bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialectical Behavioral Skills Group Therapy for Parents of Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Marco Sara , Mayoral María , Hervás Gonzalo
Published: June 2023

Research has indicated the effectiveness of Dialectical behavior therapy in adolescents (DBT-A) with severe emotion dysregulation and other symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The objective was to determine if DBT skills group with caregivers only could influence in potential mediators of DBT outcomes including rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills, evaluated in both parents and adolescents. We implemented a 12-week group intervention based on DBT-A addressed to seven parents of adolescents with features of BPD. We tested differences after treatment using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and calculated effect sizes. To understand individual changes, we reported clinical reliable change (CRC). The intervention was effective for improving rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills in adolescents. Changes were stable after 6 months. The intervention showed good levels of satisfaction reported by parents. A short DBT group-only intervention with caregivers could modify relevant processes related with features of BPD in adolescents. Early interventions with adolescents with symptoms of BPD could prevent the development of BPD influencing in potential mediation mechanisms.
Assessment of implicit COVID-19 attitudes using affective priming for pro-vaccine and vaccine-hesitant individuals
Authors: Moro Stefania S , Steeves Jennifer K E
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the introduction of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as precautionary behaviours. The current study used affective priming to evaluate COVID-19 attitudes in vaccine-hesitant and pro-vaccine participants. Explicitly, both groups rated their overall perception of risk associated with contracting COVID-19 significantly lower compared to their perception of necessary precautions and overall adherence to public health measures. Pro-vaccine participants rated their perception of necessary precautions higher compared to vaccine-hesitant participants. During baseline measures, both groups classified COVID-19 affiliated words as unpleasant. Affective priming was observed for congruent prime-target pleasant and unpleasant word pairs but was not observed for COVID-19 related word pairs. Differences between groups in the perception of necessary public health precautions points to different underlying pathways for reduced perceived risk and lack of affective priming. These results refine previous findings indicating that implicit attitudes towards COVID-19 can be measured using the affective priming paradigm.
Outcome following soft tissue coverage with a medial gastrocnemius flap of an exposed or infected total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wiberg Rebecca , Mukka Camilla , Backman Olof , Stålhult Göran , Edmundsson David , Mukka Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Background:

Soft tissue defects or periprosthetic infections after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are severe complications that may lead to loss of the arthroplasty or the limb. Reconstructions with medial gastrocnemius flaps (MGF) are occasionally used to provide soft tissue coverage around the knee.

Aims:

The study aimed to establish the rate of implant survivorship after MGF reconstruction for soft tissue coverage in the treatment of exposed or infected TKA and to establish functional outcome.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who received soft tissue coverage with an MGF of an exposed or infected TKA between 2000 and 2017 at the Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery at Umeå University Hospital. The outcomes were implant survivorship and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) using the five-level EQ-5D version and The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results:

Forty-seven patients (mean age = 67 years, 30 women) were included. The mean time between flap coverage and follow-up was 6.7 (±3.4) years. Implant survivorship was observed in 28 of 47 (59.6%) patients at follow-up. Flap failure was rare, with only 3 of 47 (6.4%) cases. Of the 20 patients who answered the PROMs, 10 of 20 experienced moderate to severe pain or discomfort.

Conclusions:

Due to unfavorable underlying conditions, MGF reconstruction after TKA is often associated with a compromised functional outcome. Because donor site morbidity is limited and flap failure is unusual, the procedure can be considered prophylactically in a small subset of patients with risk factors to prevent soft tissue defects and periprosthetic joint infection.
Validation of the BODY-Q Chest module in Finnish trans men undergoing chest wall masculinization
Authors: Saarinen Mirjam , Ojala Kaisu , Suominen Sinikka , Repo Jussi
Published: June 2023

Background and objective:

The aim of gender affirmation surgery is to ease gender dysphoria. In transgender men, chest wall masculinization is the most common gender affirmation surgery. The BODY-Q Chest module is currently the only instrument developed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) in men undergoing chest wall surgery. Linguistic validation and cultural adaption to Finnish were performed previously. The study aims to validate the BODY-Q Chest module in transgender men who have undergone surgical chest wall masculinization.

Methods:

All transgender patients who underwent chest wall masculinization at Helsinki University Hospital between 2005 and 2018 were invited to the study. The BODY-Q Chest module comprises two scales—chest and nipple. Data were obtained using the BODY-Q Chest module, the 15D questionnaire, and specifically targeted items designed by the authors. The statistical analyses were conducted to exclude selection bias, evaluate validity of the instrument, and compare it to other instruments.

