bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Bronchiolitis Characteristics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Description of Pediatric Emergency Department Visits in a Community Hospital, 2019-2021
Authors: Jurlina, BS Anna , Maul Timothy , Hunsaker, BS Parker , Steffen, BS Meagan , Gawaskar, BS Sameep , Sarandria John , Glass Todd F. , Blake Kathryn , Alexander Kenneth , Rivera-Sepulveda Andrea
Published: October 2023

A retrospective, cross-sectional study of children with bronchiolitis aged 1 to 24 months during an ED visit between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis was used to compare groups. The gamma coefficient was used to measure the association of variables through time. Bronchiolitis cases decreased by 75% from 2019 to 2020 and rose back to prepandemic levels by 2021. Radiographs (gamma −0.443), steroids (gamma −0.298), and bronchodilators (gamma −0.414) decreased during the study period ( P < .001). Laboratory studies (gamma 0.032), viral testing (gamma 0.097), antibiotic use (gamma −0.069), and respiratory support (gamma 0.166) were unchanged. The decrease in steroids and bronchodilators was related to a clinical pathway that discouraged their use. Respiratory support remained unchanged. The COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) seems to have had little effect on the severity or resource utilization associated with bronchiolitis but may have unraveled a potential bronchiolitis phenotype that may have been more prominent during the pandemic.
Generative processes of social vulnerability to flood risk: A proposal for the strategic management of social impacts
Authors: Aznar-Crespo Pablo , Aledo Antonio , Ortiz Guadalupe , Vallejos-Romero Arturo
Published: October 2023

The mainstream approach of social vulnerability to flood risk faces some challenges regarding its ability to address the complexity of its causal processes. The objective of this study was to analyse the causal processes of social vulnerability to flood impacts from a relational perspective. To this end, a social network analysis was performed that identified the conditions and causes of social vulnerability and systematically articulated the relationships between them. This analysis was tested on the specific case of flood risk on the coast of the province of Alicante (SE Spain). To ascertain the conditions and causes of social vulnerability to flood risk, a multidisciplinary group of local experts was consulted, and the resulting data processed in a relational way using Atlas.ti and Gephi softwares. The result was a social vulnerability network comprising 84 nodes and 189 edges distributed into four dimensions: the adaptive capacity of tourists, socio-economic structure, land use planning and risk management. The information was ranked for betweenness centrality, revealing the components with highest causal power of social vulnerability to social impacts in flooding events: low flood risk awareness, economic growth based on real estate boom, property speculation and lack of political interest in flood risk management. This proposal places emphasis on the driving forces of social vulnerability and not exclusively on the specific adaptive conditions of the population, which allows a strategic identification and management of generative forces that ultimately induce the social impacts of floods.
The effects of climate change awareness on mental health: Comparison of climate anxiety and hopelessness levels in Turkish youth
Authors: Ediz Çiçek , Yanik Derya
Published: October 2023

Background:

Climate anxiety, one of the negative emotions created by climate change, is particularly prevalent among climate activists and young individuals who hold a more serious concern for environmental issues.

Aim:

This study aims to determine the effects of climate change awareness on the mental health of young people in Turkey.

Methods:

Designed as a descriptive and two-group comparative study, the target population of this study comprises young individuals aged 15 to 24 who are climate activists and those who are not. The study data was collected through e-questionnaires administered between March 15 and May 10, 2023, using a demographic characteristics form, a climate change anxiety scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The study was completed with a total of 306 participants, including 103 young individuals who are climate activists and 203 young individuals who are not climate activists.

Results:

We determined that young individuals who are climate activists have a high level of climate change anxiety, while those who are not climate activists have a moderate level of climate change anxiety. We found that the levels of hopelessness in both groups are at a mild level. Additionally, within the group of climate activists, we observed that individuals with a higher level of knowledge about climate change tend to exhibit greater levels of hopelessness.

Conclusions:

We identified that as awareness and knowledge about climate change increase, climate change anxiety, and hopelessness also increase. There is a need for studies to determine youth-specific mental health interventions to address mental health issues related to climate change awareness.
Cultural competence of mental health practitioners in the Netherlands
Authors: Hoshmand S , Knegtering H , Spoelstra SK
Published: October 2023

Background:

The importance of providing mental health from a transcultural perspective in establishing a therapeutic alliance is recognized. However, it is currently unknown how many mental health practitioners in the Netherlands feel capable of providing mental healthcare from a transcultural perspective, or if they are familiar with the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI). The CFI is a tool used in mental health care to gather culturally relevant patient information, enhancing cultural sensitivity in treatment. It is also unknown if there is a difference between psychiatrist and psychiatry residents in terms of their cultural competence.

