bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting professional development for educators during the pandemic: Lessons from an international blended learning diploma program
Authors: Jen Enyi , Mathijssen Sven , Hoogeveen Lianne
Published: April 2022

This article discusses issues that emerged from conducting professional development activities for educators during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, as post-academic educational trainers, the authors worked closely with more than 200 professional educators who participated in an international diploma program to develop their professional skills and gain positive and insightful experience. Here, they share three lessons they learned while working with professional educators: (a) teachers face new challenges in the use of educational technology, (b) teachers wonder how to motivate learners with diverse abilities in a virtual setting, and (c) building a supportive community is essential. Suggestions and recommendations are also provided.
Stochastic dynamic simulation of railway vehicles collision using data-driven modelling approach
Authors: Dong Shaodi , Tang Zhao , Wu Michelle , Zhang Jianjun
Published: April 2022

Using stochastic dynamic simulation for railway vehicle collision still faces many challenges, such as high modelling complexity and time-consuming. To address the challenges, we introduce a novel data-driven stochastic process modelling (DSPM) approach into dynamic simulation of the railway vehicle collision. This DSPM approach consists of two steps: (i) process description, four kinds of kernels are used to describe the uncertainty inherent in collision processes; (ii) solving, stochastic variational inferences and mini-batch algorithms can then be used to accelerate computations of stochastic processes. By applying DSPM, Gaussian process regression (GPR) and finite element (FE) methods to two collision scenarios (i.e. lead car colliding with a rigid wall, and the lead car colliding with another lead car), we are able to achieve a comprehensive analysis. The comparison between the DSPM approach and the FE method revealed that the DSPM approach is capable of calculating the corresponding confidence interval, simultaneously improving the overall computational efficiency. Comparing the DSPM approach with the GPR method indicates that the DSPM approach has the ability to accurately describe the dynamic response under unknown conditions. Overall, this research demonstrates the feasibility and usability of the proposed DSPM approach for stochastic dynamics simulation of the railway vehicle collision.
Role of Climate Change in Changing Hepatic Health Maps
Authors: Saad-Hussein Amal , Ramadan Haidi Karam-Allah , Bareedy Ashraf , Elwakil Reda
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

Climate change (CC) is currently responsible for global weather extremes. These weather extremes could contribute to changes in the pattern of health problems. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of CC on remapping of hepatic diseases and the mechanisms of re-mapping.

Recent Findings

CC was found to have a major influence on the distribution and severity of hepatic diseases, such as outbreaks of vector-borne, water or food-borne, parasitic diseases, re-emerging of disappeared diseases, or emerging of new forms of infectious agents. Migration of infected people from endemic areas due to the CC disasters results in rapid dissemination of infectious diseases that leads to outbreaks or endemicity of diseases in new areas. CC could cause increasing chemical emissions, or change in its biodegradability, or restriction in its dispersion, such as PM, PAHs, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and aquatic toxins. Increase in the concentrations of these chemicals may have significant impacts in changing the health map of hepatic toxicity and liver cancer.

Summary

The current review confirms the role of CC in changing the pattern of several liver health problems and remapping of these problems in several regions of the world. This review could be of high importance to the health decision-makers as an early alarm and prediction of hepatic health problems with the projected CC.
Porous Microspheres Comprising CoSe2 Nanorods Coated with N-Doped Graphitic C and Polydopamine-Derived C as Anodes for Long-Lived Na-Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Jae Seob , Saroha Rakesh , Cho Jung Sang
Published: April 2022

Metal–organic framework-templated nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon (NGC) and polydopamine-derived carbon (PDA-derived C)-double coated one-dimensional CoSe2 nanorods supported highly porous three-dimensional microspheres are introduced as anodes for excellent Na-ion batteries, particularly with long-lived cycle under carbonate-based electrolyte system. The microspheres uniformly composed of ZIF-67 polyhedrons and polystyrene nanobeads (ϕ = 40 nm) are synthesized using the facile spray pyrolysis technique, followed by the selenization process (P-CoSe2@NGC NR). Further, the PDA-derived C-coated microspheres are obtained using a solution-based coating approach and the subsequent carbonization process (P-CoSe2@PDA-C NR). The rational synthesis approach benefited from the synergistic effects of dual carbon coating, resulting in a highly conductive and porous nanostructure that could facilitate rapid diffusion of charge species along with efficient electrolyte infiltration and effectively channelize the volume stress. Consequently, the prepared nanostructure exhibits extraordinary electrochemical performance, particularly the ultra-long cycle life stability. For instance, the advanced anode has a discharge capacity of 291 (1000th cycle, average capacity decay of 0.017%) and 142 mAh g−1 (5000th cycle, average capacity decay of 0.011%) at a current density of 0.5 and 2.0 A g−1, respectively.
Co-offending and Criminal Careers in Organized Crime
Authors: Meneghini Cecilia , Calderoni Francesco
Published: April 2022

