bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elizabethkingia meningosepticum infections with varied presentations and different antimicrobial susceptibility – A case series
Authors: Krishnan Chakkiyar , Geeta Madathil Govindaraj , Shabina Methele Pangat Balakrishnan , Rajesh Thaliyil Veettil , Raj Aishwarya , Ajithkumar Vellani Thamunnu
Published: June 2023

We report three sporadic infections by Elizabethkingia meningosepticum from Government Medical College Kozhikode in Kerala state, South India over a period of three years. Two cases were commenced in the community in immunocompromised children beyond the newborn period, but both recovered promptly. Another was a hospital-acquired meningitis in a newborn baby who developed neurologic sequelae. In contrast to widespread antimicrobial resistance exhibited by this pathogen, there was good susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobials such as ampicillin, cefotaxime, piperacillin, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin. Whilst ß lactam antibiotics are found effective in the treatment of Elizabethkingia septicaemia of children, piperacillin–tazobactam, vancomycin combination seems effective empiric choice of antibiotics for neonatal meningitis due to Elizabethkingia; there is a need for guidelines for the management of this infection, especially in neonatal meningitis.
Theorizing the Teaching Triad
Authors: Reyes Victoria , Bruene Sara , Cohen Tyler , Farooqi Shaafi , La Scala Shayna
Published: June 2023

In this conversation essay, the authors incorporate teaching assistants (TAs) into pedagogical theorizing through what they call the teaching triad, an analytic heuristic to understand faculty-TA-undergraduate interactions. TAs are graduate students who are tasked with running discussion sections, smaller settings where undergraduates interact more directly with the material and one another. Yet, faculty pedagogies enable or constrain the work of TAs and shape classroom climates. We discuss three types of faculty pedagogies and their effects: (1) authoritarian pedagogies, wherein faculty exhibit inflexible, controlling behaviors that create a silencing and distrustful climate; (2) absentee pedagogies, characterized by a lack of faculty presence, which results in additional labor for TAs and confusion and panic for students; and (3) advocate pedagogies, which involve proactively engaged and flexible faculty approaches, cultivating an empowered environment. Understanding these dynamics is important for first-generation and/or working-class students, particularly those of color, who already face barriers to learning.
Gifted Students and Gradeless Formative Assessment: A Case Study From Norway
Authors: Svendsen Bodil , Burner Tony
Published: June 2023

This case study focused on students’ experiences with gradeless formative assessment at a center for gifted students. Twenty-two students attending one of the six talent centers in Norway participated. A questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions were used to collect data. Qualitative data analysis was performed. Findings indicated that the students experience gradeless formative assessment positively. They highlighted less stressful and more motivating learning situations at the talent center compared to their experiences at school. Gradeless formative assessment allowed the students to focus on the learning process rather than the learning product.
Hybrid approach for text categorization: A case study with Bangla news article
Authors: Dhar Ankita , Mukherjee Himadri , Roy Kaushik , Santosh KC , Dash Niladri Sekhar
Published: June 2023

The incredible expansion of online texts due to the Internet has intensified and revived the interest of sorting, managing and categorising the documents into their respective domains. This shows the pressing need for automatic text categorization system to assign a document into its appropriate domain. In this article, the focus is on showcasing the effectiveness of a hybrid approach that works elegantly by combining text-based and graph-based features. The hybrid approach was applied on 14,373 Bangla articles with 57,22,569 tokens collected from various online news corpora covering nine categories. This article also presents the individual application of both the features to explicate how they generally work. For classification purposes, the feature sets were passed through the Bayesian classification methods which yield satisfactory results with 98.73% accuracy for Naïve Bayes Multinomial (NBM). Also, to test the robustness and language independency of the system, the experiments were performed on two popular English datasets as well.
“That Conversation within the Conversation”: A Mixed Methods Study of Skin Tone and Black Parents’ Racial Socialization
Authors: Lloyd Dalhia D.
Published: June 2023

This study examines whether there is a relation between assigned skin tone and parental racial socialization of their young children (ages 5–8). The concurrent mixed methods design combined quantitative and qualitative findings to explore the complexity and role skin tones play in Black parents’ messages to their children. In the quantitative strand, 178 Black parents completed a survey and questionnaire. The qualitative strand consisted of a one-on-one interview with 10 parents from the quantitative sample. Quantitative findings revealed that parents who assigned a light skin tone to their children engaged in more specific types of racial socialization than those who assigned a darker skin tone to their children. Analysis of qualitative interviews revealed parents’ unique messages based on assigned skin tones. Data from the two strands were integrated using a weaving approach that compared findings from both strands.
Secondary Administrators’ Perspectives of Literacy Interventions Within a Multitiered System of Support
Authors: Venghaus Julia , Pilgrim Jodi , Morton Brenda , Rex Camille
Published: June 2023