Aims:

This study aimed to assess the self-appraised cultural competence of Dutch psychiatrist and psychiatry residents, including their knowledge of the CFI, and the need for further training.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among psychiatrists and psychiatry residents by means of an online questionnaire.

Results:

Ninety-seven mental health practitioners completed the questionnaire. Of the psychiatrists 70% and of the residents 76% reported that treating patients from cultural backgrounds different from their own background is challenging. Only 44% of psychiatrists and 34% of residents considered themselves sufficiently culturally competent, and 56% and 47% respectively, were uninformed about the CFI. The majority of psychiatrists and residents (70 vs 84%) indicated a need for more training in cultural competence.

Conclusion:

The majority of psychiatrists and residents in The Netherlands considered treating patients from different cultural backgrounds a challenge, reported feeling insufficiently culturally competent, lacked experience with the cultural formulation interview and reported a need for more training in cultural competence.
A Mother’s Voice: The Construction of Maternal Identity Following Perinatal Loss
Authors: Rossen Larissa , Opie Jessica E. , O’Dea Gypsy
Published: October 2023

Background

Maternal identity, a mother’s internalized view of self as mother, has not been studied in relation to perinatal loss. This study aimed to investigate how women construct a sense of maternal identity after the loss of a baby.

Methods

We interviewed 10 mothers who had experienced perinatal loss. A Listening Guide framework for narrative analysis was used to identify patterns of giving voice to the mother’s own story.

Results

We identified 12 overarching voices which fell within three distinct groupings: voices of motherhood, voices of grief, and voices of growth. Although bereaved mothers grappled with constructing their maternal identity, they also demonstrated how maternal identity is individually and intuitively created through an honouring and remembering of the child that was lost, resulting in significant growth.

Conclusions

There is need for a broader definition of what constitutes motherhood to encapsulate diverse mothering experiences, including perinatal loss.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Environmental Sustainability Performance Communication in Tourism: Mediation and Moderation Effects
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jishnu , Balaji M. S. , Jiang Yangyang
Published: October 2023

This study aims to examine how and when different framings of sustainability performance communication influence travelers’ behavioral intentions. Specifically, it examines (1) the effectiveness of sustainability performance communication framing in shaping traveler’s behavioral intentions, (2) the mediating role of perceived commitment to sustainability, and (3) the moderating effect of the level of sustainability performance communicated. The findings of the four experiments conducted revealed that communicating sustainability performance is more effective than not reporting it in determining travelers’ behavioral intentions. Furthermore, an enhancement framing is more effective when communicating sustainability performance than a reduction framing. We also found that tourism provider’s commitment to sustainability explains the impact of sustainability performance communication framing on behavioral intentions. Furthermore, we found that communicating a moderate level of sustainability performance in enhancement framing and a high level in reduction framing is effective. The study provides implications for theory and practice in developing effective sustainability communication.
Cancer Fatalism in the Information Age: A Meta-Analysis of Communicative and Behavioral Correlates
Authors: Chen Minyi , Kim Hye Kyung
Published: October 2023

Cancer information in the media often contains ambiguous, conflicting, or contestable knowledge, which may lead to the cultivation of cancer fatalism. Many believe cancer fatalism poses a significant barrier to cancer prevention and detection behaviors in the population. This meta-analysis synthesized empirical results from 100 studies regarding the associations between cancer fatalism and four categories of communicative and behavioral correlates: (a) media exposure, (b) cancer beliefs, (c) cancer prevention and detection engagement, and (d) cancer information management. Our findings show that cancer fatalism is positively linked to TV exposure and negatively linked to radio or Internet exposure. Cancer fatalism is also positively associated with information avoidance and negatively associated with cancer detection behaviors. This study demonstrates the nature and magnitude of the relationships between cancer fatalism and its antecedents or outcomes and offers useful insights for future investigation and theoretical development in understanding the role of cancer fatalism in communication.
Factors Affecting the Compliance of Curative-Intent Treatment in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Huang Ting-Chieh , Lin Sheng-Kai , Hung Shih-Han , Dang Luong Huu , Chang Wei-Wen , Chiou Tzeon-Jye , Chen Po-Yueh
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the factors that lead to poor compliance in initiating the treatment in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancers. Methods: A total of 193 patients from the head and neck cancer database dated from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020, were analyzed. Variables analyzed included age, gender, primary cancer site, T stage, N stage, M stage, overall stage (I–IV), patient’s residential distance, and the impact of COVID-19. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the significance of these variables in relation to the time to receiving on-time treatment as recommended by specialists. Results: Upon multivariate analysis, the advanced stage and residential distance were significantly associated with initial compliance ( P < .09). The impact of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and COVID-19 shows a borderline significance ( P = .224 and P = .184). Conclusions: The overall stage and patient living distance to the healthcare facility, patient with NPC, and the impact of COVID-19 might affect the compliance of initiating a curative-intent treatment in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancers.
The Solutionist Ethic and the Spirit of Digital Capitalism
Authors: Nachtwey Oliver , Seidl Timo
Published: October 2023

