bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spoiled for Choice? When Work Flexibility Improves or Impairs Work–Life Outcomes
Authors: Smit Brandon W. , Boyar Scott L. , Maertz Carl P.
Published: December 2023

Work flexibility, which reflects employee discretion over where and/or when they complete tasks, has become a pervasive practice designed to reduce stress and enhance work–life balance. Despite its popularity, relatively little is known about its potential drawbacks. Through extending conservation of resources theory using dual process models of decision-making, we develop and test a theoretical model that demonstrates how and for whom perceived flexibility can improve or impair work-life outcomes. Across two studies utilizing panel data collected in three waves, we demonstrate that planning is a key mediating mechanism that allows individuals to translate the discretion afforded by flexibility into enhanced work-life balance and reduced exhaustion. Furthermore, we find that planning among those with a low future temporal focus, who are not inclined to plan by default, was strongly influenced by environmental discontinuities (e.g., disruptions to routines). Specifically, while flexibility increased planning when individuals experienced discontinuities, flexibility reduced planning among individuals in stable and familiar circumstances, which ultimately impaired work-life outcomes. Our model offers a useful theoretical lens to understand how individuals manage, and occasionally mismanage, the expanded discretion offered by flexibility.
Using National Data to Understand the Contextual Factors and Negative Experiences that Explain Racial Differences in the School Misbehavior of Ninth Grade Boys and Girls
Authors: Appleton CJ , Shifrer Dara , Rebellon Cesar J.
Published: December 2023

The literature linking adulthood criminality to cumulative disadvantage and early school misbehavior demonstrates that understanding the mechanisms underlying student behavior and the responses of teachers and administrators is crucial in comprehending racial/ethnic disparities in actual or perceived school misbehavior. We use data on 19,160 ninth graders from the nationally representative High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 to show that boys’ and girls’ negative achievement and negative experiences with teachers relate more closely to school misbehavior than the contextual measures (e.g., negative peer climate, proportion Black) that have often been emphasized as most salient for misbehavior. Differences in negative achievement and experiences completely explain Black boys’, Latinx boys’, and Black girls’ heightened levels of school misbehavior relative to White youth, and Asian boys’ and girls’ lower levels of school misbehavior. In contrast, differences in negative achievement and experiences only partially explain Latinx girls’ higher levels of school misbehavior relative to White girls.
Librarians’ role in the preservation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge
Authors: Chigwada Josiline , Ngulube Patrick
Published: December 2023

In the era of digital innovation, the preservation of indigenous knowledge stands at a compelling intersection of heritage and technology. Librarians play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of technology while respecting cultural protocols. Through a comprehensive exploration of librarian practices, this study sought to unpack how indigenous knowledge can be ethically preserved in the digital landscape. A qualitative study was conducted with 20 librarians in Zimbabwe, who were purposively selected. Interviews and observation were used to collect data, which was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that libraries preserved indigenous knowledge in the form of poetry, folklore, drama and artefacts; demonstrated traditional dances; and sometimes recorded live sessions and special collections. The major challenges being faced were the ethical issues in documenting indigenous knowledge. It is recommended that librarians actively work with indigenous communities in indigenous knowledge projects to avoid resistance from knowledge holders.
Job Autonomy, Role Ambiguity, and Procedural Justice: A Multi-Conditional Process Model of Change-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Public Organizations
Authors: Campbell Jesse W.
Published: December 2023

Job autonomy allows employees to act upon contextual knowledge to introduce performance-enhancing work process improvements. However, autonomy is not a sufficient condition for change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), as employees may lack the skills, information, or psychological safety necessary to pursue change. I propose a job autonomy-based multi-conditional process model of change-oriented OCB that takes into account the mediating role of job performance and the moderating roles of both role ambiguity and procedural justice. Using a large sample of Korean central and local government workers, I estimate a latent variable moderated mediation model. The results suggest that the effect of job autonomy on change-oriented OCB via job performance is strongest when role ambiguity is low and procedural justice is high. In closing, I argue that public managers need to be cognizant of the subtle factors that shape the impact of job autonomy on employee behavioral outputs.
Effect of process parameters on tensile properties of 3D printed continuous aramid fiber reinforced nylon 12 composites
Authors: Jiang Xibin , Shan Zhongde , Zang Yong , Liu Feng , Wu Xiaochuan , Zou Ailing
Published: December 2023

Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) have been increasingly used in aerospace and rail transport in recent years because of their high strength and light weight. In this paper, the effects of nozzle temperature, printing speed, substrate temperature and layer thickness on the tensile properties and macro/microscopic damage modes of CAF/PA12 printed specimens was systematically investigated. The fiber volume fraction(FVF) of CAF/PA12 filaments was 25.62%. The maximum average tensile strength and tensile modulus of CAF/PA12 printed specimens reached 572.60 MPa and 18.49 GPa, respectively. The results of the cross-sectional analysis indicated that filament toothed fractures and transverse cracks were the main macroscopic failure modes of CAF/PA12 composites. In SEM images, the main microscopic failure modes of CAF/PA12 composite are fiber fracture, fiber pull-out pores and unimpregnated fibers.
Dynamic characterization and damage analysis for the thermoplastic fiber-reinforced epoxy composites exposed to repeated low velocity impact
Authors: Sozen Betul , Coskun Taner , Sahin Omer Sinan
Published: December 2023

In the current study, contrary to conventional fiber-reinforced composites, polyamide fiber was used as reinforcement material, and the effects of thermoplastic fiber reinforcement on repeated low velocity impact (LVI) responses of composites were examined. In this regard, polyamide fiber-reinforced composites were fabricated using the vacuum-assisted hand lay-up method (VAHLM) and then exposed to repeated LVI loadings. Experimental tests were performed on the specimens for 100 impacts with a constant velocity of 3 m/s, which is equivalent to 25.2 J, and the impacts of repeated LVI loadings on the dynamic responses such as peak force, energy absorbing/rebounding, total impulse, bending stiffness and contact stiffness were examined. Moreover, the damage mechanisms resulting from the relative damage accumulation depending on the impact numbers were examined. According to the findings, the thermoplastic polyamide fibers absorbed more than 60% of the applied energy, and the absorbed energy increased with ascending impact number. Furthermore, the thermoplastic fiber-reinforced epoxy composites gained stiffness with increasing impact, which was linked to the thermoplastic chain structure. Despite quite a number of impact loadings, no serious damage mechanisms such as fiber breakage, perforation, or penetration were observed, and the specimens maintained their structural integrity. Due to the higher energy absorption of thermoplastics, the utilization of polyamide fibers in composites has been found to be well suited for applications subjected to repeated impacts.
The Worst of Times: Depressive Symptoms Among Racialized Groups Living With Dementia and Cognitive Impairment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brown Monique J. , Adkins-Jackson Paris B. , Sayed Linda , Wang Fei , Leggett Amanda , Ryan Lindsay H.
Published: December 2023

Objective: To explore differences in depressive symptoms for older adults (Black, Latinx, and White) by cognitive status during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data from the Health and Retirement Study identified older adults as cognitively normal, cognitively impaired without dementia (CIND), and persons living with dementia (PLWD). Multiple linear regression analyses examined associations between cognitive status and depressive symptoms among these racialized groups. Results: Compared to the cognitively normal older adults racialized as Black, those with CIND reported higher depressive symptoms during the pandemic (overall and somatic) and PLWD had higher somatic symptoms ( p < .01). Older adults racialized as White with CIND reported higher somatic ( p < .01) symptoms compared to cognitively normal older adults racialized as White. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging event among older adults racialized as Black with CIND and PLWD. Future studies should examine if these depressive symptoms persist over time.
Maximum capacity and state of health estimation based on equivalent circuit model for degraded battery
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Wang HongChao , Du Wenliao
Published: December 2023

In real-time systems, state of health (SOH) and maximum capacity need to be updated regularly as battery degrades with time. Incorrect estimation of SOH or maximum capacity leads to inaccurate state of charge (SOC) estimation, especially for degraded batteries. Maximum capacity or SOH is usually obtained by constant-current discharging test, which is impractical in real-time battery management system (BMS). Therefore, it is meaningful to find an adaptive method to estimate SOH or maximum capacity in real-time BMS instead of discharging test. This paper proposes a two-step approach to estimate SOC and SOH. In the first step, SOC and battery electrical parameters (such as resistance, capacitor, etc.) are estimated simultaneously with fixed maximum capacity by using (dual) extended Kalman filter model. In the second step, the maximum capacity of degraded battery is estimated based on estimated electrical parameters using (dual) unscented Kalman filter, which rending estimated SOH. The above two step could be deployed on real-time applications to improve the accuracy of SOC estimation even when battery degrades.
The practical realization of the feminist welfare state: Equal sharing and gender equality in institutional interaction about parental leave in Sweden
Authors: Höglund Frida , Flinkfeldt Marie
Published: December 2023

