bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress hormone response to instrumented elective lumbar spine fusion surgery
Authors: Repo Jussi P , Neva Marko H , Häkkinen Keijo , Pekkanen Liisa , Metso Saara , Häkkinen Arja H
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To understand the systemic effect of major spine surgery, we investigated stress, anabolic and catabolic hormonal levels and their association with interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients undergoing elective lumbar spine fusion surgery.

Methods

Blood samples were collected preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 42, 90 days postoperatively (POD) from 49 patients who underwent elective lumbar spine fusion surgery.

Results

Serum concentration of cortisol was below the preoperative value at POD 1 but did not differ from the baseline values thereafter. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) decreased at PODs 1 and 3. Testosterone decreased at PODs 1 and 3 in men, and at POD 3 in women. Sex hormone-binding globulin decreased at PODs 1 and 3 in both genders. No changes were observed in free testosterone or growth hormone concentrations. Insulin-like growth factor 1 increased significantly above the preoperative level at PODs 42 and 90 in women, and at POD 42 in men. IL-6 was significantly elevated at PODs 1 and 3. Increases in IL-6 from the preoperative level to POD 1 correlated significantly with decreases of cortisol at POD 1 but not with ACTH.

Conclusions

There were only short-term stress hormonal changes after elective lumbar spine fusion surgery. Cortisol changes after elective lumbar spine surgery are transient and might be partly cytokine induced and non-ACTH driven since there was association between cortisol and IL-6 but not with ACTH and IL-6.
“Too Many Jobs and Not Enough Hands”: Immigrant and Refugee Community Health Workers at the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bearss Brittany , Martin Alexandra , Dorsey Vinton Sheila , Chaidez Virginia , Palmer-Wackerly Angela L. , Mollard Elizabeth , Edison-Soe Lanetta , Chan Nyabuoy , Estrada Gonzalez Evelyn , Carter Ma’Kiya , Coburn Katelyn , Xia Yan , Tippens Julie A.
Published: October 2023

Refugees and immigrants have experienced heightened health inequities related to COVID-19. As community-embedded frontline health personnel, refugee and immigrant community health workers (riCHWs) played essential roles in the provision of informational, instrumental, and emotional support during the unprecedented first year of the pandemic. Despite the importance of this workforce, riCHWs are at high risk for burnout due to low recognition and demanding workloads. This was exacerbated as riCHWs navigated a new and uncertain health delivery landscape. We sought to glean insight into riCHWs’ stressors, coping strategies and resources, and self-efficacy to identify ways to support their work and wellbeing. Using a narrative inquiry approach, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 11 riCHWs working in a midsized city in the midwestern United States. We generated three distinct yet interrelated themes: (1) Rapid and trustworthy information is key, (2) Creativity and perseverance are good … structural support is better, and (3) Integrating riCHW expertise into health promotion programming and decision-making. Although riCHWs were deeply committed to enhancing community wellbeing, quickly shifting responsibilities in tandem with structural-level health inequities diminished their self-efficacy and mental health. riCHWs relied on work-based friends/colleagues for informational and emotional support to enhance their capacity to deliver services. Findings suggest increasing opportunities for peer support and idea-exchange, professional development, and integration of riCHW expertise in health promotion decision-making are effective strategies to enhance riCHWs’ professional self-efficacy and personal wellbeing.
For Norman (and me)
Authors: Spooner Marc
Published: October 2023

This is my tribute to Norm.
Critical Qualitative Research Leader and Friend: Norman Denzin as Teacher of Academic Activism
Authors: Cannella Gaile S.
Published: October 2023

This article demonstrates the profound role that Norman Denzin played as a qualitative researcher and friend to those of us in academia. Examples of his writing, contributions, and responses to those of us working in academia are provided. Norman was an activist who demonstrated how to survive within the often narrow confines of academia and also how to become a radical academic activist who creates expanded, more just spaces for thought and action. His work will continue to increase our possibilities. We honor and thank him for being our friend, supporter, and model.
Association of Time in Bed, Social Jetlag, and Sleep Disturbances With Cognitive Performance in Children With ADHD
Authors: Qu Xueqi , Kalb Luther G. , Holingue Calliope , Rojo-Wissar Darlynn M. , Pritchard Alison E. , Spira Adam P. , Volk Heather E. , Jacobson Lisa A.
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Children with ADHD commonly exhibit sleep disturbances, but there is limited knowledge about how sleep and sleep timing are associated with cognitive dysfunction in children with ADHD.

Methods:

Participants were 350 children aged 5 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD. Three sleep-related constructs—time in bed, social jetlag (i.e., discrepancy in sleep timing pattern between school nights and weekend nights), and sleep disturbances were measured using a caregiver-report questionnaire. Linear regression models assessed the associations between sleep-related constructs and cognitive performance.

