bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived quality of peer relationships and position in peer network from late childhood to early adolescence: A three-wave longitudinal study with cross-lagged panel model
Authors: Grygiel Paweł , Dolata Roman , Humenny Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

Objective: The main aim of this study was to investigate the mutual relationship between perceptions of peer relationship quality and position in positive and negative peer networks among young people from late childhood to early adolescence. Method: A cross-lagged panel model of three waves of data was conducted using a large representative sample of Polish students from third grade to sixth grade ( N = 4 673). Results: The results proved a reciprocal relationship between position in positive (Like) and negative (DisLike) peer networks and the perceived quality of peer relationships (PPI). The effect found of position on the perceived quality of peer relationships is in line with the existing state of knowledge. Since previous research has yielded divergent results, this demonstration of the prospective impact of perceived relationship quality on peer network position fills an important cognitive gap. The study also revealed the following: (1) in the first (W1→W2) and second period (W2→W3) the strength of the prospective effects of position in the peer network on its perceived quality (Like→PPI and DisLike→PPI), and the strength of the prospective effects of perceived quality on position (PPI→Like and PPI→DisLike), were not statistically significantly different; (2) the effect size of the cross-lagged coefficients ranged from small to medium; (3) all constructs showed greater stability in the second period than in the first; (4) in both periods stability of PPI was lower than the stability of sociometric indicators. Conclusion: This research confirms the presence of a self-reinforcing loop: a low position in peer networks→poor perceived quality of relations→decrease of position in peer networks. The findings are discussed in relation to the evolutionary theory of loneliness (ETL), which assumes a potentially active role of the perception of peer relationships in forming a position in a peer network. Practical implications of the results are discussed.
Indices of oral and written narratives differentiating Mandarin-speaking school-age children with and without developmental language disorder
Authors: Xue Jin , Zhuo Junjing , Cao Juntong
Published: May 2024

Little evidence has been reported for narrative-related difficulties for Chinese Mandarin-speaking school-age children with developmental language disorder (DLD). This study aimed to capture the indices from narratives that can differentiate Chinese children with and without DLD. Oral narrative and written narrative samples were collected from children with DLD ( Mage = 8.37, SD = 1.25; N = 26) and typically developing (TD) children ( Mage = 8.46, SD = 1.28; N = 26). The narrative samples were compared on a series of indices of narratives in both oral and written narratives. Results showed that at the macrostructure, Mandarin Chinese-speaking school-age children with DLD lagged behind TD children in story structures; at the microstructure, children with DLD had weaker performance in story productivity, lexical diversity, and syntax diversity. Moreover, less group difference was found in the written modality relative to the oral modality. The results suggest indices of story productivity, lexical diversity, and syntactic complexity could be potential linguistic markers in the assessment of school-age Mandarin-speaking children with DLD. The present findings advance our understanding of deficits in narratives for Mandarin-speaking children.
Outcomes following additional drainage during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Dave Sagar B , Leiendecker Eric , Creel-Bulos Christina , Miller Casey Frost , Boorman David W , Javidfar Jeffrey , Attia Tamer , Daneshmand Mani , Jabaley Craig S , Caridi-Schieble Mark
Published: May 2024

Refractory hypoxemia during veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may require an additional cannula (VV-V ECMO) to improve oxygenation. This intervention includes risk of recirculation and other various adverse events (AEs) such as injury to the lung, cannula malpositioning, bleeding, circuit or cannula thrombosis requiring intervention (i.e., clot), or cerebral injury. During the study period, 23 of 142 V-V ECMO patients were converted to VV-V utilizing two separate cannulas for bi-caval drainage with an additional upper extremity cannula placed for return. Of those, 21 had COVID-19. In the first 24 h after conversion, ECMO flow rates were higher (5.96 vs 5.24 L/min, p = .002) with no significant change in pump speed (3764 vs 3630 revolutions per minute [RPMs], p = .42). Arterial oxygenation (PaO2) increased (87 vs 64 mmHg, p < .0001) with comparable pre-oxygenator venous saturation (61 vs 53.3, p = .12). By day 5, flows were similar to pre-conversion values at lower pump speed but with improved PaO2. Unadjusted survival was similar in those converted to VV-V ECMO compared to V-V ECMO alone (70% [16/23] vs 66.4% [79/119], p = .77). In a mixed effect regression model, any incidence of AEs, demonstrated a negative impact on PaO2 in the first 48 h but not at day 5. VV-V ECMO improved oxygenation with increasing flows without a significant difference in AEs or pump speed. AEs transiently impacted oxygenation. VV-V ECMO is effective and feasible strategy for refractory hypoxemia on VV-ECMO allowing for higher flow rate and unchanged pump speed.
Hybrid extracorporeal cannulation for aortic root pseudoaneurysm re-operation: The role of a multidisciplinary team
Authors: Franzese Ilaria , Gripshi Florida , Anzini Marco , Mazzaro Enzo
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Adequate cerebral protection for aortic reoperation is challenging and optimal technique is still controversial.