Digital technologies are rapidly transforming economies and societies. Scholars have approached this rise of digital capitalism from various angles. However, relatively little attention has been paid to digital capitalism’s cultural underpinnings and the beliefs of those who develop most digital technologies. In this paper, we argue that a solutionist order of worth – in which value derives from solving social problems through technology – has become central to an emerging spirit of digital capitalism. We use supervised learning to trace the relative importance of different orders of worth in three novel text corpora. We find that solutionism is indeed central to the normative beliefs of digital elites and the broader digital milieu, but not to capitalist discourse at large. We illustrate the importance of these findings by discussing how the spirit of digital capitalism motivates, legitimates, and orients the actions of digital capitalists.
The Lure of Beauty: People Select Representations of Statistical Information Largely Based on Attractiveness, Not Comprehensibility
Authors: Gaissmaier Wolfgang , Tiede Kevin E. , Garcia-Retamero Rocio
Published: October 2023

Objective

People differ in whether they understand graphical or numerical representations of statistical information better. However, assessing these skills is often not feasible when deciding which representation to select or use. This study investigates whether people choose the representation they understand better, whether this choice can improve risk comprehension, and whether results are influenced by participants’ skills (graph literacy and numeracy).

Methods

In an experiment, 160 participants received information about the benefits and side effects of painkillers using either a numerical or a graphical representation. In the “no choice” condition, the representation was randomly assigned to each participant. In the “choice” condition, participants could select the representation they would like to receive. The study assessed gist and verbatim knowledge (immediate comprehension and recall), accessibility of the information, attractiveness of the representation, as well as graph literacy and numeracy.

Results

In the “choice” condition, most (62.5%) chose the graphical format, yet there was no difference in graph literacy or numeracy (nor age or gender) between people who chose the graphical or the numerical format. Whereas choice slightly increased verbatim knowledge, it did not improve gist or overall knowledge compared with random assignment. However, participants who chose a representation rated the representation as more attractive, and those who chose graphs rated them as more accessible than those without a choice.

Limitations

The sample consisted of highly educated undergraduate students with higher graph literacy than the general population. The task was inconsequential for participants in terms of their health.

Conclusions

When people can choose between representations, they fail to identify what they comprehend better but largely base that choice on how attractive the representation is for them.

Highlights

People differ systematically in whether they understand graphical or numerical representations of statistical information better. However, assessing these underlying skills to get the right representation to the right people is not feasible in practice. A simple and efficient method to achieve this could be to let people choose among representations themselves. However, our study showed that allowing participants to choose a representation (numerical v. graphical) did not improve overall or gist knowledge compared with determining the representation randomly, even though it did slightly improve verbatim knowledge. Rather, participants largely chose the representation they found more attractive. Most preferred the graphical representation, including those with low graph literacy. It would therefore be important to develop graphical representations that are not only attractive but also comprehensible even for people with low graph literacy.
Chasing land, chasing crisis: Interrogating speculative urban development through developers’ pursuit of land commodification in Mumbai
Authors: Baliga Anitra
Published: October 2023

Mumbai, along with a few other metropolitan cities in India, witnessed an unprecedented flow of finance capital toward the development of new real estate soon after efforts to liberalize the country’s real estate sector took force in 2005. Fifteen years later, however, the reality on the ground looks bleak. Not only does the demand for housing remain as high as ever before in Mumbai, but hundreds of real estate projects lie unfinished, abandoned, and/or unsold. In its attempt to make sense of the city’s real estate crisis, this paper brings to the fore important insights about the organizing logics of urban land markets. Drawing on an exhaustive database of real estate indicators combined with ethnographic fieldwork, the paper reveals a tendency among Mumbai developers to fight competition by chasing land irrespective of long-term financial prudency, which in turn hinders the development and sale of new real estate. The paper therefore proposes that the reproduction of capitalistic arrangements within Mumbai’s land market is precarious because the very lands that are to be turned into commodities inevitably become entangled in new socio-legal encumbrances, just as the separation of “land from man” begins to seem plausible. By demonstrating how real estate activity is nevertheless, centered problematically, around this unceasing yet always incomplete pursuit of commodified land, the paper contributes to the scholarly project of developing a heterodox conceptualization of land.
Public land, value capture, and the rise of speculative urban governance in post-crisis London
Authors: Bloom Aretousa
Published: October 2023