Results:

Of the 220 patients invited, 123 participated in the survey (response rate 56%). Ceiling effects were observed with 18.9% and 20.5% scoring maximum points. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.92 and 0.88 for the chest and nipple scales, respectively. In exploratory factor analysis, both scales loaded to one factor confirming unidimensionality. Correlation with the generic 15D questionnaire was low.

Conclusions:

The BODY-Q Chest module provides valid scores with sufficient consistency and reliability when measuring HRQL in transgender men undergoing chest wall masculinization. Moreover, it offers specificity that existing or generic instruments cannot provide. Ceiling effect was expected due to the postoperative status of participants.
“We are that resilience”: Building cultural capital through family child care
Authors: Bromer Juliet , Turner Crystasany , Melvin Samantha , Ray Aisha
Published: June 2023

Family child care professionals are a critical sector of the early care and education workforce. Utilizing critical race theory and Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth model, the current study seeks to examine the strengths and assets that family child care professionals of color bring to their early care and education work and to the children and families in their programs. The authors identified evidence of four types of cultural capital (aspirational, familial, navigational, and resistant) in the focus group narratives of family child care professionals of color across four regions in the USA. Their narratives describe an orientation to caring for children and families that counters exclusionary and biased systems. The family child care professionals of color envision themselves as educators and supporters of community advancement in opposition to racialized stereotypes of home-based child care work as babysitting (aspirational capital); they leverage the home as a place for racial healing and sustain intergenerational connections with families through practices of othermothering and an ethic of love (familial capital). The family child care professionals of color describe the ways they enact navigational and resistant capital in their perseverance and participation in licensing and quality systems, despite inequities. The family child care professionals’ counternarratives of family child care work suggest their essential role in societal functioning and well-being. The study’s findings hold implications for (re)defining early care and education quality and (re)designing systems that celebrate and recognize the strengths, resilience, and capacity of family child care professionals of color to support equitable futures for children, families, and communities.
The effect of low-concentration graphene aerogel on the multifunctional properties of epoxy resin
Authors: Mahdavi Seyed Mostafa , Adibnazari Saeed
Published: June 2023

In this study, graphene aerogel (GA) was used to improve the multifunctionality of epoxy resin, which is essential for its application in integrated circuits and semiconductors. To this end, a scalable method with a high capacity for producing large-size GA with desirable quality was proposed for GA synthesis. The synthesized GA was utilized to produce epoxy nanocomposites by infiltrating epoxy resin into its macro-pores. The flexural modulus of the GA/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated experimentally, and the results indicated a 30% increase with respect to the pure epoxy. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite reached an exceptional value of 0.7 S/m, which is 13 orders of magnitude greater than the electrical conductivity of pure epoxy. Moreover, the measured thermal conductivity for pure epoxy and GA/epoxy nanocomposites were 0.23 and 0.40 W/mK, respectively. The percentage of thermal conductivity improvement per filler content was over 101, among the highest values attained by different filler types in polymer nanocomposites. This study demonstrates that the proposed method can simultaneously increase epoxy polymers’ mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties with a low nanomaterial concentration, which could greatly benefit applications requiring highly multifunctional epoxy polymers.
Nonlinear finite element simulations on the mechanical response of the isothermally aged lead-free solders
Authors: Gharaibeh Mohammad A
Published: June 2023

The mechanical response, material properties, and mechanical failures of the lead-free solder interconnects continuously evolves and changes due to the isothermal ageing process and during thermal cycling. Therefore, it is very important to include such evolution behavior in the finite element-based evaluations of the solder thermal fatigue life analysis. The current article aims to investigate the effect of the pre-isothermal ageing on the mechanical response of the thermally cycled SAC305 lead-free interconnects utilizing finite element analysis and literature-based material parameters. Additionally, this article explores the solder creep response using two common constitutive laws, Anand and Garofalo models. The simulation results showed that the solder mechanical behavior due to thermal cycling is strongly driven by the ageing process especially for shorter time of ageing. Nonetheless, this effect becomes less effective for prolonged ageing periods. Moreover, the numerical computations proved that the solder response becomes mainly dominated by secondary creep rather than viscoplasticity when the solders are exposed to longer ageing durations. Finally, a detailed discussion on the effect of the pre-ageing process on solder plastic strains and inelastic strain energy density and hence the thermal fatigue life is presented.
‘If you do hold them to account, are you going to find yourself hitting more brick walls later?’: Royal Correspondents and royal news production
Authors: Clancy Laura
Published: June 2023