Case Report: We report a hybrid cannulation approach to achieve safe cerebral protection during circulatory arrest to repair an aortic root pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach combining conventional techniques and interventional expertise could be considered in complex aortic scenario.
Low-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour presenting as retroperitoneal spindle cell neoplasm
Authors: Karn Mitesh , Mahato Basant Kumar , Ojha Liladhar , Thapa Yeshika , Bhatta Suman , Sharma Sushil , Chapagain Sachita , Ranabhat Sunita , Neupane Bhoj Raj , Shrestha Deependra Man
Published: May 2024

Retroperitoneal spindle cell neoplasms are diagnostically challenging. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) can sometimes present as sporadic primary retroperitoneal tumours. MPNSTs are usually high-grade and highly aggressive tumours and are associated with a poor prognosis. Low-grade MPNSTs are very rarely described. This current case report describes a case of sporadic primary low-grade MPNST presenting as retroperitoneal spindle cell neoplasm. The diagnosis, imaging and immunohistopathological findings, as well as its successful surgical management, are presented.
Formation of nepheline in the heating process of mould fluxes and its effect on sintering behaviour
Authors: Chen Fuhang , Wen Guanghua , Yang Haoyan , Tang Ping , Hou Zibing
Published: May 2024

This study explores the formation mechanism of nepheline (NaAlSiO4) in the 500–900 °C heating process of mould flux and the influence of Al-containing materials on the nepheline formation using thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the formation behaviour of nepheline depends on the type of Al2O3-containing materials. At 500 °C, flint clay (Al2SiO5) forms nepheline by solid-state reaction with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). During the solid-state reaction process, F− improves the kinetic conditions by promoting the diffusion of Na+ into the flint clay particle. F- is derived from the tiny NaF formed by the reaction of cryolite (Na3AlF6) with sodium carbonate. Unlike flint clay, bauxite (Al2O3) reacts with liquid phase at 700 °C to form nepheline. Therefore, the low-temperature sintering of mold flux bauxite-containing is weaker than the flux containing cryolite and flint clay. At 500 °C, the sintered rate of bauxite-containing flux is 22.55%, and the sintered rate of flux containing cryolite and flint clay is 39.50%. With the increase in temperature, the sintered rate of bauxite-containing flux increases, which is gradually close to that of flux containing cryolite and flint clay. Until 900 °C, the sintered rate of bauxite-containing flux (63.45%) is the same as that of flux containing cryolite and flint clay (62.15%).
Effect of Zr on austenite grains growth behaviour of high strength Ti microalloyed low carbon steel
Authors: Luo Hanyu , Xiong Xuegang , Wang Juncai , Cao Jianchun , Zhou Xiaolong , Yang Yinhui , Wang Chuangwei , Ye Xiaoyu
Published: May 2024

The isothermal grain growth behaviour for three Ti microalloyed steels with different Zr contents (0–0.039 wt-%) at different reheating temperatures (1100, 1150, 1200 and 1250 °C) and for holding times (10, 60, 600 and 1800 s) was investigated. Austenite growth model was established to analyse and predict the functional relationship between austenite grains size and austenitising temperature and time during the isothermal austenitising process in the three tested steels, and the influence of Zr was discussed. The results indicate that the activation energy Q and time index n of austenite grains boundary migration in the tested steels decrease with the increase of Zr content. The addition of Zr can inhibit the growth of primary austenite grains at high temperatures. With the increase of Zr content, the trend of average grain size growth of primary austenite becomes smoother. The addition of Zr improves the high-temperature stability of precipitates, resulting in smaller precipitates and stronger pinning effect for austenite grains boundary in Ti–Zr microalloyed steel compared to that in Ti microalloyed steel at high temperatures.
Investigating the wear resistance of high-chromium cast irons A532-class III-type A against high-energy abrasive particles
Authors: Hosseinreza Saeed , Rastegari Habibollah , Hosseinpour Mohammadreza , Garmeh Behdad
Published: May 2024

Regarding the widespread use of high chromium cast irons in manufacturing various industrial and mineral-processing parts such as liners, slurry pumps, and grinding balls, increasing erosion resistance is the key factor to enhance their performance. This research investigated three different chemical compositions of high chromium irons (in the eutectic and hypoeutectic range). Austenite destabilization process was conducted at two temperatures of 1060°C and 970°C followed by air cooling and then tempering at the range of 250°C to 400°C for 4 h. Erosion and bending tests were carried out on samples with optimal heat treatment conditions. Results show that the hardness of specimens heat-treated at 970°C, and also the low-carbon hypoeutectic specimens destabilized at 1060°C, increased by increasing tempering temperature over 300°C, which can be related to the formation of a higher volume fraction of M23C6 carbides. The best erosion resistance was observed in the low-carbon hypoeutectic specimen destabilized at 1060°C and tempered at 300°C. In addition, samples with higher erosion resistance exhibit lower bending strength. Finally, it was found that the principal wear mechanism was the occurrence of plastic deformation, and detachment of carbides from the surface before having an effective role in reducing wear.
Numerical analysis and industrial practice of single-flow post-combustion oxygen lance with high oxygen supply intensity
Authors: Zheng Shuguo , Dong Pengyuan , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: May 2024

