bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Characteristics and the Extent to Which Clinicians Involve Patients in Decision Making: Secondary Analyses of Pooled Data
Authors: Keij Sascha M. , Branda Megan E. , Montori Victor M. , Brito Juan P. , Kunneman Marleen , Pieterse Arwen H.
Published: March 2024

Background

The occurrence of shared decision making (SDM) in daily practice remains limited. Various patient characteristics have been suggested to potentially influence the extent to which clinicians involve patients in SDM.

Objective

To assess associations between patient characteristics and the extent to which clinicians involve patients in SDM.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data pooled from 10 studies comparing the care of adult patients with (intervention) or without (control) a within-encounter SDM conversation tool. We included studies with audio(-visual) recordings of clinical encounters in which decisions about starting or reconsidering treatment were discussed.

Main Measures

In the original studies, the Observing Patient Involvement in Decision Making 12-items (OPTION12 item) scale was used to code the extent to which clinicians involved patients in SDM in clinical encounters. We conducted multivariable analyses with patient characteristics (age, gender, race, education, marital status, number of daily medications, general health status, health literacy) as independent variables and OPTION12 as a dependent variable.

Results

We included data from 1,614 patients. The between-arm difference in OPTION12 scores was 7.7 of 100 points ( P < 0.001). We found no association between any patient characteristics and the OPTION12 score except for education level ( p = 0.030), an association that was very small (2.8 points between the least and most educated), contributed mostly by, and only significant in, control arms (6.5 points). Subanalyses of a stroke prevention trial showed a positive association between age and OPTION12 score ( P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Most characteristics showed no association with the extent to which clinicians involved patients in SDM. Without an SDM conversation tool, clinicians devoted more efforts to involve patients with higher education, a difference not observed when the tool was used.

Highlights

Most sociodemographic patient characteristics show no association with the extent to which clinicians involve patients in shared decision making. Clinicians devoted less effort to involve patients with lower education, a difference that was not observed when a shared decision-making conversation tool was used. SDM conversation tools can be useful for clinicians to better involve patients and ensure patients get involved equally regardless of educational background.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease: a case report
Authors: Yu Dandan , Li Jing , Tai Hongfei , Ma Jing , Zhang Zaiqiang , Tang Wei
Published: March 2024

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease that mainly manifests as dementia, muscle weakness, sensory disturbances, and autonomic nervous dysfunction. Herein, we report a 68-year-old Chinese woman who was hospitalized because of resting tremor and bradykinesia that had been present for 7 years. Five years prior, bradykinesia and hypermyotonia had become apparent. She had urinary incontinence and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and received levodopa and pramipexole, which relieved her motor symptoms. During hospitalization, diffusion-weighted imaging revealed a high-intensity signal along the cortical medullary junction. Moreover, a skin biopsy revealed the presence of intranuclear inclusions in adipocytes, fibroblasts, and sweat gland cells. NIID was diagnosed by testing the Notch 2 N-terminal-like C ( NOTCH2NLC) gene. We report this case to remind doctors to consider NIID when diagnosing patients with symptoms indicative of Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, we note that further research is needed on the mechanism by which levodopa is effective for NIID.
A comprehensive overview of wind turbine controller technology: Emerging trends and challenges
Authors: Jaber Aqeel S , Mahdi Hayder B , Abdul-jabbar Thealfaqar A , Kotb Hossam , M AboRas Kareem , Yasin Ghadi Yazeed , Emara Ahmed , Oubelaid Adel
Published: March 2024

The exploitation of nature to convert energy to electrical power is the most important rule in power generation. Wind energy is one of the most important of those energies that are widely available, and its use does not affect the environment significantly compared to fossil energy. On the other hand, and in recent times, researchers have made great efforts in the field of intelligent control and optimization, which has led to great leaps in the development of these sciences. In this paper, a detailed study is proposed for filling the gaps and conducting an updating state-of-arts of the last pitch control methods in the wind turbine systems. The review is conducted by comparing the key requirements related to control, complexity, stability and speed rangeability. Furthermore, a new classification for the general controller is introduced according to the techniques. Several recommendations for future research related to the control and technical evaluation of wind energy are presented. In sum, the appropriate classification of such important issues and identification of their advantages and drawbacks may greatly contribute to find better solutions.
Correlation between endometriosis and migraine features: Results from a prospective case-control study
Authors: Selntigia Aikaterini , Exacoustos Caterina , Ortoleva Camille , Russo Consuelo , Monaco Giulia , Martire Francesco Giuseppe , Rizzo Giuseppe , Della-Morte David , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Albanese Maria
Published: March 2024

Background

Endometriosis and migraine frequently coexist, but only a limited number of studies have focused on their mutual association. The aim of our study was to investigate, in untreated women with comorbid endometriosis/adenomyosis and migraine, the correlation between headache features and endometriotic subtypes and their possible relationship with pain severity and disease disability.

