bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sociodemographic Profile of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness in Kerala – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Thavody Jayakrishnan , Sujina CM  , Chandran Priya , Shibu Kamar TM  , Tharayil Harish M , Mohan Neethu , Prabakaran Anusha
Published: February 2023

Background:

Older adults with serious mental illness (OASMI) have to manage the twin challenges of old age and mental illness. Understanding their characteristics will help policymakers and researchers plan tailored interventions. The profile of OASMI is not described in any publication from India, and this paper addresses that gap. The information from this study will serve as a baseline for the planned periodic follow-up of the study participants.

Methods:

This study employed a cross- sectional design among a sample of OASMI identified through multistage cluster sampling from three districts in Kerala. We interviewed them in their households and collected sociodemographic data using a pretested tool.

Results:

Among the 917 OASMI participants, 66% were females, 18% were the ‘oldest-old’ (≥80 years), 94.1% were unemployed, 51.7% were socially backward, 68.5% were financially weak, 10.1% were living alone, 59.4% were living without partners, and 63.7% had caregivers.

Conclusion:

Compared to the general population of older adults in Kerala, the OASMI have poorer socioeconomic status and higher rates of social isolation, and males are dying earlier. The profile of the OASMI depicts their multiple vulnerabilities and the need to address those.
Association of Social Network Characteristics with Substance Use among College-Going Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pradeep Kumar P.C.  , Antony Sojan , Murthy Pratima , Thirumoorthy A. , Philip Mariamma
Published: February 2023

Background:

Family members, peers, and significant others are part of a college student’s social network. This cross-sectional study aimed to Assess substance use prevalence and patterns among college students, Compare the social network characteristics of substance users (SUs) and non-users (NUs), and Explore the association of social factors with substance use.

Methods:

The study involved 902 students from 11 Government and aided private degree colleges. Demographic and clinical data sheet, ASSIST, and Social Network Questionnaire were used to collect the data.

Results:

Prevalence of substance use was 26.9% and higher among males (21.5%). Alcohol (20%) and tobacco (15.5%) were the commonly used substances. SUs’ network was composed of unmarried persons (p<0.002), male members (p<0.001), and friends (p<0.001) with substance use. In contrast, the NUs’ network comprised parents (p<0.016) and siblings (p<0.001). NUs had a higher number of influential members in the network, whereas SUs had more closeness with members and received higher financial support (p<0.001). Participant’s age (OR 1.27), family history of substance use (OR 2.46), parents’ occupation (Business: OR 1.79, being employee in the government or industry: OR 1.76),and having three substance-using members in the network (OR .211) were found to be risk factors.

Conclusion:

Social network has an association with substance use among college students. Social-network-based interventions may benefit them.
Understanding Statistical Noise in Research: 2. Noise in Clinical Trials and Observational Studies
Authors: Andrade Chittaranjan
Published: February 2023

The previous article in this series explained basic concepts related to statistical signals and statistical noise in research. This article explains statistical noise in the context of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies and offers suggestions on how noise in such studies may be reduced so as to better detect and understand the signal. Postrandomization bias related to RCTs and confounding in observational studies are discussed. Examples are provided to facilitate understanding.
Social Bandwidth: When and Why Are Social Interactions Energy Intensive?
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A. , Dominguez Jess , Merolla Andy J. , Otmar Christopher D.
Published: February 2023

This manuscript identifies the characteristics of a social interaction or social event that make it energy intensive and explores the experience of recovering from an energy-intensive interaction. Study One ( N = 309) used an inductive approach to identify social interactions or events that were energy intensive. Study Two ( N = 120) used an experience sampling method to explore overall energy expense in everyday conversations ( N = 3,092). Communication episode, more choice to interact, less familiarity of partners, and greater feelings of connection and disconnection predicted energy intensiveness. Results suggest that people seek solitude after an energy-intensive interaction, and the disconnection felt in the interaction influences desire for company when alone. Overall, social exclusion and communication content are important components in explaining the multi-faceted nature of energy-intensive interactions.
Do farmers use climate information in adaptation decisions? case of smallholders in semi-arid Kenya
Authors: Matere Stella , Busienei John R , Irungu Patrick , Ernest Mbatia Oliver Lee , Nandokha Tabeel , Kwena Kizito
Published: February 2023