Response to intervention (RtI) is a multitiered system of support framework that focuses on best practices for intervention. Because many secondary students exhibit weak literacy skills, the focus of this study is reading interventions. This qualitative study examines administrators’ perspectives of implementing literacy interventions within a multitiered system of support, such as RTI, at secondary schools in Southeast Texas. Three primary themes emerged from the research. The first primary theme, time, represents difficulties administrators expressed with finding the time in the school day to schedule interventions that work with the constraints of secondary school requirements. The second primary theme, staffing, reflected the recognition that secondary schools, which typically include teachers with content specialties, do not necessarily have personnel trained to implement literacy interventions. The final primary theme, training, acknowledges the role of disciplinary literacy and ways professional development could support implementation of reading interventions to secondary students all while focusing on the campus vision.
Family Separation and Reunification Under President Trump's Zero-Tolerance Policy
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Bucheli José R.
Published: June 2023

The past decades have been characterized by sharp increases in the number of families, mainly from Central America's Northern Triangle, apprehended by US Border Patrol. In an effort to stem those flows, the Trump administration implemented a zero-tolerance policy (ZTP) aimed at criminally prosecuting all adults crossing the border without authorization, regardless of whether they traveled with children or sought asylum upon entry. Thousands of children were separated from their parents, reclassified as “unaccompanied,” and referred to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Yet, to date, there has not been a careful evaluation of the impacts of the policy. We examine how ZTP affected the volume of unaccompanied minors, their time in ORR custody, and their likelihood of family reunification. We show that ZTP boosted the ranks of unaccompanied children through family separations by 48 percent, lowered their discharge rate from ORR's custody by 38 percent, and reduced their odds of family reunification by 49 percent. Given the growing number of families from the Northern Triangle seeking asylum in the United States, the documented mental health problems of separated children, and the rotating nature of immigration policies based on the administration in place, understanding the implications of policies like ZTP is imperative.
Open after endovascular repair for previous extra anatomic bypass of adult coarctation
Authors: Phothikun Amarit , Yamamoto Shin , Oshima Susumu , Hirokami Tomohiro , Kishinami Goro , Ozaki Kensuke
Published: June 2023

Background

During follow-up, aneurysm formation in adults with coarctation of aorta has been reported after undergoing extra-anatomical aortic bypass grafting. Endovascular repair was a reasonable treatment option but there were still complications.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old male who underwent extra-anatomical aortic bypass grafting, presented with severe back pain and hemoptysis. He had a diagnosed pseudoaneurysm with concealed rupture at the bypass grafting. He underwent endovascular repair and coil embolization. A postsurgical CT-angiogram showed there was extravasation from stent into the pseudoaneurysm. An open repair with endovascular stent removal instead of restenting was performed.
Comparison of Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia solution and blood cardioplegia in terms of postoperative results in patients who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aortic replacement
Authors: Tunca Nuri Utkan , Yesilkaya Nihan Karakas , Karaagac Erturk , Durmaz Huseyin , Besir Yuksel , Gokalp Orhan , Iner Hasan , Yılık Levent , Gurbuz Ali
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cardiac arrest with cardioplegia is the most common and reliable method of myocardial protection in cardiac surgery, but there is no definite consensus on the use of different types of cardioplegia. Two of the commonly used types of cardioplegia are Bretschneider histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (Custodiol) and conventional blood cardioplegia. In this study, Custodiol solution and conventional blood cardioplegia used in patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement were aimed to be compared in terms of postoperative results.

Methods

70 patients with type A aortic dissection who underwent supracoronary ascending aortic replacement in our clinic between January 2011 – October 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups, blood cardioplegia group ( n = 48) and Custodiol group ( n = 22) and they were compared regarding preoperative, perioperative and postoperative variables.

Results

There was no significant difference between cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp time ( p = 0.17 and p = 0.16, respectively). Mechanical ventilator weaning time, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were shorter in Custodiol group ( p = 0.04, p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). While inotropic support need was higher in the blood cardioplegia group ( p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in terms of mortality, arrhythmia, neurological complications and renal complications.

