bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorblind Racial Ideology Among Teachers of Gifted Students and Its Relationship With Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Authors: Ottwein Jessica K. , Mun Rachel U.
Published: July 2023

Culturally responsive instruction is recommended to mitigate disparities in the retention of racially and ethnically diverse students in gifted programs. However, the endorsement of colorblind racial ideology is associated with lower multicultural teaching competency and the adoption of deficit perspectives of students of color. The present study examined the relationship between colorblind racial ideology and multicultural teaching competency among a sample of 2,323 Texas teachers who report providing instruction for students identified as gifted and talented in either general or gifted-specific settings. Multiple regression analysis found that racial colorblindness, sex, and multicultural teaching knowledge predicted the self-reported implementation of culturally responsive instruction when teaching gifted students, while gifted-specific training and school diversity had no effects. Implications relate to the necessity of addressing teachers’ racial beliefs and ensuring that gifted-specific professional development equips teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary for meeting the needs of diverse gifted students.
Beyond the scene: The importance of time consumed on incident report task components in workload-based patrol allocation and deployment assessments
Authors: Chartrand Eric , Verret Eric‐Alexandre
Published: July 2023

Based on the conclusions of a workload-based assessment of patrol staffing needs conducted at a Canadian police force between 2012 and 2016, this article highlights the importance of capturing time spent on components of calls for service (CFS) that result in an incident report for police allocation and deployment analyses. Initial Computer-Aided Dispatch System (CAD) data analysis suggested that CFS that results in an incident report have a significantly higher completion time than other types of calls. In order to account for CFS handling phases that were not captured by CAD data, a survey was conducted to measure the time spent on the scene, the time spent by backup units on the call, the time spent with the person arrested or taken in charge and time spent on subsequent administrative duties. Research findings suggest that CFS that require the completion of an incident report generate most of the reactive workload of patrol officers, even if they frequently constitute a minority of calls. Results also reveal that the use of supplemental data to assess the workload generated by incidents reports may allow the use of a workload-based approach in police agencies that record less than 15 000 citizen-initiated calls for service per year.
Integrating Technology into Language Teaching Practice in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Age: From a Korean English as a Foreign Language Context
Authors: Jeong Kyeong-Ouk
Published: August 2023

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a transformation in the traditional teaching practices of language classrooms in the post-COVID-19 pandemic digital age. The surge of innovative pedagogical resources and options has played a significant role in this transformation. The integration of digital technology has been recognized as a crucial means of promoting digital literacy, which is regarded as an essential skill in the current climate. In the realm of language education, this paradigm shift has encouraged educators to adopt new technological components and incorporate them into their course contents and activities to cater to the needs of the new digital generation of learners. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of integrating social networking services such as KakaoTalk and YouTube into mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in supporting Korean English as a foreign language (EFL) university students’ language learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study gathered quantitative and qualitative data through survey questionnaire, online interview and interactive presentation tool. The result of this study revealed that the integration of social networks and MALL could support EFL university students’ language learning experience and boost students’ motivation and engagement in their learning process. This study also suggested that the concept of MALL could contribute to cultivating positive dynamics of classroom interaction. The findings of the study highlight the benefits of incorporating technology in language education and the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of learners in a rapidly changing post-COVID-19 pandemic digital landscape.
How Degree Major and Demographic Factors Influence Employment and Earnings for College Graduates With Visual Impairments
Authors: McDonnall Michele C. , Cmar Jennifer L. , McKnight Zhen
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors of employment and earnings for college graduates with visual impairments, with an emphasis on the impact of college degree major on these outcomes. We utilized American Community Survey data to conduct a multinomial logistic regression analysis predicting employment (full-time/full-year versus less than full-time/full-year and not working) and a multiple regression analysis predicting annual earnings. Our predictor variables included demographic factors previously related to employment outcomes plus 25 college degree majors. Degree majors explained little variance in employment and earnings, although several specific majors were associated with these outcomes. Five majors predicted both: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Nursing, Accounting, and Finance. Age, gender, race, receipt of Social Security benefits, additional disabilities, having an advanced degree, and class of worker (earnings model only) were stronger predictors of employment outcomes than degree major. Degree majors that had significant relationships with earnings and employment in our study generally coincide with those for the general population. Vocational rehabilitation counselors should inform their consumers with visual impairments who are pursuing a college degree of differences in earnings and employment rates based on degree major.
A performing arts centre for whom? Rethinking the architect as negotiator of urban imaginaries
Authors: Goudsmit Inge , Kaika Maria , Verloo Nanke
Published: July 2023

