bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Dificultades engañosas”: Observations and Suppositions on the Artistic Style of Cretan Icons by Domenikos Theotokopoulos before El Greco
Authors: Bekiaris Antonis , Kastrinakis Nikos , Konstantios Nikolas
Published: November 2023

The works that can be attributed to the Cretan period of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) – which is to say the Evangelist Luke Painting the Virgin and Child, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Dormition of the Virgin – are informed by a single stylistic concept and, at the same time, differ significantly in style from most contemporary Cretan paintings. This is demonstrated through an analysis of their respective style and their comparison with the Adoration of the Magi by Michael Damaskinos and the Dormition of the Virgin by Georgios Klontzas. Theotokopoulos integrates the figures into a homogeneous pictorial space in which the relations among them, and between them and the light, are less descriptive than organic and “natural.” This introduces a materialistic dimension into his style that had not formerly been present in Cretan painting. This style was perhaps a response to the need to redefine the Byzantine painting tradition in a more radical way.
The Faunal Remains from the Cistercian Nunnery of St Theodore in Nicosia, Cyprus
Authors: Hadjikoumis Angelos
Published: November 2023

The study of the faunal assemblage from St Theodore Abbey provides an opportunity to explore human–animal interactions in the context of a Cistercian nunnery in Cyprus functioning from ca. 1230 to ca. 1550. Within the limitations of a modest sample size, the analyses provide valuable insights into animal-related economic activities, diet, and status at the nunnery. The main components of the animal economy were pig and goat husbandry, while donkeys, horses, and possibly cattle were used in transportation and agricultural work. Besides pork and goat meat, the diet was complemented with chicken rearing and the secondary products of goat and sheep, as well as the occasional wild hare, fish, and birds. With the data at hand, it is difficult to elucidate the diet of different groups of people at the nunnery. Nevertheless, there are indications of high economic and social status in the form of tender meat (kids/lambs, piglets, young chicken, and possibly imported fish).
Terrorism and an Autoethnography of 9/11
Authors: Krase Jerome
Published: November 2023

Most students of the subject of terrorism are greatly informed by the literature about the diverse causes and impacts of terrorism that is generally described as premeditated politically or ideologically motivated violent acts intended to instill fear in the civilian population to engender political or social change. These studies however, whether historical or theoretical, deal with terrorism at the societal level and provide limited insights into its harmful impacts on the lives of ordinary people at the ground level. In contrast, here the author offers an autoethnography and visual ethnography of his experience and interpretation of “9/11” to bring the experience of terror to a more local and personal level.
Anti-CGRP mAbs for the Preventive Treatment of Migraine: An Overview Review and a Cost Saving Analysis in the Global Scenario
Authors: Zovi Andrea , Lasala Ruggero , Ferrara Francesco , Langella Roberto , Vitiello Antonio , Sabbatucci Michela , Musazzi Umberto Maria
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Migraine is a neurological disease with a high frequency of incidence. The new monoclonal antibodies selective for the calcitonin gene-related peptide and its ligand (anti-CGRP mAbs) have been marketed both in the USA and EU based on the positive efficacy results in the prevention of migraine. This search has been carried out with the aim of collecting real-world evidence on the effectiveness of anti-CGRP mAbs, performing a cost-savings analysis, and comparing performances among anti-CGRP mAbs medicines marketed in the American and European market. Methods: The literature review has been performed in PubMed database on 31 December 2022; the cost of the unitary dose of anti-CGRP mAbs has been extracted consulting an American national database. Results: The results confirm efficacy and good tolerability of anti-CGRP mAbs, determining a difference in the purchase price. In fact, all extracted studies showed a protective risk factor exposure in monthly migraine days reduction for all the anti-CGRP mAbs, whereas the cost analysis showed that using eptinezumab, in a quarter there is a cost saving of at least $425 per patient, compared with the other anti-CGRP mAbs. Conclusions: With equal efficacy and equal safety, anti-CGRP mAbs should be prescribed also regard to the cost established at the negotiation, making sure to guarantee the best treatment to the patients, but at the same time impacting as little as possible to the healthcare services resources.
Family Perspectives of University Reading Clinic/Literacy Lab Experiences: What Matters
Authors: Deeney Theresa A. , Dozier Cheryl L. , Laster Barbara , Gallagher Tiffany L. , Waller Rachael , Rhodes Joan A. , Milby Tammy M. , Gurvitz Debra , Hoch Mary , Cavendish Leslie , Solomon Huggins Shelly , Msengi Shadrack , McAndrews Stephanie L. , Gray Erika S. , McCarty Ryan , Ferrara Paul
Published: November 2023