The growing research on co-offending over the life course is based on relatively small, general offending samples, followed for a short period, and from a limited set of countries. This study expands current knowledge by examining the relation of co-offending with age, criminal experience, crime type, and crime seriousness in a large sample of Italian serious organized crime offenders with criminal careers spanning between age 14 and late adulthood. The sample includes 160,262 offenses by 10,530 Italian mafia offenders. After preliminary descriptive statistics, random-effects logistic regressions estimate how age, criminal experience, crime type, and seriousness are independently related to the co-offending probability. Co-offending decreases only moderately with both the age and criminal experience of organized crime offenders, while more prolific offenders exhibit a stable co-offending prevalence as their experience increases. Co-offending varies significantly by crime type, and it is more frequent for more serious offenses. In line with previous research, co-offending has a relevant functional component even for organized crime offenders: results suggest it is instrumental to perpetrating specific offense types and more serious offenses. However, results also show that specific social and criminal contexts promote co-offending among older and more experienced offenders.
Smart pH responsive system based on hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles for delivery of fungicide to control Fusarium crown and root rot in tomato
Authors: Mosa Mohamed A. , El-Abeid Sozan E. , Khalifa M. M. A. , Elsharouny T. H. , El-Baz Sahar M. , Ahmed Ayman Y.
Published: April 2022

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can promote the solubility and absorption of pesticides by plants and are widely used as a delivery system to improve the efficacy of pesticide applications. In this study, MSNs with 20 nm particle size were produced. Additionally, a water-soluble chitosan (CS) derivative, here called N-(2-Hydroxyl) propyl-3- tri-methyl-ammonium CS chloride (HTCC) was produced and used to cap the outer surface of the MSNs preloaded with the pesticide fludioxonil (Flu). The HTCC coating layers resulted in a pesticide loading efficiency of 84% on the MSNs in comparison to a loading efficiency of 20% of uncoated particles. A comparative in vitro analysis indicated that Flu@MSNs20nm-HTCC loaded with a 0.05 mg/L dose of fungicide had significant higher fungicidal activity than the same fungicide at 1 mg/L dose against F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL). Moreover, after an initial burst, MSNs20nm-HTCC kept releasing Flu for 21 d, compared to an activity of 7 d associated with the direct release of Flu. Greenhouse data showed that 0.1 mg/L Flu applied through MSNs20nm-HTCC is sufficient to reduce Fusarium crown and root rot disease severity to a value of less than 6% in tomato plants, without any noticeable phytotoxicity after 70 d. In comparison, 1.56 mL/L of the fungicide are required to reach a 27% disease severity level. Thus, we suggest that HTCC-decorated MSNs20nm has a great potential as a nanodelivery systems for agrochemical applications. We also suggest that this work contributes to the notion that agro-nanotechnology is a powerful, environmentally-safe and cost-effective approach for a sustainable and long term protection of plants from disease.
Investigation of the material separation behaviour of rocks using scratch tests for the design of tool grinding processes
Authors: Denkena Berend , Breidenstein Bernd , Bergmann Benjamin , Wolters Philipp
Published: April 2022

The use of natural rocks as cutting tool material poses an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cutting tool materials. So far, however, the basics of tool grinding processes for rock tools have not been systematically investigated. This study, therefore, presents an investigation of the material removal mechanisms of four different types of rocks and a mono mineral via scratch tests analogous to a face plunge grinding process used in tool grinding. The aim is to contribute to a knowledge-based design of tool grinding processes for rock tools. This also includes a characterization of their mechanical properties. The occurring material removal mechanisms identified by SEM-images as well as width and depth of the scratches are used to evaluate the influence of single grain chip thickness and cutting speed on material removal mechanisms. The results show that ductile material removal is possible for all rocks in certain areas of single grain chip thicknesses ranging from 0.28 µm to 3.75 µm depending on the rock used and the applied cutting speed. Besides this, the results show optima for ductile material removal at single grain chip thicknesses that are up to 87-times higher than predicted by an analytical model. Additionally, recommendations for the design of the tool grinding process of the investigated rocks based on the obtained results are presented.
Digital subtraction angiography-guided ethanol sclerotherapy for peripheral venous malformation: A retrospective cohort study of single centre experience
Authors: Cuong Lam Thao , Bang Ho Tat , Vy Tran Thanh , Tien Tran Quyet
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Venous malformations are the most common type of vascular malformations. Ethanol sclerotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatment methods. This study is to evaluate the initial results of digital subtraction angiography-guided ethanol sclerotherapy in patients with peripheral venous malformation.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of a single centre experience. Patients diagnosed with peripheral venous malformation who underwent digital subtraction angiography-guided ethanol sclerotherapy from Jan 2017 to Jun 2021 were included in the study. Medical records were reviewed to record demographic information, lesion characteristics including clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings, treatment sessions, therapeutic outcomes, and complications.