Conclusions

Our results show that Custodiol cardioplegia solution may be superior to blood cardioplegia in reducing mechanical ventilation weaning period, intensive care and hospital stay, and reducing the use of inotropic agents in patients with type A aortic dissection undergoing supracoronary ascending aorta replacement.
Comparison of endovenous laser ablation and cyanoacrylate embolization in the non-invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency in terms of patient satisfaction
Authors: ER Zafer Cengiz , Ikbali Afsar Ferhat , Atılgan Kıvanç , Onuk Burak Emre
Published: June 2023

Objective

Ablation with n-butyl cyanoacrylate is a clinically newer technique than endovenous laser ablation and other interventional techniques in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The aim of this study was to compare the endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) interventional techniques in terms of benefit, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted at Yozgat City Hospital and Bozok University Research Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery clinics between November 2016 and February 2021. A total of 260 symptomatic patients with 130 randomized cases in each intervention group were included. NBCA patients constituted Group 1 and EVLA patients Group 2. The saphenous vein was evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) of the lower extremity. Patients with saphenous veins over 5.5 mm in diameter and a saphenous-femoral reflux time of 2 s or longer were included in the study. The patients were asked about their satisfaction and symptoms in the first postoperative week during an outpatient clinic follow-up with CDUS investigation at the first and sixth months.

Results

Although vena saphenous magna (VSM) closure results were similar with the two methods, satisfaction rates were found to be higher with the NBCA procedure.

Conclusion

Comparison of the new methods used in the treatment of CVI revealed similar VSM closure rates in the two methods, but the satisfaction rate was higher with the NBCA technique in this study.
The technology-behavioral compensation effect: Unintended consequences of health technology adoption
Authors: Wolf Tobias , Trang Simon , Weiger Welf H. , Trenz Manuel
Published: June 2023

In their pursuit of public health goals, policymakers increasingly turn to innovative apps to complement existing health measures. However, findings from previous research in non-IT health contexts indicate that individuals may compensate for new interventions (e.g., start exercising) by reducing existing preventive health behaviors (e.g., eating fewer healthy foods). However, the findings are inconclusive, and it is unknown when people tend to engage in behavioral compensation. Building on this observation, we draw on rational choice theory to substantiate the subjective rationality of compensation behavior and develop a utility maximization model that suggests circumstances under which adoption of technological innovation may lead to users reducing existing preventive health behaviors. This research provides evidence from a multi-wave study on COVID-19 contact-tracing apps that confirms the existence of what we term the technology-behavioral compensation effect: Individuals who perceive the app to be highly useful or actively use it reduce other preventive health behaviors (e.g., social distancing) after app adoption. Ironically, this technology-behavioral compensation effect indicates a hitherto-overlooked tension between two established IS design goals (i.e., perceived usefulness and active use) and the successful exploitation of technology to support users’ health. We expand research on dark side effects of IS use by revealing a previously neglected type of unintended consequence and elaborate on its implications for research well beyond the health context. Our findings also will help policymakers make decisions on the design of societal technologies.
Changes in Ethnic Identity in Middle Childhood: Family and Neighborhood Determinants
Authors: Morton LaRen , Anderson Leslie A. , O’Brien Caughy Margaret , Odejimi Omolola A. , Osborne Kimberly , Suma Katharine , Little Todd D.
Published: June 2023

The present study examined changes in ethnic and racial identity (ERI) over one year among 353 Black and Latino early adolescents in relation to ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) and neighborhood economic and demographic characteristics. Parent and child reports of ERS were collected, and child ERI was assessed via self-report. Neighborhood measures included economic disadvantage and ethnic diversity. Results indicated parent report of preparation for bias was associated with greater increases in exploration but not among boys living in non-impoverished neighborhoods. In contrast, child report of preparation for bias was associated with decreases in belonging independent of child gender or neighborhood context. These findings highlight the complexities of neighborhood economic disadvantage and ERI development. Implications for future research examining gender differences and children’s interpretation of ERS messages are discussed.
Minimizing running buffers for tabletop object rearrangement: Complexity, fast algorithms, and applications
Authors: Gao Kai , Feng Si Wei , Huang Baichuan , Yu Jingjin
Published: June 2023

For rearranging objects on tabletops with overhand grasps, temporarily relocating objects to some buffer space may be necessary. This raises the natural question of how many simultaneous storage spaces, or “running buffers,” are required so that certain classes of tabletop rearrangement problems are feasible. In this work, we examine the problem for both labeled and unlabeled settings. On the structural side, we observe that finding the minimum number of running buffers (MRB) can be carried out on a dependency graph abstracted from a problem instance and show that computing MRB is NP-hard. We then prove that under both labeled and unlabeled settings, even for uniform cylindrical objects, the number of required running buffers may grow unbounded as the number of objects to be rearranged increases. We further show that the bound for the unlabeled case is tight. On the algorithmic side, we develop effective exact algorithms for finding MRB for both labeled and unlabeled tabletop rearrangement problems, scalable to over a hundred objects under very high object density. More importantly, our algorithms also compute a sequence witnessing the computed MRB that can be used for solving object rearrangement tasks. Employing these algorithms, empirical evaluations reveal that random labeled and unlabeled instances, which more closely mimic real-world setups generally have fairly small MRBs. Using real robot experiments, we demonstrate that the running buffer abstraction leads to state-of-the-art solutions for the in-place rearrangement of many objects in a tight, bounded workspace.
Reactive Re-Bordering, Geopolitics and Biopolitics: Estonia at Europe’s Eastern Flank
Authors: Makarychev Andrey
Published: June 2023

