bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with mental health service use during the pandemic: Initiation and barriers
Authors: Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Spagnolo Jessica , Fleury Marie-Josée , Gouin Jean-Philippe , Roberge Pasquale , Bartram Mary , Grenier Sébastien , Shen-Tu Grace , Vena Jennifer E. , Wang JianLi
Published: August 2023

Background:

Scarce are the studies focusing on initiation of new mental health service use (MHSU) and distinguishing individuals who have sought services but have been unsuccessful in accessing these.

Aims:

Assessing the factors associated with initiating new MHSU as compared to no MHSU due to self-reported no need, no MHSU due to health system and personal barriers and MHSU using resources already in place.

Methods:

The sample included participants ( n = 16,435) in the five established regional cohorts of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath) who responded to the CanPath COVID-19 health surveys (May–December 2020 and January–June 2021). Multinomial regression analyses were carried out to study MHSU since the pandemic (March 2020) as a function of predisposing, enabling and need factors. Analyses were carried out in the overall sample and restricted to those with moderate and severe symptoms (MSS) of depression and/or anxiety ( n = 2,237).

Results:

In individuals with MSS of depression and/or anxiety, 14.4% reported initiating new MHSU, 22.0% had no MHSU due to barriers and personal reasons and 36.7% had no MHSU due to self-reported no need. Age, living alone, lower income, a decrease in income during the pandemic and health professional status were associated with MHSU. Younger adults were more likely to initiate MHSU during the pandemic than older adults who reported not being comfortable to seek mental health care or self-reported no need. Individuals living alone and with lower income were more likely to report not being able to find an appointment for mental health care.

Conclusions:

Awareness campaigns focusing on older adults that explain the importance of seeking treatment is needed, as well as sensitising health professionals as to the importance of informing and aiding individuals at risk of social isolation and lower socio-economic status as to available mental health resources and facilitating access to care.
A Theological Exploration: Nonviolence as Intersectional Praxis
Authors: McCarthy Eli
Published: August 2023

This article offers a theological vision of how nonviolence contributes to Catholic social teaching, and offers a crosscutting, intersectional praxis related to two destructive waves in the US: the public health crisis of COVID-19 and systemic racism. First, this article will describe some basic intersections of these two waves, and then draw on a theological description of nonviolence to analyze their intersectionality. Finally, this article will illustrate how nonviolence offers a praxis for a more sustainable transformation.
Supportive Communication Skills as a Protective Factor Among Couples Experiencing Incarceration
Authors: Durante Katherine A. , Tadros Eman , Braxton Candis , Barbini Melanie
Published: August 2023

We employ an ABC-X model of family stress theory lens to examine the association between several communication skills and patterns and relationship quality within heterosexual couples where the man is incarcerated and the woman is not. Using data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting and Partnering and multinomial logistic regression, we found that couples who are regularly able to work out their differences have a lower relative risk of drifting apart in their relationship. Couples who frequently have heated arguments have both increased relative risks of becoming closer together and drifting apart. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that more frequently having a sense of humor and being able to work out differences is associated with increased relationship happiness while having more frequent heated arguments and a partner who interrupts is associated with decreased relationship happiness during incarceration. Prison programs should include training on improving couples’ communication skills.
Right Dance Wrong Partner: CEO Overconfidence and Organizational Knowledge Characteristics in Alliance Partner Selection
Authors: Howard Michael D. , Lyles Marjorie , Yoon Hyunjung (Elle)
Published: August 2023

Research on CEO overconfidence establishes its important effects on organizational strategy and performance. It can lead CEOs to overestimate their firm's capabilities and inaccurately assess the risk of new actions. Due to these effects, we argue that in need of the access to external knowledge, CEOs exhibiting greater overconfidence are more likely to pursue alliances. We also contribute to this ongoing conversation by linking CEO overconfidence to the suboptimal selection of alliance partners in the pursuit of external knowledge. Specifically, we demonstrate how greater overconfidence leads CEOs to discount organizational characteristics that have been shown to be beneficial in the alliance literature—greater knowledge base, knowledge impact, technology experience, and their own firm's knowledge dependence on potential alliance partners. With empirical tests of a broad sample of firms in healthcare-related industries tracked from 2001 to 2021, our work helps to integrate concepts of CEO overconfidence with the dynamics of partner selection in the knowledge and innovation domain.
Rapid and Efficient Computation of Cell Paths During Ultrasonic Focusing
Authors: Babbs Charles F. , Lang Mary V.
Published: August 2023