Results:

A total of 104 patients were included. The mean number of procedures was 2.0 ± 1.3 times. Last follow-ups revealed a partial relief of symptoms in 97.2% of patients, and three patient (2.9%) showed no improvement. Post-treatment imaging revealed an overall objective response rate of 93.3%. Early post-procedural minor complications occurred after sclerotherapies in 31.7% of patients and were entirely resolved by conservative means. On multivariate analysis, poorly-defined margin (OR: 10.7, 95% CI: 2.28–76.9) and volume of venous malformation on MRI (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.11) were independent predictors of “no-good response” to percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is safe and effective in the treatment of venous malformation. A poor-defined margin and volume of VMs on MRI were statistically significant predictors of the initial percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy results and may be useful in selecting patients.

Highlights
Data-Driven Identification of Networks of Dynamic Systems
Authors: Verhaegen Michel , Yu Chengpu , Sinquin Baptiste
Published: April 2022

This comprehensive text provides an excellent introduction to the state of the art in the identification of network-connected systems. It covers models and methods in detail, includes a case study showing how many of these methods are applied in adaptive optics and addresses open research questions. Specific models covered include generic modelling for MIMO LTI systems, signal flow models of dynamic networks and models of networks of local LTI systems. A variety of different identification methods are discussed, including identification of signal flow dynamics networks, subspace-like identification of multi-dimensional systems and subspace identification of local systems in an NDS. Researchers working in system identification and/or networked systems will appreciate the comprehensive overview provided, and the emphasis on algorithm design will interest those wishing to test the theory on real-life applications. This is the ideal text for researchers and graduate students interested in system identification for networked systems.
Human-Animal Relations in Bronze Age Crete
Authors: Shapland Andrew
Published: April 2022

Archaeologists have long admired the naturalistic animal art of Minoan Crete, often explaining it in terms of religion or a love of the natural world. In this book, Andrew Shapland provides a new way of understanding animal depictions from Bronze Age Crete as the outcome of human-animal relations. Drawing on approaches from anthropology and Human-Animal Studies, he explores the stylistic development of animal depictions in different media, including frescoes, ceramics, stone vessels, seals and wall paintings, and explains them in terms of 'animal practices' such as bull-leaping, hunting, fishing and collecting. Integrating zooarchaeological finds, Shapland highlights the significance of objects and their associated human-animal relations in the history of the palaces, sanctuaries and tombs of Bronze Age Crete. His volume demonstrates how looking at animals opens up new perspectives on familiar sites such as Knossos and some of the most famous objects of this time and place.
The Great Reconfiguration
Authors: Geels Frank W. , Turnheim Bruno
Published: April 2022

This book is intended for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the dynamics and governance of low-carbon transitions. Drawing on the Multi-Level Perspective, it develops a whole system reconfiguration approach that explains how the incorporation of multiple innovations can cumulatively reconfigure existing systems. The book focuses on UK electricity, heat, and mobility systems, and it systematically analyses interactions between radical niche-innovations and existing (sub)systems across techno-economic, policy, and actor dimensions in the past three decades. Comparative analysis explains why the unfolding low-carbon transitions in these three systems vary in speed, scope, and depth. It evaluates to what degree these transitions qualify as Great Reconfigurations and assesses the future potential for, and barriers to, deeper low-carbon system transitions. Generalising across these systems, broader lessons are developed about the roles of incumbent firms, governance and politics, user engagement, wider public, and civil society organisations. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Roman Law in Context
Authors: Johnston David
Published: April 2022

This book explains how Roman law worked for those who lived by it, by viewing it in the light of the society and economy in which it operated. Written in an accessible style with the minimum of legal technicality, the book is designed for students and teachers of Roman history as well as interested general readers. Topics covered include the family and inheritance, property and the use of land, business and commercial transactions, and litigation. In this second edition, all chapters have been extensively revised and updated, and a new chapter on crime and punishment has been included. The book ends with an epilogue covering the fate of Roman law in medieval and modern Europe. David Johnston is a lawyer practising in the courts and draws on his experience of law in practice to shape the work and provide new insights for his readers.
The Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism
Authors: Rosenhouse Jason
Published: April 2022

Anti-scientific misinformation has become a serious problem on many fronts, including vaccinations and climate change. One of these fronts is the persistence of anti-evolutionism, which has recently been given a superficially professional gloss in the form of the intelligent design movement. Far from solely being of interest to researchers in biology, anti-evolutionism must be recognized as part of a broader campaign with a conservative religious and political agenda. Much of the rhetorical effectiveness of anti-evolutionism comes from its reliance on seemingly precise mathematical arguments. This book, the first of its kind to be written by a mathematician, discusses and refutes these arguments. Along the way, it also clarifies common misconceptions about both biology and mathematics. Both lay audiences and professionals will find the book to be accessible and informative.
Sir Charles Grandison
Authors: Richardson Samuel
Published: April 2022