This contribution to the Forum intends to shed light on the most recent changes in Estonia’s policies towards Russia, Belarus and Ukraine after February 24, 2022. I intend to show how the Russian–Ukrainian war transformed Estonia’s relations with its eastern neighbors. I start the analysis with a general account of spatiality and bordering in Estonia’s foreign policy thinking, with the ensuing distinction between its geopolitical and biopolitical aspects particularly boosted by Russia’s military interference in Ukraine. I discuss both the hegemonic and the counter-hegemonic discourses on re-bordering with Russia and de-bordering with Ukraine, and finalize the essay with research-based conclusions largely pertaining to the deconstruction of Eastern Europe in Estonian regionalist imagery.
Ceiling Effect of the Combined Norwegian and Danish Knee Ligament Registers Limits Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Outcome Prediction
Authors: Martin R. Kyle , Wastvedt Solvejg , Pareek Ayoosh , Persson Andreas , Visnes Håvard , Fenstad Anne Marie , Moatshe Gilbert , Wolfson Julian , Lind Martin , Engebretsen Lars
Published: June 2023

Background:

Clinical tools based on machine learning analysis now exist for outcome prediction after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Relying partly on data volume, the general principle is that more data may lead to improved model accuracy.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to apply machine learning to a combined data set from the Norwegian and Danish knee ligament registers (NKLR and DKRR, respectively), with the aim of producing an algorithm that can predict revision surgery with improved accuracy relative to a previously published model developed using only the NKLR. The hypothesis was that the additional patient data would result in an algorithm that is more accurate.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Machine learning analysis was performed on combined data from the NKLR and DKRR. The primary outcome was the probability of revision ACLR within 1, 2, and 5 years. Data were split randomly into training sets (75%) and test sets (25%). There were 4 machine learning models examined: Cox lasso, random survival forest, gradient boosting, and super learner. Concordance and calibration were calculated for all 4 models.

Results:

The data set included 62,955 patients in which 5% underwent a revision surgical procedure with a mean follow-up of 7.6 ± 4.5 years. The 3 nonparametric models (random survival forest, gradient boosting, and super learner) performed best, demonstrating moderate concordance (0.67 [95% CI, 0.64-0.70]), and were well calibrated at 1 and 2 years. Model performance was similar to that of the previously published model (NKLR-only model: concordance, 0.67-0.69; well calibrated).

Conclusion:

Machine learning analysis of the combined NKLR and DKRR enabled prediction of the revision ACLR risk with moderate accuracy. However, the resulting algorithms were less user-friendly and did not demonstrate superior accuracy in comparison with the previously developed model based on patients from the NKLR alone, despite the analysis of nearly 63,000 patients. This ceiling effect suggests that simply adding more patients to current national knee ligament registers is unlikely to improve predictive capability and may prompt future changes to increase variable inclusion.
Validity of the hydrogen ion mobilisation model during haemodialysis with time-dependent dialysate bicarbonate concentrations
Authors: Leypoldt John Kenneth , Pietribiasi Mauro , Debowska Malgorzata , Wieliczko Monika , Twardowska-Kawalec Malgorzata , Malyszko Jolanta , Waniewski Jacek
Published: June 2023

Background:

The hydrogen ion (H+) mobilisation model has been previously shown to accurately describe blood bicarbonate (HCO3) kinetics during haemodialysis (HD) when the dialysate bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3]) is constant throughout the treatment. This study evaluated the ability of the H+ mobilization model to describe blood HCO3 kinetics during HD treatments with a time-dependent dialysate [HCO3].

Methods:

Data from a recent clinical study where blood [HCO3] was measured at the beginning of and every hour during 4-h treatments in 20 chronic, thrice-weekly HD patients with a constant (Treatment A), decreasing (Treatment B) and increasing (Treatment C) dialysate [HCO3] were evaluated. The H+ mobilization model was used to determine the model parameter (Hm) that provided the best fit of the model to the clinical data using nonlinear regression. A total of 114 HD treatments provided individual estimates of Hm.