Integration of climate information in farm-level adaptation decision is crucial to manage climate change induced risks. The Government of Kenya is mandated to manage and disseminate climate information to enhance adaptation to climate change. However, the use of climate information on farm-level adaptation has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to: identify the climate information accessed by farmers, establish the association between using climate information and the adaptation strategies adopted, examine the factors influencing adaptation decisions, find out how climate information were used and the benefits and constraints of using the information . Data was collected from 432 households randomly selected from semi-arid areas in Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties. The Multivariate probit model was used to analyse data. The results showed that farmers accessed short and medium-term forecasts; decadal forecasts and agrometeorological advisories. There was a significant association between using climate information and the climate change adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers. Demographic, socio-economic and institutional factors significantly influenced farmers’ adaptation decisions. Farmers used the climate information for tactical, short-term farm operations. Benefits of using climate information were manifested in reduced crop loss, increased yield and farm revenue. However, farmers’ use of climate information was constraint by economic and technical factors. The study recommends that the Government enforces policies that empowers farmers to access the requisite farm inputs and facilitate the provision of agrometeorological advisories to increase local-level utility of climate information. The Government should formulate and implement policies that strengthen the provision of timely, simplified and adequately actionable climate information that suit farmers‘ climate change adaptation needs.
Validation of the Measure of Emotions by Music (MEM)
Authors: Hanigan Éric , Bonneville-Roussy Arielle , Dupuis Gilles , Fortin Christophe
Published: February 2023

If music connects to our most resonant emotional strings, why have not we used it to assess emotions? Our goal was to develop and validate the Measure of Emotions by Music (MEM). A total of 280 participants were randomly assigned to MEM Condition 1 (excerpts) or MEM Condition 2 (excerpts and adjectives). All participants responded to the PANAS-X. The internal consistency (α) of the MEM subscales (Happy, Sad, Scary, Peaceful) was in acceptable-to-strong range and similar to the PANAS-X. Construct validity of the MEM illustrated cohesive convergence to the PANAS-X. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the validity of a four-factor solution, as intended in the MEM. Split-half reliability shows good fidelity. A total of 69% of the respondents mentioned a preference for the MEM. The MEM demonstrates very good psychometric characteristics, seems to be an appreciated way to measure emotional states and may represent an interesting alternative for clinical groups having difficulties to identify their emotion with words.
The MISE method: A new communicative approach for evaluating and training singing through mental imagery—Executive implications
Authors: Morales-Villar Mª del Coral , Sáez-Zea Carmen , Fernández-Pascual Rosaura , Comino-Crespo Francisco José , Vélez-Toral Mercedes
Published: February 2023

Describing the qualities of a singer’s voice is a challenging task, even for experts. Voice pedagogues usually evaluate vocal qualities through auditions, after which they make subjective judgments. As a means of communication, language has limitations in expressing concrete sound sensations, and sometimes such a description can be abstract for the singer. Our work aims to design and validate a new educational approach for vocal assessment and training, using the Mental Images for Singing Education (MISE Method). In addition, we analyze whether this pedagogical methodology favors the improvement of vocal technique and the learning of concepts according to the level of experience of the students and their executive performance. Our results show that the introduction of mental imagery produces beneficial effects in the teaching and learning of vocal techniques, regardless of the initial performance level. This makes the MISE Method an effective assessment and training tool, allowing the formalization of a communication language hitherto used intuitively in the singing classroom. However, our results were inconclusive at the cognitive level, so future research is needed to expand the study of executive processes according to the type of mental images used.
Operation clean up: A model for eco-leadership and sustainability implementation
Authors: Davies Jessica F , Seglenieks Richard , Cameron Rose , Kuruvilla Niketh A , Grove Emma M , Shrivathsa Archana , Grobler Sophia
Published: February 2023

Healthcare contributes to environmental harm. Trainee-led Research and Audit in Anaesthesia for Sustainable Healthcare (TRA2SH) is an Australasian network focused on sustainable anaesthesia practice. TRA2SH hypothesised that trainee-led audits alongside education presented on a scheduled national day, called Operation Clean Up, can improve engagement with sustainability initiatives. This paper aims to describe the first two years of Operation Clean Up in terms of goals, achievements and data collected so far. Environmental themes for Operation Clean Up were chosen based on available evidence (life cycle analyses and observational studies). The first Operation Clean Up (OCU 2020) focused on reducing the unnecessary use of single-use disposable absorbent pads (known as ‘blueys’ in Australia, ‘greenies’ in New Zealand). OCU 2021 included: refuse desflurane, reduce bluey use, reuse drug trays, and recycle paper and cardboard. TRA2SH provided an information pack to trainees who presented educational material to their department and fed back procurement figures to quantify each item. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse de-identified pooled data submitted to a centralised database.