In this study, we interpret architecture not as a single imaginary stemming from architects and architectural patrons, but as the result of negotiating urban politics and urban imaginaries between different stakeholders, including policymakers, citizens, and developers. We focus in particular on the role of architects within this process as mediators between different stakeholders, who nevertheless have their own specific agenda to pursue. We draw on an empirical case of the Taipei Performing Arts Centre, a cultural flagship project built in Taiwan and designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture. Through a review of internal documents, interviews, and content analysis on archival data, we expose the controversy over the integration of the historical ‘low culture’ local food market into the design for the new ‘high culture’ Performing Arts Centre. Although the architects imagined and pursued the integration of the new centre into the existing local culture, both policymakers and local citizens contested this attempt. The study concludes that, despite claims from both policymakers and architects of representing ‘the people’, there were often misunderstandings, deliberate or otherwise, regarding the needs of ‘the people’ or indeed of who ‘the people’ are.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine (Deep) Learning in Otorhinolaryngology: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on VOSviewer and CiteSpace
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Wu Qilong , Jiang Li , Zeng Xiaoyun , Wang Yuyao , Yuan Yi , Wang Bingxuan , Zhang Tianhong
Published: July 2023

Background:

Otorhinolaryngology diseases are well suited for artificial intelligence (AI)-based interpretation. The use of AI, particularly AI based on deep learning (DL), in the treatment of human diseases is becoming more and more popular. However, there are few bibliometric analyses that have systematically studied this field.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to visualize the research hot spots and trends of AI and DL in ENT diseases through bibliometric analysis to help researchers understand the future development of basic and clinical research.

Methods:

In all, 232 articles and reviews were retrieved from The Web of Science Core Collection. Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords in the field were visualized and examined.

Results:

The majority of these papers came from 44 nations and 498 institutions, with China and the United States leading the way. Common diseases used by AI in ENT include otosclerosis, otitis media, nasal polyps, sinusitis, and so on. In the early years, research focused on the analysis of hearing and articulation disorders, and in recent years mainly on the diagnosis, localization, and grading of diseases.

Conclusions:

The analysis shows the periodical hot spots and development direction of AI and DL application in ENT diseases from the time dimension. The diagnosis and prognosis of otolaryngology diseases and the analysis of otolaryngology endoscopic images have been the focus of current research and the development trend of future.
‘The non-interference principle’: Debating online platforms’ treatment of editorial content in the European Union's Digital Services Act
Authors: Papaevangelou Charis
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the negotiations surrounding the treatment of journalistic content in relation to content regulation in the context of the European Union's Digital Services Act. News media organisations lobbied for a privileged treatment of editorial content from platforms’ content moderation systems during the Digital Services Act's negotiations in the European Parliament, which came to be known as ‘non-interference principle’. Although the principle did not make it to the final version of the Digital Services Act, a provision related to the respect of media pluralism and media freedom by platforms was added. This article draws data from in-depth interviews with stakeholders, as well as from an analysis of legal and communication documents. It aspires to shed light on the political-economic tensions that shaped the final version of Digital Services Act and how the European Union attempted to integrate the asymmetric relationship between news media and platforms in its regulatory agenda.
Action-conditional implicit visual dynamics for deformable object manipulation
Authors: Shen Bokui , Jiang Zhenyu , Choy Christopher , Savarese Silvio , Guibas Leonidas J. , Anandkumar Anima , Zhu Yuke
Published: July 2023

Manipulating volumetric deformable objects in the real world, like plush toys and pizza dough, brings substantial challenges due to infinite shape variations, non-rigid motions, and partial observability. We introduce ACID, an action-conditional visual dynamics model for volumetric deformable objects based on structured implicit neural representations. ACID integrates two new techniques: implicit representations for action-conditional dynamics and geodesics-based contrastive learning. To represent deformable dynamics from partial RGB-D observations, we learn implicit representations of occupancy and flow-based forward dynamics. To accurately identify state change under large non-rigid deformations, we learn a correspondence embedding field through a novel geodesics-based contrastive loss. To evaluate our approach, we develop a simulation framework for manipulating complex deformable shapes in realistic scenes and a benchmark containing over 17,000 action trajectories with six types of plush toys and 78 variants. Our model achieves the best performance in geometry, correspondence, and dynamics predictions over existing approaches. The ACID dynamics models are successfully employed for goal-conditioned deformable manipulation tasks, resulting in a 30% increase in task success rate over the strongest baseline. Furthermore, we apply the simulation-trained ACID model directly to real-world objects and show success in manipulating them into target configurations. https://b0ku1.github.io/acid/
Granulomatous mural folliculitis in 16 domestic goats: Infection with malignant catarrhal fever viruses and colocalization with ovine herpesvirus-2 using in situ hybridization
Authors: Westermann Thomas , Demeter Elena Alina , Diel Diego G. , Renshaw Randall W. , Laverack Melissa A. , Gerdes Rhea S. , Peters-Kennedy Jeanine
Published: July 2023

