evaluated for each plan. The sin waveform and the patient's respiratory waveform were prepared as the respiratory model. Evaluations were performed by calculating the dose difference between the radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter (RPLD)-generated mean dose values (generated by the treatment planning system, TPS) and the actual absorbed RPLD dose. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate findings for each plan. Correlation and prediction errors were calculated for each axis of each plan using log files to evaluate tracking accuracy.

Results

Dose differences were statistically significant only in comparisons with the non-correlated plan. When evaluated using the sin waveform, the mean values for correlation and prediction errors in each axis and for all plans were less than 0.6 mm and 0.1 mm, respectively. In the same manner, they were less than 1.1 mm and 0.2 mm when evaluated using the patient's respiratory waveform.

Conclusion

Our newly-developed tracheobronchial tracking method would be useful in facilitating minimally invasive CyberKnife treatment in certain cases of central lung and mediastinal tumors.
Effectiveness of Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography Z Score Neurofeedback Comparison with Cognitive Rehabilitation in Depression and Anxiety in Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Faridi Alireza , Taremian Farhad , Thatcher Robert W.
Published: February 2024

Background: Previous studies have shown that conventional neurofeedback (NFB) and cognitive rehabilitation can improve psychological outcomes in people with opioid use disorders (OUDs). However, the effectiveness of Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) Z-score neurofeedback (LZNFB) and attention bias modification training (ABMT) on depression and anxiety of these people has not been investigated yet. The present study aims to compare the effect of these two methods on depression and anxiety of men with OUD under methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design, 30 men with OUD under MMT were randomly assigned into three groups of LZNFB, ABMT, and control (MMT alone). The LZNFB group underwent LZNFB at 20 sessions. The ABMT using the dot-probe task was provided individually to the second group for 2 weeks at 15 sessions. The Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory were completed by the participants before, immediately after, and 1-month after interventions. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v.22 software. Results: Both intervention groups showed a significant reduction in anxiety and depression at the post-test phase (p < 0.05), where LZNFB group showed more decrease in anxiety and depression than the ABMT group. This decrease continued in the follow-up period. Conclusion: Both LZNFB and ABMT with the dot-robe task are effective in reducing depression and anxiety of men with OUD under MMT. However, LZNFB is more effective. These findings add to the growing body of literature supporting the effectiveness of NFB and cognitive rehabilitation therapy in treating addiction-related comorbidities.