Eight departments submitted data for OCU 2020 and six provided follow-up data. Bluey use was reduced from a median of 37 to 34 blueys per ten surgical encounters. Fifteen departments submitted pre-campaign data for OCU 2021 with follow-up data to be collected during OCU 2022. Baseline data showed a median bluey use of 31 per ten surgical encounters. Volatile-related emissions were calculated; desflurane’s proportion was 70% of these emissions yet was 11% of volatile procurement. Two participating departments removed desflurane from their formulary following OCU 2021. Operation Clean Up is a practical model for implementing sustainability initiatives using trainees as eco-leaders.
The financial and environmental impact of purchased anaesthetic agents in an Australian tertiary hospital
Authors: Davies Jessica F , Trajceska Ljubiana , Weinberg Laurence
Published: February 2023

Anaesthetic agents have various financial and environmental impacts. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human health, and anaesthetic gases contribute to global heating by acting as greenhouse gases. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the financial and environmental impacts of anaesthesia maintenance agents used during surgery in an Australian university teaching hospital. The volume of desflurane, sevoflurane, isoflurane and propofol purchased by a university teaching hospital between 2010 and 2020 was analysed and described in terms of financial and environmental impact. Estimated carbon emissions and financial costs of each agent per annum were calculated using the volumes purchased for each agent. A model of ideal anaesthetic agent usage was used to hypothesise the financial and environmental impact of replacing desflurane (the most environmentally damaging and expensive agent) with alternative agents. Using 2019 as an example year at our health service, replacing desflurane with low flow sevoflurane would save greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving over 1.4 million kilometres in an average petrol car. Removing desflurane from machines at our institution could save an estimated A$14,630 per annum through reduced machine testing alone. Our findings and calculations indicate that reducing the use of desflurane would have both financial and environmental benefits for healthcare.
Perioperative oxygen administration in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery under general anaesthesia in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Frei Daniel R , Beasley Richard , Campbell Douglas , Leslie Kate , Merry Alan , Moore Matthew , Myles Paul S , Ruawai-Hamilton Laura , Short Timothy G , Sibanda Nokuthaba , Young Paul J
Published: February 2023

The practice of anaesthetists relating to the administration of intraoperative oxygen has not been previously quantified in Australia and New Zealand. The optimal regimen of intraoperative oxygen administration to patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia is not known, and international recommendations for oxygen therapy are contradictory; the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend administering an intraoperative fraction of inspired oxygen of at least 0.8, while the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, British Thoracic Society, and Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand recommend a more restrictive approach. We conducted a prospective observational study to describe the pattern of intraoperative oxygen administration among anaesthetists in Australia and New Zealand and, second, to determine the proportion of anaesthetists who administer intraoperative inspired oxygen in accordance with the WHO recommendations. We identified 150 anaesthetists from ten metropolitan hospitals in Australia and New Zealand and observed the patterns of intraoperative oxygen administration to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) 3 or 4 patients undergoing prolonged surgery under general anaesthesia. The median (interquartile range) intraoperative time-weighted mean fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) for all participants in the study was 0.47 (0.40–0.55). Three out of 150 anaesthetists (2%, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 5.7) administered an average intraoperative FiO2 of at least 0.8. These findings indicate that most anaesthetists routinely administer an intermediate level of oxygen for ASA 3 or 4 adult patients undergoing prolonged surgery in Australia and New Zealand, rather than down-titrating inspired oxygen to a target pulse oximetry reading (SpO2) or administering liberal perioperative oxygen therapy in line with the current WHO recommendation.
Resveratrol suppresses lipopolysaccharide-mediated activation of osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cells by increasing miR-181a-5p expression
Authors: Xue Hai-Yan , Liu Ming-Wei , Yang Guang
Published: February 2023

Resveratrol (Res) has anti-inflammation and antiosteoporosis functions. We evaluated the effect of Res on osteoclast differentiation by releasing inflammatory cytokines from osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the study, LPS (1 ng/L) was used to induce the Raw 264.7 inflammatory injury model in vitro. A total of 25 ng/mL M-CSF + 30 ng/mL RANKL or plus 1 μg/L LPS was used to induce osteoclastogenesis in the experiments. We utilized the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to measure the relative cell survival of RAW 264.7 cells. Then, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilized to measure the abundance of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6. Subsequently, Western blot analysis was applied to assess the abundance of phosphorylated transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (P-TAK1) protein, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein (IκB), phosphorylated IκB-α (P-IκB-α), and nuclear factor κB65 (NF-κB65). mRNA expression levels of miR-181a-5p, TRAF6, specific gene calcitonin receptor (CTR), activated T nuclear factor 1 (NFATC1), cathepsin K (CTSK), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were determined via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Osteoclast bone resorption function was determined. Finally, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed.The results found that Compared with the model group, the degrees of expressions of supernatant inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were substantially attenuated in the Res treatment group ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, the extent of miR-181a-5p expression in the RAW 264.7 cells significantly increased, whereas P-IκB-α, P-TAK1, NF-κB65, and TRAF6 expressions significantly decreased in the Res treatment group as opposed to the model group ( p < 0.05). The CTR, NFATC1, MMP-9, CTSK, and TRAP mRNA expression levels were substantially reduced during osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in the Res treatment group.The results suggest that Res can reduce the RAW 264.7 cell differentiation into osteoclasts and relieve LPS-stimulated osteoporosis, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the Res-inhibited activity of the TRAF6/TAK1 pathway through the increased miR-181a-5p expression.
Characterization of recycled end-of-life rubber tire filled with black slag
Authors: Gobetti Anna , Cornacchia Giovanna , Petrogalli Candida , Kerschbaumer Roman C , La Monica Marco , Ramorino Giorgio
Published: February 2023