Granulomatous mural folliculitis (GMF) is an uncommon reaction pattern occasionally observed in nonadapted ruminant hosts infected with malignant catarrhal fever viruses. This report characterizes GMF and concurrent cutaneous lesions in 16 goats with crusting dermatitis using histochemistry including hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, and Grocott’s methenamine silver, and immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, and cytokeratin AE1/3. Infiltrates in all 16 GMF cases consisted of macrophages and fewer T lymphocytes, and variably included eosinophils, multinucleated histiocytic giant cells, and/or neutrophils. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded skin and fresh skin samples from caprine GMF cases were tested using pan-herpesvirus nested conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and partial sequencing, ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) real-time PCR, and OvHV-2 colorimetric in situ hybridization (ISH). Five of 16 goats with GMF (31%) were PCR positive for malignant catarrhal fever viruses, including caprine herpesvirus 3 in 1 goat and OvHV-2 in 4 goats. Three goats also had positive intranuclear OvHV-2 hybridization signal in follicular keratinocytes, among other cell types, localized to areas of GMF. Herpesviruses were not detected in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded skin of 9 goats without GMF. This case series describes relatively frequent detections of malignant catarrhal fever viruses in the skin of goats with GMF, including the first report of caprine herpesvirus 3, and localizes OvHV-2 infected follicular keratinocytes within areas of GMF.
Feline sporotrichosis: Characterization of cutaneous and extracutaneous lesions using different diagnostic methods
Authors: Santos Agna F. , Azevedo Maria I. , Amaral Camila I. , Grom Nikollye A. , Marinho Fabricio , de Oliveira Camila S. F. , de M. Soares Danielle F. , Morais Maria H. F. , Brandão Silvana T. , Menezes Rodrigo C. , Ecco Roselene
Published: July 2023

Sporotrichosis is a mycotic infection of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues caused by Sporothrix spp. that can also cause extracutaneous manifestations. This study aimed to characterize cutaneous and extracutaneous sporotrichosis lesions in cats. Over 1 year, 102 cats rescued by the Zoonoses Control Center of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, euthanized with clinical suspicion of feline sporotrichosis were evaluated. After euthanasia, the animals were evaluated by macroscopic, cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations; fungal culture; and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sporothrix infection was identified by at least one diagnostic technique in all cats (n = 102) evaluated by postmortem examination, including 26/28 cases (93%) evaluated by IHC, 66/90 cases (73%) evaluated by cytology, 70/102 cases (68.6%) evaluated by histopathology, and 62/74 cases (84%) evaluated by fungal culture. Two cats had positive results only by fungal culture. Cytology and histopathology examinations were effective in diagnosing sporotrichosis, although IHC was needed to confirm the diagnosis in cats with low fungal loads. Sporothrix brasiliensis was confirmed by the sequencing of 3 samples. Skin lesions were characterized mainly by pyogranulomatous to granulomatous dermatitis (frequently with subcutaneous inflammation) with different intensities of Sporothrix spp. yeast. Extracutaneous findings associated with sporotrichosis included rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, lymphadenitis, pneumonia, meningitis, periorchitis, conjunctivitis, and glossitis. Extracutaneous infections were observed in 74/102 cases, and a possible association between the chronicity of the disease and the higher pathogenicity of this fungal species in cats requires further investigation.
Data-Driven Evaluation Methodology for Active Traffic Management Systems Utilizing Sparse Speed Data
Authors: Robbennolt Jake , Hourdos John
Published: July 2023

Many active traffic management systems and transportation systems management and operations strategies have been evaluated for safety based on crash reduction over time. These long-term studies are effective in showing the safety benefits of new systems, but do not often quantify other factors such as travel time, the extent of congestion, or the environmental impacts. Building on previous research into spatiotemporal interpolation of speed data, this methodology developed a mathematical representation of the speed and acceleration potential of the traffic stream given the sparse speed data from point sensors. This high-resolution estimate of traffic state could be used to construct trajectories of vehicles the could include data on vehicle speed and acceleration at each location in space and point in time. This methodology is general, and the trajectories could be used to evaluate traffic flow in several different ways. In the case study provided, trajectories were used to evaluate the ability of a queue warning algorithm to detect and warn drivers about unsafe conditions. Other potential applications include utilizing these trajectories to calculate fuel consumption, travel times, and speed variability to determine how new systems affect fundamental traffic characteristics.
Comparing Urban Air Mobility Network Airspaces: Experiments and Insights
Authors: Cummings Christopher , Mahmassani Hani
Published: July 2023

