bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nursing standards, language and age as variables associated with clinical competence for nurses in long‐term care facilities: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vikström‐Dahl Irén , Bing‐Jonsson Pia Cecile , Rauhala Auvo , Fagerstöm Lisbeth
Published: March 2024

Aim

To identify and examine the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence among registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (PNs) working in long‐term care facilities (LTCF) for older adults.

Design and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. The competence test, ‘the Ms. Olsen test’, was used for data collection. A convenience sample of 337 nursing staff working in LTCFs for older adults was selected between December 2020 and January 2021. A quantitative, non‐experimental approach with multiple linear regression analysis examined the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence and the outcome variables.

Results

The main findings of the linear regression analysis show that the nursing staff's increasing age, use of Swedish as a working language and use of the Finnish nursing practice standards had statistically significant relationships with clinical competence among the participating nursing staff.

Conclusion

This is the first knowledge test that has been developed to test nursing staff's clinical competence in elderly care. In this study in Finland, the highest clinical competence was among the nursing staff who were Swedish‐speaking RNs working in institutional care homes caring for patients according to national practice standards.

Implications

These results may be useful to nursing staff and managers working in elderly care to understand the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence in elderly care in Finland and in bilingual settings. The study highlights the importance of using national nursing standards in elderly nursing care. Knowing the explanatory variables associated with clinical competence can provide guidance for the further education of nursing staff in these settings.

Impact

Caring according to national practice standards and caring for severely ill patients are associated with clinical competence.

Reporting Method

The authors adhered to the EQUATOR network guidelines Appendix  STROBE to report observational cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

Registered and PNs completed a questionnaire for the data collection.
Diurnal variation of cerebral blood flow in healthy humans under normal entrained conditions
Authors: Xing Hanqi , Song Yang , Wu Xiaowei , Chang Yue , Shang Yi , Yu Lefan , Dai Hui
Published: March 2024

The presence of a circadian cycle of cerebral blood flow may have implications for the occurrence of daily variations in cerebrovascular events in humans, but how cerebral blood flow varies throughout the day and its mechanism are still unclear. The study aimed to explore the diurnal variation of cerebral blood flow in healthy humans and its possible mechanisms. Arterial spin labelling images were collected at six time‐points (09:00 hours, 13:00 hours, 17:00 hours, 21:00 hours, 01:00 hours, 05:00 hours) from 18 healthy participants (22–39 years old; eight females) to analyse diurnal variations in cerebral blood flow. Resting heart rate and blood pressure at six time‐points and blood indicators (20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, prostaglandin E2, noradrenaline and nitric oxide) related to cerebral vascular tone at two time‐points (09:00 hours and 21:00 hours) were collected to analyse possible influences on diurnal variations in cerebral blood flow. From 21:00 hours to 05:00 hours, parietal cortical relative cerebral blood flow tended to increase, while frontal cortical and cerebellar relative cerebral blood flow tended to decrease. There was a time‐dependent negative correlation between parietal cortical relative cerebral blood flow and resting heart rate, whereas there was a time‐dependent positive correlation between cerebellar relative cerebral blood flow and resting heart rate. The change of parietal cortical relative cerebral blood flow was positively correlated with the change of nitric oxide. There was also a time‐dependent positive correlation between mean arterial pressure and mean whole‐brain cerebral blood flow. The findings indicated that parietal cortical relative cerebral blood flow and frontal cortical/cerebellar relative cerebral blood flow showed roughly opposite trends throughout the day. The diurnal variations in relative cerebral blood flow were regional‐specific. Diurnal variation of nitric oxide and neurogenic regulation may be potential mechanisms for diurnal variation in regional relative cerebral blood flow.
Responses of insectivorous bats to climate change in Nepal
Authors: Dahal D. R. , Thapa S. , Singh N. B.
Published: March 2024

The order Chiroptera includes 55 species in Nepal, which have been recorded within a wide range of elevation between 64 and 4154 m above sea level. Assessing the potential distribution ranges in present climatic scenarios and forecasting changes in distribution ranges in future climate have been adopted to predict likely adverse impacts on biodiversity and natural ecosystems. However, very few studies have assessed the impact of climate change on bats globally and locally. We assessed the current potential distribution ranges of six representative species of bats occurring in Nepal using species distribution models (SDMs) and predicted their responses in future climatic scenarios. The occurrences of the representative species of bats were projected with six to eight environmental variables under the different climatic scenarios; present, and socioeconomic pathways 4.5 and 8.5 for the years of 2050 and 2070 deploying maximum entropy modeling. We used Arc GIS 10.7.1 to calculate the distribution range, area, and elevation for the bat species. Among 18 uncorrelated bioclimatic variables eight variables significantly contributed to the SDMs. Among the six species, two showed a wider range of current distribution. Under the future climatic scenarios, distribution ranges and latitudinal and elevation shifting were found to be species specific. Future distribution ranges for two species are predicted to be constricted, but no significant changes are predicted for the others. Major parts of the current and future distribution ranges of the bat species lie outside the current protected areas of the country. Landscape level and species‐specific conservation policies are necessary for bat conservation, and future surveys of bats should be targeted in western Nepal.
Nurses' decision‐making around gastric residual volume measurement in UK adult intensive care: A four‐centre survey
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N. , Lynes Andrew A. , Waugh Victoria , Johnston Brian W. , Kazi Aayesha , Truman Nicholas , Szakmany Tamas
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite increasing evidence of the potential inaccuracy and unwarranted practice of regular GRV measurement in critically in adults, this practice persists within the United Kingdom.

Aim

To explore adult intensive care nurses' decision‐making around the practice of GRV measurement to guide enteral feeding.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional 16 item electronic survey in four adult intensive care units (ICUs) in England and Wales.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐three responses were obtained across four ICUs with acceptable response rates for most [Unit 1 74 /127 = 58.2%; Unit 2 87/129 = 67.4%; Unit 3 77/120 = 64.1%; Unit 4 35/168 = 20.8%]. Most (243/273 (89%) reported measuring GRV 4–6 hourly, with most (223/273 82%) reporting that the main reason was to assess feed tolerance or intolerance and 37/273 (13.5%) saying their unit protocol required it. In terms of factors affecting decision‐making, volume obtained was the most important factor, followed by the condition of the patient, with aspirate colour and appearance less important. When asked how they would feel about not measuring GRV routinely, the majority (78.2%) of nurses felt worried (140/273 = 51.2%) or very worried (74/273 = 27%).

Conclusions

Factors affecting the nurses' decision‐making around GRV were based largely on fear of risk (around vomiting and pulmonary aspiration) and compliance with unit protocols.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Despite increasing evidence suggesting it is unnecessary, nurses' beliefs around the value of this practice persist and it continues to be embedded into unit protocols around feeding.
Height growth and biomass partitioning during secondary succession differ among forest light strata and successional guilds in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Matsuo Tomonari , Bongers Frans , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel , van der Sande Masha T. , Poorter Lourens
Published: March 2024

In closed‐canopy systems globally, plants exhibit intense competition for light, prioritizing vertical growth to attain elevated positions within the canopy. Light competition is especially intense in tropical rainforests because of their dense shaded stands, and during forest succession because of concomitant changes in vertical light profiles. We evaluated how the height growth of individual tree differs among forest light strata (canopy, sub‐canopy and understorey) and successional guilds (early, mid‐ and late successional species) during secondary succession in a Mexican rainforest. Fourteen secondary forest stands differing in time since agricultural abandonment (1–25 years) were monitored for seven consecutive years. For each stand and census year we estimated relative light intensity (RLI) for each height and categorized trees into forest light strata: understorey (RLI ≦ 33.3%), sub‐canopy (33.3% ≦ RLI ≦ 66.6%) and canopy (RLI ≧ 66.6%), and into successional guilds based on the literature. We estimated two measures of height growth: absolute height growth (HGabs, cm year−1) calculated as the difference in tree height between two consecutive censuses, and biomass partitioning to height growth (HGbp, in kg kg−1 × 100) calculated as the percentage of total aboveground biomass growth partitioned to height growth. Earlier in succession, trees for all strata had greater HGabs and HGbp, resulting in rapid vertical forest development. HGabs was fastest for canopy trees, followed by sub‐canopy and understorey trees. These differences in HGabs among strata, combined with their inter‐specific variation and continuous recruitment of small individuals, lead to a rapid differentiation in tree sizes and increase stand structural heterogeneity. HGbp was greater for understorey and sub‐canopy trees than for canopy trees, reflecting ontogenetic changes in the light competition strategy from growth to persistence. With succession, both HGabs and HGbp decreased, most strongly for canopy trees, probably because of an increased exposure to drought stress. These successional changes stabilize stand size structure and reduce the rate of development.
Nurse facilitated 5000 m running at Parkrun improves vulnerable adolescent health in a high deprivation area: A matched pair randomized control trial
Authors: Williams Tiara R. , Walker Rachael C. , Dearing Chey G.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine the effect of weekly nurse facilitated 5000 m running at Parkrun on markers of health in vulnerable adolescents from a high deprivation area.

Design

A matched pair randomized control trial.

Sample

Twenty‐five adolescents aged 13–18, 90% identifying as Māori/Pasifika ethnicity.

Intervention

The intervention (INT) group participated in 6–10 Parkruns within 10 weeks, and a control group (CON) participated in one Parkrun only. A nurse facilitated the intervention offering support and encouragement at each Parkrun.

Measurements

Pre‐ and post‐intervention testing sessions for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), glycated hemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat, and hand grip strength (STR) were conducted.

Results

Parkrun improved CRF (F = 5.308,p = 0.035) and 5000 m time (t = 2.850,p = 0.019) by 5.5 ± 4.9 min (11.2%). Parkrun conferred a large beneficial effect on CRF (η2 = 0.249) a moderate beneficial effect on glycated hemoglobin levels (η2 = 0.119), and small beneficial effects upon SMM (η2 = 0.037) and body fat (η2 = 0.017).

Conclusion

A weekly dose of nurse facilitated Parkrun can be recommended as a simple, accessible intervention that confers multiple beneficial effects on markers for health in adolescents from a high deprivation area.
Review and assessment of smartphone apps for forest restoration monitoring
Authors: Schweizer Daniella , Cole Rebecca J. , Werden Leland K. , Cedeño Gerald Quirós , Rodriguez David , Navarro Kassandra , Esquivel Jose Marcel , Max Simeon , Chiriboga Fidel E. , Zahawi Rakan A. , Holl Karen D. , Crowther Thomas W.
Published: March 2024

With increased interest in forest restoration comes an urgent need to provide accurate, scalable, and cost‐effective monitoring tools. The ubiquity of smartphones has led to a surge in monitoring apps. We reviewed and assessed monitoring apps found through web searches and conversations with practitioners. We identified 42 apps that (1) automatically monitor indicators or (2) facilitate data entry. We selected the five most promising from the first category, based on their relevance, availability, stability, and user support. We compared them to traditional field techniques in a well‐studied restoration project in Costa Rica. We received further feedback from 15 collaborator organizations that evaluated these in their corresponding field restoration sites. Diameter measurements correlated well with traditional tape‐based measurements (R2 = 0.86–0.89). Canopy openness and ground cover showed weaker correlations to densiometer and quadrat cover measurements (R2 = 0.42–0.51). Apps did not improve labor efficiency but do preclude the purchase of specialized field equipment. The apps reviewed here need further development and validation to support monitoring adequately, especially in the tropics. Estimates of development and maintenance costs, as well as statistics on user uptake, are required for cost‐effective development. We recommend a coordinated effort to develop dedicated restoration monitoring apps that can speed up and standardize the collection of indicators and provide evidence on restoration outcomes alongside a centralized repository of this information.
The effect of long‐term soccer training on left ventricular structure and function in elite male youth soccer players
Authors: Unnithan Viswanath B. , Beaumont Alexander , Rowland Thomas , George Keith , Stewart Laura , Sculthorpe Nicholas , Lord Rachel N. , Oxborough David L.
Published: March 2024

Aims

Cardiac adaptations in elite, male adolescent youth soccer players have been demonstrated in relation to training status. The time course of these adaptations and the delineation of the influence of volatile growth phases from the training effect on these adaptations remain unclear. Consequently, the aims of the study were to evaluate the impact of 3 years of elite‐level soccer training on changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function in a group of highly trained elite youth male soccer players (SP) as they transitioned through the pre‐to‐adolescent phase of their growth.

Methods

Twenty‐two male youth SP from the highest Level of English Premier League Academy U‐12 teams were evaluated once a year for three soccer seasons as the players progressed from the U‐12 to U‐14 teams. Fifteen recreationally active control participants (CON) were also evaluated over the same 3‐year period. Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was used to quantify LV structure and function.

Results

After adjusting for the influence of growth and maturation, training‐induced increases in Years 2 and 3 were noted for: LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV; p = 0.02) and LV end systolic volume (LVESV; p = 0.02) in the SP compared to CON. Training‐induced decrements were noted for LV ejection fraction (LVEF; p = 0.006) and TDI‐S′ (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

An increase in training volume (Years 2 and 3) were aligned with LV volumetric adaptations and decrements in systolic function in the SP that were independent from the influence of rapid somatic growth. Decrements in systolic function were suggestive of a functional reserve for exercise.
A systematic review of case series and clinical trials investigating systemic oral or injectable therapies for the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Jafarzadeh Alireza , Pour Mohammad Arash , Khosravi Mina , Amiri Shila , Rasouli Asma , Keramati Haniyeh , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: March 2024

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of oral and injectable systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, tofacitinib, baricitinib, corticosteroids, statins, zinc, apremilast, etc., for treating vitiligo lesions.

Method

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were meticulously searched for studies spanning from 2010 to August 2023, focusing on systemic oral and injectable therapies for vitiligo, using comprehensive keywords and search syntaxes tailored to each database. Key data extracted included study design, treatment efficacy, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and safety profiles.

Results

In a total of 42 included studies, oral mini‐pulse corticosteroid therapy (OMP) was the subject of six studies (14.2%). Minocycline was the focus of five studies (11.9%), while methotrexate, apremilast, and tofacitinib each were examined in four studies (9.5%). Antioxidants and Afamelanotide were the subjects of three studies each (7.1%). Cyclosporine, simvastatin, oral zinc, oral corticosteroids (excluding OMP) and injections, and baricitinib were each explored in two studies (4.8%). Azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and Alefacept were the subjects of one study each (2.4%).

Conclusion

Systemic treatments for vitiligo have been successful in controlling lesions without notable side effects. OMP, Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate mofetil, Simvastatin, Apremilast, Minocycline, Afamelanotide, Tofacitinib, Baricitinib, Antioxidants, and oral/injectable corticosteroids are effective treatment methods. However, oral zinc and alefacept did not show effectiveness.
Staying in the shadow or not? Remittances and the Shadow Economy
Authors: Choi Hongbi , Moon Chungshik
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study investigates the impact of remittances on the shadow economy and how domestic institutions, particularly property rights, moderate this relationship.

Methods

We employed a quantitative research method using panel data from developing countries from 1990 to 2018. We adopted both fixed‐effects and instrumental variable approaches to address possible endogeneity concerns between remittances and the shadow economy.

Results

The results demonstrate that remittances are positively associated with the shadow economy's size. However, this positive effect is weaker in countries with strong property rights institutions. These findings remain robust across alternative measures of key variables and estimation techniques.

Conclusion

The results suggest that foreign income in the form of remittances is an important determinant of the shadow economy in recipient countries. We believe that exploring the relationship between foreign sources of income and the decisions of economic actors to enter specific sectors warrants further investigation.
Comparable bacterial growth in platelet concentrates suspended in plasma and platelet additive solution and improved detection of bacterial contamination using a new generation automated culture system
Authors: Kou Yuntong , Kumaran Dilini , Howell Anita , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra
Published: March 2024

Background

Microbial screening of platelet concentrates (PC) with automated culture methods is widely implemented to reduce septic transfusion reactions. Herein, detection of bacterial contamination in PC was compared between units prepared in plasma and a mix of plasma and platelet additive solution (PAS) and between the BACT/ALERT 3D and next generation BACT/ALERT VIRTUO systems.

Study Design/Methods

Double apheresis units were split into single units, diluted in either PAS (PAS‐PC) or plasma (plasma‐PC), and tested for in vitro quality and sterility prior to spiking with ~30 CFU/unit of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae or ~10 CFU/mL of Cutibacterium acnes. Spiked PC were sampled for BACT/ALERT testing (36 and 48 h post‐spiking) and colony counts (24, 36, and 48 h post‐spiking). Times to detection (TtoD) and bacterial loads were compared between PC products and BACT/ALERT systems (N = 3).

Results

Bacterial growth was similar in plasma‐PC and PAS‐PC. No significant differences in TtoD were observed between plasma‐PC and PAS‐PC at the 36‐h sampling time except for S. epidermidis which grew faster in plasma‐PC and C. acnes which was detected earlier in PAS‐PC (p < .05). Detection of facultative bacteria was 1.3–2.2 h sooner in VIRTUO compared with 3D (p < .05) while TtoD for C. acnes was not significantly different between the two systems.

Discussion

Comparable bacterial detection was observed in plasma‐PC and PAS‐PC with PC sampling performed at 36‐h post blood collection. PC sampling at ≤36 h could result in faster detection of facultative pathogenic organisms with the VIRTUO system and improved PC safety.
Reduction of left ventricular diastolic pressure as a key regulator of infarct coronary flow under mechanical left ventricular support
Authors: Sakata Tomoki , Mavropoulos Spyros A. , Mazurek Renata , Romeo Francisco J. , Ravichandran Anjali J. , Marx Jonas M. , Kariya Taro , Ishikawa Kiyotake
Published: March 2024

Restoring ischaemic myocardial tissue perfusion is crucial for minimizing infarct size. Acute mechanical left ventricular (LV) support has been suggested to improve infarct tissue perfusion. However, its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the physiological mechanisms in six Yorkshire pigs, which were subjected to 90‐min balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. During the acute reperfusion phase, LV support using an Impella heart pump was initiated. LV pressure, coronary flow and pressure of the infarct artery were simultaneously recorded to evaluate the impact of LV support on coronary physiology. Coronary wave intensity was calculated to understand the forces regulating coronary flow. Significant increases in coronary flow velocity and its area under the curve were found after mechanical LV support. Among the coronary flow‐regulating factors, coronary pressure was increased mainly during the late diastolic phase with less pulsatility. Meanwhile, LV pressure was reduced throughout diastole resulting in significant and consistent elevation of coronary driving pressure. Interestingly, the duration of diastole was prolonged with LV support. In the wave intensity analysis, the duration between backward suction and pushing waves was extended, indicating that earlier myocardial relaxation and delayed contraction contributed to the extension of diastole. In conclusion, mechanical LV support increases infarct coronary flow by extending diastole and augmenting coronary driving pressure. These changes were mainly driven by reduced LV diastolic pressure, indicating that the key regulator of coronary flow under mechanical LV support is downstream of the coronary artery, rather than upstream. Our study highlights the importance of LV diastolic pressure in infarct coronary flow regulation.

image

Key points

Restoring ischaemic myocardial tissue perfusion is crucial for minimizing infarct size. Although mechanical left ventricular (LV) support has been suggested to improve infarct coronary flow, its specific mechanism remains to be clarified.

LV support reduced LV pressure, and elevated coronary pressure during the late diastolic phase, resulting in high coronary driving pressure.

This study demonstrated for the first time that mechanical LV support extends diastolic phase, leading to increased infarct coronary flow.

Future studies should evaluate the correlation between improved infarct coronary flow and resulting infarct size.
Escalas en español para valoración de personas en cuidados paliativos y sus familias: revisión sistemática psicométrica
Authors: Useche Cuellar Neify Nathalya , Carreño-Moreno Sonia , Arias-Rojas Mauricio
Published: March 2024

Introducción: una de las bases de la atención en cuidados paliativos es la valoración regular e integral de síntomas en pacientes y familias. Al respecto, es importante reconocer las escalas usadas en cuidados paliativos en idioma español y sus propiedades psicométricas. Objetivo: identificar las escalas en español para la valoración del paciente en cuidados paliativos y su familia, evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas y la calidad metodológica de sus propiedades basados en los estándares COSMIN. Método: revisión sistemática psicométrica. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura de las escalas de valoración en cuidados paliativos en español y sus propiedades psicométricas de acuerdo con la propuesta PRISMA. Se utilizaron los estándares propuestos por COSMIN para la evaluación de propiedades psicométricas.  Resultados: Se evaluaron 21 escalas de valoración. La escala de calidad de vida EORTC-QLQ fue la que mayor número de propiedades reportó. La consistencia interna, validez de constructo, contenido y fiabilidad fueron las pruebas más reportadas. Ningún estudio reportó pruebas de validez transcultural. Conclusión: los resultados de este estudio indican una gran variedad de instrumentos disponibles en español para valorar al paciente y al cuidador familiar en cuidados paliativos. Sin embargo, un gran número de propiedades psicométricas de los instrumentos aún se encuentran incompletas. Los resultados muestran la necesidad de seguir investigando las propiedades psicométricas de dichas escalas para garantizar la confiabilidad de estos instrumentos, así como su uso en la práctica e investigación.
Respuesta clínica al tratamiento por trastorno de déficit atencional en niños con y sin hallazgos epileptiformes
Authors: Morales Ojeda Ismael , De Faria Soares Jefferson Carlos , Magalhães Barbosa Diêgo
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Trastorno de Déficit de Atención con o sin Hiperactividad se asocia a un compromiso funcional en diversas áreas de la vida académica, profesional, social y afectiva. Las causas de este trastorno, son atribuidas a una combinación de factores genéticos, biológicos y ambientales.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la respuesta clínica al tratamiento por Trastorno de Déficit Atencional en niños con y sin hallazgos epileptiformes al ECG, mediante el Test de Conners para maestros.

METODOLOGÍA: Estudio analítico, prospectivo, que trabajó con 2 cohortes de niños diagnosticados con Trastorno por Déficit de Atención, separados en grupos con y sin signos de electroencefalograma epileptiforme. Evaluados con el Test de Conners para maestros aplicado inicio, seis meses y al año de tratamiento médico integral y farmacológico.

RESULTADOS: La presencia de electroencefalograma epileptiforme no tiene relación con la variable hiperactividad (p=0,804) ni con la variable sexo (p=0,077). Ambos grupos presentan descensos significativos en los valores del test de Conners aplicado a maestros, durante los periodos inicial, a los 6 meses y al año (p<0,050).

DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento médico integral y farmacológico permite reducir las manifestaciones del TDA a lo largo del tratamiento de un año, tanto en niños con rasgos epileptiformes como no epileptiformes.
Validez de contenido de una intervención educativa para mejorar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas relacionados con la malaria en una comunidad indígena
Authors: Herrera Herrera Jorge Luis , Rodríguez Gázquez María de los Ángeles , Rojas Juan Guillermo
Published: March 2024

Introducción: Los programas de educación en salud dirigidos a las poblaciones indígenas deben ser revisados por expertos con el fin de evaluar si su adaptación cultural es apropiada y precisa. Objetivo: Determinar la validez de los contenidos contemplados en una intervención educativa para el mejoramiento de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas, para la prevención de la malaria en la población Emberá Katío del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de tipo metodológico para la validación de una intervención educativa que incluyó cuatro módulos, administrados en sesiones presenciales, en las que se utilizaron estrategias educativas como clases, discusiones guiadas y talleres. Participaron trece expertos en trabajo con comunidades indígenas, quienes evaluaron los criterios de claridad, pertinencia, relevancia y coherencia del contenido de cada módulo. Se estimó el índice de validez de contenido (IVC) de Lawshe modificado por Tristán y se asumió el valor ≥ 0.58 para considerar la aprobación de los criterios de los módulos. Resultados: Todos los módulos obtuvieron IVC globales que fluctuaron entre 0.83 y 0.90. La claridad del Módulo 1, ‘Conociendo la malaria’, tuvo un valor de 0.69 y el resto de los valores de los cuatro criterios osciló entre 0.77 y 1. Discusión: Los criterios evaluados superaron el punto de corte establecido por la literatura para aprobar la intervención, y las observaciones y recomendaciones de los expertos fueron consideradas para ajustes en la misma. Conclusión: Se determina que la intervención educativa evaluada tiene alta validez de contenido en sus módulos según los criterios contrastados.
Hybrid Soft-Rigid Active Prosthetics Laboratory Exercise for Hands-On Biomechanical and Biomedical Engineering Education
Authors: Gao Run Ze , Lee Peter S. , Ravi Aravind , Ren Carolyn L. , Dickerson Clark R. , Tung James Y.
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a hands-on laboratory exercise focused on assembling and testing a hybrid soft-rigid active finger prosthetic for biomechanical and biomedical engineering (BME) education. This hands-on laboratory activity focuses on the design of a myoelectric finger prosthesis, integrating mechanical, electrical, sensor (i.e., inertial measurement units (IMUs), electromyography (EMG)), pneumatics, and embedded software concepts. We expose students to a hybrid soft-rigid robotic system, offering a flexible, modifiable lab activity that can be tailored to instructors' needs and curriculum requirements. All necessary files are made available in an open-access format for implementation. Off-the-shelf components are all purchasable through global vendors (e.g., DigiKey Electronics, McMaster-Carr, Amazon), costing approximately USD 100 per kit, largely with reusable elements. We piloted this lab with 40 undergraduate engineering students in a neural and rehabilitation engineering upper year elective course, receiving excellent positive feedback. Rooted in real-world applications, the lab is an engaging pedagogical platform, as students are eager to learn about systems with tangible impacts. Extensions to the lab, such as follow-up clinical (e.g., prosthetist) and/or technical (e.g., user-device interface design) discussion, are a natural means to deepen and promote interdisciplinary hands-on learning experiences. In conclusion, the lab session provides an engaging journey through the lifecycle of the prosthetic finger research and design process, spanning conceptualization and creation to the final assembly and testing phases.
Influence of Gap Shape on Flow Characteristics of Highly Loaded Compressor Tandem Cascades
Authors: Mao Xiaochen , Jiao Yingchen , Cheng Hao , Zhang Botao , Liu Bo
Published: March 2024

Gap shape is an important factor affecting the tandem cascade performance. This paper uses the gap expansion angle (Kb−b) to define gap shape and studies the effect of Kb−b on the two-dimensional flow field and flow characteristic near the endwall in a highly-loaded subsonic tandem cascade. By changing the incidence angle from −20 to 10°, the Kb−b value increases, and the two-dimensional tandem cascade performance improves at positive incidence angles, while it descends at zero and negative incidence angles. Due to the influence of Kb−b on the camber of front and rear blades (RB), the optimal Kb−b should provide appropriate load distribution and sufficient gap flow strength. The corner stall more likely appears on the front blade near the endwall, which can suppress the flow separation on the rear blade to a certain extent. The Kb−b value near the endwall should be slightly larger than in the midspan to ensure a sufficient operating range for the front blade. For a highly loaded subsonic tandem cascade, the overall optimal range of Kb−b is between −12 and 0°.
The Synthesis Method of Series-Based Bistable Compliant Mechanisms for Rigid-Body Guidance Problem Based on Geometrical Similarity Transformation of Pole Maps
Authors: Jiang Jingyu , Lin Song , Wang Hanchao , Modler Niels
Published: March 2024

Designing guidance mechanisms using bistable mechanisms with two stable positions is a common low-power solution for maintaining the guidance position without continuous external energy input. However, the coupling between kinematics and statics in compliant bistable mechanisms poses a challenge for their application in mechanism synthesis. To address this issue, this paper introduces the pole similarity transformation theory into the synthesis of compliant mechanisms and proposes a general synthesis method for planar serial-based compliant bistable mechanisms. This method models the compliant mechanism using the strain energy method and analyzes the bistable characteristics of the mechanism within its motion plane using the saddle point searching method. By doing so, the proposed method can identify stable positions without predetermined motion trajectories, making it more suitable for designing compliant bistable mechanisms with general planar motion. Additionally, this method utilizes the pole map to describe the stable positions of the rigid components in the compliant mechanism and establishes an information database for compliant bistable mechanisms. Through leveraging the pole similarity transformation, the pole maps of the mechanisms in the information database are matched with the pole map of the motion task, thus achieving the synthesis of planar serial-based compliant bistable mechanisms for the rigid-body guidance problem. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the mechanism synthesis process and demonstrates its application through a case study.
Generalized Analytical Well-Test Solutions for Vertically Fractured Wells in Commingled Reservoirs
Authors: Wei Cao , Tan Zhiliang , Huang Guangqing , Cheng Xiaodong , Zeng Yuqiang , Luo Hongwen , Li Ying , Li Haitao
Published: March 2024

Layered zones with vertical fracture are often found in analyzing well-test data of deep/ultra-deep reservoirs and tight reservoirs. Analyzing and modeling the well-test data in a computation-accurate and easy-program manner have been a challenge for these problems due to the lack of suitable solutions. This work thus presents the generalized analytical well-test solutions for vertically fractured wells in infinite and bounded commingled reservoirs with computation accuracy and functional simplicity. These solutions are derived based on the early-time approximate solution of the infinite/finite-conductivity fracture model, Laplace and Fourier cosine transformation, pressure superposition principle, and Duhamel principle. Subsequently, model validation is carried out by comparing the pressure and derivative results with those of commercial saphir software. The results show that the average absolute percent deviation between the presented analytical solutions and saphir for three kinds of outer boundaries is ∼2% for pressure results and ∼4% for pressure derivative results. Finally, a field case in Xinjiang oilfield is interpreted, indicating that the proposed analytical well-test solutions are feasible to interpret the parameters of commingled reservoirs.
Low-temperature electrical properties and barrier inhomogeneities in ITO/β-Ga2O3 Schottky diode
Authors: Paul Sanjoy , Lopez Roberto , Neal Adam T. , Mou Shin , Li Jian V.
Published: March 2024

This study reports the electronic properties of the indium tin oxide (ITO)/β-Ga2O3 Schottky diode through the temperature (50–320 K)-dependent current density–voltage, capacitance–voltage, and admittance spectroscopy experiments. The room-temperature turn-on voltage of the ITO/β-Ga2O3 diode was observed to be 0.83 V, and it exhibited a slow increase with decreasing temperature. The ITO/β-Ga2O3 diode's ideality factor (n) varied from 3.92 to 1.05, and the zero-bias Schottky barrier height (φbo) varied from 0.31 to 1.28 eV. The temperature-dependent n and φbo indicate the spatial inhomogeneities of the potential barrier at the Ga2O3-ITO interface. We exploit the Gaussian distribution model to explain the Schottky barrier inhomogeneities, which could be associated with the defects observed by the admittance spectroscopy method.
Polydimethylsiloxane surface irradiated by nitrogen ions: Influence of low molecular fractions
Authors: Chudinov Vyacheslav , Shardakov Igor N. , Morozov Ilya A. , Kondyurina Irina V. , Kondyurin Alexey
Published: March 2024

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface was treated by nitrogen ions of 20 keV energy with 1016 ions/cm2 fluence. The surface of modified PDMS is characterized by ceramiclike structures. The treated PDMS contains free radicals. The wettability and surface energy change significantly immediately after the treatment and recover in a few days to the values of silicon dioxide or glass. Complex kinetics of growing carbonyl and hydroxyl groups and decaying silane groups is observed. The cage structure of the silicon oxide in the surface ceramiclike layer remains stable, while network structures of the Si–O increase and suboxides of the silicon decrease with storage time. The presence of not-cross-linked low molecular fractions in PDMS gives a fast recovery of the wettability and surface energy to untreated PDMS values in a few hours. This effect of low molecular fractions on the wettability and surface energy was avoided by washing out the cured PDMS in a solvent before the treatment.
Discrimination and sensorimotor adaptation of self-produced vowels in cochlear implant users
Authors: Borjigin Agudemu , Bakst Sarah , Anderson Katla , Litovsky Ruth Y. , Niziolek Caroline A.
Published: March 2024

Humans rely on auditory feedback to monitor and adjust their speech for clarity. Cochlear implants (CIs) have helped over a million people restore access to auditory feedback, which significantly improves speech production. However, there is substantial variability in outcomes. This study investigates the extent to which CI users can use their auditory feedback to detect self-produced sensory errors and make adjustments to their speech, given the coarse spectral resolution provided by their implants. First, we used an auditory discrimination task to assess the sensitivity of CI users to small differences in formant frequencies of their self-produced vowels. Then, CI users produced words with altered auditory feedback in order to assess sensorimotor adaptation to auditory error. Almost half of the CI users tested can detect small, within-channel differences in their self-produced vowels, and they can utilize this auditory feedback towards speech adaptation. An acoustic hearing control group showed better sensitivity to the shifts in vowels, even in CI-simulated speech, and elicited more robust speech adaptation behavior than the CI users. Nevertheless, this study confirms that CI users can compensate for sensory errors in their speech and supports the idea that sensitivity to these errors may relate to variability in production.
Becoming a World Champion Powerlifter at 71 Years of Age: It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising
Authors: Fuchs Cas J. , Trommelen Jorn , Weijzen Michelle E.G. , Smeets Joey S.J. , van Kranenburg Janneau , Verdijk Lex B. , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: March 2024

This case study assessed body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic health of the present female world champion powerlifter in the 70+ age category who started resistance exercise training at 63 years of age with no prior experience with structured exercise training. Measures of body composition (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, leg volume); strength (one-repetition maximum leg press and extension, maximum voluntary contraction, and handgrip strength); physical function (short physical performance battery); cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption); and metabolic health (oral glucose tolerance test) were assessed. In addition, a muscle biopsy was collected to assess muscle fiber type distribution and cross-sectional area (CSA). Where possible, data were compared with previously (un)published sex- and age-matched data using z scores. Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated by dividing limb muscle mass by height squared. Data from the control groups are expressed as mean ± 95% confidence interval. Our participant (age: 71 years; body mass: 64.5 kg; body mass index: 27.6 kg/m2) reported a good bone mineral density of 1.09 g/cm2 (T score between −1 and +1) and very low values of abdominal and organ body fat (i.e., between 20% and 70% lower compared with a reference group of postmenopausal women). In addition, she showed a 33% greater skeletal muscle mass index when compared with healthy, older female control subjects (7.9 vs. 5.9 [5.7–6.2] kg/m2; n = 61) as well as 37% greater muscle quadriceps CSA (63.8 vs. 46.6 [44.5–48.7] cm2; n = 48) and 46% greater Type II muscle fiber CSA (4,536 vs. 3,097 [2,707–3,488] μm2; n = 19). Absolute leg press muscle strength was 36% greater (190 vs. 140 [132–147] kg; n = 30) and handgrip strength was 33% greater (33 vs. 25 [23–26] kg; n = 48) when compared with healthy, age-matched controls. In conclusion, even for resistance exercise naïve individuals, starting exercise at an advanced age can lead to improvements in body composition and muscle strength allowing older adults to reduce the risk for developing metabolic syndrome, live independently, and even compete at a world class level.
Deviation from neutral species abundance distributions unveils geographical differences in the structure of diatom communities
Authors: Pigani Emanuele , Mele Bruno Hay , Campese Lucia , Ser-Giacomi Enrico , Ribera Maurizio , Iudicone Daniele , Suweis Samir
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the application of metagenomics techniques has advanced our understanding of plankton communities and their global distribution. Despite this progress, the relationship between the abundance distribution of diatom species and varying marine environmental conditions remains poorly understood. This study, leveraging data from the
Tara
Oceans expedition, tests the hypothesis that diatoms in sampled stations display a consistent species abundance distribution structure, as though they were sampled from a single ocean-wide metacommunity. Using a neutral sampling theory, we thus develop a framework to estimate the structure and diversity of diatom communities at each sampling station given the shape of the species abundance distribution of the metacommunity and the information of a reference station. Our analysis reveals a substantial temperature gradient in the discrepancies between predicted and observed biodiversity across the sampled stations. These findings challenge the hypothesis of a single neutral metacommunity, indicating that environmental differences substantially influence both the composition and structure of diatom communities.
Dissecting abstract, modality-specific and experience-dependent coding of affect in the human brain
Authors: Lettieri Giada , Handjaras Giacomo , Cappello Elisa M. , Setti Francesca , Bottari Davide , Bruno Valentina , Diano Matteo , Leo Andrea , Tinti Carla , Garbarini Francesca , Pietrini Pietro , Ricciardi Emiliano , Cecchetti Luca
Published: March 2024

Emotion and perception are tightly intertwined, as affective experiences often arise from the appraisal of sensory information. Nonetheless, whether the brain encodes emotional instances using a sensory-specific code or in a more abstract manner is unclear. Here, we answer this question by measuring the association between emotion ratings collected during a unisensory or multisensory presentation of a full-length movie and brain activity recorded in typically developed, congenitally blind and congenitally deaf participants. Emotional instances are encoded in a vast network encompassing sensory, prefrontal, and temporal cortices. Within this network, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex stores a categorical representation of emotion independent of modality and previous sensory experience, and the posterior superior temporal cortex maps the valence dimension using an abstract code. Sensory experience more than modality affects how the brain organizes emotional information outside supramodal regions, suggesting the existence of a scaffold for the representation of emotional states where sensory inputs during development shape its functioning.
Has the Supreme Court become just another political branch? Public perceptions of court approval and legitimacy in a post-
Dobbs
world
Authors: Levendusky Matthew , Patterson Shawn , Margolis Michele , Pasek Josh , Winneg Kenneth , Jamieson Kathleen H.
Published: March 2024

Have perceptions of the U.S. Supreme Court polarized, much like the rest of American politics? Because of the Court’s unique role, for many years, it remained one of the few institutions respected by both Democrats and Republicans alike. But the Court’s dramatic shift to the right in recent years—highlighted by its
Dobbs
decision in 2022—potentially upends that logic. Using both eight waves of panel data and 18 nationally representative surveys spanning two decades, we show that while there was little evidence of partisan polarization in earlier years, in 2022 and 2023, such patterns are clear in favorability, trust, legitimacy, and support for reform. Factors that used to protect the Court—like knowledge about it and support for key democratic values—no longer do so. The Court has also become more important to voters, and will likely remain a political flashpoint, with disquieting implications for the Court’s place in our polity.
Molecular basis of JAK2 activation in erythropoietin receptor and pathogenic JAK2 signaling
Authors: Abraham Bobin George , Haikarainen Teemu , Vuorio Joni , Girych Mykhailo , Virtanen Anniina T. , Kurttila Antti , Karathanasis Christos , Heilemann Mike , Sharma Vivek , Vattulainen Ilpo , Silvennoinen Olli
Published: March 2024

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mediates type I/II cytokine receptor signaling, but JAK2 is also activated by somatic mutations that cause hematological malignancies by mechanisms that are still incompletely understood. Quantitative superresolution microscopy (qSMLM) showed that erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) exists as monomers and dimerizes upon Epo stimulation or through the predominant JAK2 pseudokinase domain mutations (V617F, K539L, and R683S). Crystallographic analysis complemented by kinase activity analysis and atomic-level simulations revealed distinct pseudokinase dimer interfaces and activation mechanisms for the mutants: JAK V617F activity is driven by dimerization, K539L involves both increased receptor dimerization and kinase activity, and R683S prevents autoinhibition and increases catalytic activity and drives JAK2 equilibrium toward activation state through a wild-type dimer interface. Artificial intelligence–guided modeling and simulations revealed that the pseudokinase mutations cause differences in the pathogenic full-length JAK2 dimers, particularly in the FERM-SH2 domains. A detailed molecular understanding of mutation-driven JAK2 hyperactivation may enable novel therapeutic approaches to selectively target pathogenic JAK2 signaling.