bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of smoke movement in subway evacuation corridor under different blockage ratios
Authors: Wu Jing , Lin Lingmin , Li Dan
Published: December 2023

This study employed FLUENT to analyse smoke movement and temperature distribution in an evacuation corridor with varying blockage ratios, focusing on the subway tunnel section of Fuzhou Metro Line 4. The simulation results revealed that under natural ventilation condition, the smoke spread area in the evacuation corridor is significantly greater for the high blockage ratio tunnel than for the low blockage ratio tunnel in the tunnel’s length direction, and the entire temperature distribution in the tunnel’s height direction is also high. Following the introduction of longitudinal ventilation, smoke spread in the evacuation corridor and the tunnel ceiling upstream of the fire source are effectively controlled, with smoke suppression movement in the evacuation corridor being significantly faster than that near the tunnel ceiling. As ventilation time increases, the back-layering length of smoke in the evacuation corridor gradually shortens. Within 150 s of ventilation, the critical safety distance below the safety temperature for a low blockage ratio is shorter than that for a high blockage ratio tunnel. In conclusion, longitudinal ventilation increases the cooling rate of high-temperature smoke in a high blockage ratio tunnel, but the influence of high ventilation velocity on evacuation cannot be ignored.

Practical application

This study provides recommendations for the evacuation plan and procedures under longitudinal ventilation. It is advisable to consider lowering the height of the evacuation corridor in the tunnel from the rail surface, thereby creating a more extensive safety space for personnel evacuation. Additionally, the implementation of prominent marks and voice prompts in the upstream area of the fire outbreak is crucial. This ensures that personnel are directed to evacuate from the upstream section during emergency situations.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Premorbid Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases: A Population-Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Wu Sen-Sen , Hung Tzu-Hsun , Liao Pei-Shao , Tsou Yung-An , Hung Yu-Tung , Lin Chia-Der , Tai Chih-Jaan , Shen Te-Chun , Shih Liang-Chun
Published: December 2023

Objectives: The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), utilizing the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Several studies have supported the existence of distinct immune patterns between the Asian and Western populations in CRS patients. Through the population-based case–control study, we could compare the differences between various regions and provide further treatment strategies for subsequent studies in Asian CRS patients. The secondary aim was to assess whether different types of CRS influence the correlation with specific GI diseases. Understanding how different phenotypes or endotypes of CRS may relate to distinct GI disease patterns could provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential shared pathways between these conditions. Methods: We use the NHIRD in Taiwan. Newly diagnosed patients with CRS were selected between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2017 as the case group, and the controls were defined as individuals without a history of CRS. Patients with CRS were divided into two groups: with nasal polyps and without nasal polyps. We also separated GI tract diseases into four groups based on their different pathophysiologies. Results: This study included 356,245 participants (CRS: 71,249 and control: 284,996). The results showed that CRS was significantly associated with some specific GI tract diseases, including acute/chronic hepatitis B, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with/without esophagitis, achalasia of cardia, peptic/gastrojejunal ulcer, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. In addition, when CRS was subcategorized into chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), GERD with esophagitis and peptic ulcer were significantly associated with CRSsNP. Conclusions: A significant association between CRS and premorbid GI tract diseases has been identified. Remarkably, GERD with esophagitis and peptic ulcer were significantly associated with CRSsNP. The underlying mechanisms require further investigation and may lead to new treatments for CRS. Researchers can further investigate the mechanisms by referring to our classification method to determine the implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Are video streaming services offering incomplete entertainment?
Authors: Ergin Pınar
Published: December 2023

In this article, in which I focus on the changing possibilities of media entertainment, I examine the increasingly individualized viewing experience through the elements of enjoyment and fun. I argue that video streaming services, born out of the collapse of the public space concept and presented as an industrial option, focus on providing enjoyment, exclude fun, and fail to provide a complete entertainment environment. I coin the term “incomplete entertainment” to describe the viewing experience that takes place in this medium, characterized by isolation, and the absence of social interaction.
Posing biases in portraits of people that do not exist
Authors: Bruno Nicola
Published: December 2023