Urban air mobility (UAM) systems include a network of (un)structured airspaces. The geometry and operations on these networks affect system performance across several goals including safety, efficiency, and externalities. The primary goal of this work is to find and illustrate the safety, efficiency, and externality trade-offs between different styles of network architecture. To do so, this paper uses a microscopic traffic simulator for UAM aircraft to experiment with different network architectures. Key performance measures reflecting the varied system goals are considered. Comparisons of network performance at varying demand levels illustrate the different behavior of traffic and congestion for each network architecture. The results indicate that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for network designs, rather there are trade-offs between designs. Fewer network restrictions and organization allow for routing efficiencies at the cost of a higher conflict rate and greater congestion at high demand levels. Greater network restrictions and organization can reduce the conflict rate and effectively manage high levels of demand but may suffer from locally concentrated conflicts and trajectories in addition to routing inefficiency. The insights will interest airspace researchers, regulators, and UAM operators as they consider appropriate future designs of airspace to accommodate UAM operations.
Learning from the Past: Continuity as a Dimension of Transformation
Authors: Hoggan-Kloubert Tetyana
Published: August 2023

The article discusses (the restoration of a sense of) continuity as a necessary part of transformative learning. Using the lenses of rhythm theory, biographical learning, and memory studies, it highlights both the individual and social dimensions for making sense of the past after a period of change. Discussing the example of an individual transformation and the social transition of Eastern Europe in the 1980s–1990s, it explores two aspects of the transformation process: the need for stability and the selective and altering nature of our process of remembrance. It advocates for developing the capacity to reflect on how we relate to our past and how we narrate the course of our lives.
Breastfeeding Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Race/Ethnicity, Age, Education, and Insurance Payor
Authors: McCloskey Kiran , Henao David , Gregory Chere , Corsig Laura , Plummer Dianne
Published: July 2023

Background:

There are well-documented disparities in rates of continued breastfeeding. Existing research regarding breastfeeding during COVID-19 has raised concerns that the pandemic may have exacerbated these disparities.

Research Aims:

The aim of this research was first to quantify disparities in any breastfeeding associated with the maternal factors of race/ethnicity, age, insurance payor, and zip code rates of education in North Carolina. Second, we aimed to investigate any changes in these disparities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

This was an observational study, with a retrospective, longitudinal design. Participants included infants who were born in one of eight medical centers across North Carolina from either September 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019 (pre-COVID: n = 1,104) or from April 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020, (during COVID: n = 1,157), and whose caregivers reported whether they were breastfeeding at either a 3-month or 6-month postnatal follow-up ( N = 2,261). Mixed effects logistic models, including random effects of zip code, assessed predictors associated with probability of breastfeeding cessation at 3- and 6-month child well-check.

Results:

Overall, younger maternal age, being non-Hispanic Black, not having commercial insurance, and residing in a zip code with lower rates of higher education, were all independently associated with earlier breastfeeding cessation across both cohorts. Disparities did not significantly change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion:

We did not find support for the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic might have exacerbated breastfeeding disparities. Nevertheless, there is a continued need to eliminate existing disparities.
Optimal assembly sequence planning with tool uncertainties
Authors: Champatiray Chiranjibi , Bahubalendruni M V A Raju , Mahapatra Rabindra Narayan , Mishra Debasisha
Published: July 2023

Developing a practical and feasible assembly sequence plan for industrial applications is still challenging during product design and planning. Because of the need for more consideration of practical uncertainties, most of the assembly sequence plans generated by planners are inapplicable to real industrial-based problems. We have considered a crucial practical uncertainty attribute, tool uncertainties, in the current research. A novel approach has been proposed to generate optimal robotic assembly sequence plans by combining tool accessibility and part geometry. This research introduces two essential assembly tool accessibility attributes: tool-integrated geometric feasibility and tool-swept volume. In addition, the automatic extraction of tool accessibility attributes has been proposed. The proposed method is explained with a proper model and essential details such as liaison data, tool-integrated bounding box coordinates, tool-integrated geometric feasibility, and tool-swept volume data. Finally, the practical feasibility of the proposed method is verified for a different product configuration.
Stem Cells Attenuate the Inflammation Crosstalk Between Ischemic Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis: A Review
Authors: Monsour Molly , Gordon Jonah , Lockard Gavin , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: July 2023

The immense neuroinflammation induced by multiple sclerosis (MS) promotes a favorable environment for ischemic stroke (IS) development, making IS a deadly complication of MS. The overlapping inflammation in MS and IS is a prelude to the vascular pathology, and an inherent cell death mechanism that exacerbates neurovascular unit (NVU) impairment in the disease progression. Despite this consequence, no therapies focus on reducing IS incidence in patients with MS. To this end, the preclinical and clinical evidence we review here argues for cell-based regenerative medicine that will augment the NVU dysfunction and inflammation to ameliorate IS risk.
Spiritual Coping Among Families of Children With Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chong Agnes Shu Sze , Ahmad Mahadir Bin , Alias Hamidah , Iqbal Hussain Rizuana Binti , Lateh Afifi Bin , Chan Caryn Mei Hsien
Published: July 2023

The impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis precipitates caregiver’s engagement in spiritual coping. This study aimed to explore spirituality among Malaysian Muslim caregivers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A total of 13 eligible caregivers participated in this qualitative semi-structured interview via purposive sampling. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 12 via thematic analysis. Three main themes revolved around hope through the act of praying and recitation (du‘ā’ and dhikr), acceptance of God’s will (redha), and faith toward God as the Provider of sustenance (rezeki). The findings of this study contribute to a holistic supportive care system in pediatric oncology as it informs health care providers the role of spirituality in mitigating the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and promoting psychological adaptation. As a multicultural country, future studies may explore spirituality in other cultures and religion in the country.
Inclusionary Policies for Migrant and Refugee Students in Greek Education
Authors: Panagiotis Giavrimis
Published: August 2023

The present study aims to explore the views of lower secondary education teachers on the inclusion policies of immigrant and refugee students in Greek education. Fourteen secondary school teachers, six men and eight women, participated in the survey. The research was conducted using the semi-structured interview method. The results showed that the Greek language is a crucial factor supporting their adaptation to education. At the same time, in educational policy issues, most of them highlighted the problems in the material and technical infrastructure and the training of teachers.
Risk Stratification for Supratherapeutic Peak Anti-Xa Levels in Adult Patients on Therapeutic Enoxaparin
Authors: Sheredy Shane A. , Stone Andrew C. , Mostafavifar Ahmad M. , Mostafavifar Lisa G. , Smith Rachel M. , Doepker Bruce A.
Published: July 2023

Background:

The American Society of Hematology Guidelines for the management of venous thromboembolism recommend against the use of anti-Xa monitoring for assessing enoxaparin dosing based on a low level of evidence associating supratherapeutic levels with an increased risk of bleeding. However, institutions still utilize anti-Xa levels in select patient populations with altered volume of distribution and/or excretion to monitor and adjust therapy.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with supratherapeutic peak anti-Xa levels (≥1.10 IU/mL) for patients receiving therapeutic enoxaparin.

Methods:

This was a retrospective single-center study performed at an academic tertiary care hospital. Patients who received enoxaparin at 1 mg/kg twice daily and peak anti-Xa monitoring were separated into supratherapeutic and therapeutic/subtherapeutic cohorts.

Results:

A total of 436 patients were screened, and 215 were included, with a mean age of 62 years. There were 108 in the therapeutic/subtherapeutic cohort and 107 in the supratherapeutic cohort. Acute kidney injury (AKI), body mass index (BMI), weight, female sex, intensive care unit (ICU) service, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥4, and creatinine clearance at the time of peak anti-Xa level collection were associated with supratherapeutic anti-Xa levels in univariate models. Adjusted logistic regression models were created and identified BMI in the 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70-11.13, P < 0.005) and ≥35 kg/m2 (OR 6.75; 95% CI 3.05-14.94, P < 0.005) and AKI (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.04-6.62, P = 0.042) as significant risk factors for supratherapeutic anti-Xa levels.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Our study identified BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, AKI, female sex, ICU service, SOFA score ≥4, and creatinine clearance as risk factors for supratherapeutic anti-Xa levels in patients receiving 1 mg/kg twice daily dosing of enoxaparin. Further research should be done to provide evidence for the association between anti-Xa levels and bleeding risk.
Can City Deals Improve Economic Performance? Evidence from England
Authors: Alonso José M. , Andrews Rhys
Published: August 2023

City deals – place-based agreements between central and local state actors – are an increasingly common intervention for supporting economic performance in urban areas. This paper presents empirical evidence on the effectiveness of city deals by estimating the impact of the UK's City Deals scheme on rates of economic growth, productivity and job creation across England between 2010 and 2019. Because the City Deals were introduced in two waves, we estimate its effects using a differences-in-differences (DiD) with multiple time periods (MTPs) approach. Our DiD estimates indicate that, overall, the City Deals were associated with improvements in local economic performance, but that the first wave of city deals resulted in gains of around 2.5% to 3% that were not observed in the second wave. These results suggest that city deals are most effective when appropriate institutional structures are in place and highlight the value of MTP approaches.
A problem for a material surface attached to the boundary of an elastic semi-plane
Authors: Zemlyanova Anna Y
Published: July 2023