This article outlines the structures, systems, rules and experiences of reporting on the British monarchy in the UK news today. The functions underpinning royal news are usually abstracted in the public imaginary. Using in-depth interviews with Royal Correspondents, and a broader understanding of royal news production, it explores the formal and informal agreements which shape reporting on royalty. The article addresses how the systems of royal news production significantly obstruct the ability to scrutinze the monarchy. The data illustrates the various frustrations of Royal Correspondents in terms of access, getting responses from the monarchy’s Communications teams, and the potential professional risk of ‘getting it wrong’. This has significant implications for questions of media, culture and ideology in the UK media, and the power afforded to the British monarchy in regulating its own media coverage.
Exploring the distinction between populism through and by the media from a visual perspective: representations of German politicians on magazine covers of Der Spiegel and Compact
Authors: Klumpp Lorenz
Published: June 2023

By drawing on a communication-based approach to populism, this article argues that populism research should put more emphasis on the performative and stylistic dimension of the phenomenon, including its visual elements, in different media formats. The study theoretically refers to the distinction of populism through and by the media, which has been discussed to a great extent in populist political communication research. Empirically, the author focuses on visual representations of politicians on the covers of the German news weekly Der Spiegel as well as those of Compact – a far-right alternative magazine. The article argues that political magazines contribute to how the political is imagined, particularly by the visual messages they convey via their front pages. An image type analysis of both magazines’ covers between 2010 and 2020 is conducted ( N = 103) in order to explore patterns in the visual representations of German politicians disseminated by the magazines. On the one hand, the comparison of a mainstream and far-right alternative medium enriches the theoretical debate of how populism is strengthened by opportunity structures through the media. On the other hand, the issue of how populism is actively promoted by the media is addressed.
Remote schooling and screentime during COVID-19: Exploring the experiences of low-income families with young children
Authors: Griffith Shayl F , Casanova Samantha M , Delisle Jillian H , Mavrakis Athena A
Published: June 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, families with young children were suddenly tasked with adapting to remote schooling, where lessons were largely delivered online via screen media devices. Meanwhile, concerns rose about increased amount of time young children were spending with screen media devices during periods of “lockdown”. Few studies have examined caregivers’ experiences of navigating remote schooling with the youngest learners, who are likely to be particularly dependent on caregivers. Further, no studies to our knowledge have examined how the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to remote schooling interacted with caregivers’ perceptions and practices regarding child screen media use at home. Using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 26 low-income caregivers of young children in Miami-Dade County, Florida, we examined caregivers’ experiences with remote schooling and their perceptions of and experiences with child screen media use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results demonstrated that caregivers experienced challenges in facilitating remote schooling for their young children, and that the pandemic and remote schooling brought about notable changes in perceptions and habits around child screen media use at home. These results have implications for future planning around schooling in times of crisis and around incorporation of educational technology into the schooling process, and suggest the need for updating guidelines for caregivers of young children around screen media use to account for the increased integration of screen media devices in schooling and everyday life.
Playing, tinkering, and problem solving: Understanding early computational thinking in libraries and museums
Authors: Campana Kathleen , Elizabeth Mills J
Published: June 2023

Computational thinking (CT) has emerged as an important method in the United States for helping children learn to solve complex problems and develop skills necessary for coding and other computer science-related endeavors. Research has revealed that CT can be encouraged with children as young as 3–4 years of age. While some preschools and schools are incorporating CT into their curriculum for young children, ages 0–8 years, it is important to understand how environments outside of schools are using CT with young children, particularly given that, in the United States, a large percent of young children, ages 0–5 years, are not in formal school settings. This study provides insight into this area through 20 interviews with educators in libraries and museums to understand how they incorporate CT into their work with young children, ages 0–8 years, and their families. The interviews reveal that library and museum educators are using a variety of developmentally-appropriate approaches, such as play, experimentation, and narrative, to design and offer a diverse array of engaging, hands-on CT activities that allow young children to practice CT in child-centered, meaningful ways.
‘Neoliberalism is dead’: Traversing neoliberal planning education is an exigency
Authors: Bahmanteymouri Ellham , Mohammadzadeh Mohsen
Published: June 2023

