bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservice physical education teachers’ perceptions of initial teacher education
Authors: Amorim Catarina , Ribeiro-Silva Elsa
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate preservice physical education teachers’ perceptions of initial teacher education and its impact on their professional lives and teachers’ identities at the end of their school placement. It was also the aim of this study to identify school placement contributing factors and key actors in the formation of professional identities. The sample was composed of 272 preservice teachers in their final year of the master's in teaching physical education at a Portuguese university. We collected data through a questionnaire that included closed- and open-ended questions regarding six aspects of the teaching profession and initial teacher education: agents of training; components of teacher education; roles of teachers; motivation for teaching; conceptions of teaching and learning; and changes experienced during this period. Quantitative data were statistically analysed for measures of central tendency, and the responses to the open-ended question were analysed through thematic content analysis. The findings revealed: that preservice teachers considered the cooperating teacher to be the most important agent of training; that the teaching practicum experience was the most important component of teacher education; that delivering universal values was an essential role of teachers; that they had an intrinsic motivation for teaching; that they perceived a constructivist approach to teaching; and that the most meaningful change they experienced during their education was an improvement in soft skills. With the results, we conclude that professional socialisation influenced how the participants performed as teachers.
Mental health and resilience in young people on Saint Helena Island
Authors: Murphy Tara L. , Nixon Elena
Published: October 2024

This study explored the mental health needs and strengths of young people (aged 11–18 years) living on the remote island of Saint Helena (SH). 24 young people and their carers completed standardised inventories assessing mental health and resilience, of whom 15 of the young people and their carers participated in semi-structured interviews enquiring into mental health awareness, contributing factors to young people’s mental health and resilience, as well as experience with local mental health services. Descriptive data were reported based on the quantitative measures and thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts. A number of young people were found to meet criteria for mental health problems while they showed high levels of resilience. The themes derived from young people’s interviews were broadly centred around mental health boosters, including personal successes, social interactions, engagement in pleasurable activities and use of anxiety management strategies; and around limitations of living in SH in terms of limited resources and difficulty in maintaining trust in the community. From the carers, the themes revolved around awareness of mental health needs and strengths in young people, perceived barriers to access support mainly due to apprehensions around stigma and anonymity. Recommendations for improvement of mental health provision are made.
Analysis of risk factors and prediction model construction for varicella encephalitis in children: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Ce , Tang Li , Guo Dandan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for varicella encephalitis in children and establish a predictive model.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included a varicella encephalitis group ( n = 75) and a varicella-non-encephalitis group ( n = 135). Logistic regression analysis was employed to find risk factors for varicella encephalitis and create a predictive model.

Results

Older age, vomiting, poor mental status, and prolonged rash duration were independent risk factors for varicella encephalitis ( p < .05). The predictive model for varicella encephalitis combined above four factors. The ROC curve of the predictive model showed an area under the curve of 0.955 (95% CI 0.925–0.986) for varicella encephalitis in children with a sensitivity of 94.7%, and a specificity of 86.0%.

Conclusion

Children with varicella who are older, experience vomiting, exhibit poor mental status, or have a prolonged rash duration should be closely monitored clinically. The predictive model combining these four factors demonstrates good predictive efficiency.
A systematic review: Which psycho-social-environmental factors do autistic students identify as being important for positive experiences in mainstream secondary school?
Authors: McKinlay Marisa , Thorpe David , Cage Eilidh , Grainger Catherine , Jasper Carol , Stewart Mary
Published: October 2024

Mainstream secondary school can be a challenging environment for autistic students, in part due to social and sensory factors. Research to date has focussed on identifying the negative aspects of school experience; however, few studies have identified factors that promote positive experiences. We take a neuro-affirmative approach when exploring how schools can support autistic students, informed by both the social and the human rights models of disability. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies in which autistic adolescents and adults identified factors that related to positive experiences in mainstream secondary school. We identified 117 relevant studies and 36 met inclusion criteria. Through thematic synthesis, we developed overarching themes: ‘Understanding and Acceptance’, ‘Environments that suit me’ and ‘Agency to meet my needs’, with additional subthemes. This study identified that agency, understanding and acceptance by both staff and peers, as well as access to engaging activities, were key factors in creating a positive and supportive environment for autistic students. Adaptation to both the social and sensory contexts were important to meet the needs of autistic students. The findings suggest that policy and practice should focus on creating a positive environment in schools for autistic students, in addition to addressing current challenges.

