bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Software infrastructure and data pipelines established for technical interoperability within a cross-border cooperation for the flora of the Bohemian Forest
Authors: Novotný Petr , Seifert Stefan , Rohn Martin , Diewald Wolfgang , Štech Milan , Triebel Dagmar
Published: October 2022

The timely and geographical resolutions, as well as the quantity and taxon concepts of records on the occurrence of plants near national borders is often ambiguous. This is due to the regional focus and different approaches of the contributing national and regional databases and networks of the neighbouring countries. Careful data transformation between national data providers is essential for understanding distribution patterns and its dynamics for organisms in areas along the national borders. Sharing occurrence data through the international data aggregator Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is also complicated and has to consider that the underlying taxonomic concept and geographic information system of each single GBIF dataset might be different. In addition, some regional data providers have a restrictive (non-cc) licensing policy which does not allow data publication via the GBIF network. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new ways to make data fit for use for a better and comprehensive understanding of the Flora of the Bohemian Forest.

In this paper, we present a bilateral technical interoperability solution for vascular plant occurrence data for the area between the Czech Republic and Bavaria. We describe the initial state of data providers in both countries and the factual and technical challenges in finding a sustainable concept to establish mutual data sharing. The resulting solution for a functional infrastructure and an agreed data pipeline is described in a step-by-step approach. The new distributed infrastructure allows botanists and other stakeholders from both countries to work within the cross-border context of historical and current plants' distribution.
Substitution, complémentarité et travail en équipe généralistes/infirmières : impacts potentiels du « mix des compétences »
Authors: Mousquès Julien
Published: October 2022

Cet article s’intéresse au contexte et aux enjeux relativement à la modification des rôles et fonctions infirmières dans le champ des soins de premier recours. Après une présentation du contexte et une synthèse de la littérature sur l’impact que l’on peut attendre de ce type de transformation, les enseignements que l’on peut tirer d’évaluation d’impact d’innovation organisationnelle dans ce domaine et mise en œuvre en France sont proposés.
Financial inclusion of remittance recipients and non-recipients in Mexico
Authors: Pardo-Montaño Ana , Davila-Cervantes Claudio
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Financial inclusion of remittance recipients has been seldom analyzed in Mexico. Studies about remittance reception have focused on the factors that explain their reception, their primary uses or whether they generate development in the receiving communities. We analyze the characteristics of remittance receiving and non-receiving households associated with their financial inclusion and the institutional actions aimed at fulfilling this task.Design/methodology/approach: We carried out a quantitative study using the National Financial Inclusion Survey of 2015. We calculated a principal component analysis to generate a financial inclusion index, a latent class analysis and a linear regression model to estimate the effect of remittance reception and the socio-demographic characteristics on financial inclusionFindings: We found that a low percentage of people have a high financial inclusion in Mexico. By focusing on the main characteristics of remittance recipients and non-recipients associated with financial inclusion, we found that the main variables that explain this inclusion are: age ¾the older the age, the more inclusion¾, being a head of household, schooling level ¾the more schooling, the more inclusion¾, living in urban areas, having a job, and receiving remittances.Originality/value: We highlight the importance of considering the economic benefits that financial inclusion generates, as well as the implications that indebtedness can bring to households.
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Variations in Clinical Presentation and Surgical Outcomes by Socioeconomic Status and Race
Authors: Rahman Sarah , Sharma Neha , Valentim Carolina C. S. , Muste Justin C. , Iyer Amogh I. , Li Ang , Singh Rishi P.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To characterize rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presentation and repair outcomes by race and socioeconomic status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Retrospective cohort one-center study of adults with a new RRD repair from 2012 to 2020. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS:

61.7% were male, 84.5% White and 9.4% Black (total
n
= 1092). 95.8% White and 94.2% Black patients had retinal reattachment (
P
= .234). Macula-off status was more likely with Medicare/Medicaid than private insurance (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.41,
P
= .014); and less likely with higher income (OR 0.88, CI 0.81 to 0.96,
P
= .003). Black patients had worse best visual acuity (BVA) at presentation and follow-up (follow-up −6.93 letters, CI −13.19 to −0.64,
P
= .031), and higher odds of postoperative ocular hypertension (OHTN) (OR 2.41, CI 1.28 to 4.60,
P
= .007).