To date, discarded tires are reused in many applications, however, because of the enormous quantity decommissioned annually, it is essential to continue researching new recycling methods as well as applications to reduce waste and preserve new resources. In the present study, a simple recycling technology of end-of-life tire (ELT) powder is proposed, and the influence of steel slag as filler is assessed. Europe produces about 7 Mt of steel slag annually, and although most of it is reused as an artificial aggregate, about 15% is still landfilled. Also in the case of steel slag, the study of new applications is mandatory so that the combination of these two waste materials, in a 100% recycled composite fits across different industrial sectors facing the same environmental issue. It was found that the leaching of the slag incorporated in the rubber matrix is reduced and that the ELT powder recycled by this technology gives rise to a well-cohesive material. A good rubber-filler interaction was found by swelling test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The slag reduces the friction coefficient and increases the thermal conductivity. The experimental results showed how some properties of recycled ELT can be improved by adding the steel slag.
A new approach for quantifying ecological sustainability in waste management by using the method of modelling
Authors: Strakos Christian , Bauer Elias , Marx Clara , Weihrich Richard
Published: February 2023

Human activity has an ever-increasing impact on the environment. In order to understand all processes and interactions behind this change, one has to analyze the environmental impact. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are one way to achieve this, which, however, are time-consuming and often associated with high costs, as well as the requirement of specialized knowledge and software. This paper introduces a model, which allows an initial assessment. The model enables a more pragmatic way and may be considered as a first step in order to implement ecological sustainability considerations into companies. Based on a real-world problem, namely the disposal of foundry dust, the model is explained in a vivid manner.
In-situ health monitoring of thermoplastic bio-composites using acoustic emission
Authors: Allagui Sami , El Mahi Abderrahim , Rebiere Jean-Luc , Bouguecha Anas , Haddar Mohamed
Published: February 2023

This article aims to accomplish research’s that has been achieved recently in the scientific community on the manufacturing monitoring and structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite materials using in-situ piezoelectric sensors. A series of specimens of flax/Elium composite laminates with and without integrated piezoelectric sensors were subject to static and fatigue tensile tests. The effects of introducing the sensor into the composite materials were studied. Moreover, the Acoustic Emission (AE) method was used during experimental tests to follow the gradual degradation and damage evolution in the bio-composites. The AE data were analyzed by the k-means unsupervised pattern recognition algorithm. Moreover, the characteristics of the acoustic signals detected from specimens with and without integrated sensors were compared. The experimental results show that the integration of piezoelectric sensors within the flax/Elium composite without degrading its mechanical properties is possible. In addition, the integrated sensor shows good results regarding class detection and separation. The in-situ health monitoring methods performed on bio-composites presents an excellent alternative to the conventional technique in which sensors are generally bonded to the material surface.
Talking About (My) Generation: The Use of Generation as Rhetorical History in Family Business
Authors: Lubinski Christina , Gartner William B.
Published: February 2023

The concept of “generation” in family business scholarship is primarily used genealogically to reflect family lineage. This approach fails to account for complementary perspectives that are more established in history: “generation” as a category of societal belonging and a form of rhetorical history. Using a constitutive history approach, we identify four usages of “generation” by which these narratives can establish continuity or change in how families talk about themselves and foreground either family dynamics or embeddedness in societal developments. The form of historical narratives and how they mark time, we argue, is core to understanding rhetorical history processes.
Heat and mass transfer in thin film flow of Casson nanofluid over an unsteady stretching sheet
Authors: Govindasamy Gomathy , Bangalore Rushi Kumar
Published: February 2023

Thin films are frequently employed to enhance the surface characteristics of solids. A thin coating can improve corrosion, reflection, absorption, transmission, pervasion, and electrical behaviour. Nanotechnology also relies on thin-film technologies. Our current investigation aims to examine the heat and mass transfer rate of the thin liquid film of Casson nanofluid past a stretching sheet. A study is conducted on the effect of Casson nanoparticles on thermophoretic force and Brownian force. This study’s key insight is introducing the porous medium in the thin film flow. Similarity variables are used to convert governing nonlinear partial differential equations into dimensionless ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta fourth-order method along with the shooting technique. Impact on the unsteady, magnetic field, permeability, thermal radiation, Brownian motion, and thermophoretic parameter are discussed graphically with the aid of MATLABR® bvp4c solver to demonstrate their effects on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The findings demonstrate that increasing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decreases the velocity profile. Also, we find that increasing [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] enhances the temperature profile. Our findings are in great accord with previous research.
Fault detection of automobile suspension system using decision tree algorithms: A machine learning approach
Authors: Arun Balaji P , Sugumaran V
Published: February 2023