The oxygen supply process is a vital operation in converter steelmaking, which is to inject oxygen and kinetic energy into the liquid bath with an oxygen lance. Herein, a single-flow post-combustion oxygen lance (SF-PCL) with four primary holes and six secondary holes was designed to increase the oxygen supply intensity of a 60-ton converter in a steel plant. The attenuation and coalescence behaviors of supersonic jets for the conventional four-hole oxygen lance (COL) and the newly designed SF-PCL were studied by numerical simulation. And then, their metallurgical effects were verified by industrial practice. The simulation results indicated that the SF-PCL effectively suppresses the attenuation and coalescence of supersonic jets as well as simultaneously increases both the impact area and penetration depth. In industrial practice, compared with the COL, the newly designed SF-PCL increases the oxygen supply intensity from the original 4.89 m3 (t·min)−1 to 5.43 m3 (t·min)−1, rises the dephosphorization rate by 1.4%, shortens the blowing time by 34 s, reduces the ferrous charges consumption by 7 kg t−1 and decreases the total iron content in final slag by 0.85%.
It takes two to Tango - Conceptualizing the “succession dance” in family firms through social exchange theory
Authors: Zybura Jan , Ahrens Jan-Philipp , Istipliler Baris , Woywode Michael , Kowalzick Marc
Published: May 2024

We draw on Social Exchange Theory (SET) and show that a “succession dance”—a phase of joint successor and predecessor activity inside the firm—occurs due to prior social exchanges between successor and predecessor. It can be guided by altruism, friendship, or partnership (i.e., a generalized exchange relationship) as well as a professional need for informational and material social exchanges at the firm-level (i.e., a restricted exchange relationship). By utilizing mixed methods encompassing quantitative data on 522 CEO successions in family firms and qualitative data from 34 in-depth interviews, we find support for these coherences. We also discuss how altruistic versus transactional motives for predecessors to remain active inform the burgeoning debate on positive versus negative nature repercussions of prolonged predecessor activity.
BCG and bladder cancer. Forty-eight years after Morales report
Authors: Serretta Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

Although BCG use as an anticancer drug was nearly abandoned due to the poor results in most tumors, in 1976 Morales reported a relevant reduction in recurrence with intravesical BCG in few patients affected by NMIBC. Since then BCG was globally accepted as an empirical and effective therapy in treating Tis and preventing recurrence of intermediate and high risk NMIBC. Forty-eight years after Morales’ report, although some open questions remain object of debate, we have been able to find answers to many doubts improving BCG activity and toxicity. We better select patients undergoing BCG and many trials have indicated the best dosage and schedule. Moreover, we are able to better identify the patient unresponsive to BCG who might benefit of a timely radical cystectomy. We are also aware of the difficulties and toxicities that can be encountered with BCG use in every-day clinical practice. Research is ongoing to obtain genetically modified BCG to increase its efficacy and reduce toxicity. Moreover, the combination of BCG with other immunotherapeutic drugs given intravesically or systemically, first immune checkpoint inhibitors, is under study to obtain a response in patients unresponsive or intolerant to BCG. Almost 50 years after Morales publication, intravesical BCG remains an inalienable tool against NMIBC
Driving towards sustainability: A review of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites for eco-friendly automotive light-weighting
Authors: Skosana Sifiso John , Khoathane Caroline , Malwela Thomas
Published: May 2024

The automotive industry stands at a critical juncture, compelled by the imperative of sustainability to seek innovative materials for eco-friendly light-weighting. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have gained popularity due to their environmentally friendly nature and excellent engineering capabilities. This review paper comprehensively examines the landscape of NFRPCs in the context of automotive applications. Beginning with an overview of the ecological urgency and regulatory framework driving sustainable automotive materials, the review navigates through key advancements in NFRPC technology. The paper delineates the diverse array of natural fibers employed as reinforcements, elucidating their intrinsic properties, sources, and processing considerations. Concurrently, an in-depth analysis of various polymer matrices showcases their compatibility with different fiber types, emphasizing the critical interplay between fiber and matrix for optimal composite performance. A pivotal facet of this review manuscript lies in the rigorous evaluation of NFRPC performance across an array of metrics, including mechanical, thermal, and environmental considerations. Studies examining the interfacial interactions between natural fibers and polymers, as well as enhancements through additives and treatments, are critically assessed. Environmental and economic considerations are paramount in the quest for sustainable automotive materials. While economic evaluations delve into the viability and cost-effectiveness of widespread adoption, life cycle assessments and environmental impact analyses are evaluated to estimate the ecological footprint of NFRPCs. The paper also surveys current trends and prospects, offering insights into forthcoming innovations and directions for research. Therefore, this review article consolidates a comprehensive body of knowledge on NFRPCs for eco-friendly automotive light-weighting. By synthesizing findings from diverse studies, it provides a holistic perspective on the potential, challenges, and future trajectory of NFRPCs in the automotive sector.
A new approach for analyzing machining-induced damage in correlation with tool wear during dry drilling of CFRP/Ti stacks
Authors: Mathiyazhagan Vijayathithan , Meena Anil
Published: May 2024