Lay abstract

Research has shown that many autistic students do not thrive in mainstream secondary schools. Often studies focus on the challenges autistic people face rather than what supports thriving. We reviewed published articles, exploring what factors helped autistic people create a positive experience in school from their own perspective. We identified 36 studies and analysed the direct quotes made by autistic adolescents and adults in these studies. Factors important for positive experience included the autistic student feeling understood and accepted by adults and peers in school, being able to shape sensory and social environments in ways that suited them and accessing engaging activities. This review highlighted ways in which schools can become more inclusive and positive environments for autistic students.
Unmet need for autism-aware care for gynaecological, menstrual and sexual wellbeing
Authors: de Visser Richard O , Mosely Rachel , Gamble-Turner Julie , Hull Laura , Sedgewick Felicity , Featherstone Charlotte , Quint OBE Chella , Freeman Eloise , Karavidas Marianna
Published: October 2024

Autism can make menstruation and menopause and other aspects of reproductive and sexual health (RSH) more difficult. However, healthcare professionals (HCPs) often fail to provide autism-aware care, and often lack the skills or confidence to discuss RSH with patients. This study explored whether autistic people experience particular difficulties and have unmet needs when seeking RSH care. Online surveys consisting of forced-choice items and free-text boxes were completed by 136 autistic adults in the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using standard parametric and non-parametric tests. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The data provide a clear picture of unmet needs for autism-aware healthcare for RSH. The quantitative data and qualitative analysis revealed that respondents felt: (a) uncomfortable discussing menstrual issues, menopause and sexual wellbeing; (b) that HCPs rarely accommodate their sensory needs and communication preferences; and (c) that HCPs rarely demonstrated awareness of how autism can affect RSH. This novel study highlighted widespread unmet needs for appropriate RSH care for autistic people. Effort is required to enhance HCPs’ ability to provide autism-aware care for RSH. The findings could inform the development of resources and training to improve healthcare for autistic people.

Lay abstract

Autistic people often experience difficulties with healthcare, and are more likely than neurotypical people to have unmet healthcare needs. They may also be more likely to find menstruation and menopause more difficult than neurotypical women. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often have insufficient training and support to work with autistic adults, and they often lack the skills or confidence to discuss reproductive and sexual health (RSH) with patients. When these two issues are combined, it would appear that autistic people may experience particular difficulties when seeking RSH care. The aim of this study was to explore autistic people’s experiences of healthcare related to RSH in the United Kingdom. Surveys were distributed with assistance of an autism charity, and were completed by 136 adults. The survey consisted mainly of tick-box responses, but there were also several opportunities for participants to write comments about their experiences. Respondents felt that HCPs almost never seem to know how autism affects their RSH. There was broad agreement that HCPs need to be more aware of the impact of autism on healthcare experiences in general, and the specific impacts of autism on RSH. The data provide a clear picture of unmet needs for autism-aware healthcare for RSH, but further research is required to explore HCPs’ knowledge about how autism affects RSH. Combined with our findings, such research could inform the development of resources and training to improve healthcare for autistic people.
‘Grand designs?’ Investigating the cultural and spatial logics of Channel 4’s media hub workspaces in Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow
Authors: Champion Katherine , Lee David
Published: October 2024

This article explores the evolving spatiality of media production through an analysis of recent developments in UK broadcaster Channel 4’s move to a multi-site operating model. Historically, media buildings have served as landmarks of power and influence, embodying the aspirations and identities of media organisations and, as such, offer a fruitful lens for the specific exploration of the spaces of contemporary media production. Through a detailed analysis of Channel 4’s decision-making process, site selections and the significance of the chosen buildings within areas with an urban regeneration focus, the study investigates the complex interplay between media industry dynamics, regional development policies, and wider political and economic forces. Drawing on a range of academic literature and evidence from media, industry and policy reporting, the article highlights the strategic motivations behind Channel 4’s decentralisation efforts, positioned by the organisation as an effort to address diversity in terms of nations and regions representation but significantly shaped by political factors. However, it also raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability, economic viability and cultural impact of these relocation decisions. The article discusses how Channel 4’s regional media spaces and decentralisation reflect the impermanence and crisis facing Public Service Media, emphasising the shifting power dynamics within the media landscape and the need for adaptive strategies in an increasingly volatile industry environment. By examining the evolving investment in media buildings, this research contributes to a growing body of research seeking to understand the complex dynamics shaping contemporary media landscapes and urban environments.
Foucauldian perspectives on migration and society: The epistemological-political grids of “people” and “population”
Authors: Schwiertz Helge
Published: October 2024