Talk about gender equality in relation to parental leave is pervasive in Sweden. The state encourages families to share parental leave and has recurrently tasked the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) to promote gender equality. As theories and applications of street-level bureaucracy have emphasized, how policy is practically realized in social interaction with clients is an important question, specifically whether gender equality discourse also permeates such encounters. We use conversation analysis to examine how equal sharing of parental leave is raised in interactions between parents and practitioners at the SSIA. The data consist of 300 telephone calls, 378 email exchanges, and 642 Facebook exchanges. Our analysis indicates that the talk of equal sharing is not as omnipresent as previous research might suggest. When parents orient to equal sharing, they tend to describe parental responsibilities, while practitioners connect equality to regulations that in themselves work to promote equal sharing. Equal sharing is also a resource for negotiating the citizen–state relationship, as parents complain about state interference while practitioners in response must balance provision of personalized support with the state imperative to promote sharing. The study highlights the complex work of practitioners in the “feminist welfare state” and sheds light on nuanced notions of equality promotion.
Book review: Frank Aragbonfoh Abumere, African Identities and International Politics
Authors: Gupta Rajneesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Frank Aragbonfoh Abumere, African Identities and International Politics, Routledge Publication, 2023, pp. 159, £130.00.
Preventing Aerosol-Transmissible Diseases in Healthcare Settings: The Need for Protective Guidelines and Standards—Workshop Report
Authors: Brosseau Lisa M. , Gold Deborah (Deeg) , Materna Barbara , McPhaul Kate , Rosen Mitchel , Seminario Peg , Thomason Jane
Published: December 2023

There is an urgent need for stronger protection from aerosol-transmissible diseases in healthcare settings—for workers, patients, volunteers, and visitors. Concerned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) lacks diversity in expertise and experience and has not consulted widely with all concerned parties regarding a planned update to the 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions, a workshop was developed to consider the science and lessons learned before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by the New York/New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Center, Preventing Aerosol-Transmissible Diseases in Healthcare Settings: The Need for Protective Guidelines and Standards was held on October 13, 2023, with these goals: describe current CDC/HICPAC infection prevention guidelines, review current scientific understanding of aerosol-transmissible pathogens, and consider perspectives from a wide range of groups currently excluded from the CDC HICPAC process.
Alongside: Exploring the Meaningfulness of Significant Moments in Others’ Lives Through Observation and Interview
Authors: Beck Malene , Martinsen Bente , Missel Malene , Simony Charlotte , Engelke Eileen , van Manen Michael
Published: December 2023

How do we explore the meaningfulness of others’ experiences? What means do we have to access their experiencing of the world? How do we express our understandings of others’ experiences of body and place without reducing them to objectification? In this methodological paper, we reflect on how we can gain valuable insights into the lived experiences of others through research activities that are conducted ‘alongside’ participants. Phenomenological concepts of intentionality and embodiment are considered as we draw on an empirical example of exploring the experiences of hospitalized patients with neurological diseases through observations and interviews. The aim is to unfold alongside as an epistemological stance to explore the meaning of another’s lifeworld. We strive to show that personal presence and engagement within this approach contains relational, existential, and aesthetic dimensions worth considering.
Recasting the gold standard – part II of II: communicating healthcare options along a continuum of care
Authors: Englar Ryane E
Published: December 2023

Series outline

This is the second part of a two-part series on spectrum of care that encourages practitioners to tailor case management to the patient along a continuum of acceptable options. Part I defined the spectrum of care and broadened its approach beyond initial cost-of-care considerations. This second article introduces strategies for initiating conversations with clients about their needs, wants and expectations specific to healthcare options and case management decisions. It will explore how open inquiry, reflective listening, transparency and unconditional positive regard facilitate dialogue between providers and their clients as they collaborate on decision-making along a spectrum of care.

Relevance

Contextual case management prioritizes interventions that are appropriate for both the patient and the client. To identify and explore which healthcare options represent the best fit for those impacted most by medical decisions, veterinarians need to make space for clients to feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. Clients are more likely to be engaged in decision-making when their insight is actively solicited. They have much to share with us as experts about their cat’s overall health and wellness needs. Inviting clients to contribute to the consultation and being receptive to hearing what motivates their choices helps us to structure conversations around healthcare options. The ability to communicate healthcare options is as vital as the provision of healthcare, if not more so.
miR-133b Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis
Authors: Huang Cong-Gai , Liu Qing , Zheng Shu-Tao , Liu Tao , Tan Yi-Yi , Peng Tian-Yuan , Chen Jiao , Lu Xiao-Mei
Published: December 2023

Background:

Evaluation of biological changes at the molecular level has important clinical implications for improving the survival rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Therefore, we plan to analyze and elucidate the expression of microRNA-133b (miR-133b), M2 pyruvate kinase (PKM2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in ESCC and their associated clinicopathological significance.

Methods:

The 72 patients with ESCC were selected as the experimental study group. Normal adjacent tissues (NAT) were matched as the control group. In this study, in situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of miR-133b in ESCC, and tissue expressions of PKM2 and STAT3 were detected by immunohistochemistry, and literature review was conducted.