One of the most important novels of the eighteenth-century, Sir Charles Grandison [1753] shaped the English courtship novel, and was loved and admired by both Jane Austen and George Eliot. The book follows the life of Sir Charles, a man parallel in virtue with Richardson's female paragons Clarissa and Pamela; and a response to the fallible protagonist Tom Jones in Fielding's popular satire of moralising novels. Forming part of the first full scholarly edition of Richardson's complete works, comprehensive general and textual introductions significantly revise and advance understanding of the composition and printing history of Richardson's final novel, and reveal the central place of Sir Charles in the literature of the period. Including Richardson's Historical Index for the first time in any edition, extensive annotations and expansive notes also give readers crucial context, and provides scholars with paths to follow for future research.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Delayed Cerebral Ischemia, and Milrinone Use in Canada
Authors: Eagles Matthew E. , MacLean Mark A. , Kameda-Smith Michelle M. , Duda Taylor , Persad Amit R. L. , Almojuela Alysa , Bokhari Rakan , Iorio-Morin Christian , Elkaim Lior M. , Rizzuto Michael A. , Lownie Stephen P. , Christie Sean D. , Teitelbaum Jeanne
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is little high-quality evidence available to guide the management of DCI. The Canadian Neurosurgery Research Collaborative (CNRC) is comprised of resident physicians who are positioned to capture national, multi-site data. The objective of this study was to evaluate practice patterns of Canadian physicians regarding the management of aSAH and DCI.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional survey of Canadian neurosurgeons, intensivists, and neurologists who manage aSAH. A 19-question electronic survey (Survey Monkey) was developed and validated by the CNRC following a DCI-related literature review (PubMed, Embase). The survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society and to Canadian members of the Neurocritical Care Society. Responses were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results:

The response rate was 129/340 (38%). Agreement among respondents was limited to the need for intensive care unit admission, use of clinical and radiographic monitoring, and prophylaxis for the prevention of DCI. Several inconsistencies were identified. Indications for starting hyperdynamic therapy varied. There was discrepancy in the proportion of patients who felt to require IV milrinone, IA vasodilators, or physical angioplasty for treatment of DCI. Most respondents reported their facility does not utilize a standardized definition for DCI.

Conclusion:

DCI is an important clinical entity for which no homogeneity and standardization exists in management among Canadian practitioners. The CNRC calls for the development of national standards in the definition, identification, and treatment of DCI.
A complete proof that square ice entropy is
Authors: GANGLOFF SILVÈRE
Published: April 2022

In this text, we provide a fully rigorous and complete proof of E.H. Lieb’s statement that (topological) entropy of square ice (or six-vertex model, XXZ spin chain for anisotropy parameter
$\Delta =1/2$
) is equal to
$\tfrac 32\log _{2} (4/3)$
.
January 1993: The Founding of Education International
Authors: Smaller Harry
Published: April 2022

Since the late nineteenth century, teachers have come together to found associations and unions in Europe and beyond. Drawing on oral histories, primary and secondary documents, and media reports, this paper delves into this rich historical background, leading to the founding of Education International in 1993. In particular it explores the relationships and tensions within and between these predecessor organizations, as well as the ways in which they interacted with the larger political forces of their times. Education International is now a significant organization, representing teachers and related workers situated across 178 countries. This paper attempts to provide a critical historical background for the development of this institution.
Not All Types of Social Networks Are Good: The Dual Effects of Social Networks on Courtesy Stigma
Authors: Tian Longwei , Li Peter Ping , Xie En , Li Yuan
Published: April 2022

When a firm is accused of serious misconduct, its executives, even those who are nonculpable, are stigmatized by the firm's stakeholders, a phenomenon known ascourtesy stigma. One research stream explores how executives’ social networks mitigate courtesy stigma, with an emphasis on the positive effect of social networks. From the perspective of a social network as an information pipe, we suggest that social networks are a double-edged sword in the context of courtesy stigma because of their distinctiveinsulationandexposuremechanisms. Our proposed hypotheses are supported via event history analysis using data collected from a Chinese sample of listed firms that demonstrated financial misconduct in the period 2007–2016. Our study contributes to the literature on social networks and courtesy stigma by revealing their complex links.
Ryazanian (Berriasian) molluscs and biostratigraphy of the Dutch and Norwegian North Sea area (south of Viking Graben)
Authors: Janssen N.M.M. , Rogov M.A. , Zakharov V.A.
Published: April 2022