Drawing on Foucault's approach to knowledge and power, this paper aims to strengthen theoretical perspectives on migration and to revise social theories by reflecting on the constitutive role of migration in the formation of society. Differing from studies that use a methodological approach based on Foucault, I draw on his work to develop a constructivist theory of society by examining and problematizing two dominant lenses through which migration is commonly problematized: the epistemological-political grids of the “people,” associated with sovereign power and nationalism, and the “population,” associated with biopower and capitalism. Both grids are crucial for understanding how migration is constructed as a specific object of knowledge and incorporated into mechanisms of power. Taken together, they allow us to reconnect the often separated debates on sovereign power and biopower—or nationalism and capitalism—and to reflect on the central tensions of contemporary migration societies. By highlighting the relevance of border and migration processes that Foucault barely addressed, I open up an alternative perspective on people and populations through an analysis of the marginal figures of “vagabondage” and “bad circulation” that are currently most associated with migration.
A factor analysis based automatic optimization method of vibration sensor points for ship acoustic reconstruction
Authors: Ye Linchang , Liu Yun , Tong Zongpeng , Xia Zhaowang , Fan Wenkun , Zhang Chunyu , Guo Junhua , Shen Jianping
Published: October 2024

To address the challenge associated with optimizing the number and positioning of accelerometer points in ship acoustic reconstruction, factor analysis is applied to the automatic optimization of accelerometer position in this work according to the source independence of ship’s underwater radiated noise. Based on the numerical simulation method that calculates the vibration noise response under specific operation conditions, the minimum number and the optimal position of the accelerometers can be obtained through the factor analysis and multi-parameter comprehensive evaluation method. The results of acoustic reconfiguration and testing are compared using one test cabin as a validation object to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the automatic optimization algorithm can improve the reconstruction accuracy concerning the uniform distribution method. The error is reduced from 15.46% (1.5 dB) to 8.35% (0.8 dB), and the correlation coefficient is improved from 0.86 to 0.89. The semi-automatic optimization method is slightly lower in terms of errors and correlation coefficients compared to the automatic optimization algorithm. After increasing the number of monitoring positions for automatic optimization, the acoustic reconstruction accuracy is further improved, while the average error is reduced to 7.37% (0.7 dB) and the correlation coefficient is improved from 0.89 to 0.92. The experimental results are proximate to the conclusions of the simulation calculation. Even under the circumstance of multi-factor noise interference, the correlation coefficient of multi-position automatic optimization can still reach 0.8, in comparison with the uniform distribution method, the error is reduced from 32.49% (3.4 dB) to 25.94% (2.6 dB). The proposed method effectively captures the dynamic characteristics of complex structures and their impact on underwater radiated noise, and the integration of factor analysis can prominently enhance the computational efficiency, thereby providing technical support for engineering applications to the ship acoustic reconstruction.
What happens to imprisonment rates when a progressive prosecutor is elected: Quasi-experimental evidence from Cook County
Authors: Gottlieb Aaron , Epperson Matt , Giugno Laura , Jung Hye-Min
Published: October 2024

There has been a clear recognition in recent years that the United States' extremely high rates of imprisonment, coupled with significant racial disparities, are problematic. The progressive prosecutor movement has developed in response to these issues and has gained increasing attention over the past decade. Despite the growing importance of the progressive prosecutor movement in criminal legal reform efforts, we know little about the extent to which electing a progressive chief prosecutor actually leads to reductions in overall imprisonment rates and racial disparities in imprisonment, with no studies to our knowledge using data that capture preelection differences in imprisonment trends across jurisdictions. In this study, we begin to fill this gap by examining the implications of the 2016 election of Kim Foxx in Cook County, Illinois, for overall, Black, White, and Latinx imprisonment rates. Employing a quasi-experimental synthetic control approach that accounts for preelection differences in imprisonment trends, our findings suggest that Kim Foxx's election led to a reduction in the imprisonment rate overall, as well as for Black and White individuals. However, our findings suggest that substantial racial disparities in imprisonment persisted after her election.
Transparency and fact-checking in open societies
Authors: Dierickx Laurence , Lindén Carl-Gustav
Published: October 2024