Neoliberalism has been the hegemonic ideology that has fundamentally transformed planning over the last four decades. Neoliberalism has significantly restructured pre-existing organisations, such as universities that were initially expanded during the period of industrial capitalism. From Foucault’s perspective, universities work as components of the dominant control apparatus to subjectively normalise people to docile bodies in the capitalist society. In planning schools, new planning students are introduced to the discipline and its values, norms, knowledge, and practices. This article explores how neoliberalism has changed planning education and subsequently practice in favour of the market operation by detaching planning from its intellectual and theoretical context, and used planning as its scapegoat to conceal its failures. Following the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008 and the global pandemic of COVID-19, several thinkers, economists and politicians have declared that ‘neoliberalism is dead’ and pointed to the necessity of a new doctrine to address the adverse side effects of neoliberalism that include social inequality and climate change. Planning was initially developed to address the environmental issues and social inequality that resulted from industrial capitalism. This article suggests that planning education should traverse neoliberalism by retrieving its critical and theoretical knowledge to redefine its role in the post-neoliberal era.
Quantitative Measurement of Perineural Invasion for Prognosis Analysis of Oral Cavity Cancer Treated by Radical Surgery With or Without Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Fan Kang-Hsing , Kang Chung-Jan , Lin Chien-Yu , Ng Shu-Hang , Wang Hung-Ming , Hsieh Chia-Hsun , Yeh Chih-Hua , Lin Chih-Hung , Tsao Chung-Kan , Huang Shiang-Fu , Fang Ku-Hao , Wang Yu-Chien , Chang Joseph Tong-Chieh , Liao Chun-Ta , Lee Li-Yu
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Perineural invasion (PNI) was quantitatively analyzed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) specimens obtained by radical surgery to correlate with survival outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective study that reviewed the Cancer registry data between 2009 and 2015. Inclusion criteria were oral cavity cancer, treatment by radical surgery, presence of PNI, and available pathologic samples for S100 staining. Patients with M1 disease and those with synchronous or metachronous cancer during staging work-up were excluded. All pathologic samples were reviewed to confirm PNI status and processed by immunohistochemical staining for S100 to quantify PNI. Pathologic information and staging results were also reviewed, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: The retrospective study included 92 patients; 63 had intratumoral PNI (IPNI) and 29 had extratumoral PNI (EPNI). The average number of PNI foci (APNI) was higher in the EPNI group than in the IPNI group (6.7 vs 3.8, t-test 2-tail significance  =  0.021). The 3-year overall survival (OS) and time-to-recurrence (TTR) rates of all patients were 82.5% and 81.2%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that pathological T4 or N2-3 stage correlated with poor OS, whereas APNI ≥4 correlated with poor TTR. In multivariate analysis, only the pathological N2-3 stage was significantly correlated with poor OS, whereas only APNI ≥ 4 was an independent factor of poor TTR. The 3-year TTR rates were 92.4% and 65.6% for diseases with APNI < 4 and ≥ 4, respectively ( P  =  .008). Conclusions: In patients with OSCC with PNI, a greater amount of PNI identified by S100 staining indicated a poorer TTR regardless of stage and other prognostic factors. Quantification of PNI by S100 immunohistochemistry is a potential method for prognosis prediction.
Microbiological and Clinical Characteristics of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers Managed in a Tertiary Level Diabetic Foot Service
Authors: Rossana Cipriano , Meloni Marco , Giurato Laura , Lazaro-Martinez Jose Luis , Aikaterini Andreadi , Valeria Ruotolo , Bellia Alfonso , Lauro Davide , Uccioli Luigi
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in patients referring to a specialized diabetic foot service (DFS). The study is a retrospective observational study conducted in a single center, including patients who were referred for a new DFI. All patients were managed through a limb salvage protocol according to international guidelines. The following items were recorded: type of bacteria, presence of single or polymicrobial infection, and the antibiotic resistance. Overall, 268 patients were included. The mean age was 68.9  ±  10.9 years, 75% were male, and 97.2% had type 2 diabetes with a mean diabetes duration of 16  ±  9 years. One hundred thirty-nine (51.9%) DFU were ischemic, 120 (44.7%) patients had osteomyelitis, 107 (39.9%) had gangrene, 37 (13.9%) had phlegmon/abscess/cellulitis and 4 (1.5%) had necrotizing fasciitis. Among 370 bacteria isolated, gram positive were found in 207 (55.9%) cases, and gram negative in 163 (44.1%) cases. The higher rates of isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (32.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.8%), and Enterococcus faecalis (8.9%). Polymicrobial infection was reported in 33.6% of cases and antibiotic resistance was recorded in 16.5% of isolates. Among them, 10.3% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic resistance was detected in 40.9% of cases in association with gangrene and osteomyelitis. The current study shows as polymicrobial infections and antibiotic resistance is frequently reported in DFIs, and antibiotic resistance was more associated with gangrene and osteomyelitis. Among bacteria reporting antimicrobial resistance, the highest rate was found for MRSA.
Rogue Waves: A Unifying Model of Human Seizure Propagation
Authors: Lillis Kyle P.
Published: June 2023

[Box: see text]
Abdominal Penetrating Aortic Ulcer and Endovascular Treatments: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Bing , Qiu Chenyang , Yu Xinyu , He Yangyan , Chen Tianchi , Lin Ruoran , Wang Xiaohui , Pan Jun , Wang Xun , Zhang Hunkun , Wu Ziheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Abdominal penetrating aortic ulcer (aPAU) is defined as an ulceration of the aortic intima and media lamina, even with rupture of the internal elastic lamina. Recently, there have been an increasing number of publications on endovascular treatment for aPAU. This review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment and provide clinicians with the latest evidence-based medical data.