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite equivalent retinal reattachment rates, Black patients have worse BVA, and are more likely to develop OHTN than White patients. Macula-off status is less likely in patients with higher income or private insurance.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2022;53:538–545.]
Lightweight design method and application of MEWP bracket based on multi-level optimization
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Jian , Du Zhanpeng , Ma Hongfeng , Zhang Lijie , Duan Libin
Published: October 2022

Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) is a large-scale engineering machinery equipment that transports workers and tools to the designated height for operation. As the key supporting component of MEWP, the bracket simultaneously needs to meet the performances of high stiffness and strength. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of the bracket can be significantly influenced by its cross-sectional shape. However, the optimal cross-sectional shape of bracket is not easily to obtain owing to the lacking of lightweight design method. Thus, a lightweight design method of MEWP bracket based on multi-level optimization is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the multi-case topology optimization model of MEWP bracket is constructed by using the compromise programming method, and the optimal section configuration of MEWP bracket is obtained based on Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP). Secondly, the parameterization of the cross-sectional shape of bracket is realized using the mesh deformation technology, and the multi-case optimization mathematical model of the MEWP bracket is established. Then, the cross-sectional shape and gauge of the bracket are optimized using multi-level optimization method. The optimized results show that weight reduction mass is 11.66 kg and the ratio is 52.4% under the premise that the stiffness of the bracket does not decrease. Furthermore, the weight of MEWP bracket optimized by the multi-level optimization method reduced by 1.27 kg compared with single gauge optimization method. Finally, a physical prototype is developed according to the optimization results.
Positive solution for a class of nonlinear fourth-order boundary value problem
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Chen Li
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of positive solutions for boundary value problems of nonlinear fourth-order differential equations

   \begin{document}$ \begin{eqnarray*} &&u^{(4)}+c(x)u = \lambda a(x)f(u), \; \; x\in (0,1),\\ &&u(0) = u(1) = u''(0) = u''(1) = 0, \end{eqnarray*} $\end{document}

where $ a(x) $ may change signs. The proof of main results is based on Leray-Schauder's fixed point theorem and the properties of Green's function of the fourth-order differential operator $ L_cu = u^{(4)}+c(x)u $.
Suitable yeast extract concentration for the production of self-healing mortar with expanded clay as bacterial carrier
Authors: Risdanareni P. , Ma L. , Wang J. , De Belie N.
Published: October 2022

In microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) system, yeast extract (YE) is needed for spores germination. The aim of this research is to evaluate the minimum amount of YE in mortar that allows spores of Bacillus sphaericus to germinate with limited negative effect on mortar properties. Two YE concentrations of 2 and 5 g/l were tested and compared to a reference without YE. To protect the bacteria in the mortar matrix, spores or cells were encapsulated into porous expanded clay. The ureolytic activity of bacteria with YE variation, the mechanical properties and the healing ability of mortar were assessed. The results show that a YE concentration of 2 g/l provided acceptable mortar properties, while it was sufficient for spores to germinate and provide a satisfactory healing ability to resulting mortar. When vegetative cells are used as a healing agent, it is best to omit yeast extract from the mortar mixture.
Predicting At-Risk Students Using Weekly Activities and Assessments
Authors: Jawthari Moohanad , Stoffa Veronika
Published: October 2022

Abstract— Although Online learning has been so popular especially during epidemic crisis, it has a drawback of high dropouts and low completion rates. Institutes search for ways to support their students learning and increase completion rates. Institutes will be able to predict students’ performances and make interventions on time if they have some analytical strategy. Yet, efficient prediction and proactive intervention depends on using meaningful, reliable, and accurate data. Institutes different tools like Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for teaching and content delivery. These tools provide large databases that are useful to improve prediction of students’ performance research. In this study, an Open University course VLE data is analyzed to investigate if weekly engagement alone, integrated with assessments scores (first approach), and accumulated previous assessments up to a certain week data ((second approach) lead to accurate student performance prediction. Importance of VLE data is highlighted here, which sheds light on students’ haviour and leads to developing models that can predict student’s outcome accurately. Second approach generated robust prediction models which outperformed the results obtained using first approach.
Evaluation of High School Students’ New Trends in Education: Internet of Things
Authors: Uspabayeva Aigul , Sattarova Aigul , Mirza Natalya , Kubeeva Marzia , Kazakbay Abdualievich Zhanatayev , Rysbayeva Galiya
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this research is to evaluate high school students’ perceptions of the Internet of Things in the evaluation of new trends in education. The research was designed in accordance with the qualitative research method. The study group of the research consists of 83 high school students studying in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the 2021–2022 academic year. The study group was given a 4-week Internet of Things online awareness training. After the training, interviews were held with high school students. A Semi-Structured Interview Form prepared by the researchers was used as a data collection tool in the interviews. As a result of the research, the knowledge level of high school students on the concept of the Internet of Things was evaluated as very low before the online awareness training and as high after the online awareness training. High school students, on the Internet of Things online education, while they had an indecisive attitude before the training, these attitudes changed positively after the training. High school students participating in the research stated that they found the achievements of the Internet of Things awareness training to be high. In addition, with the IoT awareness training given to the students, the students stated that they had a positive opinion about the use of IoT applications in education. In order to ensure the integration of IoT applications into education, it is necessary to provide necessary for instructors, prepare school infrastructures and make curriculum arrangements.