Transparency is more than a motto for professional fact-checkers; it is a professional requirement that permeates their daily practice. Although transparency has been theorised and critiqued extensively in journalism studies, there has been less research on its practical implications for news workers. This paper aims to fill this gap by focusing on fact-checking practices in the Nordic countries. The paper highlights the double-edged sword of transparency by drawing on 14 semistructured interviews with fact-checkers and newsroom managers from the four independent fact-checking organisations in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Transparency is seen as a means to achieve accountability and credibility in reporting and as a tool to hold public figures accountable. However, transparency does not protect Nordic fact-checkers from criticism or harassment for delivering uncomfortable truths. This study also links fact-checkers discourses with the material traces of transparency on their respective websites, showing that transparency can be approached differently in practice. This research provides valuable insights into the nuanced role of transparency in fact-checkers’ daily routines while acknowledging its limitations in that transparency is not without flaws, even in societies characterised by a culture of openness and transparency.
How “helping” can sustain the stigmatization of homeless people
Authors: Kostrzyńska Małgorzata , Littlechild Brian
Published: October 2024

The article presents findings of an ethnographic study carried out in Poland with homeless people living on the street and in a hostel. Interpretative orientation was used to ensure the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about their perspectives. The paper has two aims. First, it reconstructs the limits and risks of “(un)helpful help” and its impact on experiences of stigma. Second, it addresses how good intentions and policy efforts can have negative consequences, drawing on data from two separate research studies. The first research included seven male homeless people living on city streets. The second was carried out with 20 homeless people served by an agency working for homeless people. A qualitative methodology was employed for this critical ethnography, according to which the authors analyzed the data using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Findings

The research revealed a number of support measures which, instead of positively changing their situation from the participants’ points of view, can exacerbate it by further stigmatizing homeless people with support based on helpers’ stigmatizing approaches which can compound homeless people's negative experiences of “help.”

Applications

An understanding of the mechanisms of structural and systemic stigmatization from the participants’ perspectives can help shift responsibility for their situation away from homeless people themselves toward society's responsibility as a whole. It highlights how there needs to be a change of consciousness and approaches within assistance systems, shifting the balance from an asymmetrical to a symmetrical relationship based on partnership and collaboration.
Social workers’ perspectives on anti-Black racism and parenting outcomes for incarcerated pregnant women with substance use histories
Authors: Martinez Noelle G , Kramer Camille T , Hayes Crystal M , Motlagh-Harvey Audry S , Tikofsky Shira Y , Sufrin Carolyn B
Published: October 2024

Black women who use substances face significant barriers to accessing resources and parenting their children, largely as a result of interactions with the criminal legal, child welfare, and healthcare systems. While extensive literature has demonstrated how structural racism and punitive policy approaches underpin the operation and impact of these systems, minimal attention has been paid to how social workers approach child, maternal, and family well-being when interacting with clients who use substances and have been incarcerated. To address this gap, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 19 social workers practicing in jail/prison, community, and hospital settings across the United States.

Findings

Interviews identified the cyclical and intergenerational nature of harms perpetuated through criminal legal, child welfare, and healthcare systems. Participants described structural racism, inadequate resources (i.e., housing), and previous criminal legal and child welfare involvement as compounding barriers to an individual’s ability to parent and maintain recovery, particularly among Black families. Participants described the pervasiveness of structural racism but did not perceive themselves as active participants in perpetuating racist and oppressive structures.

Applications

Social workers engage with Black pregnant women who use substances across diverse practice settings and as such have the potential to both contribute to systemic harms and to champion interventions that target the root causes of inequity. Study findings support structural interventions that dismantle punitive systems and re-center the needs of Black communities, thereby supporting Black mothers in their fundamental right to parent their children.
How much is it about the money? Using facebook to promote a web survey during the COVID-19 pandemic and estimating average response-returns on ad-investments
Authors: de Pedraza Pablo , Suárez Álvarez Ana , Vicente María Rosalía
Published: October 2024

The use of ads posted on online social networks has become a popular strategy to recruit survey participants. This paper quantifies the returns from ad-investments in terms of the number of responses. We use as a case study a survey about living and working conditions that was promoted in Spain via Facebook from March 2020 to October 2021. Results show that the effect of each additional euro invested in Facebooks ads daily generated between 2 and 2.8 additional completed surveys per day. These results are stable and consistent throughout the period we study. Nonetheless, we find that the number of survey responses tended to be significantly higher when the COVID-19 restrictions imposed were tighter. Our findings are relevant and have practical implications for future survey research.
“It Was Kind of Like Everything Was Hitting Rock Bottom All at Once”: The Impacts of Gender-Based Violence on Undergraduate Student Academic Success
Authors: Yates Julia , Nagra Rabani , Mantler Tara
Published: October 2024