Methods

3 academic databases (Embase, PubMed, and Scopus) were systematically searched for literature reporting on aPAU from 1986 (the earliest appearance of the concept of aPAU) to September 1, 2021, and related data were collected and evaluated. A fixed/random effects model was used to construct the forest plots. Funnel plots and linear regression tests were used to assess the publication bias.

Results

6 articles including 121 patients were included in the analysis. The average age was 71.4 years, with 72.7% of males and 85.6% with hypertension. Saccular aneurysms (SA) were the most prevalent complication (35.5%). Endovascular treatment had a perioperative mortality rate of .24% (95% CI, .00-2.70). The technical success rate was 99.15% (95% CI, 96.49-100). The type-II endoleak rate was 5.69% (95% CI, .00-12.13). The 1-year survival rate was 95.69% (95% CI, 90.49-100). The revascularization rate was 7.20% (95% CI, .07-14.32). Endovascular treatments for aPAU would lead to a high rate of technical success, few complications, and satisfactory 1-year survival.

Conclusions

aPAU are a common disease that mainly affects elderly males with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Endovascular treatment is required when an ulcer progresses rapidly or manifests symptoms. Endovascular treatment is associated with high technical success, low complication, and satisfactory 1-year survival. Further investigation into the long-term results of endovascular treatment is necessary.
Differential In Vivo Effects on Cancer Models by Recorded Magnetic Signals Derived From a Healing Technique
Authors: Bengston William , Cizdziel Paul , Tanaka Akane , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Previous research on “healing-with-intent” has reasonably demonstrated the validity of the phenomenon at least when a human healer is present and involved. However, in order for healing to be adopted into more conventional therapies, it must be able to be made scalable. The present study tests the effects of a scalable recording of the Bengston Healing Method on 3 cancer models. BalbC mice engrafted with 4T1 breast cancer cells, C57BL mice with melanoma B16 cells, and C3H mice with bladder MBT-2 wells were exposed to a recording of healing intent for 4 hours/day for approximately 1 month. In the breast cancer model, there was significant tumor suppression and a reduction of anemia marker HCT in treated vs control mice. In the melanoma model, there were no significant differences except for a reduction in platelet count among the treated mice. For unknown reasons, tumor growth never became evident in the bladder cancer model. While the effects of the recording seem to vary by model, there appears reason to pursue scalable delivery systems in multiple models and with multiple doses.
A new fluid-structure coupling model: Case of a pipe under internal pressure
Authors: Hicham Fakiri , Abdelhamid Hadjoui
Published: June 2023

This work presents the eigenfrequencies of a study on the fluid-structure interaction for a pipe with a circular section, under pressure constraints in laminar, incompressible and irrotational flow, followed by a comparison between stiffness coupling and bar coupling with different geometric ratio Radius/Length; Radius/Thickness, as a frequency geometric identity of the pipe in the industry. The realization of this study is to have better coupling, where we use the relations of mechanical behaviour of the solid on displacement-stress and for the fluid, we use the Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates under the speed-stress form transformed into displacement by the Galerkin-Temp theory. Either the force of the fluid will be distributed on the internal surface of the cylinder by the coupling (interface) between fluid and solid. To obtain the results of the eigenfrequencies we used the hierarchical finite element method (HFEM) for both mechanical and fluid entities. For the natural frequencies, we apply the hierarchical finite elements of the Legendre polynomial which is defined in a well-known interval, thanks to this mathematical calculation we arrive at the general equations of motion matrix form of the solid, the interface and the fluid. The calculation was carried out by a MATLAB programme which determines the eigenfrequencies of the evolved system by different geometric and physical parameters mentioned. We validated this work by a table of comparison between the experimental values and the values of the programme.
Development and validation of the steady state centrifuge experiment for the moisture retention curve of porous building materials
Authors: Deckers Daan , Janssen Hans
Published: June 2023