Results:

After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, there were few associations between time in bed or sleep disturbances and cognitive performance, however, greater social jetlag was negatively associated with processing speed (β = −.20, 95% CI [−0.35, −0.06]), visually-based reasoning (β = −.13, 95% CI [−0.27, 0.00]), and language-based reasoning (β = −.22, 95% CI [−0.36, −0.08]); all p < .05).

Conclusion:

Social jetlag, but not time in bed or disturbances, was associated with lower cognitive performance among children with ADHD.
Comparison of the complications and long-term results of heparin-coated and non-heparin-coated symmetric-tip hemodialysis catheters
Authors: Özdemir Mustafa , Taydaş Onur , Danışan Gürkan , Ateş Ömer Faruk
Published: October 2023

Background:

Tunneled catheters are effectively used in patients receiving chronic dialysis due to end-stage renal disease. However, the dysfunction of catheters caused by infection or thrombus requires repetitive procedures. In this study, we aimed to compare the long-term results of heparin-coated and non-heparin-coated tunneled dialysis catheters.

Method:

The study included a total of 161 patients who underwent tunneled dialysis catheter placement. Heparin-coated and non-heparin-coated tunneled catheters were placed in 81 and 80 patients, respectively. Of all the patients, 89 (55.3%) were male and 72 (44.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 15.3 years. The patients were followed up for 12 months.

Results:

Catheter infection developed in 10 (6.2%) of the cases, of which seven (70%) resolved with antibiotic therapy and the remaining three (30%) required catheter replacement. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the catheter infection rate ( p = 0.84). Fibrin sheaths developed in nine (5.5%) patients. Fibrin sheath development was found to be significantly higher in the non-heparin-coated catheters ( p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in fibrin sheath formation between the patients with and without systemic antiaggregant use ( p = 0.864). The mean catheter durability time was determined to be 11 months in both groups ( p = 0.704). Catheter survival was similar in heparin-coated and non-heparin coated catheters.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the rate of fibrin sheath development was significantly lower in heparin-coated tunneled catheters than non-heparin-coated catheters. There was no significant difference between the two catheters in terms of the rates of infection and mechanical complications.
Clinical diagnostic and radiographic features of primary spinal atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Syed Hashim , Teferi Nahom , Hanson Alec , Challa Meron , Eschbacher Kathryn , Hitchon Patrick
Published: October 2023

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) are rare embryonal tumors comprising 1-2% of all pediatric CNS neoplasms. Spinal ATRTs are even more uncommon, accounting for 2% of all reported ATRT cases. Despite their rarity, ATRTs affect young children disproportionately and are characterized by a high malignant potential due to a heterogeneous cellular composition and inactivating mutations in the SMARCB1 (90%) and SMARCA4 (10%) genes. A 15-month-old female presented with a 2-week history of decreased lower extremity movement and new-onset need for assistance with ambulation. MRI lumbar spine revealed a contrast-enhancing intradural mass at the L3-L4 level with iso-intensity on T1 and T2 sequences. The patient subsequently underwent subtotal tumor resection (∼80%) given concerns for maintaining neurological function. Final pathology was consistent with spinal ATRT, and she later underwent adjuvant chemoradiation therapy per ACNS0333 protocol. She has since remained in remission with age-appropriate developmental milestones over the past 2 years. ATRTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intradural spinal lesions, especially in the pediatric patient population. Clinical course, presentation, and diagnosis is often delayed due to the rarity of these tumors, but contrasted craniospinal MRI is key for diagnosis and histopathology with IHC staining showing loss of INI is confirmatory. While gross total resection is the goal, maximal safe tumor resection should be prioritized in order to preserve neurological function. Adjuvant chemoradiation following gross total/subtotal resection has been shown to significantly improve overall survival.
Invisible, aesthetic, and enrolled listeners across storytelling modalities: Immersive preference as situated player type
Authors: Pintar Judith
Published: October 2023