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a multilayered problem with well-established health and social consequences. Unique to undergraduate students are the impacts of GBV on their academics. Despite this reality, little is known about how students navigate their academic lives after experiencing GBV. The purpose of this cross-sectional, qualitative study was to explore how GBV impacted undergraduate students’ academics both immediately and over time. Seventeen undergraduate students were interviewed and identified both immediate (i.e., increased difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, avoidance of schoolwork/classes/campus, decreased academic achievement) and long-term (i.e., lower academic standing, crossroads and decisions, reclaiming academic careers) academic consequences of GBV. A timeline of academic impacts emerged providing insight into the trajectory and extent of the consequences that the continuum of violence has on students’ academics. As the crisis of GBV persists on university campuses, it is imperative that academic policies be revised to mitigate the consequences of violence on students’ academics.
Digital Traps: The Critical Role of Online Encounters in the Entrapment of Minors in Sex Trafficking
Authors: Baird Kyla , Connolly Jennifer
Published: October 2024

We are grateful to the Editors of TVA for the opportunity to respond to the commentary on our systematic review of the sex trafficking of minors, specifically regarding the initial recruitment location. Upon revisiting the 7 out of 23 reviewed studies that address recruitment locations, we find that the discrepancy with the commentators’ views stems from differing interpretations of the term “initial.” We affirm that these seven studies, which include the internet as a prominent initial recruitment site, are valid and appropriate for inclusion. We also emphasize that, irrespective of recruitment location, we and the commentators share deep concerns about the severe impact of sex trafficking on minors, recognizing it as a heinous crime against vulnerable populations. Traffickers use both online and in-person methods to manipulate and exploit youth. Our review highlights the internet as a primary platform for traffickers to form relationships with minors, comparable in danger to in-person interactions. The 23 reviewed papers focus on documenting these predatory relationships and the critical role of supportive, healing relationships in prevention and intervention.
Where are Minors Initially Contacted for Sexual Exploitation Grooming in North America? Implications for Prevention Programming
Authors: Halvorsen Jeff
Published: October 2024

Baird and Conolly’s systematic review on North American domestic minor sexual exploitation claimed that the literature most frequently identifies the internet as the initial site of contact. However, in my analysis of their sources, only three of the seven identified studies indicated that the internet was the site of initial recruitment, three studies did not have enough information to make a determination, and one study did not identify the internet as the site of initial recruitment. For the papers that did cite the internet as the initial site of recruitment, most identified the internet as among the least frequent locations of initial recruitment. The internet is not the most frequent location of initial recruitment and correcting this error is important because prevention programs that focus on raising awareness of risks may lead youth to develop a false sense of safety offline and contribute to the moral panic of youth risk online. Rather, prevention programs should focus on healthy relationship skills.
Implications of Constraints on the Language of Emerging Aided Communicators and Intervention Decisions: A Tutorial
Authors: Vento-Wilson Margaret
Published: October 2024

This tutorial offers speech-language pathologists (SLPs) an opportunity to consider the theoretical constructs of language acquisition theory and the multifactorial determinants that can impinge on the language acquisition process for children with complex communication needs. The system of constraints observed through the lens of optimality theory is discussed alongside intrinsic and extrinsic barriers associated with children who acquire their first language simultaneous to their introduction to aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. This examination calls into question whether the language competence of emerging aided communicators may be masked by their ability to produce language that accurately represents their understanding of their native language. Specific to this question is whether vocabularies available to emerging aided communicators, opportunities to access aided language models, and intervention decisions made by SLPs may be implicated in the language acquisition and development process. Suggestions for clinical practice are offered as a means of mitigating adverse outcomes related to extrinsic constraints.
Wnt Signaling: The Next Step on the Road to Anti-Epileptogenic Therapies?
Authors: Moncion Carolina , West Peter J. , Metcalf Cameron S.
Published: October 2024

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“Why Did My Seizures Start Now?”: A Singular Question With Multiple Potential Answers
Authors: Gerard Elizabeth E.
Published: October 2024

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Mitigating Risk, Optimizing Care: Antiseizure Medications, Pregnancy, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk
Authors: Li Yi
Published: October 2024

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Persistent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After RYGB: What Shall we do Next?
Authors: Peristeri Dimitra V. , Rowdhwal Sai Sandeep Singh
Published: October 2024

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the weight loss procedure of choice for obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The long-term prevalence of GORD after RYGB for obesity is underestimated as many post-RYGB patients can still complain of severe reflux symptoms, refractory to medications.

Methods

This is a narrative review using the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome and study strategy. The literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases with the following MeSH terms: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GORD, Obesity, Gastric bypass, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, complication, and fundoplication.