The machining process of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer/Titanium (CFRP/Ti) stacks presents significant challenges owing to the inherent inhomogeneity of CFRP and the low thermal conductivity of Ti. The drilled hole surface can experience machining-induced damage, such as delamination, fiber pull-out, and burr formation. The present study aimed to examine the influence of cutting parameters and coatings, as well as tool wear mechanisms, on the occurrence of machining-induced damage in CFRP/Ti stacks during dry drilling. Moreover, a new method called MATLAB-Assisted Image Processing (MAIP) is introduced to assess machining-induced damage, specifically delamination and burr formation, in the context of CFRP/Ti stack drilling. The use of advanced MATLAB-assisted image processing improves the precision of MAIP. The coefficient of repeatability is 0.001394. TiAlN-coated drills offer notable advantages, resulting in a 13% decrease in the maximum thrust force for CFRP and a 10% reduction for Ti. Furthermore, there is an 11% decrease in delamination compared to a tool that lacks a coating. The experimental findings revealed a significant correlation between machining-induced damage and the mechanisms of tool wear.
In-vitro bioactivity investigation and surface properties of a PMMA-SiO2 composite coating on SS-316L using the Sol-Gel technique
Authors: Singh Harpreet
Published: May 2024

Surface modification of SS-316L using an organic and inorganic hybrid coating of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) is being conducted in the current investigation with crosslinking agent 3-aminopropyl tri-ethoxy silane (APTES). The solvent-gel method and dip coating with varying amount of SiO2 (i.e. 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt.%) is used for surface modification. On the coated surface, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at 1000–1250 cm−1 reveals the crosslinking of silicon and PMMA. The coatings formed on SS-316L are homogenous, transparent, and free of defects and voids when seen macroscopically. A good crystallinity and presence of coated material can be seen from the X-ray diffraction and microstructure analysis of coated surface. The PMMA coating with 1.5 wt.% SiO2 has the most apatite crystals deposited on surface as observed with 7 days of immersion on simulated body fluid (SBF). These findings provide a solid link that coating SS-316L with SiO2 promotes bone bioactivity, and the PMMA+1.5 wt.% SiO2 coating can be employed on implants. The results of this study suggest a sustainable coating solution for improved bioactivity in medical applications and surgical instruments.
Impact of education and clinic site champion on extragenital testing for sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Cunningham Victoria C , Hurdelbrink Jonathan , Smith Hayden L , Sittig Katherine R , Veach Lisa A
Published: May 2024

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in the United States. Infections at extragenital (EG) sites (throat or rectum) may serve as an overlooked reservoir for STIs. The aims of this project were to determine the proportion of patients receiving EG testing and to observe the impact of an educational intervention.

Methods

Phase I included four urgent care clinics and baseline data for adults receiving STI testing ( Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Clinics received access to an educational presentation regarding the importance of EG testing. Two of these clinics served as pilot sites for the implementation of self-collection kits. Phase II involved further expansion and utilization of clinic site champions.

Results

Phase I baseline data indicated that less than 1% of samples from patients receiving STI testing were from EG sites. There was an increase in EG testing after the educational intervention and implementation of self-collection kits. A larger increase in EG testing was seen after utilization of a site champion in Phase II.

Conclusion

EG infections serve as a potential source for STI transmission which makes multi-site testing necessary. Our interventions to improve EG testing were most effective in Phase II after implementing a clinic site champion.
Does the (socio-political) socialization context matter for paternal involvement?
Authors: Eichhorn Thomas , Zerle-Elsäßer Claudia
Published: May 2024

Previous literature on paternal involvement emphasizes the influence of fathers’ socialization contexts, considering either welfare policies (Hipp and Leuze, 2015) or experiences with their own fathers (Brown et al., 2018; Parke, 1995). In this study, we combine those two branches of research and examine how fathers’ and their fathers’ (grandfathers’) socialization experiences (parental leave regulations in their early adulthood as an example of (de-)familization policies (Lohmann and Zagel, 2016)) predict paternal involvement today. To measure paternal involvement, we create an indicator for involvement that covers Lamb et al. (1985) three aspects of direct interaction, responsibility, and availability and the fact that a father has taken paternal leave for at least one of his children or not. We use the fact that a substantial proportion of the fathers in the German, national survey AID:A 2019 (Kuger et al., 2020) were socialized in another welfare state regime (6.3% of fathers have a direct and another 13.5% have an indirect migration background (their fathers were born in another country) covering birth cohorts from the 1970s to the 1990s; total N = 1053). We then add context-related information on their (fathers’ and grandfathers’) countries of origin from the OECD family database and estimate an SEM model to test potential direct and indirect effects. We find that more educated fathers who experienced extended parental leave regulations are more involved fathers today. Our results support, thus, that welfare state conditions influence individuals’ behaviour while education is a relevant moderator in this relationship.
A qualitative exploration of challenges and factors in research data management across Indonesian research institutes
Authors: Marlina Ekawati , Hidayanto Achmad Nizar , Purwandari Betty
Published: May 2024