Methods

Fifty women affected by endometriosis/adenomyosis and migraine matched (1:2) with 100 patients with endometriosis alone and 100 patients with only migraine were recruited and underwent pelvic ultrasound imaging and neurological examination.

Results

Severe adenomyosis, posterior and anterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (p = 0.027, p = 0.0031 and p = 0.029, respectively) occurred more frequently in women with migraine. Dysmenorrhea was the most commonly reported symptom in women with endometriosis and migraine and the mean VAS scores of all typical endometriotic symptoms were significantly higher in the presence of comorbidity. Women with both migraine and endometriosis reported significant higher pain intensity (p = 0.004), higher monthly migraine days (p = 0.042) and increased HIT 6-scores (p = 0.01), compared with those without endometriosis.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the co-occurrence of migraine in untreated women with endometriosis is associated with more severe gynecological infiltrations and correlated with increased pain intensity and disease disability. Trial Registration: Protocol number 119/21
Choice Behavior and Diffusion Impact Analysis of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Travelers with Managed Lanes
Authors: Lei Yumeng , Chen Xumei , Wan Daqian , Ma Zhenliang , Yu Lei
Published: March 2024

With the accelerated integration of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) into transportation systems, such vehicles have evolved rapidly. Emerging studies have focused on the considerations influencing travelers’ acceptance of CAVs and the factors contributing to travel choice intention. However, the different reasons for the diffusion of CAVs and the associated trends in relation to this are key questions that still require investigation. Therefore, this study establishes a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework to explore the impact of both external factors and internal subjective factors on travel choice. Based on the influencing factors identified by SEM, this study develops an agent-based model simulation approach to examine the diffusion trends in relation to CAV travelers from an individual perspective. To calibrate the model, a questionnaire survey is designed to obtain data from travelers in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. The survey results show that CAV choice intention is influenced by individual (including innovativeness), travel-related, and social influence factors. The simulation experiments reveal that the diffusion of CAV travelers is a complex process. The lower cost of CAV travel has a positive impact initially and midway through the process of diffusion in relation to CAV users. For example, in situations in which CAVs are more cost-effective, during the simulation time (years) the number of CAV users fluctuates significantly between the 7th and 30th years. There is a notable increase of 10% in CAV users in the 15th year and, eventually, the total number of CAV users stabilizes at 71.8% of all travelers. The findings will assist agencies and CAV operators to implement effective promotion strategies.
Proprioception After Primary Repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Ciceklidag Murat , Kaya Ibrahim , Ayanoglu Tacettin , Ayas Inci Hazal , Ozer Mustafa , Ataoglu Muhammet Baybars , Kanatli Ulunay
Published: March 2024

Background:

Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has some potential advantages over the reconstruction technique, which include but are not limited to better knee sensation due to preservation of the natural ACL tissue in patients compared with tendon graft. Proprioception is impaired after ACL injuries and the sense of the joint position is lost.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to compare arthroscopic ACL primary repair and ACL reconstruction techniques clinically and functionally and analyze the differences in proprioception. It was hypothesized that primary repair would restore knee joint proprioception more successfully because the original tissue of the ACL is preserved.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 63 patients (34 underwent reconstruction and 29 underwent primary repair between 2017 and 2020) and 33 healthy controls, as well as the healthy knees of the operated groups, were evaluated between 24 and 48 months (mean, 29 months) postoperatively. Patients with proximal femoral avulsion tears and stump quality suitable for repair underwent primary repair, and those with tears outside these criteria underwent reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft. Proprioception was evaluated using the active joint position sensation method during weightbearing, with a digital inclinometer used to measure differences between the target and achieved flexion angles of 15°, 30°, and 60°.

Results:

At 15° of knee flexion, the deviation angles for the healthy knee of the reconstruction and primary repair groups were significantly smaller than those of the control group ( P < .001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of deviation angle at 30° and 60° of flexion. The deviation angle of the operated knees was statistically significantly larger in the reconstruction group than in the primary repair group at all angles. The deviation angles at 15°, 30°, and 60° were 2.83°, 2.66°, and 2.66° in the reconstruction group and 1.00°, 1.00°, and 1.33° in the primary repair group, respectively ( P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between the reconstruction and primary repair groups in terms of clinical scores.