Results

Twelve original papers and case report studies on 57 patients who met the inclusion criteria were suitable for the present review. Reporting styles on successful treatment outcomes were heterogeneous. Treatment options for these patients are limited but include further surgical or endoscopic interventions. Careful follow-up and appropriate management are paramount for this population.

Conclusion

There is significant paucity in the available evidence on managing GORD after RYGB. This narrative review provides a detailed overview of the underlying causes, discusses the various endoscopic and surgical therapy options, and suggests strategies to provide tailored and appropriate therapy for this complex group of patients.
Participant Use of Artificial Intelligence in Online Focus Groups: An Experiential Account
Authors: Stafford Lucy , Preston Catherine , Pike Alexandra C.
Published: October 2024

Large language models (LLMs), one application of artificial intelligence, experienced a surge in users between 2022–2023. During this time, we were conducting online focus groups in which participants insisted on responding using the chat box feature. Based on several chat box responses, we became concerned they were LLM generated. Out of the 42 participants who typed a chat box response during a focus group, we identify 9 as potentially providing LLM generated answers and present their responses with the highest similarity score to an LLM answer. Given the growth and improvement in LLMs, we believe that this issue is likely to increase in frequency. In response to this, in this article we reflect on (1) strategies to prevent participants from using LLMs, (2) indicators LLMs may be being used, (3) the fallibility of identifying LLM generated responses, (4) philosophical frameworks that may permit LLM responses to be incorporated into analyses, and (5) procedures researchers may follow to evaluate the influence of LLM responses on their results.
Principle and pressure loss experiment of electro-hydraulic slide-rotary direction valve in single-pump and multi-motor hydraulic system
Authors: Gao Junfeng , Shi Yiqing , Xu Yuepeng , Shao Changbin , Yuan Hongxia , Li Zhuo , Zheng Chen
Published: October 2024

To better realize direction control of the single-pump double-motor hydraulic system and simplify the system, structure and principle of a six-position six-way direction control valve was proposed, which the valve spool has two motion modes: sliding and rotating. Using this valve, the inner and outer motors can work independently and simultaneously. The pressure loss of the valve was tested by building a transmission system, and the experiment results were compared with theoretical analysis. The results show that the performance of the valve working in left and right positions is better than that in meso-position, and the maximum pressure loss occurred in meso-position. Under the rated flow, the maximum pressure loss is 0.331 MPa. Then the characteristic curve of flow-pressure loss and the relationship of pressure loss among oil ports are obtained. In the same conditions, except that the oil inlet pressure loss in the meso-position is greater than the oil outlet pressure loss, the oil inlet pressure loss in the left and right positions are less than the oil outlet pressure loss, the pressure loss in the forward position is less than the pressure loss in the reverse position. The experiment verifies the correctness and feasibility of the structure and principle.
Informing community pharmacists on COPD case-finding methods: A scoping review
Authors: Idowu Omowumi , Sebastianski Meghan , Kung Janice Y. , Yuksel Nese , Schindel Theresa J. , Tsuyuki Ross T. , So Randy , Makhinova Tatiana
Published: October 2024

Background:

Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a strategy to address the increasing human and economic costs of this condition. This study aimed to inform pharmacists’ case-finding strategies by providing an overview of case-finding approaches by health care practitioners.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA ScR) guidelines. Included studies were analyzed under the following themes: population characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, setting, case-finding strategies and yield, health care practitioners involved, interprofessional collaboration and the provision of preventive services. Studies were then characterized by highest yields (the weighted average of each approach expressed as a percentage of the total number of new COPD cases divided by the total number of patients screened using the same approach).

Results:

The screening process produced 170 eligible studies. Twenty case-finding approaches with average yields of new COPD cases ranging from 3.8% to 29% were identified. The approach with the highest yield involved the use of a questionnaire, peak flow meter and pre–post spirometry. In 14 of these approaches, the process was initiated with the use of questionnaires. In many of the studies, case-finding was targeted at high-risk and/or symptomatic patients. Characteristics of studies with the highest case-finding yields included provider education/training, patient education, active screening, multistep approaches to case-finding, provider engagement, diagnostic criteria by guidelines and engagement of other health care practitioners.

