bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Safety Claims on Consumer Chemical Product Perceptions and the Role of Warnings
Authors: Kim Soyun
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess the effect of safety claims and warnings on perceptions of consumer chemical products.

Background

Manufacturers have two contradictory objectives: to increase sales by emphasizing the positive aspects of a product and to protect consumers from hazards of the product. One of the strategies that some manufactures have devised to achieve these goals is to use anti-warnings. Safety claims placed on consumer chemical products were examined to determine if anti-warnings influenced product perceptions.

Method

Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, three consumer chemical products with manipulated safety claims were presented to 300 participants, who completed a survey to rate their perceptions of the products. In Experiment 2, the same products with the safety claims and added warnings were presented to 600 participants and were rated using the same measurements as Experiment 1.

Results

Safety claims on product labels decreased perceived hazards compared to no safety claims on products in both Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiment 2, added warnings raised the perceived hazards.

Conclusion

The use of safety claims on consumer chemical products had an effect on product perceptions by decreasing hazard perceptions. The addition of strong warnings on product labels mitigated this effect.

Application

This research provides empirical evidence suggesting that the use of safety claims decreased hazard perceptions of potentially hazardous consumer chemical products and can serve as a possible form of anti-warnings.
Multicompartmental Scaffolds for Coordinated Periodontal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yao Y. , Raymond J.E. , Kauffmann F. , Maekawa S. , Sugai J.V. , Lahann J. , Giannobile W.V.
Published: June 2022

Successful periodontal repair and regeneration requires the coordinated responses from soft and hard tissues as well as the soft tissue–to–bone interfaces. Inspired by the hierarchical structure of native periodontal tissues, tissue engineering technology provides unique opportunities to coordinate multiple cell types into scaffolds that mimic the natural periodontal structure in vitro. In this study, we designed and fabricated highly ordered multicompartmental scaffolds by melt electrowriting, an advanced 3-dimensional (3D) printing technique. This strategy attempted to mimic the characteristic periodontal microenvironment through multicompartmental constructs comprising 3 tissue-specific regions: 1) a bone compartment with dense mesh structure, 2) a ligament compartment mimicking the highly aligned periodontal ligaments (PDLs), and 3) a transition region that bridges the bone and ligament, a critical feature that differentiates this system from mono- or bicompartmental alternatives. The multicompartmental constructs successfully achieved coordinated proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell types in vitro within short time, including both ligamentous- and bone-derived cells. Long-term 3D coculture of primary human osteoblasts and PDL fibroblasts led to a mineral gradient from calcified to uncalcified regions with PDL-like insertions within the transition region, an effect that is challenging to achieve with mono- or bicompartmental platforms. This process effectively recapitulates the key feature of interfacial tissues in periodontium. Collectively, this tissue-engineered approach offers a fundament for engineering periodontal tissue constructs with characteristic 3D microenvironments similar to native tissues. This multicompartmental 3D printing approach is also highly compatible with the design of next-generation scaffolds, with both highly adjustable compartmentalization properties and patient-specific shapes, for multitissue engineering in complex periodontal defects.
New Ameloblastoma Cell Lines Enable Preclinical Study of Targeted Therapies
Authors: Nguyen J. , Saffari P.S. , Pollack A.S. , Vennam S. , Gong X. , West R.B. , Pollack J.R.
Published: June 2022

Ameloblastoma (AB) is an odontogenic tumor that arises from ameloblast-lineage cells. Although relatively uncommon and rarely metastatic, AB tumors are locally invasive and destructive to the jawbone and surrounding structures. Standard-of-care surgical resection often leads to disfigurement, and many tumors will locally recur, necessitating increasingly challenging surgeries. Recent genomic studies of AB have uncovered oncogenic driver mutations, including in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Medical therapies targeting those drivers would be a highly desirable alternative or addition to surgery; however, a paucity of existing AB cell lines has stymied clinical translation. To bridge this gap, here we report the establishment of 6 new AB cell lines—generated by “conditional reprogramming”—and their genomic characterization that reveals driver mutations in FGFR2, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and SMO. Furthermore, in proof-of-principle studies, we use the new cell lines to investigate AB oncogene dependency and drug sensitivity. Among our findings, AB cells with KRAS or NRAS mutation (MAPK pathway) are exquisitely sensitive to MEK inhibition, which propels ameloblast differentiation. AB cells with activating SMO-L412F mutation (Hedgehog pathway) are insensitive to vismodegib; however, a distinct small-molecule SMO inhibitor, BMS-833923, significantly reduces both downstream Hedgehog signaling and tumor cell viability. The novel cell line resource enables preclinical studies and promises to speed the translation of new molecularly targeted therapies for the management of ameloblastoma and related odontogenic neoplasms.
Co-Evolution of Organizations in Infrastructure Planning: The Role of Communities of Practice as Windows for Collective Learning Across Project-Oriented Organizations
Authors: de Groot Bert , Leendertse Wim , Arts Jos
Published: June 2022