A problem for a nano-sized material surface attached to the boundary of an elastic isotropic semi-plane is considered. The semi-plane and the material surface are assumed to be in a plane strain state under the action of a normal external tractions applied to the material surface. The material surface is modeled using the Steigmann–Ogden form of surface energy. The problem is solved using integral representations of stresses and displacements. With the help of these representations, the problem can be reduced to either a system of two singular integral equations or a single singular integral equation. Two types of material surface tip conditions are considered: tip conditions with an uncompensated surface prestress (free tip conditions) and tip conditions with a compensated surface prestress term. The numerical solution of the system of singular integral equations is obtained by expanding each unknown function into a series based on the Chebyshev polynomials. Then, the approximations of the unknown functions can be obtained from a system of linear algebraic equations. Accuracy of the numerical procedure is studied. Various numerical examples for different values of the surface energy parameters are considered. It is shown that both the surface parameters and the type of tip conditions have significant influence on the behavior of the material system.
Exploring Food-Based Cultural Practices to Address Food Insecurity in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Batey Lauren , DeWitt Emily , Brewer Dawn , Cardarelli Kathryn M. , Norman-Burgdolf Heather
Published: August 2023

Background

Health behaviors, like diet, are influenced by a person’s culture and the society where they reside, contributing to the presence of health disparities within a unique region. Such disparities are evident in Central Appalachia where a unique cultural identity exists. Culture-based initiatives focused on improving food security and other nutritional challenges have had success in other diverse groups, yet similar interventions considering geographically tied culture, like Appalachia, are limited.

Aim

This study aims to identify specific aspects of Appalachian culture that address food insecurity to inform future initiatives that may improve adult dietary habits and food security status.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from five focus groups in one rural Central Appalachian community in 2021 (n=59). Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory Approach.

Results

Four primary themes related to culture and food insecurity emerged: 1) Community decline and economic hardship 2) Shifts in multigenerational food traditions 3) Response to limited food access and 4) Value of social and familial units. Participants revealed adaptations they have made in the face of geographic isolation and poverty and the pride they take in providing for themselves and one another.

Conclusion

These findings indicate the people of Appalachia are unknowingly leveraging cultural practices to address food insecurity, yet the impact of these practices on nutritional status remains unknown. These results have implications for future studies and interventions in Appalachia which may have greater success by accounting for cultural influences compared to traditional approaches for reducing food insecurity in the region.
The Latest Developments in Using Proteomic Biomarkers from Urine and Serum for Non-Invasive Disease Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Shama Anurag , Soni Thomson , Jawanda Ishwerpreet Kaur , Upadhyay Garima , Sharma Anshika , Prabha Vijay
Published: July 2023

Due to diagnostic improvements, medical diagnostics is demanding non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. Non-invasively obtained body fluids (eg., Urine, serum) can replace cerebral fluid, amniotic fluid, synovial fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and others for diagnostic reasons. Many illnesses are induced by perturbations of cellular signaling pathways and associated pathway networks as a result of genetic abnormalities. These disturbances are represented by a shift in the protein composition of the fluids surrounding the tissues and organs that is, tissue interstitial fluid (TIF). These variant proteins may serve as diagnostic “signatures” for a variety of disorders. This review provides a concise summary of urine and serum biomarkers that may be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of a variety of disorders, including cancer, brain diseases, kidney diseases, and other system diseases. The studies reviewed in this article suggest that serum and urine biomarkers of various illnesses may be therapeutically useful for future diagnostics. Correct illness management is crucial for disease prognosis, hence non-invasive serum and urine biomarkers have been extensively studied for diagnosis, subclassification, monitoring disease activity, and predicting treatment results and consequences.
Endoscopic Management of a Double Duodenal Web: A Case Report of a Rare Alimentary Anomaly
Authors: Sundin Andrew , Huerta Carlos T , Nguyen Jennifer , Brady Ann-Christina , Hogan Anthony R , Perez Eduardo A
Published: July 2023

Duodenal webs are a rare clinical entity with the presentation of a double duodenal web being exceedingly uncommon. Management of duodenal webs traditionally involves duodenal web excision with duodenoduodenostomy, which is usually performed via a laparoscopic or an open approach. We report the case of a 6-month-old child who presented with progressively worsening bilious emesis with imaging findings concerning for a duodenal web. Endoscopic evaluation was performed that identified 2 webs in the fourth portion of the duodenum. These were managed completely endoscopically with balloon dilation. Although surgery is the mainstay of treatment of duodenal webs, this patient was successfully managed by endoscopic intervention without the need for open or laparoscopic excision, which has not been previously described for double duodenal webs. This work demonstrates the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management for infants with this anomaly.
We-experiences and the maintenance of workplace friendships: Being workplace friends together
Authors: Korber Stefan , Hibbert Paul , Callagher Lisa , Siedlok Frank , Elsahn Ziad
Published: July 2023