Results:

Mean ± standard deviation estimates of Hm during Treatments A, B and C were 0.153 ± 0.069, 0.180 ± 0.109 and 0.205 ± 0.141 L/min (medians [interquartile ranges] were 0.145 [0.118,0.191], 0.159 [0.112,0.209], 0.169 [0.115,0.236] L/min), respectively; these estimates were not different from each other ( p = 0.26). The sum of squared differences between the measured blood [HCO3] and that predicted by the model were not different during Treatments A, B and C ( p = 0.50), suggesting a similar degree of model fit to the data.

Conclusions:

This study supports the validity of the H+ mobilization model to describe intradialysis blood HCO3 kinetics during HD with a constant Hm value when using a time-dependent dialysate [HCO3].
The Effect of Fluid Resuscitation Timing in Early Sepsis Resuscitation
Authors: Kuttab Hani I. , Evans Chad G. , Lykins Joseph D. , Hughes Michelle D. , Kopec Jason A. , Hernandez Michael A. , Ward Michael A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The dose and timing of early fluid resuscitation in sepsis remains a debated topic. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of fluid timing in early sepsis management on mortality and other clinical outcomes.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective cohort study of emergency-department-treated adults (>18 years, n = 1032) presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock. Logistic regression evaluating the impact of 30 mL/kg crystalloids timing and mortality-versus-time plot controlling for mortality in emergency department sepsis score, lactate, antibiotic timing, obesity, sex, systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, hypotension, and heart and renal failures. This study is a subanalysis of a previously published investigation.

Results

Mortality was 17.1% (n = 176) overall and 20.4% (n = 133 of 653) among those in septic shock. 30 mL/kg was given to 16.9%, 32.2%, 16.2%, 14.5%, and 20.3% of patients within ≤1, 1 ≤ 3, 3 ≤ 6, 6 ≤ 24, and not reached within 24 h, respectively. A 24-h plot of adjusted mortality versus time did not reach significance, but within the first 12 h, the linear function showed a per-hour mortality increase (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.67) which peaks around 5h, although the quadratic function does not reach significance ( P = .09). When compared to patients receiving 30 mL/kg within 1 h, increased mortality was observed when not reached within 24 h (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.37-5.37) but no difference when receiving this volume between 1 and 3 (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.62-2.01), 3 and 6 (OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.97-3.52), or 6 and 24 h (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.75-3.06). Receiving 30 mL/kg between 1 and 3 versus <1 h increased the incidence of delayed hypotension (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.23-2.72) but did not impact need for intubation, intensive care unit admission, or vasopressors.

Conclusions

We observed weak evidence that supports that earlier is better for survival when reaching fluid goals of 30 mL/kg, but benefits may wane at later time points. These findings should be viewed as hypothesis generating.
Meaningful Work Linking High-Quality Relationships and Commitment: A Conditional Process Study with Career Orientation
Authors: Hall Kelly R. , Gong Baiyun , Andrade Maureen Snow
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to examine the relations between high-quality relationships, meaningful work, and affective commitment, and evaluate whether protean career orientation moderates the relationship between meaningful work and affective commitment. We collected survey data from a sample of working adults to test the research hypotheses. The findings provide support for the proposed model. Consistent with the tenets of the work-as-meaning model, high-quality relationships were positively related to meaningful work, which, in turn, predicted affective commitment. Furthermore, the relationship between meaningful work and affective commitment was stronger for those high in protean career orientation. This study extends the literature on meaningful work and relational coordination. It offers practical insight for managers and others who can help foster high-quality relationships and meaningful work.
The Effect of Combination Prayer Therapy and Education on Pre-operative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Anxiety
Authors: Awaludin Sidik , Nurachmah Elly , Novitasari Dwi
Published: June 2023

Background: Anxiety is a problem that most often occurs in the pre-operative coronary artery bypass graft surgery stage. The combination of prayer therapy with education is expected to be able to overcome anxiety. The combination of prayer and education therapy have been researched as a potential holistic intervention for reducing anxiety in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Purpose: This study compares the effect of combination therapy with the golden standard of therapy in hospitals. Methods: A true-experimental design was used. Fifty participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Data were collected using a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire from Spielberger. Findings: Most respondents were elderly, male, high school graduates in the treatment group, and bachelor graduates in the control group. Prayer therapy and education have an effect of 63.8% on reducing anxiety. An increase of 1 constant in the provision of prayer therapy and education can reduce anxiety by 0.772. Conclusions: The combination of prayer therapy and education becomes the holistic nursing modality that can reduce anxiety in pre-operative coronary artery bypass graft patients.
STI testing, diagnoses and online chlamydia self-sampling among young people during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England
Authors: Sonubi Tamilore , Sheik-Mohamud Dahir , Ratna Natasha , Bell James , Talebi Alireza , Mercer Catherine H , Sinka Katy , Migchelsen Stephanie J , Folkard Kate , Mohammed Hamish
Published: June 2023

Purpose

COVID-19 control measures reduced face-to-face appointments at sexual health services (SHSs). Remote access to SHSs through online self-sampling was increased. This analysis assesses how these changes affected service use and STI testing among 15–24 year olds (‘young people’) in England.