This research investigates the challenges and factors that influence the implementation of research data management (RDM) in Indonesian research institutes. This study conducted in-depth interviews with six data managers from five Indonesian research institutions using a qualitative research approach. The interview data were analyzed using NVivo software, and the TOPE framework guided the identification of factors and challenges in (RDM) implementation. Critical aspects in RDM implementation are applications, hardware, culture, organizational units, institutional policies, leadership support, awareness, knowledge, education, skills, funder regulations, and government policies. Challenges in RDM implementation encompass access control, data quality, ease of use, building trust, availability of responsible staff, user understanding, researchers’ resistance, awareness, and inter-institutional relations. Research on data management, especially in developing countries like Indonesia, is limited. This study contributes by providing a high-level overview of research institutions in Indonesia, enhancing their understanding of the challenges and critical aspects involved in establishing effective RDM within their institutions.
Factors Affecting Management of Acute Ischaemic Stroke with Reference to Intravenous Thrombolysis and Its Impact on Short-term Outcome
Authors: Ramnani Juhi , Gadani Zalak
Published: May 2024

Background:

Stroke is a major global health concern, ranking second in terms of fatality worldwide, following ischaemic heart disease. However, few stroke patients arrive at the hospital within the optimal time for thrombolysis, and even among those who do, not all receive this therapy. Therefore, the objective of the study was to examine the factors that influence the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), particularly with intravenous thrombolysis and to evaluate the short-term outcomes.

Methods:

This prospective observational study was carried out between August 2019 and August 2021 in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital. Patients with AIS who were eligible for intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 hours of the beginning of symptoms were included in the study. Comprehensive assessments, including history, examinations and blood investigations, were conducted. Thrombolytic treatment was administered within the specified time frame, while antiplatelets were given in other cases. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at discharge and 90 days.

Results:

The age distribution, comorbidities and CT-MRI findings were similar between individuals who received thrombolysis and those who did not. Among the thrombolysis group, 84% had no complications, while 8% experienced intracerebral haemorrhage and 8% had an extension of the infarction. The overall mortality rate was 13.33% for non-thrombolysis patients and 12% for thrombolysis recipients, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The results highlight the need for careful consideration when deciding to use thrombolysis for AIS cases. Additionally, they emphasise the importance of actively monitoring and effectively managing any potential treatment complications.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Liquidity Hoarding: Econometric Analysis for Indian Banks
Authors: Bhatia Madhur
Published: May 2024

The present study investigates the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) at the national and global levels on a comprehensive measure of bank intermediation, that is, liquidity hoarding (LH) of Indian banks during the 2005 to 2020 period. The findings of the Driscoll–Kraay non-parametric estimator show that Indian banks tend to hoard liquidity in times of economic uncertainty. As per the spillover effects, banks having higher peer LH tend to hoard more liquidity during times of uncertainty compared to lower peer-hoarding banks. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis documents that the magnitude of EPU is more destructive for bigger banks, banks with lesser capital bases and liquidity, higher credit risk and public sector banks. Our sensitivity analysis reveals that greater LH is caused by the balance sheet and bank lending channels of credit channel theory. Finally, the study shows that it is imperative to cultivate the growth of financial markets and institutions that can adjust to evolving economic circumstances to lessen the negative effects of EPU.
Performance optimization and testing of a novel energy coupled actuated high-speed valve based on peak-and-hold driving strategy
Authors: Yang Chenghao , Dai Jin , Xiong Shaoping
Published: May 2024

High-speed on/off valve acts as critical enabling component of digital hydraulics, which has been challenging the traditional hydraulic system by providing efficient and effective hydraulic control solutions. The high-speed on/off valve that ideally fits the digital hydraulic system is expected to achieve fast response and long stroke with affordable energy consumption. This not only requires developing advanced actuation mechanism but also demands extensive study on the driving strategy. This study focuses on investigating the Peak-and-hold driving strategy applied to a novel high speed on/off valve-energy coupling actuated valve (ECAV), in order to achieve target performance with optimized energy consumptions. This work has developed an electro-mechanical coupled physics model based on commercial finite element solver COMSOL. This model helps to investigate the performance of ECAV under different peak-and-hold driving parameters and thereby recommend the optimal peak-and-hold driving strategy. Then, the experimental testing on the prototype ECAV has been conducted to validate the simulated performances. The measurement results showed that the prototype ECA using the optimal peak & hold solution demonstrated significant advantage in energy saving targeting at response of 10 ms for 1.5 mm stroke, especially compared to a typical step input signal.
Intensive Primary Care Nursing: Exploring the Impact of a Nurse-Led Model for Medically and Social Complex Patients
Authors: Darby Mark , Smith Linda , Waldron Bailey , Fiandt Kathryn
Published: May 2024