Family partnerships should be a central component of teacher preparation. Although research provides family engagement strategies, little research offers teacher educators guidance from the perspectives of families themselves. The purpose of this convergent mixed-method study was to begin to fill the void in the literature by investigating family perspectives of theirs and their children’s experience in 10 reading clinic/literacy lab literacy specialist preparation programs across the United States and Canada. Through analysis of survey ratings ( N = 132) and responses to structured interviews to ( N = 84), this study found that families valued clinic/lab tutors building relationships with them, responding to their children’s strengths and needs, promoting self-efficacy, and working together as partners. Methods used in this study can provide a useful model for how teacher educators can intentionally seek input from families. Findings have implications for teacher educators advocating for and centering family engagement in teacher preparation.
The Meaning of Mental Imagery in Acute Suicidal Episodes: A Qualitative Exploration of Lived Experiences
Authors: Nilsson Anna Maria , Waern Margda , Ehnvall Anna , Skärsäter Ingela
Published: November 2023

Clinical assessment of suicidal ideation focuses on cognitions in the form of verbal thoughts. However, cognitions also take the shape of mental imagery. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning of mental imagery in acute suicidal episodes (ASEs). Eight persons with severe previous ASEs participated in repeated in-depth interviews and in the semi-structured Suicidal Cognitions Interview. Textual data from both sources underwent content analysis. All participants experienced suicide-related imagery during ASEs. Analysis resulted in two themes. (1) Suicide-approaching imagery: intrusive looming images that contributed to loss of control, flashforwards that clarified the suicidal solution, or desirable but unattainable images. (2) Suicide preventive imagery: death-alienating, life-affirming, or potentially helpful images. The meaning of mental imagery in ASEs is suggested to be understood in relation to the context of the individual ASE. A narrative approach is encouraged, as is an increased clinical focus on mental imagery in general.
Entirely Different Kinds of Beast: The Ontological Challenge to Knowledge Integration in Ethnobiology
Authors: Makovec Dejan
Published: November 2023

Anthropologists of the ontological turn claim that certain entities, processes, and relations are in principle inaccessible to outsiders of specific communities. Philosophers of ethnobiology see a challenge to the integration of scientific and ethnoscientific knowledge of nature in this claim. They propose to negotiate integration within a framework of overlapping ontologies. I explicate the methodology of the ontological turn and claim that it offers a better understanding of knowledge integration than does the philosophers’ framework. Based on two case studies, I argue for a revised notion of knowledge integration that takes scientific change and mutual influence between communities into account.
Training needs of educators for students with visual impairments and additional disabilities: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Grenier Michelle , Lieberman Lauren J , Beach Pamela
Published: November 2023

Currently, 3% of children in the United States have a visual impairment. An estimated 50%–75% of these children have additional moderate to severe disabilities. Unfortunately, many physical education teachers and teachers of the visually impaired have difficulty including children with visual impairment and additional disabilities. A lack of appropriate training limits students’ opportunities to improve motor skills and engagement in physical activity. The purpose of this research was to determine the training needs of teachers and support staff of children with visual impairment and additional disabilities through the voices of parents and educators. Focus group interviews were conducted with findings organized under two broad sections entitled (a) barriers to participation and (b) training needs to support students with disabilities. A Universal Design for Learning framework was used to analyze the results revealing the need for a variety of trainings and the use of flexible curricula to effectively instruct and support children with visual impairment and additional disabilities.
Ready, Set, Fly! Preparedness of Sales Graduates for Entry Roles
Authors: Knight Peter C. , Mich Claudia C. , Peesker Karen M.
Published: November 2023

Several studies show that while collegiate sales programs effectively prepare students for sales careers, there are various opportunities to improve. In this research, we look at how sales education impacts the career preparedness of recent 4-year college graduates. We focus specifically on the development of self-leadership and sales-related self-efficacy to explore how sales programs can better prepare undergraduates for successful careers in sales. This study uses a multistage process to consider key latent constructs that positively influence sales performance and intention to stay with current employers among recent college graduates. Results reveal how experiential education methods and college experiences positively influence early-stage sales performance and intent to stay and reduce employee turnover. Findings provide insights into recent graduates’ perceptions of preparedness for critical sales tasks provided by their college education and provide practical guidelines to university and business sales educators to enhance the sales education of university sales graduates.
Diversity of mutations in the dystrophin gene and details of muscular lesions in porcine dystrophinopathies
Authors: Kamiya Yumiko , Aihara Naoyuki , Shiga Takanori , Horiuchi Noriyuki , Kamiie Junichi
Published: November 2023