Conclusion:

In our scoping review of case-finding methods for patients with COPD, we found the greatest yield from pre–post spirometry following initial screening with a peak flow meter and questionnaire. Pharmacists and health researchers can use these approaches to identify high-risk patients for interventions.
Successful completion of large, low-cost randomized cancer trials at an academic cancer center
Authors: Vickers Andrew J , Ehdaie Behfar , Tokita Hanae K , Nelson Jonas , Matros Evan , Pusic Andrea L , D’Angelica Michael
Published: October 2024

Background:

Concerns about low accrual have long been a standard part of the discourse on cancer clinical trials, reaching even as far as the news media. Indeed, so many trials are closed before completing accrual that a cottage industry has recently developed creating statistical models to predict trial failure. We previously proposed four methodologic fixes for the current crisis in clinical trials: (1) dramatically reducing the number of eligibility criteria, (2) using data routinely collected in clinical practice for trial endpoints; then lowering barriers to accrual by (3) cluster randomization or (4) staged consent.

Methods:

We report our practical experience of applying these fixes to randomized trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Results:

We have completed seven single-center randomized trials, with several more underway and accruing rapidly, with a total accrual approaching 10,000. Many of the trials have compared surgical interventions, an area where trials have traditionally been hard to complete. Only one of these trials was externally funded. While low costs were possible due to the existing research infrastructure at our institution, such infrastructure is common at major cancer centers.

Conclusions:

Further research on innovative clinical trial designs is warranted, particularly in higher-stakes settings, and in trials of medical and radiotherapy interventions.
Leadership and the ethics of hope: Václav Havel and the Charter 77 human rights movement in Czechoslovakia
Authors: Hayden Joshua M
Published: October 2024

Hope as a feature in both authentic and spiritual leadership theory has become a diminished moral concept, departing from its philosophical and theological roots, and distorted by excessive positivity, success, instrumentalization, cultural bias, and ideology. Following Ciulla’s (2014) assertion that biography can do much to inform leadership theory, this paper contributes a richer understanding of hope through the though case of Václav Havel and the Charter 77 human rights movement in Czechoslovakia using French existentialist Gabriel Marcel’s ethics of hope. Five elements of Marcel’s philosophy demonstrate hope’s transforming vulnerability amidst technological control, relationship with despair, active presence, creative fidelity, and transcending power in love. Examining Czechoslovakia’s human rights movement through the lens of Marcellian ethics provides insight into the role of absurdity and truth-telling as a precursor to hope, taking responsibility for failure, overcoming fear through the “solidarity of the shaken,” creative fidelity through living in truth and using humor, and love manifesting as sacrifice and openness to seeing one’s contribution to the moral contamination of society under totalitarianism.
Inclusive leadership toward reshaping corporate purpose for sustainable development
Authors: Fujimoto Yuka , Azmat Fara , Uddin Jasim
Published: October 2024

This paper delves into the complex relationship between business leadership, sustainability, and inclusivity, representing a step toward developing a more inclusive leadership approach to sustainable development that fosters shared power relations between business leaders and marginalized members of society. With environmental and social conditions worsening, it is urgent for corporations to move away from the neoliberal profit-maximization models advocated by Milton Friedman and instead prioritize humanity and the environment. This shift requires a fundamental restructuring of businesses to move beyond profit maximization and address societal power imbalances by including all stakeholders. Our inclusive leadership for sustainable development framework, rooted in symbolic interactionism, offers a holistic lens for including marginalized groups. At the microlevel, it focuses on business leaders’ personas, characterized by pro-demographic diversity and biodiversity, cognitive complexity for sustainable development, and social empathy, which can potentially create a macro-level impact. These characteristics, accompanied by macro perspectives toward repurposing corporations away from neoliberalism, would be a step forward in cultivating shared power dynamics between business leaders and marginalized communities for the betterment of society.
Level of nurse–nurse collaboration and influencing factors in Türkiye and Italy: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Çelik Durmuş Serpil , Gülnar Emel , Marcomini Ilaria , Özveren Hüsna , Tessadori Beatrice , Locatelli Giulia , Sponton Anna
Published: October 2024

Background:

Collaboration between nurses is crucial in improving quality in healthcare and plays a key role in increasing nurses’ job satisfaction.

Objectives:

Our study aimed to investigate the level of collaboration between nurses working in Turkey and Italy and its related factors. The study also deepened the point of view of clinical nurses and nurse managers on this topic.

Methods:

This study was carried out as mixed-methods research including both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study’s quantitative sample included 348 clinical nurses. The Nurse–Nurse Collaboration Scale was used to collect quantitative data. Five open-ended questions were used to analyse the nurses’ point of view about intraprofessional collaboration. Individual interviews were conducted with 10 clinical nurses and 10 nurse managers.

Results:

Nurse–nurse collaboration was above the cut off value in both countries. However, significant inter-country differences were found in the collaboration subscales. Qualitative results emphasised that personal characteristics, a specific training in collaboration, the opportunities for comparison and mutual consultation during working shifts may affect the level of collaboration. Nurse managers argued that factors such as manpower planning, suitable working conditions, sufficient materials, empathy, job satisfaction, motivation and effective communication affect collaboration.