Results:

Studies had shown that the positive expression of miR-133b in NAT was significantly higher than that in ESCC (χ2 = 9.007, P = .003). PKM2 and STAT3 in ESCC had a significantly higher positive expression levels than those of NAT (χ2 = 56.523, P = .000; χ2 = 72.939, P = .000). From correlation analysis, there was a negative correlation between miR-133b and PKM2( r = −0.515, P < .001), a negative correlation between miR-133b and STAT3( r = −0.314, P = .007), and a positive correlation between PKM2 and STAT3( r = 0.771, P < .001).

Conclusions:

In ESCC, our study demonstrated that downregulation of miR-133b and upregulation of PKM2 and STAT3. We predict that miR-133b may inhibit the STAT3 pathway by downregulating PKM2.
Developments in respiratory self-management interventions over the last two decades
Authors: Effing Tanja W
Published: December 2023

This paper describes developments in the fields of asthma and COPD self-management interventions (SMIs) over the last two decades and discusses future directions. Evidence around SMIs has exponentially grown. Efficacy on group level is convincing and both asthma and COPD SMIs are currently recommended by respiratory guidelines. Core components of asthma SMIs are defined as education, action plans, and regular review, with some discussion about self-monitoring. Exacerbation action plans are defined as an integral part of COPD management. Patient’s adherence to SMI’s is however inadequate and significantly reducing the intervention’s impact. Adherence could be improved by tailoring of SMIs to patients’ needs, health beliefs, and capabilities; the use of shared decision making; and optimising the communication between patients and health care providers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health innovations have rapidly been introduced and expanded. Digital technology use may increase efficiency, flexibility, and efficacy of SMIs. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can be used to e.g., predict exacerbations in action plans. Research around digital health innovations to ensure evidence-based practice is of utmost importance. Current implementation of respiratory SMIs is not satisfactory. Implementation research should be used to generate further insights, with cost-effectiveness, policy (makers), and funding being significant determinants.
Variations in Trauma Exposure, Minority Status, and Considerations in Course Reduction in Mississippi University System
Authors: Carpenter Rachel K. , McAfee Nicholas W. , Schumacher Julie A.
Published: December 2023

Although college enrollment remains steady, rates of course reduction continue to rise. Most attrition research has focused on individual's precollege characteristics, but recent evidence shows that potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and/or mental health conditions are linked to college dropout. Although, little research has explored how the number of specific types of trauma exposures affects college retention. The present study examined how these types of traumatic exposures, mental health symptoms, and minority and employment status differentially relate to mental health and academic outcomes in Mississippi university samples ( N = 1,831). Those who endorsed multiple PTE exposures showed the highest likelihood of considering reducing course load. Further, students with any PTE, and who also reported mental health symptoms, were within certain minority groups, and faced higher employment burdens were at a greater likelihood of considering course reduction. Recommendations include implementing evidence-based treatment protocols, utilizing trauma-informed programming, and reducing minority prejudice.
“Open Our Hearts and Minds to Say I Belong Here”: Undergraduate Preservice Teachers’ Transfer Experiences
Authors: Suh Emily K. , Estevez Posadas Blanca , Fuller Hana , Cruz Monica , Andrade Judith
Published: December 2023

Examining transfer students’ sense of belonging and perceptions of community in the context of their journey toward becoming teachers highlights the challenges and opportunities they encounter during this academic transition. Through the use of thematic analysis, this study analyzed the dynamics of building a sense of belonging among 14 preservice teachers of color as they transferred into a large four-year Hispanic Serving Institution. Through a Transfer-Receptive Culture lens, the study finds that students placed limited significance on their racial identities but described other factors as more impactful on their sense of belonging. The study argues for foregrounding students’ intersectional identities, including race, to enhance their overall academic success, enable them to create meaningful connections with peers and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their future roles as teachers.
Robotic Microsurgery in Extremity Reconstruction - Experience With a Novel Robotic System
Authors: Besmens Inga S. , Politikou Olga , Giovanoli Pietro , Calcagni Maurizio , Lindenblatt Nicole
Published: December 2023

Background: Robotic systems have successfully been introduced into other surgical fields in the past. First attempts with different setups are made in the field of microsurgery. The Symani® Surgical System, a flexible platform consisting of two robotic arms, features motion scaling with tremor filtration to address the demands and complexity of microsurgery. Symani’s NanoWrist Instruments are the world’s smallest, wristed surgical instruments, intended to improve a surgeon’s range of motion beyond the capability of the human hand. This combination allows surgeons to scale their hand movements while seamlessly articulating the robotic micro instruments.

Purpose: We report on our experience in extremity reconstruction with this novel system.