In this article, we are interested in how togetherness in workplace friendships is experienced in the absence of physical co-presence. We explore practices through which we-experiences, that is, shared experiences that produce feelings of togetherness, are realized and maintained across time and space and how different we-experiences constitute different modes of togetherness. Findings from our autoethnographic phenomenological study suggest four modes. Transactive togetherness as vivid and intense we-experiences in the face of tight deadlines but little genuine we-experiences at other times. Retrospective togetherness as re-lived we-experiences when shared memories or stories are retold, recalled, and ‘brought back to life’. Associative togetherness as we-experiences that emerge in the light of immediate emotional and personal challenges that are addressed collectively. Projective togetherness as anticipated we-experiences that emerge from a compelling vision of each other in our work and personal life. We add to the current conversations on the continuous entanglement and interlocking nature of we-experiences, the temporality of togetherness at work, and how friendships are actively accomplished through individuals.
Examining the perceptions and self-reported practices of L2 teachers in China regarding oral fluency: A conceptual replication and extension
Authors: Gan Qiao , Ma Lin
Published: August 2023

This study, a partial replication of Tavakoli and Hunter, examined the perceptions and self-reported practices of 72 second language (L2) teachers of English or Japanese in China regarding oral fluency. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaires and interviews. The findings aligned with the original study conducted in the UK, suggesting that L2 teachers in China often viewed fluency as encompassing speaking ability in a broad sense. Therefore, these teachers reported a large majority of free production tasks that enhanced speaking ability, rather than specifically focusing on fluency development. Collectively, these findings highlight a discrepancy between the scholarly definition of fluency and teachers’ understanding of it, and underscore the importance of examining the impact of teacher perceptions on their practices for promoting fluency. Additionally, this study provided novel insights by exploring the influence of teacher variables on teachers’ confidence in their knowledge about fluency. The findings demonstrated that certified teachers, teachers of multiple L2s, more experienced teachers, and teachers in more socioeconomically advantaged regions exhibited greater confidence in their knowledge about fluency. Furthermore, the interaction effects among various teacher variables were found, underlining the complexity of teachers’ roles in perceiving fluency. Considering the findings from both studies, adopting a narrower definition of fluency and incorporating more fluency-focused activities in the classroom could enhance the effectiveness of fluency teaching. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of considering teachers’ variability in their understanding of fluency.
Pandemics past: Collective memories for a global community?
Authors: Bikmen Nida
Published: July 2023

Collective memories support collective identities and provide lessons for group members to manage present challenges. Three surveys (total N = 1,137) tested whether U.S. nationals who strongly identify with all humanity (IWAH) were more interested in learning about pandemics in history as events that affected the whole world (Study 1) and more knowledgeable about past pandemics (Studies 2a and 2b). Stronger IWAH predicted greater interest in learning about past pandemics, but not greater knowledge of these events. Further, while IWAH was a consistent predictor of support for global cooperation for pandemic preparedness and, to a lesser extent, of compliance with COVID-19 health-protective behaviors, knowledge of past pandemics contributed modestly to these outcomes. These findings suggest that while past pandemics have the potential to become global memories, they are not yet actual global memories that inform a sense of global human identity and offer courses of action for the present.
Frameworks for cultural adaptation of psychosocial interventions: A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Day Sally , Laver Kate , Jeon Yun-Hee , Radford Kylie , Low Lee-Fay
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Psychosocial dementia interventions may be less effective when used with populations for whom they were not initially intended. Cultural adaptation of interventions aims to increase effectiveness of interventions by enhancing cultural relevance. Use of theoretical frameworks may promote more systematic cultural adaptation. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive synthesis of published cultural adaptation frameworks for psychosocial interventions to understand important elements of cultural adaptation and guide framework selection.

Method

Five scientific databases, grey literature and reference lists were searched to January 2023 to identify cultural adaptation frameworks for psychosocial interventions. Papers were included that presented cultural adaptation frameworks for psychosocial interventions. Data were mapped to the framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based interventions, then analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Twelve cultural adaptation frameworks met inclusion criteria. They were mostly developed in the United States and for adaptation of psychological interventions. The main elements of cultural adaptation for psychosocial interventions were modifying intervention content, changing context (where, by whom an intervention is delivered) and consideration of fidelity to the original intervention. Most frameworks suggested that key intervention components must be retained to ensure fidelity, however guidance was not provided on how to identify or retain these key components. Engagement (ways to reach and involve recipients) and cultural competence of therapists were found to be important elements for cultural adaptation.