Challenges in infrastructure planning require public infrastructure administrators, responsible for providing adequate infrastructure facilities, to be adaptive. These organizations evolve and interact with other organizations in a complex organizational landscape. This paper explores the contribution of inter-organizational communities of practice (CoPs) to collective learning and co-evolution of organizations in infrastructure planning. We conducted a case study of five inter-organizational CoPs in the domain of a typical public infrastructure administrator. The results suggest that inter-organizational CoPs enable, for example, policy and practice to co-evolve. Inter-organizational CoPs seem to provide a neutral ground where long-term sector benefits can overcome short-term organizational interests.
Self-Perspectives on Marriage Among Arabs With Disabilities Living in Israel
Authors: Badran Leena , Gur Ayelet , Amin Hira , Stein Michael Ashley
Published: June 2022

This study aims to examine the subjective perspectives on marriage of Arabs with disabilities living in Israel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 15 Arabs in Israel with physical, visual impairment, and mental disorders. Themes were generated using thematic analysis. Two main recursive and intertwined themes emerged: reflections about marriage and the reality of marriage. The real-life situation feeds into social perceptions: when the disabled person sees that people with disabilities hardly marry, this increases self-stigma and the fear of rejection. Similarly, social and personal perceptions exacerbate the situation on the ground. Gender also played a key factor with women with disabilities facing more stigma and negative experiences relative to men with disabilities. The findings call for raising awareness of the marital rights of Arabs with disabilities and combating negative social attitudes towards them as first steps to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment, with particular attention to gender differences.
How much information is ‘reasonable’? A qualitative interview study of the prescribing practices of palliative care professionals
Authors: Dumble Katie , Driessen Annelieke , Borgstrom Erica , Martin Jonathan , Yardley Sarah , Cohn Simon
Published: June 2022

Background:

Prescribing clinicians have to negotiate ambiguities around information provision and consent for medications on a daily basis, despite the availability of professional guidance.

Aim:

This study aims to explore some of the many factors prescribing clinicians in the United Kingdom take into account when deciding what information to give to patients about medication choices, and when.

Design:

In depth face-to-face interviews, utilising both a hypothetical scenario and semi-structured prompts, were conducted in order to elicit extended reflections on how clinicians individually work through such dilemmas and make decisions.

Setting/participants:

Ten prescribing clinicians (doctors and nurses) from a large combined team of National Health Service (NHS) secondary and community palliative care providers in England.

Results:

Palliative care staff regularly face choices about information provision in prescribing discussions, in particular when considering whether information might increase distress. Participants presented three overlapping framings that helped them assess the range of factors that could potentially be taken into account; (1) assessing the individual patient, (2) tailoring the provision of information and (3) jointly forming a plan.

Conclusions:

Information provision about medication choices and effects is a demanding, ongoing process, requiring nuanced judgements that constitute an unacknowledged yet significant aspect of clinical workload. Although current medical guidelines allow clinical discretion about information provision, this can leave individual clinicians feeling vulnerable. Further evolution of guidelines needs to establish a more sophisticated way to acknowledge professional and legal requirements, whilst also promoting professional autonomy and judgement.
A scoping review of online international student collaboration in occupational therapy education
Authors: Hynes Sinéad M. , Hills Caroline , Orban Kristina
Published: June 2022

Introduction

For occupational therapy students, international experiences and access to a global curriculum develops understanding of broad cultural and contextual determinants of health and wellbeing. International placements or study abroad opportunities are not possible for many students and many universities are developing alternative internationalisation opportunities. The aim of this review was to determine what is known from the existing literature on the use of online international student collaboration in occupational therapy curricula.

Method

A scoping review design was used to search relevant literature on online international student collaboration in occupational therapy education, following a methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews. Seven databases were searched. Search included all articles published up until November 2020.

Findings

The database searches yielded a total of 2011 results. Following screening and review of articles ten papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies were charted and discussed in the areas of format of the online interactions, reported outcomes of the online interactions, barriers and facilitators in implementation.

Conclusion

Findings inform curricula designers establishing online international learning and those conducting research in this area. Outcomes indicate the breadth of student learning including culture, diversity, as well as the social determinants of occupational engagement and participation.