We report posing biases in portraits of people that do not exist. Studies of painted or photographed portraiture have often reported such biases. However, whether these truly exist or are mere sampling artifacts remains open to question. A novel approach to such a question is provided by contemporary applications generating photo-realistic virtual portraits. Such applications are exposed to large datasets of portraits of real people. A neural network then maps the variation of the original input set to a huge-dimensional generative model capturing the variation in the original data, which is then used to synthesize the virtual portraits. We reasoned that, if posing biases exist in the original input, they should also be observable in the network output, and they did. This finding provides novel support for the reality of posing biases in portraiture—and helps us better understand what generative networks actually do.
Prehospitalization Trauma and Physiologic Factors Associated with the Presence of Post-traumatic Stress 3 Months After PICU Discharge
Authors: Chau Ariya N. , Eckberg Ryan A. , Laksana Eugene , Ehrlich Lili , Ledbetter David R. , Aczon Melissa D. , Gold Jeffrey I. , Wetzel Randall C. , Nelson Lara P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have post-traumatic stress (PTS) rates up to 64%, and up to 28% of them meet criteria for PTS disorder (PTSD). We aim to examine whether a prior trauma history and increased physiologic parameters due to a heightened sympathetic response are associated with later PTS. Our hypothesis was children with history of prehospitalization trauma, higher heart rates, blood pressures, cortisol, and extrinsic catecholamine administration during PICU admission are more likely to have PTS after discharge.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational study of children admitted to the PICU at an urban, quaternary, academic children's hospital. Children aged 8 to 17 years old without developmental delay, severe psychiatric disorder, or traumatic brain injury were included. Children's prehospitalization trauma history was assessed with a semistructured interview. All in-hospital variables were from the electronic medical record. PTS was present if children had 4 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria for PTSD. Student's t- and chi-squared tests were used to compare the presence or absence of prior trauma and all of the PICU-associated variables.

Results

Of the 110 children at baseline, 67 had 3-month follow-up. In the latter group, 46% met the criteria for PTS, mean age of 13 years (SD 3), 57% male, a mean PRISM III score of 4.9 (SD 4.3), and intensive care unit length of stay 6.5 days (SD 7.8). There were no statistically significant differences in the demographics of the children with and without PTS. The only variable to show significance was trauma history; children with prehospitalization trauma were more likely to have PTS at 3-month follow-up ( P = .02).

Conclusions

Prehospitalization trauma history was associated with the presence of PTS after admission to the PICU. This study suggests future studies should shift to the potential predictive benefit of screening children for trauma history upon PICU admission.
Fixing Fieldnotes: Developing and Testing a Digital Tool for the Collection, Processing, and Analysis of Ethnographic Data
Authors: Astrupgaard Sofie L. , Lohse August , Gregersen Emilie M. , Salka Jonathan H. , Albris Kristoffer , Pedersen Morten A.
Published: December 2023

Ethnographic fieldnotes can contain richer and more thorough descriptions of social phenomena compared to other data sources. Their open-ended and flexible character makes them especially useful in explorative research. However, fieldnotes are typically highly unstructured and personalized by individual researchers, which make them harder to use as a method for data collection in collaborative and mixed methods research. More precisely, the unstructured nature of ethnographic fieldnotes presents three distinct challenges: 1) Organizability—it can be difficult to search and sort fieldnotes and thus to get an overview of them, 2) Integrability—it is difficult to meaningfully integrate fieldnotes with other more quantitative data types such as more such as surveys or geospatial data, and 3) Computational Processability—it is hard to process and analyze fieldnotes with computational methods such as topic models and network analysis. To solve these three challenges, we present a new digital tool, for the systematic collection, processing, and analysis of ethnographic fieldnotes. The tool is developed and tested as part of an interdisciplinary mixed methods pilot study on attention dynamics at a political festival in Denmark. Through case examples from this study, we show how adopting this new digital tool allowed our team to overcome the three aforementioned challenges of fieldnotes, while retaining the flexible and explorative character of ethnographic research, which is a key strength of ethnographic fieldwork.
Explicating Trust-building Factors Impacting the Use of e-government Services
Authors: AlAwadhi Suha , Alansari Husain , Alsaber Ahmad R.
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the users’ perception of trust-building factors influencing the use of e-government services and information, by integrating constructs identified in the technology acceptance model (TAM) with information systems (IS) success and trust models. Data was collected using a questionnaire targeted towards users of e-government services in Kuwait. The partial least squares structural equation modeling method was used to analyze 717 valid questionnaire responses. The results indicate that information quality and design (IQD) and perceived ease of use (PEU) influence individuals’ trust in e-government (TEG), thereby affecting their behavioral intentions (BI). Furthermore, the results indicate an average level of the users’ satisfaction and significant differences in how gender and nationality are associated with the overall satisfaction of e-government services users. The proposed framework contributes to extending models by integrating IQD (a modified construct of the IS model) and PEU (a construct of the TAM) as trust-related factors that provide better insights into the driving forces of BI and should be considered when designing and developing e-government services. Additionally, the study provides a deeper understanding of the challenges that could hinder the use of e-government systems.
Formulating an optimization algorithm for optimal planning and assessment of rule-based hybrid load following micro-combined heat and power systems
Authors: Dinakaran K. P. , Bhanu P. , Sridhathan C. , Umashankar L.
Published: December 2023