The study aims to detect multiple faults that are exhibited by suspension system components during prolonged usage. Faults such as strut worn out, strut external damage, strut mount fault, lower arm ball joint fault, lower arm bush worn out and tie rod ball joint fault were considered in this study. A novel approach is proposed in the present study that involves vibration signals and machine learning techniques to identify various suspension system faults. Vibration signals were acquired for different fault conditions (as mentioned above) at three different load conditions by a specially fabricated experimental setup. Statistical features were extracted from the acquired vibration signals from which the most significant features were selected using J48 decision tree algorithm. The selected features were provided as input to the tree-based family of algorithms to determine the best in class classification algorithm for suspension fault diagnosis. The results obtained enumerate that the random forest classifier produces the best classification accuracy for all the load conditions (no load, half load, and full load) with values of 95.88%, 94.88%, and 92.01%, respectively. Finally, the performance of the proposed classification model is compared with other state-of-the-art machine learning classifiers.
Predefined-time attitude takeover control of spacecraft with quantized states
Authors: Shi Mingyue , Wu Baolin , Xu Chuang
Published: February 2023

This article addresses the problem of predefined-time attitude takeover control (PTATC) of spacecraft by using cellular satellites with limited inter-satellite communication capacity. To reduce the communication burden in the wireless networks, a dynamic uniform quantizer is employed to quantize the attitude signals and angular velocity signals measured by the sensor cellular satellites (SCSs). Besides, a static uniform quantizer is used to quantize the control torque signal generated by the controller cellular satellite (CCS). A predefined-time quantized attitude control law is designed, which can compensate for the quantization error. The proposed PTATC scheme can reduce the communication burden among the cellular satellites and achieve the desired angular velocity and attitude of the combined spacecraft within the predefined-time on the premise of ensuring the system performance. Under the proposed control law, all the signals in the closed-loop system can converge into a bounded region within a predefined-time. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Design and performance evaluation of a novel H2/O2 electro-chemical hybrid thruster
Authors: Wang Xiaoshun , Zhao Chengren , Huang Huijun , Fang Jinyong
Published: February 2023

A H2/O2 electro-chemical hybrid thruster with a novel design for efficient coupling of hydrogen–oxygen detonation combustion and plasma acceleration is constructed and tested. The comprehensive effects of various parameters, such as the delay time, the background pressure, the capacitance, the external magnetic field, and the propellant mass flow rate, on the performance of the thruster have been explored in single-pulse mode. Several strategies for enhancing the efficiency have been proposed. It is found that, by adding an external magnetic field and decreasing the storage capacitor under the low pressure of 30 Pa and higher single-pulse gas intake at appropriate delay time, the average thrust and efficiency can be enhanced up to 73.2 mN and 15.58%, respectively. In addition, the maximal specific impulse of 676 s is also achieved. The results strongly indicate the great potential of the proposed electro-chemical hybrid thruster in achieving large thrust and high-level specific impulse.
Assessment of bidirectional relationships between systemic lupus erythematosus and anxiety disorder: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zheng Lingxin , Yang Kepeng
Published: February 2023

Background

Observational studies have demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anxiety disorder, but the causal relationship between them is not so clearly established. This study aims to reveal the potential causal link between SLE and anxiety disorder.

Methods

Summary statistical data of SLE and anxiety disorder were from two large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of European ancestry, followed by a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the main method to evaluate causal effects, while MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were supplementary methods. Outliers were excluded by MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO). Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis were used to evaluate the stability of the results.

Results

According to the results of IVW, we did not observe that there was a statistically significant causal association between genetically predicted SLE and the risk of anxiety disorder (OR = 1.000, 95%CI = 0.992 to 1.008, p =.997). Conversely, there were no causal effects between anxiety disorder and SLE risk (OR = 1.000, 95%CI = 0.992 to 1.008, p = .997). A similar result was obtained by supplementing the MR method. In addition, sensitivity analysis indicated high stability of the result.