Lack of access to primary care contributes to health inequities. Treatment settings that utilize the full experience and training of nurses, both registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), can expand in primary care and successfully address health inequities. This small study describes the implementation of a model of primary care called intensive primary care (IPC), which has eight elements that support the full utilization of a nurse’s experience and training. This is a mixed method qualitative study, which reports the observations of the implementation and pre- and post-intervention measures. The IPC model was implemented at a free clinic, which targeted underserved population between 2020 and 2023. Participants were selected as a convenience sample. Participants were to have two or more chronic health problems The participants received primary care using the IPC model, which included setting self-management goals, and meeting with RN or APRN on a monthly basis (face to face, via phone or zoom) to monitor progress toward goals. Twenty-two people were approached, and 19 completed the intervention. Pre- and Post-intervention measures (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care [PACIC]-20); Functional, Communicative, Critical Thinking Health Literacy; Perceived Stress; Patient Activation; Perceived Self Efficacy for Chronic Disease; EuroQo- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D); Trust in Provider; Emotional Support—Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS); and Patient Health Questionnaire-9) were obtained and analyzed with paired T test ( α < .05). Nurses involved meet weekly to share observations recorded in free form notes. These observations were summarized by two of the authors (MD and KF) at the end of the study. All patients had improved physical health outcomes, but more importantly, there were significant improvements in measures known to impact health and health outcomes, specifically, patient activation, self-efficacy for chronic illness, PACIC, and trust in provider. Time spent with patients, both duration and frequency of contact, was observed to have significant impacts.
Embattlement and Resilience Among White Evangelical Democrats
Authors: Allen Levi G.
Published: May 2024

Why do individuals defect from the partisan pull of their social identities? Previous explanations of social sorting often neglect to account for these defectors whose partisanship cannot be explained by simply tallying up their social identities. I call these individuals political heretics. To better understand this phenomenon, I leverage white evangelicals, one of the most socially and politically sorted groups in the United States, who support the Democratic Party as a case study. I find that, based upon 68 face-to-face interviews across seven churches, two explanations emerge that explain their heresy. First, some find their way into Democratic congregations that shield them from the pressure exerted by residing in a religious tradition that has undergone extensive political sorting. Second, some choose to remain in predominately Republicans churches and offset the cost of this political pressure with some other benefit. However, for those who choose the latter, electing to remain in a church where they are in the political minority, they face significant headwinds to either update their political preferences or leave. Despite these embattled defectors choosing to remain in Republican congregations, the pressure of polarization may eventually force them out.
Influence of Isolated Talonavicular and Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis on Hindfoot Kinematics and Range of Motion During Cadaveric Gait Simulation
Authors: Palma Joaquin , Kim Jaeyoung , Hoffman Jeffrey W. , Ellis Scott J. , Deland Jonathan T. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Steineman Brett D.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Isolated subtalar and talonavicular joint arthrodeses have been associated with adjacent joint arthritis and altered hindfoot kinematics during simplified loading scenarios. However, the effect on kinematics during dynamic activity is unknown. This study assessed changes in subtalar and talonavicular kinematics after isolated talonavicular (TNiso) and subtalar (STiso) arthrodesis, respectively, during stance simulations.

Methods:

Fourteen midtibia specimens received either a TNiso or STiso arthrodesis, with 7 randomized to each group. A 6-degree-of-freedom robot sequentially simulated the stance phase for the intact and arthrodesis conditions. Bootstrapped bias-corrected 95% CIs of the talonavicular and subtalar joint kinematics were calculated and compared between conditions.

Results:

The TNiso decreased subtalar inversion, adduction, and plantarflexion in late stance ( P < .05). The subtalar range of motion in the sagittal and coronal planes decreased by 40% ( P = .009) and 46% ( P = .002), respectively. No significant changes in talonavicular joint kinematics were observed after isolated subtalar arthrodesis; however, the range of motion was reduced by 61% ( P = .007) and 50% ( P = .003) in the coronal and axial planes, respectively.

Conclusion:

In this model for arthrodesis, changes in subtalar kinematics and motion restriction were observed after isolated talonavicular arthrodesis, and motion restriction was observed after isolated subtalar arthrodesis. Surprisingly, talonavicular kinematics did not appear to change after isolated subtalar arthrodesis.