Registration

Protocol Registered: 2020-07-06, available on Open Science Framework (OSF) at https://osf.io/wfkjy
Roadmap for Child-Pedestrian Training Program Informed by Contextual Crash Data
Authors: Rimu Anika Jannat , Deb Shuchisnigdha , Islam Mouyid , Etminani-Ghasrodashti Roya , Pande Anurag
Published: June 2022

Vulnerable road users (VRUs, i.e., pedestrians and bicyclists) have seen an alarming rise in fatalities in recent years. School-age pedestrians in lower-income neighborhoods may be particularly at risk. This paper proposes a data-driven safe-systems approach to develop safety countermeasures for areas near elementary schools serving disadvantaged populations. A review of past literature on child-pedestrian training programs confirms that videos, lectures, and website-based training can provide children with vital information to improve their cognitive abilities relevant to walking safely. However, to improve pedestrian behavior on the road, children need to be safely exposed to traffic environments and practice interactions with traffic. Therefore, the use of virtual reality (VR) is recommended as a platform to introduce children to traffic interactions. Furthermore, the review of existing child-pedestrian training programs showed that most existing training programs (VR-based or otherwise) have an ad-hoc selection of roadway and traffic environment scenarios. Moreover, none of the training programs are designed to address safety issues faced by children in low-income neighborhoods specifically. To address these issues, this study gathered and analyzed crash data for VRUs around schools located in two metropolitan areas: Dallas County in TX and Tampa Bay in FL. Analysis of crash data identified the most prominent factors leading to most crashes as well as disproportionately more severe crashes. A VR-based child-pedestrian training program that involves children interacting with designed environments grounded in local crash data from disadvantaged areas is recommended for a more effective and equitable training platform.
Work-Family Conflict and Burnout Amid COVID-19: Exploring the Mitigating Effects of Instrumental Leadership and Social Belonging
Authors: Allgood Michelle , Jensen Ulrich Thy , Stritch Justin M.
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic brought disruptions to government workplaces, including abrupt transitions to remote work for many employees. Remote work can offer a physically distant environment and greater flexibility for individual employees and organizations; remote work also creates or exacerbates potential work-life balance tensions. Drawing on Job-Demands Resources theory, we propose that two organizational resources, instrumental leadership (a vertical organizational resource) and a sense of social belonging (a horizontal organizational resource), help prevent burnout by alleviating conflict between work- and family-life activities. Using survey responses from local government employees collected during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020), we show that employees with a strong sense of social belonging experience less work-family conflict and, in turn, report lower levels of burnout. We also find that social belonging, as a horizontal organizational resource, appears more important for reducing burnout in a period characterized by disruption than the more formal, vertical resource of instrumental leadership.
Supporting Newcomer Women Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence and Their Children: Insights From Service Providers
Authors: Giesbrecht Crystal J. , Kikulwe Daniel , Watkinson Ailsa M. , Sato Christa L. , Este David C. , Falihi Anahit
Published: June 2022

This qualitative study adds to research on the experiences of professionals who support newcomer women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Findings from seven focus groups with 32 service providers from newcomer-serving and domestic violence agencies in Saskatchewan, Canada, include newcomer survivors’ experiences of isolation, the impact of IPV on newcomer children, and challenges and opportunities for supporting newcomer women who have experienced IPV. Service providers described gaps in existing services and the need for additional services; they also described ways of working effectively with newcomer women survivors of IPV and their children. Professionals indicated the importance of a trauma-and-violence-informed, survivor-centered approach and highlighted the need for compassion, empathy, and patience when working with newcomer women who have experienced IPV. This article includes recommendations for service providers, including IPV shelters and services and newcomer-serving agencies, to improve service to newcomer survivors.
Path tracking and stability integrated control of intelligent vehicles under steering collision avoidance
Authors: Lai Fei , Huang Chao-qun
Published: June 2022