This manuscript presents a logical-based method with a constrained programming approach for making use of the principle. The proposed optimal approach is the improved chameleon swarm algorithm (ICSA). The navigating and hunting behavior of CSA is improved with the crossover and mutation processes, and it is defined as the ICSA approach. The proposed hybrid approach is the number one power consumption, greenhouse gas, and total annual cost (TAC), in addition to including conditions largely based entirely on the monitoring approach, which is a mixture of those standards. These three power-corresponding parameters have been exploited to examine the overall performance of every method corresponding to the absorbed power providers employing the construction call for requests. The calculation of the established effectiveness for four varieties of residents’ homes suggests the not-infrequent place hybrid method. This increases the exploitation of the cogeneration system as well as the proposed method because the most appropriate techniques include measures capable of obtaining excellent conciliation answers done with TAC at 55%, primary energy consumption (PEC) at 14%, and greenhouse generation (GHG) at 9% discounts correspondingly. However, the proposed method obtains optimum discounts in TAC and optimum overall performance for power matching by utilizing identical boundaries for GHG and PEC in assessment to the always infrequent place hybrid technique. The prey-in cost for energy era with nearly 60 in TAC is perceived as the maximum leading monetary constraint for sensibility evaluation when micro-cogeneration units use over 3% gain and are the most disrupted outcome for randomly evaluated.
Characteristics of heavy metals in road dust: An overview of South Korean cases
Authors: Choi Doeun , Lee Jechan , Lin Kun-Yi Andrew
Published: December 2023

The urbanization and industrialization of our society necessitate the extension of road traffic systems. Road dust generated by road traffic is harmful to the human respiratory system. In particular, heavy metals adsorbed on road dust can pose substantial risks to human health owing to their toxicity, environmental longevity, and ability to accumulate in the human body. Although the evaluation of the concentration of heavy metals in road dust is essential for understanding their sources and risks to human health, there is a lack of comprehensive information on the heavy metal content in road dust in South Korea. In this review, sampling methods and analytical techniques for characterizing the contents of various heavy metals in road dust collected from different regions of South Korea are discussed. Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, As, and Hg are the most frequently found heavy metals in road dust, and their concentrations are strongly associated with the sampling locations (e.g., industrial vs. residential sites and rural vs. urban areas) and particle size of the road dust. Road dust samples collected from more industrialized regions tend to contain more heavy metals. Further, smaller dust particles are likely apt to contain more heavy metals. The application of non-destructive analytical techniques is also necessary for the accurate characterization of heavy metals in road dust.
Nurses’ collegiality: An evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Kangasniemi Mari , Rannikko Sunna , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: December 2023

Collegiality is one of the fundamental values of the nursing profession. During the nursing history, collegiality has been described as part of a nurse’s relationship with their peers and it influences the quality of care they provide and job satisfaction and commitment to their work. Despite earlier definitions, the concept of collegiality in nursing has remained unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the concept of collegiality in the nursing profession, using Rodger’s evolutionary concept analysis. We carried out electronic searches using the CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SocINDEX, PsycINFO and Eric databases and manual searches of the reference lists of the selected papers. The searches were limited to peer-reviewed papers published in English language from the inception of database to November 2022. This identified 25 papers. Based on our analysis, the attributes of the concept of collegiality were achieving mutual goals together with equality, reciprocity, trusted advocacy, powerful self-regulation and engaged belongingness. Antecedents of the concept included existing professional group, connection between professionals and professional self-esteem. The consequences were strengthening nurses’ professional status, job satisfaction and their ability to provide the best possible patient care. We found that nurses’ collegiality was a value-based concept, with a unique character based on professional connections. The concept brought together ethical and pragmatic strategies to achieve the best possible results for the nursing profession. Provided knowledge can be applied for further development of the concept and applying it in clinical research and practice. The concept of nurses’ collegiality should also be studied in the future because both the profession and their working environment are constantly changing.
Political Thought in Iberian Educational Centres: An Excursus Through the Circulation of Books and Ideas (Thirteenth to Fifteenth Centuries)
Authors: Marcilla Francisco José Díaz
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to analyse the circulation of political ideas within the context of Iberian educational centres with a special focus on their contribution to the settlement of new dynasties—like the Avis in Portugal, Trastámaras in Castile, Aragon and Navarre—or the annexation of other kingdoms—like Mallorca—and the relationship with Muslim territories—Granada and the Merinid Empire. To achieve this goal, we undertake a twofold study: (i) the writings and ideas on political theory that have been read and copied in Iberian educational centres; (ii) the books of some relevant thinkers in each kingdom, looking at who, where and when their works have been used.
De Legé v. the Netherlands: The ECtHR adopts a line of reasoning similar to that of the United States Supreme Court on compelled production of real or physical evidence
Authors: Escobar Veas Javier
Published: December 2023

