bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of career readiness module on career self-efficacy among university students
Authors: Nik Yusoff Nik Rafidah , Mahfar Mastura , Saud Muhammad Sukri , Senin Aslan Amat
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to identify the effects of the Career Readiness Module on career self-efficacy and its subscales, namely self-appraisal, occupational information, goal selection, planning and problem solving among university students. The randomized pretest-posttest control group were used in this study. A total of 60 second year students from the School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, were selected as research subjects using random cluster sampling. Both groups completed the Career Decision Self-Efficacy–Short Form (CDSE-SF) and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) questionnaires before and after the two-month intervention sessions. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23.0. The repeated-measures ANOVA and effect size were used to test the hypotheses of study. The study results showed significant differences in the experimental group for career self-efficacy and each of its subscale between pre-test, post-test 1, and post-test 2 at the p≤.05 significant level. This study also demonstrated the significance of implementing the Career Readiness Module among university students prior to graduation in order to improve their career self-efficacy.
Stakeholders’ awareness and acceptance of the vision, mission, goals, and outcomes statements of a teacher education college
Authors: Dagdag Januard D. , Palapuz Noel A. , Caliboso Jane C. , Peru Eddie I. , Mauro Regina P.
Published: December 2023

This study examined the awareness and acceptance of the stakeholders of a teacher education college in the Philippines of their university vision and mission and the college goals, and outcomes statements (VMGOs). Of the 700 target respondents, 406 stakeholders responded to the survey transcribed in Google Form. They were 42 school personnel, 106 parents, and 258 students; 301 females and 105 males. The five-point rating scales asked the respondents to assess their awareness and acceptance of 16 statements including one vision, one mission, five institutional outcomes (IO), two college goals, and seven program outcomes (PO). The respondents as a whole indicated they were very aware of the VMGOs and these were very acceptable for them. However, the school personnel were consistently more aware than the students and the parents/officials; while the parents/officials consistently indicated the lowest awareness and acceptability scores for all the statements. The results further revealed a significant acceptable relationship between awareness and acceptability scores. The variables share a variance ranging from 51% to 61% confirming that as awareness increases, acceptance rate also increases. Various implications of these findings are discussed.
Research trend on dyscalculia by bibliometric analysis during 2017-2022
Authors: Deda Yohanis Ndapa , Disnawati Hermina , Ekawati Rooselyna , Suprapto Nadi
Published: December 2023

Dyscalculia is the inability to perform simple numerical calculations in everyday life. However, no one has researched this topic worldwide in about two years. This study aimed to investigate the research trends on dyscalculia through bibliometric studies and research issues related to dyscalculia in the Scopus database starting 2017 to October 2022. The sample consisted of 536 total documents. The results showed that scientific publications on dyscalculia fluctuated. In the next five years, its movements cannot be predicted. The highest number of document types is articles, which is 369. The number of cross-border documents from 2017 to 2022 is in the United States, as many as 75 papers, and in Italy, 74 copies. These two countries are more dominant on the topic of dyscalculia. Furthermore, 536 documents comprising 94.4% of articles were used in English. In general, in research on dyscalculia, researchers produce four out of five significant clusters: patient, approach, task, and grade. However, topics related to dyscalculia and mathematics often studied are deficit students, deficit addition and subtraction, mathematics difficulty, instruction, and primary school. The results can be used to shed light on developing tendencies in dyscalculia investigations and suggest directions for future studies.
Bloom-epistemic and sentiment analysis hierarchical classification in course discussion forums
Authors: Toba Hapnes , Hernita Yolanda Trixie , Ayub Mewati , Wijanto Maresha Caroline
Published: December 2023

Online discussion forums are widely used for active textual interaction between lecturers and students, and to see how the students have progressed in a learning process. The objective of this study is to compare appropriate machine-learning models to assess sentiments and Bloom’s epistemic taxonomy based on textual comments in educational discussion forums. The proposed method is called the hierarchical approach of Bloom-Epistemic and Sentiment Analysis (BE-Sent). The research methodology consists of three main steps. The first step is the data collection from the internal discussion forum and YouTube comments of a Web Programming channel. The next step is text preprocessing to annotate the text and clear unimportant words. Furthermore, with the text dataset that has been successfully cleaned, sentiment analysis and epistemic categorization will be done in each sentence of the text. Sentiment analysis is divided into three categories: positive, negative, and neutral. Bloom’s epistemic is divided into six categories: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. This research has succeeded in producing a course learning subsystem that assesses opinions based on text reviews of discussion forums according to the category of sentiment and epistemic analysis.
Exploratory data analysis to reveal learning loss condition in Islamic religious education
Authors: Mulyana Rohmat , Maylawati Dian Sa'adillah
Published: December 2023