In order to improve the path tracking performance and stability of intelligent vehicles during steering and collision avoidance working condition, an integrated control method combining four-wheel steering, active suspension and direct yaw-moment is proposed. Firstly, a unified chassis dynamics model with 18 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) is established, which includes steering, braking and suspension subsystems. Phase plane analysis results for both traditional 2-DOF bicycle model and the 18-DOF model are compared. The results show that although the uneven road has a certain influence on the phase portraits of sideslip angle and sideslip angular velocity of the 18-DOF model, the overall trend is consistent with those of the 2-DOF model. Secondly, a general control framework for steering and collision avoidance of autonomous vehicle is put forward, consisting of the steering control for path tracking, and active suspension and direct yaw-moment control for stability. The collision avoidance reference path is planned by the fifth-degree polynomial, and three types of steering control methods including optimal control front wheel steering, optimal control four-wheel steering and front wheel steering combined with feedforward and feedback control, are adopted for comparison. The main contribution of this paper is that the role of active suspension is considered in the path tracking and stability integrated control of intelligent vehicles under steering collision avoidance. The active suspension subsystem uses optimal control method by two different kinds of weight coefficients, which can be switched between “comfort mode” and “sport mode” based on the vehicle lateral acceleration. According to the phase portraits of vehicle center of gravity sideslip angle and sideslip angular velocity, the direct-yaw moment control system adopts proportional differential control method based on the distance from the state point to the stability boundary. Finally, simulations and comparative analysis are compared among four different control systems on high and low adhesion roads. The research results indicate that the integrated control system can improve the vehicle path tracking performance and stability significantly.
Peridynamic modeling for impact failure of wet concrete considering the influence of saturation
Authors: Wu Liwei , Huang Dan , Ma Qipeng , Li Zhiyuan , Yao Xuehao
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a modified intermediately homogenized peridynamic (IH-PD) model for analyzing impact failure of wet concrete has been presented under the configuration of ordinary state-based peridynamic theory. The meso-structural properties of concrete are linked to the macroscopic mechanical behavior in the IH-PD model, where the heterogeneity of concrete is taken into account, and the calculation cost does not increase. Simultaneously, the porosity of concrete is considered, which is implemented by deleting the bond between two material points, as well as the influence of porosity on the mechanical properties of concrete. Moreover, the effective bulk and shear modulus of cement mortar in wet concrete (saturated and unsaturated concrete) are calculated respectively. The dynamic model for wet concrete is described from three aspects: strength, dynamic increase factor, and equation of state. Validation of the proposed model is established through analyzing some benchmark tests and comparing with the corresponding experiment and other available numerical results.
Understanding Domestic Food Safety: An Investigation into Self-Reported Food Safety Practice and Associated Factors in Southern Ethiopian Households
Authors: Yemane Bethlehem , Tamene Aiggan
Published: June 2022

Background:

According to available studies, 12%-20% of reported foodborne outbreaks start in the household. It is projected that 1 out of every 10 persons will become ill as a result of consuming tainted food. Poor food handling practices cause 600 million foodborne illnesses each year. In a given year, this leads to 420 000 deaths. In Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of studies on home-food-safety practices and the factors that affect them. This has resulted in a shortage of relevant information on the status of home-food-related illnesses in the country.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May to June 23, 2021. A standardized and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 622 households. The total plate count method was used to analyze bacteria on cleaned plates. Epi data version 3.1 was used to enter data, while SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with food safety practices.

Result:

51.1% of the study participants had a safe food handling practice. The mean total plate count was 2.34 CFU/cm2. In the multivariable regression, Household wealth (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.01-3.16]), Education (AOR = 3.33, 95% CI [1.41-6.31]), Training (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: [1.31–3.19]), Knowledge of safe practices (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.23-3.08], and Attitude (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI [1.09, 3.82]) were associated with safe food handling practices.

Conclusion:

Although data gathering systems for food-borne diseases typically overlook a large number of home-based outbreaks of sporadic infection, it is now widely understood that many episodes of food-borne sicknesses are caused by individuals’ inappropriate food handling and preparation in their kitchens. In the current study, educational status, household wealth, food safety training, attitude, and knowledge about FBDs were found to be strongly associated with safe practices. This implies that public education is a key factor in improving food safety practices at home.
System- and Individual-Level Barriers to Accessing Medical Care Services Across the Rural-Urban Spectrum, Washington State
Authors: Graves Janessa M , Abshire Demetrius A , Alejandro Art G
Published: June 2022

Background:

Residents of rural areas face barriers beyond geography and distance when accessing medical care services. The purpose of this study was to characterize medical care access barriers across several commonly used classifications of rurality.

Methods:

Washington State household residents completed a mixed-mode (paper/online) health care access survey between June 2018 and December 2019 administered to a stratified random sample of ZIP codes classified as urban, suburban, large rural, and small rural (4-tier scheme). For analyses, rurality was also classified into 2-tier schemes (rural/urban) based on ZIP code and county. Respondents reported availability of medical care services and system- and individual-level barriers to accessing services. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of reporting system- or individual-level barriers in accessing medical care services across rurality (4- and 2-tier schemes), adjusting for respondent characteristics, and weighted to account for survey design.