Conclusion:

Primary ACL repair can preserve proprioception in a well-selected patient group. In short-term follow-up, primary repair of the ACL in patients with proximal femoral avulsion tears and stump quality suitable for repair appears to be proprioceptively protective. Future studies are needed to clarify the long-term consequences of primary repair on proprioception in a larger population.
A machine learning approach to characterise fabrication porosity effects on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured thermoplastic composites
Authors: Udu Amadi Gabriel , Osa-uwagboe Norman , Adeniran Olusanmi , Aremu Adedeji , Khaksar Maryam Ghalati , Dong Hongbiao
Published: March 2024

The investigation of the mechanical properties of additively manufactured (AM) composite has been the focus of several research over the past decades. However, testing constraints of time and cost have encouraged the exploration of more pragmatic methods such as machine learning (ML) for predicting these characteristics. This study builds on experimental investigations of the flexural, tensile, compressive, porosity, and hardness properties of 3D printed carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide (CF-PA) and carbon fibre-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (CF-ABS) composites, proposing the application of ML for predicting these mechanical properties. A comprehensive comparative analysis of various machine learning approaches was executed, with a resultant accuracy ranging between 80 and 99%. The results unveiled the superior predictive performance of ensemble tree learners and the K-NN regressor algorithms when temperature and porosity are selected (based on correlation analysis) as predictors for material hardness and strength in tension, compression, and flexion. In particular, the model built on the extra-tree regressor algorithm demonstrated a remarkably robust fit, with R-squared evaluation scores of 0.9993 and 0.9996 for CF-PA and CF-ABS, respectively. This work develops a ML model that relates porosity to the other mechanical properties of AM composites and the prediction models’ exceptional accuracy, along with their precise alignment with experimental data, provide invaluable insights for the autonomous control and data-driven optimization of the structures.
Culture and Online Theological Education: The Democratization of Education or a New Imperialism?
Authors: Ott Craig
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been an explosion of online theological education programs. Such programs have opened new and diverse learning opportunities to many who otherwise have few options. In this regard, they could be considered democratizing. However, these programs might be viewed as imperialistic in that they advance foreign theological agendas and control. They seldom consider the challenges of cultural diversity and context of international learners. Furthermore, institutional goals of increasing enrollment and efficiency may overshadow the best interest of learners and learning effectiveness. Several recommendations are offered to reduce foreign dominance and promote the empowerment of diverse learners.
The enduring impact of a visionary scientist
Authors: Omidian Hamid
Published: March 2024

This study chronicles the seminal contributions of Dr. Raphael M. Ottenbrite, the late Founding Editor of the Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, to polymer science from the 1970s through 2016. Beginning with an exploration of the biological impacts of anionic polymers, Dr. Ottenbrite’s research evolved to include their applications in immunology and cancer therapy. The 1980s marked a pivotal shift toward the synthesis of polymers geared specifically toward biomedical uses. In the 1990s, his work advanced to include sophisticated synthesis methods and surface modification techniques. The 2000s were characterized by a focus on nanotechnology and the innovation of drug delivery systems. His final research phase, from 2011 to 2016, concentrated on the development of biodegradable materials and advanced drug delivery systems. Dr. Ottenbrite’s work was a unique blend of polymer chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine, laying a vital groundwork for future interdisciplinary research.
Climate Activism and the Destabilization of Business-as-Usual in Milan, Italy
Authors: Delatin Rodrigues Daniel
Published: March 2024

The aim of this article is to describe and analyse how climate activists in the city of Milan try to intervene in the production and consumption of fossil fuels. The material worked on here was accumulated over three years (2019–2021): it consists of field notes through participant observation, conversations held on messaging apps and documents made available to participants in the local coalition about the internal workings and strategic objectives of the activists. The article explores their political experiments to slow down the pace of climate change and transform the socio-political conditions that underpin the trajectory of business-as-usual. Along the way, we will witness the emergence of various agents and practices that seek to intervene to reduce or block business-as-usual—through actions that can erode the material and immaterial spaces for the reproduction of fossil fuels.
Forecasted Dementia Prevalence in Portugal (2020-2080)
Authors: Alves Sara , Duarte Natália , Gomes Barbara
Published: March 2024

Dementia is a global public health challenge, and its impact on Portugal is yet unclear. This study forecasts dementia prevalence in Portugal until 2080. Using the Gonçalves-Pereira et al (2021) method, we estimated dementia cases among older adults (≥65 years) in the community. Applying age-sex specific prevalence rates of the Gonçalves-Pereira study to population projections for Portugal between 2020-2080, based on the 10/66 Dementia Research Group criteria (10/66 DRG) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria (DSM-IV), to Portugal’s population projections (2020-2080) under various growth scenarios (low, medium, and high). We anticipate a more than 2-fold increase in dementia prevalence from 2020 to 2080, both for 10/66 DRG [2.1%-5.0%] and DSM-IV [.8%–2.0%]. By 2080, those aged ≥80 years are projected to constitute 75.0% (vs 59.0% in 2020) of all dementia cases, particularly affecting women. Addressing dementia growth in Portugal calls for a comprehensive global response, while country-level estimates facilitate informed public health planning, policy-making, and resource allocation.
A model-tuned predictive sliding control approach for steering angle following of full self-driving vehicles
Authors: Xu Ziang , He Lin , Huang Chunrong , Zheng Xinxin , Li Shuhua , Shi Qin
Published: March 2024