Herein, Ryazanian (Berriasian) macrofossils from three well cores in the Central Graben (wells B18-02, L06-02, The Netherlands) and on the Jæren High (well 7/7-2, Norway) in the southern North Sea region are described. Macrofossils are mainly represented by buchiid bivalves (Buchia volgensis) and ammonites (Surites,LynniaandPraetollia?). The genusLynniais recorded for the first time outside its topotypical area, and its systematic position and stratigraphic ranges are discussed. Additionally, the studied core sections yielded coleoid remains and a single limid bivalve. Based on the stratigraphic ranges of key ammonite genera (Lynnia, SuritesandBojarkia), the zonation of the Ryazanian stage is reconsidered. Uppermost Volgian to Ryazanian ammonite faunas are quite consistent and diverse but showing a higher degree of similarity throughout the Panboreal Superrealm as compared to those from rest of the Upper Volgian and the Middle Volgian.Buchia volgensisis the only species known from the southern North Sea and East Anglia, which is in strong contrast to the high diversity ofBuchiain East Greenland and the remainder of the Boreal Realm. We hypothesise that such differences in the distribution of ammonites and bivalves in general, and the absence of buchiid species other thanBuchia volgensissouth of East Greenland in particular, are the result of anoxic bottom water conditions in the southern Viking Strait. The unusually wide geographic range ofB. volgensis, which is known from such distant areas as Mexico and the Crimea, suggests a potential higher tolerance of this species to adverse conditions.
‘Armed with the necessary background of knowledge’: embedding science scrutiny mechanisms in the UK Parliament
Authors: Ledgerwood Emmeline
Published: April 2022

The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified the demands placed upon parliamentarians to scrutinize and evaluate evidence-based government proposals, making visible the parliamentary mechanisms that enable them to do so. This paper examines the steps that led two such mechanisms to become embedded in the institution of Parliament during from 1964 to 2001: the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology (a scrutiny and information-gathering body) and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (a legislative science and technology advice body). Drawing on official papers, Hansard records and unpublished archival material, this account complements existing studies of the relationships between government ministers and experts. It highlights how individual members of the all-party Parliamentary and Scientific Committee have influenced institutional change. In so doing it exposes some of the challenges confronting Parliament in the scrutiny of science policy from the mid-twentieth century to today. In particular, it reveals MPs’ concerns about their ability to scrutinize science policy in the absence of a select committee on science and technology in the Commons during the 1980s. This shows that parliamentary scrutiny of science was compromised during the very period when the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher set about making major changes to the organization and funding of government-sponsored research in the UK.
Laryngeal injury in a coronavirus disease 2019 caregiver following voluntary cough-holding within an inappropriately sized personal protective equipment suit
Authors: Dutta M , Raghu G
Published: April 2022

Objective

To document laryngeal framework rupture following voluntary cough-holding as an airway complication of donning a personal protective equipment suit that was too small in size.

Methods

Clinical record and literature review, with proposition of plausible aerodynamics of the airway injury.

Results

Whilst carrying out his duty in the coronavirus disease ward, a resident attempted to stifle a paroxysm of cough when wearing a personal protective equipment suit that was too small with his neck flexed and restricted. There was a sudden release of pressure, intense pain and swelling in the neck with crepitus. Imaging revealed a non-displaced fracture in the lower end of the partially ossified right thyroid lamina, a cricothyroid membrane tear and subcutaneous emphysema. The symptoms resolved gradually on conservative management.

Conclusion

This report underlines the importance of donning appropriately sized personal protective equipment and encouraging its proper use amongst coronavirus disease 2019 caregivers. Non-traumatic laryngeal injury, itself a rare event, has never been reported as a posture-related complication of wearing personal protective equipment.
Chen Mengzhao's storeroom in Park Street, Calcutta. Wartime India-China smuggling, 1942–1945
Authors: Cao Yin
Published: April 2022

This article is about the experiences of three Chinese men who were involved in smuggling between India and China during the Second World War. Chen Mengzhao's rise as a leading figure in India-China smuggling in Calcutta uncovers the hidden links between the black markets in India and China during the Second World War. Gao Wenjie disguised himself as a Chinese army officer and utilized this fake identity to facilitate his smuggling business. Wang Li-an was sent to Calcutta to undertake smuggling for a Chinese government department. In telling these stories, this article argues that most smuggling in modern India and China was undertaken in transnational contexts that resulted in transnational effects. Ironically, the Nationalist government's state-building project to contain India-China smuggling ended by facilitating it. This project was further perceived by the British authorities as a Chinese conspiracy against India's sovereignty. The misunderstanding between the Chinese and British authorities led to the end of Chinese immigration to India in 1945. Overall, this article provides a new perspective to make sense of the tensions between the Chinese, Indian, and British governments during the Second World War.
Confidence, accuracy judgments and feedback in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a time series network analysis
Authors: Badal Varsha D. , Depp Colin A. , Harvey Philip D. , Ackerman Robert A. , Moore Raeanne C. , Pinkham Amy E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Inaccurate self-assessment of performance is common among people with serious mental illness, and it is associated with poor functional outcomes independent from ability. However, the temporal interdependencies between judgments of performance, confidence in accuracy, and feedback about performance are not well understood.

Methods

We evaluated two tasks: the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Penn Emotion recognition task (ER40). These tasks were modified to include item-by-item confidence and accuracy judgments, along with feedback on accuracy. We evaluated these tasks as time series and applied network modeling to understand the temporal relationships between momentary confidence, accuracy judgments, and feedback. The sample constituted participants with schizophrenia (SZ; N = 144), bipolar disorder (BD; N = 140), and healthy controls (HC; N = 39).