The capture of value from public land has emerged as a central concern in recent scholarship on urban financialization. Drawing on the case of local authority housing companies in London, this paper explores why and how the local state is engaging in an increasingly speculative mode of land development, and with what effects. By conceptualizing state-led value capture as a political technology of risk management that operates across scales, I develop two key arguments. First, I argue that struggles over the allocation of the risks and costs of public debt have shaped local authorities’ speculative engagement with land. Unlike the case of US municipalities that are structurally reliant on private bond markets, I show how local authorities’ growth politics have been underwritten by the central state and accelerated by budgetary austerity. Second, I argue that this translocation of risk at the scale of the local gives rise to a form of state power organized around the allocation, production, and constant monitoring of financial and political risks. The politics of risk that underpin municipal experiments in state-led value capture combine an embrace of uncertainty and value expansion, with the principles of austerity budgeting, downscaling, and retrenchment. Ultimately, the effects of this form of state intervention are a heightening of uneven development, an exacerbation of local fiscal crisis, and a weakening of democratic governance.
Trajectory Planning Framework Combining Replanning and Hierarchical Planning
Authors: Qin Ping , Liu Fei , Shang Yuze , Guo Zhizhong , Li Zhe
Published: October 2023

To enable autonomous vehicles to respond quickly to changes in the surrounding environment and to generate safe and stable trajectory, we propose a safety-based hierarchical trajectory planning method that divides the planning module into two parts: the planner and the replanning monitor. In the planner, we first propose a fast linear trajectory planning method that uses the mass point model instead of the vehicle model and linearizes the collision avoidance constraint using the Big-M method for linear programming (Big-M) to obtain a linear programming model. The complete vehicle kinematic model is then built in the nonlinear programming stage, the collision constraints and cost functions are refined, and the rough solution of the linear programming is brought into it to obtain the exact solution. The replanning monitor is divided into safety and comfort monitors. The safety monitor will always pay attention to the changes in the surrounding environment and calculate whether the vehicle is in danger of collision in the future period, while the comfort monitor is more concerned with the comfort of driving the vehicle; when the monitor requirements are not met, replanning will be carried out. By simulating the driving environment, the proposed algorithm can form a safe and comfortable trajectory, which verifies the rationality of the proposed method.
Aesthetic Approach for Critical Sociology of Contemporary Communication Technology
Authors: Arda Balca
Published: October 2023

Critical theory has already marked that technology often threatens civil liberties, personal autonomy, and rights. Heidegger, later Marcuse, emphasized how technology is not value-free in its own revealing power of the surrounding environment, external and inner nature. Throughout this paper, I explore how the aesthetic approach engages with critical theory and contributes to the sociology of media and communication. For this, I will theoretically survey the terms of sociality under the forces of immediate communication, ubiquitous surveillance, and the compression of time and space that Baudrillard and Virilio once problematized through the lens of critical technology theory to adapt it to media and communication studies. I contend that techno-aesthetics that converge with Rancière’s dissensus can provide practical suggestions on an updated vocation of critical sociology. This article discusses the potential of aesthetic and social criticism of media for democratizing technology that Feenberg inserted. It is urgent to acknowledge the changing spatio-temporal aesthetic regimes that affect the societal imagination and limits of sociality and action to determine the next steps for achieving a commons-based society.
Optimization of planetary gearbox using nature inspired meta-heuristic optimizers
Authors: Top Neslihan , Dorterler Murat , Sahin İsmail
Published: October 2023

In this study, a detailed research was carried out to solve the two-stage planetary gearbox design optimization problem by using nature-inspired optimization methods. Seven different nature-inspired meta-heuristic optimizers were applied to minimize the volume of the planetary gear. The recent optimizers, Grey Wolf Optimizer, Artificial Bee Colony, Multi-verse Optimizer, Cuckoo Search, Whale Optimization Algorithm and Salp Swarm Algorithm methods were applied to the problem for the first time. The optimal volume values obtained with the seven different optimizers are much better than the best values known in the literature. The best fitness value obtained is 30% better than the best known in the literature.
Investigation on the effect of SiC and TiB2 ceramic particles on mechanical and tribological properties of Al7075 hybrid metal matrix composites prepared through conventional stir casting technique
Authors: Manoj Mariadhas , Raghuvaran Jinu Gowthami Thankachi
Published: October 2023