Steer-by-wire is a key technology to realize full self-driving for intelligent vehicles, where this is a challenge for steering angle following accurately. Therefore, a hybrid control thinking is proposed to design a model-tuned predictive sliding control approach, which is utilized to realize angle following of the electric motor steer-by-wire system. Here, sliding mode control is used as a core algorithm to be fit for the dynamics characteristics of the steer-by-wire system. Model tuning control is proposed to update model parameters by a receding horizon method, which means that some posteriori knowledge of the control system is utilized to make the model more accurate. Model predictive control is used to optimize the sliding manifold parameters of sliding mode control, which means that some priori knowledge of the control system is used to make the control law much fitter. Then we discuss a series of studies on the steer-by-wire system model and the control algorithm that, collectively, develop an approach of how the hybrid control algorithm precisely makes the front wheel angles follow desired steering commands. The designed approach has been deployed into a steering control unit, and tested in a steering test vehicle to realize the angle following of the electric motor steer-by-wire system. Based on the experimental results and statistical analysis, it can be concluded that the hybrid control thinking is a good idea of how to fuse several algorithms into a control approach, and the model-tuned predictive sliding control approach is a good candidate for the steering angle following of full self-driving vehicles.
Motion planning and control of planar serial chain articulating locomotion system
Authors: Ali Ahmad , Usman Muhammad , Maqbool Hafiz Farhan , Iqbal Hashim , Ahmad Nasir , Han Chang-soo , Lee Ji-Yeong
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses two important problems in motion planning and control of serial chain planar articulating locomotion systems moving on a flat surface. Locomotion systems generally use closed curve cyclic gaits to perform maneuvers in the environment. The geometric mechanics tools are used to identify the cyclic gaits. Firstly, a motion control approach is presented using a single cyclic gait parametrized with variable gait parameters. The parameterized gait is used to drive the system along a continuous trajectory with varying curvature. On the other hand, the proposed approach presents how the gait parameters can be controlled to smoothly track a continuous trajectory. Secondly, this paper presents a joint coordination approach to generalize the height function based approach to design cyclic gaits for the system having joint space with more than two degrees of freedom. Using joint coordination approach, cyclic gaits can be designed for different motion behaviors such as longitudinal motion, sideways motion and rotation in place. The joint coordination approach also helps generalizing the proposed motion control approach to planar serial chain articulating robots with any even number of joints.
A novel human-robot interface based on low-cost sEMG device designed for the collaborative wearable robot
Authors: Liao Ziyu , Chen Bai , Zheng Qian , Qu Wenjie , Xiao Yao
Published: March 2024

Currently, the acquisition of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals commonly requires powerful and expensive equipment or systems. The signal analysis also requires additional equipment to process independently, which is time-consuming and the results are difficult to understand and directly apply to wearable robots. Therefore, this paper developed a sEMG signal device with a simple structure and high-performance cost ratio. The hardware architecture consists of a two-stage small-size amplifier with a total gain of 1000 and a band-pass filter from 10 to 150 HZ. Since real measured sEMG signals are usually corrupted by various types of noises, this paper designed an envelope processing to obtain the sEMG envelope signal which has stronger anti-interference ability than the raw signal, and it is also easier to apply to wearable robots. The proposed system is evaluated quantitatively by the experimental test and electrode groups analysis. In addition, the feasibility and effectiveness of the system is performed by measuring the sEMG signal of the forearm muscle group of four volunteers during motion action and extract the time domain feature to control a wearable robot. The sEMG envelope successfully manipulates the wearable robot with four different actions, whose precision is as high as a conventional sEMG device. The proposed system is promising in providing the reliable control interface of a wearable robot based on the sEMG.
Comparative study of thermo-structural analysis of nano-fluid flow in a baffle-corrugation rectangular channel for adoptable sustainable multifunctional application
Authors: Saha Sandip , Das Susmita , Bhowmik Pritam , Bhushan Awani , Kumar M R , Singh Manoj Kumar , Nandi Susmay , Hameed Shahul
Published: March 2024