In de Legé v. the Netherlands, a decision characterized as a key case, the ECtHR addressed once again the problematic relationship between the right against self-incrimination and the compelled production of real or physical evidence. In its judgment, the Court held that the use of the evidence submitted by the defendant to the authorities does not fall within the scope of the right against self-incrimination when the evidence in question concerns pre-existing documents of whose existence the authorities were already aware. By developing this argument, the European Court has adopted a line of reasoning similar to the ‘foregone conclusion’ doctrine of the United States Supreme Court. This article aims to critically analyse the decision of the ECtHR. It will be argued that the ECtHR does not sufficiently support its reasoning. Moreover, it does not take into account the rationale of the right against self-incrimination, which, as will be stated, can be considered opposed to the ‘foregone conclusion’ doctrine, at least in the European context.
Advising African American Males: Learning to Serve Our Students More Effectively
Authors: McClain Terrance J.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the workplace learning activities professional academic advisors (AAs) utilize to serve their African American male advisees more effectively. Workplace learning was used as a lens to identify learning strategies through: (a) formal learning, (b) nonformal learning, and (c) informal learning. Findings from this study indicate that informal learning was the greatest source of knowledge for assisting with best practices for advising African American males.
Simulated Learning Environments as an Interdisciplinary Option for Vocational Training: A Systematic Review
Authors: Navarro-Parra Sandra Liliana , Chiappe Andrés
Published: December 2023

Background

The current scenario of university education calls for training spaces that go beyond direct instruction and knowledge memorization exercises. Such requirement stems from the need to articulate very diverse knowledge and skills that the current professional must develop both in university practice and in their daily work. Given this circumstance, it is imperative to build new teaching experiences that articulate the space of practice and the knowledge that corresponds to it, as scenarios for the interdisciplinary and permanent construction of knowledge.

Method

To address this issue, a systematic literature review has been conducted to explore research from the last 20 years on the educational implementation of simulations in various professions. After conducting filtering and sampling processes, 101 articles were reviewed, which were read in depth and to which qualitative processes of categorization and frequency analysis were applied.

Results

The results of the review highlight some advantages and limitations of simulations as learning resources and suggest the importance of their deployment from an interdisciplinary perspective of teaching, especially in health sciences.

Conclusion

Finally, we reflect on the importance of approaching simulation-based learning from a curricular perspective, which brings learning in higher education closer to the complex realities of the world of work. In addition, the existence of great challenges and transformative effects of its implementation on university educational structures and models is highlighted.
Pilot Randomized Trial of a Caregiver-Mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention in Part C Early Intervention
Authors: Pellecchia Melanie , Ingersoll Brooke , Marcus Steven C. , Rump Keiran , Xie Ming , Newman Jeannette , Zeigler Lisa , Crabbe Samantha , Straiton Diondra , Chávez Elena Carranco , Mandell David S.
Published: December 2023

Few studies examine the effectiveness of community-based early interventions in unselected samples of autistic children, especially those from minoritized backgrounds. These types of studies require attention to strategies for recruitment, retention, data collection, and support for community providers beyond those used in university-based trials. We conducted a pilot trial of Project ImPACT, a promising caregiver-mediated naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention, in partnership with the early intervention system in a poor, large city. We assessed recruitment and retention strategies, training protocol, and measurement battery. We recruited representative provider and family samples, and had good measure completion among retained participants. Retention varied by study arm, providers had relatively poor fidelity to the intervention despite substantial support, and our measures did not appear sensitive to change. Lessons learned include the need for (a) a ramp-up training period prior to starting the study, (b) intensive implementation supports, and (c) additional strategies for family retention.
Analysis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Craniofacial Microsomia Based on Polysomnography
Authors: Ma Lun-kun , Zhang Zhi-yong , Tang Xiao-jun , Xu Xi , Feng Shi , Zhao Shan-baga , Liu Bing-yang , Zang Tian-ying , Li Hong-wen , Liu Wei
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) through polysomnography (PSG) and the relationship with the severity of CFM.

Methods

This study reviewed patients of CFM with pre-operative PSG data between January 2005 and September 2023. Patients were grouped according to the Pruzansky-Kaban classification. OSA was diagnosed and severity was assessed by the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire was used to investigate OSA-related signs and symptoms. The χ 2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare between groups. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with OSA. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 121 patients with CFM were included in the study with 3 bilateral and 118 unilateral patients. In total, 86 patients (71.07%) were diagnosed with OSA. The prevalence of OSA in type IIa, type IIb and type III was 72.97%, 78.33%, and 47.62%. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of OSA between type IIa and type IIb ( p > .05). The difference in the prevalence of OSA between type III and type II was statistically significant ( p < .05). Snoring was the most common symptom among the patients of CFM with OSA.