Materials with lightweight construction, high strength and wear resistance are preferred in the automotive sector and aluminium is found to be a natural choice for the manufacturers. In this work, Al7075 hybrid metal matrix composites enhanced with SiC (6% weight fraction) and TiB2 (2%–6% weight fraction) particles were fabricated by stir casting technique. The characterisation of internal structure of the developed composites was done by subjecting them to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that the reinforced particles were uniformly distributed in the aluminium matrix alloy, and only a few clusters were found in the matrix alloyed with 6% TiB2. The tensile strength, hardness and flexural strength of the hybrid composites increased with increase in the weight percentage of reinforcements and attained a maximum of 233.34 MPa, 220 Hv and 458 MPa, respectively, when reinforced with a maximum of 6% SiC and 6% TiB2. The elongation percentage and the impact strength of the hybrid composites start to decrease with an increase in reinforcement percentage and attained a minimum of 6.74% and 1.2 J, respectively, when reinforced with a maximum of 6% SiC and 6% TiB2. By adjusting the input parameters such as load, sliding speed, and sliding distance, the sliding wear behaviour of the hybrid metal matrix composites was explored. It was discovered that the wear rates and coefficient of friction of the hybrid composites decreased with an increase in reinforcement percent. As a result of exhibiting superior mechanical and tribological capabilities, the results show that Al7075 with 6 wt.% SiC and 6 wt.% TiB2 hybrid composite performs the best over all other hybrid composites.
The principle of mutual trust and the protection of fundamental rights in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice: A critical look at the Court of Justice's stone-by-stone approach
Authors: Rizcallah Cecilia
Published: October 2023

The principle of mutual trust has become a structural principle of EU law that underpins many rules of primary law as well as secondary legislation both in the field of internal market and in that of the area, of freedom, security and justice. Several questions in relation to this principle have had to be settled by the Court of Justice, particularly, with regard to the risks that it can pose for the protection of, fundamental rights in the area of freedom, security and justice. In this regard, the Court of Justice adopted a ‘stone-by-stone approach’, by progressively specifying the limits framing the principle of mutual trust on the basis of the specific cases it had to handle. Building on recent the case law, this paper offers a critical, examination of the balance struck by the Court of Justice between the, principle of mutual trust and the protection of fundamental rights.
Perez v. Sturgis Public School (2023): The Supreme Court Rules on the Special Education Exhaustion Requirement
Authors: Yell Mitchell L. , Couvillon Michael A. , Katsiyannis Antonis
Published: October 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court has heard several cases regarding special education. These cases have resulted in decisions that have addressed issues involving special education programming and procedural issues. On March 21, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools. This decision, which was the most recent special education case heard by the highest court in the United States, involved litigation in special education. In this brief article, we address the Supreme Court’s decision in Perez by (a) examining the background of the case, (b) reviewing the decision by the lower courts and the U.S. Supreme Court, and (c) discussing the implications of the case for special educators.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Developing and Sustaining School–University Partnerships: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Mercado Emily M. , Bowers Jason P. , Pennello Eric M.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this instrumental multiple case study was to examine and compare five inservice music teachers’ and one administrator’s perceptions of three school–university partnership programs, in various stages of development, across one semester. Data sources included participants’ observation notes, researchers’ field notes, and individual semi-structured interviews. The following themes emerged from the data: (a) benefits of reinforcement, (b) benefits of promoting best practice and research, (c) challenges of navigating multiple teachers, (d) challenges of time management, and (e) observed differences between partnerships. Participants offered the following suggestions to implement and sustain successful partnerships: (a) preservice music educator preparation, including preparation in music planning, responsive teaching, and developing student connections, and (b) logistics, including increased communication, understanding all aspects of full-time music teaching, and expanding the number of visits. Implications for practice include engaging stakeholders in equal planning, reflection, and evaluation to create mutually beneficial partnership experiences.
Evidence-Based Assessments for Transdiagnostic Eating Disorder Symptoms: Guidelines for Current Use and Future Directions
Authors: Levinson Cheri A. , Osborn Kimberly , Hooper Madison , Vanzhula Irina , Ralph-Nearman Christina
Published: October 2023