Recent years have seen a rise in interest in and usage of thermo-hydraulic research of nano-fluid flow phenomena in a variety of engineering applications. Under uniform heat flux, thermo-physical characteristics of nano-fluid flow in baffle-corrugation rectangular channels have been observed from a numerical standpoint for various Reynolds numbers and different values of the aspect ratio of baffles. Employing the finite volume method, the governing equations have been solved and to visualize the simulation results, fluent software has been employed. Four various types of baffle-corrugation shapes (plane, trapezoidal, isosceles, and triangular) with their interchanged positions have been examined in the present analysis. Different types of base fluids viz., water, glycerin, and ethylene glycol, four distinct forms of nanoparticles, Al2O3, CuO, SiO2, and ZnO are assumed to be transmitted for varying values of volume fractions (D%) and diameter of nanoparticles. From the present study, it is found that in the presence of plane baffle-isosceles corrugation provides the highest average Nusselt number ([Formula: see text]) than the rest of the baffles. It is revealed that SiO2 nano-fluid provides the highest [Formula: see text] in comparison to other nano-fluids. Further, it is concluded that [Formula: see text] enhances with the enhancement of D%, Reynolds number (Re), height, and pitch of the baffles and is found to decrease as the diameter of nanoparticles increases. This study also indicates that glycerin-SiO2 provides the highest [Formula: see text] than the rest of the base fluids.
‘Eccentricity’, by DH Tuke (1892)
Authors: Berrios German E
Published: March 2024

An astronomical concept up to the eighteenth century, ‘eccentricity’ started to be used to refer to behaviours considered as odd, strange, rare, extravagant, etc. Once reified into a personality trait, it gained explanatory power. This not only increased its popularity but also facilitated its links with psychopathology and neuropsychology, and, via the shared concept of madness, with the notions of genius and creativity. This Classic Text describes the process whereby Alienism (Psychiatry) medicalized eccentricity. To this day, the latter remains firmly attached to ‘psychoticism’ and to some personality disorders.
The Nexus Between Foreign Direct Investment and Domestic Investment in Myanmar: A Panel ARDL Approach
Authors: Ejigu Meseret Ebabu , Win Ei Thinzar
Published: March 2024

Foreign direct investment is the main driver of the growth. The development of Myanmar mainly depends on FDI and domestic investment. The objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between FDI and domestic investment in Myanmar from 1990 to 2020. The mean group estimator ARDL model was applied in this empirical study to evidence the relationship between them. This study employed newly collected sector-specific FDI inflows and domestic investment data for detailed examination. In line with the target of this article, the question arises whether FDI crowds in or crowds out DI in Myanmar. According to the outcomes, FDI and DI have a positive and insignificant relationship in the short-run results. However, they are positive and statistically significant in the long-run. There are unique causalities between FDI and DI; between EMP and DI and between EXCH and DI. Hence, FDI does Granger-cause DI. Thus, FDI crowds in DI in the short- and long-hauls in Myanmar. Therefore, the Government should actively do investment promotion for the investors to attract more FDI inflows into the country by facilitating business to sustain the country’s development and encourage the local businesspeople by educating how to use modern technology to shift from labor- to capital-intensive industries for increasing production and efficiency in Myanmar. Implications of the finding are explained with theoretical contributions, recommendations and research limitation are discussed.
There are no Such ‘Bad Women’: Reading Text and Politics of ‘Conscious or Intended Pleasure’
Authors: Deepika
Published: March 2024

Television serials are widely acclaimed as the most entertaining genre in India. Focusing on the characters’ family lives in different settings gave the female audience a more profound and engaging experience. However, watching women in specific roles is not seen as a reflection of everyday reality by the female audience in the Anand Nagar slum in India but rather as un-existing characteristics or traits. However, such characters are actively watched and argumentatively recalled as ‘bad women’. Watching female characters in negative roles triggered the respondents’ emotional imbalance and negative feelings, but the audience reasoned that it was still entertaining to watch. Within the parameters of entertainment and reading text, this article examined the relationship between reading soaps and women’s lives in the slums of Bhopal city in India. Leaning towards qualitative approaches and ethnography, this article looked into text, reception and the politics of pleasure in how women’s audiences intersected with bad women characters and oppositional readings for deriving ‘conscious or intended pleasure’. Thus, this study examined the paradoxical interaction between societal notions of ‘bad women’, conscious pleasure derived from women’s portrayals and the realities of women in slums.
Analysis of vibro-acoustic characteristics of functionally graded sandwich microplates under thermal-electric effects
Authors: Li Feng-Lian , Fan Shi-Jie , Hao Yu-Qi , Lv Mei
Published: March 2024

Based on the hyperbolic tangent parabola mixed shear deformation theory, the paper studied the sound radiation and the sound insulation of the functionally graded (FG) sandwich microplates under thermal-electric effects. The sandwich plate is composed of piezoelectric skin layers and FGM core layer. By using Hamilton’s principle, a size-dependent model considering the thermal-piezoelectric effects are established. The acoustic response and sound insulation are calculated with Rayleigh integral and solid-fluid coupling conditions. The accuracy of the presented method is verified by the numerical simulations. Then the effects of various parameters on the vibro-acoustic characteristics are analyzed and discussed. Numerical results show that the temperature variations, the length scale parameter to thickness ratio and the gradient index have great impacts on the FG sandwich microplates.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Artificial Intelligence: The Roles of Social Media Exposure and Information Elaboration
Authors: Li Wenbo , Xu Shan , Zheng Xia , Sun Ruoyu
Published: March 2024