Methods

Data on all chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis tests from 2019-2020, among English-resident young people were obtained from national STI surveillance datasets. We calculated proportional differences in tests and diagnoses for each STI, by demographic characteristics, including socioeconomic deprivation, between 2019–2020. Binary logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) between demographic characteristics and being tested for chlamydia by an online service.

Results

Compared to 2019, there were declines in testing (chlamydia-30%; gonorrhoea-26%; syphilis-36%) and diagnoses (chlamydia-31%; gonorrhoea-25%; syphilis-23%) among young people in 2020. Reductions were greater amongst 15-19 year-olds vs. 20-24 year-olds. Amongst people tested for chlamydia, those living in the least deprived areas were more likely to be tested using an online self-sampling kit (males; OR = 1.24 [1.22–1.26], females; OR = 1.28 [1.27–1.30]).

Conclusion

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England saw declines in STI testing and diagnoses in young people and disparities in the use of online chlamydia self-sampling which risk widening existing health inequalities.
Incorporating the best sizing and a new energy management approach into the fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle design
Authors: Abdeldjalil Djouahi , Negrou Bekhir , Youssef Touggui , Samy Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: June 2023

Under the banner of sustainable transportation, fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FC-HEVs) have become a matter of fascination in today's ever-growing need to save fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, addressing the 3Es challenges (efficiency, economy, and environment). However, one of the most pressing issues at the moment is determining how to incorporate the optimal sizing and energy management strategy (EMS) into FC-HEVs. In this regard, this article presents an integrated approach for optimal sizing as well as a new energy strategy for the design of FC-HEVs. To minimize the decision variables, including operating cost, fuel consumption, and component weight, an in-house optimization MATLAB code with a Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm was developed. Four energy cases were tested under ARTEMIS and NEDC driving cycles for simulation, and their influence on the key decision variables was also investigated. The results show that using a battery pack with a supercapacitor reduces fuel consumption by 19% and 30.3% in both driving cycles, while decreasing the maximum output power of the fuel cell. It should be noted that hybrid energy sources have the potential to improve vehicle performance.
Understanding the information literacy experiences of Australia’s humanitarian migrants
Authors: Sayyad Abdi Elham , Partridge Helen , Bruce Christine , Watson Jason
Published: June 2023

Every year, millions of people are forced to flee their homes to find safety. This paper investigates the information literacy experiences of people from forced migrant backgrounds as they settle into a new country during their first few years of migration. Using a qualitative and interpretive approach incorporating thematic analysis techniques, data were collected through 19 semi-structured interviews and were analysed adopting a thematic analysis approach. Participants were new arrival humanitarian migrants in Australia. The analysis uncovered five different and interconnected themes depicting the information literacy experiences among forcibly displaced people. The themes are: (1) undertaking education; (2) reaching out for help; (3) comparing and contrasting; (4) sharing stories; and (5) getting engaged. Grounded in the relational perspective on information literacy, a long-standing theoretical perspective to explore the information literacy of humanitarian migrants, the findings from this study provide an empirically derived evidence base to inform the design and delivery of services providing information, support and education to humanitarian migrants entering Australia for protection or resettlement.
The Form of Forms: Everyday Enablers of Access to Justice
Authors: Ryan Aisling
Published: June 2023

Forms are vehicles that register the everyday. A bureaucratic form starts a dialogue between an individual and the State in a particular area of public administration. The visual design of bureaucratic forms shapes what is registered and how personal identity is documented in the eyes of the State. This article is situated in the field of administrative justice and argues that we must increase the scope for personal narrative in the design of bureaucratic forms. Meers notes that there has been no sustained research into application forms despite the importance of forms in the administration of the welfare state. By drawing on sociological scholarship on registration and narrative together with socio-legal scholarship on design, the ideas explored offers a novel and interdisciplinary approach to scholarship on the form of forms.
Fabrication and swelling properties of a novel superabsorbent composite derived from waste coal gangue
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wei Jianxiong , Zhang Xingyu , Gao Pingqiang
Published: June 2023