Research Design: The Symani Surgical System® was used for 6 cases of extremity reconstruction. The surgeon controlled the manipulators along with the footswitch while either sitting away from the operating table relying on 3D visualization with an exoscope or sitting at the operating table using a standard microscope.

Data Collection: Microsurgical anastomoses were performed in 4 patients (3 end-to-end arterial anastomoses and one end-to-side arterial anastomosis) and nerve grafting was performed in 2 patients.

Results: Microvascular anastomoses were slower vs conventional microsurgery, but all anastomoses were patent. Epineural coaptation showed proper fascicle alignment and tissue manipulation could be kept to a minimum. The platform’s motion scaling allows the surgeon to perform precise micro-movements with only minimal tissue manipulation and hard-to-reach anatomy becomes accessible more easily.

Conclusions: Robotic microsurgery might gain importance in the nearer future but more data will need to be collected.
Clinical, Radiographic, and Patient-Reported Outcomes of First Metatarsophalangeal Interposition Arthrodesis Using Porous Titanium Wedges
Authors: Noble David M. , Sumpter Anna , Small Benjamin , Ruland Jeffrey R. , Cooper M. Truitt , Park Joseph S. , Perumal Venkat
Published: December 2023

Background

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis is a common surgical procedure for addressing hallux MTP pathology. In the setting of revision procedures with significant bone loss, porous titanium wedges may provide an alternative to structural bone autograft or allograft.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes achieved in first MTP interposition arthrodesis using porous titanium wedges.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 9 patients with a mean age 65.4 years (45-82 years) who underwent first MTP interposition arthrodesis with the use of porous titanium wedges from February 2014 to September 2017 was performed. Outcomes were assessed using both plain-film radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, as well as patient-reported outcome measures, including Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) (Sports and Activities of Daily Living), pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Average follow-up time was 34.2 months (14-72 months).

Results

At final follow-up, the average FAAM score was 91.1 ± 14.7 (75.1 ± 5.3 FAAM Activities of Daily Living; 17.9 ± 9.9 FAAM Sports). Average pain VAS score was 1.9 ± 1.7. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging was obtained for 5 patients, all of which demonstrated good bony apposition or osseous integration of the wedge. Four patients underwent subsequent surgical procedures, including 3 isolated dorsal fixation revisions, and 1 complete MTP arthrodesis revision.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this study represents the first reported clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing first MTP interposition arthrodesis with use of porous titanium wedges. While we found this technique to be a viable alternative to bone grafting for this difficult problem, further research should focus on comparative data with other commonly performed operative techniques.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV: Case series
Validity and diagnostic performance of a virtual reality-based supermarket application “MEMOSHOP” for assessing episodic memory in normal and pathological aging
Authors: Sagaspe Patricia , Amieva Hélène , Dartigues Jean-François , Olive Jérôme , de la Rivière Jean-Baptiste , Chartier Christophe , Taillard Jacques , Philip Pierre
Published: December 2023

Objective

MEMOSHOP is a virtual reality (VR)-based supermarket application for assessing episodic memory in aging. The aim of this study was to examine its construct validity against the gold standard paper-and-pencil neuropsychological test for clinical memory assessment in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults.

Methods

Patients with isolated subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) or MCI were recruited in the Bordeaux Memory Clinic (MEMENTO cohort). Cognitively normal elderly controls were also recruited. MEMOSHOP allows a near-ecological evaluation of episodic memory during a usual daily life activity, i.e. shopping at the supermarket. MEMOSHOP and the gold standard Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT: French adaptation) were administered to all participants to assess episodic memory. Non-parametric tests and receiver operating characteristic curves were computed to compare their performances.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (21 females, age = 71 years ±7) and 29 matched controls were evaluated. The performance trends observed with MEMOSHOP and FCSRT on free and cued recall were associated ( p < .01) and comparable ( p < .0001), without any participants' groups interaction. Although easier than FCSRT in free recall for participants, MEMOSHOP demonstrated better diagnostic performance based on cued recall in isolated SCCs/MCI patients ( p < .05).

Conclusion

MEMOSHOP demonstrated its reliability and validity for VR-based episodic memory assessment in the early stage of MCI and is potentially of interest for use in memory clinic settings.
Unresolved Palliative Care Needs of Elderly Non-Cancer Patients at Home: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Hamano Jun , Shinjo Takuya , Fukumoto Kazuhiko , Kodama Maiko , Kim Hongja , Otomo Sen , Masumoto Shoichi , Hashimoto Kotaro , Matsuki Takamichi , Hisajima Kazuhiro , Miyata Nobuyuki , Suzuki Riri , Yokoya Shoji , Miyake Keijiro , Takayanagi Ryo , Shimizu Masakatsu , Kataoka Yoshihiro , Taira Hiroshi , Ozone Sachiko , Takahashi Hiroki , Kizawa Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2023

Introduction/Objectives:

There is growing consensus on the benefits of initiating palliative care early in the disease trajectory; however, palliative care needs for non-cancer patients remain to be elucidated. We investigated the trajectory of unresolved palliative care needs of non-cancer patients at home and explored associated factors.