This study examined how social media influence the knowledge gap between low and high socioeconomic status (SES) groups in artificial intelligence (AI), a highly debated scientific subject warranting immediate scholarly attention. A national survey of U.S. adults ( N = 965) was conducted. The results showed that education and social media exposure to AI information (SME) predicted greater AI knowledge, and SME did not moderate the SES-based AI knowledge gap. Furthermore, information elaboration moderated the association between SME and the AI knowledge gap. SME was associated with a smaller AI knowledge gap when information elaboration was high rather than low.
Refractive outcomes of Carlevale IOLs compared to Artisan iris-claw IOLs considering the type of incision
Authors: Aziria Ahmed , Guindolet Damien , Lejoyeux Raphaël , Manassero Anthony , Bruneau Sebastien , Duvillier Amélie , Le Mer Yannick , Tadayoni Ramin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To compare the refractive outcomes and the complications of implantation surgery by the Carlevale IOL to the Artisan iris-claw IOL.

Methods

Retrospective comparative study of consecutive surgical cases between 2019 and 2021 in our tertiary centre in Paris, France.

Results

We included 142 eyes in the Artisan group and 63 in the Carlevale group. Post-operative astigmatism at one month was 2.3 ± 1.6 D in the Carlevale group, 3.3 ± 2.5 D in the Artisan group with corneal incisions, and 1.8 ± 1.4 D in the Artisan group with scleral incisions ( p = 0.015). Surgery duration was higher ( p = 0.007) with the Carlevale IOL (70.8 ± 31.3 min) than with the Artisan IOL (58.3 ± 23.2 min). The complication rates were similar at one month between the two groups (25.4% in Artisan, 27% in Carlevale). The mean follow-up was longer in the Artisan group (234.5 days vs. 77 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Artisan iris-claw IOL seems to induce higher astigmatism than Carlevale sutureless scleral-fixated IOL at one month when injected through a corneal incision, but not when injected through a scleral incision. Therefore cataract surgeons should avoid wide corneal incisions in implantation surgery whenever possible.
Does central venous stenosis affects the brachial artery flow volume and peripheral vascular resistive index in patients on maintenance hemodialysis? A retrospective study
Authors: Foula Hassan Saied , Itakura Masayuki , Miwa Naofumi , Momohara Keisuke , Sakurai Hiroshi , Onogi Takeshi , Okubo Kentarou , Foula Mohamed , Elrggal Mohamed , Magdy Mennah , Tsuboi Masato , Sato Takashi
Published: March 2024

Background:

A well-functioning vascular access (VA) is crucial for the patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Central venous stenosis (CVS) is a common, yet, overlooked complication of VA as its diagnosis is challenging. Moreover, its effect on the flow volume (FV) and the peripheral resistive index (RI) was not well discussed before. Despite the availability of doppler ultrasound (DUS) in most centers, direct visualization of central veins using DUS is quite difficult.

Methods:

This is a retrospective single-center self-controlled cohort study that was conducted in a specialized vascular access management tertiary center in Japan and included all patients with CVS who underwent percutaneous transluminal angiography (PTA) with or without vascular stenting in the period from January 2014 to September 2022. The patients were divided according to their VA type into arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and arteriovenous graft (AVG) groups, then subdivided, according to the type of stenosis, into two subgroups: CVS, and mixed central and peripheral venous stenosis (MVS) groups. The FV and RI of the feeding artery were compared in the same procedure before and after PTA to assess the impact of the procedure itself.

Results:

Data of 485 percutaneous transluminal angiography procedures (PTA), performed in 95 patients during the period from January 2014 to September 2022, were collected. FV and RI were significantly affected in the patients with MVS than patients with CVS. After PTA, both FV and RI were significantly improved. The improvement rate of FV and RI after PTA were significantly higher in patients with MVS than patients with CVS. However, it was difficult to determine the cut-off value to diagnose or to assess the improvement of CVS.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that FV and RI measurement by DUS are good tools, along with the clinical findings for assessment of CVS in certain situations.
A novel neonatal protocol for Safe Insertion of Umbilical Venous Catheters (SIUVeC): Minimizing complications in placement and management
Authors: Barone Giovanni , Pittiruti Mauro , Prontera Giorgia , Ancora Gina , D’Andrea Vito
Published: March 2024

Insertion of umbilical venous catheters is a common procedure in neonatal intensive care. Though sometimes lifesaving, this maneuver is potentially associated with early and late complications, some of which may be severe and even life threatening (catheter malposition, hepatic lesions, venous thrombosis, pericardial effusion, etc.). The recent literature suggests several operative strategies that, if adopted systematically, may significantly reduce the incidence of both early and late catheter related complications. This paper describes a standardized protocol (Safe Insertion Umbilical Venous Catheter = SIUVeC) which incorporates such novel strategies, with the goal of minimizing the complications related to this procedure.
Disentangling between-person and within-person associations of physical symptoms of depression with self-perceived health and life satisfaction: A longitudinal study in Chilean adults
Authors: Schleef Jorge , Castellanos-Alvarenga Luis Mario , Olivera Mauro P. , Ortiz Manuel S.
Published: March 2024