Clinical Relevance:

Both joint fusions substantially decrease the motion of the reciprocal adjacent joint. Surgeons should be aware that the collateral costs with talonavicular fusion appear higher, and it has a significant effect on subtalar kinematics during the toe-off phase of gait.
Natural History and Prognostic Model of Untreated Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Wang Dasong , Yang Yan , He Yu , Yang Hongwei , Yang Lei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This investigation leveraged the SEER database to delve into the progression patterns of PTC when left untreated. Furthermore, it aimed to devise and authenticate a nomogram for prognosis prediction for such patients.

Methods

We extracted data from the SEER database, focusing on PTC-diagnosed individuals from 2004-2020. To discern disease progression intervals, median survival times across stages were gauged, and the disease progression time was estimated by subtracting the median survival time of a more severe stage from its preceding stage. Prognostic determinants in the training set were pinpointed using both univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Using these determinants, a prognostic nomogram was crafted.

Results

In untreated PTC patients, those in stages I and II had a favorable prognosis, with 10-year overall survival rates of 86.34% and 66.03%, respectively. Patients in stages III and IV had a relatively poorer prognosis. The median survival time of stage III, stage IVA, stage IVB and stage IVC patients was 108months, 43 months, 20 months and 8 months, respectively. The deduced progression intervals from stages III-IVC were 65, 23, and 12 months. In the training set, age, tumor stage, gender, and marital status were identified as independent risk factors influencing the prognosis of untreated PTC, and a nomogram was constructed using these variables.

Conclusion

In the absence of treatment intervention, early-stage PTC progressed slowly with an overall favorable prognosis. However, in mid to advanced-stage PTC, as tumor stage increased, disease progression accelerated, and prognosis gradually worsened. Age, tumor stage, marital status, and gender were independent risk factors influencing the prognosis of untreated PTC, and the nomogram based on these factors demonstrated good prognostic capability.
“If It Bleeds It Leads”: The Visual Witnessing Trauma Phenomenon Among Journalists in East Africa
Authors: Radoli Lydia Ouma
Published: May 2024

The paradox of documenting history through gruesome visuals depicting the prominence of stories intrigues media researchers. Foundational work on the dual representation theory explains trauma transference to brain functions following disturbing emotional triggers. The analysis suggests an existing link between exposure to disturbing information and trauma. In East Africa, trauma and related psychological effects thrive amid rigid newsroom structures devoid of intervention mechanisms. The scarcity of trauma mitigations is not just an issue in journalism, but in society, as mental health concerns and other deprivations become common. Data from in-depth interviews with journalists reporting trauma in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda indicate a positive correlation between a heightened frequency of exposure to violent visuals and an increased manifestation of trauma. Data also show a dearth in psychosocial support, indicating a need for alternative mitigation strategies.
A two-dimensional elastic contact problem with unilateral constraints
Authors: Sofonea Mircea , Arós Ángel
Published: May 2024

We consider a mathematical model which describes the equilibrium of two elastic membranes fixed on their boundary and attached to an adhesive body, say a glue. The variational formulation of the model is in a form of an elliptic quasivariational inequality for the displacement field. We prove the unique weak solvability of the model, and then we state and prove a convergence result, for which we provide the corresponding mechanical interpretation. Next, we consider two associated optimization problems for which we provide existence results. Finally, we the present numerical simulation which validates our convergence result. We end this paper with some concluding remarks and an Appendix, in which we present the preliminary material needed in this paper.
Applying the Participatory Evaluation Measurement Instrument in the Evaluation of a Public School Program for Teachers
Authors: Pho Ha , Dyer Marian A. , Vallejos Jaime , Lohmeier Jill Hendrickson
Published: May 2024

Although most evaluators are familiar with participatory evaluation (PE), the ability to measure stakeholder participation in an evaluation remains challenging. Based on Cousins and Whitmore’s (1998) PE theoretical model, Daigneault and Jacob (2009, 2012, 2014) developed an instrument for measuring the degree to which an evaluation can be considered participatory. The present study used Daigneault and Jacob's Participatory Evaluation Measurement Instrument (PEMI) in the evaluation of a public school district's educator mentoring program. The evaluators examined the benefits and challenges of using the instrument in public school settings. This paper details the procedure of using PEMI to explore the level of stakeholder participation in the evaluation case and uses a process similar to the mini-ethnography method to reflect on the experiences of the evaluators through the procedure. Findings show that in addition to accurately capturing the perceived level of participation, PEMI may be utilized in the planning phases of evaluation.
Do you feel me? Autism, empathic accuracy and the double empathy problem
Authors: Cheang Rachael TS , Skjevling Maya , Blakemore Alexandra IF , Kumari Veena , Puzzo Ignazio
Published: May 2024

Empathy deficits in autism, particularly cognitive empathy, have been a long-held, but much debated assumption. An alternative perspective challenging this deficit model is the ‘double empathy problem’, proposing that empathy difficulties are bidirectional between autistic and non-autistic people. Despite this view gaining popularity, there has been limited research examining whether non-autistic people can empathise accurately, cognitively and affectively with autistic people. Addressing this gap, 81 adults from the general population, divided into groups based on how likely they are to share personality traits common in autistic people, were examined using an empathic accuracy task, modified to include autistic and non-autistic narrators and combined with a body mapping tool. Results showed participants had significantly lower empathic accuracy scores when viewing autobiographical accounts of emotional events from autistic narrators, compared to non-autistic narrators, especially for happy and sad emotions. However, participants also experienced significantly higher intensity in the body when viewing autistic narrators compared to non-autistic narrators, especially for anger and fear emotions. These findings support the double empathy problem and have strong implications for therapeutic and interpersonal relationships with autistic people.