Conclusions

Patients with CFM have a higher incidence of OSA based on PSG in type II and type III patients. The incidence of OSA did not correlate positively with the severity of CFM, with type III patients having certain particularities.
Intimate Partner Violence and Suicidality: Applicability of General Strain Theory to Women in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Baek Hyunin , Han Sungil , Seepersad Randy
Published: December 2023

Suicide among women is a growing problem in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite efforts to reduce suicide, the etiology of suicidal behaviors in this region has rarely been examined. Using the National Women's Health Survey for Trinidad and Tobago in 2018 ( n = 1,079), this study examined the causes of suicidality through concepts contained in Agnew's general strain theory, such as negative stimuli (i.e., intimate partner violence [IPV]) and negative emotion (i.e., depression). By estimating structural equation models, this study found that IPV was strongly related to depression and suicidality. Particularly, depression mediated the effect of IPV on suicidality.
Safety evaluation of Staphylococcus and its application in soy sauce brewing
Authors: Zhang Xingrong , Wang Fei , Zhang Min , Xu Hui , Huang Yanhong
Published: December 2023

The strain Staphylococcus PT-1 was isolated from soy sauce mash and whole genome sequencing revealed it didn’t contain drug resistance genes and virulence genes. Salt tolerance test showed that PT-1 could withstand 20% NaCl. It was inoculated into a pork broth medium. Through volatile component detection, the content of pyrazine in the fermentation broth was 0.83% pyrazine and 1.36% 2, 5-dimethylpyrazine. When the strain was applied to the brewing process of soy sauce, the contents of total nitrogen and amino acid nitrogen in the resulting product were higher than those in the control group; the contents of ammonium salt and NaCl were lower than those in the control group; the total acid content was similar. Solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to detect the volatile components of two finished soy sauce products. Compared to soy sauce fermented by typical means, that added with PT-1 contained unique components, such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (1.8027%), 2-methylpyrazine (0.0158%), 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine (0.5809%), and 4-ethyl guaiacol (8.7477%). Sensory evaluation showed that the total score of PT-1-fermented soy sauce was higher than that of the control group and was characterized by full and rich flavor. These results provide new insights for improving the quality of soy sauce by using novel strains for fermentation.
Customer Perceived Value: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis
Authors: Blut Markus , Chaney Damien , Lunardo Renaud , Mencarelli Rémi , Grewal Dhruv
Published: December 2023

Customer perceived value (CPV) is a cornerstone of marketing literature. However, myriad studies have generated contradictory empirical findings. In addition, though some existing literature reviews help clarify the conceptual foundations of CPV, the literature lacks a meta-analysis of empirical evidence about the CPV model and its effects. To consolidate existing research, the current meta-analysis assesses the findings of 687 articles, involving 780 independent samples and 357,247 customers. The most integrative CPV model, which includes benefits, sacrifices, and overall value, performs best. Empirical generalizations also reveal the relative weights of various benefits and sacrifices integrated into this CPV model and causal chains between CPV and different outcomes (satisfaction, word-of-mouth, and repurchase intentions). Finally, this analysis uncovers moderating effects of multiple relational contexts: nonprofit/for-profit, public/private, contractual/non-contractual, online/offline, business-to-business/business-to-consumer, and goods/services. For scholars, this article synthesizes existing findings on CPV; for managers, the results provide suggestions for ways to increase CPV.
Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Infection Prevention in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yosef Tewodros
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Infection prevention (IP) is a practical and scientifically supported technique to prevent avoidable infections. The effectiveness of IP techniques applied will depend on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of healthcare professionals.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of IP and its associated factors among healthcare professionals at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH) in southwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 1 and 15, 2021 among 196 healthcare professionals at MTUTH in south-west Ethiopia. The knowledge, attitude and practice outcome variables were measured using 13, 13, and 12 questions respectively. A logistic regression analysis was used. The level of significance was declared at a P < .05.

Results:

The level of good knowledge, favorable attitude, and good practice of IP were 71.9%, 63.8%, and 53.6% respectively. Being a GP/specialist [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 10.6, 95% CI (2.13-52.9)] and the presence of an IP manual at work [aOR = 3.43, 95% CI (1.33-8.82)] were factors connected with good IP knowledge. The presence of sufficient PPE in the work area [aOR = 2.73, 95% CI (1.36-5.50)] and IP training [aOR = 3.05, 95% CI (1.28-7.29)] were factors associated with a favorable attitude toward IP. Good IP practice was linked to having enough personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace [aOR = 3.63, 95% CI (1.71-7.72)] and having good IP knowledge [aOR = 3.08, 95% CI (1.39-6.86)].

