bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of hydrogen and kerosene commercial aircraft with advanced airframe and propulsion technologies for more sustainable aviation
Authors: Karpuk Stanislav , Elham Ali
Published: December 2022

Present work performs a comparative study of two medium-range commercial jets with future airframe and propulsion technologies powered by hydrogen and kerosene fuel to achieve a substantial reduction in overall aviation emissions. The study aims to investigate the cumulative effect of different energy networks combined with airframe efficiency gains achieved by aircraft-related technologies to suggest a better option for the potential next-generation commercial aircraft similar to the Airbus A320. Advanced airframe and engine technologies include laminar flow control, active load alleviation, new materials and structures, and ultra-high bypass ratio turbofan engines. Two aircraft with hydrogen and kerosene propulsion systems were sized to compare their performance characteristics, equivalent CO2 emission, and direct operating costs. The design was performed using a multi-fidelity approach and included the effects of future airframe technologies and the hydrogen propulsion system. The design comparison showed a significant contribution of airframe and propulsion technologies in achieving more environmentally friendly aircraft. The green hydrogen option showed a 41–63% reduction in overall emissions compared to the kerosene aircraft depending on flight conditions while the blue hydrogen variant achieved a 21–26% reduction level. A rather optimistic price scenario shall be met to enable an operational benefit of green hydrogen while the blue hydrogen variant has more potential of being economically acceptable by the market. In circumstances when operating costs drive the decision-making more than emissions, kerosene may be a more favorable option as a compromise between emission and costs, given the positive effect of airframe and propulsion technologies.
What drives carbon emissions reduction in Beijing? An empirical study based on SDA and SPD
Authors: Shi Changfeng , Yu Yue , Zhang Chenjun , Chen Qiyong
Published: December 2022

A large number of studies have been conducted to examine China’s CO2 emissions problem disaggregated to the city level. However, few studies have delved further into the black box of economic production to examine the characteristics of CO2 emissions at the city supply chain level. In the context of the reality that Beijing takes the lead in achieving CO2 emissions reduction, this study decomposes CO2 emissions change in Beijing at three levels: overall, supply stage, and supply chain, using structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and structural path decomposition (SPD), filling the gap in urban CO2 emissions studies. The results show that: (i) energy consumption intensity is the most significant driver of emissions reduction, while per capita final demand is the largest factor in increasing emissions; (ii) Beijing’s emissions reduction contribution is mainly reflected in the first supply stage (76.50%) and the second supply stage (18.85%); (iii) the expansion of domestic exports and thus greater demand for transportation is significant in emissions increase supply chains; (iv) the improvement of the demand structure for electricity from domestic exports contributes a large part in emissions reduction supply chains; (v) the existence of many offsetting effects, such as the ebb and flow of domestic exports on the demand for different products, has led to the loss of emissions reduction. Finally, corresponding policy recommendations are presented from the energy, industry, and demand perspectives. Our study will provide assistance in developing more microscopic policies to reduce emissions and replicating the Beijing experience.
Bisacurone attenuates diabetic nephropathy by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats
Authors: Yang F , Zhang Z , Zhang L
Published: December 2022

Background

Diabetes nephropathy (DN) is a serious diabetic problem that may progress to renal failure. The root of Curcuma longa L., often known as turmeric, provides various health benefits. Bisacurone is a bioactive terpenoid found in small amounts in turmeric that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study focuses on the potential protective effects of bisacurone against DN via reducing renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes was created in rats by feeding them a high-fat/high-sugar diet for 8 weeks, followed by a low dose of streptozotocin and Bisacurone (50 and 100 μg/kg bisacurone) given for 4 weeks.

Results

In diabetic rats, bisacurone reduced hyperglycemia, protected against body weight (BW) loss, lowered renal markers, reduced lipid profile alterations and avoided histological abnormalities. Bisacurone treatment reduced oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while enhancing antioxidant defenses through superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Furthermore, bisacurone treatment activated the renal Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway but attenuated the high levels of NFκB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cox2, and iNOS. Bisacurone also reduced Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome c but increased Bcl-2 in the kidneys of diabetic rats.