Depression is a major health problem in Chile. Evidence suggests that physical symptoms of depression (PSD) negatively impact self-perceived health and life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the between-person and within-person associations of PSD with self-perceived health and life satisfaction in Chilean adults. The sample consisted of 1424 participants (64.54% female; Mage = 46.77, SD = 14.88) with data in five waves of the Social Longitudinal Study of Chile. Variables were measured through self-report questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using multilevel analysis. At the within-person level, physical slowing, fatigue, and sleep problems were associated with poorer self-perceived health and lower life satisfaction. At the between-person level, physical slowing and fatigue were associated with poorer perceived health and lower life satisfaction. PSD are associated with self-perceived health and life satisfaction in Chilean adults longitudinally. The study highlights the importance of monitoring PSD changes in Chilean adults.
The association of fatigue and cognitive complaints with work-related outcomes and cancer-related anxiety among employees 2–10 years after cancer diagnosis
Authors: Boelhouwer Ingrid G , van Vuuren Tinka
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the association of fatigue and cognitive complaints among employees post-cancer diagnosis, with work-related outcomes, and moderation by cancer-related anxiety. A survey was carried out among workers 2–10 years after cancer diagnosis. Employees without cancer recurrence or metastases were selected ( N = 566). Self-reported fatigue and cognitive complaints were classified into three groups. ANOVA’s and regression analyses were used, controlling for age. Group 1 (cognitive complaints, n = 25, 4.4%), group 2 (fatigue, n = 205, 36.2%), and group 3 (cognitive complaints and fatigue, n = 211, 37.3%) were associated with higher burnout complaints and lower work engagement, and group 2 and 3 with lower work ability. Cancer-related anxiety positively moderated the association of group 3 with higher burnout complaints. Employees with both fatigue and cognitive complaints report less favorable work functioning. Cancer-related anxiety needs attention in the context of burnout complaints.
Arabic speech intelligibility: Perception of spoken Arabic by native and non-native speakers
Authors: Shehata Asmaa
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have shown that native language backgrounds of both talkers and listeners affect speech intelligibility. This study investigated the interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit (ISIB) that is also known as the advantage in understanding second language (L2) speech that non-native listeners have over native listeners when both groups listen to speakers with the same first language (L1). More specifically, it looked into the ISIB in relation to the Arabic language spoken by both native Arabic (NA) and English speakers. To this end, 15 NA and 15 native English (NE) subjects listened to Arabic produced by two groups of talkers (5 NA talkers and 5 NE talkers) and were asked to identify the words they heard. Results showed evidence for the interlanguage speech intelligibility for listeners (i.e. NE listeners were more accurate than NA listeners at identifying English-accented Arabic speech). However, no evidence for the ISIB for talkers was found. That is, NE listeners did not find English-accented speech more intelligible than NA speech. By examining L2 learners’ recognition of L2 consonant contrasts, the study contributes to the body of knowledge on L2 sound acquisition as well as the ISIB literature. It also provides some insight into the problem of adult L2 learners’ ability to learn novel L2 consonants.
Idealizing nativeness vs. embracing nonnativeness: A case study on L2 pronunciation teachers’ identity
Authors: Gordon Joshua , Barrantes-Elizondo Lena
Published: March 2024

One aspect in second language (L2) pronunciation that has not been explored in depth in contexts of English as a foreign language (EFL) is language teacher identity of pronunciation teachers, particularly of nonnative-speaking (NNS) teachers. Examining the factors that underlie their professional identity is of particular relevance to pronunciation instruction. Using a case study design that included semi-structured individual interviews, reflexive personal documents, and a focus-group interview, this study identifies and analyses factors that underlie a group of NNS pronunciation teachers’ professional identity. The participants in this study were NNS pronunciation teachers at a higher-education institution in Costa Rica (Central America), an EFL context. The findings indicate a lack of formal pronunciation-teaching training at all levels in their careers for these teachers. However, while these teachers made a clear distinction between being native speakers (NSs) and NNS through a clear idealization of nativeness, they gained linguistic and professional legitimacy for teaching pronunciation because of their knowledge of English phonetics/phonology, and general language teaching pedagogy. The results are discussed in terms of implications for teacher training in pronunciation pedagogy.
Affective factors, intercultural sensitivity, and willingness to communicate orally outside class: A study with EFL secondary school learners in Poland and Spain
Authors: Barrios Elvira , Napiórkowska Marta
Published: March 2024