Conclusion:

The level of KAP of IP among study participants was poor. The provision of adequate PPE, IP manuals and in-service training will help to improve the KAP of healthcare professionals toward IP. Therefore, the hospital management authority and other concerned stakeholders like local NGOs and regional health bureau should provide consistent support to the health professionals in terms of training, resources, and infrastructure to improve and integrate universal precaution in everyday services.
Emotions and behavioral intentions in response to ostracism attributed to a perceived lack of warmth versus competence
Authors: Kip Anneloes , Erle Thorsten M. , Sleegers Willem W. A. , van Beest Ilja
Published: December 2023

Individuals who are ostracized (i.e., ignored or excluded by others) experience a range of negative emotions and show various coping behaviors. We investigated whether target attributions of warmth and competence as perceived reasons for ostracism were differently related to emotions and behavioral intentions. In Study 1, participants ( N = 321) recalled a nonspecific ostracism experience. We found no evidence that warmth and competence attributions were distinctly related to emotions or behavioral intentions. In Study 2, participants ( N = 294) were instructed to recall being ostracized for specific reasons (warmth vs. competence). Ostracism attributed to incompetence evoked stronger feelings of anger and less prosocial intentions. Moreover, across both studies, targets primarily felt sad and wanted to withdraw regardless of the perceived reasons for ostracism. In contrast to more explicit forms of exclusion such as rejection, responses to warmth and competence attributions of ostracism may only become more distinguishable depending on context.
Influence of idler misalignment fault on contact and dynamic characteristics of helical gear
Authors: Li Wei , Li XiaoFeng , Li Ziyuan
Published: December 2023

Due to the advantages of stable helical gear transmission, it is widely used in industry, agriculture, and national defense. Shaft misalignment has a great influence on the vibration, bearing capacity, and life of gear transmission. Based on the idler wheel drive system as the research object, according to the principle of gear meshing, the helical gear time-varying contact wire length model was deduced. The dynamic model of the gear transmission system with faults is established considering the faults of the idler's center distance error and angle error, and the influence law of idler misalignment fault on the vibration of the idler transmission system is revealed. On this basis, the finite element model under angle error is established to analyze the contact stress of the tooth surface under different faults and reveal the contact stress distribution law of the tooth surface. The results show that the misalignment fault will change the length of the helical gear contact line. When the gear shaft misaligns, it will increase the axial force of the gear and increase the axial vibration of the gear. Moreover, the angle error will cause uneven load distribution on the tooth surface of the helical gear, which will reduce the contact area of the gear and increase the contact stress. The phenomenon of off-load of gear accelerates the wear of the gear tooth surface and shortens the life of the gear. The study of idler misalignment fault is of great significance for prolonging the life of gear and providing the basis for gear fault diagnosis.
Effective leadership in journalism: Field theory in how journalists evaluate newsroom leadership
Authors: Perreault Gregory P , Tham Samuel M
Published: December 2023

This study considers an aspect of the work experience material to an individual employee’s happiness—their relationship with their supervisor—through the lens of expanding journalism studies scholarship on personal well-being. Considered through field theory, the present study reflects on interviews with U.S. journalists ( n = 27) on their relationship with their supervisor and their perceptions of what constitutes an effective leader in journalism. Journalists largely attributed great leadership to a combination of strong cultural capital and strong symbolic capital within the field.
Setting individualised goals for people living with dementia and their family carers: A systematic review of goal-setting outcome measures and their psychometric properties
Authors: Budgett Jessica , Sommerlad Andrew , Kupeli Nuriye , Zabihi Sedigheh , Olsen Anna , Cooper Claudia
Published: December 2023

Background

Individualised goal-setting outcome measures can be a useful way of reflecting people living with dementia and family carers’ differing priorities regarding quality-of-life domains in the highly heterogeneous symptomatology of the disease. Evaluating goal-setting measures is challenging, and there is limited evidence for their psychometric properties.

Aim

(1) To describe what goal-setting outcomes have been used in this population; (2) To evaluate their validity, reliability, and feasibility in RCTs.

Method

We systematically reviewed studies that utilised goal-setting outcome measures for people living dementia or their family carers. We adapted a risk of bias and quality rating system based on the COSMIN guidelines to evaluate the measurement properties of outcomes when used within RCTs.

Results

Thirty studies meeting inclusion criteria used four different goal-setting outcome measures: Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), Bangor Goal Setting Interview (BGSI), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Individually Prioritized Problems Assessment (IPPA); other papers have reported study-specific goal-setting attainment systems. Only GAS has been used as an outcome over periods greater than 9 months (up to a year). Within RCTs there was moderate quality evidence for sufficient content validity and construct validity for GAS, COPM and the BGSI. Reliability was only assessed in one RCT (using BGSI); in which two raters reviewed interview transcripts to rate goals with excellent inter-rater reliability. Feasibility was reported as good across the measures with a low level of missing data.