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of elderly non-cancer patients at home in Japan between Jan 2020 and Dec 2020. Physicians assessed their palliative care needs using the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS). Unresolved palliative care needs were defined as IPOS symptoms above 2 (moderate).

Results:

In total, 785 patients were enrolled. The most frequent unresolved palliative care needs at enrollment were poor mobility (n = 438, 55.8%), followed by weakness/lack of energy (n = 181, 23.1%) and poor appetite (n = 160, 20.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female and musculoskeletal disease were significantly positively associated with pain at starting home visits (OR = 1.89, P = .015; OR = 2.69, P = .005). In addition, neurological diseases were significantly positively associated with constipation and poor mobility 3 months after starting home visits (OR = 3.75, P = .047; OR = 3.04, P = .009).

Conclusions:

The order of the prevalence of unresolved palliative care needs may remain relatively stable over time, even for those receiving home-based palliative care services. We identified several specific diseases and conditions that were significantly associated with unresolved palliative care needs.
Mapping the Field of Register Studies: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Sun Ya , Wang Qiong
Published: December 2023

This paper provides a diachronic and bibliometric overview of register studies in the past decade. A total of 545 articles were selected from the field of linguistics of the database of Web of Science Core Collection for the analysis. For bibliometric analysis, CiteSpace and VOSViewer were used in order to reveal the co-citation analysis, the high-frequency keywords, keyword clusters, and the timeline of the keyword network in register studies. The results are summarized as follows. First, register studies have been gaining considerable academic attention in the examined years. Second, the major theoretical origins of register studies were text linguistics, systemic functional linguistics, and sociolinguistics. Third, corpus analysis and discourse analysis are the main research methods, followed by genre analysis, and conversation analysis. Fourth, important research themes were extracted and classified based on the following dimensions of register studies, namely, linguistic features, register types, register variations and pragmatic function. Furthermore, Teaching and education was an important dimension in register studies. Fifth, the recent research tended to focus on the register variations caused by the audiences, and corpus analysis and discourse analysis were widely used for broad analyses in different register studies. This bibliometric analysis also shows that online registers have become the research hotspot.
The Impact of Historical Performance and Managerial Risk-taking Propensity on the Behavior of Choosing Prospector Strategy and Using Strategic Management Accounting Information in Viet Nam Manufacturer
Authors: Vo Liem Tan , Vo Nhi Van , Ngoc Pham Toan , Hien Nguyen Ngoc
Published: December 2023

Strategic management accounting (SMA) supports managers in decision-making and activity control to accomplish both short- and long-term objectives. This study, based on the Upper Echelons Theory (UET), investigates how the CFO’s psychological trait—the propensity to take managerial risks, affects the decision to choose prospector strategy and uses SMA information. The main objective of this study is to find out what factors influence the behavior using SMA information. This study also takes into account the internal locus of control “s moderating role effect in some relationships. The CFOs of Vietnamese major manufacturers are investigated. The results have shown that: (1) the lower of the historical performance, the more likely CFOs are to choose the prospector strategy, the more CFOs have managerial risk-taking propensity, the more SMA information usage behavior increases; (2) the more CFOs have managerial risk-taking propensity, the more likely they are to choose the prospector strategy, and the behavior of using SMA information also increases; (3) the CFOs” internal locus of control (ILOC) trait plays a moderator role in increasing their SMA information usage behavior and prospector strategy selection trend. This study adds to accounting expertise by highlighting the significance of SMA information for decision-making, the CFO’s management risk-taking propensity, and helping top managers develop an effective SMA system.
Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors Toward Ethiopian Abortion Law Among Reproductive Age Women in Bule Hora Town, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Wayessa Zelalem Jabessa , Boneya Balela Areri , Hadona Elias Amaje
Published: December 2023

Objectives

A woman's health and wellbeing are impacted by illegal abortion since improper procedures can lead to consequences like extreme bleeding, infection, and damage to the reproductive organs and low awareness and attitude toward abortion law is one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, and attitude, and identify the effect of short birth interval and wealth index on the abortion law among reproductive-age women in Bule Hora town, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 20 to July 20, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was carried out to select 402 reproductive-age women. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire with face-to-face interviews after the tools were pretested. The data was cleaned, coded, and entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis. The model goodness of fit was checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Statistical significance is declared at P < .05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The study revealed that 153 (38%) of respondents had good knowledge and 192 (47%) had a favorable attitude toward the Ethiopian abortion law, with a 100% response rate. Women's educational status, having information regarding the criteria of legal abortion services, and short birth intervals as a reason for induced abortion were significantly associated with knowledge. On the other hand, women who attended secondary education and above, have information regarding the criteria of legal abortion services, wealth index middle/average and richer, using the contraceptive method, and short birth interval as a reason for induced abortion were predictors of attitude toward Ethiopian abortion law.