Conclusion

Bidirectional two-sample MR study does not support the causal relationship between SLE and anxiety disorder.
Refined moderation analysis with binary outcomes in precision medicine research
Authors: Anto Eric , Su Xiaogang
Published: February 2023

Moderation analysis for evaluating differential treatment effects serves as the bedrock of precision medicine, which is of growing interest in many fields. In the analysis of data with binary outcomes, we observe an interesting symmetry property concerning the ratio of odds ratios, which suggests that heterogeneous treatment effects could be equivalently estimated via a role exchange between the outcome and treatment variable in logistic regression models. We then obtain refined inference on moderating effects by rearranging data and combining two models into one via a generalized estimating equation approach. The improved efficiency is helpful in addressing the lack-of-power problem that is common in the search for important moderators. We investigate the proposed method by simulation and provide an illustration with data from a randomized trial on wart treatment.
Vikaspur Knowledge Centre: Micro-Politics in a Community-Based Organization
Authors: Kumar T. , Mishra Pradeep Kumar
Published: February 2023

The knowledge centres (KC) established by Development Research Foundation (DRF) were part of an ambitious project to disseminate valuable information to the rural masses. The KCs purpose was to bridge the digital divide, which was supposed to be run by the local community. The Vikaspur KC initiative had a lot of potentials, but due to local politics and conflict among a few stakeholders, it faced many problems. The differences among the volunteers were the core issues that ultimately led to the lockout of the KC. There was a lack of proper managerial structure at the ground level. The local village dynamics also influenced this issue. The political structures and dynamics also influenced the conflict at the Vikaspur KC at the micro-level (village level) and the meso-level (provincial level).
Internal Medicine Resident Barriers to Advance Care Planning in the Primary Care Continuity Clinic
Authors: Dussault Nicole , Nickolopoulos Elissa , Henderson Katherine , Hemming Patrick , Cho Alex , Ma Jessica E
Published: February 2023

Background: While primary care providers regularly engage in Advance Care Planning (ACP) conversations, it is not well known what challenges resident physicians face to achieving this core competency. Objectives: We aimed to assess resident perceptions of barriers and potential interventions to outpatient ACP. Methods: We distributed an electronic survey to Internal Medicine and Medicine-Psychiatry residents at our institution in 2022. Questions addressed outpatient ACP barriers and potential interventions in several domains: structural issues, personal knowledge, and communication skills. We reported results using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, comparing responses by residency year (interns vs upperyears). Likert-scale responses were dichotomized to a “not at all or slightly” vs “moderate or extreme” barrier or helpful intervention. Results: Of 149 residents, 71 completed the survey (48%). Highest scoring barriers were structural, including 1) lack of clinic time (99%), 2) need to prioritize other medical problems (94%), and 3) lack of patient continuity (62%). Highest scoring interventions included the ability to schedule dedicated ACP visits with themselves (96%) or another clinician (82%). Interns were statistically significantly less confident in their ability to conduct ACP, and more likely to report lack of knowledge (i.e., not understanding ACP, patient prognosis, or how to complete paperwork, P < .05). Conclusions: Residents report significant structural barriers to outpatient ACP, including limitations in time, continuity, and competing medical priorities, that may warrant greater program attention to interventions such as clinic schedules and work-flow. Additional trainings may be most beneficial if targeted to the beginning of intern year.
Start Me Up: Experiences of First-Year Teachers Beginning New Instrumental Music Programs in Urban Public Schools
Authors: Isbell Daniel S.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine the experiences of beginning music teachers as they navigate starting instrumental music programs in a large urban school district in the southern United States. A team of researchers collected data from three first-year music educators launching new instrumental programs at seven schools. Data sources included participant interviews, observation of teaching, questionnaire responses, informal conversations, and artifacts from the field. Data analyses uncovered issues related to school culture, classroom management, communication, access to resources, isolation, and teacher evaluation. The ancillary status of music within the curricular hierarchy and concerns about substantive professional development provide insight into new teachers’ struggles to be successful under challenging circumstances. Recommendations for music teacher preparation are provided.
School Leadership, Climate, and Professional Isolation as Predictors of Special Education Teachers’ Stress and Coping Profiles
Authors: Herman Keith C. , Sebastian James , Eddy Colleen L. , Reinke Wendy M.
Published: February 2023