Results

Network models for both WCST and ER40 revealed denser and lagged connections between confidence and accuracy judgments in SZ and, to a lesser extent in BD, that were not evidenced in HC. However, associations between feedback regarding accuracy with subsequent accuracy judgments and confidence were weaker in SZ and BD. In each of these comparisons, the BD group was intermediate between HC and SZ. In analyses of the WCST, wherein incorporating feedback is crucial for success, higher confidence predicted worse subsequent performance in SZ but not in HC or BD.

Conclusions

While network models are exploratory, the results suggest some potential mechanisms by which challenges in self-assessment may impede performance, perhaps through hyperfocus on self-generated judgments at the expense of incorporation of feedback.
A very rare cause of sudden cardiac arrest in children: triadin knockout syndrome
Authors: Sulu Ayse , Karacan Mehmet , Ergul Yakup
Published: April 2022

Triadin knockout syndrome has been defined as a disease with transient long QT, T wave abnormalities, and extremely severe fatal cardiac arrhythmias in young children. In this report, we wanted to share the characteristics of our two cases who presented with sudden cardiac arrest and were diagnosed with triadin knockout syndrome.

Case 1:

A 7.5-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with a history of recurrent syncope and aborted cardiac arrest. There was no family history of sudden death, syncope, or arrhythmia. Physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and 24-hour rhythm Holter monitoring were normal, and bidirectional ventricular tachycardiaT was detected during the exercise stress test. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous mutation of c.531_533delinsGG, p.(Lys179Asnfs * 44) frameshift variant in TRDN(NM_006073) gene.

Case 2:

A 4.5-year-old male was admitted due to syncope during exertion and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to sudden cardiac arrest. He had family history about sudden cardiac death. Physical examination was normal, and there was borderline QTc prolongation. Bidirectional non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was observed at adrenaline provocation test. In genetic analysis, c.568dupA, pII190Asnfs * 2 frameshift variant homozygous mutation was detected in TRDN(NM_006073) gene. Intracardiac defibrillator implantation were performed for both cases. There has not been any event under propranolol and flecainide combination treatment.

Conclusion:

Triadin knockout syndrome (TCOS) is a rare overlap syndrome characterized by highly malignant arrhythmias, and it is a deadly combination of long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that affects primarily young children. Since lethal arrhythmias are frequently described, genetic testing is very important in these patients. Because, identification of a genetic mutation may be a guide in treatment.
Lived-Experience of Women’s Well-Being in the Cyclone Shelters of Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Tazrina Jahan , Arbon Paul , Gebbie Kristine , Muller Robert , Kako Mayumi , Steenkamp Malinda
Published: April 2022

Bangladesh is repeatedly threatened by tropical storms and cyclones, exposing one-third of the total population of the country. As a preparedness measure, several cyclone shelters have been constructed, yet a large proportion of the coastal population, especially women, are unwilling to use them. Existing studies have demonstrated a range of concerns that discourage women from evacuating and have explored the limitations of the shelters, but the experiences of female evacuees have not been apparent in these stories. This study explores the lived-experiences of women in the cyclone shelters of Bangladesh and discusses their health and well-being as evacuees in the shelters. Nineteen women from three extremely vulnerable districts of coastal Bangladesh were interviewed. Seven research themes were identified from the participants’ narratives using van Manen’s thematic analysis process. The most salient theme, being understood (as a woman), portrayed the quintessential image of these women, which subsequently influenced their vulnerability as evacuees. The next themes–being a woman during crisis, being in a hostile situation, being fearful, being uncertain, being faithful, and being against the odds–focused on the incidents they lived through which affected their physical and mental health and the emotions they felt as evacuees. The paper offers a deep inquiry into women’s experiences of well-being in the shelters and recognizes the significance of women’s voices to improve their experiences as evacuees.
Opioid Prescription Dispensing Patterns in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Real-World Evidence from the IBM Market Scan Research Databases
Authors: Roy Brittany D. , Li Jianheng , Lally Cathy , Akerman Sarah C. , Sullivan Maria A. , Fratantonio James , Flanders William Dana , Wenten Made
Published: April 2022

Objective

Prescription opioid dispensing patterns over time were assessed for individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) vs matched controls.

Methods

Health insurance claims data from the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database and Multi-State Medicaid Database were analyzed. Individuals aged 18 to 64 with ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient claims for BD during the year preceding the analysis year (2015-2019) were included, with age- and sex-matched controls. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Opioid dispensing during each analysis year was defined as either chronic (coverage for ≥70 days in any 90-day period, or ≥6 prescriptions dispensed during analysis year) or nonchronic (≥1 prescription dispensed, not meeting chronic definition).