Keywords: High school students, Internet of Things, new directions in education
Path Planning for the Fragmented Learning of College Students Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Xia
Published: October 2022

Most education platforms attempt to plan reasonable learning paths for college student users, but they have generally ignored differences in their learning time distribution preferences, learning habits, and learning requirements, and haven’t taken the dynamic development trends of their learning states into consideration. To make up for these shortcomings, this paper aims to study the learning path planning for the fragmented learning of college students based on artificial intelligence. At first, this paper proposed a fragmented learning path planning model for college students, and introduced a fragmented knowledge concept map method to mine the recommended fragmented knowledge structure and the association between concepts, so as to fragment knowledge concept into small knowledge pieces and realize fragmented knowledge recommendation. Then, this paper introduced the regularization constraints, and adopted the sparse auto-encoder to predict the missing values in the interaction matrix, so as to solve the problem of data sparsity. After that, hybrid recommendation of fragmented knowledge was made based on the multi-layer perception network model, and the accuracy of the personalized recommendation of fragmented knowledge had been effectively improved. At last, experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed recommendation model.
Reservation System for Cloud Computing Resources (RSCC)
Authors: Tiwari Ashish , Garg Ritu
Published: October 2022

The pay-and-use approach is the basis for the cloud computing services that are currently popular. Resource management is one of the more difficult tasks since it takes a while to identify requests and determine what kind of resources are needed to satisfy the customer's needs. Resource provisioning's goal is to identify and make available the right resources depending on user workload's QoS needs so that applications may make efficient use of the resources. The CSPs now offer advanced resource reserves for both short- and long-term periods. Cloud brokers are required to manage the on-demand cloud resource and maintain track of the SLA list of resource providers for their individual cloud customers in our suggested algorithm RSCC (Reservation System for Cloud Computing). According to the user's needs and cost, the RSCC algorithm functions as a flexible reservation that can accommodate a variety of services. The numerical findings demonstrated that the suggested long-term resource planning method was able to produce operational costs that were almost ideal.
An Integrated Learning Platform Focusing on STEAM and Collaborative Modules for Macau
Authors: Man Cheng Un , Martins de Abreu Filipa C. A.
Published: October 2022

In Macau, the effectiveness of traditional classroom learning is questioned as the problem is discovered by the changes in technology advances, social media, and the varieties of learning methods. Learning experiences, interests, discoveries, and creativity development are considered essential to academic performance, and the interactive collaboration between parents and children in the learning processes becomes crucial. This article presents the work's design and preliminary analysis, explaining the characteristics of an integrated learning platform and its design for a multicultural, multilingual learning environment. The “Fries Lab” is a learning platform currently being developed that is compatible with various digital devices and aims to create a collaborative learning experience based on blended learning approaches, children's psychology, STEAM educational approaches, gamification, user-centred design, and interface design principles, in which parents, educators, and children collaborate and learn in real-time.
Smart Fruit Basket
Authors: Narwal Pulkit , Pattnaik Ipsita
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses smart retailing solutions, self-checkout stores in particular. Since RFID tag-based product identification accounts for various limitations, the authors propose a smart basket to facilitate self-checkout mechanism for fruits and vegetables, based on multi-view image recognition and weight sensor. The system works on a multi-view model and recognizes and counts the fruit/vegetables from four camera views to handle the occlusions. The user places fruits inside the basket. Multiple cameras installed provide different views inside the basket and captures this fruit placing activity. Different views are then processed for image recognition using CNN (convolutional neural network). The authors also present a multi-view fruit recognition (MVFR) dataset to evaluate the system performance. The base of smart basket includes a weight sensor to account for weight information, the weight, and count information of fruit assist in bill generation at self-checkout station.
Metaheuristic-Based Control for Three-Phase Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Badis Afef , Boujmil Mohamed Habib , Mansouri Mohamed Nejib
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a novel cascade control technique is proposed in order to identify the parameters of cascade controllers in a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. Here, tuning of the inner and outer loop controllers is done simultaneously by means of an optimized genetic algorithm-based fractional order PID (GA-FOPID) control. Simulations are conducted using Matlab/Simulink software under different operating conditions, namely under fast-changing weather conditions, sudden parametric variations, and voltage dip, for the purpose of verifying the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. By comparing the results with recently published optimization techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and ant colony optimization (ACO), the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed GA-FOPID control have been proven.
Failure Case Studies and Challenges in ERP Integration
Authors: Kara Hana , Cherifi Kenza , Zemmouchi-Ghomari Leila
Published: October 2022

The 21st century recognizes the importance of information as a vital resource, so it is studied, researched, and improved to accomplish the performance objectives set by an organization. To sustain cohesive business reliability and growth, information sharing and communication are essential. enterprise resource planning (ERP) software integration is seen by many organizations as a way to manage their integrated information flow more effectively under increased competitive pressure. The implementation of such a project for a company is very beneficial because it revolves around performance and formality, both of which are highly important and complex for organizations. However, due to the ERP project implementation budget, time, and resources, this type of project is tricky. In this context, and based on the principle that people learn more from failures than from successes, the authors are interested in this article about the difficulties, the stakes, and the causes of ERPs integration failures reported in the literature to make recommendations and learn from these case studies.
Innovation in Organizations and Management of New Product Development
Authors: Mandal Pratap Chandra
Published: October 2022

Organizations should have a focus on new product development and innovation to succeed in the competitive business environment. The objective of the study is to understand how organizations manage new product development and innovation and try to integrate innovation in all processes. The methodology adopted is a conceptual analysis of various aspects of new product development and innovation in organizations. Organizations should understand the importance and relevance of innovation and should be ready to incorporate innovation in all processes. They may adopt different approaches viz. customer-centred approach, team-based approach, and systematic approach towards new product development and innovation. Organizations should understand how to achieve success in new product development and should adopt different strategies and initiatives. Academicians may analyze the various approaches towards innovation. Practicing managers will realize the importance of innovation. They will realize how to manage innovation and achieve business excellence in the long run.
Selecting the Best Idea for New Software Product Development Using the BRICEC Framework
Authors: Ratnoo Mahija , Sarkar Subham , Mandal Pratap Chandra
Published: October 2022

The front end of new product development consists of generating ideas and selecting the best idea from the idea pool. It becomes challenging for the companies to select the best idea from the idea pool. Companies have used various frameworks, tools, and techniques to choose the best idea for successful new product development. This study proposes a new idea selection framework called BRICEC, consisting of business importance, reach, impact, confidence, efforts, and cannibalization. The study focuses on comparing the popular idea selection frameworks in product development along with the BRICEC framework, critically analyzing the research gaps in idea selection processes through literature reviews, explaining the BRICEC framework in detail with examples, and highlighting how BRICEC is a more efficient framework from the rest of the popular frameworks. Proper idea selection in the right time frame will help companies attain competitive advantage and define the success of the new product.
Efficient ECC-Based CP-ABE Scheme With Constant-Sized Key and Scalable User Revocation
Authors: Sethia Divyashikha , Sahu Raj
Published: October 2022

A lightweight encryption technique with low storage overheads is essential to secure data access from Resrouce-Constrained Devices (RCD). It must protect against unsolicited users with scalable user revocation with uninterrupted access to valid users. A user must be able to access RCD over low-energy wireless communication interfaces through a user reader device (mobile). Attribute-based encryption is an efficient technique for securely sharing sensitive data with multiple stakeholders without the requirement of sharing multiple security keys. This paper proposes a novel ECC-based scalable user revocation (EASER) ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) encryption scheme to secure and selectively share data from RCD with multiple stakeholders. It is based on ECC, with lower decryption time and constant-sized secret keys with low storage overhead. EASER extends Odelu et al.'s ECC-based CP-ABE scheme for scalable user revocation and mitigates a proven key-collusion attack. It is suitable for securing RCD and provides secure, selective access from a user reader device.
Construction of a Multi-Dimensional Evaluation System of English Online Learning Teaching Quality Based on Blended Learning
Authors: Wang Lina , Shi Lei
Published: October 2022

Blended online English learning has become a way to expand English outside the classroom. In the future, the blended learning approach allows students to learn English knowledge without the constraints of time, place and teacher subjects in traditional classroom teaching. However, there are still many problems in online English teaching in colleges and universities. The top three learning evaluation methods are: online exams, classroom assignments, and online answering tasks. Other learning evaluation methods are arranged in descending order. They are to evaluate their own English learning, to draw a conceptual map of learning knowledge, and to accept the teacher's opinion for advice. The performance of the three models has declined, and the performance of the online learning teaching model is still the highest among the three models. The accuracy of the online learning teaching model is 73.81%, indicating that the performance of online learning and teaching is the best.
Analysis of the Importance and Influence of Student Mental Health Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Pinni
Published: October 2022

With the rapid development of neural network has been widely used in major research areas, this paper will neural network convolution layer structure into the importance of students' mental health and influencing factors. In order to analyze the influencing factors of students' mental health, this paper analyzes the mental health status of different students from the perspective of neural network. Firstly, the main definitions and concepts of students' mental health are put forward, and the methods of evaluating and measuring mental health are analyzed. Secondly, the related structure of neural network and two different neural network model algorithms are described in detail, and the forward propagation and backward propagation algorithms of neural network are proposed (which provide support for the data research through neural network later). Finally, the correlation function of neural network is used to analyze the influencing factors of contemporary students' mental health.
Research on the Relationship Between College Students' Mental Health and Employment Based on Data Mining
Authors: Liu Bin
Published: October 2022

In order to grasp the employment psychology of college students more accurately and solve their inner anxiety, the Apripri algorithm of association rules constructs the correlation analysis model of college students' mental health and employment based on data mining. The diagnosis accuracy of association rules for network fault is 98.47%, and the diagnosis time is 0.21s. In the performance comparison experiments of different models, the mean value is above 0.8, the precision is 0.86, the precision is 0.84, the recall is 0.84, and the F1 value is 0.87. It shows that the means of this paper meet the research requirements. In the comparative experiments of different algorithm performance indicators, the accuracy of the mean is 0.87, the precision is 0.85, the recall is 0.84, and the F1 value is 0.88. The means of this paper meet the research requirements.
Modified Multipath Transmission Control Protocol Using Logarithmic Increase Under Long-Term Evolution and Wi-Fi Networks
Authors: Nuha Hilal , Ariyanto Endro , Yogitama Priyagung , Wicaksono Ryan
Published: October 2022

Multipath transmission control protocol (MPTCP) has been proposed for devices with multiple network interfaces. This idea seems to be impossible for user implementation at the beginning of its proposal. However, the emergence of smartphones with multiple network access allows this idea to be implemented. This paper provides both theoretical and empirical throughput analysis of MPTCP under long term evolution (LTE) and Wi-Fi networks. First, a new modified congestion control is presented as an enhancement of standard TCP Reno using logarithmic function. Second, the existing MPTCP approaches like linked increase algorithm (LIA) and balanced LIA (BALIA) are discussed briefly. Finally, the experimental results under long term evolution (LTE) and Wi-Fi under software defined wireless networking (SDWN) are given along with the analysis. The experimental result shows that the proposed congestion control achieves higher average congestion window size. The BALIA MPTCP is shown to have higher throughput than that of the LIA MPTCP.
Price Policy as a Direction of Provision in the Oil and Gas Sector's Resource Efficiency
Authors: Shmygol Nadiia , Galtsova Olga , Saienko Olena , Zavgorodniy Ruslan
Published: October 2022

In this study it is proved that today the economy of Ukraine depends on external sources of supply of these energy resources, which negatively affects its energy security. Ways to overcome this dependence are: development and expansion of own oil and gas production; implementation of energy-saving measures at processing enterprises; a departure from primary resource processing and a reorientation of the economy to high-tech products; diversification of supply sources of energy resources. In view of the above, managing the effective development of Ukraine's oil and gas sector is an actual scientific issue that needs to be addressed. So the practical aspects of implementing the Leontiev's input-output model based on the activity of the oil and gas sector were further developed, which, unlike the existing ones, made it possible to establish a relationship between the pricing policy of the industries and their resource efficiency.
To the Problem of Factor Analysis Innovativeness of Plant Industry Development
Authors: Oliynyk Oleksandr , Morozova Ganna , Nagaeva Halyna , Shevchenko Valery
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the problems of factor analysis of the innovativeness of plant industry development. The methodical approach to the quantitative assessment of the factors of patterns of change in profit as a criterion for innovation of the development of the plant industry is substantiated. The use of sound methodological approach allows to identify the presence or absence of innovative development and to quantify the impact of technological, marketing and economic innovations on the trends of economic dynamics of the industry. It has been proven that marketing and technology are the most common innovations in all the objects studied, while insufficient attention is paid to innovation in the area of operating expenses.
Pedagogical Design Perspective of Digital Game-Based English Language Learning
Authors: Nitisakunwut Panicha , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Chanyoo Natthaphong
Published: October 2022

The number of digital game-based language learning studies over the past two decades has considerably increased. Conversely, game-based pedagogy from the instructional design perspective has been discussed to a lesser extent despite the emergence of a variety of digital games in the global educational technology market. The objectives of the present study were to examine the game design elements of digital game-based language learning as a pedagogical tool for English language settings and to address the application of digital games in pedagogical settings. A scoping review was employed as the research synthesis, and the PRISMA method was utilized to manage the screening process and to code the articles. The results revealed that game design elements including game genres, game availability, and game platforms have an impact on the effectiveness of digital game-based language teaching. In addition, the implementation of digital game-based pedagogy relies upon two aspects: system design and instructional design.
SBFSelector
Authors: Garg Ritu , Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: October 2022

Tracking changes in code using revision history shared by collaborative teams during software evolution improves traceability. Existing techniques provides incomplete and inaccurate revision history due to lack in detection of renaming and shifting at file, class, and method granularities simultaneously. This research analyzes and prioritizes the metrics responsible for detecting such changes and update the revision history. This improves the traceability by tracking complete and accurate revision history that further improves the processes related to mining software repositories. It proposes SBFSelector algorithm that uses Jaccard Similarity and cosine similarity based on the prioritized metrics to identify these changes. Result shows that 73% metrics belongs to size and complexity that holds more significance over remaining categories. Random forest is best classifier for tracking changes with 0.99 true positive rate and 0.01 false positive rate. It improves traceability by increasing the Kappa statistic and true positive rate as compared to Understand tool.
Academic Employers' Impressions Regarding the Qualifications of Athletic Trainers With the Doctor of Athletic Training Degree
Authors: Welch Bacon Cailee E. , Strout Nicole R. , Clines Stephanie , Van Lunen Bonnie L. , Eberman Lindsey E.
Published: October 2022

Context

The emergence of the doctor of athletic training (DAT) degree creates opportunities to develop advanced practice leaders in athletic training. Preliminary data suggest academic employers are likely to hire and believe it would be beneficial to hire someone with a DAT degree; however, it remains unclear how academic employers perceive the DAT degree.

Objectives

To explore the impressions of academic employers regarding the qualifications of athletic trainers (ATs) with the DAT degree for employment in the academic setting.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Individual video interviews.

Participants

A total of 11 employers who are ATs (8 women, 3 men; age = 42 ± 8.5 years; years as an educator = 10.3 ± 5.9 years).

Data Collection and Analysis

The primary investigator interviewed participants via individual video conferences using a semistructured interview guide to gather perceptions of the DAT degree and the role of ATs with the DAT in academic settings. Data were analyzed and coded into common themes and categories, followed by triangulation of data via the research team and member checking to ensure data accuracy.

Results

One predominant theme emerged relative to the employers' impressions regarding qualifications of ATs with the DAT degree. Participants characterized those with the DAT degree as being capable of conducting practice-based research and implementing innovative practices in and outside of the classroom. Participants also described DAT-credentialed ATs as individuals who embodied advanced practice characteristics demonstrated through leadership, soft skills, core competencies, and advanced application of knowledge and skills.

Conclusions

Although academic employers' impressions toward hiring DAT-credentialed ATs were positive, the focus and role of the DAT degree remains unclear. Further education is needed within the athletic training community to clarify the goal and focus of the DAT degree and its role in athletic training education.
Effectiveness of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavius vaccine in preventing severe disease and mortality during the second wave of pandemic
Authors: Rajmohan Priyanka , Gopinathan Unnikrishnan Uttumadathil , Parvin Ashraf Saudha Nada , Jose Maria , Raphael Lucy , Thomas Joe
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To determine the real-world effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine in preventing severe disease and mortality due to COVID-19.

Methods:

A case-case design was used to estimate the effect of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine on severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in individuals aged 40 years and above. Cases (n=200) were COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) or who died. Controls (n=223) were those with mild COVID-19, fit for home isolation. The logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted vaccine effectiveness for full vaccination (two doses ≥14 d) and partial vaccination status (one dose ≥14 d or two doses <14 d).

Results:

The proportion of fully vaccinated individuals was significantly lower among cases (12, 6.0%) compared to controls (30, 13.5%). The adjusted effectiveness of a full dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine in preventing ICU admission or death was 81.9% (95% CI: 61.3%-91.6%, P=0.001). Subgroup analysis restricted to age group, sex, and comorbidities found that ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine had a significant positive effect in all subgroups and categories.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 vaccination reduces ICU admissions or death. Therefore, increased vaccine uptake may reduce the severity of the pandemic, more so in the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Symmetrical peripheral gangrene triggered by Escherichia coli sepsis
Authors: Mala Shenoy Manjunath , Ahmed Bendigeri Mukhthar
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a rare acute condition triggered by several medical conditions. It needs to be recognized early and treated as an emergency.

Patient’s Concern:

A 40-year-old patient without any comorbidities presented with sudden onset of pain, swelling, blistering and bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes associated with fever and constitutional symptoms. Later the fingers and toes turned dark and they were cold to touch.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of symmetrical peripheral gangrene was made and investigated. Blood culture isolated Escherichia coli indicating a possible role in the causation of symmetrical peripheral gangrene.

Interventions:

Patient was managed with antibiotics and anticoagulants along with supportive care.

Outcomes:

There was improvement in patient’s general condition along with development of gangrene demarcation line of the fingers and toes.

Lessons:

Awareness of this condition is needed and an early management is recommended including recognizing the cause and supportive therapy to prevent complications.
Post-COVID Primary Laryngeal Aspergillosis
Authors: Madala Sudhakara Rao , Jagruthi Pandiri , Murthy P. S. N. , Anusha Akkineni
Published: October 2022

Ever since the first case reported in 2019, covid 19 has been affecting the health and well-being of people globally. Covid 19 infection, through its post recovery immunocompromised state, has opened a door for many opportunistic infections in the affected patients. Aspergillosis is one such opportunistic infection. Among the multiple species of aspergillus, the most common species causing aspergillosis are A.fumigatus and A.flavus. Like any other fungal infection, in aspergillosis, larynx is involved secondarily as a consequence of advanced stages of lower respiratory tract infection or by hematogenous spread from a primary site. Here we are reporting a case of primary aspergillosis of larynx in a 41-year-old immunocompetent male patient who has been affected with covid 19 infection twice in a span of 9 months and presented with history of hoarseness of voice.
Quantitative electroencephalography – A promising biomarker in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sharma Mini , Kumar Manoj , Kushwaha Suman , Kumar Deepak
Published: October 2022

Background:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Experimental studies have reported increased theta activity and reduced beta activity on electroencephalography (EEG), although theta wave tends to appear during meditative, drowsy, hypnotic, or sleeping states.

Aims:

We aimed to study EEG changes in children with significant severity of ADHD.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study was designed for the children with ADHD presenting to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Department (OPD) of IHBAS.

Methodology:

A total of 33 ADHD children in the age group of 5–12 years attending OPD were included in the study after qualifying the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study.

DSM-5 criteria were used to make the diagnosis of ADHD and severity was assessed using Conners' Rating Scale-Revised Parent short version. The children with more than 50% score on the Conners Scale were included in the study. The quantification of the recorded EEG was done using Fast Fourier Transformation by New Natus NeuroWorks computer software.

Statistical Analysis:

The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0.

Results:

Around 3/4th of participants in the study showed elevated theta: beta ratio results on qEEG.

Conclusions:

Although ADHD is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, children with ADHD showed marked elevated theta: beta ratio indicating raised slow-wave changes in cortical activity, thus concluding quantitative EEG as a promising biomarker in children with ADHD.
Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome: A Common Cause of Lateral Knee Pain in Long-Distance Runners
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Yadav Deep , Singh Kamlesh Kumar , Bhattacharjee Saikat
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is an injury of the knee joint which is common in long distance runners and cyclists. It is caused by repetitive friction between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral epicondyle during active flexion and extension of the knee.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee was performed for 45 long distance runners who presented with lateral knee pain after long distance running for 6 months. The analysis of the images was done by two radiologists in all the three planes to confirm or rule out any findings suggestive of ITBFS. The various imaging features which were noted in the MRI scans by the radiologists to label it as ITBFS were poorly defined abnormal signal intensity deep to the iliotibial band as the primary finding and other associated MRI findings such as fluid collection medial to the iliotibial band, increased thickness of the iliotibial band and joint effusion.

Results:

Out of these 45 runners 30 patients had ITBFS, 3 had lateral collateral ligament sprain, 3 had a grade III tear of the lateral meniscus, 3 had synovial effusion and six had normal scans.

Discussion:

Iliotibial band friction syndrome occurs because of overuse and can be confused with other disorders and MRI is able to differentiate it from other conditions.
Real-Time Dual Video Conferencing of Simulated Tracheostoma Maturation During Residency Interviews
Authors: Goates Andrew J. , Macielak Robert J. , McMillan Ryan A. , Bisco Susan E. , Bayan Semirra L. , Stokken Janalee K.
Published: October 2022

Background

There are few reports of dexterity tests being done in a distance telecommunication setting for residency applicant evaluation.

Objective

To report the feasibility and suitability of a virtual suturing skills assessment during residency interviews when added to the standard assessment process.

Methods

A suturing simulation was developed and implemented during otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) residency interviews for the 2020-2021 cycle at one program. On the day of the interview, the activity was completed in real time using 2-camera video conferencing with the 2 resident assessors providing a numerical assessment based on an adapted scoring rubric from prior suturing activities at the institution. The exercise involved suturing a 3/4-inch Penrose drain circumferentially with half-vertical mattress stitches to simulate the maturation of a tracheostoma. The residency selection committee then completed a 7-item Likert-type survey, developed by the authors, to evaluate the simulation exercise.

Results

Fifty-one applicants representing all interviewees in the cycle successfully completed this assessment without technologic disruptions. The total cost associated with obtaining and providing the necessary supplies to applicants was $34.78 per interviewee. Time required to complete the suturing task was estimated to range from 10 to 20 minutes. The residency selection committee viewed this exercise as a success (14 of 16, 87.5%) and viewed the results as a valuable adjunct in the overall assessment of candidates (15 of 16, 93.8%).

Conclusions

A simple motor exercise completed over real-time telecommunication was feasible and perceived as helpful to the residency selection committee when assessing OHNS residency candidates.
Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic on VA Resident and Fellow Training Satisfaction and Future VA Employment: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Northcraft Heather , Bai Jia , Griffin Anne R. , Hovsepian Sona , Dobalian Aram
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic altered learning experiences of residents and fellows worldwide, including at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Because the VA is the largest training provider in the United States, understanding VA trainee experiences is vital to understanding the pandemic's impact on graduate medical education nationwide. Additionally, understanding the pandemic's potential impacts on future employment allows for a better understanding of any future disruptions in the supply of physicians.

Objective

To examine whether COVID-19 affected the satisfaction with VA training experiences and likelihood to consider future VA employment among residents and fellows.

Methods

Responses from the VA Trainee Satisfaction Survey were collected for 3 academic years (2018-2021). Quantitative analysis (bivariate logistic regression) and qualitative content analysis were conducted to determine COVID-19′s impact on satisfaction and likelihood of future VA employment.

Results

Across 3 academic years, 17 900 responses from a total of 140 933 physician trainees were analyzed (12.7%). Following COVID-19, respondents expressed decreased satisfaction (84.58% vs 86.01%, P=.008) and decreased likelihood to consider future VA employment compared to prior to the pandemic (53.42% vs 55.32%, P=.013). COVID-19-related causes of dissatisfaction included the onboarding process, which slowed due to the pandemic, limited workspace that precluded social distancing, and reduced learning opportunities.

Conclusions

Since the pandemic, physician trainees expressed decreased training satisfaction and decreased likelihood to seek future VA employment. Causes of dissatisfaction included increased difficulties with onboarding, further limitations to accessible workspaces, and the direct obstruction of learning opportunities including decreased patient volume or case mix.
Evaluating the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Model at 10 Years: Practice-Based Outcomes and Opportunities
Authors: Davis Caitlin Smith , Roy Tuhin , Peterson Lars E. , Bazemore Andrew W.
Published: October 2022

Background

Since 2011, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THC GME) program has sought to expand access to care by training residents in safety net settings.

Objective

To examine impact on physician scope, location, and patient population served using a unique data set.

Methods

Using 2017-2020 data from the American Board of Family Medicine National Graduate Survey, we compared demographics, practice location, populations served, and scope of practice between graduates of THC GME programs and graduates of other family medicine programs.

Results

Our sample comprised 8608 (out of 13 465) eligible family medicine graduates 3 years after completion of residency training, for a response rate of 63.9%. THC graduates were significantly more likely than other graduates to practice in a rural location (17.9% to 11.8%), within 5 miles of their residency program (18.9% to 12.9%), and to care for medically underserved populations (35.2% to 18.6%). Their scope of practice was wider than other graduates and more likely to comprise services like buprenorphine prescribing, behavioral health care, and outpatient gynecological procedures. Regression results suggest that THC training is independently correlated with a broader scope of practice.

Conclusions

Graduates of THC programs were significantly more likely than graduates of other programs to practice close to their training sites and in rural areas, and to care for underserved patients while maintaining a broader scope of practice than other graduates.