Much recent literature has highlighted the stressful nature of teaching and its relations with teacher and student well-being. The present study extended this literature to focus on special education teachers. We first conducted a latent class analysis to characterize patterns of stress and coping among special education teachers ( N = 404). Consistent with several prior studies with general education teachers and principals, we found three profiles: normative (high stress/high coping), maladaptive (high stress/low coping), and adaptive (low stress/high coping). Next, we examined school contextual predictors of these profiles including leadership characteristics (collegial, instructional), density of special education teachers (an indicator of professional isolation), and climate factors (teacher affiliation, school structure and support, safety, expectations). The maladaptive class was distinguished by a lower proportion of special education teachers, worse perceptions of school disciplinary structure and school safety, and higher academic expectations. The findings have implications for improving the burnout model presented in the special series overview and for creating school contexts that improve special education teacher well-being, persistence, and implementation fidelity.
Crisis Management Tasks in Dutch Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Interview Study
Authors: van Wijngaarden Jeroen , de Mul Marleen , Ahaus Kees
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic hit long-term care, and particularly nursing homes hard. We aimed to explore how crisis management goals and tasks evolve during such a prolonged crisis, using the crisis management tasks as identified by Boin and ‘t Hart as a starting point. This longitudinal, qualitative study comprises 47 interviews with seven Dutch nursing home directors and a focus group. We identified two phases to the crisis response: an acute phase with a linear, rational perspective of saving lives and compliancy to centralized decision-making and an adaptive phase characterized by more decentralized decision-making, reflection, and competing values and perspectives. This study confirms the usability of Boin and ‘t Hart’s typology of crisis management tasks and shows that these tasks “changed color” in the second phase. We also revealed three types of additional work in managing such a crisis: resilience work, emotion work, and normative work.
Same Score, Different Audience, Different Message: Perceptions of Sex Offense Risk Depend on Static-99R Risk Level and Personality Factors of the Recipient
Authors: Lehmann Robert J. B. , Schäfer Thomas , Helmus L. Maaike , Henniges Julia , Fleischhauer Monika
Published: February 2023

There are multiple ways to report risk scale results. Varela et al. (2014) found that Static-99R results were interpreted differently by prospective jurors based on risk level (high vs low) and an interaction between risk level and risk communication format (categorical, absolute estimate, and risk ratio). We adapted and extended Varela et al.’s (2014) study using updated Static-99R norms, recruiting a population-wide sample ( n = 166), and adding variables assessing the personality factors ‘cognitive motivation’ (i.e., need for cognition) and ‘attitudinal affect’ (i.e., attitudes toward sex offenders, authoritarianism). We found a main effect of risk level and no effect of either communication format or the interaction between the two. Adding the personality variables increased explained variance from 9% to 34%, suggesting risk perception may be more about the personality of the person receiving the information than the information itself. We also found an interaction between attitudes toward sex offenders and risk level. Our results suggest risk perception might be better understood if personality factors are considered, particularly attitudes toward sex offenders. Because biases/personality of the person receiving the information are unknown in real world settings we argue that sharing multiple methods for communicating risk might be best and more inclusive.
Safety of COVID-19 vaccines in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stefanou Maria-Ioanna , Palaiodimou Lina , Theodorou Aikaterini , Christodoulou Maria Veatriki , Tzartos John S , Tzanetakos Dimitrios , Kitsos Dimitrios , Chondrogianni Maria , Zouvelou Vasiliki , Dardiotis Efthimios , Tzavellas Elias , Syrigou Ekaterini , Benetou Vassiliki , Paraskevas George P , Tsiodras Sotirios , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Giannopoulos Sotirios
Published: February 2023

Background

Data are sparse regarding the safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To estimate (1) the pooled proportion of MS patients experiencing relapse among vaccine recipients; (2) the rate of transient neurological worsening, adverse events, and serious adverse events; (3) the previous outcomes of interest for different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine types.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacovigilance registries and observational studies.

Results

Nineteen observational studies comprising 14,755 MS patients who received 23,088 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were included. Mean age was 43.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 40–46.6); relapsing-remitting, secondary-progressive, primary-progressive MS and clinically isolated syndrome were diagnosed in 82.6% (95% CI: 73.9–89.8), 12.6% (95% CI: 6.3–20.8), 6.7% (95% CI: 4.2–9.9), and 2.9% (95% CI: 1–5.9) of cases, respectively. The pooled proportion of MS patients experiencing relapse at a mean time interval of 20 days (95% CI: 12–28.2) from vaccination was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.3%–2.6%; I2 = 78%), with the relapse risk being independent of the type of administered SARS-CoV-2-vaccine ( p for subgroup differences = 0.7 for messenger RNA (mRNA), inactivated virus, and adenovector-based vaccines). After vaccination, transient neurological worsening was observed in 4.8% (95% CI: 2.3%–8.1%) of patients. Adverse events and serious adverse events were reported in 52.8% (95% CI: 46.7%–58.8%) and 0.1% (95% CI: 0%–0.2%) of vaccinations, respectively.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk of relapse and serious adverse events in MS. Weighted against the risks of SARS-CoV-2-related complications and MS exacerbations, these safety data provide compelling pro-vaccination arguments for MS patients.
Sycophants in 280 characters: Using Twitter to measure the authoritarian sentiment of presidential advisors in Turkey
Authors: Schafer Dean
Published: February 2023