During meat inspections in pigs, dystrophinopathies are among the muscle lesions targeted for disposal. In this study, the authors examined the lesions and the distribution of dystrophin expression in 25 pigs with dystrophinopathy. In addition, complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) sequencing and western blotting were performed in 6 of the 25 cases, all of which were characterized by degeneration, necrosis, and fat replacement of muscle fibers. Comparing the results of immunohistochemistry with anti-dystrophin antibodies that recognized at different sites in the protein, the authors noted that the loss of dystrophin expression was most pronounced in the C-terminus-recognizing antibody (19/25 cases). The authors detected 5 missense mutations and 3 types of shortened transcripts generated by the skipping of exons in the cDNA, which were associated with the pathogenesis. One missense mutation had been reported previously, whereas the remaining mutations identified had not been previously documented in pigs. In the cases with shortened transcripts, normal-sized transcripts were detected together with the defective transcripts, suggesting that these mutations were caused by splicing abnormalities. In addition, they were in-frame mutations, all of which have similar pathogeneses of Becker muscular dystrophy in humans. These cases were 6 months of age and exhibited macroscopic discoloration, fatty replacement, and muscle degeneration, suggesting that the effect of these mutations on skeletal muscle was significant.
Maintaining innovation: How to make sewer robots and innovation policy work in Barcelona
Authors: Cuevas-Garcia Carlos , Pepponi Federica , Pfotenhauer Sebastian M.
Published: November 2023

This article explores how innovation logics infiltrate problem and value definitions in maintenance and repair, and how innovation itself depends on considerable, often invisible care work beyond the seemingly smooth entrepreneurial narratives. We build on a growing body of work in STS that investigates the relationship between innovation and maintenance and repair. This literature argues that the obsession with innovation crowds out attention to maintenance, that innovation creates future obligations of maintenance that are often not factored into technological promises, and that ordinary maintenance and repair practices are often innovative in their own right. Empirically, we explore a case where maintenance and repair become the explicit target of high-level, high-tech innovation initiatives and how, as a result, innovation logics colonize maintenance practices. Conceptually, we explore how repair and maintenance sensitivities can be applied to innovation practices to reveal the invisible work needed to align innovation instruments with socio-material and institutional configurations. Drawing on an in-depth case study of sewer inspection robots in Barcelona, we find that attempts to innovate maintenance require a symmetric effort to maintain innovation. In our case study, innovation processes as deployed by the European Commission, research consortia, and companies required substantial repair work to function reliably in specific settings. Our study shows how divergent understandings of the public good in innovation and maintenance contexts may lead to significant tensions, and that much can be gained analytically from not treating innovation and maintenance as opposites.
Domesticating data: Traveling and value-making in the data economy
Authors: Pinel Clémence , Svendsen Mette N
Published: November 2023

Data are versatile objects that can travel across contexts. While data’s travels have been widely discussed, little attention has been paid to the sites from where and to which data flow. Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork in two connected data-intensive laboratories and the concept of domestication, we explore what it takes to bring data ‘home’ into the laboratory. As data come and dwell in the home, they are made to follow rituals, and as a result, data are reshaped and form ties with the laboratory and its practitioners. We identify four main ways of domesticating data. First, through storytelling about the data’s origins, data practitioners draw the boundaries of their laboratory. Second, through standardization, staff transform samples into digital data that can travel well while ruling what data can be let into the home. Third, through formatting, data practitioners become familiar with their data and at the same time imprint the data, thus making them belong to their home. Finally, through cultivation, staff turn data into a resource for knowledge production. Through the lens of domestication, we see the data economy as a collection of homes connected by flows, and it is because data are tamed and attached to homes that they become valuable knowledge tools. Such domestication practices also have broad implications for staff, who in the process of ‘homing’ data, come to belong to the laboratory. To conclude, we reflect on what these domestication processes—which silence unusual behaviours in the data—mean for the knowledge produced in data-intensive research.
A small-scale study exploring the efficacy of scale modelling as an open intervention for military veterans with mental health conditions
Authors: Lawrence Ceri , Ellison Diane
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Medical discharges due to mental health conditions have steadily increased within the British Armed Forces since 2007, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cited for 41% of these. Mental health conditions can adversely impact engagement in activities of daily living. Research has shown that meaningful activity has benefits for mental well-being and engagement in this population.

Aims:

This small-scale study aimed to determine whether scale modelling had a measurable impact on veteran well-being and to describe how the results of this study may inform future occupational therapy research with veterans.

Method:

This was a retrospective quantitative design using the Short Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale to gather pre- and post-engagement data from veterans attending scale-modelling groups.