Immersive storytelling includes narrative experiences that take place in the public spaces of theaters, theme parks, museums, and historical reenactment sites; on tabletops, where role-playing games are collaboratively played; in fictional spaces superimposed on the real world during a live-action role-playing (larping) event; and in hybrid, asynchronous, and transmediated spaces that blend the digital, the virtual, and the real. Understood as a kind of boundary object, a player typology can incorporate multiple perspectives and heterogeneous sources of information, producing ‘ideal types’, which provide a framework for observation and discussion across immersive modalities. This paper offers a typology of situated immersive preference, in which narrative immersion and embodied immersion are understood to vary independently of one another. Along the vertical axis listener-players of immersive storytelling experiences are classified as narratively attached, narratively detached, or narratively opposed. Across the horizontal axis of embodied engagement, listener-players are classified as invisible, aesthetic, or enrolled. Nine ideal types emerge at the intersection of these narrative and embodied preferences. Why someone might fit into one category rather than another reflects comfort rather than personality. Situated immersive types are understood to be fluid and temporary configurations. The degree to which players are willing to engage and are comfortable with what they are being asked to do may differ dramatically from experience to experience and from day to day, and even during a single session, reflecting how they feel at a given moment, which is affected by who they are with and how they are perceived and treated by others. This framework for understanding immersive preferences calls for the design of more widely inclusive story worlds.
Exploring psychosocial experiences of behavior therapists dealing with children having autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Shahid Samia , Javed Fatima , Iqbal Muhammad Nasar , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Behavior therapists play an important role in the life of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Literature reported that child’s improvement depends on the quality of therapy they receive. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the psychosocial experiences of behavior therapist working with children having ASD, and suggest the coping strategies which they use to deal with those stressors. The study utilizes a qualitative research design with a phenomenological research approach to explore the psychosocial experiences. For this purpose, the researchers conduct semi-structured interviews of 6 behavior therapists, ages ranging from 25 to 35 years. They note the verbatim of the therapists and convert into codes to create themes and categories. Furthermore, the study utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis for the interpretation of the results. The results of this phenomenological research indicate six superordinate themes emerged from the transcripts. The results demonstrate professional and psychological experiences of behavior therapists along with the social and the health issues faced by the children with ASD, and the coping strategies used by the therapists that is emotion focused coping, problem focused coping and maladaptive copings. Gaining insight into therapists’ psychosocial experiences can pave the way for developing approaches aimed at enhancing their overall welfare. These approaches may encompass initiatives to alleviate stress, mitigate burnout, and boost job satisfaction.
Understanding Libraries as Part of the Rural Active Living Environment: Evidence From a Content Analysis of Library Facebook Posts Made in Summer 2022
Authors: Lenstra Noah , O’Hara Nancy Tompkins , Jones Dina L. , Townsend Zachary , Slater Sandra , Pickett Andrew C. , Day Kelsey R. , Meyer M. Renee Umstattd , Perry Cynthia
Published: October 2023

As both public health and public libraries continue to evolve, there are opportunities for collaboration focused on building policies, systems, and environments that support communities making healthy choices easy choices. Given the health disparities related to physical inactivity, such as diabetes and heart disease in rural America, public libraries within rural communities are emerging as important settings for health promotion and disease prevention. This study sought to better understand how rural libraries promote physical activity opportunities on Facebook. Based on a content analysis of Facebook posts of a random sample of 118 libraries made during the Summer of 2022, 47 of the 118 had at least one post related to physical activity and 42 had multiple posts. The most frequent offering was events or classes; libraries also supported physical activity by lending equipment and making changes to the built environment. This study provides evidence that some rural libraries are offering physical activity opportunities through community health partnerships, particularly for youth and families. Considering this evidence, public health professionals are encouraged to collaborate with local libraries to promote physical activity and advance rural health equity. Researchers are invited to continue to develop the evidence base around promoting physical activity with rural libraries.
Construct Validity of the Gait Deviation Index for People With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (GDI-SCI)
Authors: Sinovas-Alonso Isabel , Herrera-Valenzuela Diana , de-los-Reyes-Guzmán Ana , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , del-Ama Antonio J. , Gil-Agudo Ángel
Published: October 2023

Background

The Gait Deviation Index for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI-GDI) was recently proposed as a dimensionless multivariate kinematic measure based on 21 gait features derived from 3-dimensional kinematic data which quantifies gait impairment of adult population with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) relative to the normative gait of a healthy group. Nevertheless, no validity studies of the SCI-GDI have been published to date.

Objective

To assess the construct validity of the SCI-GDI in adult population following iSCI. Methods. SCI-GDI data were obtained from a sample of 50 healthy volunteers and 35 adults with iSCI. iSCI group was also assessed with the following measures: 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) at both self-selected (SS) and maximum speeds, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), SS and maximum levels of the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) II, mobility items of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM IIIIOMob), Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship with the SCI-GDI.

Results

SCI-GDI shows strong correlation with the 10MWT ( r ≥ −.716) and good correlation with LEMS ( r = .638), TUGT ( r = −.582), SS WISCI II levels ( r = .521), and SCIM IIIIOMob ( r = .501). No significant correlations were found with maximum WISCI II levels and MAS ( P > .006).