Results:

About 617 households completed the survey (25.7% response rate). Compared to urban residents (across all 3 schemes), more rural residents reported traveling to a distant city or town for medical care ( P < .001). Rurality was significantly associated with increased odds of facing system-level barriers. Respondents from small rural areas had greater odds access barriers for primary care (OR 7.31, 95% CI 1.84-29.09) and having no primary care provider (OR 11.37, 95% CI 3.03-42.75) compared to urban respondents. Individual-level barriers were not associated with rurality.

Conclusions:

To improve healthcare access across the rural-urban spectrum, policymakers must consider system-level barriers facing rural populations.
Development and implementation of an institutional enhanced recovery program data process
Authors: Seif Mohamed A , Kruse Brittany C , Keramati Cameron A , Aloia Thomas A , Amaku Ruth A , Bhavsar Shreyas , DeCarlo Kenneth R , Erfe Rose Joan D , Eska Jarrod S , Iniesta Maria D , Prakash Laura R , Zhang Tao , Gottumukkala Vijaya
Published: June 2022

Background: With increasing implementation of enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) in clinical practice, standardised data collection and reporting have become critical in addressing the heterogeneity of metrics used for reporting outcomes. Opportunities exist to leverage electronic health record (EHR) systems to collect, analyse, and disseminate ERP data. Objectives: (i) To consolidate relevant ERP variables into a singular data universe; (ii) To create an accessible and intuitive query tool for rapid data retrieval. Method: We reviewed nine established individual team databases to identify common variables to create one standard ERP data dictionary. To address data automation, we used a third-party business intelligence tool to map identified variables within the EHR system, consolidating variables into a single ERP universe. To determine efficacy, we compared times for four experienced research coordinators to use manual, five-universe, and ERP Universe processes to retrieve ERP data for 10 randomly selected surgery patients. Results: The total times to process data variables for all 10 patients for the manual, five universe, and ERP Universe processes were 510, 111, and 76 min, respectively. Shifting from the five-universe or manual process to the ERP Universe resulted in decreases in time of 32% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: The ERP Universe improves time spent collecting, analysing, and reporting ERP elements without increasing operational costs or interrupting workflow. Implications: Manual data abstraction places significant burden on resources. The creation of a singular instrument dedicated to ERP data abstraction greatly increases the efficiency in which clinicians and supporting staff can query adherence to an ERP protocol.
Multiple Fingerprint Profiles and Chemometrics Analysis of Polysaccharides From the Roots of Glehnia littoralis
Authors: Jing Yongshuai , Zhang Hao , Zhang Ruijuan , Su Lei , Hu Beibei , Zhang Danshen , Zheng Yuguang , Wu Lanfang
Published: June 2022

The quality of polysaccharides from different regions was studied by using multiple fingerprint analysis and chemometric analysis. Polysaccharides from 10 batches of Glehnia littoralis were compared based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). According to the results, the 10 batches of polysaccharides from G littoralis had high similarity by analyzing HPLC, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and GPC fingerprints. Through cluster analysis, samples and adulterants in different regions could be classified. Three monosaccharides (galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid), molecular weights (4.33 × 105-4.91 × 105, 4.04 × 104-4.71 × 104, and 5.02 × 103-5.83 × 103), and H-1 (4.99, 5.39, and 5.42 ppm) of α-glucose could be used as markers for quality control of medicinal materials of the roots of G littoralis.
Late Onset Symptomatic Enlargement of Treated Spinal Intradural Neurocysticercosis Cyst
Authors: Gorjian Mehrnoush , Ricks Christian
Published: June 2022

Cyst enlargement with progressive symptoms in spinal intradural Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an uncommon finding after effective treatment of NCC. Neither imaging nor clinical presentation is sufficient to differentiate a sterile arachnoid cyst from recurrence of NCC. We present a case of symptomatic spinal intradural cyst enlargement 16 years after successful treatment of intracranial and spinal NCC with anti-helminthics.
Infographics in higher education: A scoping review
Authors: Jaleniauskiene Evelina , Kasperiuniene Judita
Published: June 2022

In education, infographics may be used to promote active learning and engage learners in the creation of more diverse learning artefacts. This study aims to analyze the application of infographics in higher education. The authors conducted a scoping review of the scientific articles to analyze the use of infographics across a variety of university subjects. The findings revealed that the most frequent educational practices were those that merged both ready-made infographics and students’ hands-on experience in creating their own infographics. Such learning activities facilitated the learning of the subject-related material and helped students to advance with the creation of this popular form of modern communication. The tasks including infographics also represented an enhanced mission of higher education as students were given opportunities to develop a number of personal and career readiness skills and capabilities simultaneously, such as digital, visual and information literacy, critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills. The educational recommendations and technological solutions proposed might diversify teaching and learning practices in higher education.
A qualitative study of teacher-created interactive videos versus YouTube videos in flipped learning
Authors: Bakla Arif , Mehdiyev Esmira
Published: June 2022

Pre-class work assumes a central role in flipped learning, which has recently enjoyed immense popularity across various disciplines. This qualitative case study investigates the factors associated with learners’ doing/failing to do the pre-class tasks in flipped learning. It also compares teacher-created interactive videos and YouTube videos in terms of how they fit into flipped learning as instructional materials that can be used to motivate learners to do pre-class tasks. The learners in an English language teaching methodology course were asked to take turns each week to watch either teacher-created videos enriched (via PlayPosit) with quizzes and discussion questions or YouTube videos. The qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with six participants recruited using criterion sampling. The participants’ reflective journals and the lecturer’s diary triangulated the data. The results indicated that the learners found the YouTube videos more enjoyable and teacher-created interactive videos more instructive, due to the embedded interactions they had rather than the teacher’s presence. However, the task completion levels in the pre-class work were low in both teacher-created and YouTube videos. Pedagogically considered, effective and enjoyable delivery rather than teacher presence in videos seems more critical for learners. Therefore, using high-quality ready-made videos and enriching them with interactive elements could be a viable option in flipped learning.
Exploring the Factors That Influence College Students’ Academic Self-Efficacy in Blended Learning: A Study From the Personal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Perspectives
Authors: Wei Yitong , Shi Yinghui , MacLeod Jason , Yang Harrison Hao
Published: June 2022

Academic self-efficacy is identified as one of the strongest predictors of students’ academic performance. However, few studies have explored the factors that influence students’ academic self-efficacy in a blended learning environment. By developing a comprehensive model, this study investigates the main factors that influence students’ academic self-efficacy in blended learning from the personal, interpersonal, and environmental perspectives. The relevant information was acquired through a questionnaire survey. The participants included 366 college students at a university in central China. Hierarchical regression analysis shows that intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, instructor support, performance expectancy, and facilitating conditions are significant predictors of students’ academic self-efficacy in blended learning. The findings expand the understanding of students’ academic self-efficacy in technology-enhanced learning environments and provide valuable insights that could help to improve the appropriateness of instructional design in blended learning courses.
Characteristics of Oscillation in Cavity of Helmholtz Nozzle Generating Self-excited Pulsed Waterjet
Authors: Yuan Miao , Li Deng , Kang Yong , Shi Hanqing , Pan Haizeng
Published: June 2022

Cavity flow oscillations in the axisymmetric cavity are critical to the operating efficiency of self-excited pulsed waterjets, which are widely employed in many practical applications. In this study, the behaviors of a turbulent flow in axisymmetric cavities causing cavity flow oscillations are investigated based on wall pressure characteristics. Experiments are performed using four Helmholtz nozzles with varying length-to-radius ratios at flow velocities of 20–80 m/s. Three orders of hydrodynamic modes in axisymmetric cavity are obtained through the spectral analysis of wall pressure. Based on the experimental results, the empirical coefficient of Rossiter’s formula is modified, and the values of the parameter phase lag and the ratio of convection velocity to free stream velocity are obtained as 0.061 and 0.511, respectively. In addition, the spectral peak with a relatively constant frequency shows that the flow-acoustic resonance is excited significantly. A modified model is introduced based on the fluidic networks to predict the lock-on frequency. The results obtained can provide a basis for the structural optimization of the nozzle to improve the performance of self-excited pulsed waterjets.
Vibration Characteristics of Rotor System with Loose Disc Caused by the Insufficient Interference Force
Authors: Li Zhinong , Qiao Fang , Lu Wenxiu , Liu Jie , Wang Dong , Chu Fulei
Published: June 2022

The rotating parts looseness is one of the common failures in rotating machinery. The current researches of looseness fault mainly focus on non-rotating components. However, the looseness fault of disc-shaft system, which is the main work part in the rotor system, is almost ignored. Here, a dynamic model of the rotor system with loose disc caused by the insufficient interference force is proposed based on the contact model of disc-shaft system with the microscopic surface topography, the vibration characteristics of the system are analyzed and discussed by the number simulation, and verified by the experiment. The results show that the speed of the shaft, the contact stiffness, the clearance between the disc and shaft, the damping of the disc and the rotational damping have an influence on the rotation state of the disc. When the rotation speed of the disc and the shaft are same, the collision frequency is mainly composed of one frequency multiplication component and very weak high frequency multiplication components. When the rotation speed of the disc and the shaft is close, the vibration of the disc occurs a beat vibration phenomenon in the horizontal direction. Simultaneously, a periodical similar beat vibration phenomenon also occurs in the waveform of the disc-shaft displacement difference. The collision frequency is mainly composed of a low frequency and a weak high frequency component. When the rotation speed of the disc and the shaft has great difference, the collision frequency is mainly composed of one frequency multiplication, a few weak high frequency multiplication components and a few low frequency multiplication component. With the reduction of the relative speed of the disc, the trajectory of the disc changes from circle-shape to inner eight-shape, and then to circle-shape. In the inner eight-shape, the inner ring first gradually becomes smaller and then gradually becomes larger, and the outer ring is still getting smaller. The obtained research results in this paper has important theoretical value for the diagnosis of the rotor system with the loose disc.
European Headache Federation guideline on the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene related peptide pathway for migraine prevention – 2022 update
Authors: Sacco Simona , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Messoud , Bendtsen Lars , Deligianni Christina I. , Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Katsarava Zaza , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette , Martelletti Paolo , Mitsikostas Dimos-Dimitrios , Ornello Raffaele , Reuter Uwe , Sanchez-del-Rio Margarita , Sinclair Alexandra J. , Terwindt Gisela , Uluduz Derya , Versijpt Jan , Lampl Christian
Published: June 2022

Background

A previous European Headache Federation (EHF) guideline addressed the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway to prevent migraine. Since then, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world evidence have expanded the evidence and knowledge for those treatments. Therefore, the EHF panel decided to provide an updated guideline on the use of those treatments.

Methods

The guideline was developed following the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The working group identified relevant questions, performed a systematic review and an analysis of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote recommendations. Where the GRADE approach was not applicable, expert opinion was provided.

Results

We found moderate to high quality of evidence to recommend eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab in individuals with episodic and chronic migraine. For several important clinical questions, we found not enough evidence to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance relied on experts’ opinion. Nevertheless, we provided updated suggestions regarding the long-term management of those treatments and their place with respect to the other migraine preventatives.

Conclusion

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway are recommended for migraine prevention as they are effective and safe also in the long-term.
Two approaches to account for genotype-by-environment interactions for production traits and age at first calving in South African Holstein cattle
Authors: Ducrocq Vincent , Cadet Astrid , Patry Clotilde , van der Westhuizen Lene , van Wyk Jacob B. , Neser Frederick Wilhelm Cornelius
Published: June 2022

Background

If not accounted for, genotype x environment (G×E) interactions can decrease the accuracy of genetic evaluations and the efficiency of breeding schemes. These interactions are reflected by genetic correlations between countries lower than 1. In countries that are characterized by a heterogeneity of production systems, they are also likely to exist within country, especially when production systems are diverse, as is the case in South Africa. We illustrate several alternative approaches to assess the existence of G×E interactions for production traits and age at first calving in Holsteins in South Africa. Data from 257,836 first lactation cows were used. First, phenotypes that were collected in different regions were considered as separate traits and various multivariate animal models were fitted to calculate the estimates of heritability for each region and the genetic correlations between them. Second, a random regression approach using long-term averages of climatic variables at the herd level in a reaction norm model, was used as an alternative way to account for G×E interactions. Genetic parameter estimates and goodness-of-fit measures were compared.

Results

Genetic correlations between regions as low as 0.80 or even lower were found for production traits, which reflect strong G×E interactions within South Africa that can be linked to the production systems (pasture vs total mixed ration). A random regression model including average rainfall during several decades in the herd surroundings gave the best goodness-of-fit for production traits. This can be related to a preference for total mixed ration on farms with limited rainfall. For age at first calving, the best model was based on a random regression on maximum relative humidity and maximum temperature in summer.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that G×E interactions can be accounted for when genetic evaluations of production traits are performed in South Africa, by either considering production records in different regions as different correlated traits or using a reaction norm model based on herd management characteristics. From a statistical point of view, climatic variables such as average rainfall over a long period can be included in a random regression model as proxies of herd production systems and climate.
Genetic liability between COVID-19 and heart failure: evidence from a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Huachen , Guo Zheng , Zheng Yulu , Chen Bing
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous studies have observed inconsistent associations between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and heart failure (HF), but these studies were prone to bias based on reverse causality and residual confounding factors. We aimed to investigate genetic liability between COVID-19 and heart failure using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Methods

The causal relationship between COVID-19 (including COVID-19, hospitalized COVID-19 compared with the general population, and severe COVID-19) and HF are determined by using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. We drew on summary statistics from the largest HF genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis on individuals of European ancestry, which included 47,309 HF patients and 930,014 controls. The inverse variance weighted (IVW), an adaption of the Egger regression (MR-Egger), the weighted median, and weighted model were conducted for the Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate a causal effect. To confirm the stability, we performed a “leave-one-out” approach for the sensitivity analysis.