Results:

N = 12. There was a positive difference between pre- and post-engagement in scale modelling, p < 0.05, and effect size 0.61 within a limited participant pool. The Model-of-Human-Occupation and the Occupational Perspective of Health framework demonstrated that participants who found meaning and value in an activity were most likely to benefit from it.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that scale modelling enables health, well-being and independence for veterans if found meaningful by them. This is a limited-size study contributing to an under-researched area, opening pathways for further research with this participant group.
Work-related quality of life of occupational therapists in Ireland
Authors: Hogan Victoria , Hynes Sinéad , Hogan Michael , Hodgins Margaret
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Research focused on workforce issues and the working conditions of occupational therapists in Ireland is limited. The aim of this study was to characterise quality of working life and well-being in Irish occupational therapists.

Method:

A cross-sectional, electronic survey of occupational therapists working in Ireland was conducted. The questionnaire included measures of quality of working life, well-being, workload, organisational constraints and turnover intentions.

Results:

A total of 157 occupational therapists completed the survey. Quality of work life and well-being scores were lower than available norms. Organisational constraints and workload predicted lower quality of working life, F(7,119) = 13.669, p < 0.0005, while organisational constraints was the only significant predictor of well-being, F(10,123) = 3.698, p < 0.0005. Lower quality of working life predicted turnover intention, F(1,139) = 63.004. p < 0.0005.

Conclusion:

Results indicate that organisational constraints and workload are significant predictors of lower quality of working life. Lower quality of working life is also related to turnover intention. Quality of working life studies such as this can provide a form of problem diagnosis, in highlighting organisational factors that impede quality of working life.
The new Diploma of Rural Generalist Anaesthesia: Supporting Australian rural and remote communities
Authors: Gilchrist Peter T , Beaton Neil St M , Atkin Jodie N , Roberts Lindy J
Published: November 2023

In 2023, a Diploma of Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (DipRGA) was implemented across Australia. Developed collaboratively by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the 12-month qualification is completed during or following ACRRM or RACGP Rural Generalist Fellowship training. Focused on the needs of rural and remote communities for elective and emergency surgery, maternity care, resuscitative care for medical illness or injury, and stabilisation for retrieval, the DipRGA supports rural generalist anaesthetists working within collaborative teams in geographically isolated settings. The goal is a graduate who can anaesthetise American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class 1, 2 and stable 3 patients for elective surgery, provide obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia, anaesthetise paediatric patients and undertake advanced crisis care within their scope of practice. Crucially, they also recognise both limitations of their skills and local resources available when considering whether to provide care, defer, refer or transfer patients. DipRGA curriculum design commenced by adapting the ANZCA specialist training curriculum with consideration of the training approach of both the ACRRM and the RACGP, particularly the rural and remote context. Curriculum content is addressed in seven entrustable professional activities supported by workplace-based assessments and multisource feedback. Trainees are supervised by rural generalist anaesthetists and specialist anaesthetists, and complete flexible learning activities to accommodate geographical dispersion. Standardised summative assessments include an early test of knowledge and an examination, adapted from the ACRRM structured assessment using multiple patient scenarios.
Airway management of lingual tonsillar hypertrophy: A narrative review
Authors: Wong Patrick , Sleigh Jamie W
Published: November 2023

Lingual tonsillar hypertrophy is rarely identified on routine airway assessment but may cause difficulties in airway management. We conducted a narrative review of case reports of lingual tonsillar hypertrophy to examine associated patient factors, success rates of airway management techniques and complications. We searched the literature for anaesthetic management of cases with lingual tonsillar hypertrophy. We found 89 patients in various case reports, from which we derived 92 cases to analyse. 64% of cases were assessed as having a normal airway. Difficult and impossible face mask ventilation occurred in 29.6% and 1.4% of cases, respectively. Difficult intubation and failed intubation occurred in 89.1% and 21.7% of cases, respectively. Multiple attempts (up to six) at intubation were performed, with no successful intubation after the third attempt with direct laryngoscopy. Some 16.5% of patients were woken up and 4.3% required emergency front of neck access. Complications included oesophageal intubation (10.9%), bleeding (9.8%) and severe hypoxia (3.2%). Our findings show that severe cases of lingual hypertrophy may cause an unanticipated difficult airway and serious complications, including hypoxic brain damage and death. A robust airway strategy is required which includes limiting the number of attempts at laryngoscopy, and early priming and performance of emergency front of neck access if required. In patients with known severe lingual tonsillar hypertrophy, awake intubation should be considered.
A weighing method for measuring nitrous oxide leakage from hospital manifold-pipeline networks
Authors: Gaff Steven J , Chen Victor X , Kayak Eugenie
Published: November 2023

Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting agent with a long atmospheric lifetime. Several previous reports indicate that over half of supplied nitrous oxide is wasted from leaking manifold-pipeline systems infrastructure prior to patient use, and that remediating leaks can have significant environmental benefits. We describe an accurate, simple and cost-effective cylinder weighing method to quantify nitrous oxide leak from the manifold-pipeline network at our tertiary non-obstetric facility. Nitrous oxide cylinder depletion was prospectively compared with clinical usage derived from the electronic medical record over an 18-day period. A total of 1932 l (3.62 kg) of nitrous oxide was used in 35 operating theatre cases during the period. This was only 16.5% of actual cylinder depletion (11,686 l; 21.88 kg), indicating that 83.5% (9754 l; 18.26 kg) of nitrous oxide had leaked to the atmosphere (376 ml/minute; 22.6 l/hour; 542 l/day). The fraction of nitrous oxide wasted was consistent with a retrospective analysis of the previous 2-year period at the site that compared purchasing records with estimated clinical use. If maintained over a year, the leak would be equivalent to 101 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.
Observational study of the effect of ketamine infusions on sedation depth, inflammation, and clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wyler David , Torjman Marc C , Leong Ron , Baram Michael , Denk William , Long Sara C , Gawel Richard J , Viscusi Eugene R , Wainer Irving W , Schwenk Eric S
Published: November 2023

Severely ill patients with COVID-19 are challenging to sedate and often require high-dose sedation and analgesic regimens. Ketamine can be an effective adjunct to facilitate sedation of critically ill patients but its effects on sedation level and inflammation in COVID-19 patients have not been studied. This retrospective, observational cohort study evaluated the effect of ketamine infusions on inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 186 patients were identified (47 received ketamine, 139 did not). Patients who received ketamine were significantly younger than those who did not (mean (standard deviation) 59.2 (14.2) years versus 66.3 (14.4) years; P = 0.004), but there was no statistically significant difference in body mass index ( P = 0.25) or sex distribution ( P = 0.91) between groups. Mechanically ventilated patients who received ketamine infusions had a statistically significant reduction in Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score (–3.0 versus –2.0, P < 0.001). Regarding inflammatory biomarkers, ketamine was associated with a reduction in ferritin ( P = 0.02) and lactate ( P = 0.01), but no such association was observed for C-reactive protein ( P = 0.27), lactate dehydrogenase ( P = 0.64) or interleukin-6 ( P = 0.87). No significant association was observed between ketamine administration and mortality (odds ratio 0.971; 95% confidence interval 0.501 to 1.882; P = 0.93). Ketamine infusion was associated with improved sedation depth in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients and provided a modest anti-inflammatory benefit but did not confer benefit with respect to mortality or intensive care unit length of stay.
Does gender still matter in the pursuit of a career in anaesthesia?
Authors: Stewart Claire H , Carter Jane , Purcell Natalie , Balkin Maryanne , Birch Julia , Pearce Greta C , Makar Timothy
Published: November 2023

A survey sent to fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) aimed to document issues affecting gender equity in the anaesthesia workplace. A response rate of 38% was achieved, with women representing a greater proportion of respondents (64.2%). On average women worked fewer hours than men and spent a larger percentage of time in public practice; however, satisfaction rates were similar between genders. There was a gender pay gap which could not be explained by the number of hours worked or years since achieving fellowship. The rates of bullying and harassment were high among all genders and have not changed in 20 years since the first gender equity survey by Strange Khursandi in 1998. Women perceived that they were more likely to be discriminated against particularly in the presence of other sources of discrimination, and highlighted the importance of the need for diversity and inclusion in anaesthetic workplaces. Furthermore, women reported higher rates of caregiving and unpaid domestic responsibilities, confirming that anaesthetists are not immune to the factors affecting broader society despite our professional status. The overall effect was summarised by half of female respondents reporting that they felt their gender was a barrier to a career in anaesthesia. While unable to be included in statistics due to low numbers, non-binary gendered anaesthetists responded and must be included in all future work. The inequities documented here are evidence that ANZCA’s gender equity subcommittee must continue promoting and implementing policies in workplaces across Australia and New Zealand.
Recent advances in soluble decellularized extracellular matrix for heart tissue engineering and organ modeling
Authors: Kafili Golara , Kabir Hannaneh , Jalali Kandeloos Amirhossein , Golafshan Elham , Ghasemi Sara , Mashayekhan Shohreh , Taebnia Nayere
Published: November 2023