Conclusions

Construct validity of the SCI-GDI was demonstrated with the 10MWT, TUGT, LEMS, SCIM IIIIOMob, and SS WISCI II levels for independently walking adults with iSCI. Future work will include assessing the psychometric characteristics with a more heterogeneous sample, also considering the pediatric population.
Terrorism: The present, the future and the unpredictability of the threat
Authors: Brzuszkiewicz Sara
Published: October 2023

The terrorist threat in 2023 has been characterised by new levels of unpredictability. This is due to two main factors that have unfolded only recently with unparalleled intensity. The first is the bipolarity of the threat. On the one hand, structured and semi-structured radical groups are operating in complex scenarios, such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. On the other, in the West we have been witnessing a recrudescence of lone-actor attacks that, although characterised by low lethality, represent a cause for concern. There is a risk that this dichotomy could catch experts off guard. The second factor that makes the threat particularly unpredictable is the ideological fluidity that is pervading contemporary radical milieux and radicalisation trends: individuals with diverse ideological backgrounds borrow tropes, narratives and communication strategies from other ideologies and adapt them to match their worldviews through processes of reciprocal influencing and cross-pollination.

This article aims to analyse the bipolarity between the focus on international crises amid a rise in lone-actor attacks and the ideological fluidity of radical environments to assess how these two factors have generated unprecedented levels of unpredictability when it comes to terrorism and radicalisation.
Emotions in the Image of God? The Holistic Vision of Classical Christian Anthropology
Authors: Peterson Ryan S.
Published: October 2023

In conversation with classical Christian anthropology, this article offers a holistic account of the human person in which reason, emotion, and desire are united in drawing humans to God, mutually informing life lived with a Godward orientation. First, I explore the ways several Christian theologians have construed the relation of reason and emotion in the pre-fall state. I give special attention to Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa. I then bring the themes of these accounts into conversation with contemporary accounts of emotion in philosophy and psychology. I conclude by arguing that the most persuasive accounts of Christian anthropology take the regulation of reason, emotion, and desire to be governed by relationship with God. A holistic walk with God requires the well-ordered collaboration of reason, emotion, and desire. In fact, the union of reason, emotion and desire expresses a creaturely reflection of God’s oneness and holiness.
Efficacy of zoledronate, denosumab or teriparatide in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high risk of fragility fractures: protocol of an open, blinded endpoint randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Prasad Trupti Nagendra , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Singla Veenu , Aggarwal Neelam , Ram Sant , Saini Uttam Chand , Kumar Ashok , Pal Rimesh
Published: October 2023

Background:

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at high risk of fragility fractures; however, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of anti-osteoporosis drugs as a primary pre-specified endpoint in T2D.

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic drugs in postmenopausal women with T2D.

Design:

Prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint clinical pilot trial.

Methods:

Postmenopausal women (⩾50 years) with T2D (duration ⩾5 years), HbA1c 7–10%, eGFR ⩾45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and prior vertebral (clinical/morphometric), hip, radius, humeral fragility fracture or bone mineral density (BMD) T-score (adjusted for diabetes) at lumbar spine/femoral neck ⩽−2.5 and high FRAX score will be eligible for inclusion. Subjects with secondary causes of osteoporosis, prior exposure to bone-active therapies or history of use of glucocorticoids/pioglitazone/thiazides/canagliflozin will be excluded. Finally, eligible subjects will undergo estimation of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone turnover markers (BTMs) (total procollagen type I N-propeptide, β-CTX) along with trabecular bone score (TBS) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of non-dominant hand and leg. After a 2-week run in phase, they will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive yearly zoledronate, or biannually denosumab or daily teriparatide (in addition to standard of care, i.e., calcium 1000 mg/day and cholecalciferol 1000 IU/day) or only standard of care (control). The primary endpoints will be change in areal BMD and frequency of incident fractures at 18 months. The secondary endpoints will be change in HR-pQCT parameters, TBS and BTMs at 18 months. Adverse events will be recorded for all randomized participants.

Ethics:

The study has been approved by the Institute Ethics Committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant.

Discussion:

The trial is expected to provide information regarding optimal anti-osteoporotic therapy in people with T2D and bone fragility.

Registration:

Prospectively registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2022/02/039978).
Exploring Cognitive Fatigue: Machine Learning, Forecasting, Generalization, Personalization, Inference and Labels
Authors: Nartey David , Karthikeyan Rohith , Chaspari Theodora , Mehta Ranjana
Published: October 2023