Conclusion

We found moderate quality evidence for good content and construct validity and feasibility of GAS, BGSI and COPM. While more evidence of reliability of these measures is needed, we recommend that future trials consider using individualised goal setting measures, to report the effect of interventions on outcomes that are most meaningful to people living with dementia and their families.
Physical activity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Longitudinal change and minimal clinically important difference
Authors: Shingai Kazuya , Matsuda Toshiaki , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Kimura Tomoki , Kataoka Kensuke , Yokoyama Toshiki , Yamano Yasuhiko , Ogawa Tomoya , Watanabe Fumiko , Hirasawa Jun , Reid W. Darlene , Kozu Ryo
Published: December 2023

Background and objective

Reference values of physical activity to interpret longitudinal changes are not available in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to define the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) of longitudinal changes in physical activity in patients with IPF.

Methods

Using accelerometry, physical activity (steps per day) was measured and compared at baseline and 6-months follow-up in patients with IPF. We calculated MCID of daily step count using multiple anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Forced vital capacity and 6-minute walk distance were applied as anchors in anchor-based methods. Effect size and standard error of measurement were used to calculate MCID in distribution-based methods.

Results

One-hundred and five patients were enrolled in the study (mean age: 68.5 ± 7.5 years). Step count significantly decreased from baseline to 6-months follow-up (−461 ± 2402, p = .031). MCID calculated by anchor-based and distribution-based methods ranged from 570-1358 steps.

Conclusion

Daily step count significantly declined over 6-months in patients with IPF. MCID calculated by multiple anchor-based and distribution-based methods was 570 to 1358 steps/day. These findings contribute to interpretation of the longitudinal changes of physical activity that will assist its use as a clinical and research outcome in patients with IPF.
Sensing performance of textile strain sensors with different weave structures
Authors: Fang Liangtai , Dong Zijing , Zhang Mimi , Sun Zhiyuan , Wu Xinyuan , Wu Yujie , Yu Lingjie , Sun Runjun , Zhao Huaxiang , Qian Lijiang , Ying Chengwei
Published: December 2023

Many conductive fabrics have been widely used as fabric strain sensors in recent years due to their excellent flexibility. In this study, high-tenacity polyester warp yarn and silver-coated nylon weft yarn were used to produce six types of conductive fabrics with different structures. The surface morphology of silver-coated nylon yarn was observed under a microscope, and the yarn was placed in an airtight container to test the effect of different humidity on the resistance of the yarn. DM6500 digital multimeter was used to test the resistance sensitivity, fatigue resistance, repeatability, and antistatic properties of conductive fabric samples. The results showed that the change in yarn surface material, external humidity, and strain affected the change in yarn resistance. Different weave structures affected the sensing performance of the fabric. The tighter the structure, the better the sensitivity and antistatic properties, the looser the structure, the better the fatigue resistance and repeatability. Two types of fabric and nylon gloves with different structural tightness are used to make intelligent data gloves. The results showed that both fabrics had good application prospects in limb movement detection.
A Process Evaluation of a Fall Prevention Intervention Using the RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Somerville Emily , Yan Yan , Stark Susan
Published: December 2023

Background:

Home hazard removal programs are effective in reducing falls among older adults, but delivery in the United States is limited.

Objectives:

We completed a process evaluation of the Home Hazard Removal Program (HARP), an intervention delivered by occupational therapists.

Methods:

Using the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance), we examined outcomes using descriptive statistics and frequency distribution. We examined differences between covariates using Pearson correlation coefficients and two-sample t tests.

Results:

79.1% of eligible older adults participated (reach); they experienced a 38% reduction in fall rates (effectiveness). Ninety percent of recommended strategies were completed (adoption), 99% of intervention elements were delivered (implementation), and 91% of strategies were still used at 12 months (maintenance). Participants received an average of 258.6 minutes of occupational therapy. An average of US$765.83 was spent per participant to deliver the intervention.

Conclusions:

HARP has good reach, effectiveness, adherence, implementation, and maintenance and is a low-cost intervention.
Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery: A Predictor for Opioid Prescriptions
Authors: Steuer Adam , Polo Katie M. , Little Lauren , Madrigrano Andrea , Taylor Steven J.
Published: December 2023

Occupational therapy practitioners have a unique and vital role among interprofessional health care teams toward facilitating occupational participation among breast cancer survivors. This study investigated the relationship between acute medicine occupational therapy services after breast cancer reconstructive surgeries (BCRS) and a number of prescription refills 90 days after surgery. This retrospective study ran binary logistic regression analyses on 562 women after BCRS for refills of opioid and non-opioid medication. Both models were statistically significant, χ2(7df) = 23.001, p = .002; χ2(7df) = 32.312, p < .001, indicating the ability to distinguish who received opioid or non-opioid refills, respectively. While younger age was a significant predictor across both models, occupational therapy was only significant for opioid refills; each was associated with fewer refills. Early occupational therapy treatment after BCRS is associated with fewer opioid prescriptions 90 days after surgery, therefore enhancing occupation throughout this timeframe is beneficial.
Focus Group With Parents of Children With Mental and Behavioral Health Concerns
Authors: Stevenson Brittney , Bolton Tiffany , Dare Nathaniel
Published: December 2023

Background:

Scholars from multiple fields have shown that parents raising a child with mental and behavioral health concerns (MBHC) need additional support. We need parents to self-identify necessary supports as a basis for intervention planning.