With the development of more efficient hygrothermal computer models, simulation studies have become increasingly important in the design of building components. To obtain trustworthy results from these studies, accurate hygric properties are required. The existing methods for moisture storage properties, however, are not very well suited to accurately measure moisture retention curves within a compact timeframe. To improve on this front, this paper introduces the steady state centrifuge technique, a common experiment in soil physics, for use on porous building materials. The laboratory centrifuge, used for the validation of this technique, is self-made to limit its cost and account for specific design choices. In the first part of the paper, the design of the laboratory centrifuge is described and all problems encountered during the development are explained and resolved. The two main problems are excessive heat generation by the motor and unwanted evaporation from the sample’s surfaces. The excessive heat generation is solved by extraction of heat both at the source, by using a ventilator, and at the rotor, by adding carefully positioned air extraction holes. The unwanted evaporation is eliminated by incorporating sample holders to shield the sample from the surrounding air. In the second part of the paper, the steady state centrifuge experiment is used to measure the desorption moisture retention curves of a ceramic brick starting from both saturated and capillary moisture content. The results are validated by their similarity to the curves obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry. Besides providing accurate results, the determination of the full moisture retention curve requires only 1–2 weeks, which is significantly quicker than other common protocols, such as the pressure plates, which take about 2 months. Additionally, the ability to measure the desorption moisture retention curve from capillary moisture content as well as the limited cost of the centrifuge design (€6000) provide major advantages.
Mnemonic interventions: Memory and transitional justice at a Uruguayan prison-mall
Authors: Bivona Kristal
Published: June 2023

In 1986, Uruguay’s maximum security Punta Carretas Prison closed following a riot in the context of Uruguay’s transition from authoritarian civic-military dictatorship (1973-1985) to constitutional democracy. In 1994, the building reopened as Punta Carretas Shopping, one of Uruguay’s most luxurious shopping malls. In this article, I show how two site-specific installations at the prison-mall—the temporary photography exhibition, Brava: Memoria fotográfica de Punta de las Carretas (2019) and the permanent memorial installation, Memorial Ex Penal de Punta Carretas (2020)—put forth distinct versions of the past to shape the memory of Punta Carretas. I call these mnemonic interventions because they interrupt the shopping trip and divert attention away from leisure and consumption toward remembrance, provoking the shopper to engage with the space of the former prison and its history. I demonstrate how different stakeholders struggle over memory in Uruguay in a context in which impunity undermines efforts toward truth and justice. Mnemonic interventions at Punta Carretas Shopping reveal the ongoing struggle over how the past should be remembered in Uruguay decades after the transition to democracy, showing the impact of recent transitional justice policies to demarcate sites of memory and resistance.
Automated Radiographic Measurements of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rayegan H. , Nguyen H.C. , Weinans H. , Gielis W.P. , Ahmadi Brooghani S.Y. , Custers R.J.H. , van Egmond N. , Lindner C. , Arbabi V.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Herewith, we report the development of Orthopedic Digital Image Analysis (ODIA) software that is developed to obtain quantitative measurements of knee osteoarthritis (OA) radiographs automatically. Manual segmentation and measurement of OA parameters currently hamper large-cohort analyses, and therefore, automated and reproducible methods are a valuable addition in OA research. This study aims to test the automated ODIA measurements and compare them with available manual Knee Imaging Digital Analysis (KIDA) measurements as comparison.

Design

This study included data from the CHECK (Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee) initiative, a prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands with 1,002 participants. Knee radiographs obtained at baseline of the CHECK cohort were included and mean medial/lateral joint space width (JSW), minimal JSW, joint line convergence angle (JLCA), eminence heights, and subchondral bone intensities were compared between ODIA and KIDA.

Results

Of the potential 2,004 radiographs, 1,743 were included for analyses. Poor intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were reported for the JLCA (0.422) and minimal JSW (0.299). The mean medial and lateral JSW, eminence height, and subchondral bone intensities reported a moderate to good ICC (0.7 or higher). Discrepancies in JLCA and minimal JSW between the 2 methods were mostly a problem in the lateral tibia plateau.

Conclusions

The current ODIA tool provides important measurements of OA parameters in an automated manner from standard radiographs of the knee. Given the automated and computerized methodology that has very high reproducibility, ODIA is suitable for large epidemiological cohorts with various follow-up time points to investigate structural progression, such as CHECK or the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI).
Multiple sclerosis health-related quality of life utility values from the UK MS register
Authors: Heather A , Goodwin E , Green C , Morrish N , Ukoumunne OC , Middleton RM , Hawton A
Published: June 2023

Background

New interventions for multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly require a demonstration of cost-effectiveness using health-related quality of life (HRQoL) utility values. The EQ-5D is the utility measure approved for use in the UK NHS funding decision-making. There are also MS-specific utility measures – e.g., MS Impact Scale Eight Dimensions (MSIS-8D) and MSIS-8D-Patient (MSIS-8D-P).

Objectives

Provide EQ-5D, MSIS-8D and MSIS-8D-P utility values from a large UK MS cohort and investigate their association with demographic/clinical characteristics.

Methods

UK MS Register data from 14,385 respondents (2011 to 2019) were analysed descriptively and using multivariable linear regression, with self-report Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.