Despite the advent of tissue engineering (TE) for the remodeling, restoring, and replacing damaged cardiovascular tissues, the progress is hindered by the optimal mechanical and chemical properties required to induce cardiac tissue-specific cellular behaviors including migration, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of numerous structural and functional molecules and tissue-specific cells, therefore it plays an important role in stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation, guiding cell migration, and activating regulatory signaling pathways. With the improvement and modification of cell removal methods, decellularized ECM (dECM) preserves biochemical complexity, and bio-inductive properties of the native matrix and improves the process of generating functional tissue. In this review, we first provide an overview of the latest advancements in the utilization of dECM in in vitro model systems for disease and tissue modeling, as well as drug screening. Then, we explore the role of dECM-based biomaterials in cardiovascular regenerative medicine (RM), including both invasive and non-invasive methods. In the next step, we elucidate the engineering and material considerations in the preparation of dECM-based biomaterials, namely various decellularization techniques, dECM sources, modulation, characterizations, and fabrication approaches. Finally, we discuss the limitations and future directions in fabrication of dECM-based biomaterials for cardiovascular modeling, RM, and clinical translation.
Queering the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory: An Examination of the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory Perpetration Scale’s Measurement Invariance Across Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: McMillan Iris F. , Montanaro Erika , Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Mennicke Annelise
Published: November 2023

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a public health concern impacting more than half of U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 18. Sexual minority youth (i.e., adolescents who are not exclusively heterosexual) experience disproportionately high rates of TDV. Yet, measures of TDV such as the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) have been developed without considering sexual identity with items and instructions frequently anchored in heterosexual romantic relationships. Examination of measurement equivalence across heterosexual and sexual minority youth has only begun recently with existing research examining the CADRI’s victimization scale measurement invariance providing empirical support for invariance across heterosexual and sexual minority youth. However, no prior research has examined the measurement invariance of the CADRI perpetration scales across heterosexual and sexual minority youth. The current study fills this gap by examining the CADRI perpetration scale measurement invariance across heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis responses from 1,143 adolescents ( Mage = 15.88, SD = 2.49) to the CADRI perpetration items were examined across heterosexual ( n = 922) and sexual minority youth ( n = 218). Results confirmed the five-factor structure of the CADRI perpetration scales, providing empirical support for the appropriateness of the use of the CADRI perpetration scale’s scores across heterosexual and sexual minority youth broadly. However, findings of partial scalar measurement invariance on the emotional/verbal abuse perpetration scale raise questions about the appropriateness of mean-score comparisons on this particular subscale. Areas of potential revisions of the emotional/verbal abuse perpetration scale are discussed to facilitate meaningful comparisons among heterosexual and sexual minority youth and to substantiate program evaluation results by groups.
Development and Validation of a Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale (BFHLS) for Taiwanese Pregnant Women
Authors: Chou Hsueh-Fen , Wang Ya-Fen , Chen Tzu-Ling , Gau Meei-Ling
Published: November 2023

Background:

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. Health literacy is a critical factor affecting breastfeeding rates.

Research Aims:

The aim of this research was to develop and test the Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale to determine its validity and reliability.

Methods:

This study featured a cross-sectional telephone survey design. Researchers reviewed the literature and used expert opinions to develop the content-validated 30-item Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale covering five dimensions. We examined internal consistency, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to assess reliability and construct validity. A Taiwanese government organization provided potential participants’ contact information. After mailing an invitation letter, researchers phoned all participants to invite participation, obtain oral consent and complete a Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale and collect demographic data.

Results:

Participants ( N = 300) had a mean age of 31.8 ( SD = 4.66) years. The item-level content validity index was 0.67 to 1.00 and scale-content validity index was 0.94. After performing exploratory factor analysis, three factors were extracted. Examining content factor analysis for the three factors resulted in χ2/df = 2.05; p < .001; goodness of fit index = 0.90; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.96; and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06. Cronbach’s alphas on the total scale and the subscales ranged from 0.87 to 0.94. Women with multigravida, breastfeeding information from physicians and nurses, and previous breastfeeding experience had better breastfeeding health literacy.

Conclusions:

Psychometric analysis demonstrated that the newly developed 20-item Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale is a valid self-assessment instrument. Improving breastfeeding health literacy during pregnancy could help enable breastfeeding success.
Social Forms Beyond Value: Public Wealth and Its Contradictions
Authors: Prug Toni , Žitko Mislav
Published: November 2023

Revisiting the history of the development of software and communication technologies, this article demonstrates that while the early techno-utopian theories have been balanced by more sombre approaches, the emancipatory potential of productions whose outputs do not take the commodity form deserves further theoretical reflection. Social form and value-form literature provides a way to rethink publicly financed activities and activities of software communities as a variety of social forms of wealth and productions within capitalist social formations. Public wealth, it is argued, is a useful umbrella concept to approach the forms of wealth in the sphere of software, media and communication. With digitally storable matter, due to its replicability at near zero cost, it is of utmost importance that the state provides an institutional framework, primarily for capital, but also for public wealth, to be coded. In this setting, legal form, its content and function play a key role in the contested reproduction between forms of public wealth and capital.
Event-triggered adaptive control for upper-extremity therapeutic robot in active-assist mode: A simulation study
Authors: Abbas Mohamed , Narayan Jyotindra , Dwivedy Santosha K
Published: November 2023