One of the negative impacts of this prolonged distance teaching and learning activity during the pandemic is that students lag in absorbing lessons, known as learning loss. Islamic religious education (IRE) as value education, especially in Indonesia, can also cause learning loss. This study aims to identify possible indications of learning loss experienced by madrasa students in IRE. This study uses data science methods with an exploratory data analysis (EDA) approach. Respondents are students in the sixth grade of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI), the ninth grade of Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs), and the twelfth grade of Madrasah Aliyah (MA). The total respondents in this study were 38,326 MI students, 29,350 MTs students, and 13,474 MA students. The results of the EDA found that most madrasas in Indonesia experienced indications of learning loss in IRE subjects during distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, both at the MI, MTS, and MA levels. This study found that the learning loss condition is influenced by various states and readiness for distance learning, both the preparedness of students to learn independently, the availability of digital content that is interesting and easy to understand, as well as the availability of facilities and technology for distance learning.
Employability of accountancy graduates of a Philippine public university
Authors: Cammayo Eva Uminga , Gonzales Jeanette Ignacio
Published: December 2023

The Isabela State University aims to develop graduates equipped with skills and competence required by the industry. The graduate tracer research helps assess graduates’ employability and establish the elements that serve as a framework for enhancing students’ services and instruction. The snowball sampling was adopted and a modified questionnaire was sent via social media to Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) graduates between 2007 to 2019. There were 111 questionnaires fully accomplished received from the graduates. The results of the study show that the most significant factors contributing to employability were their educational qualifications and professional examinations. All the respondents are employed, but they found the BSA curriculum wanting in providing students with the opportunity to develop accounting skills and better prepare themselves for professional examinations. As such, the graduates recommend extending the BSA curriculum to 5 years; the on-the-job-training (OJT) program with accounting firms, and adding the required course audit. Further, to increase the graduates’ employability, the university shall provide students with the opportunity to experience the use of accounting software in actual business operations.
Geographic-inquiry on virtual environment mobile application to support fieldwork based on blended learning
Authors: Oktavianto Dwi Angga , Utaya Sugeng , Sumarmi Sumarmi , Taryana Didik
Published: December 2023

Implementing geography learning using the blended learning model is challenging for most geography teachers because this subject is ‘hands-on’ and needs to be learned directly in a real environment using fieldwork. This study aimed to test the pedagogical effectiveness of the geographic-inquiry on virtual environment (GIVE) application in supporting fieldwork based on blended learning to improve students’ geographical thinking. This study used a quasi-experimental method involving 216 high school students from three schools. The paired sample t-test (Sig. 2-tailed 0.000) shows that GIVE has a pedagogical influence on students’ geographical thinking. GIVE also offers a big effect size (Cohen’s d=1.37). The technology and the right smartphone application can help develop a virtual environment close to a real one, so fieldwork and hands-on learning activities can be carried out in blended learning; this helps to increase the quality of geography learning.
Sustainable entrepreneurial culture in promoting innovation: a higher education perspective
Authors: Astuty Eriana , Ikhsan Ridho Bramulya , Aryanto Rudy
Published: December 2023

This research aimed to build a quadruple-helix partnership model between universities, government, industry, and community from the higher education (HE) perspective in creating various innovations to support sustainable regional socio-economic development. This study used exploratory quantitative research to develop, predict the model, and explain the empirical evidence. In addition to the model, this study found that institutional sustainable entrepreneurial culture (SEC) could be developed by transforming the university into an entrepreneurial university (EU) and applying sustainable development goals (SDGs) principles to teaching-researching-community service activities, management and governance, and institutional leadership. This study also confirmed that universities with an SEC cannot directly affect the emergence of various innovations sourced from knowledge and research results but must be mediated by internal consensus within academia and external consensus among partnership actors. The research contributions are aimed at: i) HE policymakers who will transform their institutions into EU as a first step in carrying out the university’s third mission; ii) HE will build quadruple helix partnerships; and iii) Micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) which will take advantage of the innovations offered in the quadruple-helix. In addition, this research deepens the Etzkowitz partnership path model in which HE, a source of knowledge for innovation, becomes more focused in the form of SDGs-based EU.
How to conduct paired-t-test SPSS: comprehension in adsorption with bibliometric
Authors: Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani , Hofifah Siti Nur
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to provide an example of how to calculate, measure, and interpret a paired t-test analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This study explained a step-by-step process to understand how t-test analysis can be used. To support this study, bibliometric research was added for showing the research trend in the use of t-test in a wide range of applications in the medical and educational fields. The analysis was carried out in two stages, namely prerequisite testing and hypothesis testing. In the prerequisite test, we did the normality (the Shapiro-Wilk) and the homogeneity test (Levene). Both tests were used for understanding what a significant impact happens on student learning outcomes from the statistical data gained during the teaching and learning process. Since this study provided step by step on conducting the t-test using SPSS and also how to interpret the results, this study is applicable for users to use in various research fields.
Entre o alinhamento e a dissonância: a fotografia na revista Realidade Amazônia (1971) e a defesa da colonização da floresta
Authors: Marcelino Vitor
Published: December 2023

O artigo tem como objetivo examinar a abordagem do fotojornalismo em relação às pautas indígenas e ambientais durante o período de colonização da floresta amazônica, conduzido pelo governo militar de maneira sistemática e predatória nos anos 1970. A análise centraliza-se na edição especial da revista Realidade sobre a Amazônia, lançada em outubro de 1971, a qual endossou ações governamentais. No entanto, algumas fotografias veiculadas na edição não se alinharam completamente a essa perspectiva, evidenciando elementos dissonantes em relação ao discurso oficial. O estudo examina diversas imagens presentes na revista, com ênfase nas fotografias de Claudia Andujar e George Love, figuras proeminentes do fotojornalismo brasileiro dos anos 1970.
A construção da linha do tempo do Museu Republicano “Convenção de Itu” a partir de processos de investigação para produção tecnológica e digital
Authors: Vanini Gustavo Natalino , Almeida Maisa Fonseca de , Sousa Marcela Noronha Pinto de Oliveira e , Oliveira Fabiana Lopes de
Published: December 2023

O edifício sede do Museu Republicano “Convenção de Itu” (MRCI) compreende um sobrado com origens que remetem ao início do século XIX. De casarão residencial a Museu representativo da instauração do regime republicano no Brasil, o edifício passou por diversas transformações, tanto arquitetônicas quanto administrativas. Em 2021, iniciou-se o projeto de levantamento documental, geométrico e cadastral com base em ferramentas digitais, com o objetivo da produção de documentação Heritage Building Information Modeling e desenvolvimento de um Gêmeo Digital para divulgação no centenário de fundação do Museu em 2023. A atividade de investigação e cotejamento de documentação, informações e dados referentes ao MRCI originou uma linha do tempo digital com o objetivo de melhor compreender aspectos arquitetônicos, urbanos, administrativos, de legislação e proteção do patrimônio arquitetônico, de técnicas construtivas e materiais, entre outros. Para que fosse possível a compreensão ideal da cronologia da edificação de formasistêmica, é necessário um percurso investigativo de análise e gerenciamento de diversos documentos, informações e dados, incorporando metodologias e assimilando processos de levantamento documental acerca do edifício histórico. Dessa forma, obteve-se a linha do tempo descritiva e atualizada do edifício sede do Museu Republicano “Convenção de Itu”, com eventos e tópicos ao longo do ciclo de vida da edificação e considerações sobre o processo e metodologias de levantamento, inventário e curadoria de documentação de um bem patrimonial, trazendo apontamentos a respeito do assunto.
Atuação de museólogos em projetos de musealização ou patrimonialização de bens culturais em Minas Gerais
Authors: Costa Igor Cândido , Gomes René Lommez , Rocha Eliane Cristina de Freitas
Published: December 2023

Este artigo apresenta um estudo exploratório a respeito das possibilidades de atuação dos profissionais museólogos no campo do patrimônio cultural, fora dos espaços museais, em Minas Gerais. Contextualiza a profissão de museólogo como agente de processos de musealização e a patrimonialização em breve revisão bibliográfica e expõe resultados de uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com o emprego de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas junto a sete museólogos que já atuaram em projetos de gestão do patrimônio cultural no referido estado. Após a realização de levantamentos teóricos e da pesquisa de campo, concluiu-se que o museólogo tem relevante potencial para atuar como agente mediador de projetos de fortalecimento e preservação do patrimônio cultural de um povo, incorporando os valores da subjetividade e individualidade dos atores sociais nesses processos.
Marcadores sociais da diferença no contexto da mediação da informação e das práticas informacionais
Authors: Santos Andréa Karinne Albuquerque dos , Maia Andréa Medeiros de Sousa , Côrtes Gisele Rocha , Martins Gracy Kelli , Alves Edvaldo Carvalho
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the social markers of difference related to Information User based on the concepts of information mediation and social protagonism within the Informational Practices framework, adopting an intersectional and decolonial perspective. This descriptive bibliographical research considered the theoretical and conceptual aspects that base this critical discussion in the fields of Information Science, Social Science and Humanities. In conclusion, the performance of Information workers by means of mediating actions that target a type of information user bearing one or more social markers of difference contributes to create a scenario welcoming to diversity. Consequently, this relation of alterity enables information appropriation, which is necessary for constructing a just, human, and empowered society capable of resisting the white and capitalist coloniality domination.
Alternâncias artísticas: inspirar, expirar, respirar
Authors: Galard Jean
Published: December 2023

Algumas obras manifestam a profusão. Outras parecem proceder por subtração. Encontramos as duas tendências no mesmo artista e em uma única obra. A Bruxa, de Cildo Meireles, pode ser vista como um movimento de expansão dos fios pretos ou como o movimento de retração deles em direção à vassoura inicial. O risco de asfixia é duplo: expiração por falta de ar na restrição; sufocamento por ingestão excessiva na profusão. A solução poderia ser estabelecer um vai-e-vem entre a concentração ínfima e o distante poético: analogia com a respiração.
Ageing and the gut-brain axis: lessons from the Drosophila model
Authors: Tan F.H.P. , Shamsuddin S. , Zainuddin A.
Published: December 2023

The steady decline of physiological function and increased vulnerability to age-related disorders are two features of the complicated biological process of ageing. As a key organ for nutrient absorption, metabolism, and immunological regulation, the gut plays a major part in the ageing process. Drosophila melanogaster, a well-established model organism, has emerged as a significant tool for exploring the intricate rapport between the gut and ageing. Through the use of Drosophila models, the physiological and molecular elements of the gut-brain axis have been thoroughly explored. These models have also provided insights into the mechanisms by which gut health impacts ageing and age-related illnesses. Drosophila’s gut microbiota experience dysbiosis with age which has been linked to age-related diseases. To prevent this and promote healthy ageing in Drosophila, gut microbiota modification methods, such as dietary restriction in tandem with time-restricted feeding, administration of pro-, pre- and synbiotics, as well as pharmaceutical interventions have been generated with positive impacts. The article also covers the drawbacks and difficulties of investigating the gut via the Drosophila. Thus, with an emphasis on the lessons discovered from Drosophila research, this review provides an extensive description of the current studies on the role of the gut-brain axis in ageing and health.
Taxonomic note on the endemic genus Lophopogon (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) from India
Authors: LANDGE SHAHID NAWAZ , SHINDE RAJENDRA D.
Published: December 2023

Although the genus Lophopogon comprises only two distinct species, their identification has always been bewildering in some of the available grass literature in India. This confusion mainly stems from the tendency of Indian botanists to utilize weak key characters to differentiate the species. We have discussed both the variable as well as distinguishing features of the Lophopogon species and revised the key to make it more efficient. Upon a thorough morphological study of the recently described L. prasannae, we have concluded that it is but a variable form of an obscure species L. kingii. Therefore, we now consider it a new heterotypic synonym of the latter. While re-evaluating the previously misidentified specimens of Lophopogon, we have established two new distributional records of L. kingii for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, South India. In L. kingii a characteristic whitish indumentum is observed, which is confined to the base of the plant and is not observed in any of the variable forms of L. tridentatus. Based on this character, we have restructured and simplified the identification key for easy and accurate species delimitation. We have also provided a brief discussion on the phenotypic variability of both the species, along with photo plates to facilitate identification and showcase a variability spectrum in plant habit. Distribution of L. kingii is plotted on the map based on the available specimens at BSI, BSID, CAL and K herbaria.
Application of a Simple Diffusivity Formulation to Examine Regime Transition and Jet–Eddy Energy Partitioning in Quasi-Geostrophic Turbulence
Authors: Chen Shih-Nan
Published: December 2023

This study uses a simple diffusivity formulation to examine flow regime transition and jet–eddy energy partitioning in two-layer quasigeostrophic turbulence. Guided by simulations, the formulation is empirically constructed so that the diffusivity is bounded by a f-plane asymptote (Df) in the limit of vanishing β (termed drag-controlled) while reduced to a drag-independent scaling (Dβ) of Lapeyre and Held toward large β (termed β-controlled). Good agreement is found for diffusivities diagnosed from simulations with both quadratic and linear drag and in 2D turbulence. From the formulation, a regime diagram is readily constructed, with Df/Dβ = 1 separating the drag-controlled and β-controlled regimes. The diagram also sets the parameter range where an eddy velocity scaling is applicable. The quantitative representations of eddy variables then enable a reasonably skillful theory for zonal jet speed to be developed from energy balance. It is shown that, using Df/Dβ ≥ 10, a state where eddy statistics are approximately drag insensitive could be identified and interpreted using wave-damping competitions in slowing an inverse cascade. However, contrary to an existing hypothesis, the energy dissipation in such a state is not dominated by zonal jets. A modest revision for a way to maintain balance while keeping eddies drag insensitive is proposed. In the regime diagram, a subspace of zonostrophic condition, defined as jet dissipation surpassing eddy, is further quantified. It is demonstrated that a rough scaling could help interpret how the relative importance of jet and eddy dissipation varies across the parameter space.
Efficiency of Portable X-ray Fluorescence for Distinguishing Lead Slag
Authors: Tomczyk Céline , Minvielle Larousse Nicolas
Published: December 2023

In the Minier Valley (France, Aveyron), an archaeological site excavation has led to the discovery of 25 kg of lead (Pb) slag, found in a secondary position. On a macroscopic level, these slags can be classified into two distinct categories, vitreous black and porous gray. This clear visual differentiation has been previously documented at other Pb–silver (Ag) metallurgy sites dating from the 12th century to the 14th century in Europe, and more particularly in the workshops of Mont Lozère, located approximately 80 km away from Le Minier. However, to date, scant evidence exists regarding the specific metallurgical process that produced this slag. This study presents the results of the analysis of 218 Pb slags (Supplemental Material) using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). This method does not appear to be ideally suited for investigating this type of artifact, as it does not provide quantification of oxygen content. Nevertheless, it can be used to quickly identify trends and determine whether the two identified facies exhibit dissimilar chemical compositions. The results indicate that, based on the elemental compositions of the slags, no discernible distinction can be made to categorize them into two separate groups, both in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Consequently, it can be inferred that the gray and black slags originate from a single process executed within the same type of furnace. Scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectrometry analyses on selected samples demonstrate that variations in metal content are considerably exaggerated by pXRF, but that the trends observed are confirmed. The use of pXRF is therefore a relevant tool for determining whether or not Pb–Ag slag is the result of the same process. However, this initial approach needs to be refined by other analyses to confirm whether the smelted ores are of local origin and to be able to better define the details of the metallurgical process used.
A correspondence selection method based on same object and same position constraints
Authors: Ma Hongxuan , Hua Ruxiang , Zou Wei , Sun Siyang , Huang Daqi
Published: December 2023

Establishing robust correspondences between two images is important for computer version tasks. However, in the real scene incorrect correspondences are inevitable no matter what kind of correspondence matching algorithms are adopted due to some complex factors, such as illumination, occlusion, and so on. To reduce the number of incorrect correspondences, an algorithm with the same object and same position constraints (SOSPC), is proposed to remove wrong correspondences from the given putative correspondences in this paper. The algorithm is based on the fact that in the given image pairs correct correspondences locate at the same position on the same objects. To select the correspondences on the same objects, an object matching method based on the correspondences selected by GMS is proposed. To select the correspondences on the correct positions, an iterative fundamental matrix estimation method based on clustering is presented. The experimental results have validated the effectiveness of the same object and the same position constraints, and the method achieves the state-of-art performance on five datasets.
Age-Related Microaggressions: Their Frequency, Emotional Impact, and Relationship to Negative Affect
Authors: Lewis Hannah M. , Gietzen Luke J. , Patt Stephanie H. , Buchanan Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2023

Age-related microaggressions are forms of ageist discrimination that occur in day-to-day interactions. This study aimed to validate the findings of a previous study, to identify common age-related microaggressions, and determine how affect influences emotional reactions to microaggressions. Using an online survey, participants ( n = 200) were asked about their experience with age-related microaggressions, their affect, and their physical health. Participants were familiar with these microaggressions 53% of the time and had negative reactions to 43% of these microaggressions. The frequency of negative reactions to microaggressions was significantly correlated with scores of negative affect ( r = .34, P < .001) and with ratings of perceived physical health ( r = −.32, P = .002). The results of the study provide further insight into the topography of, and how older adults experience microaggressions. This information should be used as an educational tool to reduce the prevalence of ageism.
Fragmented or engaged pluralism in economic geography?
Authors: Chu Han , Hassink Robert , Yılmaz Şükrü
Published: December 2023

According to some economic geographers, modern economic geography has been increasingly fragmented over the last twenty years, concerning both its themes and its paradigms. However, so far, no bibliometric analysis has been carried out to quantitatively measure the degree of fragmentation in economic geography concerning paradigms. In this paper, we therefore aim to analyze the state of the art in economic geography concerning paradigms and perspectives based on a combination of a bibliometric and qualitative analysis. We conclude that fragmented pluralism is less of a problem than stated in scholars’ qualitative judgments.
Alabama Field Project to Evaluate Variability in Soil–Cement Specimens Compacted with the Plastic Mold Device
Authors: Subedi Abhinash , Carey Ashley S. , Ayers Leigh E.W. , George Scott , Sullivan W. Griffin , Howard Isaac L.
Published: December 2023

The plastic mold compaction device (PM Device) was developed in Mississippi to compact cementitiously stabilized soil inside plastic molds to improve soil–cement quality by adding value during design and construction activities. The PM Device has been incorporated as an AASHTO provisional standard (AASHTO PP92-19) and, to date, prevailing activities have been Mississippi Department of Transportation projects and have included controlled laboratory evaluations and field projects. This paper goes beyond previous efforts, to document a field study in which the PM Device was successfully used on an Alabama Department of Transportation project to evaluate its effectiveness within another state’s construction specifications. The PM Device was capable of capturing quantifiable variation in mechanical properties over the duration of the construction project, as well as producing similar mechanical properties to cores taken from the compacted pavement surface. Additionally, molds described in AASHTO PP92-19 were compared with one another to evaluate their potential within the standard practice. AASHTO PP92-19 protocols were sufficient to produce viable, repeatable test specimens within another state department of transportation construction environment for quality control and quality assurance.
Critical Elements of Care Coordination for Older Persons in Rural Communities: An Evaluation of the Iowa Return to Community Service Demonstration
Authors: Kaskie Brian , Shehu Erblin , Ohms Kent , Liebzeit Daniel , Ashida Sato , Buck Harleah G.
Published: December 2023

We evaluated the Iowa Return to Community, a service demonstration designed to coordinate care and reduce preventable healthcare utilization among at-risk older persons living at home in rural communities. During 2021, 262 older persons elected to participate in the IRTC program. Individuals who participated were more likely to live in micropolitan areas (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.34–3.95) relative to metropolitan locations. Individuals who used recommended services were more likely to be men (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.16–11.51) and more likely to live in rural (OR 17.48, 95% CI 1.37–223.68) and micropolitan areas (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.00–10.05). However, prevention of health care use corresponded more with consistent and prolonged IRTC program engagement rather than volume of service use. The IRTC constitutes a population aging and rural health strategy to reduce unnecessary health care use while supporting individual preferences to remain at home.
Effect of Inhaled Sevoflurane on Pediatric Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure During Lumbar Puncture; Implications for Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Aylward Shawn C. , Aylward Brandon S. , Fedel Gina M.
Published: December 2023

Objective: To determine influence of sevoflurane on changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure in children presenting for lumbar puncture. Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide, and end tidal sevoflurane concentration measurements were obtained at 2-minute intervals for a total of 10 minutes (T0 to T5). Because of concerns regarding patient safety and comfort, the study measurements were completed at the end of the lumbar procedure, starting with the closing pressure and when sevoflurane was stopped. Results: As end tidal sevoflurane concentration decreased, cerebrospinal fluid pressure initially increased up to T2 before decreasing back to around the initial point. There was no significant correlation between sevoflurane level and cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Both weight status and presence or absence of optic edema did not have a significant impact on pressure over time. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the cerebrospinal fluid pressure over time between those with spontaneous respirations compared to those without. Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between the end tidal sevoflurane concentration and cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Assisted ventilation did produce a statistically significant increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure and suggests that the most accurate measurements are in those with spontaneous respirations.
An innovative generalization method for data-driven models of steering feedback torque
Authors: Zhao Rui , Deng Weiwen , Huang Kaibo , Nan Jiangfeng , Zheng Bowen
Published: December 2023

Accurately modeling steering feedback torque (SFT) is crucial for the performance of both steer-by-wire systems and driving simulators of vehicles. Physics-based methods have poor model accuracy and real-time performance, due to the model complexity and unknown or inaccurate model parameters. Therefore data-driven methods have gained increasing attention in recent years for their advantages on SFT modeling. However, developing satisfactory data-driven models requires a large amount of data with sufficient coverage on various driving conditions, which can be time-consuming and expensive. To address this issue, this paper proposes an innovative generalization method that can transfer an SFT model trained for a specific vehicle to other target vehicles, dramatically reducing the dependence on large amounts of data and the coverage of various driving conditions, thus, saving time and cost. First, a pre-trained SFT model with high accuracy and strong generalization capability is built based on large, full-coverage data from source domain vehicles. Then, a network is designed to fine-tune the pre-trained model with a small amount of data from target domain vehicles with only a few driving conditions. To identify the most suitable driving conditions for training the fine-tuning network, the performance of five networks trained by different driving conditions is compared. Finally, a control network with the same structure as the fine-tuned network is trained based on the same target domain data, and the model accuracy of the transfer network and the controlled network under different conditions is compared and analyzed. The proposed transfer learning method along with the designed transfer network is proved to be effective on improving prediction accuracy of the target domain by 58%–74.7% compared to the pre-trained network.
Machining of EN19 steel using cryogenically cooled electrode material in electric discharge machining
Authors: Singh Himanshu , Chandra Rajanish , Saxena Prateek , Puri Yogesh M
Published: December 2023

The machining of high-strength alloys like EN19 steel poses significant challenges due to their inherent hardness and susceptibility to surface defects during conventional machining processes. In this study, we explore a pragmatic approach to address these challenges by investigating the implementation of cryogenically cooled electrode materials in electric discharge machining (EDM) for EN19 steel. Specifically, cryogenic treatment is applied to copper electrodes with varying soaking durations of 12 and 24 h. The research considers input process parameters, including peak current ( IP), pulse on time ( Ton), flushing pressure, and soaking duration. Material removal rates (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), and surface roughness (SR) are considered as the response parameters. To optimize these input parameters, the study employs the VIKOR technique. Improving the in-depth analysis, our investigation incorporates using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation to intricately model the mechanical aspects of single-spark EDM, mainly focusing on the thermal and structural characteristics of both electrodes and the workpiece. The simulation lends strong support to the experimental findings in relation to MRR and EWR. The experimental data demonstrates notable enhancements after a 24 h cryogenic soaking period for copper electrodes. Specifically, we observed a remarkable 77.36% increase in electrical conductivity, a substantial 20% augmentation in MRR, a significant 39% reduction in EWR, and a noteworthy 9.8% decrease in SR. The meticulous synergy of experimental exploration, optimization, and simulation offers a transformative outlook toward augmenting machining efficacy and prolonging electrode longevity, particularly in the context of EDM.
Auraptene Alleviates Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy in Mice
Authors: Cong Zihong , Wang Jun , Hashemzaei Mahmoud , Xu Suiyun
Published: December 2023

Background

Paclitaxel administration causes peripheral neuropathy. Auraptene is a natural bioactive monoterpene with anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic effects that is widely used.

Objectives

We aimed to study auraptene effects on paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Materials and Methods

This study was comprised of two steps of evaluation of the preventive and treatment effects of auraptene in mice. In the first step, mice were randomly allocated into three groups of six animals, including the negative control (NEG CTL): animals injected with paclitaxel (PTX) together with normal saline, PTX (paclitaxel 2 mg/kg given on days 1, 3, 5, and 7), and PREVENTION: PTX + auraptene 100 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. In the second step, animals were allocated into six groups of six: NEG CTL (normal saline), PTX (paclitaxel 10 mg/kg given on days 1, 3, 5, and 7), PTX AUR (PTX + auraptene 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg), and a positive control (PTX-treated animals receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg). Intraperitoneal injection of PTX 2 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 was used in order to induce neuropathy. In both steps of the study, a hot plate test was done on day 7 in order to determine the response to heat. After the scarification of animals, the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level in the sciatic nerve was assessed by western blotting.

Results

In the preventive group, auraptene could reduce hyperalgesia significantly. In the treatment step, the AUR 100 mg/kg compared to NEG CTL groups had significantly increased heat latency. The expression of IL-6 protein in the sciatic nerve was remarkably decreased in both the preventive and treatment groups compared to NEG CTL.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results confirmed that AUR could decrease paclitaxel-induced hyperalgesia in mice and IL-6 protein content in sciatic nerve samples.
Working With Immigrants Who Are Child Welfare Involved: Promoting Innovative Collaborations and Systems Involvement During a Public Health Crisis
Authors: Lovato Kristina K. , Finno-Velasquez Megan , Sepp Sophia , Ramirez Jesse Jeffrey , Hernandez-Mekonnen Robin , Mendoza Vanessa
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had notable impacts on public child welfare systems and their ability to serve families. For immigrant families who enter the child welfare system, pandemic-related challenges were exacerbated on top of existing immigration-related stressors and barriers. This study used in-depth qualitative interviewing with child welfare agency staff and community-based service provider partners working with immigrants to explore their experiences in providing services to families navigating this unprecedented context. Results highlight the adaptations implemented to engage immigrant clients and facilitate interagency collaboration in light of barriers imposed by the pandemic. Practice implications center the need for child abuse and neglection prevention efforts to start in community and demand collaboration between government-based child welfare agencies and a range of grassroots, trusted community providers.
Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States by Domestic Violence Coalition Leaders
Authors: Miller Susan L. , Fleury-Steiner Ruth , Camphausen Lauren C. , Wells Sarah A. , Horney Jennifer A.
Published: December 2023

This U.S. study explores lessons learned about domestic violence service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic identified by state, territory, and tribal coalition leadership to advance preparedness and guide structural improvements for future disasters. Semi-structured interviews with 25 Coalition leaders identified public health control measures and victim-centered strategies used to mitigate the pandemic's impacts on services and advocacy. Three main themes emerged: workforce innovations, system empowerment, and the simultaneous pandemic of racial injustice. The COVID-19 pandemic inspired Coalitions to respond creatively and highlighted resources needed to support survivors and the domestic violence (DV) workforce going forward, including reassessing the current state of the DV movement.
Work Characteristics Needed by Middle Managers When Leading AI-Integrated Service Teams
Authors: Koponen Jonna , Julkunen Saara , Laajalahti Anne , Turunen Marianna , Spitzberg Brian
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant part of digital transformation that signifies new requirements for middle managers in AI-integrated work contexts. This is particularly evident in financial service industries. Given the significance and rapidity of this technological transition, this case study investigated how middle managers perceived the impacts of AI system integration on their work characteristics. Interview data were gathered from 25 middle managers of a company providing financial services. The data were analyzed using the Gioia method. The findings showed that the AI systems applied in the case company were perceived as technical tools (mechanical AI) or coworkers (thinking AI and feeling AI), which had different impacts on middle managers’ work characteristics and the relationship between humans and AI systems. The middle managers’ work characteristics included contextual, task, competence, social, and relationship characteristics. Regarding the relationship characteristics, this study shows theoretically distinct human–AI relationship types. The findings are organized into a conceptual framework. AI system integration in service teams is a complex phenomenon that makes middle managers’ work more demanding and requires balancing and managing multiple challenges and dialectical tensions. The findings inform the selection and training of managers according to changing work characteristics in the digital age.
Pan fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor associated retinopathy
Authors: Paris Arianna , Bodaghi Bahram , Touhami Sara
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To report a case of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor inhibitor (FGFRi) associated retinopathy in a patient treated with Erdafitinib.

Case report

A patient with a history of non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma treated with Erdafitinib developed symptomatic unifocal bilateral serous retinal detachments (SRD) eight weeks after starting this new treatment. Six months after discontinuing the drug, the SRDs resolved and visual acuity recovered to baseline. However, hyper and hypo auto fluorescent lesions were still visible on fundus autofluorescence, suggesting a still ongoing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) impairment.

Conclusions

Cancer treatments using FGFRi are showing promising results but their ocular toxicity is not well reported nor fully understood. Oncologists should be aware of the potential risks associated with FGFRi and involve ophthalmologists for the follow-up of their patients. The toxicity of FGFRi seems to resolve after drug continuation, but a certain degree of infra clinical RPE impairment may persist. Longer term follow-ups are warranted to further understand the effects of FGFRi on the RPE.
Salvage treatment of forearm arteriovenous fistula with small caliber inflow distal artery by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
Authors: Lee Eunghyun , Ban Tae Hyun , Chung Byung Ha , Shin Seok Joon , Choi Bum Soon , Kim Byung Soo , Park Cheol Whee , Yang Chul Woo , Park Hoon Suk
Published: December 2023

Background:

Dysfunctional distal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with small caliber distal inflow arteries theoretically require percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) throughout the entire arterial length. However, in clinical practice, whole distal inflow arterial PTA is not frequently performed due to concerns about possible arterial rupture. Therefore, we investigated the safety and efficacy of this procedure at our center, comparing it with the standard venous PTA.

Methods:

From March 2017 to December 2022, 48 cases of distal AVF salvaged by whole distal inflow arterial PTA were assigned into a treatment group and 121 cases of distal AVF salvaged by venous standard PTA not involving the whole inflow artery were assigned into a control group. These two groups were then compared.

Results:

Those in the treatment group (who received whole distal inflow arterial PTA) were older than those in the control group (mean age, 69 vs 59 years, p < 0.001). Otherwise, differences between the two groups were unremarkable. After the salvage treatment, primary patency seemed to decrease in the treatment group with whole distal inflow arterial PTA compared to the control group with conventional PTA, although such decrease was not significant ( p = 0.072). However, primary assisted patency and secondary patency were comparable between the two groups ( p = 0.350 and p = 0.590, respectively). And in the treatment group, only one arterial dissection occurred, which was successfully managed with balloon tamponade so that no distal AVF was abandoned due to complications following whole distal inflow arterial PTA.

Conclusion:

Whole distal inflow arterial PTA is an effective and safe option for distal AVF salvage with a narrowed inflow artery, frequently refractory to conventional venous PTA.
A multicenter pilot study evaluating simplified central vein assessment for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Daboul Lynn , O’Donnell Carly M , Amin Moein , Rodrigues Paulo , Derbyshire John , Azevedo Christina , Bar-Or Amit , Caverzasi Eduardo , Calabresi Peter A , Cree Bruce AC , Freeman Leorah , Henry Roland G , Longbrake Erin E , Oh Jiwon , Papinutto Nico , Pelletier Daniel , Prchkovska Vesna , Raza Praneeta , Ramos Marc , Samudralwar Rohini D , Schindler Matthew K , Sotirchos Elias S , Sicotte Nancy L , Solomon Andrew J , Shinohara Russell T , Reich Daniel S , Sati Pascal , Ontaneda Daniel
Published: December 2023

Background:

The central vein sign (CVS) is a proposed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS); the optimal method for abbreviated CVS scoring is not yet established.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a simplified approach to CVS assessment in a multicenter study of patients being evaluated for suspected MS.

Methods:

Adults referred for possible MS to 10 sites were recruited. A post-Gd 3D T2*-weighted MRI sequence (FLAIR*) was obtained in each subject. Trained raters at each site identified up to six CVS-positive lesions per FLAIR* scan. Diagnostic performance of CVS was evaluated for a diagnosis of MS which had been confirmed using the 2017 McDonald criteria at thresholds including three positive lesions (Select-3*) and six positive lesions (Select-6*). Inter-rater reliability assessments were performed.

Results:

Overall, 78 participants were analyzed; 37 (47%) were diagnosed with MS, and 41 (53%) were not. The mean age of participants was 45 (range: 19–64) years, and most were female ( n = 55, 71%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the simplified counting method was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73–0.93). Select-3* and Select-6* had sensitivity of 81% and 65% and specificity of 68% and 98%, respectively. Inter-rater agreement was 78% for Select-3* and 83% for Select-6*.

Conclusion:

A simplified method for CVS assessment in patients referred for suspected MS demonstrated good diagnostic performance and inter-rater agreement.