Results

The EQ-5D and MSIS-8D were both sensitive to differences in demographic/clinical characteristics. An inconsistency found in previous studies whereby mean EQ-5D values were higher for an EDSS score of 4 rather than 3 was not observed. Similar utility values were observed between MS types at each EDSS score. Regression showed EDSS score and age were associated with utility values from all three measures.

Conclusions

This study provides generic and MS-specific utility values for a large UK MS sample, with the potential for use in cost-effectiveness analyses of treatments for MS.
A novel approach to directly measuring wheel and caster rolling resistance accurately predicts user-wheelchair system-level rolling resistance
Authors: Wilson-Jene Holly , Cowan Rachel E , Pearlman Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Clinical practice guidelines for preservation of upper extremity recommend minimizing wheelchair propulsion forces. Our ability to make quantitative recommendations about the effects of wheelchair configuration changes is limited by system-level tests to measure rolling resistance (RR). We developed a method that directly measures caster and propulsion wheel RR at a component-level. The study purpose is to assess accuracy and consistency of component-level estimates of system-level RR.

Methods

The RR of N = 144 simulated unique wheelchair-user systems were estimated using our novel component-level method and compared to system-level RR measured by treadmill drag tests, representing combinations of caster types/diameters, rear wheel types/diameters, loads, and front-rear load distributions. Accuracy was assessed by Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LOA) and consistency by intraclass correlation (ICC).

Results

Overall ICC was 0.94, 95% CI [0.91–0.95]. Component-level estimates were systematically lower than system-level (−1.1 N), with LOA +/−1.3 N. RR force differences between methods were constant over the range of test conditions.

Conclusion

Component-level estimates of wheelchair-user system RR are accurate and consistent when compared to a system-level test method, evidenced by small absolute LOA and high ICC. Combined with a prior study on precision, this study helps to establish validity for this RR test method.
From affordances to cultural affordances: An analytic framework for tracing the dynamic interaction among technology, people and culture
Authors: Sun Yinan , Suthers Daniel D
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a novel framework called ‘cultural affordances’ to examine the dynamic interplay among technology, users and culture, as multilevel and multidirectional interactive networks. The framework includes three dimensions. 1) Cultural affordances of technology describe what technology can offer users and culture in terms of behavioural or cultural changes. 2) Cultural affordances of users describe what users can offer other users, technology and culture in terms of behavioural, technological or cultural changes. 3) Affordances of the cultural describe what culture can offer users and technology in terms of the design and use of technology as well as related changes. To establish the need for a culturally oriented extension to affordance theory, we first revisit Gibson's original definition of affordances of the environment and discuss its significance and limitations, including the need to understand the interplay between technology and users in the digital era. We contend that culture, as an assemblage of all relations and practices, should be included as an indispensable part of affordance theory, and we provide a detailed explanation of the novel, three-dimensional framework of cultural affordances. We then apply the framework to three prior empirical studies and one ongoing study to demonstrate how the framework can be used as an analytic tool to deepen our understanding of the multilevel and multidirectional interplay among technology, users and culture, and we identify related changes, focusing on WeChat. We also discuss how the framework can provide directions for designing new technologies to improve collaborations among users, between users and designers, and between an online platform and the offline world.
Investigating the Relationships Between Safety and Adverse Experiences for the Children of Immigrants
Authors: Y. Barnaby Carlene , Apel Robert , A. Peguero Anthony
Published: June 2023

As the population of children of immigrants increases within the United States, the importance of ensuring the safety, while understanding and addressing adverse experiences with victimization and perpetration, of this segment of the youth population has become paramount. Segmented assimilation theory, which postulates that discrimination, prejudice, and adverse life experiences could place the children of immigrants on a path towards detrimental outcomes, guides this study. In this research, data is drawn from the Children of Immigrant Longitudinal Study to explore if prior detrimental experiences of the children of immigrants, such as discrimination and perceptions of racial/ethnic prejudice, are associated with more frequent reports of being victimized and getting into fights at school, as well as feeling unsafe. Findings suggest racial/ethnic distinctions and nuances regarding how discrimination and prejudice contribute to these school outcomes for the children of immigrants. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Selections From the ABC 2022 Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida, USA: Refreshing Waves of Creative Teaching Energy
Authors: Whalen D. Joel , Drehmer Charles
Published: June 2023

As a business communication teacher walks into their classroom ready to introduce a wonderful new teaching object, they are riding on a wave of spiritual joy. They know that they are about to transport their students into new business communication skills. It’s magical. My Favorite Assignment is Association for Business Communication’s (ABC’s) resource of classroom-tested pedagogical innovations. This article offers 10 teaching innovations first presented at the 2022 ABC Annual International Conference held in Tampa, Florida USA. Readers can select from assignments designed to teach email, personal and professional development, and social media.
Human Trafficking Education: A Pilot Study of Integration into Medical School Curriculum
Authors: Das Devika M , Talbott Jennifer MV , Dutcher Jordan S , Buras Matthew , Lim Elisabeth , Vegunta Suneela , David Paru , Kling Juliana M
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES

Few medical schools incorporate formal education on human trafficking (HT) and sex trafficking (ST) into their curriculum. Our objective was to develop, implement, and evaluate education on HT and ST in the first-year medical student curriculum.