Top-level presidential advisor appointments provide would-be autocrats in backsliding democracies a quick and effective means to coopt elites and assemble an authoritarian coalition. Such appointments represent a mechanism for making promises of patronage that are more credible and more directly under the executive’s control than patronage facilitated by their party. Elites who join the executive’s coalition via such appointments have incentives to maintain their privileged access and therefore are more likely to match or even surpass the authoritarian sentiment of an autocratic executive. This research uses a sentiment analysis model trained with 2 years of Twitter data—between 2019 and 2021—to compare the authoritarian sentiment of Turkey’s major political parties and to examine differences between groups within Turkey’s ruling party. The evidence shows that President Erdogan’s advisors are significantly more authoritarian than the rest of the party, and, as such, they form an authoritarian vanguard within an already authoritarian party.
Inhibition of chikungunya virus replication by N-ω-Chloroacetyl-L-Ornithine in C6/36, Vero cells and human fibroblast BJ
Authors: Rojas-Luna Lucero , Posadas-Modragón Araceli , Avila-Trejo Amanda M , Alcántara-Farfán Verónica , Rodríguez-Páez Lorena I , Santiago-Cruz José Angel , Pastor-Alonso Marvin O , Aguilar-Faisal J Leopoldo
Published: February 2023

Background

Polyamines are involved in several cellular processes and inhibiting their synthesis affects chikungunya virus (CHIKV) replication and translation, and, therefore, reduces the quantity of infectious viral particles produced. In this study, we evaluated the inhibition of CHIKV replication by N-ω-chloroacetyl-L-ornithine (NCAO), a competitive inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme which is key in the biosynthesis of polyamines (PAs).

Methods

The cytotoxicity of NCAO was evaluated by MTT in cell culture. The inhibitory effect of CHIKV replication by NCAO was evaluated in Vero and C6/36 cells. The intracellular polyamines were quantified by HPLC in CHIKV-infected cells. We evaluated the yield of CHIKV in titres via the addition of PAs in Vero, C6/36 cells and human fibroblast BJ treated with NCAO.

Results

We found that NCAO inhibits the replication of CHIKV in Vero and C6/36 cells in a dose-dependent manner, causing a decrease in the PFU/mL of at least 4 logarithms ( p < 0.01) in both cell lines. Viral yields were restored by the addition of exogenous polyamines, mainly putrescine. The HPLC analyses showed that NCAO decreases the content of intracellular PAs, even though it is predominantly spermidines and spermines which are present in infected cells. Inhibition of CHIKV replication was observed in human fibroblast BJ treated with 100 μM NCAO 24 h before and 48 h after the infection at a MOI 1.

Conclusions

NCAO inhibits CHIKV replication by depleting the intracellular polyamines in Vero, C6/36 cells and human fibroblast BJ, suggesting that this compound is a possible antiviral agent for CHIKV.
Achievement goals, emotions and willingness to communicate in EFL learning: Combining variable- and person-centered approaches
Authors: Feng Enhao , Wang Yi , King Ronnel Bornasal
Published: February 2023

Willingness to communicate (WTC) plays a key role in foreign language learning. However, little research has been devoted to the role of achievement goals and achievement emotions in understanding WTC. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between achievement goals (i.e. mastery goals, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goals) and WTC via achievement emotions, specifically enjoyment and anxiety. Chinese secondary school students ( N = 408) participated in this study. Both variable- and person-centered approaches were used to analyse the data. Study 1 used a variable-centered approach to investigate the relationship between achievement goals and WTC. Results indicated that mastery and performance-approach goals were positively associated with WTC via higher levels of enjoyment. However, anxiety was not significantly associated with WTC. Study 2 adopted a person-centered approach to identify students’ achievement goal profiles and how these profiles were associated with achievement emotions and WTC. Results indicated that students could be categorized into four groups: mastery-oriented, high-all, average-all, and low-all. Students from these different groups showed varying levels of achievement emotions and WTC. Specifically, the mastery-oriented group had the most adaptive outcomes, while the low-all group had the least desirable outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The pedagogical and socio-affective dimensions of identity tensions and teacher agency: Case studies of university English teachers teaching online
Authors: Xu Yueting , Tao Jian
Published: February 2023

The unprecedented switch to online education during the Covid-19 pandemic has posed many challenges for language teachers, such as conducting authentic language interactions with reduced modalities in virtual classrooms. Language teachers, therefore, have been confronted with identity tensions of how to reposition themselves to adapt to this new teaching space. How teachers experienced and responded to these identity tensions is critically important to the success of online education, yet this issue remains underexplored. To address this gap, our case studies drew on multiple rounds of individual interviews with four university English teachers who taught online during the pandemic. Findings reveal that individual teachers experienced varying degrees of identity tensions on the pedagogical and socio-affective dimensions. To tackle these identity tensions, the teachers took wide-ranging agentic actions in pre-, in-, and/or after-class stages to maintain an identity, adopt a new identity, switch between identities, and/or redefine identities. Findings are discussed in terms of differential identity tensions brought by online teaching to individual teachers, as well as the complex interplay between identity tensions and teacher agency. The study concludes with implications for online language teaching and language teacher development.