In this work, novel superabsorbent composites made of starch-grafted-polyacrylic acid/coal gangue were prepared via aqueous solution polymerization. The starch-g-polyacrylic acid/coal gangue (St-g-PAA/CG) composite with 10 wt.% CG showed the maximum water absorbency in distilled water (560 g·g−1) and a 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution (102 g·g−1). Moreover, this superabsorbent composite exhibited fine thermal stability and its swelling behavior was dependent on pH. In general, the swelling kinetics of the superabsorbent composites fitted with the Scott’s kinetic model. These composites not only showed excellent water absorption reversibility after five absorption/drying cycles, but also exhibited considerable environmental responsiveness after the swelling medium was changed from distilled water to the 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution. Based on these results, the prepared superabsorbent composites can be applied in several fields such as horticulture, agriculture, health care, and controlled drug delivery, while ensuring comprehensive utilization of solid wastes.
Examining the Domain of Green Finance Through Bibliometric Research Analysis of 22 Years (2000–2022): An Analytical Retrospective
Authors: Verma Dippi , Kalra Rameesha , Baheti Santosh Satyanarayan
Published: June 2023

Green finance has evolved as a concept aiming to integrate environmental protection and economic profits. Growing global concern towards climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, industrial pollution control, waste management, and environmental protection has caught the attention of countries and policymakers towards innovative financial products and services that are used to address a broader range of environmental concerns. Financial instruments such as green bonds, green stocks and loans effectively guide capital investment towards environment-friendly projects and promote the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Thus, green finance is considered a compelling concept that plays a vital role in promoting sustainability. The authors used the Scopus database to perform a bibliometric review of green finance from 2001 to 2022 to determine the current trend and progress in the field. The article presents a thorough bibliometric and temporal analysis that provides inputs that other researchers on this topic have not evaluated. VoS Viewer and Biblioshiny. The software was used to visually analyse the data and identify patterns of co-occurrences and prominent research themes. The graphical and systematic mapping illustrates the evolution in publications over time and identifies areas of current research interests. The findings show that the research on green finance has gained momentum from 2014 onwards. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the green finance-related research, which will help the researchers and policymakers to examine better the trends and future direction of the development of green finance.
Economic Impact Analysis of a Mega Project on Petroleum Refinery: A Case Study of the Proposed Ratnagiri Refinery in Maharashtra
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Saurabh , Biswas Pradip Kumar , Pratap Devender , Joshi Laxmi , Sahu Ajaya K.
Published: June 2023

An economic evaluation of mega projects is very important for taking into account important aspects connected with investment and operation costs, their possible overflows and the fulfilment of the time period intended for the project. But it is also needed for monitoring the impact of the projects on the overall economy and the regional surroundings. The main objective of the present article is the evaluation of a particular mega project, that is, Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, by examining the various aspects of economic evaluation using a new methodology for the estimation of the specific impact in the project evaluation.

JEL Codes: C67, L71, L74
A Single Measure of Overall Export Performance
Authors: Chakrabartty Satyendra Nath , Sinha Deepankar
Published: June 2023

Exports are a lifeline to a country’s growth, and an overall index can describe its export performance. However, there is little evidence of a single measure encompassing all the relevant aspects of exports. A composite and multi-dimensional measure can aid in assessing the relative position of a country in the world list and identifies necessary policy interventions. The article proposes an Overall Export Performance Index that satisfies the principles of index formation—monotonicity, time reversal, robustness and an unbiased approach. The proposed index avoids selecting weights and scaling variables. It facilitates the identification of crucial indicators requiring the attention of policymakers, tracking the progress of a country across time and the computing of mean and variance of the index for a group of countries at a given time. An empirical comparison of the USA and India reveals that India registered better overall export performance than the USA from 2015 to 2018. The results suggest India’s need for reforms in existing foreign trade policies.

JEL Codes: F1, F10, F13
Clinical model of pulmonary metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma: A new multiple machine learning-based risk prediction
Authors: Su Zhiping , Huang Feihong , Yin Chunyue , Yu Yuezhao , Yu Chaojie
Published: June 2023

Background

Metastasis is one of the most significant prognostic factors in osteosarcoma (OS). The goal of this study was to construct a clinical prediction model for OS patients in a population cohort and to evaluate the factors influencing the occurrence of pulmonary metastasis.

Methods

We collected data from 612 patients with osteosarcoma (OS), and 103 clinical indicators were collected. After the data were filtered, the patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts by using random sampling. The training cohort included 191 patients with pulmonary metastasis in OS and 126 patients with non-pulmonary metastasis, and the validation cohort included 50 patients with pulmonary metastasis in OS and 57 patients with non-pulmonary metastasis. Univariate logistics regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify potential risk factors for pulmonary metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma. A nomogram was developed that included risk influencing variables selected by multivariable analysis, and used the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve to validate the model. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), decision analysis curve (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) were employed to assess the model. In addition, we used a predictive model on the validation cohort.