This study examined out-of-school oral willingness to communicate (WTC) in two modes of communication – face-to-face (FtF) and digital – among secondary school students of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Poland and Spain. It also examined the associations between affective factors and intercultural sensitivity with WTC in both settings. A total of 1,480 students from 17 schools in Poland and 1,128 students from 11 schools in Spain participated in this study. The study found that learners from both national contexts shared extremely similar levels of out-of-class oral WTC in the two settings. After controlling for sociodemographic factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, and relative self-assessed spoken competence), hierarchical regression analyses revealed that Foreign Classroom Language Anxiety (FLCA), Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE), and intercultural sensitivity were predictors of the two communicative settings in both contexts, although the relative importance of predictors differed in each case, as determined by the dominance analyses. Intercultural sensitivity, a factor that has seldom been investigated in relation to WTC, emerged as the most influential predictor for oral WTC in both communication environments within the two study samples. The study also discusses the implications for both research and foreign language pedagogy.
Educators’ hands are tied: The impact of heteronormative and cisnormative discourses on students in faith-based schools in Australia
Authors: Fielder Bronwyn , Ezzy Douglas , Dwyer Angela
Published: March 2024

Australian religious conservatives continue to argue that religiously affiliated schools should be able to discriminate based on the sexuality and/or gender identity of students. We argue that this discussion fails to adequately consider the serious harms that discrimination against LGBTQ+ educators has on LGBTQ+ and questioning students. The article uses data from an Australian qualitative study examining the experience of LGBTQ+ educators in religiously affiliated organisations. We describe how heteronormative/cisnormative discourses and discriminatory practices toward LGBTQ+ educators have a direct negative impact on LGBTQ+ students. Even in relatively inclusive schools, the heteronormative and cisnormative climate of the schools is damaging, not only for educators but also for LGBTQ+ students. These serious harms need to be given greater consideration in evaluating the arguments for discriminatory practices in religiously affiliated schools funded by the government to provide education to the general Australian population.
Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis of the mandible – orthodontic considerations and management: A case report
Authors: Schwabe Saskia Andrea , Booth Sean , Caldwell Susi
Published: March 2024

This case report describes the orthodontic management of a case of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) of the mandible, a rare non-infective variant of osteomyelitis that exhibits a marked predilection in children and adolescents. The patient presented with a unilateral facial swelling associated with fluctuating pain. Radiographic examination, along with tissue biopsy and culture, as well as multispecialty input, led to confirmation of the diagnosis. There was no clear aetiological factor and pharmacological, symptomatic management was indicated. CNO requires multidisciplinary input, with good interspecialty communication and discussion, for an accurate diagnosis. Orthodontic management should be considered on a case-by-case basis, with tailored aims appropriate for each patient.
From a phenomenology of birth towards an ethics of obstetric care
Authors: Tömmel Tatjana Noemi
Published: March 2024

The aim of this paper is to get from a phenomenology of birth towards an ethics of obstetric care: Human rights violations in obstetrics are currently a globally debated phenomenon. Research suggests that maltreatment is widespread and a global phenomenon. However, the prevalence cannot yet be clearly quantified. In view of this problem, it is necessary to take the subjective perspective of those affected seriously. Narrative and phenomenological accounts of birth experiences could help to foster the dialogue between persons giving birth and health professionals. First, I will present narrative accounts of birth experiences recorded by feminist phenomenologists. Second, I will interpret these narrative accounts within a feminist phenomenological framework in order to contribute to a phenomenology of birth, which, in a third step, shall help to develop an ethics of obstetric care. In engaging with the phenomenology of care outlined by feminist care ethicists, I will analyze the elements and conditions of good care, and draw conclusions for an ethic of obstetric and midwifery care. Drawing additionally on the theory of relational autonomy, my paper argues for a relational implementation of self-determination in childbirth. Lastly, I will discuss to what extent the ethical ideal of care has an affinity to the midwifery model of childbirth, and how the current situation of obstetrics prevents a women-centered birth culture.
On-Campus Leisure Experiences and Student Sense of Connectedness
Authors: Freeman Patti A. , Ellis Gary D. , Hill Brian J.
Published: March 2024

Models of retention emphasize the importance of students developing a sense of connectedness to their university. We tested relations between students’ anticipated effects of on-campus leisure experiences on connectedness and experience type (performance, spectator/story, or sensory focus), provider service performance, prevalence of deep experience during participation, and experience value-after-use (value of time spent, proclivity to recommend, meaningfulness, and memorability). We collected on-campus leisure activity experience measures ( N = 5,931) from 886 students. After participating in each experience, students reported the impact they anticipated that experience would have on their connectedness to the university. Students also reported the experience type, prevalence of deep subjective experience during participation, service performance by staff, and experience value-after-use. Results supported all hypotheses. Students who participated were more likely to return the following academic year than the general student body.