This biophysical analysis explores the first-principles physics of movement of white blood cell sized particles, suspended in an aqueous fluid and experiencing progressive or standing waves of acoustic pressure. In many current applications the cells are gradually nudged or herded toward the nodes of the standing wave, providing a degree of acoustic focusing and concentration of the cells in layers perpendicular to the direction of sound propagation. Here the underlying biomechanics of this phenomenon are analyzed specifically for the viscous regime of water and for small diameter microscopic spheroids such as living cells. The resulting mathematical model leads to a single algebraic expression for the creep or drift velocity as a function of sound frequency, amplitude, wavelength, fluid viscosity, boundary dimensions, and boundary reflectivity. This expression can be integrated numerically by a simple and fast computer algorithm to demonstrate net movement of particles as a function of time, providing a guide to optimization in a variety of emerging applications of ultrasonic cell focusing.
A case of aortic root replacement for annuloaortic ectasia due to Takayasu's arteritis in active inflammatory phase
Authors: Mikami Takuma , Shiiku Chikara , Numaguchi Ryosuke , Nishikawa Mikito , Oikawa Tatsuya , Yoshida Ichiro
Published: August 2023

A 39-year-old man was admitted with acute heart failure due to severe aortic regurgitation induced by annuloaortic ectasia associated with Takayasu's arteritis. Because of the active inflammatory phase associated with Takayasu's arteritis, surgery is typically performed following immune suppression by steroid therapy. Herein, we report a favorable recovery in the active inflammatory phase. Steroid therapy was initiated shortly following surgery. The decision to perform aortic root replacement without prior steroid therapy was made because the patient's risk of subsequent heart failures was deemed high and was complicated by other comorbidities.
Hounsfield units on abdominal computed tomography: a new tool for predicting osteoporosis
Authors: Luo Xiaohui , Zhang Jiongfeng , Dai Zhengzai , Gong Xiang , Qu Gaoyang , Li Juncheng , Zhang Zhiping
Published: August 2023

Background

Osteoporosis can cause bone fractures and disability, but early diagnosis faces challenges. Our proposed diagnostic indicators offer a new approach for early detection, which benefits early identification.

Purpose

To determine the most appropriate threshold for predicting osteoporosis in patients with each section of vertebral body.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 210 patients, including 646 vertebrae, who had both abdominal computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) within six months. The correlation between DXA T-score and CT Hounsfield units (HU) values was tested by Pearson. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the threshold obtained from the regression equation.

Results

The thresholds matching the T-score of −2.5 were 85, 95, 85, and 90 HU for the upper axial plane of the vertebral body (Lau), the middle axial plane of the vertebral body (Lam), the lower axial plane of the vertebral body (Lad), and the mid-sagittal plane of the vertebral body (Lsm), respectively. Defining osteoporosis using CT as Lau ≤ 85, Lam ≤ 95, Lad ≤ 85, or Lsm ≤ 90 HU had a specificity of 88.1% (116/134) and sensitivity of 90.8% (69/76) for distinguishing DXA osteoporosis of the lumbar spine in 210 patients. T-score ≤−2.5 defined as Lau ≤85 or Lam ≤95 or Lad ≤85 or Lsm ≤90 HU had a specificity of 85.9% (275/320) and sensitivity of 82.8% (270/326) for DXA T-score ≤−2.5 in 646 lumbar vertebrae.

Conclusion

CT HU values obtained based on different sections of the vertebral body in abdominal CT can be used as a supplementary measure to assess osteoporosis.
Pediatric restrictive cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Dai Hai-Long , Wang Qing-Hui , Su Xuan , Ding Yun-Chuan , Guang Xue-Feng
Published: August 2023

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare childhood cardiomyopathy that is a challenging diagnostic problem for clinicians. We describe a case of an 8-year-old girl with a 2-year history of shortness of breath on exertion. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography showed biatrial enlargement, while cardiac magnetic resonance showed biatrial dilation and normal pericardial thickness. Left and right heart catheterization revealed a left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (EDP) of 20 mmHg, right ventricular (RV) EDP of 13 mmHg, and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure of 51 mmHg. LV and RV pressure traces showed that LV and RV pressures moved concordantly with respiration, and that the systolic area index was 0.98. Cardiac catheterization data were therefore supportive of RCM. Next-generation sequencing identified a heterozygous variant of the troponin I gene ( TNNI3; c.574C>T). Combining these findings led to a diagnosis of RCM. The patient’s parents chose conservative treatment, but at the 12-month follow-up she died of worsening heart failure and cerebral infarction. This case emphasizes the need for cardiac catheterization and genetic testing in RCM, and suggests that anticoagulants should be recommended to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events.
Successful transfemoral prosthesis in a patient with haemophilia A and factor VIII inhibitors: A case report
Authors: Chao Ta-Chung , Wang Sheng-Hao , Chen Yeu-Chin , Li Tsung-Ying
Published: August 2023

Haemophilia A patients who develop factor VIII inhibitors pose a challenge with respect to bleeding and orthopaedic management. This is particularly relevant in cases requiring amputation. We present here a case of a patient with severe haemophilia A and inhibitors who had a history of multiple surgeries due to periprosthetic joint infection and a non-healing wound which led to above-knee amputation. Following the implementation of appropriate and suitable transfemoral prosthesis and emicizumab therapy, the patient experienced a significant improvement in mobility and quality of life without any adverse events or bleeding episodes. Additional studies are required to more fully understand treatment options for lower limb amputations in the haemophilia population.
Urban-Road Average-Speed Prediction Method Based on Graph Convolutional Networks
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Chen Ying , Zhang Jinlei
Published: August 2023