Eating disorders are severe and often chronic mental illnesses that are associated with high impairment and mortality rates. Recent estimates suggest that eating disorder prevalence rates are on the rise, indicating an increased need for accurate assessment and detection. The current review provides an overview of transdiagnostic eating disorder assessments, including interview, self-report, health and primary care screeners, and technology-based and objective assessments. We focused on assessments that are transdiagnostic in nature and exhibit high impact in the field. We provide recommendations for how these assessments should be used in research and clinical settings. We also discuss considerations that are crucial for assessment, including the use of a categorical versus dimensional diagnostic framework, assessment of eating disorders in related fields (i.e., anxiety and depression), and measurement-based care for eating disorders. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research, including the need for more research on short transdiagnostic screeners for use in health care settings, standardized assessments for ecological momentary assessment, development of state-based assessment of eating disorder symptoms, and consideration of assessment across multiple timescales.
State-Level Adverse Outcomes Among Long-Term Services and Supports Users With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Kim Hyunjee , Senders Angela , Simeon Erika , Sergi Clint , Huang Sean Shenghsiu , Dodge Hiroko H. , McConnell K. John
Published: October 2023

Home- and community-based services (HCBS) users, on average, experience hospitalizations more frequently than nursing facility residents. However, little is known about state-level variation in such adverse events among these groups. Using 2018 Medicare and Medicaid claims for dual-eligible beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, we described hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visit rates among HCBS users and nursing facility residents and observed substantial state-level variation. In addition, consistent with prior evidence, we found more frequent hospitalizations and ED visits among HCBS users than nursing facility residents. The magnitude of this difference varied considerably across states, and the degree of variation was greatest among beneficiaries with six or more comorbid conditions. Our findings represent a crucial initial exploration of the state-level variation in adverse events among HCBS users and nursing facility residents, paving the way for further investigations into factors that contribute to this variability.
Establishment of reference intervals for ultrasonographically derived caudal vena cava parameters from 110 healthy, lightly sedated cats
Authors: Hultman Tove M , Rosanowski Sarah M , Jalava Steffi M , Boysen Søren R , Yozova Ivayla D
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The present study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for ultrasonographically derived caudal vena cava (CVC) parameters in healthy cats.

Methods

A prospective, observational, experimental single-centre study involving 110 cats was conducted. Two trained operators scanned all cats in a randomised order. Two sets of cine loops per cat were conducted by each operator from the subxiphoid view with cats in lateral recumbency. Two blinded raters measured the narrowest inspiratory (CVCinsp) and widest expiratory (CVCexp) diameter over two separate respiratory cycles for each operator (four measurements in total for each rater) at the point the CVC crosses the diaphragm. The CVC collapsibility index (CVCCI) was calculated. Reference intervals and limits were calculated for CVC parameters with outliers removed to include the central 95% of CVC values and the non-parametric 90% confidence intervals (90% CIs). The CVCCI interval included the central 95th (2.5th and 97.5th) centiles bounded by the 90% CI. Intra- and inter-rater and intra- and inter-operator reliabilities were calculated for each parameter using a two-way random-effects model. A Bland–Altman plot was used to visualise the CVCCI between the two raters.

Results

In total, 880 measurements were included for each diameter and 440 CVCCI values were calculated. The CVC diameters were normally distributed, whereas the CVCCI was not. The calculated RIs were 1.4–6.1 mm for CVCinsp and 2.2–6.7 mm for CVCexp. The median (range) CVCCI was 23% (11–36%) with 2.5th and 97.5th centiles of 2% and 67%, respectively. There was a moderate to good intra-rater and intra-operator reliability for CVC diameter. The intra-rater reliability for the CVCCI was moderate. The inter-rater and inter-operator reliabilities for the CVCCI were poor.

Conclusions and relevance

The CVC RIs determined from the subxiphoid site in cats appear to be wider than those reported in dogs, and rater and operator variability is present. Whether precise measurements of CVC parameters are suitable to guide clinical decisions remains to be determined.
Association between optic atrophy 1 polymorphisms and primary open angle glaucoma risk: Based on a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yue-Feng , Luo Xiang-Yu , Zhao Zhi-Cai , Zheng Wu , Lv Hai-Yang , Luo Wei-Min
Published: October 2023

Background

Emerging evidence suggested a significant association between optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) polymorphisms and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) risk. However, the current data are inconsistent or even contradictory. Given these, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the precise association between OPA1 polymorphisms and POAG risk.

Materials and Methods

Online databases were retrieved, and the related studies were reviewed from inception to December 1, 2022. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the statistical power of each genetic model. In addition, heterogeneity, sensitivity, cumulative analysis, and publication bias were analyzed to guarantee statistical power.