Results

Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors [N Stage + Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)+Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)+Free triiodothyronine (FT3)]. A nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of pulmonary metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma. The performance was evaluated by the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. The ROC curve provides the predictive power of the nomogram (AUC = 0.701 in the training cohort, AUC = 0.786 in the training cohort). Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) demonstrated the clinical value of the nomogram and higher overall net benefits.

Conclusions

Our study can help clinicians effectively predict the risk of lung metastases in osteosarcoma with more readily available clinical indicators, provide more personalized diagnosis and treatment guidance, and improve the prognosis of patients.

Mini Abstract

A new risk model was constructed to predict the pulmonary metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma based on multiple machine learning.
Existential depression: A meaningful diagnostic entity?
Authors: Restifo Sam
Published: June 2023

Objective

To examine the construct of existential depression and whether it represents a distinct diagnostic entity.

Method

Descriptive psychopathology and phenomenology are used to define the characteristics of existential depression and for comparison with other presentations of low mood.

Results

Existential depression can be differentiated from other forms of depression by careful appraisal of symptomatology. Drawing attention to this, and likewise other distinguishable yet under-recognised forms of depression, may help stimulate interest in further research on the classification of mood disorders with the prospect of greater diagnostic specificity and more precise treatment matching.

Conclusion

Existential depression is a clinically discernible diagnostic entity.
Fundamentals of Digital Health Literacy: A Scoping Review of Identifying Core Competencies to Use in Practice
Authors: Kim Junghwan , Livingston Miranda A. , Jin Bora , Watts Miriam , Hwang Jihee
Published: June 2023

This review study aims to understand the concept of adults’ digital health literacy (DHL), a recently emerging significant concept but still confused. For this, we seek to find the core competencies of digital health literacy by comparing those of existing relevant literacy concepts (i.e., health literacy and digital literacy). We identified seven core competencies of DHL across analytical, context-specific, and socioecological aspects: (a) traditional literacy, (b) information literacy, (c) media literacy, (d) health-related literacy, (e) technology literacy, (f) scientific literacy, and (g) socioecological nature. We also found the shared core aspects among DHL and digital and health literacies. The findings of this study contributed not only to grasping the concept of digital health literacy better but also to providing a fundamental basis for programs to enhance the DHL of adults. This article concludes with discussions about the findings and practical and academic implications.
“The Proposal on Caring for International Students in the Face of the Spreading Pandemic Overseas” During COVID-19 in China
Authors: Sun (孙茂嘉) Maojia , Sun (孙玮佳) Weijia
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study reviews the policy content of the “The Proposal on Caring for International Students in the Face of The Spreading Pandemic” during COVID-19 in China, and offers some guidance on the future development of international students. Design/Approach/Method: This article examines the educational and economic impact of covid19 on education systems, as well as the generation, evaluation, decision-making, policy implementation considerations and expected impact and assessment of policy options for international students in the current context, and proposes a subsequent policy cycle. Findings: “The Proposal on Caring for International Students in The Face of The Spreading Pandemic Overseas” published by China during COVID-19. Policy recommendations on international students are presented through an analysis of the economic and educational impact of policy implementation on the education system. Considerations for policy implementation include online classes, relevant measures related to the issue of sino-foreign cooperation in running schools and planning for the employment of overseas students returning to the country. Recommendations are made in the expected impact and evaluation. Firstly, to increase in the number of people studying abroad. Secondly, increase the number of domestic examinations, and thirdly, reduced recognition of foreign degrees. Originality/Value: In addition to proposing three expected expectations and recommendations for evaluation, this study also proposes the subsequent policy cycle in the light of future policy developments.
Walking in Social Groups: Role of Intra-Group Interactions
Authors: Sobhana Karthika P. , Verma Ashish
Published: June 2023

Interestingly, the interactions between members of a social group and across people of different social groups often happen through mutual understanding and reciprocate behaviour by means of gestures or eye contact. A controlled laboratory experiment is used to test the effect of interactions between members of a social group and across social groups on the walk dynamics of people. This study tries to discover the trade-off made by people between the need to communicate/interact between group members and the need to avoid collision with opposing pedestrians in a bidirectional flow. Thirty adults participated in a series of controlled experiments. The individuals and group characteristics were compared to study the effect of social groups. Spatial patterns/group formations, average walking speeds, and deviation from the desired direction of motion were assessed. The analysis shows that time to cross the platform is the least when triads adopt the river and inverted V group formations. In contrast, V and line-abreast group formations require slightly more time and are better suited to promote interactions between the group members. Irrespective of the initial formation adopted by participants, there is a higher tendency for the groups to shift to river formation or inverted V formations. This may be a result of the higher group speeds observed in the Inverted V and river formations, which accelerates their progress in the direction of motion. The understanding of walking dynamics of social groups from this study can enable better planning of pedestrian facilities and crowded events.