Upper extremity rehabilitation exercises are essential for individuals recovering from injuries or conditions that affect their arm and hand functionality. Robot-assisted therapy has gained popularity as it offers precise control, objective assessment, and customizable treatment programs. However, several challenges persist, including uncertainties in the patient’s and robot dynamics, limited communication, and the need to maintain a compliant patient-robot interaction. Therefore, an event-triggered adaptive backstepping (ETAB) admittance control strategy is proposed in this work to address these challenges. Initially, the framework of the robot-assisted therapeutic process is briefly explained. The architecture of the proposed control strategy is formulated with two control modules. Thereafter, the adaptive backstepping technique is employed with an online adaptation law to deal with dynamic uncertainties. Moreover, the problem of limited communication is handled using the proposed design of a Lyapunov-based event-triggered mechanism. The admittance controller is integrated to maintain a compliant patient-robot interaction and consider the participation of the patient in the therapeutic sessions. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified using an end-effector type rehabilitation robot performing two different rehabilitation exercises. Furthermore, a comparative performance analysis is carried out with the proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID) and the adaptive sliding mode controller (ASMC). Based on the simulation runs, the proposed controller has shown promising tracking behavior, appropriate compliant interaction, and considerable reduction in the transmitted signals during the passive and active-assist training exercises.
The model-based development of a dynamic test bench for testing damper assemblies with a focus on amplitudes with small excitations
Authors: Benz David
Published: November 2023

Damper assemblies are often tested on test benches with relatively large displacement amplitudes at high velocities. Stochastic excitations, as road irregularities can usually be described, have a high proportion of amplitudes with small excitations; the so-called small signals. Testing with small signals poses special challenges for test benches. A methodology is presented that uses a quarter vehicle model and synthetically generated road irregularities to estimate the displacement, velocity, and acceleration amplitudes occurring at a damper assembly model. In order to describe a more realistic vehicle behavior, the synthetically generated road irregularities undergo a reduction of the amplitudes in corresponding frequency ranges by means of linear filters. The evaluation of the amplitudes occurring at the damper assembly is used to make a selection of the actuator for the test bench. A nonlinear dynamic model of the test bench, a so-called “Digital Twin,” is then created, which focuses on both, the model of the permanent magnet synchronous machine and the mechanical model of the linear actuator. Furthermore, a controller optimization procedure is used to virtually optimize the test bench’s controller parameters. Using the optimized parameters after the build process of the test bench, damper assembly tests with small signals of high quality are possible. With the help of virtual development methods such as synthetically created filtered road irregularities and with a Digital Twin of the test bench, a fast test bench development is possible. Realistic results can be achieved.
Disturbance observer–based backstepping sliding mode cascade control of 2–degrees of freedom hydraulic tunneling robot
Authors: Zhang Guotai , Shen Gang , Tang Yu , Li Xiang
Published: November 2023

For the 2–degrees of freedom position tracking problem of the robotized hydraulic-driven roadheader with high nonlinearities and strong uncertainties, a practical disturbance observer–based backstepping sliding cascade control method together with an adaptive compensator is proposed and investigated. The presented methodology mainly includes a continuous nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode with the backstepping technique and the power reaching law with time-varying coefficients used to achieve satisfactory performance against the multi-source disturbances, two disturbance observers used to approximately estimate the unknown dynamics in the mechanical and hydraulic subsystem, respectively. Simultaneously, a continuous robustifying term is also utilized to compensate for the residual disturbances and enhance the robustness. The presented control method doesn’t need the precise model thanks to the auxiliary disturbance observer, and can ensure fast convergence and small tracking error thanks to the backstepping sliding cascade control and the adaptive robust compensator. Based on Lyapunov theory, stability of the overall closed-loop system is proved rigorously, and asymptotically bounded tracking performance of the robotic manipulator is guaranteed. Finally, 2–degrees of freedom trajectory tracking experiments are conducted, and comparative results effectively verify the superiorities of the proposed method.
Telocyte-Derived Exosomes Provide an Important Source of Wnts That Inhibits Fibrosis and Supports Regeneration and Repair of Endometrium
Authors: Chen Tian-Quan , Wei Xiao-Jiao , Liu Hai-Yan , Zhan Sheng-Hua , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: November 2023

Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) often occurred after common obstetrical and gynecological procedures or infections in women of reproductive age. It was characterized by the formation of endometrial fibrosis and prevention of endometrial regeneration, usually with devastating fertility consequences and poor treatment outcomes so far. Telocytes (TCs), as a novel interstitial cell type, present in female uterus with in vitro therapeutic potential in decidualization-defective gynecologic diseases. This study aims to further investigate the role of TC-derived Wnt ligands carried by exosomes (Exo) in reversal of fibrosis and enhancement of regeneration repair in endometrium. IUA cellular and animal models were established from endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and mice, followed with treatment of TC-conditioned medium (TCM) or TC-derived Exo. In cellular model, fibrosis markers (collagen type 1 alpha 1 [COL1A1], fibronectin [FN], and α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]), angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]), and pathway protein (β-catenin) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence. Results showed that, TCs (either TCM or TC-derived Exo) provide a source of Wnts that inhibit cellular fibrosis, as evidenced by significantly elevated VEGF and β-catenin with decreased fibrotic markers, whereas TCs lost salvage on fibrosis after being blocked with Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors (XAV939 or ETC-159). Further in mouse model, regeneration repair (endometrial thickness, number of glands, and fibrosis area ratio), fibrosis markers (fibronectin [FN]), mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) (E-cadherin, N-cadherin), and angiogenesis (VEGF, microvessel density [MVD]) were studied by hematoxylin–eosin (HE), Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry. Results demonstrated that TC-Exo treatment effectively promotes regeneration repair of endometrium by relieving fibrosis, enhancing MET, and angiogenesis. These results confirmed new evidence for therapeutic perspective of TC-derived Exo in IUAs.
Results of Anatomical Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior Talofibular Ligament in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Patients
Authors: Mortada-Mahmoud Ahmed , Fernández-Rojas Enrique , Iglesias-Durán Elvira , Sánchez-Morata Enrique , Vilá-Rico Jesús
Published: November 2023

Background:

To assess the clinical and functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic anatomical repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) for management of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in a considerable number of patients during medium-term follow-up.

Methods:

A retrospective analytic study was performed on 100 patients with CLAI who presented between August 2015 and July 2020 (average age: 32.9 years; range: 16-54 years). All-inside arthroscopic ATFL direct repair was performed in all patients through 2 portals only with fixation using 2 knotless anchors. Associated intraarticular lesions were treated in the same procedure. Outcomes were assessed with pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), the ankle-hindfoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS).

Results:

All patients were followed for 24-48 months. At the final follow-up, ankle pain had improved significantly. Both the ankle anterior drawer test and the ankle varus stress tests were negative. There was no loss of ankle range of motion compared with preoperative measures, and all patients returned to normal gait. The mean VAS score decreased to 0.39 ± 0.63, the AOFAS score increased to 95.17 ± 4.7, and the KAFS score increased to 95 ± 4.07. All the follow-up indexes significantly improved compared to those before surgery.

Conclusion:

At minimum 24-month follow-up, the all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair used to treat CLAI was found to restore ankle stability and yield good clinical outcomes with a relatively low complication rate.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Quantification and prediction of error in MIMO tests
Authors: Yousef Odey , Moreu Fernando , Maji Arup
Published: November 2023

Dynamic testing of systems is most realistic of real-world conditions when multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) techniques are used. To replicate measured environmental conditions, a series of desired outputs (responses) on the system must be realized by inverting the frequency response functions (FRF) matrix for input estimation. System identification is dependent on the number of inputs and outputs, which affect the type of solutions. In input estimation, the auto spectra of the determined inputs are affected by both the auto spectra and cross spectra of the desired outputs. This research evaluates errors and investigates two sources in an experimental setting. The first significant error source is test-to-test variability in FRFs from system identification tests, quantified by magnitude variability from long-duration tests. The second significant error source is the realization of time histories from frequency domain inputs. The spectral content of the realized random process deviates from the desired content and is also quantified. The structure is a linear three-story frame fixed at the base; two inputs are provided uniaxially with the use of suspended electrodynamic shakers. The proposed model for error sources was found to be effective in predicting errors in a SISO (single-input single-output) and a square (2-input 2-output) MIMO test.
Forming strong cultural identities in an intersecting space of Indigeneity and autism using participatory action research and digital storytelling
Authors: Simpson (Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation, Secwépemc) Heather A
Published: November 2023

This research responds to the urgency to disrupt patterns of social injustice, exclusion, and cultural genocide while promoting positive identity formation, pride, and resilience for Indigenous autistics in the post-secondary education system. This study utilized a participatory action research approach positioning participants as collaborators with the research team. Data collection involved qualitative data derived from the transcripts of online sessions, participant digital stories, and a summative survey. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes of individual and a collective narrative. Findings are presented as an original concept of the author called Thrivival: The Fire Within, comprising four themes: self-identity, time, balance, and community. This work contributes to a broader understanding and expressions of Indigenization, decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion in post-secondary teaching, learning, and policy to better support the identity and success of Indigenous autistic students and arguably, all students who experience intersectional discrimination within post-secondary education systems.