Conclusion

This study shows that knowledge and attitude toward Ethiopian abortion law was not sufficient. So focusing on awareness creation and health education strategies by mobilization of the community to minimize the knowledge and attitude gap is essential.
Coercion, Consent, and Class Consciousness: How Workers Respond to Amazon’s Production Regime
Authors: Vallas Steven P. , Kronberg Anne-Kathrin
Published: December 2023

Although the “logistics revolution” has powerfully transformed contemporary capitalism, little is known about how logistics workers view such changes. To address this gap, the authors explore how Amazon’s labor practices shape workers’ orientations toward their jobs and class positions. Using a mixture of in-depth interviews and survey data, the authors find that Amazon’s production regime has contradictory effects on workers’ orientations. Digital surveillance augments managerial coercion, fostering an alienated relation toward work and a heightened sense of exploitation. Yet the company’s ability to hire precariously situated workers supplies it with workers who clearly consent to such labor practices. These results underscore the duality of managerial regimes among warehouse workers and begin to explain the ordeal of union formation, as workers adopt sharply distinct views of the working conditions they confront.
Differential Utilization Patterns of Total Ankle Arthroplasty vs Arthrodesis: A United States National Ambulatory Database Analysis
Authors: Mercier Michael R. , Ratnasamy Philip P. , Yee Nicholas S. , Hall Brandon , Del Baso Christopher , Athar Mohammed , Daniels Timothy R. , Halai Mansur M.
Published: December 2023

Background:

End-stage ankle osteoarthritis is a condition that can be treated with ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The goal of this study is to estimate the 2016-2017 United States’ utilization of TAA and AA in specific ambulatory settings and delineate patient and hospital factors associated with the selection of TAA vs AA for treatment of ankle osteoarthritis.

Methods:

TAA and AA procedures performed for ankle osteoarthritis were identified in the 2016-2017 Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) Database. Notably, the NASS database only examines instances of ambulatory surgery encounters at hospital-owned facilities. As such, instances of TAA and AA performed at privately owned or freestanding ambulatory surgical centers or those performed inpatient are excluded from this analysis. Cases were weighted using nationally representative discharge weights. Univariate analyses and a combined multiple logistic regression model were used to compare demographic, hospital-related, and socioeconomic factors associated with TAA vs AA.

Results:

In total, 6577 cases were identified, which represents 9072 cases after weighting. Of these, TAA was performed for 2233 (24.6%). Based on the logistic regression model, several factors were associated with increased utilization of TAA vs AA. With regard to patient factors, older patients were more likely to undergo TAA, as well as females. Conversely, patients with a higher comorbidity burden were less likely to receive TAA over AA. With regard to socioeconomic factors, urban teaching and urban nonteaching hospitals were significantly more likely to use TAA compared to rural hospitals. Similarly, privately insured patients and those with a median household income of $71 000 or more were also more likely to receive TAA over AA. Private hospitals (“not-for-profit” and “investor-owned”) were significantly more likely to offer TAA over AA.

Conclusion:

Using a large nationally representative cohort, the current data revealed that during 2016-2017, 24.6% of operatively treated cases of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis in the ambulatory setting are treated with TAA. Associations between socioeconomic and hospital-level factors with TAA utilization suggest that nonclinical factors may influence surgical treatment choice for ankle osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Achilles Tendon Rupture – The Essentials: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Markel Jacob F. , Anciano Victor
Published: December 2023

Category:

Sports; Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Achilles tendon rupture and management are among the most prevalent topics in the Foot and Ankle Literature. As the scientific literature increases across all fields of medicine, so too does the literature regarding Achilles tendon rupture. A bibliometric analysis of the current literature will help guide Foot and Ankle surgeons and others interested in learning about or partaking in the treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the most- cited and influential research articles regarding Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods:

Using the Web of Science Database, with the search terms Achilles Tendon Rupture OR Achilles Tendon Tear OR Achilles Tendon Surgery OR Achilles Tendon Repair OR Achilles Tendon Reconstruction, over 1500 publications were identified. The search was then refined to include only original articles, which resulted in 1341 articles (Figure 1). Co-Authorship between authors was analyzed and using a readily available online citation manager software. The 50 most-cited articles were exported from Web of Science into Microsoft Excel for further analysis of publication year, journal, authors, and institution of publication.