Conclusion:

Greater efforts should be made to implement collaboration between nurses in healthcare settings. Our results help healthcare services in implementing new collaboration policies.
Elevated risk of end-stage kidney disease in stroke patients: A population-based observational study
Authors: Chun Sohyun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Bongseong , Lee Dagyeong , Cho In Young , Choi Hea Lim , Park Jun Hee , Jeon Junseok , Jang Hye Ryoun , Shin Dong Wook
Published: October 2024

Background:

Estimating the incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in stroke survivors is important to assess and predict clinical course, improve post-stroke quality of life, and ultimately reduce health burden.

Aim:

Our objective was to assess the risk of ESKD in patients compared to a matched stroke-free control cohort.

Methods:

A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted in 315,326 stroke subjects and 390,781 matched stroke-free control subjects. Health examination results and claims data were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service during 2010–2018. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of ESKD in the stroke cohort.

Results:

During a mean follow-up period of 4.3 years, the incidence of ESKD was 1.83 per 100,000 person-years in the stroke cohort versus 0.57 per 100,000 person-years in the control cohort. The stroke cohort exhibited a significantly higher risk of developing ESKD compared to the matched control, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.67–1.93). Stroke survivors were associated with a higher risk of developing ESKD, regardless of the severity of disability (aHRs of 1.93, 95% CI = 1.69–2.21 for severe disability; 1.71, 95% CI = 1.41–2.07 for mild disability; and 1.78, 95% CI = 1.65–1.92 for no disability), compared to the matching control cohort. The elevated risk was observed in both hemorrhagic stroke (aHR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.73–2.23) and ischemic stroke (aHR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.62–1.89).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that stroke patients have a significantly higher risk of incident ESKD. This highlights the need for heightened clinical awareness and improved monitoring of kidney function in this population.
Serum transthyretin levels and disease activity in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Peng You-Fan , Lu Fei-Yan , Deng Yi-Bin
Published: October 2024

Background:

A strong association has been demonstrated between serum transthyretin (TTR) levels and autoimmune diseases. However, there is limited information regarding the role of serum TTR in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Objectives:

This study was designed to explore the association between serum TTR and disease activity in patients with pSS.

Design:

This study was a retrospective observational study.

Methods:

This study included 84 patients with pSS and 135 age- and sex-matched healthy controls retrospectively, and collected data were analyzed. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and Clinical ESSDAI (ClinESSDAI) scores were used to assess the disease activity in patients with pSS.

Results:

Serum TTR levels were significantly lower in patients with pSS than those in healthy controls (181.9 ± 69.2 vs 241.8 ± 48.9 mg/L, p < 0.001). Serum TTR levels were significantly and negatively correlated with ESSDAI ( r = −0.385, p < 0.001) and ClinESSDAI ( r = −0.340, p = 0.002) scores in patients with pSS, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that serum TTR was significantly associated with ESSDAI (Beta = −0.248, p = 0.017) and ClinESSDAI (Beta = −0.215, p = 0.036) scores in patients with pSS, respectively.

Conclusion:

Serum TTR is a potential marker for assessing disease activity in patients with pSS, which may contribute to the clinical management of pSS.
Conversational leadership in toddler-educator talk and its potential to promote learning
Authors: Brand Natalie , Djonov Emilia , Degotardi Sheila
Published: October 2024

It is well-established that toddlers make sense of things when they talk with their educators. While previous research has explored how educators’ talk shapes young children’s learning, less in known about how toddlers participate in conversations with educators and what learning opportunities their participation affords. In this study, we video-recorded and qualitatively examined naturalistic conversations between 12 two-year-old toddlers and their educators. Attending to both toddlers and educators, we first coded each conversation for its communicative purpose and language features, which allowed us to identify eight types of toddler-educator conversations. We then examined the conversations with a focus on who exercised ‘conversational leadership’, that is who influenced the topic and communication purpose (determined by intent and language features) in each conversation. We found that in three conversation types conversational leadership belonged to toddlers, in another three to educators, and in the remaining two to both. We also examined the potential of each option of conversational leadership distribution to provide toddlers with learning opportunities to either demonstrate their knowledge or create new knowledge. Our findings support a broader understanding of toddlers’ agency in shaping their own learning. The findings can inform and help to validate educators’ efforts to enrich their conversations with toddlers as an effective learning-promoting pedagogy.