Conclusions

Comprehensive frameworks are available to guide cultural adaptation of psychosocial dementia interventions. More work is required to articulate how to ensure fidelity during adaptation, including how to identify and retain key intervention components.
RECOMM. Measuring resilient communities: An analytical and predictive tool
Authors: Carta Silvio , Turchi Tommaso , Pintacuda Luigi , Jankovic Ljubomir
Published: July 2023

We present initial findings of our project RECOMM: an analytical tool that evaluates the resilience of urban areas. The tool utilises Deep Neural Networks to identify characteristics of resilience and assigns a resilience score to different urban areas based on the proximity to certain features such as green spaces, buildings, natural elements and infrastructure. The tool also identifies which urban morphological factors have the greatest impact on resilience. The method uses Convolutional Neural Networks with the Keras library on Tensorflow for calculations and the results are displayed in an online demo built with Node.js and React.js. This work contributes to the analysis and design of sustainable cities and communities by offering a tool to assess resilience through urban form.
Single Primary Retrograde Access to Treat Femoro-Popliteal Occlusive Lesions
Authors: Dubosq Maxime , Renard Régis , Jayet Jérémie , Mercier Lucie , Javerliat Isabelle , Castier Yves , Coggia Marc , Coscas Raphael
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

The retrograde puncture of a distal artery is considered a bailout procedure in case of anterograde approach failure for peripheral artery disease (PAD) treatment. A single primary retrograde access has been suggested as an efficient and safe option. As scant data are available, we present our results using this approach.

Material and Methods:

Between August 2019 and October 2022, we performed this technique in selected patients with femoro-popliteal PAD. Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) were selected on the basis of the CTOP classification. An ultrasound-guided retrograde puncture of a tibial artery at the ankle level was performed, followed by the preferential use of 4F materials. Hemostasis of the puncture site was obtained using manual compression. Postoperative duplex scan examination systematically included an evaluation of the punctured artery. Demographics, intraoperative, and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. The results are expressed as means with standard deviations and numbers with percentages when appropriate.

Results:

In total, 55 procedures were performed in 46 patients (9 bilateral). Of these, 57% (N=26) were considered at risk for femoral puncture (obesity, history of groin surgery, challenging crossover approach) and 54% (N=25) presented with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The TASC-II femoro-popliteal classification was generally B (60%) and also C (33%) or D (7%). Mean lesion length was 105.6±49.4 mm and 65% were CTOs. Most patients were operated in an outpatient setting (N=25; 54%) under potentialized local anesthesia (N=41, 89%). The punctured site was the posterior tibial artery in 73% (N=40). The procedure time was 65.1±25.7 minutes, and the fluoroscopy time was 10.7±8.5 minutes. The technical success rate was 100%. There were no intraoperative complications. All patients could walk the same day. One CLTI patient presented an erysipelas related to the puncture in postoperative period. At 30 days, the primary patency of the treated and the punctured arteries were 98% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion:

A single primary retrograde access can be used safely to treat femoro-popliteal PAD. It represents a valuable alternative to the femoral puncture and allows fast ambulation. Prospective and long-term studies on larger populations are necessary to confirm our results.

Clinical Impact

This study demonstrates that a single primary retrograde access can be used safely without damaging the punctured artery to treat femoro-popliteal lesions﻿, especially in claudicant patients. Chronic total occlusions can be treated successfully using this technique. This approach represents a valuable alternative to the femoral puncture and allows fast ambulation without risk of major bleeding.
Film Heritage on Demand? Curation and Discoverability of “Classic Movies” on Netflix
Authors: Česálková Lucie
Published: August 2023

This text examines the phenomenon of the wide-ranging acquisition of archive films into the Netflix library and tries to understand it in terms of the current situation in the VOD market and the perspective of redefining the importance of film heritage in the streaming era. It argues that Netflix’s shift to “classics” is not just part of the company’s general expansion strategy but must be seen in broader context of current VOD market regulations as well as Netflix localization tactics in specific national markets. Most of these films, however, are hidden from the general viewer. Therefore, this study combines analysis of personalization tactics and analysis of curation of “classic movies” to explore how Netflix, with the help of archival films, performs middle-brow cultural taste, and at the same time complicates the relationship between accessibility and discoverability of film heritage online.
The Elephant in the Room
Authors: Piaggesi Alberto , Ferraresi Roberto , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: August 2023

Despite its increasing prevalence, severity, and mortality, Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) still remains an unaddressed critical issue. The management of DFS is adequately performed only in few centers, and clinical outcomes vary, depending on the possibility of patients to access optimal standards of care. To focus on the critical aspects of the management of DFS in Italy with the purpose of suggesting arguments that might have a more general audience, to improve the quality of therapy and accessibility to optimal care, we have written this article.