Results:

The 1341 articles were published between 1948 and 2023, a plurality of which were published in 2021 and 2022 (117 and 113 articles, respectively). The top 50 most-cited articles were published between 1974 and 2017, and were cited an average of 170 times, ranging from 79 to 672 citations. RG Young et al.’s article Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Collagen Matrix for Achilles Tendon Repair was the most-cited article overall and in the past 10 years with 672 and 64 citations overall and since 2013, respectively. The American Journal of Sports Medicine was the most prolific publication, having published 10 of the top 50 most-cited articles. Leppilahti, J., Nilsson-Helander, K., and Silbernagel, K. were the most prolific primary authors, with 2 publications each.

Conclusion:

There is an immense amount of Achilles tendon rupture research available on the Web of Science. This can make it difficult for Foot and Ankle surgeons and other practitioners interested in the topic to navigate the relevant literature. Bibliometric analyses such as this one can help provide a road map of the most-significant literature available. This study identified and sought to describe the characteristics of the 50 most-influential articles regarding Achilles Tendon Rupture.
Determining the Causal Effect of Statins on Reducing the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism after Ankle Fractures
Authors: Fischer Richard , Nassour Nour , Bardiya Akhbari , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Shwab Joseph , Ghaednia Hamid , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: December 2023

Category:

Ankle; Other

Introduction/Purpose:

It can be challenging to decide when to give preventative medication for venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is challenging to identify VTE in its early phases, and surgeons disagree on when prophylaxis should be given and when to suspect VTE. Additionally, patients who are not at a high risk of VTE are advised not to take prophylaxis due to the potential risk of bleeding adverse events and the evidence does not fully support providing prophylaxis in isolated foot and ankle procedures (BAE). The effectiveness of prevention, particularly in isolated foot and ankle fractures, is debatable, and research into how patients react to statins is necessary. By utilizing causal inference techniques, this research simulates a randomized control trial (RCT) from observational data.

Methods:

Out of a total of 1,175 patients, 238 had confirmed VTE 180 days after the incidence of ankle fracture (Case group, n=238). The inclusion criteria were 1- ankle fracture diagnosed by a physician and confirmed radiologically via X-ray or CT scan; 2- Age of 18 years or older; 3- Symptomatic VTE confirmed by a clinician and through radiologic (Duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, and/or angiography). To infer causal effects, we took the three following steps: first, the causal diagram must be created. Second, the set of variables necessary for causal inference must be identified. Third, the average treatment effect should be estimated for different treatment regimens.

Results:

Table 1 shows the incidence of VTE among patients who had VTE chemoprophylaxis. A non-significant 2.9% increase in VTE incidence was found, 95% CI [-1%, 7%]. The results state that, if a patient is already taking Statins, the incidence of VTE is reduced by 1%, 95% CI [-4.2%, 2.8%] as compared to patients who are not taking the drug which is not statistically significant. This indicates that there is no significant difference between administering VTE prophylaxis or not, in patients that are already consuming Statins. On the contrary, for patients in the sample that are not already taking Statins, the VTE incidence increases by 6%, 95% CI [1.6%, 10%] compared to no treatment administration which is significant since the confidence interval does not contain 0.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide more evidence that VTE prophylaxis may not, on average, be successful in lowering the incidence of VTE after ankle fracture, particularly in individuals who do not take Statins. To put it another way, doctors may decide not to give extra prophylaxis to avoid VTE in isolated ankle fractures if a patient is on Statins. Here, we established the causal inference methodology that can help us reproduce the results of an expensive RCT.
Hepatic and lung methotrexate-associated polymorphic lymphoproliferative disorders arising during postoperative follow-up of renal cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshi , Kawasoe Chihiro , Ito Kaoru , Oguri Nobuyuki , Murashima Takaya , Kamibeppu Toyoharu , Nagai Takahiro , Takamori Hiroki , Kamimura Toshio , Mukai Shoichiro , Sato Yuichiro , Kamoto Toshiyuki
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Methotrexate induces lymphoproliferative disorders on rare occasions; however, its pathogenesis remains unknown. A clinical diagnosis based on imaging studies alone is often difficult.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our department for the evaluation of multiple lung and hepatic nodules that developed during methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Since she had a history of nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma, multiple lung and hepatic metastases were initially considered. However, pathological diagnosis of the lung nodules (needle biopsy) revealed methotrexate-associated polymorphic-type lymphoproliferative disorders. After methotrexate discontinuation, continuous smooth shrinkage of the lung and liver lymphoproliferative disorders was observed.

Conclusion

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders should be considered in the event of newly appearing neoplastic lesions, even during follow-up for renal cell carcinoma, if methotrexate is being administered.