Results

Genetically predicted severe COVID-19 was not significantly associated with the risk of HF [odds ratio (OR), 1.003; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.969–1.037; p = 0.867]. The IVW demonstrated that there was no association between genetically hospitalized COVID-19 infection and HF risk [OR, 1.009; 95% CI, 0.939–1.085; p = 0.797]. There was no evidence to support the association between genetically determined COVID-19 and the risk of HF [OR, 1.066; 95% CI, 0.955–1.190; p = 0.253]. In addition, genetically predicted HF was also not causally associated with COVID-19 [OR, 1.162; 95% CI, 0.824–1.639; p = 0.393]. MR-Egger analysis indicated no evidence of directional pleiotropy.

Conclusion

The current bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis overcomes the limitations of observational studies. Our findings indicated that there is no causal association between COVID-19 and HF.
Dynamic changes of emergency visits: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Liu Qihui , Xin Ranran , Zhao Yibo , Yu Muming , Jin Chunjie , Shou Songtao , Chai Yanfen , Jin Heng
Published: June 2022

Background

With more emergency visits, there is increasing pressure to provide emergency medical services globally and locally. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and the disease spectrum of patients presenting in the last three years to the Department of Emergency Medicine of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Tianjin, China, to improve the services of the emergency medicine department.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on all patients in the Department of Emergency Medicine of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from Jan 1, 2017, 00:00:00 to Dec 31, 2020, 23:59:59, including variables like medical record number, gender, age, date of admission, principal diagnosis. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software; statistical charts were prepared by GraphPad Prism9.0 and SPSS 20.0; statistical tables were made by Microsoft Excel.

Results

A total of 1,314,916 patients presented to the Department of Emergency Medicine of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from Jan 1, 2017, 00:00:00 to Dec 31, 2020, 23:59:59. In terms of gender distribution, the male–female ratio was 0.78∶1. As for age distribution, patients aged 60–69 were the most (23.47%), and patients younger than 20 years were the least (2.80%). Concerning monthly data, the number of visits peaked during January and December. The distribution of daily visits showed the feature of three highs and a low. The top three prevalence diseases in the emergency disease spectrum were respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive diseases. The respiratory system was the most common in patients with infectious diseases (200,912, accounting for 86.97%). Among the patients suffering from infectious diseases, the number of patients with respiratory infections peaked in 2019 (73,530) and was the lowest in 2020 (20,078).

Conclusions

From 2017 to 2019, the demand for emergency services in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital continued to increase, but it was greatly affected by COVID-19 in 2020. This emergency department is mainly for patients with respiratory system, circulatory system and digestive system diseases, and its treatment time is relatively centralized. The prevention of diseases for people of all ages, especially female patients and the elderly, should be strengthened, and emergency medical resources should be allocated reasonably according to the peak months and crowed periods of patients.
Accuracy of ct evaluation for cervical spine clearance in the ground level fall population – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Culhane John , Parr Alan , Mercier Philippe
Published: June 2022

Background

Clinically occult cervical spine (CS) injuries are well described in blunt trauma, however delay in identifying these injuries and clearing the CS can result in morbidity. Our study examines the ground level fall (GLF) population to analyze whether computed tomography (CT) alone can rule out unstable injury in this group with lower force mechanism.

Methods

This is a single center, retrospective cohort study. All GLF patients in the institutional trauma registry between 6/1/2012 through 12/31/2019 were included. These comprise all trauma patients evaluated in the emergency department with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 0, including both activations and consults with both clinical and radiological spine evaluation. Patients who could not be cleared by National Emergency X-ray Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria underwent CT. Patients with CT or clinical suspicion of cord or ligamentous injury underwent MRI. CT occult injuries were identified by MRI and clinical exam, with MRI identifying all unstable injuries.

Results

Sixty-nine (2.0%) of patients had CS injury without acute CT abnormality. Of these, 11 (0.3%) required surgery and were considered unstable. All patients who required surgery had a neurologic deficit. Negative predictive value (NPV) of CT for unstable CS injury was 99.7%. The combination of acute CT findings and neurologic deficit ruled out unstable CS injury with 100% NPV.

Conclusion

In the GLF population, CT alone rules out unstable CS injury with high, but not perfect NPV. The combination of absence of acute CT findings and acute neurologic deficits rules out unstable CS injury with 100% NPV.