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or weakness that can be physical, mental or both. Interpretable machine learning methods can be used for inference while having the dimension of time series prediction for developing intelligent health systems to manage fatigue. The study explored forecasting perception and performance scores associated with fatigue manifestation using cardiac activity with generalized and personalized models at a forecast interval of 10-minutes during a cognitively fatiguing task. Participants underwent a 2-hour cognitively fatiguing working memory task with subjective fatigue responses obtained every 10-minutes. Participants’ performance was calculated over the 10-minute interval. Performance labeled models had the lowest mean absolute error for forecasting in both generalized and personalized models using Gradient Boosting Regression. This provides the ability to forecast performance decrease due to fatigue and to generate fatigue mitigation interventions to reduce fatigue-related injuries.
Simulation Modeling for Health Care Operations: User-centered Design Needed!
Authors: Cornet Victor P. , Charles Michelle , Toscos Tammy
Published: October 2023

Simulation modeling in health care has been touted as a solution to many problems, such as scheduling, wait times, or staffing. While researchers have argued for stakeholder involvement, few have described how to implement user-centered design (UCD) to develop, evaluate, and implement simulations for health care. In this paper, we explain how UCD theory can address common issues found in the health care simulation literature. We illustrate our points using experience applying UCD to develop a vaccination clinic simulation and provide additional UCD strategies relevant to the design of simulation models for health care.
Heuristic Evaluation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Displays
Authors: Pham Thao , Boone Alexander P. , Ngo Mary K.
Published: October 2023

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a computer software architecture that collects, analyzes, and delivers real-time production data to an accompanying human-machine interface (HMI) display. SCADA displays can help ensure efficiency in industrial settings by allowing users to monitor and control production processes, see system issues, and directly interact with equipment or devices (e.g., sensors, motors). However, SCADA displays tend to be highly complex and cluttered with data and interactive components. In this research, we conducted an evaluation of various SCADA displays available online using Neilson’s ten usability heuristics. The findings revealed that those displays scored poorly in the evaluation, indicating the need for redesign concepts that prioritize user needs. We then provide redesigned displays, conduct computational modeling to ensure the effectiveness of the redesigns, and propose a set of SCADA display design guidelines aimed at improving those displays to support user needs and, ultimately, improve user performance.
Effects of Traffic Clutter and Road Type on Road Hazard Detection
Authors: Peel Matthew A. , Tigue Mary B. , Amores Kyle A. , Palmer Evan M.
Published: October 2023

While operating a manually driven or even a highly automated vehicle, drivers may need to quickly perceive and respond to road hazards. In this study, we investigate several factors that might influence drivers’ ability to rapidly recognize road hazards in real-world settings. Using the publicly available Road Hazard Stimuli dashcam footage set, we divided stimuli into videos from highway and non-highway environments. We also developed the concept of “traffic clutter,” which is the area of the video screen containing other vehicles, and divided videos into those with high or low traffic clutter. Half the video clips showed road hazards occurring, and the other half showed another snippet from the same dashcam footage without a road hazard. Forty participants viewed these short, 233 ms video clips and responded whether they detected a road hazard or not. Using signal detection analyses, we show that drivers behave differently when responding to road hazards, depending on the context. First, participants were well above chance at detecting road hazards despite the short presentation times. Further, participants had higher sensitivity (d’) to road hazards when viewing videos with high traffic clutter. In terms of participants’ response criterion (c), we found that in both non-highway and high traffic clutter scenarios, drivers were more willing to commit false alarm rather than miss hazards. This difference in hazard response strategies may reflect biases drivers have developed during their time on the road.
Current Practices, Conflicts, and Future Teleoperation in Construction Workplaces: A Survey Study
Authors: Hossain S M Ashif , Peres S Camille , Martin Robert , Lee Jin Sol , Du Andersen , Bergman Mindy , Ham Youngjib , Ferris Thomas
Published: October 2023

Excavation work poses significant risks to workers due to the potential for striking underground utilities such as gas lines and electrical cables. Despite the availability of various tools and protocols, excavation accidents still occur frequently, leading to injuries, fatalities, and property damage. This study explores the perceptions of excavator operators regarding excavation conditions and safety protocols, as well as the adaptability of a proposed tool that indicates the location and depth of underground utilities. The study is based on surveys completed by excavator operators, which revealed critical factors contributing to the causes of utility strikes, their experiences at work, and desirable features for future tools. The proposed tool was well-received by operators, with many expressing a willingness to adopt it to enhance safety and efficiency. This research provides insights into the challenges of excavation work and highlights the potential of advanced tools to mitigate utility strikes.
Sleep and Fatigue in an Expeditionary Medical Team: Results and Lessons Learned from a Field Study
Authors: Plummer John Paul , Colombo Allyson R. , Kniffin Alex F. , Adams Christi J. , Marchosky Mila W.
Published: October 2023