METHODS

The curriculum included a standardized patient (SP) experience and lecture. As part of their mandatory sexual health course, students interviewed an SP who presented with red flags for ST and then participated in a discussion led by a physician-facilitator in an observed small group setting. A multiple-choice survey to assess knowledge about HT and ST was developed and administered to students before and after the SP interview.

RESULTS

Of the 50 first-year medical students, 29 (58%) participated in the survey. Compared with the students’ baseline scores (according to the percentage of correct responses), scores after the educational intervention showed a significant increase in percentage correct on questions related to trafficking definition and scope (elder care, P = .01; landscaping, P = .03); victim identification ( P < .001); referral to services ( P < .001); legal issues ( P = .01); and security ( P < .001). On the basis of the feedback, a 2-hour lecture, which was adapted from the American Medical Women's Association–Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans “Learn to Identify and Fight Trafficking” training, was presented the next year to all first-year medical students as part of their longitudinal clinical skills course and before the SP case. Curriculum objectives included learning trafficking definitions, victim/survivor identification, intersections with health care, the local impact of HT, and available resources.

CONCLUSION

This curriculum fulfills course objectives and could be replicated at other institutions. Further evaluation of this pilot curriculum is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness.
Effectiveness and safety of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in patients over 65 years: a real-life multicentre analysis of 162 patients
Authors: Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , Campoy Sergio , Caronna Edoardo , Alpuente Alicia , Torres-Ferrus Marta , Nieves Castellanos Candela , Olivier Marina , Campdelacreu Jaume , Prat Joan , Camiña Muñiz Javier , Molina Martínez Francisco José , Mínguez-Olaondo Ane , Ruibal Salgado Marta , Santos Lasaosa Sonia , Navarro Pérez María Pilar , Morollón Noemí , López Bravo Alba , Cano Sánchez Luis Miguel , García-Sánchez Sonia María , García-Ull Jésica , Rubio-Flores Laura , Gonzalez-Martinez Alicia , Quintas Sonia , Echavarría Íñiguez Ana , Gil Luque Sendoa , Castro-Sánchez María Victoria , Adell Ortega Vanesa , García Alhama Jessica , Berrocal-Izquierdo Nuria , Belvís Robert , Díaz-Insa Samuel , Pozo-Rosich Patricia , Huerta-Villanueva Mariano
Published: June 2023

Background

Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies have shown notable effectiveness and tolerability in migraine patients; however, data on their use in elderly patients is still lacking, as clinical trials have implicit age restrictions and real-world evidence is scarce. In this study, we aimed to describe the safety and effectiveness of erenumab, galcanezumab and fremanezumab in migraine patients over 65 years old in real-life.

Methods

In this observational real-life study, a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 18 different headache units in Spain was performed. Migraine patients who started treatment with any anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody after the age of 65 years were included. Primary endpoints were reduction in monthly migraine days after 6 months of treatment and the presence of adverse effects. Secondary endpoints were reductions in headache and medication intake frequencies by months 3 and 6, response rates, changes in patient-reported outcomes and reasons for discontinuation. As a subanalysis, reduction in monthly migraine days and proportion of adverse effects were also compared among the three monoclonal antibodies.

Results

A total of 162 patients were included, median age 68 years (range 65–87), 74.1% women. 42% had dyslipidaemia, 40.3% hypertension, 8% diabetes, and 6.2% previous cardiovascular ischaemic disease. The reduction in monthly migraine days at month 6 was 10.1 ± 7.3 days. A total of 25.3% of patients presented adverse effects, all of them mild, with only two cases of blood pressure increase. Headache and medication intake frequencies were significantly reduced, and patient-reported outcomes were improved. The proportions of responders were 68%, 57%, 33% and 9% for reductions in monthly migraine days ≥ 30%, ≥ 50%, ≥ 75% and 100%, respectively. A total of 72.8% of patients continued with the treatment after 6 months. The reduction in migraine days was similar for the different anti-CGRP treatments, but fewer adverse effects were detected with fremanezumab (7.7%).

Conclusions

Anti-CGRP mAbs are safe and effective treatments in migraine patients over 65 years old in real-life clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract