bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Application of Visual Communication Design in APP Interface Design in the Context of Deep Learning
Authors: Luo Hui , Zeng Qiang
Published: June 2022

Visual communication concepts enable linguistics or semiotics to the teaching of visual communication designs, creating graphic designs into an innovative and scientific discipline. The use of storyline techniques in visual communication not only inspires the imagination of designer but also arouses the visual memory of the audience. Besides, improving cultural heritage such as historical images is important to protect cultural diversity. Recently, the developments of deep learning (DL) and computer vision (CV) approaches make it possible for the automatic colorization of grayscale images into color images. Also, the usage of visual communication design in APP interface design has increased. With this motivation, this work introduces the enhanced deep learning-based automated historical image colorization (EDL-AHIC) technique for wireless network-enabled visual communication. The proposed EDL-AHIC technique intends to effectually convert the grayscale images into color images. The presented EDL-AHIC technique extracts the local as well as global features. For global feature extraction, the enhanced capsule network (ECN) model is applied. Finally, the fusion layer and decoding unit are employed to determine the output, i.e., chrominance component of the input image. A comprehensive experimental validation process is performed to ensure the betterment of the EDL-AHIC technique. The comparison study reported the supremacy of the EDL-AHIC technique over the other recent methods.
Evaluation of Soluble CD90: Potential for Diagnostic Significance in Endometriosis Patients
Authors: Bochev Ivan M. , Karagyozov Iliya I. , Magunska Nadya M. , Koleva Vesselina S. , Krumov Ivan V. , Puncheva Elena S. , Boyadzhiev Georgi P. , Vinketova Kameliya , Mourdjeva Milena S. , Oreshkova Tsvetelina P.
Published: June 2022

Background. Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating gynecologic disorder, driven by endocrine and immune dysfunctions, which lead to poor endometrial differentiation and attenuated fertility. Escape from immune surveillance and involvement of inflammatory mechanisms appear to be factors in disease progression. Current diagnostic guidelines for endometriosis still lack an efficient biomarker. Here, we report a study on two previously unexplored factors as potential biomarkers for endometriosis. Methods. A case-control study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum CD90 and CD83 levels in endometriosis patients (cases validated by surgical and histological examination) compared to healthy controls. Serum was collected from age-matched females and analyzed by ELISA. Results. Comparison of endometriosis patients to the control group showed significantly elevated levels of serum CD90 (1160±856 pg/mL vs.334±228 pg/mL;∗∗∗∗p<0.0001). A threshold value of 479.4 pg/mL was defined based on the control results, and the diagnostic efficiency of the test was estimated. The obtained sensitivity (70.4%), specificity (92.9%), positive predictive value (90.5%), and negative predictive value (76.5%) rated the test as one with promising diagnostic potential. In contrast, the analysis of serum CD83 levels showed comparable values in both groups, suggesting no association with patient status. Conclusion. Elevated soluble CD90 in human serum is associated with endometriosis, which suggests its putative clinical significance as a biomarker in screening and/or diagnosis of the disease.
Data Mining and Economic Application in the Age of Financial Big Data: A Case Study of Shadow Banking and Interest Rate Liberalization in China
Authors: Liang Shi
Published: June 2022

With the booming of big data in finance, data mining technologies, as a new method of data statistics, have made superior economic applications available to researchers. Based on the relationship between shadow banking and interest rate liberalization, this paper intended to analyze the bidirectional relationship between shadow banking and interest rate liberalization using big data mining technologies. The relationship between data mining and the economic application of shadow banking was proven using data from 2014 to 2021. On this basis, this paper identified the bidirectional influence between shadow banking and interest rate liberalization. The findings show that shadow banking has positive contributions to the liberalization of interest rate, and the interest rate distortion resulting from interest rate control also drives the development of shadow banking. Moreover, feasible suggestions have been proposed for supervision on policies.
Políticas públicas de segurança alimentar no Brasil: Uma análise do Programa de Restaurantes Populares
Authors: Gonçalves Maetê Pedroso , Campos Silvana Terezinha de , Sarti Flavia Mori
Published: June 2022

O artigo buscou avaliar o Programa de Restaurantes Populares do Ministério do Desenvolvimento Social e Combate à Fome (MDS) a partir do perfil dos beneficiários atendidos nas unidades de alimentação e nutrição pesquisadas no programa. O programa é parte integrante das ações de segurança alimentar desenvolvidas pelo governo federal. A partir do conceito de segurança alimentar como um direito humano fundamental, buscou-se verificar se os usuários dos Restaurantes Populares abarcavam o público-alvo inicialmente designado pela política pública em questão, cuja formulação contemplava primordialmente indivíduos em situação de vulnerabilidade sócio-econômica residentes em centros urbanos.
Alienation in the Game of Chance Under Capitalism
Authors: Charuchinda Intira
Published: June 2022

Alienation is a universal theme in literature. The game of chance or gambling under capitalism can produce a hostile social setting for those who are unaware of its negative impacts. In such a social milieu, people can experience feelings of alienation, failing to make their lives their own. This paper analyzes the theme of alienation in the game of chance under capitalism in two stories written by s.e.a. Write Awardees, The Lottery of Karma by Chanthi Deuanesavanh and Lottery by Catherine Lim, through the lens of literary devices. The social settings of these stories are two countries in Southeast Asia, and these two writers set their stories in their own respective countries, Lao pdr and the Republic of Singapore. It finds that, in their exposure to such social settings, the protagonists are beset by a sense of alienation regardless of whether they perform their roles as laborers, capitalists, or consumers.
Contribution to the knowledge of the cerambycid fauna (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of Tlaxcala, Mexico
Authors: PÉREZ-FLORES OSCAR
Published: June 2022

In the present work specimens of the family Cerambycidae from the Colección Nacional de Insectos (CNIN, IBUNAM) were studied as well as recently collected specimens by author from Tlaxcala state, Mexico. Two new species are described and illustrated: Methia tlaxcalaensis sp. nov. Acanthocinus (Acanthocinus) andresi sp. nov. Moreover, Dexithea klugii (Laporte & Gory, 1836), Placosternus erythropus (Chevrolat, 1835), Heterachthes integripennis (Bates, 1885), Phoracantha recurva Newman, 1840, Acanthoderes (Pardalisia) funeraria Bates, 1861 and Aplagiognathus spinosus (Newman, 1840) are recorded for the first time from Tlaxcala state. The present study contributes to the knowledge of the longhorn beetles fauna of central Mexico.
Water Mass Exchanges between the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea from Multiyear Sampling with Autonomous Gliders
Authors: Rainville Luc , Lee Craig M. , Arulananthan K. , Jinadasa S. U. P. , Fernando Harindra J. S. , Priyadarshani W. N. C. , Wijesekera Hemantha
Published: June 2022

We present high-resolution sustained, persistent observations of the ocean around Sri Lanka from autonomous gliders collected over several years, a region with complex, variable circulation patterns connecting the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea to each other and the rest of the Indian Ocean. The Seaglider surveys resolve seasonal to interannual variability in vertical and horizontal structure, allowing quantification of volume, heat, and freshwater fluxes, as well as the transformations and transports of key water mass classes across sections normal to the east (2014–15) and south (2016–19) coasts of Sri Lanka. The resulting transports point to the importance of both surface and subsurface flows and show that the direct pathway along the Sri Lankan coast plays a significant role in the exchanges of waters between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Significant section-to-section variability highlights the need for sustained, long-term observations to quantify the circulation pathways and dynamics associated with exchange between the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea and provides context for interpreting observations collected as “snapshots” of more limited duration.

Significance Statement

The strong seasonal variations of the wind in the Indian Ocean create large and rapid changes in the ocean’s properties near Sri Lanka. This variable and poorly observed circulation is very important for how temperature and salinity are distributed across the northern Indian Ocean, both at the surface and at depths. Long-term and repeated surveys from autonomous Seagliders allow us to understand how freshwater inflow, atmospheric forcing, and underlying ocean variability act to produce observed contrasts (spatial and seasonal) in upper-ocean structure of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Variability of Water Vapor in Central Mexico from Two Remote Sensing Techniques: FTIR Spectroscopy and GPS
Authors: Zuber Alain , Stremme Wolfgang , Grutter Michel , Adams David K. , Blumenstock Thomas , Hase Frank , Rivera Claudia , Taquet Noemie , Bezanilla Alejandro , Castillo Eugenia González de
Published: June 2022

Total column H2O is measured by two remote sensing techniques at the Altzomoni Atmospheric Observatory (19°12′N, 98°65′W, 4000 m above sea level), a high-altitude, tropical background site in central Mexico. A ground-based solar absorption FTIR spectrometer that is part of the Network for Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) is used to retrieve water vapor in three spectral regions (6074–6471, 2925–2941, and 1110–1253 cm−1) and is compared to data obtained from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that is part of the TLALOCNet GPS-meteorological network. Strong correlations are obtained between the coincident hourly means from the three FTIR products and small relative bias and correction factors could be determined for each when compared to the more consistent GPS data. Retrievals from the 2925–2941 cm−1 spectral region have the highest correlation with GPS [coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.998, standard deviation (STD) = 0.18 cm (78.39%), mean difference = 0.04 cm (8.33%)], although the other products are also highly correlated [R2 ≥ 0.99, STD ≤ 0.20 cm (<90%), mean difference ≤ 0.1 cm (<24%)]. Clear-sky dry bias (CSDB) values are reduced to <10% (<0.20 cm) when coincident hourly means are used in the comparison. The use of GPS and FTIR water vapor products simultaneously leads to a more complete and better description of the diurnal and seasonal cycles of water vapor. We describe the water vapor climatology with both complementary datasets, nevertheless, pointing out the importance of considering the clear-sky dry bias arising from the large diurnal and seasonal variability of water vapor at this high-altitude tropical site.
Telemedicine and Vascular Surgery: Expanding Access and Providing Care Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Alina J. , Yeh Savannah L. , Delfin Diana , Hoal Graciela , Barron Natalie , Riedinger Toby , Kashanijou Nika , Lieland Jessica , Bickel Katherine , O’Connell Jessica B. , Ulloa Jesus G.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Access to surgical service is limited by provider availability and geographic barriers. Telemedicine ensures that patients can access medical care.

Objective

The objective is to describe our use of telemedicine in delivering vascular surgery services to remote locations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review analyzing care delivered at six vascular surgery telemedicine clinics over a 22-month period. We examined vascular diagnoses, recommended interventions, referrals placed, and emergency department visits within 30 days of evaluation. We calculated travel distance saved for patients between their local clinic and our main hospital.

Results

We identified 94 patients and 144 telemedicine visits, with an average of 1.5 visits per patient (SD = 0.73). The most common referrals were for peripheral artery disease (20.2%) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (14.9%). Three patients were immediately referred to the emergency department due to concern for acute limb ischemia (2) or questionable symptomatic AAA (1). Telemedicine visit recommendations were distributed between no intervention (n = 30, 31.9%), medical management (n = 41, 43.6%), and surgical intervention (n = 23, 24.5%). The surgical intervention cohort was most commonly referred to arterial revascularization (n = 4), venous ablation (n = 4), and arteriovenous fistula procedures (n = 4). Fourteen patients came to our main hospital for surgery and four to local providers. Average travel distance saved per telemedicine visit was 104 miles (SD = 43.7).

Conclusions

Telemedicine provided safe, efficient care during the COVID-19 pandemic and saved patients an average of 104 travel miles per visit.
Unveiling Gender Gap in Educational Performance: Evidence from India
Authors: Nagi Kuldeep Singh , Sridevi Gummadi
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to answer if there is a gender-based disparity in educational performances due to the children’s background characteristics. What are the factors that cause a gender gap and the extent to which these factors contribute to the gap in educational performance? The study attempts to approach these questions using the fourth round of Young Lives survey data for the older cohort. Based on the results of a simple linear regression model and gender-based means of the explanatory variables, we adopted the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition technique. Regression results show gender, time to study, social background, mother’s education, expenditure on education and years of education significantly influence the children’s mathematics performance and ceteris paribus. The majority of the performance difference, using the Oaxaca–Blinder technique, was explained by the differences in the variation of the mean outcome of male and female children, applied to the impact of female children. The entirety of the coefficient effect is explained by the body mass index and years of schooling a child has received.

JEL Codes: I21, I22, I24, I25, I26, I29
FE-based damage modeling approach for short fiber reinforced thermoplastics under quasi-static load coupling anisotropic viscoplasticity and matrix degradation
Authors: Xu Hao , Kuczynska Marta , Schafet Natalja , Welschinger Fabian , Hohe Jörg
Published: June 2022

It is challenging to predict the material degradation and crack initiation of short fiber reinforced thermoplastics (SFRT) components with high computation efficiency and low parameter identification effort. To achieve that, this work utilizes a hybrid method combining micro- and macro-mechanical approaches to describe the damage-coupled material behavior of SFRT. The Mori-Tanaka mean-field homogenization method is used to determine the effective linear elastic properties of SFRT, whereas the consideration of plasticity is based on a macro-mechanical anisotropic viscoplastic model. The effect of micro-damage in the matrix material on the macroscopic behaviors of SFRT is considered within the Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) framework. A nonlinear damage evolution law is implemented to account for the nonlinearity in the damage evolution. Targeting industrial applications, the proposed damage-coupled material model is implemented into the commercial FE software ANSYS with a novel stepwise damage updating process, requiring no user-defined subroutine. The model is calibrated with experimental data on flat specimens under monotonic and cyclic tensile loading. The FE simulation with the calibrated material model accurately describes the anisotropic deformation and crack initiation of the investigated SFRT material observed in experiments.
‘Without Them, There Would Be Almost Nothing’ - Experiences of Interacting With Volunteers in Everyday Life in Nursing Homes – Perspectives of Residents and Next of Kin
Authors: Sangild Stoelen Karen Marie
Published: June 2022

The study’s aim is to explore the experiences of nursing home residents and their next of kin related to interacting with volunteers in daily life and when the resident’s death is imminent. Qualitative data consisted of 130 hours of participant observations in three nursing homes and 13 interviews with five residents and eight next of kin. A thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) Social everyday activities - a frame for responsiveness and meaningful everydayness - reflecting the existential dimension of these activities; (2) Time - contrasting volunteers’ time for care activities and bedside support to dying residents with professionals’ time for similar activities; and (3) Valuable relief when death is imminent - inherent ethical dilemmas - reflecting potential tension between the valuable relief volunteers provide and the preferences of residents and their next of kin. Volunteers can promote and improve a holistic palliative care approach for residents in nursing homes.
Beyond Virtue Signaling: From Talking About to Enacting a Pedagogical Praxis of Justice in Urban Classrooms
Authors: Gibson Melissa Leigh
Published: June 2022

Drawing on ethnographic data of an urban school, this paper contrasts how two White female teachers take up the idea of ‘teaching for social justice.’ Fourth-grade teacher Maestra Rachel enacts a superficial understanding focused solely on curricular topics, while third-grade teacher Maestra Jennifer roots her teaching in an understanding of how students experience racial oppression in school. These cases demonstrate that a praxis of justice attends to curriculum and power, relationships, pedagogy, achievement, and identity. White teachers, specifically, must interrogate the role of Whiteness in their teaching, or they risk engaging in virtue signaling that reproduces injustice.
AIMING FOR SUCCESS
Authors: Schwartz Noah S.
Published: June 2022

Despite the popularity of the Evidence-Based Policy Making paradigm, scholarly evidence often fails to have an impact in emotional or value-laden policy debates. Consequently, changes to Canada’s gun control laws in recent years have often failed to incorporate scholarly research. This is problematic given that the forces of path dependence impose costs on policy makers who seek to reverse established policies, even if they are dysfunctional. This article lays the theoretical foundations for a Firearms Policy Evaluation Framework, which can be used by scholars, policy makers, advocates, and the public to conduct preliminary evaluations of proposed firearms policies before they become law. The utility of the framework is then demonstrated with an evaluation of the 2020 assault-style weapons ban in Canada, which includes a systematic scoping review of the literature on the impact of assault-weapons bans.
Fostering intimacy on TikTok: a platform that ‘listens’ and ‘creates a safe space’
Authors: Şot İrem
Published: June 2022

This research explores how and why TikTok users from Turkey choose to make TikTok content. Drawing from the concept of polymedia and debates on digital connection and disconnection, which center on individuals’ choices whether to connect or detach from digital media based on the affordances they offer, the article highlights an affordance shaping users’ choices of media that have not received sufficient emphasis in these discussions: namely, the ability of a platform to foster intimacy. Based on qualitative research combining structured and semistructured interviews with 14 individuals, the article discusses how and why TikTok has come to be perceived either as an object of attachment with which individuals have intimate relations or as a site for individuals to fashion a shared sense of intimate, safe space with other users. I also illustrate that the ways individuals talk about intimacy intersect with how they talk about the algorithmic systems. Combining approaches from critical algorithm studies, media choices, and research on mediated intimacies, the article demonstrates that (a) individuals choose TikTok to foster intimacies and (b) users connect seemingly contradictory concepts of intimacy and algorithms in their choices of TikTok.
Family Factors Associated with Problematic Use of the Internet in Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nannatt Anjana , Tariang Ngaitlang Mary , Gowda Mahesh , Devassy Saju Madavanakadu
Published: June 2022

Background:

Problematic use of the internet (PUI) is a growing concern, particularly in the young population. Family factors influence internet use among children in negative ways. This study examined the existing literature on familial or parental factors related to PUI in children.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted in EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, Biomed Central, VHL Regional Portal, Cochrane Library, Emerald Insight, and Oxford Academic Journal databases. Studies reporting data on family factors associated with PUI in children, published in English in the 10 years to July 2020 were included. The following data were extracted from each paper by two independent reviewers: methodology and demographic, familial, psychiatric, and behavioral correlates of PUI in children.

Results:

Sixty-nine studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Three themes emerged: parenting, parental mental health, and intrafamilial demographic correlates of PUI in children. Parenting styles, parental mediation, and parent–child attachment were the major parenting correlates.

Conclusion:

Literature on significant familial and parental factors associated with PUI in children is scarce. More research is required to identify the interactions of familial and parental factors with PUI in children, to develop informed management strategies to address this issue.
Linguistics and Social Sciences
Authors: Foucault Michel
Published: June 2022

Written with the suppression of the Tunisian students by their own government in view, Michel Foucault’s March 1968 ‘Linguistics and Social Sciences’ opens up a new horizon of historical inquiry and epitomises Foucault’s abiding interest in formulating new methods for studying the interaction of language and power. Translated into English for the first time by Jonathan D.S. Schroeder and Chantal Wright, this remarkable lecture constitutes Foucault’s most explicit and sustained statement of his project to revolutionise history by transposing the analysis of logical relations into the history of knowledge.
The “Mirror Effect Plus Protocol” for acute Bell's palsy: A randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up
Authors: Martineau Sarah , Rahal Akram , Piette Eric , Moubayed Sami , Marcotte Karine
Published: June 2022

Objective

To study the effects of the “Mirror Effect Plus Protocol” (MEPP) on global facial function in acute and severe Bell's Palsy.

Design

Single blind and randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of basic counseling (control group) versus MEPP (experimental group) over one year.

Setting

Outpatient clinic following referrals from Emergency or Otorhinolaryngology Departments.

Subjects

40 patients ( n = 20 per group) with moderately severe to total palsy who received standard medication were recruited within 14 days of onset. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups.

Interventions

The experimental group received the MEPP program (motor imagery + manipulations + facial mirror therapy) while the control group received basic counseling. Both groups met the clinician monthly until 6 months and at one-year post-onset for assessments.

Outcome measures

Facial symmetry, synkinesis, and quality of life were measured using standardized scales. Perceived speech intelligibility was rated before and after therapy by naïve judges.

Results

Descriptive statistics demonstrated improvements in favor of the MEPP for each measured variable. Significant differences were found for one facial symmetry score (House-Brackmann 2.0 mean (SD) = 7.40 (3.15) for controls versus 5.1 (1.44) for MEPP), for synkinesis measures ( p = 0.008) and for quality-of-life ratings (mean (SD) score = 83.17% (17.383) for controls versus 98.36% (3.608) for MEPP ( p = 0.002)). No group difference was found for perceived speech intelligibility.

Conclusion

The MEPP demonstrates promising long-term results when started during the acute phase of moderately severe to total Bell's Palsy.
Cutaneous melanoma incidence, mortality, and survival in Manizales, Colombia: a population-based study
Authors: Rodríguez-Betancourt Juan David , Arias-Ortiz Nelson
Published: June 2022

Objective

We estimated the cutaneous melanoma (CM) incidence, mortality, and survival in Manizales, Colombia to establish predictors for survival.

Methods

This analytical cohort study used CM incident cases during 2006 to 2015 in the Manizales Cancer Registry (n = 132). Incidence and mortality rates were standardized using the direct method. Patients were followed up until 30 November 2020. Cause-specific survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method for variables of interest, with the log-rank test for differences. Cox multivariate regression models were fitted.

Results

Incidence (per 100,000) increased from 1.6 to 3.0 in men and 2.6 to 2.8 in women during 2006–2010 to 2011–2015, respectively. Mortality was low and stable. Five-year survival was 68.7%, with significant differences according to age (hazard ratio [HR] >70 vs. ≤70 years: 3.37); histological subtype (HR for melanoma not otherwise specified and HR for nodular melanoma vs lentigo malignant melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma: 17.39 and 10.16, respectively); and clinical stage (HR stages III–IV vs. stages I–II: 5.94).

Conclusion

CM is characterized by increasing incidence and unfavorable prognosis, particularly in patients aged >70 years, with melanoma not otherwise specified and nodular melanoma, and advanced stages. Promoting photoprotection and early detection and management of suspicious skin lesions is crucial.
Health Coaching for People With Disabilities: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Standley Krys , Ravesloot Craig , Sage Rayna , Sondag K. Ann
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To expand the reach of health-promotion efforts for people with disabilities, we piloted a health-coaching intervention with a disability-specific curriculum. We evaluated the intervention’s effects on health-related quality of life and health behavior change.

Design

Mixed-methods research design using pre-post measures and semi-structured interviews.

Setting/Participants

A convenience sample of community-dwelling adults with disabilities (n = 39).

Intervention

Participants engaged in a curriculum-based health coaching intervention, titled Health My Way, which used weekly one-on-one coaching for up to 12 weeks.

Methods

Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys including questions from the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) measure and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. A subset of participants completed in-depth interviews to explore how health coaching influences health behavior change (n = 12).

Results

We found statistically significant effects on poor-health days due to physical and mental health, and effects on physical activity. We saw additional effects with engagement in relevant curriculum content. Qualitative main themes (tailoring of information, enthusiasm for personally meaningful goals, and social support) indicated processes by which health coaching supported health behavior changes.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study indicate health coaching appears to be effective for improving HRQOL and health behavior, especially physical activity, for people with disabilities. Apparent key factors include enthusiasm for personally meaningful goals, having tailored information, and social support.
Exploring librarians’ intentions to collaborate in research: A model integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Exchange Theory
Authors: Xia Peng , Yangwei Xie , Zequan Xiong , Li Yang
Published: June 2022

While many studies have attempted to understand librarians’ academic engagement (e.g. publication), there is a dearth of knowledge about the determinants of the research collaboration behavior of librarians, especially in Chinese libraries. This study focused on Chinese academic librarians and investigated factors that affect their intentions to engage in research collaboration based on a conceptual framework integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Exchange Theory. A survey containing 318 respondents was used to evaluate the research model by partial least square based structural equation modeling. The results showed that the integrative model could explain 53% of the variance of academic librarians’ intentions to collaborate. The findings revealed that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and perceived benefits showed significant direct influence on Chinese academic librarians’ collaborative intentions. Perceived positive consequences (benefits, relationships, and reputation) in research collaboration had indirect effects on academic librarians’ intentions through attitude. Meanwhile, there were significant differences existing in path coefficients for librarians with different disciplinary backgrounds, professional ranks, and research projects. This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically studying factors that impact Chinese librarians’ intention to research collaboration and examining the intrinsic relations among these factors. It helps the universities’ managers and librarians finding ways to boost factors in supporting the research collaboration.
Agglomerated carbon nanotubes effects on buckling behavior of fiber metal laminated nanocomposite shells
Authors: Soleymani Mahdi , Ghasemi Ahmad Reza , Moslemi-Abyaneh Behzad
Published: June 2022

In this research, the influence of carbon nanotubes agglomeration on the buckling behavior of multi-phase CNTs/fiber/polymer/metal composite laminates cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure was investigated. Governing equations were derived according to the Kirchhoff-Love’s first approximation shell theory and solved by a combination of the Galerkin and Fourier series expansion methods. Equivalent elastic properties of multi-phase CNTs/fiber/polymer/metal laminated (CNTFPML) cylindrical shell were obtained using the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach, considering the dispersion and agglomeration effects. Primarily, CNTs were added to the polymer matrix and afterwards, this new matrix was reinforced by carbon or glass fiber materials. Finally, the composite layer was joined with metal layers and a hybrid shell prepared. The accuracy of the applied method was validated with the finite element method and experimental tests on carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy composite cylinders under hydrostatic pressure. The results indicate that the CNTs agglomeration, weight and volume fraction of CNTs and type of fiber materials, have a key role on the critical buckling capacity of multi-phase composite shells.
Public health nurses’ professional dignity: An interview study in Finland
Authors: Stievano Alessandro , Mynttinen Mari , Rocco Gennaro , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: June 2022

Background

Dignity is a central human value supported by nurses’ professional ethics. In previous studies, nurses in clinical practice have experienced that dignity increased their work well-being and pride of work. Dignity is also strictly interweaved to professional identity in the different nursing’ roles, but little is known about dignity among public health nurses and primary care settings.

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the perceptions of nursing's professional dignity of public health nurses in primary care in Finland.

Research design

An inductive qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured focus group interviews was utilised.

Participants and research context

Twenty-seven Finnish public health nurses were interviewed via eight semi-structured focus group interviews in primary health care settings.

Ethical considerations

Before data collection, research permissions were obtained from participating health care centres. This type of research in Finland, with competent adult participants, does not require ethical pre-assessment but written and oral informed consent obtained before the interviews.

Findings

Based on our findings, public health nurses perceived that professional dignity was (1) part of their self-respect, an observed daily value based on their acknowledged competence. Besides, they perceived that (2) service users’ trust in public health nurses was a strong expression of professional dignity, and it could be uncovered when recipients of care utilised their services. In addition, public health nurses experienced that (3) professional dignity was an expression of different intertwined interprofessional and social factors.

Discussion and conclusion

Professional dignity is simultaneously an essential prerequisite and an outcome of public health nurses’ work. In future, more information would be needed to implement strategies in primary health care to foster nurses’ professional dignity also in international public health arenas.
A Moveable Benefit? Spillover Effects of Quotas on Women’s Numerical Representation
Authors: Kaur Komal Preet , Philips Andrew Q.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Quotas have helped women achieve greater numerical representation in government around the world. Yet do they have indirect effects on representation elsewhere? We take advantage of plausibly exogenous variation in when and which states enacted legislation mandating 50% women’s representation in the lowest level of government in India to analyze how quotas affect women’s candidacy, vote share, and winning probability at the state level of government. We find that women are more likely to compete and win for the higher political office when women reservation is implemented at the local levels of political governance. This suggests that gender quotas have spillover effects onto other levels in politics. As women continue to be under-represented in politics, this paper highlights the role of policy instruments in shaping political careers for women and building inclusive political institutions.
Intra-articular corticosteroids associated with increased risk of total hip arthroplasty at 5 years
Authors: Angotti Morgan L , Burnett Robert A , Khalid Syed , Terhune E Bailey , Della Valle Craig J
Published: June 2022

Background:

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are commonly administered for hip pain. However, guidelines are conflicting on their efficacy, particularly in patients without arthritis. This study assessed for an association of corticosteroid injections and the incidence of total hip arthroplasty at 5 years.