Sleep deprivation and fatigue can have significant detrimental effects on cognitive and task perform ance during continuous operations. The current study records sleep and wake cycles, fatigue, and cognitive performance of two Marine Corps expeditionary medical teams during a 48-hour field user exercise with a realistic patient stream. The results suggest that the participants receive less than optimal sleep during the operational period, and showed changes in self-reported fatigue and risk taking. The results are discussed in light of data being collected during a field exercise. Additionally, lessons learned that can be applied to future research are described.
Perceived Usability of a Live Feedback Interface for Neonatal Ventilation Training
Authors: Hannan Jacqueline , Weiner Gary , Stirling Leia
Published: October 2023

During positive pressure ventilation (PPV), a careful balance of applied force must be administered to hold the face mask against an infant’s face. Applying too much force can hurt the child, while not enough force will contribute to insufficient air delivery and ineffective ventilation. Currently, there is no tool to assist clinicians in training with understanding the amount of force they should apply to the face mask to deliver effective PPV. Prior work has developed a sensor system and live-feedback interface to provide information about applied force to individuals training to learn PPV. This work assesses the perceived usability of the live-feedback interface using quantitative and qualitative analyses, including the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire and verbal questions. Results from this study will help improve future iterations of this interface and can assist in other works seeking to develop training interfaces for use in hospital environments.
Dynamic Text: How to Effectively Embed Emotions in Text-based Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Han Dasol , Hamka Sukayna , Kim Sang-Hwan
Published: October 2023

Despite being an effective mode of communication, Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), particularly regarding text-based exchanges, still has inherent limitations compared to in-person communication. The objective of the current study is to review the previous studies which identified and addressed the challenges, including difficulty in embedding emotional information in text effectively. Previous studies demonstrated changes in text properties might deliver emotional information as well as the two phases of text encodings could be completed simultaneously by interaction designs. The study also suggests future studies to find the emotional meaning of text features and to develop novel applications using machine learning technologies.
Usability of Ranked-Choice Voting Paper Ballots
Authors: Stewart Kaitlyn M. , Kortum Philip , Byrne Michael
Published: October 2023

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a method of voting where individuals rank their choices for each race in an election, rather than selecting a single candidate. For paper ballot implementations, there are three basic formats: bubble grid, column, and handwritten. This study aimed to understand which format produces the best outcomes with the fewest errors. Using a between-subjects design, we measured voting time, errors, success rates, and overall subjective usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results showed that the handwritten format took significantly longer to complete. However, the handwritten ballot errors were recoverable and generally did not invalidate the ballots. The column and bubble grid ballots had significant errors, with fewer errors on the bubble grid format. There was no significant difference in SUS scores, nor any contribution of demographics across ballot types. Ballot format directly dictates the time taken to vote, usability, and overall voter success.
The Impact of Example-Based Xai on Trust in Highly-Technical Populations
Authors: Perlmutter Maya , Krening Samantha
Published: October 2023

We examined the impact of explainable artificial intelligence on trust in a highly-technical population applied to a high-risk domain. Specifically, we examined the effect of an example-based explainable machine learning system on trust for data analysts working for a pipeline inspection company. This study compared a baseline interface with no explanation to two example-based explainable interfaces. We found that showing examples from multiple classes significantly increased trust compared to the other interfaces. Also, enabling the user to override the ML agent’s decision is a bigger factor for trust for this technical population than the amount of explanation shown in the interface.
The Value of Wargames and Tabletop Exercises as Naturalistic Tools
Authors: Dorton Stephen L. , Fersch Theresa , Barrett Emily , Langone Andrew , Seip Mark , Bilsborough Shane , Hudson Curtis B. , Ward Paul , Neville Kelly J.
Published: October 2023

Wargames and tabletop exercises (TTXs) have existed for centuries in military planning contexts but have seen relatively limited use as methods of inquiry within the human factors community of practice. We argue that that the use of these tools is not commensurate with their value, as they are effective and efficient means to conduct naturalistic inquiry. We demonstrate the value of wargames and TTXs by presenting two case studies of their use in different domains, highlighting how their outputs were used to achieve research objectives and to glean insights about human cognition in the context of work. We also discuss the similarity of wargames and TTXs to other methods of inquiry, and suggest future areas for research.
Understanding User Perspectives: What is the Meaning of Technology Mastery?
Authors: Gleaton Emily , Parcell Emily , Madera Marianna , Catrambone Richard , Walker Bruce
Published: October 2023

Technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives, and it is imperative to operationalize its effective use, or mastery, to enhance human-computer interactions. To better understand what it means to individuals, participants were asked about their understanding of technology mastery and their experiences with the technology they have and have not mastered. A thematic analysis revealed that participants define mastery as the knowledgeable, correct, and efficient use of technology. Participants attribute their own mastery to comfort, regular use, and efficiency with the technology. Convenience, success, and productivity emerged as motivators for participants to master technology, while poor functionality, lack of familiarity, and time demands were identified as barriers for participants to master technology. The findings from this study will inform the development of a generalizable scale for evaluating technology mastery and is a pivotal step toward establishing a comprehensive understanding of technology mastery and its societal impact.
Invited Symposium Workspaces Reexamined: Implications for Design, Management, and Employee Wellbeing
Authors: Bafna Sonit , Kanfer Ruth , Oh Yeinn , Egan Jennifer , Shah Mansi
Published: October 2023