Prediction of urban-road average speed is an essential part of an intelligent traffic-information-service system and provides important support for an intelligent traffic-control and -management system. This paper takes an actual urban regional road network as the research object, constructs the road-network spatial weight matrix, and uses the cross-correlation function to analyze the temporal and spatial correlation of the average speed of urban roads. Then, the study builds an average-speed prediction model based on graph convolutional network and convolutional neural network (GCN-CNN). The average speed for every 5 min in the next 5 days is predicted. Finally, the proposed GCN-CNN model is compared against autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), back-propagation neural network, CNN, and CNN with long short-term memory. The root mean square error, mean absolute error, and weighted mean absolute percentage error are used to evaluate the prediction accuracy. The evaluation results confirm the superior prediction accuracy and applicability of the proposed GCN-CNN model. This study provides traffic managers with a decision-making basis for predicting traffic accidents and alleviating traffic congestion. Also, it is a useful supplement to the technology of urban-road traffic-congestion control.
Scaling effects on the strain rate sensitivity of unidirectional and [+45/−45]s laminates under tensile loading
Authors: Siddiqui Md Tareq , Keshavanarayana Suresh Raju
Published: August 2023

The effects of geometric scaling on the strain rate sensitivity of unidirectional and [+45/−45]s laminates under uniaxial tensile loading has been investigated experimentally. Two material systems, Toray T800/3900-2B carbon/epoxy unitape and Newport NB321/7781 fiberglass/epoxy fabric, were used in the study. The nominal strain rates investigated ranged from quasi-static (0.0002 s−1) to moderate strain rates of 50 s−1 across the scaled specimen geometries. The geometric scaling effects at different strain rates were quantified in terms of the Weibull modulus. At each strain rate, the average failure stress of [0]4 carbon, [0]4 fiberglass, and [±45]s fiberglass showed a declining trend with increasing specimen size. However, the percentage of the strength reduction was less significant at higher strain rates compared to the quasi-static strain rate. In contrast to the other stacking sequences, [+45/−45]s carbon specimens showed a maximum percentage in strength reduction at a high strain rate compared to the quasi-static strain rate, indicating increased scaling effect with strain rate. The magnitude of Weibull modulus ( m) for the specimens increased with strain rate indicating diminishing scaling effects, while [+45/−45]s carbon specimens exhibited an opposite trend.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Interpersonal Violence, and Racial Disparities in Early Prenatal Care in North Dakota (ND PRAMS 2017–2019)
Authors: Schmidt Lexie , Kanichy MichaeLynn , Njau Grace , Schmidt Matthew , Stepanov Anastasia , Anderson RaeAnn , Stiffarm Amy , Williams Andrew
Published: August 2023

In North Dakota (ND), American Indian women are more likely to be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and interpersonal violence, and receive late prenatal care (PNC) compared to other racial groups. In a sample of 1,849 (weighted n = 26,348) women from the 2017 to 2019 North Dakota Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, we performed a series of logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for AI and Other Racial Identity women compared to White women regarding risk of late PNC (initiated after week 13) and dissatisfaction of PNC timing. Models were adjusted for interpersonal violence (from husband/partner, family member, someone outside of family, ex-husband/partner, or any) to determine if violence accounts for racial/ethnic disparities in PNC. AI women experienced two-fold higher risk of late PNC (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.55, 3.26) and dissatisfaction of PNC timing (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.61, 3.40) than White women. In the analyses for the association between joint ACEs (Higher: ≥4; Lower: <4)/Race and PNC outcomes, odds of late PNC were two-fold among AI women with Higher ACEs (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.94) and Lower ACEs (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.69, 4.41), compared to White women with Lower ACEs. Results were similar for dissatisfaction of PNC timing. Accounting for violence did not significantly change odds ratios in any analyses. Thus, interpersonal violence surrounding pregnancy does not explain racial disparities in PNC in ND. To understand disparities in PNC among AI women, risk factors like historic trauma and systemic oppression should be examined.
Investigation of Platelet Function Analyzer 200 platelet function measurements in healthy cats and cats receiving clopidogrel
Authors: Kornya Matthew R. , Abrams-Ogg Anthony C. G. , Blois Shauna L. , Wood R. Darren
Published: August 2023

The Platelet Function Analyzer 200 (PFA-200; Siemens) is an in vitro substitute for in vivo bleeding time that is designed to investigate platelet function in a more physiologic manner than traditional aggregometry. The analyzer reports a closure time (CT) as a marker of platelet function, and may also report the calculated platelet function measurement primary hemostasis components, PHC1 and PHC2. These incorporate the measured total volume (TV) of blood aspirated and the initial flow rate (IF). We determined, for the COL/ADP and P2Y cartridges, the median total volume (TVmedian), and RIs for CT, IF, TV, PHC1, and PHC2, and investigated the sensitivity and specificity of those parameters at the determined interpretation thresholds in determination of the clopidogrel effect. Healthy client-owned cats were recruited prospectively to determine RIs for CT, IF, TV, PHC1, and PHC2. Healthy blood-donor cats and cats on clopidogrel therapy were included retrospectively to determine test performance. In 20 healthy cats, RIs for COL/ADP were CT (19.5–87.2 s), IF (199–278 µL/min), TV (199–332 µL), PHC1 (94–106%), and PHC2 (52–148%); and for P2Y, CT (4.2–94.3 s), IF (112–208 µL/min), TV (151–294 µL), PHC1 (35–178%), and PHC2 (90–109%). CVs were calculated for all of these values. Specificity for detection of the clopidogrel effect was calculated from a group of healthy blood donors, and sensitivity for detection of the clopidogrel effect from a group of cats with known clopidogrel effect. Sensitivity and specificity were, for COL/ADP: CT (83.3%, 66.6%), IF (41.4%, 83.3%), TV (83.3%, 100%), PHC1 (100%, 100%) and PHC2 (100%, 83.3%); and for P2Y: CT (100%, 94.4%), IF (30%, 44.4%), TV (100%, 94.4%), PHC1 (100%, 100%), and PHC2 (100%, 97.7%). These PFA-200 values may be beneficial in the determination of platelet function in cats.
Empowerment Through Feminist Self-Defense: The IMPACT Lasts
Authors: Thompson Martha E.
Published: August 2023

What do women learn in feminist self-defense that is empowering? This study examined the skills women used months and years after completing an IMPACT self-defense course. Ninety-seven survey participants described skills they had used and incorporated into their lives. The major themes that emerged through a classic grounded theory analysis were awareness, boundary setting, assertive body language, and managing adrenaline to prevent, interrupt, or stop uncomfortable, intrusive, or hostile behaviors. IMPACT-trained women did not engage in self-blaming or risky behavior and used their skills to prevent and interrupt aggressive behavior.
The shared parental leave framework: Failing to fit working-class families?
Authors: Bendall Charlotte , Mitchell Gemma
Published: August 2023

Shared Parental Leave has the potential to tackle a traditional gendered binary of roles within the family, by encouraging more men to care. Such legal provisions can operate to shape behaviour, both in terms of what they permit practically, but also from a normative perspective, conveying ideas around the best way to perform ‘family.’ However, placing particular focus on the latter, we assert that Shared Parental Leave does not speak to working-class parents. We initially consider whether the ‘heteronormative’ family may, in itself, be a middle-class problem, before highlighting the incompatibility of legislative ambitions of ‘equal parenting’ with working-class ways of living. ‘Equal parenting,’ as embodied within the legislation, imposes ideals that sit at odds with working-class people’s attitudes, whilst assuming a two-parent family which is often incongruous with working-class family forms. Ultimately, we favour a more holistic approach towards breaking down ‘heteronormative’ notions of women’s and men’s roles, to enable people to make more meaningful choices about their lives that are not constrained by gender.
Prevalence of dilated mid-ascending aorta in individuals 15 years and older: In search of optimal diagnostic criteria and their effect on the burden of disease
Authors: Ahmad Mirza Mujadil , Yoon Ji Ae , Syed Muhammad Nabeel , Ahmad Mirza Nubair , Hussaini Sharmeen Fatima , Muhammad Mustafa Noor , Pir Syed Haris A , Khandheria Bijoy K , Tajik A Jamil , Ammar Khawaja Afzal
Published: August 2023

Background:

Controversy regarding the definition of the upper limit of normal (ULN) for dilated mid-ascending aorta (mAA) stems from variation in criteria, based on several small-sized studies with small datasets of normal subjects (DONS). The present study was carried out to demonstrate this variation in the prevalence of mAA dilation and to identify the optimal definition by creating the largest DONS.

Methods:

Echocardiographic studies of patients ≥ 15 years of age performed at a large tertiary care center over 4 years ( n = 49,330) were retrospectively evaluated. The leading-edge-to-leading-edge technique was used to measure the mAA in diastole. The largest-to-date DONS ( n = 2334) was created, including those who were normal on medical record review, did not have any of the 28 causes of dilated aorta, and had normal echocardiograms. Because age had the strongest correlation with mAA (multivariate adjusted R2 = 0.26), as compared with sex, height, and weight, we created a new ULN based on the DONS with narrow age stratification (10-year intervals).

Results:

The prevalence of dilated mAA varied between 17% and 23% when absolute criteria were used with sex stratification, and it varied between 6% and 11% when relative criteria (relative to age, body surface area, and sex) were used. Based on new criteria from the DONS, it was 7.6%, with a ULN of 3.07–3.64 cm in women and 3.3–3.91 cm in men.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate the undesirable variation in the prevalence of dilated mAA based on prior criteria and propose a new ULN for dilated mAA.
Not just Netflix: Interventions of Korea's domestic streamers
Authors: Kang Jennifer M
Published: August 2023

Korean video culture has changed from a broadcast-focused culture into a diversified experience that includes a variety of videos from both domestic and global streaming services. Contrary to the mainstream view that Netflix is at the centre of all changes, this study positions the domestic streamers’ original content as not necessarily a direct response to Netflix but indicative of the many changes that were already occurring in the local media landscape. Their content has adapted to fit viewers’ changing lifestyles and desire for stories not seen on television. Efficient everyday storytelling fits into viewers’ busy commuter lifestyles and features mundane topics that they can easily identify with. Also, the domestic streamers cater to small, underserved audiences with regard to specific topics avoided by traditional media. Thus, the original content of domestic streamers indicates that they offer different value propositions than formulaic romance stories by broadcasters and the high-end, large-scale original dramas of subscription video on demand (SVOD).
Does sustainable innovation respond to SME's growth? European empirical evidence
Authors: Fernandes Cristina I. , Ferreira João J. M. , Veiga Pedro Mota , Kraus Sascha , Jones Paul
Published: August 2023

There is an ongoing scholarly debate regarding the compatibility of sustained high levels of firm-level growth with today's environmental sustainability goals, which include targets for limiting carbon emissions and avoiding further biodiversity loss. In this study, we aim to explore this issue through a quantitative analysis of the relationship between firm-level growth and sustainable innovation (i.e., all innovations with benefits for the environment) within an international sample of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To accomplish this, we utilise micro-data from the Community Innovation Survey, based on the conceptual framework provided by the Oslo Manual. By employing econometric models, we demonstrate that sustainable innovations promote SME growth. Specifically, we find that SMEs implementing sustainable innovations experience higher growth compared to those that do not practice them. Our research not only contributes to the existing literature in economics and management by providing more extensive knowledge but it also identifies several policy and management implications. Furthermore, we seek to offer novel insights into the importance of sustainable innovations adopted by growth-oriented SMEs.
Legitimating taste in cultural fields: Generational classifications and symbolic struggles in representations of ‘natural’ wine
Authors: le Grand Elias
Published: August 2023

This article addresses the legitimation of taste in cultural fields by examining the role of generational dynamics in the field of fine wine. In the last decade, ‘natural’ wine has become an increasingly influential category in the fine wine field. The article explores how legitimating media institutions in this field represent natural wine, particularly as regards to the symbolic properties of cultural taste. The empirical material consists of articles published in two leading US wine magazines, VinePair and Wine Spectator. The analysis shows that natural wine was represented as a contested category whose aesthetic qualities were only partially legitimated. Moreover, generational and age-coded categories were deployed to construct oppositions between natural wines and other fine wines, as well as between their respective proponents. The aesthetic characteristics of natural wine were associated with emerging forms of cultural capital that partly challenged established aesthetic standards in the fine wine field connected to traditional highbrow cultural capital. Contestations over natural wine are therefore indicative of symbolic struggles over cultural taste in the fine wine field. In conclusion, the article contributes to research in cultural fields by analysing the relationship between generational classifications and contestations over aesthetic standards in the legitimation of taste.
Targeting endothelial coagulation signaling ameliorates liver obstructive cholestasis and dysfunctional angiogenesis
Authors: Yang Xue , Ou Yangying , Yang Ying , Wang Lu , Zhang Yuwei , Zhao Fulan , Shui Pixian , Qing Jie
Published: August 2023

Cholestatic fibrogenesis is a pathobiological process in which cumulative injury to the bile ducts coincides with progressive liver fibrosis. The pathobiologic mechanisms underlying fibrogenesis and disease progression remain poorly understood. Currently, there is no effective treatment for liver fibrosis. In this study, we discovered that components of the coagulation cascade were associated with the advanced progression of obstructive cholestasis, and anticoagulant therapy could improve liver cholestasis-induced fibrosis. In a mouse model of common bile duct ligation (BDL), which mimics cholestatic liver injury, RNA sequencing analysis revealed an increased expression of coagulation factors in endothelial cells. Pharmacological targeting of the coagulation signaling by hirudin, an anticoagulatory antagonist of thrombin, ameliorated obstructive cholestasis, and attenuated liver fibrosis symptoms. Hirudin attenuated fibrosis-associated angiogenesis, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and tissue hypoxia and reduced liver inflammation after BDL. Furthermore, hirudin suppressed YAP (Yes-associated protein) signaling and its downstream effectors in vascular endothelial cells, which are considered with profibrotic characteristics. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pharmacological targeting of coagulation signaling by hirudin has the potential to alleviate liver obstructive cholestasis and fibrosis.
Effects of an Acute High Intensity Exercise Bout on Retention of Explicit, Strategic Locomotor Learning in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth D. , Bhat Soumya , French Margaret A. , Morton Susanne , Pohlig Ryan T. , Reisman Darcy S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Exercise priming, pairing high intensity exercise with a motor learning task, improves retention of upper extremity tasks in individuals after stroke, but has shown no benefit to locomotor learning. This difference may relate to the type of learning studied. Upper extremity studies used explicit, strategic tasks; locomotor studies used implicit sensorimotor adaptation (split-belt treadmill). Since walking is an important rehabilitation goal, it is crucial to understand under which circumstances exercise priming may improve retention of a newly learned walking pattern.

Objective

Determine the impact of exercise priming on explicit, strategic locomotor learning task retention in chronic stroke survivors.

Methods

Chronic stroke survivors (>6 months) performed 2 treadmill walking sessions. Visual feedback was used to train increased step length. Participants were assigned to control group (no exercise), continuous exercise (5 minutes high intensity), or long-interval exercise (15 minutes high/moderate intervals). After day 1 learning, participants either rested or performed exercise. On day 2, retention of the learned walking pattern was tested.

Results

All groups learned on day 1 ( P < .001). The 2 priming groups showed significant changes in blood lactate and heart rate after exercise priming, the resting control group did not ( P < .001). On day 2, there was no significant between-group difference in cued or un-cued task retention ( P = .963 and .287, respectively).

Conclusions

Exercise priming did not affect retention of an explicit locomotor task in chronic stroke survivors. Further work should explore subgroups of individuals for whom priming may have selective clinical benefit to locomotor learning. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03726047
The Use of Games in Citizen Science Based on Findings from the EyeWire User Study
Authors: Jaśkowiec Mirela , Kowalska-Chrzanowska Małgorzata
Published: August 2023

The article addresses the use of games for citizen research. Following the results of the EyeWire user research, the authors attempt to answer the question of the impact of introductory game training on task performance, identify the areas with the most significant effect on participants’ performance, and assess users’ impressions and level of engagement in the proposed working model. A survey method was used to investigate user impressions. Fixation data were obtained from eye-tracking studies. The research shows, that users with experience with computer games do better in scientific discovery games. The main reasons to engage in this type of project are the need for learning development and self-development. The results indicate a significant cognitive strain on users, notably in the initial phase of solving tasks independently. It infers the conclusion that this should be considered when designing such programs and the pace of introducing the user to its functions should be adjusted.
Sustainable waste cotton and pigeon pea stalk fibers composite materials for acoustics and thermal properties
Authors: Jawahar Veeraprabahar , Gabriel Mohankumar , Santhanam Sakthivel , Selvaraj Senthil Kumar
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on the development and characterization of pigeon pea stalk/cotton fibers mixed with a blend ratio of 50/50, 70/30, 30/70, 60/40, 100/0 waste cotton and 0/100 waste pea stalk composites are equipped with a compression molding system. The entire composite samples are tested for acoustics, thermal and physical parameters as per the American Society for Testing and Materials standard (ASTM). The sound absorption coefficients (SAC) were measured according to ASTME1050 by an impedance tube method, and the SAC over six frequencies 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz were calculated. The result revealed that the composite samples that are prepared from cotton/pigeon pea waste have confirmed more than 80% of the SAC and the waste composites provided the best insulation, sound absorption, moisture absorption, and fiber properties. The effect exposed that composites materials arranged from cotton/pea stalk waste fiber have established further than 75% by the sound immersion measure and the waste 28% composites handed the fashionable Appropriation, sound immersion, humidity immersion, and fiber materials. The waste cotton/pigeon pea stalk composite samples have satisfactory moisture resistance at high humidity situations without disturbing the insulation properties.
Competition concerns in digital advertisement markets: Consolidating the regulatory approach for India
Authors: Chauhan Sidharth , Bhardwaj Talin
Published: August 2023

The digital advertisement market has brought many changes to the approach through which companies engaged in multifarious sectors endeavour to increase the outreach of their products and services. In light of the benefits provided by digital advertisement as opposed to traditional advertisement, companies have been shifting towards digital advertisement, which also has simultaneously increased the competition concerns in this segment. Since these markets prima facie seem to be characterised by technological complexities and lack of transparency, it has been difficult for antitrust regulators throughout the world to scrutinise the activities in this market. However, the recent probes launched by the European Commission into the alleged anti-competitive activities carried out by Google and Meta in this market have the potential of carving some landmark changes in the approach of antitrust authorities to pay increasing attention to the activities carried out by these market players. In furtherance, we have provided an analysis of the approach adopted by various antitrust authorities, and the competition concerns that emanate from this market. Further, we have also elucidated India’s position to regulate competition in digital advertisement markets and have also analysed some policy recommendations which can be implemented by the antitrust authorities.
Congruency of color–sound crossmodal correspondence interacts with color and sound discrimination depending on color category
Authors: Miyamoto Kenta , Taniyama Yuma , Hine Kyoko , Nakauchi Shigeki
Published: August 2023

People occasionally associate color (e.g., hue) with sound (e.g., pitch). Previous studies have reported color–sound associations, which are examples of crossmodal correspondences. However, the association between both semantic and perceptual factors with color/sound discrimination in crossmodal correspondence remains unclear. To clarify this, three psychological experiments were conducted, where Stroop tasks were used to assess automatic process on the association. We focused on the crossmodal correspondence between color (Experiment 1)/color word (Experiment 2) and sound. Participants discriminated the color/word or the sound presented simultaneously. The results showed the color–sound bidirectional enhancement/interference of the response by certain associations of the crossmodal correspondence (blue-drop and yellow-shiny) in both experiments. These results suggest that these Stroop effects were caused by the semantic factor (color category) and the perceptual factor (color appearance) was not necessary for the current results. In Experiment 3, response modulation by color labeling was investigated to clarify the influence of subjective labeling. Participants labeled a presented ambiguous color, which was a hue specification between two specific colors, by listening to the sound. The results revealed that the Stroop effect was caused only when the presented color was classified as the color related to the presented sound. This showed that subjective labeling played a role in the regulation of the effect of crossmodal correspondences. These findings should contribute to the explanation of crossmodal correspondences through semantic mediation.
The diagnosis and Management of HIV Associated Acquired Hemophilia A: A Case Series From Durban, South Africa
Authors: Pillay Dashini , Rapiti Nadine
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

In acquired hemophilia A (AHA), the body produces auto-antibodies against Factor VIII. Although AHA is rare, with an incidence of 1.5 patients/1 million population/year, there is a strong association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The accurate interpretation of screening coagulation tests is critical to identify patients with AHA, as the mortality rate secondary to bleeding is high.

Methods:

This was a retrospective case series which included all newly diagnosed AHA patients that were referred to Hemophilia care unit at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa from January 2011 to December 2021. The clinical presentation and laboratory results were documented.

Results:

Five patients were included in this case series. All patients were females aged between 28 and 64 years of age and they were HIV seropositive. They presented with spontaneous cutaneous and intramuscular bleeding. Four patients were virologically suppressed on anti-retroviral therapy, and no patient had a family history of congenital bleeding diathesis. Laboratory investigations confirmed AHA with high Factor VIII inhibitor titers, which ranged from 41 to 900 Bethesda Units (BU). All patients were managed with bypassing agents and oral corticosteroids. The monitoring of patients after the initiation of treatment was difficult as they all defaulted treatment.

Conclusion:

In view of the prevalence of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a possibility that AHA is under-diagnosed in our setting. The clinician and the laboratory have a combined critical role in identifying patients with AHA as the investigation of a prolonged APTT is mandatory. There are challenges in managing AHA patients in a resource-constrained setting.
Performance-Evaluation Index for Precision Poverty Alleviation in China’s Shaanxi Province
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Shi Jie , Li Yan , Li Zhaoyu , Baloch Muhammad Awais
Published: August 2023

An effective and accurate poverty-alleviation system is necessary for eradicating poverty and promoting regional economic and social growth. Performance evaluation plays a key role in developing a precise poverty-alleviation policy. However, systematic performance evaluation of precise poverty-alleviation efforts has been largely ignored in the literature. This study sorts the poverty-alleviation performance of 10 major urban areas in Shaanxi Province using the count and analysis method. The empirical findings show that among poverty indexes, the yield of agricultural products has the greatest impact on poverty alleviation. Furthermore, the poverty-alleviation performance of Xianyang, Weinan, and Ankang is relatively high. The efforts of Xi’an and Baoji are at the middle level, and those of Tongchuan and Yan’an are at a relatively low level. This paper identifies the poverty alleviation performance status for each area at the indicator level and then offers a corresponding analysis and proposes countermeasures.
Pandemic Impact on Early Career Researchers in the United States
Authors: Sims David , Nicholas David , Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie , Watkinson Anthony
Published: August 2023

This study’s research aim is to discover how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts early career researchers’ work lives, prospects, and scholarly communication behavior. Early career researchers (ECRs), including doctoral students, post-docs, and pre-tenure faculty, are the next generation of scientists, researchers, scholars, teachers, and academic leaders, and are considered “vulnerable” when compared to their more senior colleagues. Part of an eight-country study, we present findings from long semi-structured interviews of 22 ECRs within the sciences and social sciences from a variety of regions in the United States. Transcripts were approved by the participants and responses were coded into a project-approved spreadsheet for analysis. The coding sheets were multi-faceted, containing both quantitative and qualitative data. Key findings include loss of research productivity due to lab closures and/or human subject research. The most recurring negative impact is the loss of formal and informal in-person meetings. For the majority, the pandemic has not deterred ECRs to deviate from their chosen academic career paths.
Pressure From Within: Gay-Community Stress and Body Dissatisfaction Among Sexual-Minority Men
Authors: Soulliard Zachary A. , Lattanner Micah R. , Pachankis John E.
Published: August 2023

Although intraminority gay-community stress has been theorized to affect sexual-minority men’s body dissatisfaction, this association has not been evaluated quantitatively. Using two samples of sexual-minority men—one sample recruited from a population-based study of U.S. adults ( N = 424; age: M = 54.29 years) and the other a sample meeting diagnostic criteria for depressive, anxiety, or trauma-/stressor-related disorders ( N = 251; age: M = 26.52 years)—in this study, we investigated associations between gay-community stress and body dissatisfaction. In both samples, gay-community stress was significantly associated with sexual-minority men’s greater body dissatisfaction in models that controlled for demographic and minority-stress variables. In terms of specific domains of gay-community stress, perceptions of the gay community’s focus on sex, social status, and social competition were significant correlates of greater body dissatisfaction. Future research can determine the impact of routinely addressing gay-community stress in body image and eating-disorder treatments for this population.
The Moral Ethic of Cariño for Justice and Equity: Amplifying the Voices of Immigrant-Origin Youth through Critical Literacy
Authors: Lomelí Karla
Published: August 2023

Supportive, respectful teacher-student interactions are essential to a positive learning environment for linguistically and culturally diverse students. In this article, I focus on one case from a larger study that examined the teaching practices and perspectives of four secondary teachers of immigrant-origin students of generation 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. In this article, I explore the teaching practices that shape the case of Mr. Sparks, a Social Science teacher at Dreamers High. I describe the practices and perspectives that inform Mr. Sparks’ pedagogical approach to teaching critical literacy and the ways in which it facilitated students’ ability to articulate their connections to critical sociopolitical issues. Using case study and reconstructive discourse analysis, this study's findings highlight how one teacher's perspectives of students shaped immigrant-origin students’ critical literacy practices; the importance of including student voices in curriculum design; and how one teacher crafted critical literacy units centered on advancing equity and justice beyond the English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. My data analysis revealed that a moral ethic of cariño emerges at the intersection of the teacher’s practices and perspectives, demonstrating the critical role that teachers play in honoring students’ lived experiences.
From Increased Exercise to Reductions in Emotional Eating and Weight/Waist Circumference: Refining Theory-Driven Psychosocial Targets for Treating Obesity
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: August 2023

Overwhelmingly poor results beyond the short term suggest advances in treating obesity through behavioral means are required. Research on psychosocial intervention targets is particularly important. Because of possible widespread impacts crossing socioeconomic and racial/ethnic lines, methods that can effectively be disseminated in a large-scale and economical manner are also needed. This research assessed women participating in community-administered obesity treatments with similar curricula that were either manual-based ( n = 39) or in-person-based ( n = 44). Along with conclusions that emotional eating is relevant, especially in women, the paradigms of social cognitive theory, self-regulation theory, the mood-behavior-model, and coaction theory guided analyses of psychosocial predictors of weight/body composition changes. Both treatment formats were associated with significant improvements in exercise, mood disturbance, self-regulation of exercise and eating, emotional eating, weight, and waist circumference, with significantly greater improvements associated with the in-person format. Tests of model-fitting indicated that baseline–Time 2 change terms were the better predictor of the subsequent variable in planned regression models, except the self-regulation factors where Month 3 scores were strongest. Increased exercise predicted a reduction in mood disturbance. The path from mood→self-regulation of exercise→self-regulation of eating→emotional eating was significant, along with the direct path from (exercise-associated) changes in mood→emotional eating. Emotional eating reduction significantly predicted reduced weight and waist circumference over 6 and 12 months. The relation between mood and self-regulation supported the mood-behavior-model, whereas the prediction of self-regulation of eating by exercise-related self-regulation affirmed coaction theory. Findings may be used to inform further research and applications targeting psychosocial changes within behavioral obesity treatments.
“Talk to strangers!” Omegle and the political economy of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation
Authors: Salter Michael , Sokolov Saranda
Published: August 2023

This article examines how technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation has flourished within the laissez faire regulatory frameworks of neoliberalism, and argues that political economy should play a more central role in theorising about child sexual abuse. Drawing on the case study of Omegle, a livestreaming website that matches strangers via webcam, the paper illustrates how deregulatory trends have produced an alignment between the sexual interests of child sexual abusers and the economic interests of some online service providers. The paper suggests that intersecting political ideologies and economic structures have increased opportunities for child sexual exploitation and decreased formal and informal controls, while recruiting paedophilic desires and exploitative subjectivities within processes of capital accumulation. The paper explores the implications of political economy for theories of child sex offending, which have typically focused on the psychological, social and legal dimensions of child sexual abuse while overlooking the role of capitalist structures and imperatives.