Methods:

Patients with a diagnosis of hip pain without femoroacetabular osteoarthritis who were administered an intra-articular corticosteroid injection of the hip within a 2-year period were identified from the Mariner PearlDiver database. Patient were matched to patients with a diagnosis of hip pain who did not receive an injection. 5-year incidence of total hip arthroplasty was compared between matched patients who received an intra-articular corticosteroid injection and those who did not.

Results:

2,540,154 patients diagnosed with hip pain without femoroacetabular arthritis were identified. 25,073 (0.9%) patients received a corticosteroid injection and were matched to an equal number of control patients. The incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) at 5-year-follow up was significantly higher for the corticosteroid cohort compared to controls (1.1% vs. 0.5%; p < 0.001). The incidence and risk of THA increased along with number of injections (1 injection: 0.8%, OR 1.37; 95% CI, 1.34–1.42; p < 0.001, 2 injections: 1.1%; OR 1.45; CI, 1.40–1.50; p < 0.001, ⩾3 injections: 1.5%; OR 1.48; CI, 1.40–1.56; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

There may be a dose-dependent association of corticosteroid injections and a greater risk of total hip arthroplasty at 5 years. These results along with the conflicting guidelines on the efficacy of intra-articular steroids for hip pain should prompt physicians to consider osteoarthritis progression that may occur in the setting of corticosteroid injections in non-arthritic hips.
The impact of positive reinforcement on teamwork climate, resiliency, and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic: The TEAM-ICU (Transforming Employee Attitudes via Messaging strengthens Interconnection, Communication, and Unity) pilot study
Authors: Green Jack , Berdahl Carl T , Ye Xin , Wertheimer Jeffrey C
Published: June 2022

Burnout is an internationally recognized occupational phenomenon that negatively impacts the healthcare workforce and its recipients. The aim of this pilot study was to test whether positive reinforcement and integrating a language of support among co-workers can enhance resiliency, facilitate psychological wellness, and encourage hope. This embedded mixed methods prospective, behavioral, interventional study evaluated the effects of positive feedback on wellness among intensive care unit clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in a single center, quaternary care medical center. The deliberate positive feedback paradigm has the potential to augment resiliency and improve attitudes toward a teamwork climate. The routine use of deliberate positivity may represent a scalable, low-cost initiative to enhance wellness in a healthcare organization.
Cultural adaptation of World Health Organization iSupport for Dementia program for Chinese-Australian caregivers
Authors: Xiao Lily Dongxia , Ye Mei , Zhou Yunrui , (Rita) Chang Hui-Chen , Brodaty Henry , Ratcliffe Julie , Brijnath Bianca , Ullah Shahid
Published: June 2022

Background

Home-based dementia care is common in the Chinese-Australian community. However, dementia education programs for Chinese-Australians in the language of their choice are scarce. The World Health Organization has developed iSupport for Dementia, an online education program for informal caregivers. Cultural adaptation of the program for Chinese-Australian caregivers is an opportunity to address this gap in caregiver support.

Aim

The aims of the study were (1) to understand stakeholders’ perspectives on the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the Chinese iSupport for Dementia content and design and (2) to explore factors affecting the future implementation of the Chinese iSupport program in Australia.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was applied to address the aims of the study. Focus group discussions with Chinese-Australian caregivers and community aged care workers were conducted to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.

Results

In total, six focus groups were conducted with 18 Chinese-Australian caregivers and 17 care workers. Six themes were identified and described as follows: (1) appropriateness of the Chinese iSupport content; (2) acceptability of the online Chinese iSupport design; (3) motivations to engage in the iSupport program; (4) desire to interact with peers and professional facilitators; (5) concerns about program accessibility; and (6) the need to extend the iSupport program to care workers.

Conclusions

Engagement with Chinese-Australian caregivers and care workers will inform further revisions of the Chinese iSupport program contents to ensure the program is culturally congruent to Chinese-Australian caregivers. Factors affecting the implementation of the program identified in the study will be considered in the intervention phase of the program.
Chest wall muscle mass depletion is related to certain pulmonary functions and diseases in patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Xiaoyan Wang , Yu Xu , Xiaoyan Yang , Min Liu , Yanwei Lv , Huaping Dai
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Many bronchiectasis patients suffer dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, and low body mass index. Chest wall muscles play a special role in respiratory movement and make up parts of skeletal muscles. This study aimed to examine the chest wall muscle thickness and their relationship with disease severity in bronchiectasis.

Methods

We retrospectively included 166 patients with bronchiectasis and 62 patients with pneumonia as comparators. The thickness of chest wall muscle as determined in chest CT, pulmonary function, and Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) score were recorded. We compared the thickness of the chest wall muscle in two groups and assessed the relationships among chest wall muscle thickness, pulmonary function, and BSI score.