The rise in remote work arrangements has accelerated interest in the design of employee workspaces across geographic locations. The rapid expansion of workspaces beyond organizational structures highlights the need for developing a person-centric perspective on work design that takes into account how workers perceive and craft their physical work environment and utilize new technologies, so that strategies for ensuring worker well-being and desired worker outcomes may be developed. The goal of this symposium is to introduce an interdisciplinary approach to this person-centric perspective that draws upon foundational concepts in psychology and architecture, and to delineate a future research agenda with practical implications for organizations and workers in the workplace of the future.
Neck extensor fatigue: Comparing the effect of 45 degrees of neck flexion to the effect of 45 degrees of trunk flexion
Authors: Norasi Hamid , Hallbeck M. Susan , Mirka Gary A.
Published: October 2023

The neck muscle fatigue and subjective discomfort due to neck postural exposure was evaluated. Ten male participants were asked to hold one of the two static neck postural exposures for 30 minutes (one condition per day): 1) Neck flexion (N-45) where head and neck were flexed 45º relative to trunk while the participant was standing upright, and 2) Trunk flexion (T-45) where head and neck were not flexed relative to trunk, but trunk was flexed 45º. Surface electromyography was used to collect muscle activity of neck extensors. T-45 caused higher fatigue in neck extensor muscles (p=0.0229) and higher neck subjective discomfort (p=0.0088) compared to N-45, but the long-term effects of these two conditions are not clear because of the difference in the role of passive tissues. We recommend that work assessment tools consider both measures of neck postural exposure (neck flexion and trunk flexion) in their assessment tools.
Learning and Growth in an Inclusive Engineering and Design Course
Authors: Roscoe Rod D. , Jennings Madeleine F.
Published: October 2023

Researchers and educators have explored a variety of approaches for addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) challenges in engineering and design. This research builds on recommendations to teach future engineers and designers about DEIB principles and applications, and to challenge the dissociation of engineering and societal concerns. This paper analyses 25 student reflections from a course on Inclusive Engineering and Design to reveal engaging topics, perceived learning, and personal growth. Our conclusion is that such courses are meaningful and worthwhile contributions to the curriculum.
Cognitive Systems Engineering at 40, Part I: Deriving Theory from Practice
Authors: Rayo Michael F. , Cooke Nancy J. , Flach John M. , Hoffman Robert R. , Smith Philip J. , Woods David D.
Published: October 2023

This expert panel is the first of a two-panel series marking the 40th anniversary of “Cognitive Systems Engineering: New Wine in New Bottles” by Hollnagel and Woods (1983) and, arguably, the beginning of Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE). These experts were there at (or near) the beginning, devising new methods, expanding and creating new theories, and revealing a new perspective on how complex systems sustain performance and fail. They also wrestled and struggled with these new ideas to propose and implement solutions to improve performance in a number of high-consequence industries. Whether in graduate school or as early-career professionals, they saw the surprises that served as signals that the thinking that brought us to that point would not, alone, be the thinking and doing that would take us further. They will each answer the question, “What ideas and perspectives are important about Cognitive Systems Engineering, and why?”
Self-Assessments: Creating Validated Teaching and Training Tools
Authors: Violanti Michelle T. , Kelly Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Alongside the self-help industry, self-assessment in higher education and organizational training has blossomed, especially as digital tools have made it possible to provide immediate feedback. Both contexts lack validated tools for accomplishing their goals. This study created and validated a series of self-assessments for classroom and training use. Drawing on student self-report data, self-assessment items were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis to assess construct validity and correlational analysis with existing research instruments to assess convergent validity. A set of 19 self-assessments with their accompanying validity and reliability evidence correspond to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career-readiness (2021) skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, technology, inclusiveness, and critical thinking.
Designing Business Communications in a Disrupted Workplace
Authors: Andrews Deborah C.
Published: October 2023

Advanced technologies and other rapid changes in the global business environment, especially following the pandemic of 2020, have fundamentally disrupted how, when, and where we work. Through design thinking, business communicators can reenvision the affordance of traditional rhetoric to thrive in this new workplace. The article opens with a scenario based on the postpandemic problem of accommodating a hybrid style of work and then describes how the mindset and method of design thinking transform traditional rhetoric. Grounded in empathetic collaboration, design thinking positions rhetoric as a recursive, nonlinear, and nimble process and provides new perspectives on rhetoric’s time-tested persuasive appeals.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Work Systems Factors: Are There Differences Between Sonography Practice Areas?
Authors: Fukumura Yoko E. , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Evans Kevin D. , Roll Shawn C.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Explore the differing associations of Sonography Work Systems (SWS) model factors with work-related discomfort outcomes among sonographers in four sonographic practice areas.