Results

BD patients had a higher prevalence of medical and psychiatric comorbidities, including pain diagnoses, vs controls. Among patients with BD in the Commercial database, chronic opioid dispensing decreased from 11% (controls: 3%) in 2015 to 6% (controls: 2%) in 2019, and in the Medicaid database, from 27% (controls: 12%) to 12% (controls: 5%). Among patients with BD in the Commercial database, nonchronic dispensing decreased from 26% (controls: 17%) in 2015 to 20% (controls: 12%) in 2019, and from 32% (controls: 26%) to 25% (controls: 14%) in the Medicaid database.

Conclusion

Between 2015 and 2019, there was a significant decrease in chronic and nonchronic prescription opioid dispensing among BD patients and controls across both the Commercial and Medicaid databases. Despite this finding, it is important to note that both chronic and nonchronic opioid dispensing was consistently higher for BD patients vs controls over time, across both databases.

Funding

Alkermes, Inc.
Outcomes from Engagement and Use of a Prescription Digital Therapeutic to Treat Opioid Use Disorder: A Real-World Pilot Study
Authors: Rozycki Steven C. , Xiong Xiaorui , Walter Paul , Wright Jessica , Luderer Hilary F. , Braun Stephen , Maricich Yuri A. , Purvis James
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The opioid epidemic in the United States is getting worse: in 2020 opioid overdose deaths hit an all-time high of 92,183. This underscored the need for more effective and readily available treatments for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are FDA-authorized treatments delivered via mobile devices (eg, smartphones). A real-world pilot study was conducted in an outpatient addiction treatment program to evaluate patient engagement and use of a PDT for patients with OUD. The objective was to assess the ability of the PDT to improve engagement and care for patients receiving buprenorphine medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Methods

Patients with OUD treated at an ambulatory addiction treatment clinic were invited to participate in the pilot. The reSET-O PDT is comprised of 31 core therapy lessons plus 36 supplementary lessons, plus contingency management rewards. Patients were asked to complete at least 4 lessons per week, for 12-weeks. Engagement and use data were collected via the PDT and rates of emergency room data were obtained from patient medical records. Data were compared to a similar group of 158 OUD patients treated at the same clinic who did not use the PDT. Abstinence data were obtained from deidentified medical records.

Results

Pilot participants (N = 40) completed a median of 24 lessons: 73.2% completed at least 8 lessons and 42.5% completed all 31 core lessons. Pilot participants had significantly higher rates of abstinence from opioids in the 30 days prior to discharge from the program than the comparison group: 77.5% vs 51.9% (P < .01). Clinician-reported treatment retention for pilot participants vs the comparison group was 100% vs 70.9% 30 days after treatment initiation (P < .01), 87.5% vs 55.1% at 90 days post-initiation (P < .01), and 45.0% vs 38.6% at 180 days post-initiation (P = .46). Emergency room visits within 90 days of discharge from the addiction program were significantly reduced in pilot participants compared to the comparison group (17.3% vs 31.7%, P < .01).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate substantial engagement with a PDT in a real-world population of patients with OUD being treated with buprenorphine. Abstinence and retention outcomes were high compared to patients not using the PDT. These results demonstrate the potential value of PDTs to improve outcomes among patients with OUD, a population for which a significant need for improved treatments exists.

Funding

Trinity Health Innovation and Pear Therapeutics Inc.
Understanding Why Muscarinic Receptor Agonists Have Antipsychotic Properties
Authors: Weiden Peter J. , Yohn Samantha , Felder Christian C.
Published: April 2022

Background

All current antipsychotics have direct dopamine (DA) D2 receptor activity, which is associated with problems such as dysphoria, EPS, or prolactin elevation. Muscarinic receptor agonists have shown antipsychotic-like activity across preclinical models and clinical trials. This poster reviews preclinical evidence as to how muscarinic receptor agonists, such as the M1/M4 preferring agonist xanomeline, might have clinically relevant antipsychotic effects.

Objectives

Highlight the novel mechanisms through which muscarinic receptor agonists are associated with antipsychotic effects without having any direct dopaminergic D2 receptor activity.

Key Points

The muscarinic receptor family is composed of 5 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). One of the leading hypotheses explaining the antipsychotic activity of muscarinic receptor agonists is preclinical studies of muscarinic receptor modulation of those DA circuits associated with psychosis. Both M1 and M4 receptors are expressed in DA neural circuits implicated in psychosis, and provide unique regulation of these circuits. Xanomeline has both functional M1 and M4 receptor agonist activity, and shows robust antipsychotic-like effects in several animal models that require the presence of functional M1 and M4 receptors. M4 receptors are autoreceptors on cholinergic neurons that regulate DA circuits in two locations: ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Cholinergic-rich neurons from the hindbrain at the VTA, where they release acetylcholine (ACh) into DA-rich synaptic spaces. M4 autoreceptors are present on these neurons, and their activation reduces ACh release and lowers ambient synaptic ACh concentrations, leading to reduced DA cell firing. Cholinergic interneurons residing in the NAc also express M4 autoreceptors. These ACh interneurons regulate ACh release with M4 activation also turning off ACh release. Therefore, M4 receptors serve as DA regulators at VTA and NAc, both key sites for dopamine’s role in psychotic processes. M1 receptors regulate DA circuits in a different, “top down” manner. M1 receptors are found on cortical inhibitory interneurons. When activated, inhibitory drive onto excitatory output neurons is enhanced, which leads to reduced excitatory tone to VTA DA neurons.