Objectives:

In this study, we examined what parents say they need from professionals to support their families.

Methodology:

Occupational therapy faculty and students employed a strengths-based coaching approach to conduct a focus group with five parents. We conducted qualitative thematic analysis and used inductive coding to identify themes related to unmet self-identified needs of families. We refined themes through an iterative process and achieved 93% agreement after three rounds of coding.

Results:

Four themes emerged from the transcript analysis: External Control, Internal Competence, Relating to Others, and Role of Self-Care.

Conclusion:

Professionals must consider the unique needs identified by parents who have children with MBHC when planning interventions within our education and health care systems.
Endovascular therapy versus medical management for mild strokes due to medium and distal vessel occlusions
Authors: Nedelcu Simona , Gulati Akanksha , Henninger Nils
Published: December 2023

Background

Distal and medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) strokes account for up to 40% of all acute ischemic strokes, many of which have a low initial deficit severity. Increasingly, endovascular treatment (EVT) is considered for these patients. However, there is a paucity of data comparing potential safety and efficacy of EVT versus best medical management (BMT) in these patients, particularly when presenting with mild symptoms.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive DMVO patients with NIHSS ≤6 who presented between January 2018 and December 2021 within 24 h from last seen well. We compared early and late clinical outcomes, as well as safety outcomes using multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses to determine whether EVT was independently associated with the outcomes of interest.

Results

We included 80 subjects that fulfilled our study criteria (n = 41 BMT and n = 39 EVT). On adjusted analyses, when comparing EVT and BMT groups, there was no statistical difference in the NIHSS at discharge (Coefficient = −0.6, 95%-CI = −3.45–2.26, p = 0.678) or in the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge (Coefficient = 0.37, 95%-CI = −0.52–1.25, p = 0.408). Furthermore, there was no difference in the 3-month mRS defined as good (mRS 0–2) (OR = 0.56, 95%-CI = 0.17–1.83, p = 0.341) or excellent (mRS 0–1) (OR = 0.45, 95%-CI = 0.15–1.34, p = 0.152). Finally, there was no difference in the incidence of all-type parenchymal hemorrhage (OR = 0.9, 95%-CI = 0.22–3.62, p = 0.879).

Conclusions

We found that among DMVO patients with low admission NIHSS treatment with EVT versus BMT was associated with similar outcomes. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Comparative cost analysis of endovascular and open approaches for elective treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Lauzier David C , Cler Samuel J , Srienc Anja I , Patel Bhuvic , Pierce Andrew , Gagne Jason , Vellimana Ananth K , Chatterjee Arindam R , Kansagra Akash P , Moran Christopher J , Zipfel Gregory J , Osbun Joshua W
Published: December 2023

Background

Intracranial aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery can be treated using several open surgical and endovascular approaches. Given the growing evidence of clinical equipoise between these various treatment strategies, there is a need to assess the costs associated with each.

Methods

Cost of aneurysm treatment was divided into two categories for comparison. “Initial cost” comprised the total in-hospital expenses for initial aneurysm treatment and “total cost” comprised initial aneurysm treatment and all expenses relating to readmission due to treatment-related complications, prescribed catheter angiograms for monitoring of treatment stability, and any retreatments needed for a given aneurysm. The open surgical group was subdivided into a pterional approach group and a lateral supraorbital (LSO) approach group for.

Results

Median initial cost was $37,152 (IQR $31,318–$44,947) for aneurysms treated with the pterional approach, $29,452 (IQR $27,779–$32,826) for aneurysms treated with the LSO approach, and $19,587 (IQR $14,125–$30,521) for aneurysms treated with endovascular approaches. The median total cost was $39,737 (IQR $33,891–$62,259) for aneurysms treated with the pterional approach, $31,785 (IQR $29,513–$41,099) for aneurysms treated with the LSO approach, and $24,578 (IQR $18,977–$34,547) for aneurysms treated with endovascular approaches. Analysis of variance test demonstrated variance across groups for both initial and total cost ( p = 0.004, p = 0.008, respectively). In our subsequent analysis, initial cost and total cost were higher in the pterional group than the endovascular group ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of elective aneurysms has a significantly lower cost than open surgical treatment with the pterional approach, but not with the LSO approach. For aneurysms not amenable to endovascular treatment, a minimally invasive LSO approach carries a lower cost burden than a pterional approach.