Materials and Methods:

Survey data from a national cross-disciplinary cohort of sonographers was analyzed to explore experiences of work factors and work-related discomfort in sonographers across four practice areas: abdominal (ABD+), adult echocardiography (Echo), obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), and vascular technology (VT). One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and chi-square tests were conducted on SWS factors and work-related discomfort to examine differences across practice area groups. Associative analyses were conducted between upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort and hand used during sonography examinations. For each practice group, regression analyses examined associations of SWS factors with work-related discomfort (i.e., musculoskeletal and visual discomfort, headaches).

Results:

2924 survey respondents (n = 1747 ABD+, n = 519 Echo, n = 351 VT, and n = 307 OB/GYN) were identified. Descriptive differences were identified in SWS factors and discomfort across practice area groups. Significant differences were noted in distribution of upper extremity pain compared with the hand used to complete sonography examinations ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

This study identified multiple organizational, tool, and process factors commonly associated with discomfort across specialties, which underscores the need for multidimensional approaches to worker health that include effective administrative and engineering controls.
The upregulation of peripheral CD3-CD56+CD16+ natural killer cells correlates with Th1/Th2 imbalance in asthma patients during acute upper respiratory viral infections
Authors: Liu Meixuan , Zhang Yunxuan , Hu Yunqian , Guo Zhongliang , Dong Lin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to clarify the changes of peripheral CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells and their correlation with Th1/Th2 immunity profiles in asthma during the phase of acute upper respiratory viral infections (AURVIs).

Methods

Peripheral venous blood and induced sputum samples were collected from 56 mild asthma patients, 49 asthma patients with AURVIs and 50 healthy subjects. Peripheral CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells were monitored by flow cytometry during the course of acute viral infections. Meanwhile, the induced sputum Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, and Th1 cytokine IFN-γ were also detected by ELISA assay.

Results

The asthmatics had lower levels of peripheral CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells populations as well as higher induced sputum cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-γ) compared to healthy controls at baseline. Upon upper respiratory viral infections, peripheral CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells numbers in asthma patients sharply elevated on day 3 and slowly decreased by day 14, in accordance with induced sputum IFN-γ changes. IL-4 and IL-5 levels spiked much later (day 8) and lasted until day 14. Compared with asthma alone group, the IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-5 ratios of the asthma patients with AURVIs on day 1 were higher and peaked on day 3. The changes of peripheral CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells proportions positively correlated with the IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-5 ratios on day 1 to day 3 in asthma subsequent to upper respiratory viral infections.

Conclusions

Our findings showed an imbalanced Th1/Th2 immunity in airways of asthma with acute upper respiratory viral infections. Upregulated peripheral CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells play a crucial role in biased Th1 immunity of airways in asthma during the acute phase of viral infections. The anti-viral Th1 immunity by targeting NK cells may be a possible therapeutic option for virus-induced asthma exacerbation.
Precipitation pattern changed the content of non-structural carbohydrates components in different organs of Artemisia ordosica
Authors: He Yingying , Yu Minghan , Ding Guodong , Zhang Fuchong
Published: October 2023

Background

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) play a significant role in plant growth and defense and are an important component of carbon cycling in desert ecosystems. However, regarding global change scenarios, it remains unclear how NSCs in desert plants respond to changing precipitation patterns. [Methods] Three precipitation levels (natural precipitation, a 30% reduction in precipitation, and a 30% increase in precipitation) and two precipitation intervals levels (5 and 15 d) were simulated to study NSC (soluble sugar and starch) responses in the dominant shrub Artemisia ordosica.

Results

Precipitation level and interval interact to affect the NSC (both soluble sugar and starch components) content of A. ordosica. The effect of precipitation on NSC content and its components depended on extended precipitation interval. With lower precipitation and extended interval, soluble sugar content in roots increased and starch content decreased, indicating that A. ordosica adapts to external environmental changes by hydrolyzing root starch into soluble sugars. At 5 d interval, lower precipitation increased the NSC content of stems and especially roots.

Conclusions

A. ordosica follows the “preferential allocation principle” to preferentially transport NSC to growing organs, which is an adaptive strategy to maintain a healthy physiological metabolism under drought conditions. The findings help understand the adaptation and survival mechanisms of desert vegetation under the changing precipitation patterns and are important in exploring the impact of carbon cycling in desert systems under global environmental change.