Result

Overall, 14 studies within 11 publications (involving 2,413 POAG patients and 1,904 controls) were included and some significant association between OPA1 rs166850 C/T (T vs. C: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.06–1.45, P = 0.01, I2 = 39.0%; CT vs. CC: OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.05–1.79, P = 0.02, I2 = 41.6%; CT + TT vs. CC: 1.37, 95%CI = 1.06–1.77, P = 0.02, I2 = 41.6%), rs10451941T/C (TC + CC vs. TT: OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.41–2.28, P < 0.01, I2 = 71.9%) polymorphisms and POAG susceptibility. In addition, further significant associations were also observed in the stratified analysis, especially in normal tension glaucoma groups and Caucasian descendants.

Conclusion

The observed evidences suggest that OPA1 polymorphisms may be associate with POAG susceptibility significantly.
Integrated Transcriptomics and Network Analysis of Potential Mechanisms and Health Effects of Convalescent COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Chujan Suthipong , Nakareangrit Watanyoo , Suriyo Tawit , Satayavivad Jutamaad
Published: October 2023

Coronaviral disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, there are still cases of COVID-19 around the world that can develop into persistent symptoms after discharge. The constellation of symptoms, termed long COVID, persists for months and can lead to various diseases such as lung inflammation and cardiovascular disease, which may lead to considerable financial burden and possible risk to human health. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying the post-pandemic syndrome of COVID-19 remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the molecular mechanism, disease association, and possible health risks in convalescent COVID-19 patients. Gene expression data from a human convalescent COVID-19 data set was compared with a data set from healthy normal individuals in order to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To determine biological function and potential pathway alterations, the GO and KEGG databases were used to analyze the DEGs. Disease association, tissue, and organ-specific analyses were used to identify possible health effects. A total of 250 DEGs were identified between healthy and convalescent COVID-19 subjects. The biological function alterations identified revealed cytokine interactions and increased inflammation through NF-κB1, RELA, JUN, STAT3, and SP1. Interestingly, the most significant pathways were cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, altered lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis that play a crucial role in convalescent COVID-19. In addition, we also found pneumonitis, dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases. Based on our study, convalescent COVID-19 is associated with inflammation in a variety of organs that could lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as atherosclerosis. These findings are a first step toward fully exploring the disease mechanisms in depth to understand the relationship between post-COVID-19 infection and potential health risks. This is necessary for the development of appropriate strategies for the prevention and treatment of long COVID.
Adopted heritage: German objects in the Western Territories of Poland
Authors: Kurpiel Anna , Maniak Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

The article focuses on the material culture of regions that underwent a shift in statehood when, post-World War II, formally German territories became Polish. It seeks to analyse how the heritage of post-conflict territories was integrated into everyday life and, in some instances, affirmed and appreciated by second and third-generation settlers. Through research conducted amongst contemporary city-dwellers, the authors scrutinise the relationships between people and pre-war German objects, identifying a form of relation referred to as ‘kinship’. By exploring the mechanisms through which objects are incorporated into individual and/or group history, they elaborate on the concept of ‘adopted heritage’, as demonstrated in various field research cases. This concept is derived from the idea of affinity and its application to material culture studies, and enhanced by theories that emphasise the role of emotions in heritage.
The practice of information appraisal: An ethnographic study of a health information intervention
Authors: Grøn Ronja Rosenberg , Christiansen Charlotte Ettrup , Strøm Janni , Høybye Mette Terp
Published: October 2023

As healthcare systems grow increasingly complex, greater demands are placed on patients’ abilities to find, understand, appraise, and use health information – often termed their ‘health literacy’. Most health literacy research does not focus on information appraisal. When it does, there is a tendency to equate it with patients’ assessment of credibility. This reproduces a healthcare-centric understanding of information appraisal where patient agency is omitted. This study explores how participants in a health information intervention practiced information appraisal. The intervention aimed to increase information uptake for people with low back pain by delivering health information to them through animations. This study draws on ethnographic participant observation of the encounters between the intervention and its participants, including 49 rapid interviews and semi-structured telephone interviews with 23 participants carried out in the spring of 2021. Inspired by a social practice approach, the study thoroughly grounds the health literacy subcategory of ‘appraisal’ in practice. It illustrates that participants appraised the information provided in the intervention according to several factors. These include relating the information to their personal health needs, interpreting the intended audience of the health animations, and prioritising their attention situationally between the animations and other immediate concerns. We suggest that information appraisal is a fundamental component of health literacy and should be considered key in research, policy and practice. To accommodate current healthcare ideals of patient centeredness, empowerment and informed choice, the complex and dynamic ways in which people appraise health information need be considered legitimate practices of health literacy.
Effect of graphene nano-additives on the fatigue limit of fiber-reinforced polymer hybrid composites—A micromechanical modeling procedure
Authors: Rahnama Elaheh Kabeh , Ansari Reza , Hassanzadeh-Aghdam Mohammad Kazem
Published: October 2023