Results

Chest wall muscle thickness of the anterior midclavicular line and posterior exterior scapula were thinner in bronchiectasis patients than comparators both above the aortic arch level and at the aortic arch window level. Muscle thickness of the posterior interior scapula above the aortic arch level was significantly thinner in bronchiectasis patients. Chest wall muscle thickness at the anterior midclavicular line both the above aortic arch level and at the level of the aortic arch window were related to diffuse capacity in bronchiectasis patients. Anterior chest wall muscle thickness above the aortic arch was found to be a risk factor of disease severity.

Conclusion

Anterior chest wall muscles in the upper and middle chest were thinner in bronchiectasis patients than in comparators, and had relationship with spirometry and diffuse compacity factors. We provide another method to conveniently assess bronchiectasis severity.
The Influence of Affirmative Action Bans on Institutional Retention
Authors: Hu Xiaodan , Say Kubra , Barker Jeanette , Carr Brennan
Published: June 2022

With its direct impact on admissions procedures and (in)direct impact on campus climate, affirmative action bans can potentially influence student retention. This study uses a national dataset to examine the relationship between affirmative action bans in Oklahoma and New Hampshire and retention rates at public colleges and universities. Our findings indicate that the adoption of affirmative action bans is not associated with the average full-time or part-time retention rates for treated institutions relative to those institutions without affirmative action bans. We discuss the implications with respect to admissions policy changes, students’ college choices, and alternative policies to increase student diversity, equity, and inclusion.
TFPI and FXIII negatively and S100A8/A9 and Cystatin C positively correlate with D-dimer in COVID-19
Authors: Gupta Anamika , Qaisar Rizwan , Halwani Rabih , Kannan Meganathan , Ahmad Firdos
Published: June 2022

D-dimer is an established biomarker of thromboembolism and severity in COVID-19. We and others have recently reported the dysregulation of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), FXIII, fibrinolytic pathway, inflammatory markers, and tissue injury markers, particularly in severe COVID-19. However, association of these markers with thromboembolism in COVID-19 remains elusive. The correlation analyses between these markers in patients with moderate (non-ICU) and severe COVID-19 (ICU) were performed to delineate the potential pathomechanisms and impact of thromboembolism. We observe a negative correlation of plasma TFPI ( r2 = 0.148, P = 0.035), FXIII ( r2 = 0.242, P = 0.006), and plasminogen ( r2 = 0.27, P = 0.003) with D-dimer, a biomarker of thromboembolism, levels in these patients. Further analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between fibrinolytic markers tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) ( r2 = 0.584, P < 0.0001). Interestingly, a significant positive correlation of PAI-1, but not tPA, was observed with platelets and endothelial cells dysfunction markers P-selectin ( r2 = 0.184, P = 0.01) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40 L) ( r2 = 0.163, P = 0.02). Moreover, calprotectin (S100A8/A9) and cystatin C (CST3), previously linked with thromboembolism, exhibited positive correlations with each other ( r2 = 0.339, P = 0.0007) and with the level of D-dimer independently in COVID-19. Finally, the tissue injury marker myoglobin demonstrated a strong positive correlation with D-dimer ( r2 = 0.408, P = 0.0001). Taken together, inverse correlations of TFPI and FXIII with D-dimer suggest the TF pathway activation and aberrant fibrin polymerization in COVID-19 patients. The elevated level of PAI-1 is potentially contributed by activated platelets and endothelial cells. S100A8/A9 may also play roles in impaired fibrinolysis and thromboembolism, in part, through regulating the CST3. These findings strengthen the understanding of thromboembolism and tissue injury and may help in better management of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19 patients.
Furthering the Metaphor of the Leadership Labyrinth: Different Paths for Different People
Authors: Stamper Christina L. , McGowan Rosemary A.
Published: June 2022

Although the workforce has become more diverse, there is still a predominance of White men in positions of senior leadership. This is incongruent with social norms and values, evolving population demographics, and political movements (e.g., the MeToo and Black Lives Matter). Further, it suggests that, despite progress in shattering the glass ceiling, there may still be obstacles to senior leader roles for people who vary from the expected demographic profile. Eagly and Carli (2007a) addressed this issue for women by developing the labyrinth metaphor; however, few researchers have explored how the labyrinth and its inherent challenges might apply to others. We strive to broaden the discussion of the labyrinth metaphor, increasing its applicability, by considering two types of labyrinths—unicursal and multicursal. We also deepen the theoretical foundation by positioning the labyrinth metaphor within two prominent organizational perspectives: institutional theory and social identity theory. Relying on arguments culled from these theories, we build a typology consisting of four different categories of challenges—identity, acceptance, access, and expectations—leaders may face on their path to senior leader roles. We then explicate how these challenges create differential paths for individuals who align with the traditional leader prototype and those that do not. We believe that awareness of the underlying mechanisms of the challenges leaders may face will particularly help create solutions to these obstacles faced by individuals who are diverse in gender, race, sexuality, religion, and other important factors.