Conclusion

In the present study, bisacurone reduces DN by reducing hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, while also increasing Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
The Validation of the 10-Item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Its Correlation to Emotional Intelligence and Life Satisfaction Among Vietnamese Late Adolescents
Authors: Nguyen Quynh-Anh Ngoc , Dinh Hong-Van Thi
Published: December 2022

Literature has shown increasing research on resilience that can help young people deal with mental health problems and improve life satisfaction, well-being, and happiness. However, empirical evidence about the role of resilience has not been proved across cultures, especially in low- and middle-income countries. One of the reasons is the lack of valid measures for assessing resilience. Due to the sensitivity in the number of items and factors of the simple-to-use CD-RISC-10 in many studies, this study aims to achieve the following goals: (a) re-investigate the psychometric properties of CD-RISC-10 and compare those with other models to suggest a better fit structure among Vietnamese youth; (b) to explore the correlation between sociodemographic variables and resilience; (c) to examine the association between emotional intelligence and resilience; and (d) to examine the association between resilience and satisfaction of life. A cross-sectional school-based survey was conducted on 484 students. Findings revealed a valid and reliable scale of the Vietnamese version of the CD-RISC-10 with two subscales: Coping and Optimism. Resilience and its factors did not relate to sex and residence location. Findings showed a strong correlation between resilience, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction. Emotional intelligence positively predicts resilience, which in turn positively predicts life satisfaction. Limitations and suggestions for future investigation are discussed in this paper.
Measuring Corporate Social Responsibility in India: A Composite Indicator Model
Authors: Kuriakose Francis
Published: December 2022

This article proposes a composite indicator model called CSR index to measure corporate social responsibility practices of Indian companies. The proposed CSR index comprises three dimensions of CSR implementation, stakeholder management and sustainability, which are measured using 39 indicators. Data is collected from annual reports and business responsibility reports for top 100 companies ranked according to market capitalisation in March 2019. The final ranking using the CSR index highlights how Indian companies perform in their CSR practices beyond the legally mandated expenditure recommended by the Companies Act 2013. Robustness analysis shows that the ranking is robust with respect to input factors, data selection and data transformation. Regression modelling of select dimension scores of CSR index with exogenous variables of firm performance such as internal complaint resolution, turnover and profit shows positive correlation. The CSR index helps managers and policy makers to channelise a given company’s efforts at CSR into targeted programmes through resource allocation and monitoring, while comparing its relative performance within and across dimensions and industries.
An Introduction to Quasi-Experimental Research for Technical and Professional Communication Instructors
Authors: Lam Chris , Wolfe Joanna
Published: December 2022

Classroom practices and approaches often rely on anecdotal evidence for implementation and effectiveness. Conducting small-scale, quasi-experimental studies can provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of a classroom practice. In technical and professional communication, quasi-experiments tend to be underused compared to other research methods. This article introduces quasi-experimental research as a tool for instructors to use in their teaching approaches and practices by addressing two common fears that prevent them from conducting such research: the fear of doing it wrong and the fear of wasting time. The authors use case studies to explain key concepts, including the difference between quasi and true experiments, selection bias, and confounding factors, and discuss principles of quasi-experiments related to ethical considerations, data collection, and statistical analysis.
Who Says It’s Common? Rethink Our Assumptions About Common Sense in Teaching
Authors: Fan Yifeng , Hogan Toschia M.
Published: December 2022

There has been strong advocacy for educators to extensively examine pedagogical assumptions to design more inclusive and accessible classes. However, our assumptions about inclusivity and the interplay of privilege and students’ “common sense” have received little attention. As such, a common sense gap exists, where faculty may regard certain content or information as familiar to all students without considering the more profound effects of institutionalized privileges on the educational experiences of students without privileged backgrounds. Adopting a critical lens to examine foundational assumptions about common sense has meaningful implications for the ideal of higher education as a credible pathway to social mobility for all. This paper illustrates how the creation and dissemination of “common sense” are bounded by social class and socialization processes. We consider how blind spots about “common sense” in management learning and education shape the experience of less privileged students, which then helps create and perpetuate stigma and inequality in workplaces and society. Furthermore, we integrate the literature on stigma and higher education to confer suggestions for educators and institutions on how to destigmatize education and effectively design and deliver inclusive classroom experiences.
The Eight-Item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging: Longitudinal and Gender Invariance, Sum Score Models, and External Associations
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Ford Tamsin J. , Neufeld Sharon A. S.
Published: December 2022

The disease burden of depression among older populations is high. Detecting changes in late-life depression is predicated on the seldom-examined assumption of longitudinal measurement invariance (MI). Therefore, we investigated longitudinal MI of the 8-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in core members repeatedly assessed in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, a nine-wave representative study of the English population above 50 years of age (initial N = 11,391). Based on prior literature, we tested MI of a one-factor solution, a one-factor solution with correlated errors of reversely coded items, and a two-factor solution (depressed affect/somatic complaints). For all factor solutions, residual MI was confirmed across nine waves and gender. Sum score models (i.e., all factor loadings constrained to equity) had a good fit. Depression scores correlated with psychiatric diagnoses, ill health, lower life quality, and female gender. Associations slightly differed depending on the factor solutions, signifying their applicability across contexts.
Active noise control for global broadband noise attenuation in a cylindrical cavity using Modal FxLMS algorithm
Authors: Iranpour Milad , Loghmani Ali , Danesh Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Noise reduction is very important for cavities such as long ventilation ducts, and train and airplane cabins. This paper seeks to develop, design, and implement an active noise control system to globally reduce narrowband and broadband acoustic noises inside a cylindrical cavity using the Modal FxLMS algorithm along with canceling the feedback effect of the actuator on the reference microphone. In addition, the efficiency of the proposed algorithm is compared to the conventional FxLMS algorithm for broadband noises in terms of acoustic potential energy and energy consumption of the actuators. To this end, the natural frequencies and mode shapes are derived using experimental methods and finite element simulation, and the results are compared. The modal data are used to design and implement a modal filter. The filter output is fed to the Modal FxLMS algorithm as the error signal for updating controller coefficients. Due to the presence of a reference microphone for the proposed algorithm and the effect of the control loudspeaker, it is required to remove the feedback effect. An experimental setup is developed, and an FPGA board and LabVIEW software are adopted to implement and verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results indicate that the controller could effectively attenuate the narrowband and broadband acoustic noises globally. Furthermore, although the conventional FxLMS algorithm can suppress the noise around acoustic modes, it produces a larger control signal than the Modal FxLMS algorithm and consumes more energy.
Improving Patient-Centered Care for Veterans With Treatment-Resistant Depression Using Shared Decision-Making Tools
Authors: Allen Cheyenne M. , Bray Carla
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) exists when patient depression continues without remission or reduction despite treatment. There are no standardized guidelines for identifying TRD, but one failed antidepressant treatment at an adequate dose and duration can constitute TRD, especially in cases of severe depression or suicidality. TRD rates for depressed patients average approximately 50% to 60% of the general population. These numbers are higher in the military population and are often complicated by comorbidities.

AIM:

Chart audits revealed 68% of psychiatric clinic outpatient veterans met criteria for TRD. Only 25% of patients were being treated adequately for TRD, and 0% were offered other options for treatment. This project aimed to improve patient-centered TRD care at a veteran’s hospital to 80% within 90 days.

METHODS:

This quality improvement project was implemented using plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. Interventions were tested over four rapid-cycle phases with improvements for screening, handouts, surveys, and team meetings over 8 weeks. Four core interventions were followed throughout the project: screening for TRD, right-care case management tracking, patient engagement with shared decision-making (SDM), and team engagement.

RESULTS:

Starting from a baseline right-care score of 25%, the project attained an overall mean of 99.6% representing improved patient-centered TRD care and surpassing the 80% goal defined in the aim.

CONCLUSION:

Overall TRD care was improved using SDM options and inter-clinic teamwork and communication.
Exploring Organizational Differences in Perceptions of Implementation Climate and Leadership in Schools: A Mixed Methods Study of Autism EBP Implementation
Authors: Melgarejo Melina , Nahmias Allison S. , Suhrheinrich Jessica , Schetter Patricia L. , Dean Michelle , Holt Tana , Li Jennica , Stahmer Aubyn C.
Published: December 2022

Public programs have been charged with implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) to improve outcomes for children with autism. However, research indicates that scale-up of EBPs poses challenges. This study identifies perceived variables linked to effective statewide scale-up of EBPs in special education by exploring implementation climate and leadership across special education organization types (e.g., schools, districts, and regional consortiums). A simultaneous QUAL + QUAN mixed methods design was employed with the primary function of convergence and triangulation. Data were drawn from focus groups with 30 special educators and a statewide survey completed by 656 school personnel in one U.S. state. In general, perceptions of implementation climate and leadership are weak in special education organizations, with strengths at regional levels focused on special education and increased challenges at the school and district levels. Implications for practice and future research are identified.
Handwashing Practice of Food Establishment Customers, Microbial Quality of Handwashing Water, and Associated Factors in Ginjo Kebele, Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmednur Mahmud , Esmael Mesud , Feresa Feyiso
Published: December 2022

Handwashing plays a major role in preventing the spread of infection and, if poorly implemented, leads to different illnesses. However, the quality of water meant for handwashing and handwashing practice and hand hygiene conditions of food establishment customers are overlooked issues, unlike drinking water and hygienic conditions and practice of food handlers. This study aimed to assess the microbial quality of water used for handwashing and hygienic practice and the status of customers of food establishments and associated factors in Ginjo Kebele, Jimma town, Southwest, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was employed in July 2022. Forty water and 40 hand swab samples were taken and analyzed for total coliform and E. coli using the spread plate method. Handwashing facility conditions and the handwashing practices of customers were assessed using a checklist and questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 23 software. The median handwashing water total coliform count was 390.0 CFU/ml. The median hand swab samples’ total coliform and E. coli load were 21.6 and 4.8 CFU/cm2, respectively after handwashing practice. There was an uphill correlation between the handwashing water and hand swab sample total coliform load ( r = .34, P = .032). The mean handwashing efficacy for the removal of total coliform was 25.8%. The microbial load was varied with the type of water container used, method of taking water from the container, handwashing practice, and hand drying. The microbial quality of handwashing water and hand swab samples didn’t comply with the acceptable limit. Thus, governmental bodies should work to improve the handwashing practice of communities. Food establishment owners should treat water for handwashing, clean the water containers, handle the water properly, and avail soap and poster demonstrators to the handwashing facilities. The customers should also comply with proper hand washing practices and reduce hand contamination.
A Nomogram for Predicting the Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients with Initially Diagnosed Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ren Jun , Dai Yuedi , Chao Fei , Tang Dong , Gu Jiawei , Niu Gengming , Xia Jie , Wang Xin , Song Tao , Hu Zhiqing , Hong Runqi , Ke Chongwei
Published: December 2022

Background:

There are few models to predict the survival of patients of different ethnicities initially diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to construct a nomogram to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of these patients.

Methods:

Data for 994 patients initially diagnosed with mGC between 2000 and 2013 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patients were randomly classified into a training (n = 696) or internal validation (n = 298) cohort, and a cohort of 133 patients from Fudan cohort was used for external validation. A nomogram to predict the CSS of mGC patients was derived and validated using a concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision-curve analysis (DCA).

Results:

Multivariate Cox regression indicated that five factors were independent predictors of CSS: differentiation grade, T stage, N stage, metastatic site at diagnosis, and with or without chemotherapy. Thus, these factors were integrated into the nomogram model. The C-index value of the nomogram model was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.60–0.65), and those of the internal and external validation cohorts were 0.60 (95%: CI 0.55–0.64) and 0.63 (95%: CI 0.57–0.69), respectively. The calibration curves showed good consistency between the actual and predicted survival rates in both the internal and external validation cohorts. The DCA also showed the clinical utility of the nomogram model.

Conclusions:

We established a practical nomogram to predict the CSS of patients initially diagnosed with mGC. The nomogram can be used for individualized prediction of survival and to guide clinicians in making treatment decisions.
Publics of interest and the death of the critic on Australian TV
Authors: Boucaut Robert , Pugsley Peter C
Published: December 2022

This article charts a turning point in recent Australian broadcast television history, where enduring institutions of media criticism in popular formats rapidly disappeared from screens. We firstly situate media criticism and the roles of the ‘television critic’ within theoretical paradigms of Bourdieusian taste-making and publics of interest, before undertaking a close analysis of three case studies circa 2015. Examining Good Game, The Book Club and Movie Juice demonstrates variations in critical and presentational aims and tones, influenced by such factors as media types and associated cultures (games, literature and film, respectively), network/broadcaster interests, scope of media operations and engagement with online publics. Our assessments of these formats are then placed in their historical context of media production and consumption, whereby we retrospectively find that the retirement of the popular film criticism show At the Movies marked the beginning of the Australian television critic's extinction event.
Understanding language preference: Autism knowledge, experience of stigma and autism identity
Authors: Bury Simon M , Jellett Rachel , Haschek Alex , Wenzel Michael , Hedley Darren , Spoor Jennifer R
Published: December 2022

Prior research has studied preferences for identity- or person-first language among persons with an autism diagnosis. The current study differs from this previous body of research by specifically examining quantitative predictors of language preferences through a social identity theoretical approach, thereby leading to a better understanding of psychological and social factors that might underlie language use and preference within the autistic community. Australian adults with an autism diagnosis ( N = 198) completed the measures of autism knowledge, internalised stigma, and autism identity to determine whether these factors predict language preference. Results indicated a stronger autism identity was associated with a preference for identity-first terms (autistic/autistic person) and finding these less offensive. Contrastingly, stigma was associated with finding identity-first language less favourable and more offensive. Person-first terms (e.g. person with autism) were not associated with any of the predictors. Together, these findings suggest decision-making around identity-first language is influenced by a strong sense of autistic identity and experiences of stigma.

Lay abstract

There is ongoing discussion around what language is acceptable when talking about someone with an autism diagnosis, especially regarding person-first (e.g. person with autism) or identity-first (e.g. autistic person) language. We asked 198 Australian adults with an autism diagnosis what terminology they prefer and what they find offensive. We also asked questions to understand their experience of stigma, their autism knowledge and how much they endorse an autism identity, to investigate if these factors were associated with their language preferences. Overall, there was no significant association between these three factors and person-first terminology. For identity-first terms, those who endorse a stronger autism identity tended to find identity-first terms more preferable and less offensive, whereas those who reported greater experiences and internalisation of stigma tended to find identity-first terms less preferable and more offensive. Previous research has tended to ask what language participants prefer. The findings of this work help provide some context as to why people prefer or find offensive specific terms, at least for identity-first language.
Aboutness in a second language text: A large-scale study on topic reactivation by L2 Italian learners
Authors: Rastelli Stefano
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

The study reports adult L2 Italian learners’ and native speakers’ (NS) choices between null and overt subject pronouns in a written illustrated story. The aim of the study is to ascertain whether learners have different perceptions of the aboutness topic compared with NS.

Methodology:

A total of 338 adult L2 Italian learners having different L1s filled in the blanks of a written story by choosing between the null pronoun and the third-person pronoun lui “he.”

Data and analysis:

The outcome variable was learners’ and NS’ choices between null and overt pronominal subject. Independent variables were: “anaphora” (“null” or “pronominal”) and “position” (“intrasentential,” when the antecedent and the gap were in the same sentence, and “intersentential,” when the antecedent and the gap were in two separate sentences).

Findings:

When the antecedent and the gap occurred in adjacent scenes of the story separated by punctuation, L2 learners—unlike NS—tended to reactivate the overt subject pronoun. Learners’ proficiency, L1, length of instruction, and knowledge of verb morphology significantly modulated the results.

Originality:

Punctuation in written texts strongly affects the likelihood that L2 learners use anaphoric means to reactivate the topic. L2 learners’ perception of aboutness in discourse is less robust and more affected by topic shifts and interruptions.

Implications:

Null subjects in texts should be dealt with upfront in second language instruction. Syllabi should deal with the difference between the use of overt and null pronouns in discourse.
Effect of a novel personal comfort device on occupants’ perceptual responses in three warm indoor environments
Authors: Yang Bin , Su Wei , Ai Zhengtao , Wang Faming
Published: December 2022

Personal comfort devices (PCDs) are widely used in air conditioning rooms to improve occupants’ thermal comfort and save energy. However, when used in practical applications, the current PCD has many flaws; for example, it is often based on a single heat transfer mode and covers a small stimulation area, as well as can only be used in a single season. To solve the aforementioned issues, a novel personal comfort device was proposed. Sixteen college students were recruited to investigate the effect of the novel PCD on occupants' perceptual responses at three different room temperatures (26°C, 28°C and 30°C), as well as the temperatures and velocities around the face and abdomen areas. Results showed that using the novel device could provide airflow to the face and abdomen areas at a temperature 2°C cooler than room temperature. At 26°C, 28°C and 30°C, subjects’ overall thermal sensation was reduced by 0.5, 0.75 and 0.8, respectively. Meanwhile, subjects’ overall thermal comfort was significantly improved while allowing them to freely adjust the device’s airflow rate. Eighty-eight percent of subjects accepted a room temperature of 28°C, and almost no dry eye discomfort was reported. At 28°C, the novel device could provide energy-efficient thermal comfort.
Cultural patterns of evasive answer bias in surveys
Authors: Messner Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

Complete and accurate survey data are key input for research, policy, and decision making in many disciplines. However, survey respondents do not always fully cooperate, such that they skip some items or overuse the “don’t know” answer option. Evasive answer bias reflects different information than overall survey response rates, leading to item missing data and causing substantial inaccuracies in survey results. Using data from the World Values Survey, this article identifies the magnitude of the problem, then relies on individual data and country-level cultural values to derive patterns of and reasons for this evasive answer bias. While skipping answers happens less often in collectivistic and low power distance cultures, the choice of the “don’t know” option is not significantly influenced by any cultural dimension. Across countries, the effect of cultural values is stronger for female than for male respondents. Accordingly, cross-cultural researchers are advised to use advanced imputation rather than deletion methods for handling missing data.
Examining Pareto Law across department store shoppers
Authors: Tanusondjaja Arry , Romaniuk Jenni , Nenycz-Thiel Magda , Sakashita Mototaka , Viswanathan Vijay
Published: December 2022

Department stores invest in loyalty strategies that largely focus on retaining current high value customers in response to increasing competition in retail shopping. In this study, we examine the contribution of the top 20% customers for transaction frequency and value (“heavy buyers”) to the total sales, and the consistency of this contribution across departments within a store. We also investigate the heavy buyer stability over time across 3 years, from over 550 million transactions from a department store chain in East Asia. The results show that the Pareto ratio of the top 20% spenders account for 71% of revenue (and 52% of the total transactions), and the top 20% transactors represent 58% of revenue (and 62% of total transactions), which may signal the role of such heavy buyers to overall stores sales. At each department level, the heavy buyers (by value) contribute from 65% to 86% of the department revenue. Despite this, the stability of the top 20% segment over time varies greatly by department from 11% to 74%. Finally, whether high value customers in one department store also translate across departments, depends mainly on the department size in terms of its shopper penetration. The research furthers our knowledge on Pareto Law, with important implications for customer retention strategies and loyalty programs especially for retailers.
Identifying Outcome Domains for Clinical Trials of Physical Rehabilitation Among Adults Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation Using a Delphi Approach
Authors: Santana Shiguemoto Tathiana , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania , Dewan Neha , Mathur Sunita
Published: December 2022

Introduction: A core outcome set (COS) improves the quality of reporting in clinical trials; however, this has not been developed for clinical trials of exercise training among adults undergoing solid organ transplant. Research Question: To explore the perspectives of transplant patients and healthcare professionals on the key outcomes domains that are relevant for clinical trials of exercise in all recipients of transplanted organs. Methods: A Delphi approach was employed with 2 rounds of online questionnaires. Participants rated the importance of outcome domains using a 9-point Likert scale ranging from “not important” to “very important”. A score of 7 to 9 (very important) by 70% or more participants and a score of 1 to 3 (not important) by less than 15% participants were required to keep an outcome domain from the first to the second round. Results: Thirty-six participants completed 2 rounds of questionnaires (90% response rate). After Round 1, 8 outcome domains were considered very important in the pretransplant phase; 16 in the early posttransplant; and 17 in the late posttransplant. Only 1 outcome domain, organ rejection in the early posttransplant phase, met the criteria to be considered very important after Round 2. Conclusion: Although consensus was not reached on the core outcome domains, this study provides preliminary information on which domains are higher priority for patients and professionals. Future work should consider a meeting with key stakeholders to allow for deeper discussion to reach consensus on a core outcome set.
Speculative Futures and “Found” Artifacts: Using Fiction for Defamiliarization and Analysis
Authors: McCarthy Mark D. , Stice Sarah K.
Published: December 2022

This project presents a cowritten fictional narrative that evokes questions about schooling. The story depicts future quasi-archeologists interpreting “found” educational artifacts—our data. The process of writing defamiliarized our perspectives on public school teaching and helped us explore the borders of what is valued in social science research. Early on, we established structures and criteria for sharing physical artifacts with one another. Then, we engaged in dialogue from the perspective of our characters using an adapted set of steps for document analysis to guide our interaction with the unfamiliar artifacts. Throughout, our discussions and narrative drafting helped us establish a more complete fictional future for our imagined researchers to inhabit. We identified three themes that we articulate through theory to build our critique of schooling. We have found that fiction writing not only helped us achieve defamiliarization, but our inquiry suggests that fiction writing operates effectively as a rigorous analytic lens.
Yoga Therapy in Cancer Care via Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mallaiah Smitha , Narayanan Santhosshi , Wagner Richard , Cohen Chiara , Christie Aimee J. , Bruera Eduardo , Lopez Gabriel , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Background:

Yoga is an evidence-based mind-body practice known to improve physical and mental health in cancer patients. We report on the processes and patient-reported outcomes of one-on-one yoga therapy (YT) consultations delivered via telehealth.

Methods:

For patients completing a YT consultation between March 2020 and October 2021, we examined demographics, reasons for referral, and self-reported symptom burden before and after one YT session using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Changes in ESAS symptom and subscale scores [physical distress (PHS), psychological distress (PSS), and global distress (GDS)] were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Descriptive statistics summarized the data.

Results:

Ninety-seven initial YT consults were completed, with data evaluated for 95 patient encounters. The majority were women (83.2%) and white (75.8%), The mean age for females was 54.0 and for males was 53.4; the most common diagnosis was breast cancer (48%), 32.6% had metastatic disease, and nearly half (48.4%) were employed full-time. Mental health (43.0%) was the most common reason for referral, followed by fatigue (13.2%) and sleep disturbances (11.7%). The highest symptoms at baseline were sleep disturbance (4.3), followed by anxiety (3.7) and fatigue (3.5). YT lead to clinically and statistically significant reductions in PHS (mean change = −3.1, P < .001) and GDS (mean change = −5.1, P < .001) and significant reductions in PSS (mean change = −1.6, P < .001). Examination of specific symptom scores revealed clinically and statistically significant reductions in anxiety (mean change score −1.34, P < .001) and fatigue (mean change score −1.22, P < .001). Exploratory analyses of patients scoring ≥1 for specific symptoms pre-YT revealed clinically and statistically significant improvements in almost all symptoms and those scoring ≥4 pre-YT.

Conclusions:

As part of an integrative oncology outpatient consultation service, a single YT intervention delivered via telehealth contributed to a significant improvement in global, physical, and psychosocial distress. Additional research is warranted to explore the long-term sustainability of the improvement in symptoms.
Yekaterinoslav Theological Seminary’s Role in the Development of Music Education in Southeastern Ukraine in the Late Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Mitlytska Viktoria , Gerdova Tatiana
Published: December 2022

This article is devoted to studying the musical and educational activities of the Yekaterinoslav Theological Seminary in the context of Russian spiritual education in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Seminary’s role in regional culture is considered in detail, with a specific focus on the development of music education and musical art. The extent of dissemination of musical knowledge by the Yekaterinoslav Theological Seminary is discussed. The role of Seminary musical education in preserving the traditions of church singing art is also studied. The connection between Seminary musical education and musical life is traced, as well as the emergence of secular musical art elements in the performance of sacred music in the concert repertoire of the Seminary choir, orchestra, and instrumental ensembles. Finally, the three most important functions of the Theological Seminary’s musical and educational activities are formulated. This research is a contribution to the study of the process that supported Ukraine music education formation as a part of Europe.
Ultra-Low-Dose Contrast Using Transluminal Renal Angioplasty: The ULTRA Study
Authors: Kawano Megumi , Suzuki Kenji , Fujimura Naoki , Endo Ayaka , Kato Ai , Fujii Kentaro , Komatsu Motoaki , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Harada Hirohisa
Published: December 2022

Background

Although severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a predictor of future cardiovascular events, large trials have not shown the benefits of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). This study aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of PTRA using low-concentration digital subtraction angiography (LC-DSA) in patients with severe ARAS and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and Methods

This prospective study was conducted between August 2018 and October 2021. Eighteen patients with 20 lesions, CKD stage 3b or worse, and significant renal artery stenosis were included and underwent PTRA using ultra-low-dose contrast medium. The primary endpoint was a change in renal function based on serum creatinine (sCr) level.

Results

The mean sCr level significantly improved from 3.34 ± 1.8 mg/dL pre-PTRA to 2.48 ± 1.19 mg/dL at 1 month post-PTRA ( P = .02). The mean amount of contrast used was 8.3 ± 3.9 mL per vessel. More severe stenosis and rapid deterioration of renal function before treatment were associated with improved kidney function. No cardiovascular or renal complications such as stroke or contrast-induced nephropathy were observed during the 30-day period.

Conclusions

PTRA using an ultra-low-dose contrast medium is safe and provides acceptable results.
Pregnancy and parental leave policies at Australian and New Zealand medical schools
Authors: McGrath Caroline , Szabo Rebecca A , Bilszta Justin L
Published: December 2022

Background:

Research into how medical schools support students who are pregnant or with current parental responsibilities has been mostly limited to the US context.

Objectives:

To review pregnancy and parental leave policies for students at Australian/New Zealand medical schools.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey.

Methods:

Data were collected between June and September 2021. Websites of Australian/New Zealand medical schools (n = 23) were searched for freely available information on pregnancy and parental leave policies. Each school was contacted to provide supplementary information on the processes to support students who apply for pregnancy and/or parental leave. Outcome harvesting techniques were used to analyse the key attributes and processes used by medical schools.

Results:

None of the 23 accredited Australian/New Zealand medical schools had specific pregnancy and/or parental leave policies. Fourteen of the 23 Australian/New Zealand medical schools responded to the request for more information. All confirmed, beyond their University’s general student leave policies, they had no additional pregnancy and parental leave policy. Analysis of each school’s processes identified the following themes: lack of school specific pregnancy and/or parental leave policies; lack of public statements of support for medical students who are pregnant and/or with current parental responsibilities; and lack of attention to the specific needs of medical students who are pregnant and/or with current parental responsibilities, including those with pregnant partners or are a birth support person.

Conclusion:

There was a lack of documentation and formalized processes related to the support of this group of students. By creating easily accessible information on pregnancy and parental leave which is nuanced to the challenges of medical school and clinical placements, medical schools and medical education accreditation bodies in Australia/New Zealand can address the needs of medical students who are pregnant and/or with current parental responsibilities and normalize pregnancy and parental status within entry-to-practice medical courses.
Volatile Composition and Enantiomeric Distribution of Spanish Sage (Salvia officinalis Subsp. lavandulifolia [Vahl] Gams) From Spain
Authors: Dosoky Noura S. , Poudel Ambika , Satyal Prabodh , Setzer William N.
Published: December 2022

Background: Spanish sage ( Salvia officinalis subsp . lavandulifolia [Vahl] Gams) is historically an important medicinal plant with a myriad of uses. Methods: In this work, 11 S officinalis subsp. lavandulifolia essential oils (EOs) from Spain were prepared by steam distillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Results: The main components of S officinalis subsp. lavandulifolia EOs were 1,8-cineole (24.34%-33.96%), camphor (23.48%-28.83%) followed by camphene (4.93%-6.43%) and α-pinene (4.29%-6.61%). Enantiomeric analysis of the EOs by chiral gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (CGC-MS) revealed the presence of 17 chiral compounds. Moreover, a hierarchical cluster analysis using the data reported in the literature and those obtained from this study uncovered 3 different chemotypes based on the relative concentrations of the major components. Conclusion: The chiral compounds found in the EO can be used in Spanish sage authentication.
Open vs Closed Management of Condylar Fracture Our Experience of 100 Cases in a Suburban Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Ramanujam Sathyanarayanan , Kumaravelu Raghu , Cheeman Raja Sethupathy , Periera Raymond Joseph , Titus Sarah
Published: December 2022

Study Design

Retrospective Observational Study.

Objective

Mandibular condyle fractures are distinctive among maxillofacial injuries in which they disrupt mandibular function in a way that other traumatic injuries do not. Condylar fractures can be treated using either the conservative (closed reduction and immobilisation) or surgical (open reduction and internal fixation) approaches. Both of these modalities of treatment have advantages and disadvantages, as well as indications and contraindications. The purpose of this study is to compile and compare our experience in the management of condylar fractures through open and closed reduction.

Methods

The present retrospective analysis included a total 100 patients of condylar fractures in patients > 18 years of age who were randomly divided into nonsurgical and surgical group based on Edward Ellies criteria. In the present study, the outcomes of conservative vs surgical management of condylar fractures were discussed in terms of seven parameters, including the maximal inter-incisal mouth opening, protrusive and lateral excursive movements of the mandible, status of occlusion, deviation of mandible during mouth opening, temporo-mandibular disorders and facial nerve paralysis which were measured and evaluated pre- and post-operatively at different intervals of time. Follow-up period was for 6 months.

Results

It was noted that the main cause of condylar fracture was trauma with a male predilection with an average age of 32.6 ± 1.2 years. Subcondylar fracture was the commonest type of condylar fracture that we encountered. 33.3% of the patients had restricted mouth opening and 57% of the patients had deranged occlusion. 37% of the patients were treated surgically and 48.6% of these fractures were approached using peri-angular approach. More patients had an increased mouth opening and a stable occlusion at the 6 months follow-up when compared to that of the 2 month follow up.

Conclusions

From the above study we can conclude that the treatment plan should be patient specific and follow the algorithm for a particular type of fracture. We endorse the same based on our experience in treating condylar fractures over the last 5 years. The art of decision making solely depends on the surgeon’s expertise in managing condylar fractures.
If not now, when? Climate disaster and the Green vote following the 2021 Germany floods
Authors: Garside Susanna , Zhai Haoyu
Published: December 2022

Can first-hand experience of a climate-related natural disaster make citizens more likely to vote in favour of progressive climate politics? Leveraging the rare occurrence of a large-scale disaster just two months before a federal election, we use a difference-in-differences design to study the short-term electoral effects of the devastating 2021 Germany floods on voter support for Germany’s major environmentalist party, the Green Party. Compared to other German voters, those living in areas affected by the floods were marginally (0.4–1.6 percentage points) more likely to vote for the Greens. The largest increases in Green vote share are observed in municipalities which were directly exposed to flooding. Contrary to expectation, we tend to find larger increases in Green Party support in the less severely affected areas. Despite substantial increases in turnout in affected areas, we find that the observed increase in vote share for the Greens was rather driven by a persuasion effect on voters who previously supported other parties. In the absence of evidence that the floods led to an increase in voters’ issue prioritisation of climate change, our results highlight the limited possibility for major natural disasters to induce increased localised support for Green parties.