In this article, the effect of graphene nanoadditives on the fatigue limit of unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites has been investigated. A micromechanical model based on the crack growth has been used to analyze the fatigue limit response of unidirectional GFRP hybrid composite containing nanoadditives. The influence of different percentages of graphene nanosheets (GNS) and different types of nanofiller dispersion has been investigated by the micromechanical model. The fatigue limit of unidirectional GFRP hybrid composites has been plotted in terms of glass fiber volume fraction, interfacial friction shear stress, interfacial fracture energy and reference length. The fatigue limit of unidirectional composites can be improved by addition of GNS into the polymer matrix of such composite systems. The obtained results on the GNS dispersion type demonstrate that the uniform dispersion of GNS into the polymer matrix increases the fatigue limit of unidirectional GFRP hybrid composites. As the agglomeration density of GNS is low, the fatigue limit of GFRP hybrid composites will be improved more than when the density of agglomeration is high.
The reverberations of British Brexit politics abroad
Authors: Malet Giorgio , Walter Stefanie
Published: October 2023

How do foreign political events shape voters’ evaluation of policies whose outcomes are hard to observe? We argue that policy-specific political processes abroad provide information about the policy's feasibility and desirability that allows voters to update their preferences. We analyze how key events in British Brexit politics affected attitudes towards the European Union in other European countries. The results of ‘unexpected events during survey' designs, a natural experiment, and a panel analysis show that events highlighting the difficulties of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union led to a higher support of European integration in remaining member states, whereas an event highlighting the opportunities of Brexit resulted in more Eurosceptic attitudes. The article demonstrates that foreign events can influence voters’ policy attitudes in other countries, highlighting the systemic consequences of events like Brexit.
Out-of-hours decision-making in deteriorating patients by foundation year doctors: Relationship to moral distress
Authors: Geddes Justin C , MacDougall Margaret , Taylor Robin D
Published: October 2023

Background:

Moral distress (MD) refers to psychological unease when healthcare professionals identify morally correct actions to take but are constrained in their ability to take those actions.

Methods:

This study evaluated the relationship between out-of-hours decisions and MD among 40 Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctors. They were asked to choose the ‘expected’ and the ‘right’ management options for five out-of-hours scenarios and complete an adapted Measure of Moral Distress for Health Professionals (MMD-HP) questionnaire.

Results:

28/40 (70%) reported discordance between ‘expected’ and ‘right’ options more frequently than concordance. The mean total MMD-HP score was low: 64.9 ( SD = 26.9), range 13–143, maximum 288. The association between decision-making discordance and MMD-HP score was weak.

Conclusion:

Out-of-hours decisions by FY2 doctors were characterised by doing what is ‘expected’ rather than what is perceived to be ‘right’. Providing guidance regarding decision-making in deteriorating patients is needed for patient safety and staff well-being.
Control of a worm-wheel gear driven rescue robot with friction compensation and its experimental verification
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Kim Munyu , Park Dongil , Cheong Joono
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the control of a rescue robot driven by the worm-wheel gear transmission. In the modeling process, the load-dependent friction of the worm-wheel gear is considered, and the governing equations for static and dynamic analyses are formulated. Especially we examine the dependency of break-in joint torques on the loading torque and directionality of motion. The friction parameters of the worm-wheel gear of a physical rescue robot are identified through experimental investigation. A friction compensation controller is then designed based on the modeling results and experimental operating conditions. And the designed controller is applied to a dual-arm rescue robot to validate its effectiveness.
Novice principals coping strategies during the Covid-19 pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Sahlin Susanne , Sjöstrand Monica , Styf Maria , Lund Sandra
Published: October 2023

This study presents findings from a qualitative case study where principals ( n = 193), studying a national principal training programme, participated in a study exploring novice principals’ perceptions of how their leadership was impacted during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. A model classification of stressful situations related to coping strategies was used as the theoretical framework for the study and used in the content analysis with a deductive approach. In small groups, the principals used a specific conversation model and discussed their experiences of how their leadership had been affected during the pandemic. The findings showed that principals identified a lack of clarity and situations linked to the adaption to new rules required over time when staff and student absenteeism were consistent challenges. The majority of situations that the principals described can be linked to unclear but affectable situations, where they had to make uncomfortable decisions but also provide security and solutions. Principals mainly used problem-oriented stress management strategies by searching for information, analysing and finding new solutions.