Over the last 25 years, a growing body of evidence has shown potential for muscarinic receptor agonists to become a new class of medicines with potent antipsychotic activity. Preclinical data at micro-and macro-circuit levels suggest that the M1 and M4 receptor subtypes are most relevant in the regulation of DA circuits. The antipsychotic effects of muscarinic agonists effects may arise from influencing these key muscarinic receptor subtypes that are integral to the regulation of DA neural circuits. In summary, there has been great progress in understanding the potential for muscarinic receptor agonists for the treatment of psychosis.

Funding

Karuna Therapeutics
Voice your values, a tailored advance care planning intervention in persons living with mild dementia: A pilot study
Authors: Vellani Shirin , Puts Martine , Iaboni Andrea , McGilton Katherine S.
Published: April 2022

Background

In the early stage of dementia, persons living with dementia (PLwD) can identify their values and wishes for future care with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. However, there is a paucity of research to guide best practices on how best to incorporate advance care planning (ACP) in older adults diagnosed with mild dementia and therefore only a minority of these individuals participate in any ACP discussions. We developed an intervention called Voice Your Values (VYV) that healthcare professionals can implement to identify and document the values of PLwD and their trusted individuals such as friends or family.

Purpose

This single-group pre-test and post-test design aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the VYV intervention.

Methods

A convenience sample of 21 dyads of PLwD and their trusted individuals were recruited from five outpatient geriatric clinics. The tailored VYV intervention was delivered to the dyads over two sessions using videoconferencing.

Results

In terms of feasibility, the recruitment rate was lower (52%) than the expected 60%; the retention rate was high at 94%, and the intervention fidelity was high based on the audit of 20% of the sessions. In terms of preliminary efficacy, PLwD demonstrated improvement in ACP engagement (p = <0.01); trusted individuals showed improvements in decision-making confidence (p = 0.01) and psychological distress (p = 0.02); whereas a minimal change was noted in their dementia knowledge (p = 0.22).

Conclusion

Most of the feasibility parameters were met. A larger sample along with a control group, as well as a longitudinal study, are requisite to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of the promising VYV intervention. There is emerging evidence that people living with mild dementia can effectively participate in identifying and expressing their values and wishes for future care.
Civic Feedbacks: Linking Collective Action, Organizational Strategy, and Influence over Public Policy
Authors: Han Hahrie , Campbell Andrea Louise , McKenna Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Democracy is premised on the ability of individuals, often working with others, to influence policies affecting them. However, existing theory cannot always explain why some organized efforts are more influential than others. We introduce the concept of civic feedbacks, arguing that the ways organizations engage individuals in collective action have feedback effects that shape the strategic position of organizations, the options available to leaders, and the likelihood of policy influence. The mechanisms through which civic feedbacks operate include the depth of accountability to the constituency, the network of elite relationships to which leaders subsequently have access, and their ongoing ability to recruit a committed and flexible constituency willing to engage new issues. Analyzing how these feedbacks redound to organizations over time enhances our ability to explain civic organizations’ differential rates of political influence. The concept of civic feedbacks returns organizations and organizational strategy to the center of the study of political influence.
The Specific Uses of the Rorschach in Clinical Practice
Authors: Mihura Joni L. , Jowers Callie E. , Dumitrascu Nicolae , van den Hurk Alicia W. Villanueva , Keddy Philip J.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Our study addresses the question, “In what settings, with what age groups, and for what purposes is the Rorschach used internationally?” We present preliminary results from 342 Rorschach users representing 36 different countries from a survey created as part of the US contribution to a larger international project on teaching and using the Rorschach in different countries. The survey was distributed to R-PAS account holders with a request to forward to non-R-PAS users. Of the respondents, 80% used R-PAS, 35% used the CS, and 17% used both. Overall, 91% used the Rorschach with adults, and 43% and 69% with children and adolescents, respectively. The most common setting was private practice (63%). The most common reason for using the Rorschach was differential diagnosis (65%), with psychosis (58%) and personality disorders (56%) as the main diagnoses. US respondents were more likely to use the Rorschach to assess for psychosis (65% vs. 48%), especially emerging psychosis in adolescents (46% vs. 25%). We discuss the strong meta-analytic support for using the Rorschach to assess psychosis, a use supported by even the test’s staunchest critics. We close by discussing study limitations and future directions, such as translating the survey to different languages and implementing a wider distribution.