Lay Abstract

The assumption that autistic people lack empathy, particularly imagining how others feel, has been much debated and is now being challenged by an alternative view: the ‘double empathy problem’. This suggests that non-autistic people may find it equally difficult to imagine how autistic people feel. Although this perspective is gaining popularity, research testing whether non-autistic people can accurately imagine and feel an autistic person’s emotions is still limited. Our study used video clips of autistic and non-autistic people recounting emotional events to test if participants from the general population could: track the intensity of the narrators’ emotions; name and feel the same emotion; match where the narrator felt the emotion and indicate how intensely they felt the emotion using a body map. Our results show that participants found it significantly harder to track autistic narrators’ emotions compared to non-autistic narrator’s emotions, especially when viewing clips of narrators feeling happy and sad. We also found that participants felt emotions more intensely in the body when viewing clips of autistic narrators compared to non-autistic narrators, especially when describing anger and fear. These findings support the double empathy problem and have strong implications for therapeutic and interpersonal relationships with autistic people.
Tumid lupus erythematosus in C1-inhibitor deficiency
Authors: Khan Sujoy
Published: May 2024

A case of a 28-year-old woman with known C1-inhibitor deficiency (functional, Type II) with persistent bilateral non-pruritic, mildly photosensitive facial rash for 10 months following delivery of her second child is presented. Histology of the skin was suggestive of tumid lupus erythematosus (LE), but no other features of systemic LE (ANA, dsDNA negative) were evident. She had stopped danazol which was controlling the underlying disease, and once this was restarted and treatment for tumid lupus was started, she improved. More rigorous control preventing all C1-inhibitor deficiency-related attacks proved successful. The hypothesis that uncontrolled classical pathway complement activation that led to the lupus-like skin lesions is being presented as a clinical case, highlighting the complex interrelationships between immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in inborn errors in immunity.
Experimental study on filtration performance of geotextile filter used in emergency rescue of dike piping
Authors: Feng Di , Jiang Shi Lai , Liu Sheng
Published: May 2024

Geotextiles, as a type of common filtration material, have broad prospects in emergency rescue of dike backward erosion piping (BEP). To investigate the filtration performance of geotextile in BEP emergency rescue, several experiments were conducted using nonwoven and woven geotextiles to simulate the process of rescuing BEP with geotextiles. The influence of geotextile specifications and types on hydraulic compatibility of the filter system was analyzed, and the clogging mechanism of geotextile during dealing with BEP was revealed at a microscopic level. The results showed that the nonwoven geotextile filter with an equivalent pore size of 0.103 mm had a gradient ratio value of less than 3, and it had a highest flow rate of 260 mL/min. Increasing the thickness and pore size of nonwoven geotextiles within a certain range helped enhance their anti-clogging ability. The main mechanism of clogging in nonwoven geotextiles was the deposition of fine sand particles on their surface, forming a layer of low permeability soil. Plain woven geotextiles experienced severe clogging with a 42% reduction in flow rate, and it was not suitable for rescuing BEP. The clogging mechanism of woven geotextile involved the blocking of horizontal water passages by fine sand particles.
Oh, the Places They’ll Go: A Geographic Analysis of Gubernatorial Campaigns
Authors: Voris Ryan E. , Trantham Austin
Published: May 2024

Geography has long played a significant role in American electoral politics. Candidates engage in “retail politics” by visiting fairs, festivals, schools, churches, and businesses, to meet and greet potential voters. However, systematically understanding where candidates are actually going has plagued prior work due to small sample sizes and lack of data availability. Presidential elections have been used with success in previous scholarship, but there are few viable candidates to compare within a single cycle. Utilizing competitive gubernatorial elections, this work attempts to address these deficiencies by utilizing social media posts to track multiple candidates in real-time across the 2018 campaign cycle at the state level. The paper tests competing theories of candidate engagement regarding travel decisions: do candidates (1) focus their attention on their partisan base or (2) try to attract independent or “swing” voters? Following an original and intensive data collection effort, we identified location-specific information for over 4700 campaign stops made by major-party candidates across seventeen states. Our results lend support to candidates spending time with their respective bases of partisan support, with Republicans going to rural areas with non-college educated individuals while Democrats travel to urban counties with a more diverse electorate.